---

The pseudo-being that was called Ansem smirked. He'd just heard news that his forces had driven out the Nobody scum and claimed Halloween Town as theirs. One more world under his influence, one step closer to his ultimate goal. The Grand Leader of the Heartless peered at the safe behind him. The heavy metal door was enchanted to prevent entry of any kind except for him. Not even the Heartless could hide in the shadows to enter it. Inside lay two of the pieces that he presumed were part of the key to Kingdom Hearts. Rumors, nothing more... still it doesn't hurt to try... the former man thought to himself.

His life goals had changed the instant he gave himself over to the Darkness. However, he hated his Nobody counterpart, for reasons even he didn't fully understand. All he knew was the Nobodies couldn't have Kingdom Hearts to themselves. As one of his scouts entered the room, Ansem sat himself down on the throne that was in front of the safe. "Report." The order was curt, and the Heartless began to tell him of some new worlds that they'd found... worlds previously unexplored. It looked like the war would be expanding soon...

---

Much like his Heartless counterpart, Xemnas found himself contemplating some of his intel. Sure, the Heartless had gained control over Halloween Town, but he'd taken Wonderland in return. He started at his own two pieces of the puzzle. He wasn't sure how many Ansem had, but the man couldn't be allowed to gain anymore. The Superior of the In-Between sighed to himself. He was still trying to figure out why his Somebody self chose to become such a vile beast, but perhaps that was his unexplained hatred talking.

Yes, Xemnas was very well aware that he and Ansem were one and the same. That still didn't stop him from hating the beast with a burning passion. All he knew was that he and the Organization needed the power of Kingdom Hearts for their own reasons. As No. XIII entered, Xemnas waited to hear more news of stalemate. "Report." he said, voice sounding bored. What No. XIII told him made the Superior's eyes become interested in the conflict once more. New worlds meant more chances to complete the Key before Ansem. Soon, he'd be ordering more Nobodies to the field of battle...

-Makoto Shinzo : Twilight Town-

It was just another day to him, living within the quiet cornerstones of the realm around... well, somewhat quiet. The place was eerily silent from time to time, prompting people to escape their prisons to which they were confined to. It irked Makoto to no end about this everlasting war which was more of a stalemate to him. They took what they wanted, hurting others in the process in part because of they way they were conceived. Makoto could only wonder as he sat on a bench in a sandlot barely teeming with life.

Makoto wasn't the chatty type persay as the limited amounts of people spoke to each other in wonder about if there was a way this could all come to an end. They each had idealistic thoughts which to him in his eyes were nothing more than wasted dreams that would never arrive, properly coming to a dissipating fruition.

As the idle chattering continued, he grew sick of it all and headed to the market place, seemingly without a slight bit of hope for what would become of the world. He thought of ways to help like setting up a defense mechanism against the approaching darkness looming over the ever diminishing light of the town. Most were afraid, and he could only scoff at such insolence as he traversed through the market place, buying two sea salt ice creams.

He may of been a loner, but that didn't mean he was deprived of friends. One person he knew came down with something sort of disease because of her "weakened immune system" which he found to be perplexing and enigmatic to him. Makoto knew her parents would most likely want him to keep clean and pushed him to do ridiculous tasks for the sake of their daughter. Even with the things they made him perform, he understood their reasons for being so cautious and careful. After procuring the two popsicles, he slowly headed towards her abode located on market street near the clock tower which hosted myriads of trams.

"I can only wonder when she is going to get better. They never exactly spoke to me about how she became sickly or what she came down with, but I can only wonder if they suspect me of being the perpetrator since she used to like hanging around me a lot... Anyways, better stay sanitary lest i'm delayed from giving her some of this sea-salt ice cream!"

Makoto slightly smiled to himself as he moved faster all thanks to a little spring in his step... and the thought of a good friend. As he continued onwards, he found himself passing many closed stores with only a few people speaking quietly too each other, bo with fear. He sighed as he focused on the task at hand, and continued traversing through this once radiant garden of a town. As he walked upon each brick, he finally came upon their house. Makoto looked upward to spot the girl at her window, barely hearing her speak of unknown matters to an unseen other.

Before he could tap on the door to be greeted, he heard a nearby screech eminating from the Station Plaza. Even though there were always signs of trouble, he was actually pretty close to try and prevent another tragedy. As disaster seemed imminent, he knocked himself out of his shock and dashed towards the plaza. The others seemed to snap out of their daze and quickly headed in the same general direction of the Plaza.

Upon coming on the huge area, the group, along with Makoto, became surprised for the lack of a victim. They were scared out of their minds, but they decided to look around. The boy searched with a mundane, almost uncaring gleam, but he did have high hopes for the future. The only way they would be able to fight was to generate a spark of hope within the populace and striking back. As he continued his own search, the horizon seemed ever gloomier before it hit him.

Quite literally too.

The boy was smashed by an incoming shadow which caught him off-guard. His eyes could only widen with the increase of heartless appearing as that one shadow who got the jump on him merged with the pack. Most people cowered in fear and attempted to flee at such an abhorrent sight, only to find themselves barricaded by a bunch of nobodies. The lot were all cornered by two opposing assailants who wished for their demise so they might continue to build their army of ever encroaching destruction.

