Chapter Text
As Terra glided through the vastness of space his armor hid a very worried look upon his face. In world after world that Terra had been to, he was forced to confront himself and his choices. He even feared that he had cost a young maiden her heart. What had started as a simple mission of finding Master Xehanort and information about the unversed had slowly begun spiraling out of control. Terra was doing some heavy contemplation as he tried to figure out where to go next. Looking at his map he noticed another world that he had not previously seen. It was labeled as “The Boiling Isles” and looked like a large skeleton made up a large portion of the land there. Knowing he still had work to do Terra guided his glider to the world.
Terra found himself in a small clearing next to what was clearly a large and imposing castle. He began making his way to the castle only to spot another figure on the road ahead. She was adorned in a white robe and white mask which covered her face. She called out to Terra as he approached her.
“Who are you?” she demanded, “what are you doing so close to Emperor Belos’s castle?!”
“My name is Terra,” replied Terra, “I came to this world to investigate some things and I was looking for someone.”
“There is nothing for you to find here,” she snapped at him, “best be on your way boy.”
Before Terra could say anything, unversed appeared, the woman was shocked at the sight of them.
“What are these creatures?” she asked
“Unversed,” replied Terra drawing his keyblade, “Don’t worry I’ll take care of them
[Information: Help the mysterious woman fight the unversed]
Terra charged straight into battle and swatted aside the first unversed. He activated a Blitz and used it against a different unversed defeating them. Terra’s mighty swings helped to take care of a large unversed that came near him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the strange woman using a staff to cast magic and defeat the unversed that way. With the both of them fighting it wasn’t long before the unversed had been taken care of.
“I must say you handle that sword quite well,” said the woman removing her mask so she could better see Terra. Her face was the same shade of white as her cloak and she starred at Terra with piercing green eyes.
“My name is Lilith,” she explained, “I am a member of the Emperor’s coven.”
“What is the Emperor’s Coven?” asked Terra.
“How do you not know of the Covens” wondered the woman, “Are you not a witch?” As she said this she glanced at Terra’s ears.
“You ears,” commented Lilith, “truly you are not from here. Are you human?”
“I, well that’s a weird question to ask, but as far as I know I am,” replied Terra.
“Then did you come here from the human realm?” Lilith again queried.
“I can’t quite divulge all the details,” said Terra nervously, how did she know that I was from another world? Drat just my luck! I’m supposed to keep the existence of other worlds secret, but somehow she’s already figured it out.
“It has been some time since a human was last spotted in the Boiling Isles,” explained Lilith, “what business brings you here?”
Terra decided that at this point he may as well be honest. He would try not to give out too much information about other worlds or how to travel between them. If the woman had already deduced something on her own then it would be best to try and get her cooperation, “I’m looking for someone, his name is Master Xehonart. I’m also trying to find the source of those creatures.”
“Perhaps I can assist you in your quest,” she began, “I serve Emperor Belos the supreme authority here on the Boiling Isles. I can grant you an audience with him. If there is anyone who has knowledge of what it is you seek it is he.”
It’s weird that one person might hold the answers I seek, thought Terra, is this like that magic mirror? It sounds as though this Belos might be more cooperative.
“Very well I’d like to ask Belos” said Terra.
“Emperor Belos” corrected Lilith, “very well follow me I will lead you to his highness.”
[Formed a D-link with Lilith]
Terra followed Lilith and soon they arrived at an impressive looking castle. Terra had seen several castles in many of the other worlds he had visited and this one looked just as majestic. There was a drawbridge leading inside and the castle was adorned with white flags that all bore the same symbol of what looked like a triangle with wings. As Terra was led into the castle, he noticed there were many guards on the ramparts as well as throughout the corridors. He caught a glimpse of what looked like a large ornate painting depicting a figure in white holding a golden orb in his hand.
“That is the emperor,” explained Lilith noticing Terra glancing at the portrait. “Before him witches were using magic incorrectly. The way they used magic was a disgrace to the Titan. Belos can speak to the Titan and it was through his guidance that the savage ages came to an end, now witches are divided into covens to bring order to the chaos.”
