Chapter 3: Hearts of Light

The Keyblade, a weapon of light originally forged in the "Age of Fairy Tales." At least, that is what the texts I have access to say. The exact origins of the Keyblade are either lost to history or locked in the sections of the library dedicated to Masters. Maybe that journal I found could contain the answer, shame I did not have the time to thoroughly translate it before I had to leave. But I digress, while Keyblades come in various unique forms, I have come to the conclusion that there are three base "types" of Keyblades.

The first type are the Keyblades of Heart. These blades are called forth from the wielder's heart. Myself, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, wield Keyblades of Heart. They are reflections of the wielder and likely grow and change with them. For instance, Terra's Keyblade "Earthshaker" is large and heavy. Not too useful in channeling magic but is far more suited for offensive power. By contrast, "Rainfall," Aqua's blade, is lithe and is unable to strike with much force. But the sleek design allows for a more flexible combat style. Finally, I theorize that the forms of Keyblades of Heart can change form entirely to something new. What exactly triggers this transformation is currently unknown, even if it is possible to begin with.

The next type of Keyblades are the hereditary blades, blades that are directly passed down from student to master, dating back generations. As the master of the Land of Departure, Master Eraqus wields the "Master Keeper." These blades may start off as Keyblades of Heart, but time causes their forms to stagnate, as their original wielders have long since passed. Another thing to note is that the hereditary blades do not have the deep connections that the Keyblades of the heart have with their master. As such a Keyblade of Heart will always be used over a hereditary blade. The only way this would change is if the wielder consciously puts the hereditary blade over their own or if their original Keyblade is lost to them.

The last type of blade is only a theory, but I believe that it may be tied to the darkness in some fashion. Whether the blade belongs to a fallen wielder or to the greater realm itself. This is undoubtably controversial, but if light and dark both exist in tandem, why do Keyblades solely rest in the realm of light? Would the darkness not have its own twisted reflection of our greatest weapons? A Keyblade of darkness... I shudder to think of what such a thing is capable of. – From the reports of Caelum, Apprentice to Eraqus

Caelum flew through the lanes between, streaks of light whizzing past him. Caelum could not help but to admire the sight. "This is beautiful. I have got to see if the Master will let me leave more often, even if it just to see this view." His thoughts turned to the two books he had taken from the library. Letting out a sigh he pulled out the one on sealing magic. He cracked it open as his glider raced through space. "The journal's mysteries will have to wait until I can either find someone who can read it, or I find a way to translate it, but I have this to tide me over for now." He started the autopilot functions on his glider and began to settle in his book.

Caelum was reading about "Keyholes" and how they interact with Keyblades when his glider shuddered as he approached a world. He bookmarked the page he was on and tucked it away. "All right, world with a big, fancy castle. Seems like an ideal candidate to house a Princess of Heart, but I won't know for sure without a closer look." He descended on the world searching for an isolated spot to land.

Caelum felt his armor disappear as he walked through a darkened forest. The wind blew through his hair softly as he took in the scenery. A horse drawn carriage drove past him in the direction of the castle. "Looks like there is some sort of event at the castle tonight. The princess might be there." He stepped out on to the path only to freeze as he heard a whistling sound from behind. Caelum and saw several small, blue creatures with jagged red eyes jetting up from the ground. He narrowed his eyes. "Creatures of darkness… Unversed!" Scholar's Resolve appeared in a swirl of feathers as he readied himself.

He gathered ice magic in his free hand as he watched the Unversed twitch around in front of him. One jumped at him only to take a blizzard spell in midair. Caelum noticed how a few slipped into the ground, their dark shadows moving closer to him. He waited for them to reemerge before they met the same fate as the previous one. From behind him he heard more whistling as he turned around. He saw dark portals appear and more Unversed appeared before him.

"How interesting, there are a variety of types." Caelum jumped back, avoided a punch from one that was the size of him. A fireball zipped past him. Caelum looked up at the floating Unversed as more spells were charged. "Spellcasters, Scouts, Bulk, I simply must try to categorize these things in some fashion." He jumped back into combat, focusing on the spell casters first.

He dodged another attack and shook his head in confusion. "Are those shoes? Never mind, focus on the fight, worry about the differing types later." He cleaved through the large one and shot a blizzard spell at a red one that was charging fire magic. An Unversed lashed out at him with it's claws and sliced his forearm. Caelum hissed in pain before dispatching it. He raised his Keyblade, "Thunder!" Lightning streaked out of the blade and destroyed the few that remained.

