"What are you doing?!"
Eraqus asked the creature in front of him, but received only a series of incoherent grunts in response. Then, the creature swung its sword toward the Keyblade master, executing a slow, sloppy swing that Eraqus easily dodged by stepping back. However, the creature persisted, advancing toward the master, delivering blow after blow as its skeletal feet stumbled with each step.
Eraqus, in turn, calmly dodged the attacks, his body moving reflexively thanks to decades of training and combat experience, while hundreds of thoughts raced through his mind. 'Where am I? How did I end up here? What hit me? What happened to Terra and Ventus? Moreover, what is this thing attacking me?'
Tired of the attempts of the being in front of him, Eraqus tried to summon his Keyblade with a subtle movement of his wrist, but widened his eyes slightly at the lack of the familiar magical heat and metal in the palm of his hand. The master did not let this shake him, knowing such distractions had no place in the midst of combat. He raised both hands and waited for the next attack.
The being, dressed in rags, seemed oblivious to his enemy's change in attitude and delivered a vertical blow, intending to split his opponent's skull in two. However, the attack never reached its destination. Eraqus moved in a blur, grabbing the being's wrist with his right hand and its robes with his left before effortlessly flinging it over his head and slamming it into the ground with enough force to crack the gray tile beneath his feet.
Eraqus raised both hands again, stepping back as he assumed a fighting stance. He raised an eyebrow in confusion as he saw the creature disappear into blue particles without a trace. Eraqus prepared for some kind of pain as the particles approached at high speed but was surprised when they disappeared into his chest with a faint buzzing sound.
Assuming a more relaxed stance, Eraqus analyzed his surroundings. He found himself in a cemetery within a rocky passage covered in ruins.
Old, dusty tombstones, with their names erased and falling apart, surrounded him on both sides. Gray, toppled ruins lay in the dirt passage in front of him, degraded by the climate and the passage of time. In addition, dry, crooked trees adorned the group of tombstones, casting gnarled shadows across the walkway. Meanwhile, sunbeams shone faintly, piercing through the cloudy sky and illuminating the place where he stood.
Seeing that there were no enemies nearby, Eraqus focused on the apparent problem—his Keyblade. The master tried to summon his weapon again, but no matter how hard he tried, the blade did not appear. Eraqus felt the blade responding to his call, but it was as if something prevented the two from meeting; the master just could not say what it was.
"This is quite troubling; I stopped being an inexperienced student a long time ago to have trouble summoning my Keyblade. Am I getting old? By the heart of the world, I hope not. Grandpa Cecil would laugh at me if he saw that," Eraqus spoke, lowering his hand with a defeated sigh, but chuckling lightly as he remembered his grandfather.
Then the Keyblade Master tried something different; he extended his hand towards a set of tombstones to his right and cast a spell. "Firaga!" However, nothing happened. The master grumbled in frustration, gritting his teeth before trying again. "Fira!" Unfortunately, he received a similar result as before. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Eraqus closed his eyes and whispered. "Fire!"
To his surprise, a medium-sized fireball shot out of his hand and flew toward the tombstones, creating a small explosion followed by a shower of fragments.
Eraqus attempted to do the same with Thunder and Blizzard, and smiled in satisfaction as he got the desired result. Leaving the destroyed tombstones behind, the Keyblade Master advanced through the mysterious and decaying ruins.
More of the bizarre beings stood in his way, dressed in rags and carrying rusty weapons, much like the one Eraqus faced earlier. Eraqus wasted no time in entering combat and closed the distance to the creatures.
The master unleashed a series of fast and powerful punches to the first creature's stomach and chest, following up with a swift kick to the jaw, sending the being flying backward. Eraqus spun his body upon landing and delivered a forceful kick to the second creature's side before it could raise its sword. The struck creature rolled violently across the ground, coming to a halt when its back slammed against a ruined wall, toppling over itself shortly after.
As the last creature aimed a blow at Eraqus' throat, the master effortlessly dodged the attack, swiftly ducking down and sweeping the creature's legs, causing it to tumble to the ground. Eraqus wasted no time, immediately raising his leg and stomping on the creature's chest, causing black blood to spurt from its mouth before it went limp. Soon after, all the creatures disappeared into blue particles that flew towards the Keyblade Master, harmlessly dissipating into his body.