“What is this Titan you speak of?” asked Terra.
“The Titan is the very creature that makes up this island,” answered Lilith, “we are standing on its bones and this castle is in what was once its heart. If you were to fly above the island you would see it’s complete form.”
“Oh that’s—” began Terra slightly taken aback by what Lilith had said. He had never heard of such a place before.
“We are here,” said Lilith as the two of them arrived in front of a great set of doors. “Wait here, let me go in first and introduce you. I will call you when ready.” With that the doors opened, and Lilith entered. For a brief second Terra looked inside and could see what looked like a giant still beating heart. Below the heart was a throne and he assumed Emperor Belos was seated there. The doors closed quickly before he could make out the figure on the throne and he began his wait.
Emperor Belos was seated at his throne. The emperor was a tall imposing figure clothed in white and gold robes. His face was adorned with a large mask, no one had ever seen his true face. Belos’s very presence inspired fear and dread. He was reportedly the most powerful witch of the Boiling Isles and few dared challenge his power. Lilith marched to where the emperor was seated and immediately bowed to him.
“My Lord I have made an amazing discovery,” she began, “I found a being not of this world, he claims to have come from outside the Boiling Isles. I think he might even be from the human realm, perhaps he has the knowledge of how to travel there that you seek.”
Belos listened to Lilith’s claim his expression unreadable behind his mask. He paused before responding in a voice that reverberated through his mask. This gave his impressive voice a tinge of echo and helped to make his presence even more intimidating.
“Indeed, this would seem almost too fortuitous,” he said, “though surely he wishes something in return I imagine.”
“He claimed to be looking for someone, a Master Xehonart,” said Lilith, “I believe if anyone has the knowledge that he seeks it would be you sire.”
Again, Emperor Belos paused, this time for much longer, before answering.
“I have no knowledge of such a person, though I can ask the Titan for him. Before I do though, I think we might make use of him. In case his method of travel is not feasible for my plans. Tell me Lilith, is your sister still covenless wandering around the isles defying my will?”
Lilith hesitated for a moment before responding, “to the best of my knowledge yes, though it has been years since I saw her last. But my sister need not be punished for such an offense. I think I can convince her to join your coven sire, and then she will no longer be in defiance of your will. I told you that at one point in her life not to long ago she wished to be a part of your illustrious coven.”
“Then let us pay a visit to her with this new stranger. First send him in so that I may speak with him,” said Belos, “let us see what he has to offer. Let us speak alone Lilith.”
Lilith rose from her kneeling position and walked back towards the entrance to the chambers, she opened the door and motioned for Terra to enter while this time she stayed outside. As Terra strode towards the large ornate throne his eyes were fixated on the heart above it. The heart was massive and beating in a slow steady rhythm. Many questions about the nature and existence of this heart coursed through Terra’s mind as he drew nearer to Belos.
“I hear you came from outside the isles,” said Belos to Terra, “where exactly are you from?”
“I can’t say too much about that,” replied Terra, “but I was told you may be able to answer a question I have.”
“What do you desire to know?” asked Belos.
“Where is Master Xehonart? And where do the unversed come from?” said Terra.
Belos was silent for a moment before replying.
“The Titan knows nothing about your Master Xehonart, but he did say that the unversed seem to be following a certain individual. The Titan sensed when this person arrived here, and they brought the unversed with them. While he no longer feels their presence in this land, the unversed have remained.”
He must be talking about the boy in the mask, thought Terra to himself. How can one person control these creatures?
“Now I’ve done something for you, you must do something for me,” said Belos.
“What is it you wish?” asked Terra.
“How did you come to be here? I wish to know what method of travel you used to get from your world to this one,” asked Belos.
Why does he want to know that? Thought Terra, still he did help me out, I don’t see the harm in telling him especially when as far as I know he wouldn’t be able to make use of it.
“My method of travel is unique,” replied Terra, “I am afraid that it is only possible if one has a key-blade like this.” With that he summoned his key-blade to his hand allowing Belos to see it.