Ensnared by someone or somethings cunning trap, he felt the blood coursing through him, his adrenaline rushing as everything around him felt as if it was pumping at a swift rate. As most people stood scared, this was sort of a perfect timing for him. If he could protect the city folk, maybe he could reinvigorate them and find a way to finally repel both evils. As most began to give up hope, he wouldn't let it go.

"Both sides stole away our tranquil peace, our happiness, and now you aim to take what isn't rightfully yours. I've seen both of your types as you tempted me in your dreams in a futile effort. I'm not giving myself away, not to the lot of you awful beings. It's nigh time someone put you all in your place."

Even with the despair and withering lingering will, he still decided to defy his own fate and demise. Even if they would give up, he wasn't planning to die so easily to such a grizzly and detestable enemy that kept the general populace on a tight lockdown. Plus, he could only wonder how one of his few friends would actually feel if he himself was lost. Makoto wouldn't want anyone to know on that very day he was taken away and converted to both sides.

The boy gripped the two ice cream sticks with a burning passion and a rising stream of adrenaline as he supplied himself with a peculiar idea of making it through the crowd. He didn't exactly know how intelligent these things truly were, but if he could recall from the dream, the foes would become disoriented at quick movements and reversals. He has the distinct advantage of knowing this, but with the panicked populace there was no way to tell how this would turn out.

Finally, out of sheer impatience, a dusk finally decided to attack, harming one of the towns people, causing a whole riot amongst the crowd. How would he inspire such wonderful and logical hope if he ran away though? Was fleeing his only option, was it daft to stand in defiance against these creatures to the very end?

...

No, it exactly wasn't, as it was regular human nature to keep on going and persevere onwards, not giving in. Makoto let both his own ingrained instincts as a human and his own preceding knowledge of the known invaders of peace two the reigns to escape or possibly fight to show they could counter the attackers.

As the onslaught was about to begin, the heartless grew restless and began attacking, as did the rest of the dusk. At this point, one of the nobodies lunged themselves at Makoto. Prior knowledge would of satisfied his needs, his hopes, his aspirations... if he knew what the heck happened next.

From one instant he was amongst a crowd of lambs to the slaughter, with one lamb showing to be rather finicky to following the wind, to being... sprawled on the floor with a massive headache. As he began to come to it, he could only struggle to recall what event transpiring as he kneeled on one knee, clutching his head.

Recollecting himself would of been much more easier if he knew where or what just happened instead of suddenly landing face first on the floor.

"Ugh... wh-what the hell is going on? Where am I?

The boy finally made himself stand erect as he shook himself out of an unfamiliar daze he was in. He brushed himself off and began tapping his foot, attempting to discern a general idea of where he was. Was he dead or was he alive? As he pondered, he spotted two familiar packets new his feet. Picking one of them up, he opened it to find the familiar shade of cyan on a stick.

With that said he took one bite into it, not knowing what to expect at the moment because of such an enigmatic miracle or an excruciatingly annoying death.

...

The ice cream was sweet but yet bitter, and all around delicious; that taste he was so familiar with hadn't actually gone away from him. There was no way death would make for such a warm welcome, plus these were still cold thankfully. The boy slowly munched away at the item, leaving only a popsicle stick in his mouth.

"Well, looks like I didn't win this time, oh well... onto other important endeavors and correct thoughts... For starters..."

"I need to find out where I am."

Thats the only thing Makoto could mutter to himself currently as he silently began to discern the foreign place to which he was safely stowed away to... with the ever looming presence of another question - what exactly did secure him?

Another day, another battle, Reece thought as the Dusk snaked towards him with it's inhuman jerky movements. Reece raised his dagger that he was given when the creatures first invaded Traverse Town several months ago. They were seemingly endless. Reece didn't know why they were coming, but they wrought destruction everywhere they went. And to make it all worse Heartless had started showing up as well.

"Come on!" he shouted at the monster. "You can't keep this up," he taunted. His ploy worked, the nobody tilted its head to the side before coming at him. Reece jumped at it, slashing with his dagger. The Dusk dodged the blow, stretching out of the way as though it was made of rubber. It send Reece flying back with a strong hit. Reece quickly struggled back on his feet. He wouldn't let this Dusk get through the perimeter. There were still many citizens, young and old, who couldn't fight; he had to protect them. Summoning up all the energy he had, Reece ran right at the nobody. This time it wasn't fast enough to dodge. The monster exploded into black smoke as it was defeated. Yes! Reece thought with a grin. He was getting stronger.

His excitement quickly turned to dread. In the dusk's place three more portals formed. Some sort of shadowy creatures came out of them. Reece gulped when he recognized them. Neoshadows. He got into position, but he wasn't sure how well this fight would go. The most powerful of the invading heartless, and not just one but three.

