Land of Departure
Aqua blinked as the swirling void dissipated, her boots landing softly on solid ground. For a moment, she stood perfectly still, her breath caught in her throat. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, and what she saw made her chest tighten with disbelief.
The Land of Departure stretched out before her, radiant and vibrant as if plucked straight from her memories. Ivory towers adorned with gold trim glimmered in the warm sunlight, their spires piercing the endless blue sky. The golden chains that anchored the castle to the floating spires above shimmered in the light, their elegance adding to the surreal beauty of the scene. Lush green mountains surrounded the courtyard, their slopes alive with foliage and dotted with bright flowers swaying gently in the breeze.
Aqua's lips parted, but no sound came at first. Her wide blue eyes darted across the courtyard, the intricate stonework beneath her feet, the carved staircases leading to the grand castle entrance—it was exactly as she remembered it. No. It was more than that. It was perfect, untouched, alive. This wasn't just the Land of Departure; this was a dream of what it had once been, before the weight of tragedy and darkness had stripped it away.
"This… this can't be," Aqua said, her voice trembling as she took a hesitant step forward.
Everything felt so real, so vivid. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to hope. Had she somehow succeeded? Had her efforts to restore the Land of Departure borne fruit?
But then it hit her.
The warmth of the sunlight was too warm, the breeze too perfect, the birdsong in the distance too meticulously timed. A subtle, imperceptible wrongness rippled through the air, like the faint buzz of static in the background.
Her sharp blue eyes narrowed as she scanned the pristine surroundings. The courtyard felt… hollow. Too pristine. Too flawless. She knelt, brushing her fingers against the smooth stone beneath her boots. It looked like the courtyard she'd known, but it felt lifeless, cold, as if the energy of the world wasn't truly flowing here.
Aqua closed her eyes and focused, summoning the Light to her senses. A faint shimmer passed over the world around her. In that moment, the perfection faltered. Tiny, hairline cracks appeared in her vision—a flicker in the seamless beauty, as if the very fabric of this realm was struggling to hold itself together.
"This isn't real," Aqua murmured, rising to her feet. Her expression shifted, her brows furrowing in a mixture of unease and determination. "Or… it's not whole. Is this the past? Or something else entirely?"
She took a step forward, her eyes locking onto the castle looming ahead. Its grand doors stood closed, a familiar sight yet distant in her heart. If there were answers, they would be there, in the heart of the Land of Departure.
"There must be answers inside," Aqua said softly to herself. Her voice echoed faintly across the empty courtyard, its loneliness only amplifying the strange stillness of the place. She paused, her hand rising to her chin as she considered the possibility. "Maybe Ven is there. Maybe he's still… where I left him."
The thought was a fragile hope, one she didn't dare hold too tightly to. Yet, as she placed one cautious foot on the staircase leading to the castle, she felt a faint stirring in her chest. Not her heart—it wasn't there—but something deeper, a connection she couldn't explain.
Her eyes darted to the Keyblade instinctively. She hadn't summoned it, but it appeared in her hand. The weapon, Master's Defender, seemed to resonate with her in this place, as if something here was helping her. Guiding her.
But before she could dwell on the thought, a voice echoed through the courtyard.
"Aqua."
The single word was spoken softly, but it carried weight. It was warm, calm, and yet it pierced through the quiet like a beacon. Aqua froze mid-step, her breath catching in her throat. That voice—it was impossible.
"No," she whispered, her head snapping around as her instincts reacted.
She took a step back, her eyes scanning the courtyard frantically.
"It can't be," she murmured, her voice trembling with both hope and disbelief.
The voice called out again, closer this time.
"Aqua."
It was gentle and fatherly. Her grip on the Keyblade tightened as her emotions ached with recognition. Slowly, she turned toward the sound, her eyes searching the courtyard.
"Master Eraqus?" she said.
Her gaze locked onto the faint figure emerging from the shadows of the courtyard. The light bent and shimmered around it, distorting like ripples on water before slowly coalescing into a form she knew too well. Step by step, the figure grew clearer, until his presence became undeniable.
He wore a flowing white haori with red-lined accents, its hood resting against his back. The hem swayed gently with each measured stride, revealing a slightly shorter-than-normal, light-colored hakama. Beneath the haori, a navy blue shirt adorned with a large white X stretched across his chest. The scar over his right eye was jagged and prominent, a stark reminder of a past clash of ideologies.
His boots, a mix of gold and black armour, clinked softly against the stone, and a dull blue-green piece of armor covered his abdomen. His black hair was tied into a short, high topknot, with a lone bang falling to the right side of his face. A triangular soul patch and a neatly groomed mustache framed his calm, knowing smile.
Aqua's breath hitched as her mind caught up with what her eyes were seeing.
Her Keyblade fell from her trembling grasp, clattering noisily to the ground as her legs weakened beneath her. She staggered forward, her wide blue eyes never leaving the figure.
"Master Eraqus?" she repeated, her voice cracking with disbelief.
"Aqua," he said again, his tone calm and steady, yet heavy with the weight of time.
Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as her emotions overwhelmed her.
"It can't be…" she choked, shaking her head in denial even as her emotions screamed. "You're gone. You were—"
Before she could finish, Master Eraqus placed a steady hand on her shoulder, silencing her words with a simple gesture. His touch was firm yet gentle, radiating the same unwavering confidence she had drawn strength from as his pupil.
