The scene shows the FireFly in the world map with the team leaving San Fransokyo. They were examining the DNA sample Arc got from Repliku and they were going over the results. He was in a lab coat and had goggles on to get a closer look at the sample.
Sora: okay, I get the goggles, but why the lab coat, Arc?
Arcturus: what? I gets me in character.
Donald: did you find anything?
Arcturus: (pulls goggles on forehead) actually yes. We were right; the Riku we saw is in fact a replica. I don't know how Vexen did it, but he managed to recreate an actual living being, right down to the last atom. The "Repliku" we saw may look 15 years old, but these cells show he could be no older then a few weeks.
Sora: okay, that's bizarre.
Donald: what's a Repliku?
Arcturus: well, we can't call him Riku the second.
Goofy: he does have a point. (Beat) so, if Vexen created Repliku, does that mean there's a chance he made more replicas?
Arcturus: most likely. Xehanort's been planning this for a long time. All the members of his new Organization were given new bodies, but even a genius like him couldn't have made this many this fast. Which means they must've had outside help to make them.
Donald: can we use this DNA to make more?
Clara: unfortunately, we can't. Once a replica's been given a heart, the DNA rewrites itself to match the heart's genetic marker. The only thing we'd clone form this is another Riku.
Sora: (disappointed) which means we're back to square one.
Arcturus: (removes goggles and coat) don't give up, buddy. We're close to figuring this out. For now, we'll keep helping others.
They then heard ringing and Sora sees its it call from Chip and Dale. They head to the main room and Sora patches the call into the intercom.
Sora: hey guys, what's up?
Dale: we got baaad news!
Arcturus: what's wrong?
Chip: (pulls Dale off the phone) we totally lost contact with the King and Riku! They're all on their own in the realm of darkness!
Everyone: what?!
Sora: see? I knew I shoulda gone!
Donald: Chip, how do we get to 'em?
Sora: (annoyed) now we can ask?
Arcturus: let's not play the blame-game. What's matters is getting there now.
Goofy: it's not like we can use that big old door anymore. It's completely gone.
Sora: yeah, we closed it after beating Ansem.
Jiminy: and we certainly can't ask the King or Riku.
Sora: 'cause you wouldn't let me ask.
Dale: only King Mickey can open a door to the realm of darkness.
Chip: it's because he has a special Keyblade of darkness. He figured out how to make it open the way.
Goofy: gawrsh, what'll we do then?
Arcturus: that can't be the only way.
Clara: what are you thinking, partner?
Arcturus: the Organization, or people with special connections to darkness, can open corridors to that place. With a giant place like that, there'd have to be a back door of some kind to gain access.
Sora thinks about it for a bit and summons his Keyblade. He was following his heart and it opened a gateway.
Arcturus: where are we going?
Donald: it doesn't matter! Go!
Goofy: hurry, guys!
Sora: okay.
Arcturus then takes control of the ship and entered the portal.
*DESTINY ISLANDS*
The gang arrived to Sora's home world. For being a tiny world, this has seen much darkness. In a way, this was where it all began. The boys were walking by the shore and Arc was observing his pocket watch.
Sora: why do you think that gate took us here?
Arcturus: you're heart must be trying to tell you something.
They kept walking until they see something on the beach. It was a Keyblade with a black blade, a silver and bronze handle, and a black keychain with the BBS symbol.
Master's Defender
Sora: (picks it up) a Keyblade?
Donald: it looks so old.
Arcturus: it is. (Scans it) interesting.
Donald: what is it?
Arcturus: this kind of Keyblade was made for only person. A man name Eraqus, who happens to be Terra, Ventus, and Aqua's late Master.
Sora: if it was their master's, how did it end up here?
Goofy: hmm, maybe it's another guiding key.
Sora: but to guide us where?
He holds the blade out, and it suddenly shoots a beam of light to the entrance to a secret cave and created a special door. They headed over to it and Arc sees the watch glowing near it.
Goofy: a door.
Arcturus: from the looks of things, one that will take us to the realm of darkness.
Donald: let's go.
Sora: not you guys.
Donald and Goofy: huh?
Sora: the realm of darkness—it isn't safe for you.
Donald: forget it. I'm going.
Goofy: yeah. You can't make a whole pint without us.
Sora: (turns to him) come on, guys, think about it. Even the King and Riku struggled in the realm of darkness. Someone needs o stay out here, just in case. If something happens to the rest of us, you two need to carry on.
Donald: Sora... (angered) stop it!
Goofy: we understand, but we don't want you goin' someplace dangerous on your own.