A noise sounded behind him. Reece whirled around to see more portals, this time with nobodies. They rushed towards the heartless. The heartless leapt at the nobodies. Reece was caught in the middle of the two sides. He rose his dagger and started attacking wildly, not even sure what ones he was fighting. Shapes moved so fast that they blurred and mixed together.

But time seemed to freeze when the Neoshadow rose in front of Reece. He swiped his dagger at it. It dodged. He was about to try again when the creature attacked. Sharp talons dug into his chest. He cried out as he fell to the ground. The heartless raised its claws in the air for a final blow. Reece closed his eyes. But the attack never came. He opened his eyes again.

Reece was in some sort of new place. Everything there was unfamiliar. He hesitantly got back onto his feet, wincing slightly. He walked forward, trying to make sense of what had happened. Reece realized that his injuries seemed to be healing though as he went through the place. Soon he couldn't even feel it any more. In the distance was a figure standing. After the constant fighting and battles, Reece wasn't very trusting of the unknown, but he needed to find out what was going on. He walked over towards the person.

She remembered that night well. It was dark, and it was rather cold out. She had been begging her brother to take her with him to go fight the Nobodies who had swarmed the center of town. They were no doubt after the Morning Stone that provided an endless water supply at the fountain in the Town Square in Aquastone. At least, that's what the townsfolk assumed. However, they were after much, much more.

"Onii-sama, please, let me go with you, you shouldn't have to fight alone. I can fight too, just like you and Nexas. Let me fight." Xikari looked up at her adopted older brother's dark eyes with her own blue-green eyes. Strands of her lovely blonde hair hung in her face as she gave him the most determined expression she possibly could. With her wooden training sword in hand she knew she could be of use to Seth, her older brother, especially if he allowed her a real weapon. "I'm sorry, Xikari, I don't want you getting hurt out there, let me and Nexas handle this, we will be back shortly and everything will go back to normal, I promise" Without another word he kissed her on the forehead and hurried out of the house, trying to hide his guilty expression.

Her love interest and Seth's younger brother, who was a year older than her, took her hand and whispered in her ear. "It will be okay, Xikari, trust Seth and I." Nexas squeezed her hand and followed behind his brother out the front door. Xikari stood, staring out the door that she had yet to close behind them. Her knees felt weak and her heart ached. At this point she could no longer stand and had to sit on the stairs that lead up into the house. They had left her behind, again.

Minutes passed, than a half an hour, than two hours. Where had they gone too? With the skill and will of Seth and Nexas there was no way it would have taken this long, unless something terrible had happened to them. Maybe they were overwhelmed by the monsters and taken away... Xikari shook her head in denial, such thoughts were useless to her. But at this point, she wasn't going to sit and wait, staring out the front door she still had yet to close. With a renewed sense of determination the teenager scrambled up the stairs and searched desperately for the weapon that had been waiting for her since becoming a part of the Kazuhira family. In the back of her older brother's closet was a fancy weapon case with her name engraved on the top. In actuality it was something that she had been clinging onto when they found her, it was the only thing she had left of her old world. Inside the case was a beautiful, hand crafted katana with a deep blue blade and a pure black hilt.

Xikari took the weapon in her hands and stared at it in awe. It was more beautiful then she remembered. By now she was headed out the door with the weapon strapped across her torso and resting on her back. "I'm coming Kazuhira family, wait for me."

The youngster raced out of the house, finally closing the front door and hurrying toward the town square where the beasts were swarming everywhere from dark portals that relentlessly appeared. Once the girl arrived at the town square she was already out of breath and had to stop to take a breather. There in the middle of Aquastone was an army of Nobodies. "Ahhh!!!" Without hesitation the trained 'warrior' lunged into the fray and began slicing left and right at the creatures. "Xikari, what are you doing here?!" A familiar voice could be heard over the sounds of the Nobodies. Crap, I'm in trouble. "Big brother, you're safe!" She hurried to him, slashing at the Nobodies that surrounded him. He looked slightly beat up but had obviously fought well considering the enemies numbers were dwindling. "Where's Nexas?" She questioned.

"I'm not sure..." Seth said sadly, it seemed he had lost his brother in the process of fighting off the adversaries. "I'm afraid the darkness may have taken him" He shook his head. "No, no." He couldn't think that way, he had to stay positive for Xikari. "No, I'm sure he's around here some where, I did just see him..."

"Alright!" Her look of confidence was unwavering. "I'll go find him. You stay safe and continue to take them down!" With a smile and a nod she ran off without him being able to stop her.

"Xikari!!" Was the last thing she heard from her older brother.

Her heart raced in her chest, by the time Seth was out of her sight she was surrounded with her back to the fountain in the center of the Town Square. "You won't take me alive, you foul beasts" With a grin she slashed in an X shape at them, swinging her blade skillfully around her body and taking out many of the Nobodies. The group of them tackled her, making it impossible for her to get up off of the ground. "Ack, get off!!" She reached up for a hand to pull her out of the dark. "Xikari..." There was another voice. A hand reached out and touched hers but quickly slipped away, the last thing she saw was a man in a black cloak holding Nexas up by his throat. "No..." Her voice trailed off.