Caelum lets out a sigh of relief as no more Unversed emerged. He turned his arm and winced at the wound. Three long scratch marks ran along his left forearm with blood beginning to stain the torn sleeve. Caelum took in a deep breath and pulled out a potion. "No need to waste significant magic to heal this." He opened the cap and poured the emerald liquid on the open wound. He sucked in a breath at the stinging sensation. The wounds slowly closed leaving only thin white lines on the skin before vanishing entirely. He stretched his arm out, shaking off any lingering pain.

Caelum turned towards the castle. "Master Eraqus was right, these Unversed are indeed a problem. I have to get to that castle and ensure the Princesses safety." The hairs on his neck stood up. He jumped to the side as a fireball raced through the space he was standing in just a moment prior. The fireball continued its path, crashing into a tree. Caelum covered his face as splinters rained down on him. With his eyes darting back and forth he searched for the source of the spell. From the shadows, a boy wearing a black and red body suit emerged.

Caelum's eyes narrowed as he stared into the dark glass. "Who are you?"

"And why should I tell you anything. You could barely keep up with the small fry."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You know, for someone who is supposedly so smart, you are surprisingly slow on the uptake." He stretched his hand out and conjured a Keyblade. "So why don't I just do us both a favor and end you here and now."

Caelum was shocked at the sight of a Keyblade. His mind whirled with questions. Suppressing a shiver, he summoned his own Keyblade to his hand and readied himself for combat. His eyes did not leave his opponent as the two watched each other, waiting for the first move.

The boy made the first move, closing the distance between them. Caelum blocked two strikes and slashed upward. The boy jumped upward avoiding the attack. "Perish!" He shouted unleashing a slow-moving fireball. Caelum dodged the incoming projectile when it split into five separate fireballs. He cast a barrier, blocking the spells only to be blindsided by the boy.

"Pathetic." The boy said knocking him away. "Is this all?"

Caelum grit his teeth and swiftly swung his Keyblade at the boy. The sound of the clanging metal echoing around the forest as the two traded blows. Caelum exploited an opening in the boy's stance and struck, only for the blade to pass directly through him.

"Too slow." He heard from above, Caelum was barely able to block the attack as the boy came at him from above. This was followed up by several fast strikes that Caelum struggled to block. Being forced back Caelum struggled to think of a plan. The boy was fast and hit hard, he had to match it. "Haste." Caelum instantly felt the magic sink in. His reflexes sped up and he had a much easier time keeping up with his opponent.

Several more blows were exchanged. Caelum was beginning to feel strained from having to keep up the spell. An idea popped into his mind. It was desperate, and the intended part of the spell was still unstable, but the substitute would suffice. He conjured up a ring of fire around him, catching the boy off guard. Caelum rushed forward with the spell still surrounding him. The boy rolled out of the way.

"Enough playing around. I think it's time that I kicked things up a notch." The boy dived into the ground, a haze of orange and black surrounding him. Caelum remained on guard as he emerged spinning. "Suffer!" Fireballs rained down and Caelum was thrown back by the sheer number of spells.

The boy approached the downed Caelum. "Is this all that your master could muster? This will be even easier than I thought." He raised his Keyblade above his head, blue flames surrounding it. Sensing something the boy turned his head only to be knocked back through several trees.

"Cure." A green spell washed over Caelum as his wounds vanished. "Are you alright Caelum?" Terra asked, offering his hand.

"I-I'm fi-fine." Caelum groaned out. He let Terra pull him up. "Where did he go?"

"I sent him flying that way. Who was he?"

"I don't know, but he has a Keyblade." Caelum said moving toward the broken trees. "Possibly a rouge wielder, but he seems to have greater plans in mind."

"How dangerous is he?"

"Very, based off of the brief conversation I had with him, I would hypothesize that he has some relation to these Unversed."

They reached the edge of the broken trees only to find nothing. "He must have slipped away." Terra grumbled.

"So, he is still out there somewhere then, provided he didn't leave this world." Caelum said rubbing his hand on his chin.

"He might go after Cinderella."

"Cinderella?" Caelum asked.

"The Princess of Heart on this world. Last I saw she was heading to the castle for a ball." Terra said.

"Then it looks like the castle is our destination. If that rouge wielder is still on this world Cinderella is in grave danger."

Passing through an extravagant courtyard, complete with a fountain in the middle, Caelum and Terra see a woman in an elaborate silver dress surrounded by Unversed. "Is that her?" Caelum asked.

"Yes." Terra said. The two leap into action cutting down the Unversed.

Cinderella gasped, "I've met you before." she said looking at Terra. "But I don't know your friend."

"We'll take care of them." Terra said, referring to the Unversed. "You wait right here."