Arcturus: why do you think I'm going with him? Somebody's gotta keep an eye on him.
Sora: Arc—
Clara: you can't talk him out, Sora. You'll need us to cover your back while you help Aqua.
Sora: (sighs) alright. We'll make sure Riku and the King are safe.
Donald and Goofy still looked a bit uncertain, but they knew Sora wasn't giving up this time. And since they've hanged out with Arc long enough, they know he's not giving up either.
Donald: you promise to be safe?
Goofy: and come back safe with the others?
Sora: yep.
Arcturus: don't worry, we always accomplish our mission.
They then turned and entered the door. When they entered, they crawled through the tunnel and entered the cave with multiple drawings over the years. Sora then sees the old door at the back of the wall.
Sora: of course. What else could this be? (Short pause) so, we just open this and we're there?
Arcturus: that's the idea.
Sora: you sure you want to come with? I know you've technically been there before, but you don't have to do this.
Arcturus: (smiles) you're gonna need some help. And, someone to keep and eye on you.
Sora returns the smile and holds Master Defender out. Arc's watch glowed brighter as he concentrates on where they needed to go and Sora fire a beam of light at it. The watch opens and releases a light to the door. When it fades, the door knob turns and it slowly opens.
Sora: huh.
Arcturus: what?
Sora: nothing just...I was expecting some—
The two were then grabbed by some sort of force that pulled them through the door. It closes behind them and the two were falling through darkness and heard countless screams beside them as they fell and screamed, too.
Arcturus: WAS THIS WHAT YOU WERE EXPECTING!?!?
Sora: PRETTY MUCH!!!
They kept falling until they landed on the ground. They groaned and got up to see they were in what appeared to be a destroyed version of Daybreak Town.
Sora: you okay?
Arcturus: yeah. You? (Sora nods yes)
Clara: well boys, welcome to the Dark World.
Sora: but where's Riku, Aqua and the King?
Arcturus: they must be farther ahead. If we hurry, we can catch up.
Clara: hold on a moment.
She materializes and began to create a holographic tablet.
Sora: what are you typing?
Clara: if I can reverse the genetic code of the sample from the clone Riku, I can use it to locate the real one. (Sees success) bingo! He's at the shores.
Sora: then that's where we're going!
They were then greeted by Heartless and even Soulless. The two summoned their Keyblades and got in a fighting stance.
Clara: (vanishes) careful, boys. Even the minor enemies are stronger in this world.
Sora: right.
Arcturus: let's do this!
*RIKU*
Back with Riku and Mickey, things weren't good. Riku was knocked down and Mickey got swallowed up in the Demon Tide. The tide then formed into a dark orb, and next thing he saw, was a figure jumping out of it and landing in the ground. Mickey wakes up, trapped in the orb, and sees the shadowy figure picking up his Keyblade.
???: this Keyblade...
Mickey: (gasps) is it her?
???: Mickey...
The shadow beings to fade off, and reveals to be a woman. Her outfit was tendered, her arms were coated in darkness with red fingers, she had bleached blue hair, and had piercing golden eyes. This is Aqua, but effected in darkness.
Aqua: you're too late.
Riku: Aqua?
Mickey: what happened?
Aqua: you abandoned me, that's what. Left me in this hell for more than a decade, knowing what it would do to me.
Mickey: (guilty) I'm sorry. It's all my fault.
Aqua: (turns and walks down the beach) I reached this shore after endless wandering. Waited forever for help to arrive. But no one ever came. (Walks on the water) I lost my Keyblade. Had no means of fighting my way back through these monsters. You should've known I was stranded. (Beat) do you have any idea how lonely it is here? How frightening it is to have no one? (Stops walking) all that's left in my heart is misery and despair...and now, (turns to face them) you can share it!
Riku then stands up and walks down to the shore. He understood her pain. Even through he wasn't there for long, he use to have nightmares of being here.
Riku: there's no need. Got my own.
In his mind, he was standing in darkness. He's alone, until the original Repliku, in a purple and red bodysuit and holding a repaired Way to Dawn stand beside him. They two look at each other before Repliku fades away into light, and Riku returns back. With a new determination, he summons Braveheart and gets ready to fight.
Riku: you saved me from this place, and now it's my turn to help you.
Aqua: you will try... But you'll both will die!
The orb holding Mickey begins to move and changed back to the Demon Tide. Aqua enters the tide and Riku gets ready to fight. As they fought, two other heroes were dealing with trouble of their own.