-----

"Ah! Ahh!!!" Xikari writhed on the ground, trying to get the Nobodies off of her. But they were gone. "Huh..? Where am I?" She stood up and looked around. There were two others in her presence. One seemed to be walking toward the other. The girl reached for her weapon but all she got was an empty sheath. "No!!" It was a loud shout that both of the others could have heard but she didn't care. Nexas and Seth were no where to be found in this empty space and now her most precious belonging was gone. Her heart ached once more and she dropped to her knees. "No, no, no!!"

The three teens emerged from a bright flash, finding themselves in a dilapdated-looking room. Thick dust clung to everything, as a small ray of light made its way through one of the boarded up windows. At first, the three might think they wound up in either an abandoned building, or perhaps taken prisoner. However, the sight of each other would dispel such thoughts.

On one of the walls was a picture that was surprisingly (or suspiciously) devoid of dust. If one were to examine it, they would see a picture of Sora and his companions Donald Duck, Goofy, and Riku. Sora had his (in)famous Keyblade shouldered. However, behind the group, an anthropomorphic mouse stood next to a wizened old man. Few knew of King Mickey and Keyblade Master Yen Sid. Yet here they were, real as the photo could make them. Perhaps the answer would lie in the stairs off to the left, which would lead to an office that was again devoid of any sort of dust. Something was up here...

-Makoto Shinzo : ???-

As the boy was discerning the area in front of him, he hadn't taken notice of the two people hidden from his vision and saw a peculiar painting of a boy with a strange blade on his shoulder. From what he had analyzed so far, it was in the shape of a key, one that would be used to lock or unlock an abnormally huge door. It looked rather ridiculous, but in hindsight, he drove the sensation of wonder off, shedding the thoughts of it being such a silly but serial looking weapon.

It probably wasn't fate that gave him the chance to gaze upon another wielder, but rather a controlled method. Makoto also had a similar weapon to the boy, rather more bluish in tint. Regardless, he reserved all his judgement, studying the other characters that were the center of the photo. A anthropomorphic duck and dog dressed in differentiating color schemes, but a similar style.

The boy cocked his left eyebrow up at the background figures behind the realistic painting, not at all finding them to be familiar. This could only further drive him to continuous bemusement over why he felt a sort of connection to the painting. It wasn't real in any sense, but it really was something off to him. Makoto wracked his head over it due to his own dream and connecting it to a false person.

Frustrated over the lack of answers he failed to achieve, he let out an exasperated sigh, still not realizing the creeping misfortune coming upon him. He shook his head and began to grind his teeth in sheer annoyance. This painting meant nothing to him, but that latching feeling of awareness. It felt aalmost ludicrous to ask this painting something, but he was curious to question and figure out what was transpiring.

"Who exactly are you all? Why do you have that blade, one that so closely mimics and almost resemble the one I wielded before within the confines of my mind?"

"... My god, I sound mad. I could only imagine Akemis expression of horror on her face if she saw me in this state. I bet I would look like a shell of a former friend to her..."

"Still, I can't slough off how surreal this whole predicament is. First being attacked by peculiar creatures, and then this? I'm at a blank point and alo-"

Scratch that sentiment as a voice shot up from behind him, feminine and just as confused as Makoto himself. The boy swiftly pivoted around to find that there was a person, male, about his height, walking towards him. The girl behind him had the appearance of being scorned by fickle fate, being just as unfamiliar with this event as Makoto.

As he identified the two, he slightly put his foot back just in case he needed to do something drastic. The boy wasn't able to properly identify if his actions were hostile, but he went back on the words he managed to hear uttered. When thinking about it in hindsight, there was no malignant intentions here, or so he knew currently.

Calming down, Makoto became less tense, his shoulders leveling themselves to be on par with his chest. His aggressive facial expression had toned down to his regular, uncaring look implanted in his system. All of them were taken, but by something whimsical and mystic as told in fictional story books. The location was unknown, however there was a sliver of light peering in from a board.

Investigating the foreign area was of top priority in part to the impending shadows possibly lurking about, however he couldn't just leave these two behind. With a vehement sigh, he stood his ground, staring the boy down before giving his input on the whole situation.

"I was hoping no one would of heard me talking to myself, but eh, whatever... Lets get this straight, I can discern that no one in the general vicinity is the culprit or a lackey since your casually strolling towards me and she is crying."

Hopefully he cleared that possible speculation up that something was amiss with one of the other two possibly getting too accusatory with each other which would in turn waste not only his time, but theirs. With that finished, he began to start at his own pace towards the kneeled over girl who was looking rather depressed as she appeared to have lost something precious to her, all the while speaking to them both. As he traversed towards the girl, he passed the boy, not caring for what he would do, unless he would perform something demeaning that impaired him from making it to the blonde girl.

"I don't intend to linger around here and whine to myself or wonder what the heck just happened so it's best to get over whatever you are feeling or else none of us will escape. Being shocked and not taking any action that helps not only yourself nor anyone is downright idiotic. Got it memorized you two? Don't waste my time... just like I'm doing with you missy."

