Overall story summary: After having defeated Xemnas and the rest of Organization XIII. Riku, Sora, and Kairi finally returned home to the time to the island. However, during a test put upon them, Sora and Riku learned the truth of Xehanort and his plans to create 13 copies of himself and cause a new keyblade war that'll allow him to plunge all the worlds into never ending darkness. Now more anxious than ever, Sora and Riku must find and bring back Aqua, Terra, and Ventus and gain the 7 keyblade users in order to succeed and stop Xehanort once and for all. However, as Sora and his friends continue to travel throughout the worlds, there will be many more obstacles standing in their way and only together will they be able to succeed.

Chapter 1 - Decision

After travelling worlds and fighting against countless 'nobodies' and 'heartless', Sora and his friends were able to prevent Xemnas and the rest of Organization XIII from releasing 'Kingdom Hearts'. However, the group were unaware of the true mastermind behind everything. Xehanort who planned to plunge all the worlds into a never-ending darkness and his 13 vessels and the 7 keyblades fight each other in a glorious battle.

But for now, all seemed quiet. Sora, Riku and Kairi were able to return home to Destiny Island as they could once again enjoy the warm comfort of the sun and could watch the sun set over the waves on the beach, they had spent so much of them time at. Leaning against the tree, Sora looked out at the sea. Thinking of everything that had happened since they had left. Ansem, the Organization, Roxas, Xehanhort. While all seemed as the way it should be, Sora felt that in his heart that something wasn't right, and he couldn't just relax.

His friends, Riku and Kairi, were by his side as the two talked while Sora seemed to be dozing off. Kairi then nudging him as Riku said, "Sora. Hey, are you paying any attention?" Riku wondering what was on his mind or causing him to once again slack off.

Snapping out of it, Sora quickly realized his friends were calling him as he said, "huh? What was that?" He seemed confused as he sat upright, not even realizing the two were talking prior.

"Hehehe. Dazed and lazy as ever." Kairi teased. She laughed a little bit in the same soft tone Riku and Sora had always known. Kairi always having known for not taking the two seriously.

"I am not." Sora said in defense of himself, turning to her and having a bit of an upset face. He then tried to explain as he tried to sound smart and replied, "I was just thinking about something."

"Hmph. Sure, you were." Riku replied, merely shaking his head with a small grin on his face. Turning to Sora and Kairi, Riku repeated his earlier comment as he told them, "Anyways, I was saying that it truly seems like forever since we've been back here. We've really let the years slip us by."

Nodding, Sora realized for himself that it had been so long since they had been back on the island. Not really having thought about how much time had truly passed since the three had left and had thought against the heartless and Ansem. He then merely replied, "Yeah, it really has."

At least 5 years had gone by since the three had first left the island, all of them having still been children at the time. Each having changed and grown since then. Riku was still the tallest and had his long silver hair cut short. He was now wearing a black hoodie with a silver shirt underneath, dark blue shorts and black boots. Kairi had also gotten her hair short wearing a new black and pink outfit with a top and skirt and black boots. While still grown, Sora looked the most like his old self with a new red and black outfit gifted to him by the fairies like he had before.

Sora then thought of something else as he continued to look at the waves and the setting sun, he said with a smile on his face, "Though I'm glad we got the chance to come back. This world almost fell to the darkness because of Xehanort and the heartless'. But we were able to save it after closing the door of darkness."

Riku and Kairi agreed as they both nodded. Though as Kairi turned to Sora while still sitting on the tree, she couldn't help but wonder and slightly worry what was on his mind while he was dozing off earlier. In that moment he didn't seem like his cheery old self and something was bothering him. Wanting to know, Kairi asked him, "Sora, what's wrong? You said you were thinking about something earlier?"

Sora then explained to the two of them. "Xehanort and the heartless have been going around the worlds and messing around trying to create his perfect world of darkness, not caring about those who get hurt in the way."

"He's already gotten his hands-on multiple vessels, even trying to make you into one of them as well Sora." Riku replied, believing in the same as Sora. He then remembered what happened that day. Xehanort had tried to kidnap Sora, while he and Riku were doing their test to become a keyblade master and turn him into one of his vessels. However, thanks to Lea, formerly known as the nobody Axel, Riku and Mickey were able to save him. Riku could remember what the old Xehanort said as well as he acknowledged with his arms crossed saying, "If he gains all thirteen, he'll have everything he needs and will be at the keyblade graveyard."