*SORA*
Arcturus had stopped running and set Sora down. The boys had retraced Riku's path, and the two were taking the same path Aqua took the first time. They went through the mirror room, the mines, a pillar room, and a dark forest. They had stopped and Arc had to eat something.
Sora: why do you carry that much food with you?
Arcturus: my metabolism increased to the point where I need to eat and drink a lot. Otherwise, I'll pass out.
Sora: that sounds annoying.
Arcturus: I've gotten use to it. I also can't get drunk. (Finishes and looks at the trail) we're getting closer to them.
???: you two shouldn't have come.
They then look to see another Organization member. This one was taller than them, had broad shoulders, and had white-silver spiked hair with gold yellow eyes. This was the Terra possessed by Xehanort, or Terranort as Cronos calls him.
Sora: Terra?
Terranort: not even. His heart has been dismissed into the darkness.
Arcturus: so, what do we call you?
Terranort: that rival of yours decided to call me Terranort.
Arcturus: okay, "Terranort." Why are you here?
Terranort: who you seek is impossible to find. Her heart has fallen deep into the abyss, and her soul will soon follow. If your precious King or "Master Riku" can't save her, what hope do you two have?
Sora: we're not giving up! It doesn't matter what you throw at us. We're getting Aqua, Ventus, and everyone else out!
Arcturus: that includes you, Terra. We know you're still in there. Fight against that monster, and come home. For Aqua. For Ventus... And for Eraqus.
For a brief moment, they saw his eyes flicker back to blue, but it soon fades back to yellow and he smirks. In a flash, he holds the Gazing Eye, and almost strikes Sora, but Arc was fast enough to parry the blade with a kick.
Terranort: you are indeed fast, boy. But it won't be enough—
Suddenly, he's grabbed in a choke hold but Terra, in spiritual form. The boys were surprised by this.
Sora: huh?
Terra: Sora! Arcturus!
Arcturus: Terra, what's happening?
Terra: I'm fighting back, but it won't last long. Xehanort's taken control of me. You both need to hurry and find Aqua!
Sora: what about you? We're not abandoning you!
Terra: there's no time!
Arcturus: just tell us where to find you!
Terra: you need to find—
Terranort: (grabs his face) enough of this!
Darkness then began to infect Sora and Arc as Grimm like claws were grabbing them.
Sora: (groans in pain) what is this? This...darkness?
Terranort: you both feel it, can you? In this world, you feel the sins of the trapped souls here. Souls full of rage. Pain. Sorrow. Bliss. That foolish master has felt them, and now you two as well.
Arcturus: (groans) Clara...
Clara: (glitching) it messing with my systems. We need to leave, now!
Terranort: too late for you both! (Evil smirk) welcome to Hell for Keyblade wielders, Guardians of Light. I don't think you'll like it here.
They then felt Heartless and Soulless closing in on them as the screams returned. Terra was struggling to break free, and Sora almost collapses from the darkness. Arcturus quickly tries one more trick, deactivates the gauntlet and draws his remaining energy.
Arcturus: DRAGON KING, SHIRO RYU!!!!!
The dragon emerges and creates an explosion that dispels the darkness and pushes Terranort back, freeing spirit Terra. Underneath the outfit, Arc's arm now spreads across his chest and move a bit faster. Sora looks up, and for a split second, saw Arc's dragon change from white, to black, before going back. This confuses him as Arc's Dragon King form finished. He moves fast and destroys the enemies.
Arcturus: we don't have much time, Terra. Where do we find you?
Terra: (flickers a bit) the Keyblade Graveyard. I'll be there, but find Aqua and Ventus first. Save them! (Fades into light)
Sora: Arc!
Knowing what he's referring to, Arc grabs Sora and the takes off in a flash of white lightning and goes to the shore.
*RIKU*
Back with Riku, he was holding his own but it wasn't lasting. He was beginning to loose energy and needed backup.
Riku: (panting) Sora...
Almost as if he was heard, a bright light shined in the sky, revealing the door from before. It opens, and Arc and Sora came flying down, landing right next to Riku. Arcturus sets Sora down and they stand up.
Sora: (grins) we made it!
Riku: Sora? Arc? How'd you two get here?
Arcturus: it's a long story. Right now, let's deal with the Heartless.
Nodding in agreement, Riku dismisses his weapon and he and Sora hold their hands out. With their combined magic, they summoned the special two sided Keyblade they used in the Dreamverse.
Arcturus then uses his Ultima to increase their power as well, and for a moment, both Sora and Riku gained dragon eyes and used their combined magic to strike down the tide, damaging it. Mickey is then thrown out, but Arc moves fast enough to grab him.
