A Dark Key to Bright Places

Disclaimer: Trust me I don't own the rights to any of the involved properties found in this story. They all belong to either Disney or Square Enix. I fear the mouse too much to tread on his toes.

Chapter 1

"Where … where am I? Who am I? Wait.. yes I remember. I… wish I didn't. They're all gone. Master, Mickey…. Ortensia." Vision returning to tired eyes took in their surroundings.

Dark water stretched in every direction. Moonlight shone from above and he knew where he was.

"If I'm awake then the darkness has receded. How long has it been? How many worlds fell? I need answers. I have to find a new wielder for the key. The door may be shut now but it needs to be locked."

In the inky waters of a darkened realm, a large golden key shaped blade shimmered before becoming a ball of light. Bobbing to and fro momentarily the orb then burst into the sky above and vanished into the unending night of the realm.

Xxxx

The first day of his freshmen year had been something of a disappointment. Marco Ubaldo Diaz was honestly frustrated with himself. He had decided that going into his freshmen year he would try and break the image of the "safe kid". Instead his innate perception and compassion had only managed to further that image. Stopping Hope from slipping on a freshly mopped floor, producing a band-aid from his backpack for a scrape Ferguson managed to procure, and then topping it off by confusing red paint with blood and attempting to carry Justin to the nurse's office. The blonde boy had been very amused with the whole thing and laughed it off, so at least he was cool about it. Unfortunately the whole school had seen and had also laughed. Good humored or not it was certainly mortifying.

Now making himself ready for bed, Marco was attempting to forget the day's events and put it behind him.

"It's not like I want to constantly worry about everything but it just feels like that if I don't nobody else will. At least not at my school. Everyone else is so carefree about everything, I wish I could be that way. Or at least appreciated that I'm just trying to help." A sigh slipped his lips and turning the lights off Marco made his way to his bed.

Glancing out his window a brief flash caught his eye. Focusing on it, Marco saw a single star shoot across the night sky. A weary smile passed across his face as Marco laid down for the night.

"Like the universe is giving me a consolation prize. Well I wish that I could prove that I'm not just the "Safe kid". That's my wish." With a yawn and heavy eye lids Marco slipped into embrace of his dreams.

His wish had not gone unnoticed.

Xxxx

Falling, falling into a pit with no bottom. Yet with his mind in a fog, Marco wasn't afraid. It was almost peaceful. Then the speed of his fall lessened and a shining, red, stained glass floor appeared beneath him. With his descent slowing to a stop Marco let his feet touch down.

The floor he stood on had seven silhouettes circled by hearts ringing around the circular floor. In the center of those silhouettes was a simple crown. Blinking for a moment Marco took this all in with a dazed expression.

"What an odd dream." Marco's thoughts were cut short as a voice spoke out from the darkness around him.

"So much to do and I'm afraid that I don't have much time. A great journey lies ahead of you but don't be afraid. The door is shut. Now step forward." Marco, unsure of what was going on, decided to roll with his newfound circumstances. Stepping into the center of the floor, the voice spoke up once more.

"Well it's good to see you can listen. Power sleeps within you. If you give it form. It will give you strength." Three stone daises rose around Marco and upon each a different object appeared. On one a sword, the next held a shield, and on the last stood a rod.

"Choose well. The power of a warrior, invincible courage, a sword of terrible destruction. The power of the guardian, kindness to aid friends, a shield to repel all. The power of the mystic, inner strength, a staff of wonder and ruin." Looking at the choices presented to him Marco pondered on his decision.

"I want the sword, but the shield ….. can I help my friends without it?" Seeing into his mind, the voice called out.

"The choice is yours. Not theirs; and how one wields their strength is not dependent on the form by which it takes." Marco closed his eyes for a moment, if this choice was for him then it wasn't selfish to choose what he wanted. Right?

Walking up to the sword Marco reached forth and grasped the hilt. It was a decent size and its hilt was just long enough to allow both of his hands purchase. Holding it aloft Marco gave a few swings to better get a feel for its weight and balance.

"Your path is set, now what will you give up in exchange?" This was by far the easier choice to make. Moving over to the rod Marco held it in his hand and gave a small sigh. The description had made it seem like magic, to turn that down was just such a waste in his mind. But he couldn't abandon the shield, couldn't abandon that path.

"Hehehe no need to look so down, giving up the rod does not deny you from the wonders of magic. Just don't expect to be a grand sorcerer any time soon." With that reassurance given Marco was made all the more confident in his decision. Lifting the rod it vanished from his grasp.