"These things weren't difficult to defeat, but there may be more lurking around here. I had better move on and figure out where I am. Although I wonder why they attacked me; they seemed to act on instinct rather than logic," Eraqus muttered to himself as he navigated through the ruins. Eventually, the Keyblade Master reached the remains of a large broken stone vessel with the corpse of a knight lying in front of it.
The knight was clad in full armor, rusted and painted a worn blue, but the shiny objects in its hand caught Eraqus' attention. Offering a quick prayer and apology to the fallen knight, Eraqus retrieved the vials of bright blue liquid from the corpse's hands and examined them closely.
"Hm… I do not recognize this potion, but it is undoubtedly magical in nature. Better to save it for later; perhaps someone can shed light on its purpose," Eraqus spoke aloud to himself, stowing the potions in his coat for safekeeping.
However, as he did so, the Keyblade Master felt an extra weight on his clothes. Checking the pockets of his coat, Eraqus found a series of vials full of a mysterious orange liquid, not unlike the blue potions he had discovered earlier. The color was vibrant, almost pulsating with an otherworldly glow. Eraqus could not shake off the feeling of unease that washed over him as he examined the vials. Were they placed there intentionally, or was it merely a stroke of strange coincidence?
Question after question raced through the Keyblade Master's mind, each one adding to the mounting sense of confusion and apprehension. Did someone orchestrate his arrival in this peculiar realm, or was it all part of some inexplicable twist of fate?
Despite the weight of uncertainty bearing down on him, Eraqus pressed on, his footsteps echoing against the desolate landscape. With each passing moment, the surroundings grew increasingly eerie, populated by sinister monsters, crumbling ruins, and weathered tombstones. The air was thick with an oppressive silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of dead leaves and the distant howls of unseen creatures.
Eraqus chose to ignore the peculiar crystal-covered lizard skittering along a path to his right; engaging with it seemed ill-advised in his current state.
Relief washed over him as he finally found his way out of the desolate cemetery. Racing through a narrow rocky passage, surrounded by towering tombstones, Eraqus emerged into the blinding light of the sun. However, his relief quickly turned to dismay as he took in the bleak vista before him.
Instead of the verdant landscapes of his homeland, a range of gray, snow-capped mountains looming ominously against a dark, cloudy sky greeted Eraqus. The cemetery stretched out before him, its desolation punctuated by gnarled roots of dead trees ensnaring ancient tombs.
The sight was disheartening, a stark reminder that he was far from home, stranded in a world that felt alien and unfamiliar. Eraqus trudged along the cliff's edge, his mind awash with memories of the countless worlds he had traversed as a Keyblade user.
Yet, despite his extensive travels, none of the worlds he had encountered seemed to match the desolate landscape that now surrounded him. Even the darkest and most violent realms he had visited paled in comparison to the desolation of this place. There were no friendly faces here, no welcoming allies to offer guidance or aid.
Lost in his thoughts, Eraqus's attention was drawn to a peculiar object that caught his eye, a sword with a spiral blade protruding from an unlit bonfire surrounded by bones. The sword exuded a palpable aura of magic, drawing him in despite his lingering apprehension.
Eraqus hesitated, his hand hovering uncertainly over the hilt of the sword. Painful memories of past encounters with unknown magical artifacts flooded his mind, filling him with a sense of trepidation. Yet, despite his reservations, the allure of the sword proved too strong to resist.
To his surprise, the bonfire lit up and engulfed the sword in flames before his hand touched the hilt of the sword. The flames did not burn his hand but gave the Keyblade Master a comforting feeling.
Seeing that the flames did not harm him, but rather washed all the fatigue from his body, Eraqus grabbed the hilt of the sword and tried to remove it from the ground, but the sword did not move.
Then Eraqus used both hands as he applied more strength, his face turned red as sweat ran down his forehead, but the sword remained motionless on the ground.
Eraqus cursed in defeat, looking away in shame when he was unsuccessful in removing the sword.
With his curiosity temporarily satiated, Eraqus walked through the cemetery, getting closer and closer to the large stone building in the distance; the building looked abandoned, but there was no other way to go.
More of the decrepit monsters stood in his path, but Eraqus did not see this as a problem and easily dispatched them in a flurry of precise and lethal blows, flinging some off the cliff while others fell to the ground with their bones broken.
Fortunately, Eraqus found a solution to his weaponless predicament by seizing a spear from the grip of one of the monstrous adversaries, promptly impaling it through the heart shortly thereafter.