With a sigh, he bent over to look at the girl who was afraid. Even though this was for his friend, he could always buy another one later as he knew. He shook his head, frowning slightly as he glared at her, hoping for some sort of eye contact. The boy made sure not to appear too hostile, but rather haughty in a jerk-ass sort of way.

With his right hand, he slowly put it forward, revealing something familiar to him - Sea-Salt ice cream. Pulling out the other in his mouth and holding it in his free hand and stared at it, then back at her. Makoto gave off the appearance of giving the stick to her, but eventually just decided to shove throw it away by thrusting it to the side, causing it to bounce off the wall and onto the floor.

"Here, take it. I don't like seeing another cry as it's annoying and useless. Sure letting out your tears will help from time to time, but I am sure that a loved one didn't die in front of your eyes... unless they did in which case my condolences. Anyways, I hope this cheers you up so we can all get a move on it as you're not the only one who wants to return to Twilight Town."

As he offered the ice cream to the girl, he returned his gaze to the other boy, feeling he would want to go back home too. Now that he thought about it, he never really did see these two around Twilight Town... maybe they were anti-social to an extent like him? Didn't get out much?

"Best we compose ourselves and save introductions for later once we have a semblance of what is going on while being in a benign situation. Don't delay unless it is important, or else I will leave you two in the dust if you don't bother to keep up or talk. Hope you two find that sound for now."

The figure had his back turned away from him. Reece heard him talking to himself as he stared up at the painting. The boy's musings didn't make any sense to Reece though. He was about to call out to him and ask who he was when a shrill screech shot through the air. Reece jumped at the girl's cry and spun around. Reece could have sworn that area had been empty a second ago. The girl had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Did she get here the same way I did? he wondered. He looked over at her with concern; something horrible must have happened to cause her this much distress.

Reece looked back at the other person, still uneasy about the situation. Something was definitely off here. To Reece's surprise the boy was staring at him with what seemed to be hostility. Reece stood his ground, prepared to react if needed. Despite not being on the battlefield, his instinct was still to automatically jump to defend himself. It seemed that there was no need to protect himself from any dangers yet though, as the person addressed them. Nodding to affirm that he had nothing to do with this, Reece watched as the person brushed passed him to walk over to the girl.

Rude, Reece thought in reaction at the person's next words. Who is he to boss us around? Or treat us as incompetent? He didn't know anything about who they were, or what they might have gone through. He nearly spoke up in defense, but decided that it would be best not to try to make enemies. Reece listened and watched as he spoke to the girl before handing her some sort of ice cream thing.

"Twilight Town?" Reece said, finally speaking up upon hearing the unfamiliar name. Throughout all his time living in Traverse Town, he had never heard of any sector or other town of that name. He shook his head slightly as the person spoke again though. "Whatever," Reece said, getting annoyed at the boy's bossiness. Reece ignored his gaze as walked over to the girl. "Are you okay?" he asked, offering his hand to help her up.

She wasn't exactly crying, but she was definitely in distress. Knowing that her only family that she had were in trouble and her precious sword was gone made her feel terrible. Her heart skipped a beat at hearing the other speak to himself. Xikari wasn't sure if they were hostile or not but seeing as the one was speaking to himself and not really acknowledging her it seemed that he wasn't going to attack.

The other held out a strange looking popsicle. She stared at it and kind of wanted to take it from his hand but at the same time knew better to take food from strangers. Finally her sweet tooth got the better of her and she took the sweet treat from the other. While she was licking the strange tasting treat she looked up at the boy with narrowed eyes. "You know. You're kind of a jerk. Also, I've never heard of Twilight Town... is that where you come from?" It was obvious the two came from different worlds. A concept that was not unknown to her considering she didn't always live in Aquastone but just appeared one day, it was said that she fell from the sky and Seth had to fish her out of the ocean and pull her to the docks so she wouldn't drown.

With a sigh she looked to the other as he came to her. "I'm okay.. I've just lost something important to me... not only that but the last I saw of my family, they were in trouble. If we want to get back home I suppose we are going to have to try not to kill each other. Although some of us here are a bit more rude then others. Forgive me for saying so" She said as she looked up at the one who had given her the ice cream and allowed the one reaching out to her to help her up. "I should know better than to speak that way to others"

Without taking her gaze off of the icecream boy, she spoke once more, "I'm Xikari Kazuhira from a place called Aquastone. Who are you both? And do you know anything about this boy in the picture? His weapon seems familiar to me but I can't seem to place it... hm. where have I seen it before?"

"Sorry to hear," Reece said upon hearing what had happened to the girl. "I hope that your family will be okay, and that you find what you lost." Reece listened as she spoke again, agreeing with her about the other boy's rudeness. Guess it isn't just me that thinks that then. But, as the girl said, they did have to try not to kill each other.

Reece glanced around the room now that he was sure that they weren't in any immediate danger. He wondered what was so special about that painting. It didn't seem very important to him, he did not recognize any of the figures in the picture. He did have to wonder why the spiky-haired boy was carrying such a giant key though. Over in the other side of the room Reece also noticed a staircase. It seemed to be the only way in or out of this room that they had somehow appeared in. He turned back to the other two though upon hearing the girl speak up again.