"You've chosen the path of the warrior and you've given up the power of the mystic." As the voice spoke the daises cracked and shuddered before sinking into the floor.

"You'll need this power to protect yourself and others. There will be times when you have to fight. Keep your light burning strong and the darkness will not have a hold on you." From the spots left vacant by the missing daises shadows grew and small creatures surfaced from them. Hunched over with antennae, squishy looking bodies, hands ending in sharp talons, and eyes glowing brightly; the creature's very presence gave off a malign feeling.

Their intentions were made all the clearer when one lunged for Marco.

"Woah!" Its swipe went wide as Marco leant back. His grip on the sword tightened and he lashed out at the creature in retaliation. The blade sung out as it came up in an arc. The creature fell back, a large gash in its face. But it continued its attack undaunted. Half blind it swung madly but Marco kept out of its grasp before slicing into the creature. Three more strokes and the creature fell. Its split form unraveled into ink black wisps.

Its fellows had not been idle however. Collapsing into pools of shadow once more they had crept up on Marco. Leaping forth they slashed at the boy. Claws sliced through cloth and left red lines on Marco's back. Rolling forward and turning on heel Marco swept his blade through the air. Catching one of the little beasts mid lunge with the biting edge of the sword. The little monster was slapped out of the air bouncing off the ground. Marco wasn't going to let it have another chance. Two swings and a hefty downwards thrust saw the creature destroyed. Once more inky wisps flittered free. This time however green orbs burst forth as well. Before truly comprehending them, they wrapped themselves around him and upon touching Marco he felt the pain in his back lessen.

The final beast appeared to have abandoned any attempt at subtlety and was swiping haphazardly in frenzy. Marco leapt back before watching carefully for an opening to go on the offensive. A moment later he was given the opportunity when the beast overextended its reach. Twisting to the side Marco capitalized on the mistake and blade met dark beast. A horizontal sweep to the head, off balance. A downward slash left it reeling. Finally a decisive thrust saw Marco victorious. Ink wisps and green orbs both popping into existence. Swirling around Marco and then sinking into his person, all pain from his back vanished instantly.

"Well done, it's good to see you can perform under pressure. This may go better than I thought. I have some questions for you. But let's go to a more pleasant locale." The floor under Marco's feet cracked and suddenly shattered. Marco's screams were heard only by the void as he fell.

Xxxx

The light of day hit Marco's eyes with all the gentleness of a brick to the face. Shielding his eyes, he groaned at the blinding pain. After a minute or two of some choice words muttered under his breath and rubbing his eyes, Marco was able to take in his surroundings.

Looking around Marco found himself in his school. More specifically the courtyard between the buildings. Nearby Marco saw three familiar faces underneath the large tree that sat at the courtyard's center. Alfonso, Ferguson, and Janna appeared to be relaxing underneath the tree's branches. Waving at the three Marco walked over to see what exactly was going on. First he approached Ferguson.

Ferguson was playing a handheld video game of some kind but looked up at Marco when he noticed him.

"Hey Marco got a question for you. Out of these three what are you more afraid of? Getting old, being different, or being indecisive?" Marco didn't have to really ponder this to any length.

"Come on Ferg. You know I hate feeling like the odd man out. Being the "Safe kid" kinda sucks." Ferguson nodded but looked a little uncertain.

"Is being different really that awful though? Well anyway around Alfonso and Janna had questions for you too." Ferguson turned back to his game and Marco looked towards his other two peers.

Deciding to spare his sanity a moment longer he went to speak with Alfonso next. The wiry boy was looking through a textbook when Marco came over. But once he noticed Marco he bookmarked his place and turned to his friend.

"Marco! Good timing I was hoping you could help me out. If you had to pick out of the three choices what do you want out of life? To see rare sights, broaden your horizons, or to be strong?"

This wasn't as obvious an answer as the last had been. Marco wanted all of those things. Choosing one wasn't so simple. Working them over in his head for a while Marco made his decision. Being honest with himself, Marco acknowledged that he desperately wanted an adventure. A way to prove to himself, if no one else, that he wasn't as lame as he felt at times. He wouldn't find that in Echo Creek. Which meant of the three, his decision would have to be…

"To see rare sights. If I had to pick just one." Alfonso smiled at him, pushing his glasses up his nose a bit.