"Aqua, it's been some time," he said warmly, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed spirit.
Her composure shattered. With a sob, Aqua lunged forward, throwing her arms around him. She clung to him tightly, her body trembling as years of anguish, guilt, and loneliness poured out of her.
Eraqus hesitated for the briefest of moments, surprised by the sudden embrace, but then his hands rested lightly on her back. His expression softened further as he felt her warmth against him—a warmth that was familiar yet incomplete.
"My dear student," he said softly, his tone tinged with sadness as he placed a hand on the back of her head, steadying her. "You're not… whole. This isn't the Aqua I remember."
She buried her face against his chest, her voice muffled and broken.
"I'm not," she admitted, her words thick with emotion. "I'm a Nobody… a husk of who I used to be. My heart was ripped from me and I was stuck in the Realm of Darkness for so long I lost myself. I'm… broken."
Eraqus closed his eyes, his brow furrowing as he absorbed her words. Even without her heart, he could sense the pain and despair that clung to her like a shadow. And yet, amidst that darkness, there was still something—a faint glimmer of light that refused to be extinguished.
"I can sense the sadness in you," Eraqus said gently, his voice firm yet compassionate. "But even now, even without your heart, there is light within you. A light that hasn't given up."
Aqua's grip on him tightened as fresh tears spilled from her eyes. She wanted to believe him, to believe that the light he spoke of hadn't faded entirely. But the weight of her journey, of everything she had endured, bore down on her like an unrelenting tide.
"I'm just trying to do what's right… but I feel like I've lost everything," she admitted, her voice breaking
Eraqus gently pulled back, placing his hands on her shoulders as he looked her directly in the eyes. His gaze was steady, filled with the unwavering confidence she had always admired in him.
"You haven't lost everything, Aqua," he said firmly. "You're here. You're still fighting, still searching. That alone proves the light in you is still strong. You don't need a heart to see that."
His words stirred something deep within her—a small, fragile ember that had been buried beneath the darkness. Her tears began to slow, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she allowed herself to feel the faintest spark of hope.
"Master," she said, her voice steadier now, "how are you here? This place… it's not real, is it?"
Eraqus's expression became more somber, his hands dropping to his sides.
"No," he admitted. "This Land of Departure isn't yours. It's… an echo, a fragment from another time, trapped here in this void. And so am I. Or at least, a part of me."
"A fragment?" Aqua questioned, her voice laced with uncertainty as she studied the figure of her master.
"This place is caught between timelines," Eraqus explained, his tone heavy with concern, "twisted by something powerful—something I can't fully understand. Whatever force has caused this, Aqua, it's tearing at the heart of this world. And that heart is fading. It needs your mastery to restore it, or this echo of the Land of Departure will be lost forever."
Aqua sighed deeply, her shoulders drooping slightly as she reached down and picked up Master's Defender from the ground. The familiar weight of the Keyblade steadied her, but the uncertainty of her situation left her mind racing.
Eraqus's gaze softened as he watched her examine the Keyblade, and a small smile tugged at his lips.
"I see you've been taking good care of my Keyblade," he said warmly, his voice tinged with pride.
Aqua smiled faintly, holding the weapon up and turning it slightly so its elegant design caught the light of the world.
"It has a name now," she said softly, her voice carrying a quiet reverence. "Master's Defender."
Eraqus's smile widened slightly, and he nodded in approval.
"It's a fitting name," he remarked, his voice calm but full of meaning. "Did you choose it?"
"No," Aqua admitted, shaking her head. "It was my friend Sonic who named it. Shadow, my other friend who was with us at the time, thought it was fitting name too."
At the mention of the names, Eraqus raised an eyebrow, his expression turning thoughtful.
"Sonic and Shadow," he murmured, testing the names on his tongue. "I sense there's something unique about them. Similar, but different… like one is the yin and the other is the yang. Am I wrong?"
Aqua couldn't help but laugh softly, though the sound was tinged with melancholy.
"That's… actually a perfect way to put it, Master," she said, glancing at Master's Defender. "I've only met Sonic briefly. He's bright, optimistic, and unrelenting, always pushing forward no matter the odds. Shadow, though…" She paused, her gaze turning distant for a moment. "Shadow's different. He's quieter, more reserved, but… he's stayed with me through everything. When I was lost, broken, and thought I had no one left, he never left my side. Shadow's… reliable. A remarkable friend."
"A remarkable and reliable friend indeed," Eraqus said. "You've forged a bond stronger than you realise. Such connections can be a guiding light in even the darkest times."
"He is," Aqua admitted. "Wherever he is right now… I just hope he's okay."
Eraqus gave a small nod of understanding, but his expression grew serious as he took a step closer.
"Aqua," he began, his tone shifting to one of urgency, "we don't have much time. This echo of the Land of Departure is just one of many worlds that have been trapped by these distortions. There are others out there, fractured and fading, just like this one."
"How do you know this, Master?" Aqua asked, her tone cautious but curious.
"I am but a fragment of what I once was," Eraqus explained, his voice calm but tinged with an air of melancholy. "I was pulled into this void when my life ended. Or perhaps," he added thoughtfully, "it is more accurate to say that my essence—the memories tied to this place—are what remain. From here, I can feel the threads of other worlds that have been ensnared, their hearts struggling to survive amidst the chaos."