"Aquastone? Where's that? Haven't heard of it either. My name is Reece," he said, choosing to ignore the other boy's instructions to wait until later for introductions. They were safe enough here for the moment that they could at least figure out who everyone was. "I'm from First District, in Traverse Town. Part of a combat team to take on the heartless and nobodies." Reece looked back at the painting. "Not sure," he commented. "Never seen any of them before."

Reece looked at the unnamed boy, annoyed at his fussing. "Whatever," he muttered in reply. "We might miss something if we just run off though." He shook his head before taking one last glance at the painting. Maybe it is just that: a painting. Nothing more, Reece thought to himself. It did have some sort of strange quality about it though, but Reece couldn't place it. He sighed as the boy left the room. "Guess we ought to follow him," he said to Xikari. Looking around the room for the last time (not finding anything more of interest), Reece climbed up the staircase to the next room.

Xikari was confused by the stranger's expression and then his words. At first he seemed shocked, then he gave a smug look and spoke of her being rather respectable. It was confusing because she felt that what she had said was rather rude. For a few moments after speaking he seemed to stand there thinking to himself. Whilst he stood there being weird she examined the room and the picture with more intensity. Everything was coated with a layer of dust. Particles of dust lingered in the air making her nose feel tingly with every breath.

When the jerk-like stranger spoke again, it was only confirmation at how much of a rude jerk he really was. But perhaps, that was just the way he was raised? Or maybe he was like her and didn't have any family to begin with. At least, that's what she had thought, she couldn't remember anything before arriving at Aquastone.

"Follow him?" Xikari replied to the other after he too had spoken. She was simply observing everything and listening but had finally decided to interject. "Hm." The girl would have chosen not to follow the boy up the stairs seeing as he was not someone she wanted to associate herself with. But it seemed they were all in the same situation, stuck in a strange place away from home, so they would most likely be stuck together for a while.

After a moment of hesitation, Xikari tiptoed up the stairs, hoping that no one would be there to attack. Upon coming up behind the other two boys she noticed it too. The upstairs was cleaner than downstairs. No dust. It concerned her, who was lurking around this place? "It's so different than downstairs, isn't it? Something isn't right"

As the three ventured further into the room, the door behind them shut. There stood a wizened old man. The three might recognize him from the picture downstairs. However, something seemed off about the man. Before anyone could say anything, he walked around the three to the desk.

"Ah, I see it is finally that time..." the being said, staring out the window. "I did not think this day would ever come." The being turned around to face the three. "It seems that you three are the chosen ones..." The man glanced at a picture on his desk. It was an exact copy of the one downstairs, except smaller. "I do question the wisdom of the decision, but what's done is done. The Keyblades choose their wielders. So it is, so it has always been, and so it will always be..." The man then turned to the three again, not allowing them to ask any questions.

"As I'm sure you three are aware, there is a major conflict between the Heartless and the Nobodies. This conflict is important enough for them to start seizing control of the worlds. Yes, I said 'worlds'. At one time, the world was one and everyone lived in harmony. However, Darkness soon entered the peoples' hearts and consumed the world in neverending Darkness. Yet, a small glimmer of light remained in the hearts of the children. These children gathered their glimmers together, and recreated the world. However, this new world was separated. The reason? The True Light was still hidden deep within the Darkness." the wizened old man started pacing back and forth, almost as if he were agitated.

"It was discovered many years later that the Darkness spawned creatures of no emotion and of a hunger for hearts. They were dubbed 'Heartless' by their founder, who found a way to artificially manufacture Heartless. The Heartless are drawn to the Darkness in peoples' hearts, and consume those hearts, creating more Heartless. However, the body is left behind. Without a heart, the body should not exist, and cannot feel emotions. These are the Nobodies. However, what the Heartless truly desire is the hearts of Worlds. When a World's heart is consumed, that world is lost to the Darkness." the man turned to the three.

"That is where the Keybladers stepped in. A Keyblade is a mystical and powerful weapon. Though it takes on a peculiar and humurous shape, its ability to fight the Darkness is astounding. So much so that Heartless and Nobodies alike fear it. I was a Keyblader once. I was Master Yen Sid, one of the strongest Keybladers alive, apart from Master Mickey and Sora. However, in Sora's last battle against the Heartless, he lost. He was killed, as were his friends. Soon, Mickey and I followed, but we died of old age. Now, it is up to you three to stop Ansem and Xemnas from drowning the worlds in neverending Darkness. If they were to succeed, then there will be no recovery like there was before. No, the time is now, and you three are the chosen warriors who will open the door to the True Light."

Yen Sid then sat down in a chair behind the desk, almost as if he would allow questions now. He knew they would likely have many, as his story was a long one. However, he needed to tell them what their fate was. There was no escape, and time was running short.