“That sword is called a key-blade then,” queried Belos as he continued to gaze at it, “and how would one go about obtaining one?”
“I’m afraid that they will only manifest themselves to those they consider worthy,” said Terra, “may I ask why you are so interested in traveling to other worlds?”
“I wish to gather more knowledge, and I also seek to unify the worlds,” replied Belos, “is it not such a tragedy that all worlds must remain separated? Can you not imagine how much could be accomplished if all the people of every world could interact and help each other?”
As Terra listened to Belso’s reasoning he was once again reminded of Xehonart. He recalled the old master once expressing a similar sentiment over how unfair it was for the worlds to remain apart and unaware of each other’s existence. Eraqus had countered that the worlds must remain separate for both their own sake and for the sake of the light in general.
“Still if you cannot provide me with a key-blade perhaps you can still be of service to me,” continued Belos, “There is a certain criminal that has been a thorn in my side for quite some time. She continues to defy my rule and practice magic unrestricted by a Coven. Go with Lilith and arrest her! Remember I did speak to the Titan for you.”
“Why would you restrict magic though?” asked Terra, “I have a friend who is an adept spell caster. She wouldn’t be so graceful if she were restricted.”
“Your rules concerning magic are not mine,” growled Belos, “and these rules are not even mine, but the Titan’s. He is the one who wishes magic to be restricted. It is for the good of all the citizens of this place.”
Terra hesitated, as he listened more and more to Belos, the thought that this person was lying to him began to grow in his head. Still he sensed immense power from this emperor and decided that at least for now his best course of action was to at the very least play along.
“Very well, I will do as you say,” said Terra, offering a slight bow to the emperor as he turned and exited the room. Once outside he explained everything to Lilith who seemed to know exactly who the emperor was talking about.
“This criminal is actually my sister,” said Lilith, “I know where she lives, we will go there now.”
“If you know where she lives why hasn’t she already been arrested?” wondered Terra.
“She has certain defenses that prevent us from simply charging in, though perhaps with your sword you can be an asset in helping us bring her to justice.” Said Lilith.
The two left the Emperor’s castle. They journeyed for a long time before arriving at what looked like an ordinary house. Before they could approach any closer though Lilith held out her arm to hold Terra back.
“Look closely at the door, do you see the bird there?” she asked Terra.
Terra squinted to get a better look at the door. Indeed he noticed what looked like a tiny head in the shape of an owl resting in the middle of the door.
“Is that what you’re afraid of,” he asked almost laughing.
“If you think it’s so easy then you go ahead, I guarantee you will be surprised,” warned Lilith.
Terra stepped forward key-blade already drawn. He hadn’t gone more than a few paces though when suddenly the figure he had seen in the door came rushing towards him. It was then he realized that while it was in the shape of an owl, its body was that of a long snake! The figure came right up to his face and spoke to him in a high-pitched squeaky voice.
“Sorry Eda isn’t accepting visitors right now, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave, hoot!” said the strange owl-snake thing.
“We’re here to arrest Eda for her crimes,” replied Terra, “so let us in or else.”
“Well I guess we’ll have to go with or else, hoot!” said the owl thing.
[Information: Defeat Hooty!}
Terra struck quickly at the owl thing, he managed to score some good hits but the thing quickly retreated. It then stuck its head into the ground and appeared behind Terra, hitting him from behind and sending him flying. Terra recovered and resumed his attack on the beast activating his Critical Impact Style to allow him even stronger blows. His strikes were slower however and the fast beast was able to avoid many them. Still Terra was able to catch him in his finisher and defeat him. The owl thing retreated to the door in pain. After that the door opened and a woman in red emerged.
Terra took in this woman’s appearance. She was clothed in a red dress and red boots. She had white hair that came down in a white flowing mane all the way to her waist. Her golden eyes were looking right back into Terra’s and she was carrying a wooden staff in her hand.