"You're saying these distortions are affecting other worlds too?" Aqua asked, her brows furrowing. "But what's causing this? And how can I stop it?"
"That, I cannot say," Eraqus admitted, his tone steady but regretful. "There is a force behind this, of that I am certain. But its nature remains hidden, shrouded in shadow. What I do know is this: the heart of each world holds the key to restoring it. By bringing light to those hearts, you can stabilise these trapped realities and perhaps uncover the truth behind this void."
Aqua frowned, her mind racing as she processed his words.
"So… I have to restore the hearts of these worlds, one by one?" she questioned.
Eraqus nodded, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. His touch was steady and grounding, much like the sense of peace he had always inspired in her as her master.
"Yes," he said, his voice carrying the weight of conviction. "Starting with this one. The Land of Departure's heart lies within the main castle, but it is shrouded in darkness and distortions. Without it's heart rescued, this version of the Land of Departure will continue to fade, and its essence will be lost forever."
Aqua straightened, her resolve hardening as her doubts began to lift. The uncertainty and fear that had loomed over her since she entered this void were replaced by a sense of purpose.
"I'll do whatever it takes," she said firmly, her blue eyes blazing with determination.
Eraqus stepped back slightly with a warm smile.
"That's the Aqua I know," he said, his tone filled with quiet pride. "And remember—though your heart may be missing, the light within you has not faded. It remains a part of you, Aqua. Trust in it, and it will guide you forward, no matter how dark the path ahead may seem."
Aqua nodded, her grip tightening on Master's Defender as she turned her gaze toward the main castle and its large doors.
"The heart of this world… it's in the castle, isn't it?" she asked, her voice steady as her determination solidified.
Eraqus nodded solemnly.
"Yes, but be warned, Aqua. The force that has ensnared this world is strong. It will not relinquish its grip easily. The power that brought the Land of Departure here has fractured time itself, and it may pull entities from other points in time to test you. These distortions may take many forms, but they are distractions meant to deter you from reaching the heart."
Aqua's gaze lingered on the castle doors, her fingers flexing around the hilt of her Keyblade.
"Then I'll deal with them," she said firmly. "Whatever this force is, I'll overcome it and save this place. The Land of Departure deserves to be whole again."
Eraqus studied her for a moment, his expression softening with approval.
"I have no doubt that you will, Aqua," he said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "But remember—what lies ahead will test not just your strength, but your resolve. The light within you must remain steadfast. Trust it, even when everything around you feels uncertain."
As if responding to her determination, the massive golden doors of the castle began to groan and creak, their intricate mechanisms slowly shifting. A faint, unnatural hum echoed through the air with an ominous glow emanating from within.
"Go, Aqua," Eraqus said, stepping aside and gesturing toward the entrance. "The heart of this world is waiting for you. Bring light to its darkness and restore it."
Aqua nodded, her grip firm on Master's Defender as she stepped forward. She could feel the weight of Eraqus's gaze on her back, a silent reassurance that she wasn't alone. The castle loomed larger as she approached, its open gates like a mouth ready to swallow her whole.
The air grew colder, and the faint hum of the distortions grew louder as she crossed the threshold. Aqua paused for a moment, taking one last glance over her shoulder. Eraqus remained in the courtyard, his presence a steady beacon amidst the chaos.
With a deep breath, Aqua stepped into the castle, ready to face whatever trials awaited her within.
Inside
Aqua's boots echoed softly against the pristine marble floor as she stepped into the grand hallway of the Land of Departure. Sunlight streamed through the intricately designed stained-glass windows, casting shimmering patterns of light and color onto the ornate tiles beneath her. The grandeur of the space wrapped around her like a memory brought to life, but a faint unease crept into her heart as her blue eyes scanned the high arches and golden embellishments that adorned the entrance.
"It's just as I remember," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with both nostalgia and doubt. "Could Ven still be here?"
She ventured further into the hall, her steps deliberate yet cautious. The perfection was almost unnerving, as if the castle had been plucked from her memories and placed here in defiance of the chaos beyond. Aqua's thoughts lingered on Ventus, her mind reaching back to the moment she had left him safely in the Grand Hall.
"If the heart of this world is still intact," she thought aloud, "then maybe… maybe Ven is still here, undisturbed."
She moved forward with renewed determination, but as her boots clicked against the marble, an unsettling sensation crept over her. The air around her seemed to shift, growing thick and heavy. A low, pulsating hum began to resonate through the hall, a sound that seemed to emanate from the very walls. The noise was disorienting—a warbling distortion that made the grand space feel both boundless and suffocating at the same time.
"What's happening?" she muttered, her grip instinctively tightening on Master's Defender.
The stained-glass windows flickered unnaturally, their vibrant colors bleeding together before fading into muted, lifeless tones. Aqua froze mid-step as the patterns on the marble floor writhed and twisted beneath her, as though the very ground was alive and shifting. The hum intensified, vibrating in her chest like the beating of a second, unfamiliar heart. A sharp, stuttering sound—like the glitch of a malfunctioning machine—pierced the air, and Aqua gasped as reality itself seemed to tear apart before her.