Finally, Eraqus reached the imposing stone structure, only to be confronted by an enigmatic barrier of dense fog obstructing his path. The gray haze hung ominously, refusing to dissipate or yield to any direction, serving as an impenetrable obstacle.
Summoning his resolve, Eraqus pressed forward, his form disappearing into the ethereal mist. The sensation was surreal, the fog shortly solidifying before yielding to his advance, causing him to stumble momentarily before regaining his footing.
Emerging from the fog, Eraqus found himself in a circular arena, its surface dotted with scattered puddles of water, offering glimpses of the abyss below. To the left stood a towering tree, its gnarled branches reaching towards the sky, casting ominous shadows over a colossal coffin nestled beneath its boughs.
Across the arena, the entrance to the stone edifice loomed, its doors sealed shut, barring passage. Yet, amidst the desolate expanse, a solitary figure knelt in the center, a formidable knight adorned in shimmering silver armor.
The knight remained motionless, an imposing presence amidst the stillness, a fusion of spear and halberd clutched firmly in its grasp, while a sword akin to the one at the bonfire pierced its chest.
Approaching with caution, Eraqus eyed the knight warily, the dark tendrils writhing upon its back betraying an unsettling presence. With a wry smile, Eraqus addressed the silent sentinel, his tone tinged with amusement.
"I've witnessed this tale before. It seems I must vanquish you to unveil the path beyond," Eraqus mused, his hand patting the chestplate of the knight's armor in jest.
With a resolute gaze, Eraqus braced himself, his muscles tensing as he withdrew the sword from the knight's chest, casting it aside with a determined flick.
Instantly, the knight stirred to life, its movements unleashing cascades of earth and dust as it ascended to its full stature. Each motion reverberated with an ominous resonance, the ancient armor creaking with a portentous intensity as the knight fixed its gaze upon Eraqus, its eyes glowing malevolently behind its helm.
Unfazed by the looming threat, Eraqus stood his ground with unwavering resolve, steeling himself for the imminent clash.
With a thunderous roar, the great knight surged forward, each stride echoing with a resounding tremor that reverberated through the ground. Its halberd thrust forth like a deadly spear aimed at Eraqus's heart.
Swift as the wind, the Keyblade Master sidestepped the attack with practiced agility, narrowly evading the lethal strike. Seizing the opportunity, he lunged towards the knight, spear poised to strike.
Yet, the knight countered with a vicious spin, delivering a devastating side blow intended to cleave Eraqus in two. With reflexes honed by years of combat, Eraqus deftly ducked, narrowly avoiding decapitation.
Undeterred, the knight pressed on, raising its halberd high in a menacing arc, poised to deliver a crushing blow. Reacting swiftly, Eraqus leaped back, the force of the knight's strike shattering the arena floor in its wake.
Seizing the opening, Eraqus surged forward, spear thrusting towards his adversary's chest with lethal precision. The blade found its mark, piercing the knight's heart with a decisive blow.
Yet, to Eraqus's astonishment, the knight remained steadfast; its grip tightening around the shaft of the spear as it calmly withdrew the weapon from its chest, a testament to its unearthly resilience.
"FIRE!" With a command, Eraqus conjured a searing fireball, hurling it towards the knight's visage with unerring accuracy. The flames erupted in a blazing inferno, forcing the knight to stagger back, momentarily stunned.
Capitalizing on the opening, Eraqus unleashed a relentless barrage of thrusts, driving his spear deep into the knight's chest and abdomen with unyielding determination. Each strike carried the weight of his resolve, fueled by the burning desire for victory.
The once clear puddles now mirrored a crimson hue, tainted by the knight's darkened blood seeping from the grievous wounds in his armor, the macabre symphony of pierced flesh resounding through the arena.
Yet, the indomitable knight refused to succumb to defeat, enduring the onslaught with grim determination. With a sudden surge of strength, he retaliated, delivering a bone-crushing kick to Eraqus's chest.
Agony pierced through Eraqus's being, his anguished cry echoing amidst the chaos as he tumbled across the slick ground. Mud clung to his garments, mingling with the trickle of blood that escaped his lips as he struggled to rise, one knee trembling beneath him.
Aware of the looming threat, Eraqus staggered to his feet, desperation fuelling his resolve as he faced the relentless advance of the knight, the lethal point of the halberd aimed squarely at his heart.
"Blizzard!"