"Please, may I go with you? I so want to get to the ball." Cinderella asked.

"I don't see why she can't Terra. Besides it would be easier to keep her safe that way." Caelum interjected.

"All right. But stay behind either me or Caelum, otherwise you could get hurt." Cinderella gave a smile. "You aren't worried?" Terra asked.

"Didn't you tell me it was important to stay strong?"

"Oh, um… I guess I did." Terra replied embarrassed. "So everyone ready?"

"Yes."

"Right behind you Terra."

As soon as the three walked into the castle, more Unversed leapt from the ground. Caelum and Terra summon their Keyblades. Terra immediately rushed in with Caelum staying behind launching spells.

"More Flood incoming." Caelum said.

"What?" Terra said.

"The smaller, jagged ones that sink into the floor, they are going to be called Flood."

"You're naming them?"

"One of us has to classify these things, it much easier than saying this large one, the small ones…"

"Focus on fighting now. You can "classify" them later." Terra said.

More Unversed appeared as Terra and Caelum escorted Cinderella towards the ballroom. "Scrappers, Bruisers, Shoegazers, Red Hot Chilis…"

"Caelum! More Unversed!"

"Yeah, yeah, I hear you. Still going to mark down these names in my notes." Caelum said before launching a blizzard spell into a Bruiser, causing it stumble backwards. Terra sliced his Keyblade through it finishing it off.

They began to ascend the stairs. "Shoegazers are blocking us." Terra said before grimacing. "Great, now I'm calling them that."

Caelum gave a self-satisfied smirk before annihilating the small group with a thunder spell. "No sign of the rouge wielder yet. That does not mean he is nearby though."

Five Flood leapt from the ground surrounding them. "Say goodbye!" Terra shouted before leaping up and destroying the Unversed with a shockwave. Caelum protected Cinderella from an incoming fireball and dispatched the last Unversed.

"That seems to be it for now. Your way to the ball is secure." Caelum said escorting Cinderella to the entrance.

"Thank you so much you two." Cinderella curtsied before walking into the ball. She was approached by a man in a tan suit.

"May I have this dance miss?"

"Of course." The two began to dance to the music with several other couples doing the same.

"Maybe just believing is enough." Terra said watching the two.

"Enough for what?" Caelum asked.

"Accomplishing your dreams." Terra said. "According to Cinderella's fairy godmother, believing in yourself can help you fulfill your dreams."

"Belief is a strong part of being able to accomplish what you want. But you still have to put in actual effort to accomplish that." Caelum said.

"What has got you down all of the sudden." Terra asked concerned.

"We trained our entire lives for missions like this. Yet when I faced that rouge wielder, I could barely land a solid hit on him." Caelum said. "It just feels like I should have been able to do more against him."

"Hey it's alright." Terra said placing a hand on Caelum's shoulder. "Next time you face him, you won't be alone. I'll be there to help you."

"Thanks Terra."

Cinderella and the Prince continued to slowly dance. Terra sees movement on one of the upper balconies. "Unversed!" Terra said, pointing them out to Caelum. "Up on the balcony."

Caelum approached a well-dressed man in a blue suit. "Excuse me, you wouldn't happen to know of a way up to the balconies would you?"

"Well," The man cleared his throat, caught off guard by the sudden question. "There is a passage beneath the foyer staircase."

"No time." Terra summoned his Keyblade as a large Unversed emerged from the balcony.

"Get the people out." Caelum told the man as the Unversed conjured three instruments before descending. "We'll take care of this." He rushed off to join Terra.

The people began to run away screaming as the two looked up at the Unversed in the center of the ballroom. "All right, what would you call this one?" Terra asked.

"Symphony Master." Caelum replied. "This one looks far stronger than any of the others I've encountered."

The two rushed their enemy. The Symphony Master sent it's instruments to attack them. Terra dodged a drum while Caelum moved past soundwaves blasted by a trumpet. "Fire" A fireball emerged from Caelum's Keyblade and the trumpet vanished. Instantly the Symphony Master began to darken, and a red miasma surrounded it.

"I don't think it likes it when the instruments are destroyed." Caelum said to Terra. "Why don't we deal with those first."

Terra nodded and they focused on the drum and violin. The two dispersed into darkness under their assault. The Symphony Master, further enraged by the destruction of it's ensemble, leapt into the air and came crashing down. Caelum and Terra avoided the attack. The Unversed then extended it's baton and twirled it around forcing the two back.

Caelum swiftly closed the distance with a fire surge crashing into the Unversed, knocking it's hat off. "You're done!" Terra shouted bringing his Keyblade down into the Unversed. The Symphony Master collapsed onto the floor and vanished into darkness.