Riku runs to them, but Aqua is still standing, and rushes toward them for the killing blow. Riku summon his weapon, but then there's a burst of water upon impact. When it settles down, he sees Sora blowing her strike and Arc punches her back.
Sora: (turns to Riku) you okay?
Riku: yeah. How do you guys find us?
Sora: (summons Master's Defender) we had a little help.
Arcturus: (reverts to normal along with Keyblade) catch your breath and help Mickey. We'll deal with Aqua.
Riku: okay. (Goes to Mickey)
Once Riku left, the boys turned their attention back to Aqua. Arcturus was feeling a little pain from the transformation, but he brushed it off and got in a stance.
Sora: we don't want to fight you, Aqua.
Arcturus: but we will if you give us no choice.
Aqua: you two shouldn't have come. Now, this will be your grave!
The fight then commences. Her attacks were fast and she was able to create duplicates of herself to increase the odds, but they still held their own. She's then locking blades with them as they tried to reach her.
Sora: Aqua, we can help you.
Aqua: there's no, helping me! (Vanishes)
Arcturus: she's fast.
Sora: you're faster. Clara, how do we free her?
Clara: if you both combine your light, you should be able to free her. But first, we need to stop her.
She appears again as multiple clones and they had to find the real one. As they searched, she told them of her pain.
Aqua: I wasn't always like this. I was a master, and fighting to protect the light and my friends. But then, it all changed when Xehanort came. He killed my master, hurt my friends, and I was force to sacrifice everything.
Sora: Xehanort got you. I know what that's like. (Remembers Riku possessed, Kairi in a coma, and him almost dying to save them)
Aqua: (clashes with them) don't pretend to understand!
Arcturus: (locks blades) Master Aqua, listen! You have every right to be angry. To feel betrayed. But, this isn't who you are! This isn't what Terra or Ventus would want you to be!
Aqua: it doesn't matter! They're gone, because I couldn't save them, because you couldn't save me!
She flips back and triggers her command style, SPELL WEAVER, causing her attacks to increase. For one of her big moves, she creates two copies of herself and they started spinning in a triangular formation as they created powerful ice crystals that when they formed closer together and collided into a large blast of ice. They barely dodged it, but still kept going. This fight continued until Arc disarms her and Sora tries to pin her down.
Sora: you're a Guardian of Light, Aqua! You're not what this hell made you.
Arcturus: fight this! You're stronger then the darkness!
Aqua: (voice slightly brakes) stop! Stop talking to me!!!
With an unexpected darkness, she creates two giant claws that grabbed the two and began choking them. As they struggled, they saw tears running down her face.
Aqua: I failed. Even with all this power, I still lost it all. My light, my family, even my own humanity! (Sorrow) If I... If I had been stronger... If I was a better friend to Ven and Terra...then I could've saved them. I failed them... (angered) just like you failed me!
Clara: boys, if either of you have an idea, now would be a good time to do it.
An imaginary lightbulb pops in Arc's head and he summons his Keyblade.
Arcturus: Sora! Point your Keyblade at me and fire a special! The combined light should help break this.
Sora: this is your plan?
Arcturus: yep!
Sora: will it work?
Arcturus: yes!
Sora: are you sure?
Arcturus: yes!
Sora: is that a lie?
Arcturus: (short pause) of course it's a lie!
Sora: (summons Keyblade) it's good enough for me!
They point their weapons and charge up powerful light magic attacks. They fire beams that result in them colliding and creating an orb of energy that grew unstable until it exploded and made massive geyser of water. Riku and Mickey had shielded their faces with their arms as the blast settled down.
Riku: Sora!
Mickey: Arc!
When thing calmed down, Sora and Arc were standing back up as Aqua was staggering a bit. A dark shadow was covering her as a portal opens underneath her to pull her back in. As she falls back, they see the shadow fade and Aqua back to her old self.
Arcturus and Sora: Aqua!
Aqua is now descending back into the dark ocean, a seeing what happened, accepts her fate awaits for death.
Aqua: so...this is the end. (Closes eyes)
Sora: Aqua!
Aqua: (opens her eyes) Sora...
She sees Sora holding out his hand and she grabs it. Arcturus then makes like the last airbender and spins around enough to pull all of them out and he runs and grabs Riku and Mickey and everyone heads to the door, escaping this hell.
*DESTINY ISLANDS*
Donald and Goofy were waiting for what felt like hours for the gang to come back, when they see a flash of blue lightning and everyone back.
