The gates of the Underworld loomed before them, massive iron doors engraved with writhing souls and sigils. Cold air slithered out between the cracks, bringing with it the scent of ash and something older, heavier — death itself.
Skuld and Aqua stepped through, and the world shifted.
Immediately Aqua staggered. A suffocating weight pressed down on her shoulders, as though invisible chains had wrapped around her body. Her magic flickered, her keyblade felt heavy in her hand, and even breathing seemed like work. Her knees almost buckled, but she forced herself upright, steadying her breath.
The Underworld's curse.
Skuld, however, moved unhindered. The faint shimmer of Hecate's blessing lingered around her like a cloak of unseen fire.
A voice rang out through the gloom.
"Well, well, well."
From the shadows ahead, she emerged.
Hecate strode forward, draped in flowing blue robes that shimmered faintly like moonlight on poisoned water. Indigo hair streaked with pale blue spilled over her shoulders, her cape swishing dramatically behind her. Her skin was pale pink, but her eyes — her eyes were fire, bitter and proud all at once. She carried herself like a queen, someone convinced of her superiority yet endlessly frustrated at never being recognized.
"Well, if it isn't a pair of meddling little heroes. Did you take a wrong turn on Olympus? Or maybe you just came to pay tribute to me? Hm?" She spread her arms wide, mockingly grand. "Come on, darling, don't be shy. Tell me what gifts you brought."
Skuld bowed her head slightly, her tone respectful. "Lady Hecate. We've come to hunt the Heartless infesting your Underworld. We—"
Hecate cut her off with a sharp laugh. "Oh, of course. Everyone wants something from me. Hunt my pests, tidy up my realm, and I'm supposed to thank you? Maybe give you a shiny little statue? Hades tried that once. You know what he gave me? 'Thanks for the blind obedience.'" Her lips curled in disdain. "Can you imagine? Centuries of work, holding this realm together, and all I get is a tacky statuette."
Aqua straightened, her voice firm. "Ma'am, we're not here for rewards. The heartless threaten more than just this world. We're here to fight them."
Hecate's gaze snapped to her, sharp and glittering. She stalked closer, circling Aqua like a predator. "You. Yes… I've heard of you. Aqua, wasn't it? The dutiful little keyblade master. All noble, all selfless. Tell me—" her voice dipped into a venomous purr, "—how does it feel to stumble into my realm and feel your strength melt away like candle wax?"
Aqua clenched her teeth, forcing herself to meet Hecate's mocking gaze despite the curse's weight. "It doesn't matter how I feel. I'll still fight."
Hecate burst out laughing. "Oh, I like you! Brave, selfless… and utterly predictable. That's the problem with your kind — always playing the noble hero. Always thinking sheer determination is enough. Let me tell you, girl…" she leaned in, her smile turning cruel, "determination didn't make me queen of the Underworld. Schemes did. Power did. And don't you forget it."
She turned her attention to Skuld, lips curling. "And you, my little chosen. At least you carry my blessing — good sense, finally. But really, dragging along a cursed hero? What is this, a rescue mission, or a pity project?"
Skuld bristled but forced her tone to remain calm. "We didn't come to demand anything of you, Lady. Only to clear the heartless if you'll allow us."
"Allow you?" Hecate sneered. "Ha! I don't owe you a thing." Her bitterness deepened, old wounds seeping through her words. "I've worked, schemed, bled to keep this realm from collapsing. And do I get recognition? No. Always second to Hades. Always overlooked. Always the afterthought."
Her staff struck the stone floor with a sharp crack, shadows rippling outward like ink in water. Her cape flared dramatically, though the movement seemed half for show. "But… I will say this. Those heartless are a stain on my Underworld. They disrupt my order, my perfection. If you're foolish enough to fight them, then by all means. Consider it… entertainment for me, darling."
With a snap of her fingers, the ground trembled.
A whirl of shadows engulfed Aqua and Skuld, dragging them away in an instant.
They reappeared in a vast cavern lit by eerie green fire, shadows slithering across the jagged walls. The oppressive weight pressed harder on Aqua; she gasped, clutching her keyblade tighter. Even standing was an act of will. Skuld, untouched by the curse, stood firm, keyblade in hand.
Hecate's voice echoed around them, though her form was gone. "Let's see how long your resolve lasts, little heroes. They seem eager to play. Good luck."
The darkness stirred.
Dozens of glowing yellow eyes blinked open. Shadows slithered forward, low and fast. Soldiers marched stiffly into formation, claws gleaming. From above came the shrill screeches of Hook Bats, swooping down with red hooks gleaming in the sickly firelight.
Aqua forced herself upright, every motion a struggle, and cast a quick glance at Skuld. "Get ready."
Skuld's silver eyes gleamed as she spun her kayblade into readiness. "Alright, but stay close to me."
The swarm surged.
Aqua swung her keyblade, striking a Shadow, but her movements were sluggish — the curse dragging her down. A Soldier lunged with a spinning kick; she barely blocked, the impact rattling through her arms. Above, a Hook Bat shrieked and dived, its chain and hook slicing through the air.
"Behind you!" Skuld called. She dashed forward, her kayblade thrusting upward. The tip pierced the Hook Bat mid-dive, pinning it against the cavern wall before it dissolved into dark smoke. She spun smoothly, sweeping another Shadow aside.
Aqua gritted her teeth. She could feel her magic resisting, light spells sputtering out or fizzling halfway. No. I can't let this curse stop me. Skuld needs me. She shifted to a defensive stance, using her experience to anticipate the heartless movements, blocking where she could, directing Skuld with sharp calls.
Another wave of Hook Bats swooped in, their ultrasonic cries shaking the cavern. Aqua stumbled as her knees nearly gave out. A Bad Dog barreled toward her, its massive jaws snapping.
Skuld intercepted, kayblade slamming into its maw, forcing it back. She didn't falter, didn't hesitate — her blessing shielding her entirely from the curse's weight. She fought with cold, precise fury, covering Aqua's weaknesses.
Hecate's laughter echoed faintly through the chamber. "Oh, how touching. The little chosen protecting her cursed friend. How long can you keep that up, I wonder? Let me know when you give up, and I'll get you out, okay."
Aqua's grip tightened. She could hear the mockery, feel the curse pressing harder — but she also felt the determination burning inside her. She met Skuld's eyes briefly, nodded once.
The two of them braced as the Heartless swarmed again.