A jagged distortion formed in the hallway, shimmering with unnatural light. From the rift stepped metallic figures, their golden exteriors gleaming ominously in the flickering light. Aqua's sharp eyes immediately recognized them, and her breath caught in disbelief.
"Wait… those robots," she said, her voice laced with confusion and a growing sense of unease. "I've seen them before—at the desert base. The Master warned me about this, about entities being pulled from other points in time to test me."
The intruding figures were Egg Pawns—mass-produced machines that bore the unmistakable design of Dr. Eggman. Each robot had a rotund, egg-shaped body painted in a glossy golden hue, their expressionless, glowing blue eyes fixed on Aqua with a cold, mechanical intent. Their thin black arms, tipped with claw-like hands, were reinforced with orange armor, and their segmented legs ended in heavy, boot-like feet. Several of them carried Egg Spears, their lance-like weapons gleaming menacingly in the faint light. Others raised shields, forming a defensive line as they positioned themselves to block Aqua's path forward.
"They don't belong here," Aqua muttered, her voice hardening as she prepared Master's Defender. The familiar weight of the Keyblade in her hand steadied her resolve. "Whatever brought them here… I won't let them desecrate this place."
The lead Egg Pawn stepped forward, raising its blaster arm. A high-pitched whine filled the air as the weapon began to charge, its energy crackling ominously. Aqua shifted into a defensive stance, her Keyblade raised and ready, her body poised for the fight ahead.
The oppressive hum continued to echo through the hall, mingling with the sounds of the advancing machines. Aqua's eyes burned with determination, her heart—even incomplete—pushing her forward.
"Whatever this is," she muttered, her voice steady and filled with resolve, "I'll stop it."
As the lead Egg Pawn fired, a burst of energy hurtling toward her, Aqua sprang into motion. She sidestepped gracefully, her movements fluid and precise as the blast narrowly missed her.
The clash between Aqua and the machines had begun, and the sanctity of the Land of Departure rested on her shoulders.
Egg Pawns
Battle Music: Future Masters - Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep
Aqua's eyes flashed with resolve as the lead Egg Pawn fired again, a crackling burst of energy barreling toward her. With an elegant twirl, she sidestepped the blast, her movement as graceful as a dance. She raised Master's Defender and rushed toward the cluster of Egg Pawns blocking her path.
The lead robot swung its Egg Spear, the tip crackling with an electric charge, but Aqua deflected it effortlessly with a flick of her Keyblade, the clash of metal ringing through the Grand Hall. She spun, her blade arcing in a wide slash that tore through the robot's midsection, sparks flying as it crumpled to the ground in a heap of shattered parts.
The other Egg Pawns advanced, their movements mechanical but precise, forming a defensive line. Two raised their shields while others aimed their blasters, energy bolts whizzing through the air toward Aqua. She darted forward, her blue hair catching the light as she spun into a Barrier Surge, her defensive aura absorbing the blasts as she closed the gap. Aqua's Keyblade swung low, then high, slicing cleanly through two Egg Pawns in a blur of motion.
"Too slow," Aqua muttered, her voice calm yet firm as she weaved through the remaining machines.
One Egg Pawn lunged at her with its spear, but Aqua countered with a well-timed Counter Blast. A surge of energy erupted from her Keyblade, sending the robot flying backward into its comrades. The crash scattered the remaining group, leaving them momentarily disoriented.
Aqua seized the opportunity. With a quick leap, she launched herself into the air, her Keyblade glowing as she activated Spellweaver. The magic flowed through her like a river, her movements becoming even more fluid and precise. As she descended, a spinning whirlwind of light enveloped her, slicing through three Egg Pawns in a single, dazzling strike. The shattered remains of the robots clattered to the marble floor, their golden frames now nothing more than scrap.
The remaining Egg Pawns regrouped, their glowing eyes locking onto her with cold intent. One charged at her from behind, but Aqua, sensing the movement, pivoted smoothly, her Keyblade unleashing a wave of icy energy with Blizzaga. The icy blast froze the robot mid-stride, its golden frame encased in crystal. With a single swing, Aqua shattered it, shards of ice and metal scattering across the hall.
The final group opened fire, bolts of energy streaking towards Aqua. The Keyblade Master summoned a Reflect barrier. The energy blasts ricocheted off the shimmering shield, rebounding into the Egg Pawns and destroying them in an explosive display.
As the last robot fell, the Grand Hall grew quiet once more, save for the faint hum of magic dissipating from Aqua's Keyblade. She stood amidst the wreckage, her breathing steady, her grip on Master's Defender firm but calm.
Aqua surveyed the aftermath, her gaze moving to the end of the hallway. Two paths stretched before her.
"Two paths," she mused, her voice soft but resolute. "I'll need to check both. Ven might still be here… or the heart of this world might be waiting for me to find it."
She took a moment to collect herself, then strode forward, her Keyblade shimmering faintly in the light of the stained-glass windows.
At the end of the hallway, Aqua paused, her eyes darting between the two directions before her. To the right, the staircase leading to the Grand Hall loomed in quiet grandeur. The familiar archway, adorned with golden trim and intricate carvings, seemed to beckon her. The Grand Hall was where she had left Ventus, safe and secure in the Chamber of Waking. If he were still here, surely that would be where she'd find him.