"So, we'll need to be ready to face him before he can try and more damage than he already has." Kairi concluded. While not getting this as much as the other two, she did know that Xehanort and the heartless were up to no good. She was a part of this as well and with the keyblade Riku gave her before, she could now help as well.

Nodding, Riku agreed with her as he said with a small grin on his face, "That's right."

Placing in his heart, there was something else Sora thought as well as he added, "And there's something else. I feel like there's someone out there calling me, but I don't know who. All I know they're waiting for me." He could feel it in his heart that there was someone waiting for him with a smile and he couldn't help but want to smile back.

Standing back up straight from his leaning position against the tree, Riku turned to Kairi and Sora as he asked, "So, then what are we waiting for?" The two were slightly confused as to what he meant as Riku then explained and rephrased saying, "Looks like you've made up your mind. Guess we shouldn't stay here any longer. We've got work to do."

"Well I didn't mean we had to leave right now." Sora said and re-elaborated. While he did think it was important, he didn't want to force two to go right away when they had just returned home.

"Sure you didn't." Kairi said as she could tell that in the tone of his voice. But to both her and Riku, it was still important that they beat Xehanort as she joked and reassured Sora saying, "It's kind of rude to leave whoever it is waiting. Besides, the sooner Xehanort is beaten, the sooner everything can really back to normal."

That was enough for Sora as he nodded with a determined look on his face while still grinning. As the three were in agreeance, Sora took the lead as taking a few steps away from their spot, he turned to Riku and Kairi as he eagerly said in a happy tone, "Alright. Let's all go see Yen Sid."

The two nodded in agreeance as they joined Sora and began walking away from the beach. Though while they were walking to an area where they could unlock the key to get to Castle Oblivion, Kairi suddenly stopped having something on her mind as well. Announcing to Riku and Sora, "Hey, wait a second."

The two were slightly confused as to why they had to wait as they turned around to face her. Riku then asking her, "What is it?" Wanting to know what was on her mind.

"I just wanted to let you two know that this time I'm going to help." Kairi said and explained to them with a determined voice. Shaking her head, she then elaborated and added saying, "Before, I had to rely on the two of you to come and save me. Before, I was weak and helpless but now I have a keyblade and the wizard says I've come a long way with my training. So now, I won't be a burden to the two of you anymore and when you need me. I'll be there to save you."

A smile came across the both of their faces, knowing that she would want to help and they'd both want her there by their side. Sora then telling her with a smile on his face, "Of course. The three will of us will always have each other's backs."

Riku agreed as he also said with a smile, "We'll be glad to have you by our side." Gesturing with his hand and head, "Let's go." Kairi nodded as they then continued. Kairi running and caught up to them.

Their peaceful island would have to wait as the three friends still had a job to do in order to stop Xehanort before he gains full control of Kingdom Hearts and create his prophecy of a perfect world.

As Riku, Sora and Kairi re-entered Castle Oblivion, everything seemed to be going smoothly as usual. Downstairs in the lower levels was Yuffie, Squall, Aerith, and Cid taking care of their own business while Cid was working in technician, keeping an eye on things and making sure everything was running right. In another room was the three fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather who were practicing their magic and perfecting their spells.

The three made their way to Yen Sid's room who was sitting down in his chair as usual behind his table with his book placed on it. But to the three's surprise, as they entered the room, King Mickey, Donald and Goofy were there as well.

As they turned around and saw them, Goofy said, "Hi there, it's good to see you guys. We were expecting you to come back soon. Guess it's good we got here early."

All three of them were caught by surprise as Sora wondered, "expecting us?"

"Well we were aware you guys wanted to go home for a bit, but Yen Sid informed us that you were going to be back soon, so we got here first and waited." Donald went on to explain as to what was going on and to try and quell some of the confusion. "Though we got here a little too early probably as you guys did take a little while."

Sora then happily shaking the back of his head apologizing saying, "Yeah sorry about that. We just wanted to go back home and enjoy the sun like old times."

Riku then figured that Yen Sid was watching over them and so he would inform the others beforehand. He then replied, "I see." Though there was one thing that came into mind as Riku turned to Mickey and asked him, "But, Mickey. I thought you all had to go to back home to your kingdom and make sure everything was returned to normal."

Mickey was glad for Riku's concern but happily answered his friend saying, "Of course. Well we managed to get done with everything, but the minute Yen Sid called us about you guys coming, we came running back. In case you needed help as that's what friends are for right?"

Riku nodded in agreeance as he replied, "Of course."