Reece jumped as the door shut behind them. He whirled around with adrenaline in his veins, prepared to fight. But instead of the heartless or nobody he expected, an old man stood before them. Where did he come from? Reece wondered. He stared at the man suspiciously, and his mind jumped back to the painting downstairs. It's him, he realized. One of the figures in the picture. Before he had a chance to speak or react the man started talking.

Worlds, darkness and light, heroes and keyblades? Reece thought, his mind spinning from all the new information the man, Yen Sid, had to offer. How could he expect them to be able to help? What was so special about them that they could save the world? And not just one world, but multiple?

"Wait," Reece interjected. "You and Mickey died of old age? How's that possible? You're standing right in front of us! And why us? What can we possibly do to stop an entire war?" He shook his head. This didn't make any sense. "How did we get here? Why did you save me?" Reece asked, this time more quietly. What difference in this whole mess could he make that made him worth saving?

Yen Sid turned to the man. "A young man of many questions you are. I am pleased to see this." Yen Sid walked up to the kid, scrutinizing him. "We died of old age while we were in hiding. I am standing in front of you as the result of a potent spell that Mickey and I had to spend a few years on. It would store my conscience in a semi-physical form. However, it is restricted to this office. I can not leave this place, or else the spell would wear off. Which is not something we can afford." Yen Sid's face did not betray the surprise he felt. He hadn't done anything to "rescue" them. "I can not say that I know how you were rescued. However, since you were brought here, it is likely that you all subconsciously called upon the power of your Keyblades, which then brought you here. As for what you three can do, you can use your Keyblades to combat the Heartless and the Nobodies. Only you three can do it. You are the last of the Keybladers, and the fates of the worlds rest in your hands."

Yen Sid nodded at the man, setting aside his brash attitude. "Simple. To summon your Keyblade, merely focus on it's shape and feel in your hand, and it shall appear to you. It should be very similar as it was in your Dive to the Heart." Yen Sid answered in a tone that was just as serious as he'd been using this whole time. Yen Sid, however, could not entirely stifle the chuckle at the next question this young man had. "The reason you've never heard of these other worlds, or a way to get to them, is even more simple. The World Order must be protected. Certain parties are privy to the information of multiple worlds: the Heartless, the Nobodies, and the Keybladers. All other inhabitants remain unaware that there are other worlds out there, and they should continue to remain ignorant of the fact. Who knows what calamity could strike if everyone found out that theirs isn't the only world?" Yen Sid's demeanor rapidly changed back to his serious one at the last question. "Yes, you must free the worlds from the Heartless and the Nobodies. I'm looking into what exactly both sides are after, but what I've found... well, I can only hope it's not the truth. If it is, then we have even less time than I thought. However, I'm sure that the Heartless and the Nobodies are directed by some sort of leader or something in each world. So, defeating the leader is probably key to freeing the worlds."

Xikari tried hard to take in all that was being said. After Yen Sid had spoken the nicer of the two boys questioned the older man who had somewhere along the line said he had died. There was no understanding that part. She knew of different worlds since she was from one that wasn't where she was living now. Of course, others often didn't believe this but where else could she have come from? Yen Sid explained how he was there before them and suddenly it made sense, magic. Everything involved magic, light and darkness. Somehow they were to restore balance of all that.

The girl somewhat ignored what the rude boy had to say, he spoke a lot and all his words were cold sounding. Once he was finished she listened to Yen Sid's reply. All of their words were incredibly overwhelming but she knew one thing. If she had ever wondered what her purpose in life was, this was it. What she had gotten out of the conversation and story telling was that these three were the ones that had to bring balance and save the Worlds. If that was possible.

Quietly she pondered these things. No one had addressed her so she simply listened. At last she spoke, "By defeating the leader... do you mean kill?" Killing was out of the question, there was nothing she could do about that. Big brother had raised her better.

Yen Sid turned to the quiet (and only) girl of the trio. He could tell she was a kindred soul, used to fighting but not as much to the ravages of war. "If you wish to preserve life, then you have nothing to fear. Heartless and Nobodies aren't really living beings by the laws of logic that most worlds operate on. Their defeat will merely cause them to cease existence. In the case of defeating a Heartless, some of the hearts it devoured may return back to their owners. As for the Nobodies, defeating them merely puts the body in limbo, awaiting the return of the missing heart. So, defeating the Leaders and their minions will do more than bad."

"But brother, why won't you let me see him? I'm fine! I've dealt with worse, this is nothing-" Redmond's sister asked, stopping her arguing after a fit of coughing seemed to seize her body. Redmond walked closer and tried to help her stand, but she pushed him away, and continued coughing. Redmond simply lowered his arms after her refusal and waited patently. "Redmond, please, just let me sneak out this once. I promise you mom and dad won't find out, I'll be gone not longer than an hour!" she added to her plead.

This choice wasn't hard for Redmond, he knew his sister too well to let her leave the house. Last time she had gone out alone, she collapsed out in the street alone. If Redmond hadn't tried checking on her that day, she may have very well gone unnoticed a few minutes longer... which apparently would have been enough to end her life. Redmond folded his arms, shaking his head, "No, Akemi. It can happen in a split second, and then you would be done for. Do you not remember last time?" Redmond said to his sister. She sighed, looking down as she knew there was no getting through to her brother.

