From The Abyss, We Shine Brightest [Kingdom Hearts x Dark Souls 3 Crossover]

Chapter 1 - A Dark World

Hello everyone, welcome to another one of my stories, normally I don't do this, but I am wirthing this fic with a friend who wants to remain anonymous, the credits for the original idea go to him, as well as helping me develop the chapters.

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"What did I do, master? I just wanted to keep Ven safe," Terra pleaded, desperation evident in his voice as he extended a trembling hand toward his injured master, who approached with hesitant steps.

Master Eraqus, grappling with the physical and emotional toll of the recent battle, turned to face his apprentice that he thought was wayward, only now to realize it might have been the other way around. His aged features bore the marks of the conflict, and a myriad of thoughts raced through his weary mind as he contemplated his response.

"No, you're right, Terra. I failed you. Perhaps I bear the weight of responsibility for the darkness within you. And now, I've committed a greater sin," Eraqus replied wearily, his wounded body protesting each movement.

Terra shook his head, unable to comprehend the gravity of his master's self-blame. Yet, Eraqus pressed on, his words heavy with regret.

"I raised my Keyblade against you and Ventus. My own heart harbors darkness," Eraqus confessed, his admission echoing in the somber air.

Terra, now reaching out with both hands to catch his falling master, refused to accept these damning words. However, Eraqus continued, his voice strained with the weight of his realization.

In a sudden, agonizing moment, Eraqus screamed in pain, his features contorting in shock as he crumpled to the ground. Terra rushed forward, desperately attempting to catch his master before the inevitable fall.

Eraqus knelt on the ground, his Keyblade clattering to the floor beside him. Terra, driven by concern and love for his master, moved swiftly to support Eraqus in his weakened state.

For a breathless moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, student and master locked eyes, a poignant connection existing between them despite the turmoil surrounding their relationship. The air hung heavy with unspoken truths and the profound weight of the choices that had led them to this pivotal juncture.

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"Eraqus!" An oriental-looking woman with tanned skin and long black hair tied into a ponytail shouted with both hands on the sides of her mouth.

"Hahaha!" A childish laugh echoed through the forest trees around her.

The woman found herself in a beautiful, lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees, soft grass, clean and sparkling rivers, and small waterfalls.

A blue sky covered in white clouds allowed sunlight to shine through, illuminating the forests and hills below and the mountains in the distance.

"Eraqus!" The woman screamed again, walking through the forest.

"Got you!" The childish voice returned as its owner hugged the woman from behind.

"AAAHHH!" The woman screamed in surprise, but soon that surprise turned into a smile as she escaped the hug and turned to the owner of the voice.

"Eraqus, how many times do I've to tell you not to go into the forest alone, it's dangerous!" The woman exclaimed, scolding the child in front of her, pulling his ear.

"Sorry, Mom!" Eraqus spoke, trying to escape the grip on his ear.

"No excuses! We will go home now; your grandfather and aunt are worried!" Eraqus' mother responded, pulling her son out of the forest.