But something tugged at her attention, pulling her gaze to the left. Down a dimly lit corridor lay another room she recognised—a space that had once served as a sanctuary for study and growth. It was a combination of a library and training chamber, a place where she, Terra, and Ventus had spent countless hours honing their skills and deepening their understanding of the Keyblade.
She hesitated, her hand tightening slightly on Master's Defender. The pull from the corridor was faint but insistent, like a whisper carried on the wind. Her connection to the light and her finely tuned senses told her that something significant lay that way. But the thought of Ventus stirred a deep concern within her. What if he needed her now?
"The Grand Hall… or the study chamber," she murmured. "If Ven is awake, he'll be in the Grand Hall. But… if the heart of this world is fading, it could be tied to what's calling me down that corridor."
She glanced at the faint shimmer of her Keyblade, as if seeking guidance. The glow was steady, warm, a reassurance that her instincts were leading her true. Finally, she straightened, her decision made.
"I'll start with the study chamber," she said, her voice calm but firm. "If there's a clue to what's happening, it might be there. I can't ignore this feeling."
Turning to the left, Aqua moved down the corridor, her steps quiet but purposeful. The air grew cooler with each step, a subtle shift that sent a faint shiver through her. A hum of magic lingered in the air, faint yet persistent, like an echo of something ancient calling out to her. The walls were lined with tall shelves carved from pale wood, though many stood empty, their books and artifacts long since moved, destroyed, or lost to time.
As she approached the room at the end of the corridor, the pull she had felt earlier grew stronger, stirring something deep within her—not quite her heart, but the faint memory of one.
The double doors to the study chamber stood slightly ajar, allowing a soft, golden light to spill into the hallway. Aqua paused for a moment, her sharp blue eyes narrowing as she reached out to push the doors open gently. Master's Defender disappeared from her hand, a quiet acknowledgment of the calm that still hung over the space. For now.
"If there's something here, I'll find it," she said softly, her voice steady yet filled with quiet determination.
The room beyond was just as she remembered it—warm, inviting, and steeped in the sense of familiarity that came with countless hours spent within its walls. High ceilings stretched above her, and tall windows allowed streams of light to pour into the chamber. The training dummies, once tools for her and her friends to perfect their techniques, stood motionless, their vibrant past reduced to silence. In the center of the room stood a large table, cluttered with aged scrolls, maps, and parchment. The edges of the papers flickered faintly, as if they too were caught in the strange distortion gripping this world.
Aqua moved cautiously toward the table, her boots clicking softly against the floor. The hum in the room seemed to intensify, not in volume but in presence, as though it recognised her. Her sharp blue eyes scanned the scattered papers, most faded beyond recognition, but one stood out—a single, pristine journal page. It seemed untouched by time, its edges glowing faintly with an enchantment.
Drawn to the page, Aqua reached out hesitantly, her fingers brushing against its surface. The moment she made contact, the hum grew louder for an instant before falling silent, leaving her with a strange sense of clarity. Slowly, she began to read:
Journal Entry 15
Today, we found a potential saviour in our fight against the darkness. A glimmer of hope in what could be our darkest hour. We will leave this world for a few days to seek out the creator of a project we've recently discovered. Will we find the answers we seek? Possibly. Our wise friend from a distant world mentioned where to locate the mastermind behind it all. I hope this journey will lead us to the truth and the salvation we so desperately need. For everyone's sake.
Aqua's breath hitched as she read the words, her mind racing.
"A saviour? A project? What is this referring to?"
The language tugged at fragments of memory buried deep within her, fragments she couldn't fully grasp. Her thoughts turned to her people—the Lumarians—and the visions she had seen during her time in the Realm of Darkness. Could this have belonged to them? Was it her parents' work? Or was it another desperate attempt by a civilization to fend off encroaching darkness?
Her mind spiraled to the haunting vision Black Doom had shown her of her parents, Willa and Erik, standing before him in a plea for salvation.
"Could this really be connected to them?" Aqua murmured, her voice uncertain yet tinged with hope.
She carefully folded the journal page and slipped it into her pocket. Its significance was undeniable, but it was only one piece of a much larger puzzle.
"I need more evidence," she said to herself, her voice steady. "This is just the beginning."
She scanned the room one last time, her gaze lingering on the training dummies and the scattered remnants of her past life. The hum in the air had faded, leaving the room steeped in silence. Whatever had called her here had delivered its message. Now, it was time to move forward.
Turning toward the hallway, Aqua's focus shifted back to the path leading to the Grand Hall. The pull toward that sacred space felt stronger now, like a thread guiding her to the answers she so desperately sought. Whether it was Ventus or the heart of this fractured world waiting for her there, she knew her next step.
"Whatever this is," Aqua said softly, her voice filled with quiet determination, "I'll find the truth."
With that, she strode out of the study chamber and into the hallway, ready to face whatever awaited her in the Grand Hall.
Grand Hall
Aqua stepped into the Grand Hall, her boots echoing softly against the polished marble floor. The space was as vast and regal as she remembered, its high arched ceilings supported by gilded columns that caught the light filtering through the immense stained-glass windows. The vibrant colours of the windows depicted scenes of balance and harmony.