Donald and Goofy: (immediately goes to Mickey) your majesty!
Mickey: it's good to see ya, fellas.
Goofy: what happened in there?
Donald: we were worried sick!
Mickey: well, Riku and I were in trouble, but it could've been worse if Arc and Sora hadn't helped.
Speaking of which, Riku has set Aqua down and was helping Sora help Arc back up. Due to using too much of his power, he was exhausted. Not to mention carrying four people at once can really drain you.
Riku: you okay, Speedy?
Arcturus: (panting) I will be. Just, give me a second to catch my breath.
Sora: on the bright side, we got Aqua out, and we're still alive. (Glares at Riku) though none of this wouldn't have happened is you'd just let me go!
Arcturus: cut him some slack, buddy. He is a master, and was still fighting when we arrived. And, there were other worlds that needed help.
Sora: that's not the point! We still should've gone! Hell, you have the powers of a god, so you could've easily been done in a few seconds!
Arcturus: hey, just cause I'm fast, doesn't mean I'm THAT fast! Besides, I have a limit to how long I'm in that form. You know this!
Riku: (chuckles)
Sora: what?
Riku: sorry it's just, you two behave like you're cut from the same cloth.
Clara: I know!
The toe realize it again and just chuckled. Sora then remembers something he wanted to tell Arc.
Sora: hey Arc, when we broke free from the darkness, I thought I saw your dragon changing to a black one with red eyes. Has that happened before?
Arcturus: no. No, it's always been a white dragon. Maybe you were seeing things. That place does mess with one's head.
Sora: yeah, I guess your right.
Riku: guys! I think she's coming to.
While the others went over to Aqua, Arc was thinking out Sora's words on his dragon.
Arcturus's Thoughts: a black dragon?
Brushing it off. He heads over to the others where Aqua's waking up. She looks up, and for a moment, saw Ventus and Terra.
Ventus: Aqua!
Terra: Aqua!
Aqua: Ven... Terra...
But their images were replaced with Sora and Riku.
Sora: Aqua!
Riku: Aqua!
Aqua: (recognizes them) it's you...
Mickey: thank goodness. You're awake!
Aqua: Mickey... (looks around for a bit) are these...the Destiny Islands?
Mickey: that's right.
Aqua: when did they fall to darkness?
Riku: (shakes his head no) you're in the realm of light.
Arcturus: it wasn't easy, but we freed you from that hell.
Sora: (hold's a hand out) you're home.
Her eyes widened in shock of what she heard. This was overwhelming a bit, but when she realizes that it was indeed true, she cried tears of joy. After twelve years of endless fighting, running, and surviving in that hell, she was finally free. Everyone then gave her a group hug and welcomed her home. When they broke it, Mickey still looked a bit guilty.
Mickey: Aqua, I... I have no excuse. I should've come sooner to help. I'm so sorry.
Aqua: (smiles) I'm sorry, too. I was trapped there for so long, I had begun to loose hope. But, I knew deep down, I would find a way out. Thanks to all of you.
Donald: Sora and Arc helped you.
Aqua: Arc?
Sora: oh, right! (Gestures to Arc) this is Arcturus, a Keyblade wielder and speedster from the future.
Arcturus: (offers hand) call me Arc, for short. It's an honor to meet you, Master Aqua.
Aqua: (accepts hand) the honors mine, Arc. And please, just call me Aqua.
Goofy: so, what do we do now?
Sora: well, Arc and I got a lead on where to find Terra. But first, I think it's time we find Ventus.
Author's note: Aqua's saved!
When I first saw the boss fight for this, I replayed 0.2 mirror boss to see if I could study the attack patterns and prepare for the boss. The only flaw, however, how I was a different character, and Sora does not come equipped with a reflective shield outside of forms.
With the Dark World, essentially, it's the same as 0.2's environment. I was a bit surprised they didn't make this world exploreable in KH3, so I decided to incorporate it in here. If this was a real game, it would work like Twilight Town and The World That Never Was. In the sense where they'e accessible by Gummi ship, but does have a passage way in-between. So, both Destiny Islands and Dark World are exploreable now.
Original Repliku makes a cameo. I'm not sure where to take this, but I might think of something in the future.
The arm is growing. Now, it's half way across Arc's chest. As for the Black Dragon bit? It'll make sense in the future.
Now that Aqua's saved, they'll rewake Ventus, and then rescue Terra.
Before we go to the story, I'll do a quit cover chapter of our arsenal thus far.