"You know that does sound pretty cool. Don't know if it's for me but you should do what makes you happy. Oh Janna wanted to talk to you too." The resultant groan from Marco saw Alfonso chuckling at his friend's misfortune.

Looking towards the beanie clad stalker, Marco noticed the smirk that crept up one side of her mouth as she played with her phone. That was certainly not a sign to take comfort in. His trepidation did not go unnoticed.

"Relax Marco, I don't bite… hard…. much. Hehehe." Marco walked forward cautiously, keeping an eye on the girl's hands as he did.

"What do you want Janna?" Marco was eyeing the girl the same way someone might watch a deadly snake. Doing his best to keep himself out of striking distance and in control. Sadly for him, Janna was a wily creature, too smooth to be so easily evaded.

"I was hoping you could answer a question for me. Well one of two, your pick on which. Either answer a multiple choice ooooor we could decide which baby photo you think Jackie would like the best." Flipping her phone, the screen showed a much smaller Marco sleeping in his birthday suit.

Face flushing scarlet, Marco made a desperate grab for the phone. Janna was an old hand at this song and dance though. Her hand jerked the phone out of reach as she hovered her thumb over the send button.

"Uh uh u~h! Easy there, we wouldn't want her to see the wrong pic would we?" Her face split with the grin of the cat who caught the canary. Marco held himself back and took a deep breath before looking dead pan at his tormenter.

"Fine, what multiple choice am I answering?" Janna looked almost disappointed that he wasn't trying harder to get the phone. She shrugged it off though in lieu of asking her question.

"Alright, so I need to know which of these is the most important to you. Being the best, friends, or your prized possessions?" Marco stared hard at Janna.

"And why exactly do you want to know?" Janna's grin came back with a vengeance.

"Oh Marco, don't ask questions you don't want the answer to." Marco let his exasperation known with a deep groan.

Honestly the question was probably the easiest of the three for Marco. He just didn't like giving Janna of all people that kind of ammo. Sucking it up Marco made to answer this possible trap.

"My friends are far more important than any of my stuff or even being the best." Janna rolled her eyes but the smile she wore was a teensy bit more genuine.

"You're such a dork." Returning to her phone, the scene around Marco froze. The voice, silent since coming to this place, spoke up once more.

"A fear of being different or perhaps of being ridiculed, a desire to see the rare and fantastic, and a deep attachment to those you care for. Do not let your fear rule you, your need to prove yourself may be your undoing. But your dream and attachments will keep you grounded. Keep them in mind when you find yourself in over your head. They help to steer you towards wiser choices. Now come, I'm running out of time like this." Darkness enveloped Marco once more and his vision faded to black.

Xxx

When his eyesight returned, Marco found himself back on the stained glass platform. Just ahead he could see a light, shining from above. Stepping forward he tried to discern where it was coming from.

"Careful; the closer you get to the light, the greater the shadow you will cast." Turning his head, Marco could see his own shadow stretching to the edge of the glass. With a mind of its own, it turned its head and rose off the ground.

With eyes wide in shock and horror, Marco leapt back. All the while grasping desperately for a sword that was no longer there.

"In those shadows the darkness will hide and fester, waiting to strike you down." Marco's shadow stood to its full height, its features warped as it did so.

Towering over Marco, the entity's chest completely hollowed. A great heart-shaped hole formed in its chest. Its hair grew and clumped, becoming thick tendrils that proceeded to wrap around the lower half of its face. Arms bulged with muscles and shoulders widened. Finally the creature's feet lengthened before crinkling at the end.

Gazing at Marco the giant swung down its fist, intent on flattening the boy. Marco rolled to the side, still panicking over his lack of weapon.

"But don't be afraid. You're not alone. You hold the key that bars the darkness." With a brief flash of light and a sound like chiming glass, a large, odd blade, found itself in Marco's hand.

The blade itself was in the shape of a golden key, which sat atop a silver cross guard encircling itself around a dark handle. Lastly at the very base of the hilt was a golden chain that ended in a golden pendent. Three circles made up its shape with two of them being smaller and sitting on top of the larger one.

Marco was able to take this in for but a moment before being forced to dodge once more as a dark fist crashed into the spot he just occupied. This time the fist sunk into the floor and a dark pool flooded up around it. Four familiar little beasties surfaced from the pool to greet Marco.

As on went to slip into the shadows, Marco dashed forward and slammed the blade down. He couldn't have these things trying to sneak up on him, while trying to dodge the giant. With a waver and a pop the creature dispersed into darkness and green orbs.