Looking around, Kairi acknowledged that there was one person who was not in the room with them. Herself then asking, "Where's Lea?"

Turning to her, Donald answered saying, "He's out doing Keyblade training."

"Oh, I see." Kairi realized.

Sora merely seemed happy to see everyone again as he simply said with a smile, "Well the gang's all here and thanks for the welcome back."

The group then all turned to Yen Sid as in a calm and normal tone, he said while stroking his beard, "I was aware you three needed some time away from the current dangers and finally give you some rest. But it is without a doubt that you all returned no longer able to ignore the coming conflict." He then addressed Sora directly as he says, "So tell me, what did you want to say?"

Sora was about to mention as to the reason for their sudden arrival but was slightly surprised for Yen Sid already knowing what he was going to say. But still, he chose to say it anyways as he wanted it to come from his mouth as Sora faced the Wizard with a determined face and told him, "I want to travel the worlds again and try to do what I can and stop Xehanort from whatever he has in mind. I know that I failed the test, but I still want to do what I can."

Riku agreed as he added with the same determination as Sora as he told Yen Sid, "I plan to fight him as well. What he's done, not just to me but to others, including my friends in unforgivable and something my heart just can't let go."

Kairi felt the same way as they did, stepping forward by Sora's other side. "Even if the heartless acting was of their own doing, the world's need us to protect them. And if we don't protect the light from the darkness, then who else will."

Seeing the determination in all their faces, Yen Sid chuckled with a grin on his face, glad to hear them say that. He then told the three, "Alright, then. Sora, Riku, you two will head out into the worlds in continuing to protect them and keep the balance. And when the time comes, you two to battle, you will face off against Xehanort and his vessels." He then turned to Kairi directly as he instructed her, "Kairi, for the moment, you will remain here."

This came as a shock and a surprise to her that she was being told to stay behind. "What? Why?" She asked in a slightly loud tone confused. "I want to be able to help too. I have a keyblade now and with the training you've been giving me, I know how to fight and protect me. I may not be as skilled as them, but I can still hold my own."

Seeing her frustration, he tried to explain by first acknowledging her accomplishments. "Indeed, you can fully master how to manifest the keyblade and you are skilled in using it to fight against large amounts of Heartless'." But that was not all as he then explained and elaborated saying, "However, you still have much to learn. You will be able to join Riku and Sora in the coming battle but in order to truly help them, your skills must be at their best."

While she was still frustrated with her head down in disappointment, Sora could try and understand what he meant. Sora then tried to cheer Kairi up as he turned to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as he joked and told her with a smile, "He does make a point, you need to get better. Besides, it is your turn to save our butts, so we can't have a slacker with us."

She could tell he was kidding as she turned to him with the same amount of sass saying, "Who are you calling a slacker? When I'm done training, I'll be twice as good as the both you."

Joining in, Riku chuckled as he turned to the two and said, "Yeah, we'll see about that."

Kairi then turned back to Yen Sid with her spirits lifted as he told him, "Alright, I understand. I'll stay."

The wizard then nodding in acknowledgement as he said, "Good." He then suggested, "Lea is practicing off in another area of the castle. You are welcome to go join him if it so pleases you."

Kairi agreed in recognition, that being her choice of what to do. Though before she could head out, Kairi turned around to Riku and Sora as she told them, "You two better not do anything

As Sora nodded, Riku replied telling her, "Don't worry I'll keep this goofball in check." Sora then glaring at Riku not liking that old title. Kairi smiling as she then turned around and left the room to go train. With her gone, that was not the only matter Yen Sid had in mind. Him then returning his attention to Riku and Sora as he told the two, "Be sure you have all your preparations made and then you may set out whenever you are really."

The two acknowledged Sora told Riku, "Well if you're ready to go then I am too."

Riku nodded as he then replied, "Well then we can head out."

"Don't forget about." Goofy announced, making the two remember that he, Donald, Goofy and King Mickey were there as well. Goofy then continuing as he said, "We're coming with you as well."

Sora was happy to hear that but as he faced the three, he tried to elaborate and assure them, "You guys don't absolutely need to come along."

Shaking his head, Donald replied and made Sora remember their time together as he said, Applesauce, we're friends and we started this thing together." Pointing to both himself and Goofy, Donald said, "Wherever you go, we go too."

Mickey agreed with them as he replied saying, "Ditto for me as well. This is my responsibility as well, and not just because I am the king, but because we are friends and we will always have each other's backs."