The people slowly began to trickle back in now that the Unversed had vanished. "Thank you. You saved us all." The man in a blue suit let out a sigh. "It is a shame though, the guests were just starting to enjoy themselves."

"Well don't give up just yet." Terra said motioning to Cinderella and the Prince talking while holding hands.

"I want to ask you something." Caelum said. "These monsters, have they always been a problem around here."

"No. They only started to appear shortly after a boy in a mask arrived in our kingdom. Those that saw him said that the monsters obeyed his every command."

Caelum narrowed his eyes. "So the rouge wielder and the Unversed are connected with each other."

"Do you know where he is now?" Terra asked.

"Well… No, I don't believe anyone has seen him since then."

"I see." Caelum said. "It is unlikely he is still here then." The bell rang out.

Oh…My goodness! It's midnight!" Cinderella exclaimed.

"Yes so it is, but why-" The prince started.

"Good-bye!" Cinderella said running off.

"Wait, come back! Please come back!"

"I'm sorry!" Cinderella shouted as she dashed out of the ballroom. Descending the stairs, one of Cinderella's slippers came off. She turned to retrieve it but was forced to leave it behind when someone shouted after her. "Wait!"

Terra and Caelum looked over the balcony to see Cinderella leaving the foyer. Terra noticed Aqua standing to the side and called out to her. "Aqua!"

The two descended the stairs to Aqua. "Terra, Caelum…Ven ran away from home."

"What?!" Terra asked shocked."

"I think he left to go find you, Terra. Do you have any idea why?"

Terra thought for a moment. "Just before I left, he tried to tell me something. I should have listened to what he had to say."

"But why would Ven leave?" Caelum said. "Anything that he could tell Terra could have waited until we got back. What is he thinking?"

"So…have either of you managed to locate Master Xehanort?" Aqua asked.

"No," Terra said, "but it seems like he's looking for pure hearts filled with light."

"Pure hearts…filled with light." Aqua muttered.

"The Princesses of Heart." Caelum said. "But why would he seek them out? Did he learn of the danger the Unversed and the rouge wielder pose to them?"

"Rouge wielder?" Aqua questioned.

"When I arrived on this world I was attacked by a boy in a mask. He wielded a Keyblade and he is somehow controlling the Unversed." Caelum said. "He is leagues beyond what the Master taught us, and he was still holding back."

"That is worrying, are you all right?"

"I'm fine now, but still watch your back out there all the same."

"All I know is that Xehanort's search hasn't taken him here." Terra said.

"All right, I'll stay and see if I can find more clues." Aqua said.

"Okay. The Prince is in the ballroom ahead. He might have some answers." Terra said heading towards the exit. "Aqua, Caelum. Do you still have the same dream?"

"Well- yes." Aqua said caught off guard.

"There's this girl here, her name is Cinderella. She made me realize how powerful it is just to believe. No matter how impossible things seem, a powerful enough dream will always be enough to light the darkness." Terra smiled, "If you see her give her my thanks."

"Will do." Aqua replied. "What about you Caelum? Where are you going?"

"I have to find Ven, preferably before the rouge wielder can. He is dangerous and I would hate to see Ven encounter him, and wind up severely hurt." Caelum said walking away.

"Terra will be alright. He won't give into it." Aqua said looking at her friends depart.

On a far-off world Vanitas lay on the rocky ground panting. "What did I tell you Vanitas. You may test Eraqus' apprentices how you wish, but you aren't to kill them. Not yet."

"I understand Master." Vanitas grit out.

"It is far to early in the game for the plan to go awry, if Eraqus learned of one of his pupil's death so early in their journey. He would not hesitate to investigate himself." Xehanort leaned down and looked at Vanitas. "And should that happen, then you will never be whole, and the χ-Blade will be forever lost to us both."

Xehanort stood up. "Clean yourself up." He commanded before entering a dark corridor. "I have to prepare the next stages for Terra." The dark corridor closing behind him.

Vanitas' frustration boiled over and several Unversed peeled away from him. He summoned his Keyblade and dispatched them. Uncaring of the pain it caused when they forcibly returned to him.

"Ventus…" He spat out. "Our reunion will be soon."

AN: And another chapter done. I will admit that I did struggle with this one, possibly because out of all the worlds in BBS I had no solid plan for Caelum in Castle of Dreams. I knew I needed it and I also knew I wanted him to fight and lose to Vanitas, but beyond that no plan. I do have the rest of BBS plotted out though. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I look forward to reading the reviews. Chapter 4: The Evil Faerie will be out next week.