At the end of the hall stood the throne where Ventus had once rested. Aqua's emotions ached at the memory. She had placed him there herself, leaving him in the sanctuary of the Land of Departure for his safety.
But now, the throne was empty.
"Damn it," Aqua muttered, her voice tinged with frustration. "Perhaps… this isn't the home I remember. What point in time is this?"
Her words trailed off as she felt it again—that strange, warbling sensation that made her head swim. The air grew dense, shimmering as if the very fabric of reality were coming undone. The soft hum she had heard earlier in the study chamber returned, but now it was louder, more pronounced, vibrating through her body.
"What now?" Aqua remarked, her stance shifting instinctively into a defensive position.
The warbling noise intensified, the sound becoming a dissonant, pulsating rhythm. The entire hall seemed to distort around her. The stained-glass windows bent and rippled like water, their colors bleeding together in unnatural patterns. The marble floor beneath her boots trembled as though alive, faint cracks forming and glowing with an ominous red light.
Then, with a sound akin to a thunderclap, a tear in the air appeared. Out of the distortion emerged a figure, its silhouette sleek and metallic blue, with glowing crimson eyes that pierced through the warped space. Aqua's sharp blue eyes widened as the entity stepped forward, its polished frame reflecting the chaos around it.
"Metal Sonic?" Aqua gasped, memories flooding back to her.
She remembered fighting alongside Sonic and Shadow against this mechanical doppelgänger in the Realm of Darkness. The cold, unrelenting precision of its attacks had been etched into her mind.
Metal Sonic turned its head slightly, its glowing red eyes narrowing as if assessing her. The warbling noise ceased, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. Then it spoke, its voice cold, monotone, and dripping with artificial menace.
"I have no record of you in my database or mainframe," Metal Sonic stated, its voice laced with static. "Identify yourself."
Aqua raised Master's Defender, which had materialised in her hand the moment the distortion began. Her gaze was steady, but her mind was racing.
"We beat you in the Realm of Darkness," Aqua replied, her voice firm but tinged with confusion. "Then you were there at Destiny Islands. Don't tell me you don't remember."
Metal Sonic's eyes glowed brighter as it processed her words.
"No records of such events exist. My sole directive is my master's order: Eliminate Sonic the Hedgehog." It paused for a moment, its mechanical frame emitting a low hum. "If you are a threat to the Eggman Empire, you will be eliminated. This world will fall."
This wasn't the same Metal Sonic she had fought before. Somehow, this version had been dragged in from another point in time, unaffected by her previous encounters with him. His lack of recognition only cemented her suspicions—this timeline, this Land of Departure, was not her own.
"You're from another time," Aqua muttered, gripping her Keyblade tightly. "And yet, you're here to destroy. I won't let that happen."
Metal Sonic's claws extended with a sharp metallic sound, and its booster engines flared to life, sending it hovering above the ground.
"Irrelevant. You are a threat. Termination protocol engaged."
Without another word, Metal Sonic lunged at Aqua, its speed blinding as it closed the distance in an instant. Aqua sidestepped the attack, her Keyblade swinging in a wide arc to deflect its outstretched claws. Sparks flew as metal met magic, the clash echoing through the distorted Grand Hall.
Aqua planted her feet firmly and raised Master's Defender, its weight familiar and comforting in her grasp. Her connection to the Keyblade felt stronger than it had in ages, as though this place, fractured as it was, reignited the bond she thought was lost. Metal Sonic turned sharply, its thrusters roaring as it launched toward her in a blur of silver and red.
The Grand Hall trembled under the sheer force of its speed, the stained-glass windows rattling as the battle for the heart of this fractured world began.
Metal Sonic
Battle Music: Vim & Vigor - Kingdom Hearts HD II.5 ReMIX
Aqua sidestepped the initial strike, her reflexes honed from years of combat. Metal Sonic's clawed hand slashed through the space where she had stood, leaving a faint trail of sparks on the polished marble floor. Without hesitation, Aqua countered, swinging Master's Defender in a wide arc. The Keyblade met Metal's outstretched arm with a resounding clang, the impact reverberating through her arms.
Metal Sonic spun mid-air, its thrusters igniting again as it darted toward her. Aqua ducked low, narrowly avoiding its extended claws. She rolled forward and pivoted, raising her Keyblade just in time to deflect a rapid energy blast that erupted from the cannon on Metal's chest. The blast collided with the surface of Master's Defender, splintering into harmless sparks.
"You're fast," Aqua muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing as Metal Sonic hovered just out of range. Its glowing crimson eyes locked onto her, scanning.
"Analysing target," Metal Sonic intoned, its voice cold and mechanical. "Weapon: Key-shaped object with magical properties. Analysis incomplete. Data backed up to Eggman Mainframe."
"You don't need to understand it," Aqua shot back. "You just need to know it's going to stop you."
Metal Sonic's response was immediate. It rocketed forward, zigzagging unpredictably to throw off her aim. Aqua held her ground, waiting for the right moment. As Metal Sonic closed the gap, she thrust her Keyblade forward, unleashing a stream of Blizzaga magic.
"Freeze!" She commanded loudly.
The icy shards streaked through the air, striking Metal Sonic head-on and momentarily freezing its movements. The robot's thrusters sputtered as frost coated its metallic frame.
