Key of Unity

Chapter 3: Light's Return

Author Note:

Hey guy sorry, had some familie emergencies at the weekend and this is the first time I was able to take some time for this!

A brilliant flash of light tore through reality, depositing Aqua unceremoniously onto solid ground. She tumbled forward, her momentum carrying her across rough stone pavers before she managed to halt herself, palms scraping against the surface. For several disorienting moments, she remained on her hands and knees, eyes squeezed shut against the overwhelming brightness that assaulted her senses after so long in darkness.

"Andrew!" she gasped, reaching behind her instinctively, fingers grasping at empty air where the portal had been. "No, no, no..."

The portal was gone. She was alone. He had pushed her through.

Aqua's eyes finally adjusted enough to open, and she found herself staring at weathered stone steps leading up to a familiar crooked tower. Stars—actual stars—glittered in the twilight sky above her. A soft, warm breeze caressed her face, carrying scents she had almost forgotten existed: grass, earth, clean air.

The Mysterious Tower. Yen Sid's domain. She was back in the Realm of Light.

Anger flared within her, hot and sudden. "How dare you?" she whispered, her voice quickly rising. "How dare you make that decision for me!" She slammed her fist against the ground, frustration and guilt washing over her in equal measure. After all her time alone in darkness, to be saved while someone else took her place—it felt like both a miracle and a betrayal.

The tower door creaked open above her, spilling golden light onto the steps. A familiar silhouette appeared in the doorway.

"Who goes there?" called a gruff, commanding voice.

Aqua raised her head, still struggling to process her sudden transition between realms. "Master Yen Sid," she managed, her voice hoarse with emotion.

There was a beat of stunned silence, then hurried footsteps descending the stairs.

"It cannot be..."

The tall, imposing figure of the retired Keyblade Master came into view, his normally stoic expression giving way to naked astonishment as he recognized her. His piercing eyes widened beneath bushy eyebrows.

"Master Aqua," he breathed, genuine shock evident in his voice. "How is this possible?"

Aqua struggled to her feet, swaying slightly. The familiar weight of darkness that had pressed upon her for so long was gone, leaving her feeling strangely light, almost hollow. "I was... helped," she said, the words catching in her throat. "Someone stayed behind so I could escape."

Yen Sid's expression grew grave. He descended the remaining steps and, in an uncharacteristic gesture of familiarity, placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Come inside. You are safe now."

Aqua nodded mutely, allowing herself to be guided up the winding stairs and into the tower. Each step felt surreal, like walking through a half-remembered dream. After years of constant vigilance in the Realm of Darkness, the concept of safety seemed foreign, almost incomprehensible.

The tower's interior was exactly as she remembered—bookshelves stuffed with ancient tomes, magical artifacts displayed on pedestals, and the subtle hum of protective enchantments permeating the air. Yen Sid led her to his study, where the large desk still dominated the room, topped with star maps and scrolls.

"Sit," he commanded gently, gesturing to a chair that materialized seemingly from nowhere.

Aqua sank into it gratefully, her body suddenly remembering every wound, every battle, every moment of exhaustion she had pushed aside in her fight for survival.