With a cry, Eraqus unleashed a frigid tempest, ice encasing the knight's feet in a freezing embrace. The sudden loss of footing sent the knight crashing to the ground in a thunderous clamor, his armor clattering against the hardened ice.
Seizing the fleeting advantage, Eraqus surged forward with renewed determination, the spear becoming an extension of his will in a deadly dance. With a mighty leap, he closed the distance in an instant, his aim unwavering as he poised to deliver the final blow.
Eraqus landed atop the knight's chest with precision, swift and calculated. Without hesitation, he drove the tip of his spear into the knight's left eye, eliciting a tortured cry that reverberated through the arena, a testament to the agony coursing through his foe.
Yet, before Eraqus could fully capitalize on his strike, the knight's retaliatory speed surpassed his own. With a vice-like grip, the knight seized Eraqus's left leg, hoisting the Keyblade Master into the air as he rose to his full height.
In a relentless onslaught, the knight battered Eraqus against the unyielding ground, each impact a symphony of pain that echoed across the stone arena. Despite the onslaught, Eraqus summoned his inner strength, conjuring a fireball that seared towards the knight's face, forcing him to relinquish his hold and stagger backwards, gasping for breath.
As the knight struggled to regain his bearings, Eraqus seized the opportunity, unleashing another onslaught of magic. "Thunder!" he commanded, unleashing a surge of electricity that engulfed the knight in agonizing torment, his body convulsing with each jolt until, finally, he collapsed to the ground, defeated.
With trembling steps, Eraqus dismounted from his fallen adversary, his spear still poised for battle. Yet, despite his victory, a gnawing doubt lingered in his mind, his wounds serving as a stark reminder of his mortality.
"Well, that could have gone better," Eraqus, muttered to himself, his gaze lingering on his injuries. "What is wrong with me? I don't feel as strong as I used to."
!
However, his attention swiftly shifted as he witnessed the knight's resurgence. "You've got to be kidding me!" The Keyblade Master exclaimed incredulously, his eyes widening as he beheld the knight rising once more, shrouded in a sinister aura.
The dark tendrils writhed and coiled around the knight's form, merging into a grotesque, pulsating mass that enshrouded him entirely. In a horrifying transformation, the knight's left arm contorted into a monstrous appendage, adorned with three slender fingers, while his head and torso morphed into that of a serpent, its eyes burning with a crimson intensity.
With a deafening roar, the serpent lunged towards the Keyblade Master, jaws gaping wide, poised to consume him in a single bite. Yet, instead of succumbing to fear, a peculiar elation lit up the Keyblade Master's countenance.
"Hahaha! This is reminiscent of my initiation as a Keyblade wielder!" Eraqus laughed boisterously, a grin spreading across his face as he welcomed the challenge.
With lightning reflexes, Eraqus evaded the serpent's snapping jaws, the force of its bite tearing through the arena floor with ferocious power. However, his spear was lost to the abyss of the serpent's form, Eraqus remained undeterred, his resolve unyielding.
Unleashing a relentless barrage of spells, Eraqus called forth the elements in rapid succession. "Fire! Thunder! Blizzard!" Each incantation was accompanied by a surge of elemental energy, driving the serpent back inch by inch towards the precipice.
With unwavering determination, Eraqus closed in on his serpentine adversary, his onslaught relentless and unforgiving.
The serpent unleashed its deformed arm, hurling a barrage of rocks toward Eraqus. Despite his valiant efforts to shield himself, a rock struck him squarely in the forehead, eliciting a trickle of blood that marred his vision.
Undeterred, the Keyblade Master pressed on, steadfast in his resolve. With each step forward, he closed the distance between himself and his serpentine foe. As the great knight teetered on the brink of oblivion, Eraqus summoned one final spell to seal his fate.
"Fire!"
There were no dramatic proclamations, no exchanges of defiance. The serpent's futile attempt to grasp the arena's edge only hastened its descent. With a deafening crash, the knight and serpent plummeted into the abyss below, swallowed by the unforgiving chasm.
Moments passed, Eraqus gasping for breath as he surveyed the aftermath. Wiping the blood from his brow, he watched as a cascade of azure particles dissolved into his being, a mysterious phenomenon that left him both intrigued and bewildered.
With no adversaries remaining, Eraqus retrieved the enigmatic spiral sword and made his way toward the imposing stone structure on the far side of the arena. With each step, he harbored hope of finding answers to the myriad questions that plagued his mind.
END OF CHAPTER