Taking the opportunity, Aqua dashed forward, her Keyblade glowing with light as she unleashed a flurry of precise strikes. Each swing of Master's Defender rang out, leaving faint dents and scratches on Metal's otherwise impervious exterior. Sparks flew as her strikes connected, forcing Metal Sonic to retreat briefly to recalibrate.
But the reprieve was short-lived. Metal Sonic powered through the frost, its systems whirring audibly as it charged a devastating spin attack. Aqua barely had time to raise her Keyblade before Metal Sonic spun toward her in a blur of silver and crimson, its razor-sharp edges slamming into her defense. The force sent her skidding backward, her boots screeching against the marble floor.
"Ah!" Aqua winced in pain.
Clutching her side where Metal Sonic's attack had grazed her, Aqua saw a faint trace of blood stained on her fingerless glove.
Raising her Keyblade, she called forth the magic of Curaga.
"Heal!" she shouted.
A soft green light enveloped her, mending her wounds and restoring her strength. The warmth of the spell steadied her, and she met Metal Sonic's gaze once more, determination blazing in her blue eyes.
Metal Sonic hovered in place, its crimson eyes flickering.
"Healing detected. Magical properties confirmed. Threat level increased."
"Good," Aqua said, gripping Master's Defender tightly. "Maybe now you'll take me seriously."
Metal Sonic unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, each one more intense than the last. Aqua twirled her Keyblade, deflecting the attacks with precision, the ricocheting blasts shattering what remained of the stained-glass windows. She countered with a burst of Thundaga magic, bolts of lightning crackling through the air and striking Metal Sonic's exposed joints. The robot faltered, its thrusters sputtering as the electricity surged through its systems.
But it wasn't finished. Metal Sonic surged forward again, this time feinting left before striking from the right. Aqua was caught off guard, the claws raking across her arm and sending a jolt of pain through her body. She stumbled but recovered quickly, summoning a protective barrier of light to shield herself from further strikes.
"This ends now," Aqua declared, her voice resolute.
Channeling her energy, Aqua leapt into the air, her body glowing with the radiant light of her magic. Master's Defender shone brighter than ever, its light intensifying until it burned like a miniature star. With unwavering focus, Aqua raised the Keyblade high above her head, her voice echoing through the distorted Grand Hall.
"Prism Rain!" she cried, her tone resolute and commanding.
The room erupted in a dazzling display of power as multicolored rays of light cascaded from the Keyblade in a swirling vortex. Each beam streaked through the air with unerring accuracy, converging on Metal Sonic. The robot's polished frame was pierced by the relentless onslaught, the radiant energy severing its internal systems one by one. Sparks burst from its joints, and its thrusters sputtered uncontrollably as it let out a distorted, mechanical screech.
"WARNING! SYSTEM FAILURE IMMINENT!" Metal Sonic's voice crackled with static, its robotic monotone now marred with desperation. "CRITICAL DAMAGE DETECTED. FUNCTIONALITY… DECREASING."
The beams of light continued to rain down, each one striking with precision and force. Metal Sonic's movements slowed, its once-fluid motions jerking erratically as its systems were overwhelmed. Its crimson eyes flickered, the glow dimming with each passing second.
Finally, with a deafening explosion of light and sound, Metal Sonic's body convulsed violently before collapsing to the ground. The impact sent a reverberating clang through the Grand Hall, its metallic frame sparking and smoking as the last remnants of its energy faded away. Its glowing red eyes, once filled with cold malice, flickered weakly before dimming completely, leaving only a dark, lifeless screen.
The mechanical doppelgänger of Sonic lay motionless, its once-imposing presence reduced to nothing more than a heap of broken metal and wires. Faint wisps of smoke curled upward from its shattered frame, the only sound in the now-silent hall.
Aqua landed gracefully, the soft click of her boots against the marble floor breaking the stillness. Her Keyblade shimmered faintly, its glow receding as she lowered it to her side. She stood over Metal Sonic's remains, her sharp blue eyes scanning the wreckage for any sign of activity. There was none.
"You don't belong here, Metal," she said firmly, her voice steady but tinged with an edge of finality. Her words carried not just resolve, but a deeper meaning—a rejection of the distortions that sought to consume this world. She tightened her grip on Master's Defender as she gazed at the lifeless form before her.
She stepped back from the broken machine, her thoughts racing. The Grand Hall fell into an uneasy silence, the echoes of the battle fading into the distance. Yet, Aqua could feel it—the faint hum of the world's heart still shrouded in darkness, calling out to her.
"Whoever is behind this," Aqua muttered, her gaze lifting to the towering stained-glass windows. "I'll stop you. No matter what it takes."
RANK: S
Aqua's grip on Master's Defender tightened as a shimmering light began to form at the far end of the Grand Hall. Her sharp blue eyes locked onto the spot where Ventus was once supposed to be, resting in slumber. The light grew brighter, pulsating softly before taking shape—a Keyhole. Aqua's breath caught in her throat as the heart of the world revealed itself.
"The Keyhole…" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the stillness of the hall.
Steeling herself, Aqua raised her Keyblade and pointed it toward the glowing Keyhole. The Keyblade began to hum faintly, its light intensifying. A thread of radiant light shot out from the weapon's tip, winding its way toward the Keyhole. As it connected, the Grand Hall was filled with a resonating sound, a deep, echoing chime that reverberated through the space like a bell tolling across eternity.