“Man I never thought I’d see the day someone would get the better of Hooty,” she said, “I may have to consider adding some security upgrades. Anywho who are you and what do you want with me? You must really have wanted to get my attention if you beat up Hooty.”
At that point Lilith emerged from her hiding place to join Terra. The witch in red turned her eyes towards her.
“Oh Lilith did you recruit this guy? I mean don’t get me wrong he is a tall drink of water and seeing as he beat Hooty he must be strong too, but I’m not going with you or joining the Emperor’s Coven,” said Eda.
“The way I see it you have little choice,” replied Lilith, “either come with us peacefully and join the Emperor’s Coven or Terra here will make you.”
“Terra?!” said an unknown voice. At that moment, the door to the Owl House opened and a young boy emerged from it. A young boy that Terra immediately recognized.
“Ventus?!” exclaimed Terra, “what are you doing here?”
“I—I—I well it’s a long story, but that doesn’t matter now,” stammered Ventus.
“It does matter,” said Terra sternly, “Aqua told me you ran away from home and I didn’t want to believe it, but here you are. How could you worry Master Eraqus like that?”
“I—I was worried about you!” yelled Ventus, “Master Eraqus said you had darkness in your heart, then that masked boy told me you were in trouble, now here you are trying to arrest Eda, she hasn’t done anything wrong.”
“Eda is a criminal,” exclaimed Lilith, “she defies the Emperor’s will by refusing to join a coven. You are an outsider too aren’t you boy?” she said to Ventus.
“Eda’s been kind to me, she taught me things about magic I had never learned before,” protested Ventus.
“I’m sorry Ventus, but I have to stop her in order to complete my mission,” said Terra.
“Why? Who told you to do that?” asked Ventus.
“We are acting on behalf of Emperor Belso, ruler of the Boiling Isles,” replied Lilith, “In any case Eda, why do you keep being so stubborn, you would still be able to use all magic if you joined the coven.”
“You can’t really think it will be that easy, do you?” asked Eda.
“It can be if you let it be,” shot back Lilith.
“In any case Belos told me something of the unversed, that is why I have to arrest Eda,” said Terra.
“Are you sure what he told you was even true?” asked Ventus.
“Can I jump in here for a sec?” asked Eda nonchalantly, “listen big guy I don’t know what Lilith or the emperor have told you but trust me when I say they don’t have your best intentions at heart. That bonehead isn’t even strong enough to leave his castle.”
“Oh! is that what you think?” asked a voice, the voice seemed as though it spoke in the mind of all those present. Suddenly in flash of red and white Emperor Belos appeared in the middle of all those gathered. He appeared holding a strange staff with a glowing red orb in the middle.
“I must say good work Terra, you defeated the house demon and now the Owl Lady is at my mercy,” said Belos
“You haven’t defeated me yet!” exclaimed Eda defiantly spinning her staff in her hand and preparing to fight.
“Oh but it’s not you I’m really interested in anymore,” said Belos. With a wave of his staff he struck Eda with a red beam entrapping her in a red bubble. He turned his attention to Ventus, “you have one of those key swords as well don’t you boy.”
“What?!” exclaimed Terra and Ventus at the same time.
“I suppose we should start there,” said Belos, he barely moved his finger and suddenly Ventus was surrounded by a red aura unable to move he floated through the air towards Belos, “now open the path to the human realm for me, or I will make your life very unpleasant.”
“STOP!” yelled Terra as he charged at Belos with his key-blade raised. Belos however moved Ventus in front of him to block his attack.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, unless you want your friend to get hurt,” threatened Belos.
“You monster!” screamed Terra at Belos, “how could you do this?”
“The Titan wants to have access to the human realm, and I will do whatever it takes to obtain it,” said Belos.
“Wait stop!” exclaimed Ventus, “I’ll give you what you want, just please let me down.”
“Ventus no! Don’t do it,” pleaded Eda, “You can’t let Belos have that kind of power.”
“It’s the only way,” said Ventus sadly.
With that the red aura around Ventus dissipated and he found himself in control again. Ventus summoned his key blade and handed it to Belos. As he did this Terra finally understood what Ventus was planning.