"Woah! Just one hit! What is this?" The awe he held for his new weapon was short lived. The downed beast's companions were already scurrying forth to catch him off guard.

Two tried coming from his side while the third pounced head on towards Marco. Acting off his years of martial arts training and a touch of instinct, Marco gripped the hilt with both hands. Pivoting sharply he swung the key at the airborne creature and allowed his momentum to carry his facing towards the other two. The more forward of the two was met with the swing and then there was one.

The last of the lot was far more cautious than its fallen brethren. Hopping back, it quickly sunk into the shadows. Watching the creature as it slunk around Marco felt as though he were forgetting something. A sense of foreboding dawned on Marco and a sudden force to his back reminded him of the giant.

Rolling forwards with the blow, Marco turned to face the behemoth intent on flattening him. As it turned out it had not actually hit him but was creating spheres of pulsing dark energy and sending them flying after him. Two more spheres were already following after Marco and the boy found himself running hard to keep from their reach. His feet did not fail him and the spheres crashed behind him as he circled the giant.

Having enough of running, Marco charged at the giant's legs. A pair of slashes to the calves of entity as Marco ran between them failed to bring the desired reaction. The giant didn't so much as flinch when the blows impacted.

Meanwhile the lurking critter made its presence known. Jolting out from the shadows, Marco saw the creature too late. Three red lines found their place on Marco's side.

The action proved the little beast's undoing. Marco twisted quickly and drove the key straight through the nuisance. Wisps of shadow and green orbs burst everywhere. The verdant balls circled Marco for a moment before quickly negating the damage he'd taken a moment before.

The giant chose that moment to join the fray once more, a massive fist crashing down. Marco saw the appendage headed his way and dove out of the way. Having already seen this, Marco knew what to expect when the pool of darkness spread from the grounded fist. Dashing forwards Marco unleashed a flurry of blows onto the hand. Attempting to stop the spawn of even more of the smaller creatures.

This brought about the result that Marco had hoped for with his previous offensive against the giant's legs. With a pained groan the giant withdrew its fist. The pool disappeared without having created any new foes. The giant examined its now damaged hand and a deep rumble filled the air. Its eyes shined with rage as it looked down at Marco.

Pulsing dark spheres once more formed in the giant's palms. This time however six spheres flew out at break neck speed, Marco was forced to dive out of the way repeatedly in order to keep from being hit. The speed was too much however and after the fourth one the final two slammed into Marco, tossing him across the platform.

Rolling to a stop, Marco hopped to his feet as quick as he could. The giant had wound its fist back once more to try and drive it into the hoodie clad boy once more. While the spheres may have been too much, tired or not, the swing was too slow to nail Marco. His weariness was starting to show however, his effort to evade the giant's blow saw him stumbling onto his rear. Two of the smaller aberrations were able to spawn from the resulting pool of darkness before Marco was able to get up.

Pushing through his pain, Marco moved to engage the two before they could escape. The little monsters were caught off guard and quickly popped. Green orbs flooded over Marco's form bringing sweet relief. Once more the giant's implanted fist was subjected to a barrage of hits. This time instead of simply withdrawing its hand the giant jerked its arm towards Marco sending him sprawling. While Marco tried to catch his breath, the giant stumbled back and looked to be on its last legs.

Marco looked up to see his foe looking worst for wear. Sadly he wasn't in the greatest shape either. With labored breaths and shaking legs, Marco rose to face the massive entity.

"Hmm maybe this was too much for you. I wasn't expecting you to win, I'm honestly impressed you made it this far. Let me give you a hand. A reward for going beyond my expectations." With those cryptic words, a scene played in Marco's mind.

Holding the key out to his side, Marco let the scene in his mind play out. A warmth flooded down his arm and into the weapon. Aiming carefully he pulled his arm across himself and let loose the key. Sent flying, the key spun end over end, slicing its way up the giant's arm, making its way through the beast's head, before coming back the way it came and slapping into Marco's hand.

Knees collapsing to the ground, the giant's head leaned back, and its bright eyes stared into the void. With a shuddering sigh the beast dispersed into the darkness that made up its form.

With a grin on his lips Marco fell to his butt, taking in great gasps of air.

"Excellent, we'll make a guardian out of you yet. Stay strong Marco Diaz. You're adventure will begin soon. Rest well."

And with that Marco's eyes closed and he fell into a deep sleep.