"Yes... I remember." Akemi turned to face the window, and saw Makoto sprinting away from the house with two ice creams. "Look, he's right there! Let me just go talk to him!" she squealed, turning back to Redmond just as Makoto moved out of sight. Redmond walked next to his sister, and looked out the window, but failed to see him as it was too late. "Really Akemi?" he asked with a hint of distrust. "Yes yes! He was just there! Please let me go see-" she continued, but Redmond stopped her with a hand to her mouth as he watched the people out in the street.

"Wait, what's going on outside? Everyone seems to be running in that direction, some with weapons. Think a fight broke out?" Redmond asked, looking out the window to try and see where everyone was going. "That's where Makoto went!" Akemi said, pointing in the direction they were all going. Redmond turned away from the window and walked to the door, opening it and stepping out to leave, but Akemi grabbed his hand and stopped him for a second. "Wait, let me come with you! Makoto is out there, you have to let me help!" she said, but Redmond turned to face her and shook his head. "No, stay here. If something's going on, I don't want you getting hurt." he said, quickly pushing her inside the room and closing the door before she could speak again.

Redmond dashed for his room, dove under his bed to pull out his Struggle Bat, and examined it. It had the usual golden handle and hilt, but a green blade instead of blue. He bounced it in his hands for a second or two to quickly test the wait, then left his room, down the stairs, and out the door in a flash. He tried stopping a few people running past him to ask what was happening, but they simply didn't know either. He let out a sigh as he chased after everyone else, not looking back to see Akemi watching in the window.

----------------------------

Redmond skid to a stop as he reached a wall of people, each struggling on their own accord to retreat the way they came. Some fell down, nearly trampled to death by their comrades. As soon as the group cleared, Redmond saw what they were running from. Those that had fallen stood up and swung their weapons at the frail-looking white monsters. Their swings seemed to be fruitless, but they tried anyway, even as they were swallowed by the attacks from the strange enemies.

Soon, Redmond was left standing there, as the monsters targeted him and made their slow way towards him. Redmond took a step backwards, and all three of his attackers seemed to step just a little faster as he made his movement. He tried two more, and they in sync made their way that much closer, even with their slow advance towards him. Redmond quickly turned and ran as fast as he could, not turning back to see the three monsters giving full chase after him, and slowly closing the gap.

Redmond reached an open area, just to be knocked down by one of the monsters. It lifted a hand to unleash an attack, and Redmond thought of it to be his last moment as the other's just had theirs. But, when all seemed hopeless, a bright white light blinded Redmond temporarily, as he woke up seemingly safe within an abandoned building of sorts.

----------------------------

Redmond didn't even notice, as he closed his eyes when the bright light engulfed his vision. Am... am I dead? Why don't I feel anything? Did someone save me? Did I wake up from a dream? No... is this a dream? he thought to himself for several seconds. He felt around the floor with his hands, grasping for anything nearby, and soon found his struggle bat. Once he grabbed it fully with his left hand, he opened his eyes and stood up, holding it tight to his chest for protection. Dream... this has to be a dream. I couldn't have just died... could I? Death wouldn't quiet feel like this... no way!

Redmond stood where he woke up, not daring himself to move. He examined the room, looking for any signs of life... any signs of a clue. Something, anything that might help. He saw off on a nearby wall, a picture hanging up. A kid holding a crazily over-sized key, which doesn't look like it'd go to any particular keyhole anyone'd have the right mind to make. And... Woah! Is that... a duck? And a dog? This has to be a dream for sure. Redmond thought to himself as he saw the two strange animals with the boy.

On the ground leading up to the painting, Redmond saw footprints in the dust on the ground. Not just one pair, but several. Redmond quickly stepped back, and entered a defensive stance, readying his weapon for any sudden attackers. But no one jumped him. Some led up to the painting, but all of them lead to a set of stairs nearby. He managed to catch three pairs of footprints, all appearing to be human. Two seemed to be bigger than the other... so he thought it was the possibility of two adults and a child. Or two boys and a girl.

He decided to step closer to the footprints he found, and found his own to nearly match the two bigger pairs. They must all be around my age then. he decided on the latter option. One pair even managed to look strangely familiar, but he couldn't place who it was. He knew it must be someone he's met several times if he recognizes it now... Unless it's the dream talking.

He looked up the stairs, and saw them lead up to a big door which appeared to be closed. It was a little dusty, but less so than the rest of the room... so it must have been closed recently. At that moment, he thought the footprints might be recent too... very recent. Possibly a few hours ahead of him, or even just several minutes. Whoever these footprints belonged to... they must have just gotten here before him. They must know he's here, maybe they brought- No, this is a dream. I just woke up here. I didn't see any of my own footprints before I started to walk around.

He waited at the door, looking at it, somehow hoping to will it open with his thoughts. Perhaps an answer to appear... if it was a dream, if he had died... if he was taken captive by those monsters.