“The Titan will be pleased,” exclaimed Belos as he took the key-blade in his hand and gave it a swing to test it out. It was with that swing however that the key-blade suddenly vanished from Belos’s hand and reappeared in Ventus’s, who by this point had already moved away from a very surprised Belos. Terra took this opportunity to charge at Belos with his own key-blade. He swung at Belos but his swing hit air as Belos teleported away from his location.
“I’m disappointed in you Terra,” yelled Belos, as he reappeared in front of him “I spoke to the Titan for you and this is how you repay me!”
“I don’t care who you think you can talk to or what you claim to have done for me,” retorted Terra, he pointed his key-blade straight at Belos as he spoke, “I won’t let you hurt my friends!”
Terra’s keyblade began glowing in a dark aura as he said these words, Terra noticed it and tried to calm himself, some help came as he felt Ventus put his hand on him. This helped to ease Terra’s rage.
“Terra, it’s ok I’m fine,” assured Ventus, “don’t count me out, I can help. We’ll fight him together.”
“Oh, you intend to fight me?” said Belos amused, “Lilith, assist me against these heathens.”
“Yes, Lord Belos,” replied Lilith as she raced to his side.
[Information: Defeat Emperor Belos and Lilith!]
Terra charged straight at Belos but the emperor once again vanished before Terra could land a blow. Meanwhile Lilith sent a spell straight at Ventus, but he managed to dodge just in time and countered by shooting an ice spell at her. Ventus continued using Ice commands until he entered his Diamond Dust form. With the power of ice he dealt a series of rapid blows to Lilith sending her flying away. Terra was still struggling to fight Belos as he seemed to be able to anticipate his moves and was able to avoid them.
“What’s wrong Terra?” taunted Belos again almost as though he was speaking in his head, “I thought you liked fighting!” Belos appeared behind him and fired a blast from his staff that hit Terra knocking him down.
“You can’t fight me without the power of darkness, use your hate. I tried to hurt your friend doesn’t that make you angry!”
“Don’t listen Terra!” cried Ventus as he rushed over to help, “Terra you’re fighting him to protect me. That makes you a good person. You always use your strength to help others. Don’t forget your friends they can give you strength too!”
“My friends,” thought Terra as he struggled to stand up. It was then that an idea came to him! Terra focused and activated his D-link with Aqua. He was now able to draw strength from her as well as abilities. Not only that but the form also offered him protection from magic attacks.
“You seem to like using magic, let me show you some of mine!” boasted Terra. With that he began using various magic spells to catch the Emperor off guard. He kept up his attack and before long had Belos on the defensive. Finally he activated the forms finisher to deal the final blow to Belos.
Belos staggered back, Ventus joined with Terra and they both realized the plan together. The aimed their key-blades at Belos and fired a beam of light directly at him. The twin beams of light struck him in the chest and Belos staggered even more. Suddenly his breathing became heavy and he fell to his knees.
“My liege,” exclaimed Lilith, running over to Belos. She attempted to pick him up and, in an instant, he had teleported both himself and Lilith away, presumably back to his castle.
There was a worrying air as the remaining individuals held their weapons tight afraid that Belos might suddenly reappear. It gradually dissolved as the moment became longer and it seemed more certain that Belos was gone for good.
“Atta boy Ventus!” congratulated Eda to the young boy, “man I thought you were something when you beat up those creatures, but you managed to trick the Emperor. You’ve got spirit kid!”
“Well it’s not all me,” replied Ventus, “I’ve had some good teachers.”
“Not to spoil the fun,” said Terra, “but why don’t you fill me in on exactly what happened.”
With that Ventus began explaining what had happened to him on his journey. He told Terra of how he had arrived in this world and met the witch in red. Her name was Eda the Owl Lady and he had helped to protect her from the unversed, in return she had started teaching him a few things about how magic worked in this world. Ventus showed Terra some of what he had learned by hitting his key-blade against the ground and having it activate an array of ice through the ground in a straight line.