The light from the Keyhole grew blinding for a brief moment, and then, with a resounding click, the Keyhole vanished, leaving behind a peaceful stillness.
Aqua lowered her Keyblade, her gaze fixed on the spot where the Keyhole had been. Her breathing was steady but shallow, her thoughts racing.
"Is it done?" she murmured, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"You've done well, Aqua," came a familiar voice, warm and reassuring.
Startled, Aqua turned quickly, her Keyblade raised instinctively. Her eyes widened when she saw Master Eraqus standing behind her, his ghostly form bathed in a faint, ethereal glow. He smiled gently, his expression radiating pride and calm.
"Master Eraqus," Aqua said, her weapon disappearing from her hand. "Is the heart of this Land of Departure… safe now?"
Eraqus nodded, his calm demeanor steadying her.
"For now, yes. You've done an admirable job restoring it," he confirmed. "The distortions plaguing this place have been neutralised, at least for the time being. But this is only the beginning, Aqua. Other worlds remain trapped in this void, their hearts struggling as this one did."
Aqua nodded, her mind already racing to the thought of what lay ahead. But then Eraqus's gaze shifted, his expression growing curious as he noticed Metal Sonic. The metallic frame lay crumpled and lifeless, faint wisps of smoke still curling from its joints.
"That metallic blue construct," Eraqus said, his brow furrowed. "A past enemy of yours?"
Aqua followed his gaze, her blue eyes narrowing slightly.
"Metal Sonic," she said, her voice tinged with both recognition and unease. "But not the one I knew. I fought a version of him before in the Realm of Darkness, alongside Sonic and Shadow. This one… this one didn't even know me."
"A metal version of your friend, Sonic? Fascinating," Eraqus remarked. "Its origin in the timeline must be different—a fragment pulled here like this Land of Departure. It seems the distortions are pulling entities from across time and space indiscriminately."
"I don't know why it was here, but if there are others like it, these distortions are more dangerous than I thought," Aqua replied, her gaze still on the defeated Metal Sonic.
Eraqus turned back to her, his warm smile returning.
"That is a question for another time, my dear student. For now, the heart of this world is safe, and your work here is done. But the other worlds… they will need you, Aqua."
Aqua hesitated, her thoughts drifting to the journal page she had found earlier. She wanted to ask about it, to understand the cryptic words and whether they connected to her past, but something held her back. Instead, she looked at her master, her expression softening.
"Will I see you again, Master?" she asked, her voice quiet but tinged with hope.
Eraqus's smile grew faint, his ethereal form flickering slightly.
"I cannot say. My presence here is tied to the echoes of this place. But know this—I am always with you, Aqua. Even in this state, I remain a part of the light that guides you. Remember that."
Aqua's composure wavered, her blue eyes glistening as she stepped closer. Though she was a Nobody, fragmented and incomplete, she felt a strange warmth—a flicker of light she couldn't explain. She moved toward Eraqus and, without hesitation, embraced him tightly. He felt solid, though faint, and she clung to him like a child holding on to a cherished memory.
"Thank you, Master," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Eraqus placed a gentle hand on her back, his voice soothing as he spoke.
"Goodbyes aren't forever, Aqua. Trust in the light, even when you cannot feel it. It is always there, just as I will always be with you."
Aqua stepped back, her eyes lingering on her master's fading form. She wiped away a tear that threatened to fall, steeling herself once more.
With a final nod, Eraqus's form dissolved into light, the faint glow of his presence fading into the air like the last ember of a dying flame. Aqua stood motionless for a moment, her gaze fixed on the spot where her master had just been. The Grand Hall, now silent and still, seemed almost hollow without his presence, but a lingering warmth remained, as if his words still resonated in the space around her.
She exhaled deeply, a quiet but steady breath that carried the weight of her emotions. Turning towards the exit of the Grand Hall, Aqua squared her shoulders, her sharp blue eyes glancing towards the stairs that marked her path forward.
"Other worlds need me," she said softly, her voice resolute. "And I'll save them. No matter what it takes."
As her boots clicked softly against the floor, Aqua's mind wandered, her thoughts shifting to the fractured timelines and the strange forces at play. But one thought rose above the rest—a name, a presence she had come to rely on, despite the chaos that had consumed her life.
"Shadow…" she murmured to herself, her tone carrying a faint trace of worry. "I hope you're okay in all this mess."
The first trapped world for Aqua is saved. More worlds and encounters are yet to come.
Thanks everyone for the support, this was a big chapter to write but the kind reviews, favourites and follows keep me going.
I was going to write Shadow's ARK Act 2 first, but I thought seeing Aqua's side of the story play out first made more sense.
Seems Aqua has been hanging around Shadow too long. She will be muttering the words, "Where is that damn fourth Chaos Emerald soon!"
Back in Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix: Blue Blur Edition - Sonic was the one who named Aqua's Keyblade, The Master's Defender. A nice nod to that chapter of Sonic & Shadow helping Aqua with her memories.
Thanks for the brainstorming sessions with Aragorn II Elessar & Terrence Johnny Stanford. Some great ideas were discussed to help move forward Shadow and Aqua's stories.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Shadow's ARK Act 2 coming soon!