Xxxx

Eyes fluttering open, Marco yawned in response to the morning air. Sitting up he got out of bed and made his way to complete his morning routine. Pondering all the while on the strange dream.

"It felt so real. Heck it still feels so real. Like I could hold my arm out and that key would be.." Acting on those thoughts, Marco's brain almost shut down. With a small flash of light and a sound like chiming glass, appeared the very key he had just been thinking of.

So many adventures would follow that one moment and Marco could never have known what kind of ripples summoning that key, would cause. Yet in worlds far and near others took notice.

Xxx

In a cola bottle shaped mountain made of chocolate a small girl in a mint green hoodie sat next to a car made of candy. Something in her twitched and a wave of energy flooded into her. Looking around she let a grin spread over her face, something big was coming. She could feel it, and she couldn't wait.

"I'll win the next race for sure."

Xxx

In a tower hidden in a cove a young woman with extraordinarily long blond hair was trying to find just one more spot to paint on the walls. Just as she thought she had a spot she felt something burn within her. Looking around she was unsure of what she felt. This warmth was exciting but left her uncertain. Turning to a small green lizard, the girl looked questioningly to it.

"Pascal, did you feel that?"

Xxx

In a kingdom by the sea a woman with silvery blonde hair sat in her room looking at a crown. Sighing she put it to the side, when a feeling of dread rushed through her. Glancing all around her room, she almost panicked but upon feeling the temperature drop, calmed herself.

"Great as if I didn't have enough problems with the upcoming coronation."

Xxx

In a valley, in the dead of night, a young girl was playing in the mud with otherworldly but happy creatures. Nearby a striking woman with dark horns watched carefully. Suddenly the young girl stopped playing and looked to the stars. A feeling of hope flooded the girl and she grinned through her mud caked face. The woman nearby cocked an eyebrow in curiosity.

"And what pray tell has you grinning at the stars?" The girl grinned even more brightly up at the woman.

"Just a feeling fairy godmother."

Xxx

In a castle overlooking a great loch, there was red-headed, curly haired, young woman. Standing in the yard with arrow nocked she drew her bow. The target at its end was already littered with its mates centered in every ring that had been aimed for. Not a one missing its mark. Just as she was about to loose, a wave of oppression fell over her, filling her with anxiety. The arrow loosed and struck the stone wall behind the target. The girl wasn't sure if she was more put out with the feeling or the fact that she missed.

"Wha the devil was that?"

Xxx

On a beach with the waves rolling in, another young woman stood next to an elderly lady. Both going through the motions of a dance. Dark curly hair and caramel skin stopped abruptly and stepped towards the water. A feeling like the warm summer wind had taken grip of her. A dream of forbidden sights beckoned. An elderly hand placed on her shoulder stopped her, aged eyes looking in askance.

"Don't worry grandma, I haven't forgotten all about the water yet."

Xxx

In a towering castle above even the clouds, a young blonde girl jolted awake. Rolling out of bed she took an attack stance ready for anything. Blood pumping she felt the rush of taming a warnicorn or defeating a dozen monsters flooding through her. A grin spread across her heart marked cheeks and sparkles lit her eyes, she was practically bouncing with excitement.

"I'm so excited! I'm not even sure why but I can't wait to go on an adventure!"

Xxx

In a world almost forgotten, one ancient eye cracked open. Its fellow, lost ages ago, was covered by an eyepatch. Its owner's white beard hid a grin beneath and equally long white hair shook with mirth. Which quickly turned to full on howling laughter. Slowly rising up from a bed the old man looked to the twin purple weapons nearby.

"It's been so long but things are finally about to get shook up again."

Xxx

A/N: Hi there ladies and gentlemen! So after having fallen in love with this show I had this idea in my head that just wouldn't leave me alone. Well two ideas this one and a TWEWY mix up with Janna and Marco being players. Might still do that one later but anyways, this story uses a large amount of content from Kingdom Hearts. Now I am taking creative liberty with a good deal as far as that series goes. A lot of that series is very poetic in nature but when you really look at it, things seem off. Getting back on topic, I will not be using any worlds that the series has used so far. There is one exception to this that will feature in Kingdom Hearts 3 but I'm still gonna use it in this story. I'll make a list on my profile of worlds that I will likely have Marco, and eventually other members of the crew, travel to. If you have any suggestions then I'm open to ideas, my only rules are that they must be produced/distributed by either Disney or Square Enix and cannot have been featured in any Kingdom Hearts games.