“That’s a lot different from any Blizzard spells I’ve seen,” said Terra genuinely impressed.
“You know the both of you could stay,” Eda offered to Terra and Ventus, “kid I could teach you more about magic and as for you,” she said looking Terra over, “well how do you feel about women over 30?”
Ventus couldn’t help but laugh at this as Terra tried to hide an embarrassed smile. “I’m afraid I can’t stay I still have duties to do as key-blade master, as for Ventus…”
“I know I can’t stay,” said Ventus in a resigned tone, “at least not forever, but maybe I could stay just a little bit longer. I’ve seen so much not just here but in the other worlds I’ve visited. I never imagined there could be so much out there. Terra please I don’t want to go home just yet.”
Terra glanced down at Ventus, his eyes were wide and pleading. He then glanced over at Eda who was still wearing a flirty smile on her face as though that might also convince Terra. Finally he ruffled up Ventus’s hair before saying, “Ventus it would be irresponsible of me as key-blade master to not take you home immediately. However, seeing as I’m not one I suppose I can let it slide. Perhaps it will be good for you to learn about the worlds outside our own.”
Ventus rushed forward and gave Terra a big hug, “Thank you Terra! I promise I’ll go home eventually, I’m not in any danger I’ve been able to hold my own against the unversed and I know you’re with me in spirit.” Ventus bid Terra farewell and rushed back to the house leaving Eda and Terra alone outside.
“I guess you must not be all that bad if you looked after Ventus,” said Terra to Eda, “Thanks for that by the way. I’m sorry I almost arrested you.”
“Well it’s nice to know that you aren’t someone who blindly believes things. You’d be surprised with how many witches seem to think that Belos is telling the truth about his coven system,” answered Eda.
“He mentioned being able to speak to the Titan as well. Does he mean the thing we are standing on? I thought it was dead?” asked Terra.
“Personally I don’t believe it,” responded Eda, “Not only does Belos claim he can talk to the Titan, but he also claims he’s the only one who can do that. Sounds just a little suspicious to me.”
Still he told me something I know is true, Terra thought, I wonder….
“In any case I promise to take care of your kid,” said Eda.
“Again thank you, I hope he doesn’t prove to be too much trouble,” said Terra.
“Eh I can handle trouble,” replied Eda, “Seems like you can too, you and I could make one helluva team,” said Eda, once again giving Terra a raised eye so that he might understand her meaning.
Terra chuckled at this before responding, “I’m afraid I’m what you might call married to the job, I still have a duty to fulfill; that is the life of a key-blade knight. And now I must leave to continue that duty.”
“Stay safe human,” called Eda as she turned to go back to her house. She paused before adding, “don’t take too many risks, Ventus looks up to you, make sure you don’t let him down.”
Terra nodded in silent understanding of what Eda had said, then he activated his armor and his glider. He took off and was about to leave when he looked down from the sky and for the first time was able to see the entirety of the Boiling Isles. It was indeed in the shape of a large being. He was finally able to see its entire form, he saw the chest where Belos’s castle was, he saw the head with horns, he saw Eda’s house where he had just left. He looked into the sky and saw stars shining in the distance. Terra took in the sight and delayed leaving to enjoy it. He had to admit from this angle the isles looked beautiful. The moment was over all too quickly and he disappeared into the sky to seek his next adventure.
Back at the Emperor’s castle Belos was back in his throne room, he had just sliced open a wooden figure, spilling some green liquid out of it and pouring that liquid straight into his eyes. After consuming this strange substance, he turned to face Lilith.
“Lilith I want you to tell the Coven to learn everything they can about this key-blade. I want to make it’s research our number one priority!”
“Yes my liege,” said Lilith, “Are you certain you are well? I could call a healer if you—”
“You have your orders, now go!” barked the Emperor. Though before she left the room he added, “Also tell the Coven that if they see anyone else wielding a key-blade that I want them brought to me ALIVE! Do you understand?”
“Yes Emperor Belos,” said Lilith as she left the room. The door closed behind her and the Emperor was left in deep silent thought about what his next move would be….