Riku and Sora both had smiles to come to their faces hearing their friends say that. Riku then saying, "Guess we're all going together then."

Though they were once again stopped as Yen Sid said, "Riku, as you are our chosen keyblade master, there is a story I must share with you. One of three previous keyblade master that were lost long ago, their names being Aqua, Terra and Ventus."

Turning around, Riku was slightly confused and wondered what Yen Sid was talking about as he asked, "Their story?"

Sora was confused at that second statement as he, Donald and Goofy turned around to face Yen Sid. Sora then asking, "Wait a second, shouldn't I hear about this story as well?

Donald thought the same as he wondered and demanded to know from the wizard, "Yeah what's the big idea?"

Goofy also wondering the same as he looked up and scratched himself thinking, "If it's important for you to tell Riku, then shouldn't we all hear about it too. We all have the same goal."

As he turned to the three, Yen Sid saw that they were all intrigued but couldn't reveal the truth just yet. Instead, he merely responded saying, "Indeed, however, now is nor the time or place for me to tell you so. Do not worry, while your paths may diverge, you will always maintain the destination in the end."

Yen Sid turned to King Mickey as the two silently nodded at each other. The King knowing what the wizard was talking about, but he could also not explain, Instead, Mickey then turned to Donald and Goofy and requested to them, "Donald, Goofy, this is a secret we have to keep at least for now. Please go with Sora and remember to be safe and be careful."

Understanding the request of the King, Donald and Goofy nodded. Them turning back around and continued walking. "Some on Sora, let's get going." Donald said, addressing him.

Sora was still confused but accepted as he muttered and replied, "Oh okay." Before they left, Sora turned to Riku and told him, "Just don't take too long."

Riku acknowledged as with a grin, he told Sora, "Hmm, not like you to worry like that. Guess you really have changed." He then assured him saying, "Don't worry. I'll catch up in no time flat. I don't want to make you look bad so soon."

Sora, Donald, and Goofy then left the room. Now only Yen Sid himself, Riku and Mickey remaining. Once knowing they were gone and wouldn't be able to over hear them, King Mickey turned back to Yen Sid curious as he wondered as asked, "Why didn't you tell Sora about 'him'? Hasn't enough time passed since he's been sleeping. Why not allow Sora to wake him up?"

Yen Sid turned to the King and explained in his answer, "Yes, time has long passed since that day. However, the time of awakening has not yet arrived. To wake him up too early would be to alter the course of destiny itself which in itself is very dangerous to do. Do not worry, I can tell it will happen soon enough and when the time comes. Sora will know where to go and be ready to great him."

"Him?" Riku asked as he looked down at the king wondering as to who exactly they were both referring to.

As Mickey looked up at Mickey, he simply replied to his friend with a smile, "You'll see."

The two then both turned their attention Yen Sid as he then began telling Riku what he felt he needed to know, "Now, Riku. In order to fully explain this story, I'll need to go back to the very beginning. Please listen closely as this will explain the events of the past that may infect influence the future." As Riku understood the importance of Yen Sid's words, he was ready. Allowing Yen Sid to begin to explain everything.

Outside as Sora, Donald and Goofy placed his hand on his heart again. He didn't know why but he could feel the call again and if the name mentioned before, 'Ventus', meant something. But for now, Sora merely let it slide.

Elsewhere, the old master Xehanort had left the main room from where they had all sat. He was making his way to meet with someone as at the end of the hallway, he could see a figure wearing a black cloak. As he continued forward, the other person waiting turned around to see him, having overheard his footsteps getting louder with each step. The cloaked man his cloak over his face not revealing it, however the Old Xehanort was fully aware of who this was.

With the old Xehanort stopping in front of the other man, they were about the same height, though the old Xehanort was slightly knelt over with his hands behind his back.

"I am assuming your mission went well." The old Xehanort assumed keeping his evil grin on his face. He seemed eager to hear of the other person's response.

"Of course." The other cloaked figure acknowledged. His voice was calm, soft and much younger than the old master in front of them.

Pleased, the old Xehanort chuckled and replied, "good, good." Keeping the same sinister smile on his face. "Not that I ever had any doubt that it would go otherwise." Stretching his hands out and clenching his gloved fists, he then went on to happily and gladly say, "After all of these long years, the moment has finally come." The old Xehanort then instructed to the hooded man, "continue making sure that my vessels and everything else is ready to meet at the graveyard."

While acknowledging the order, the hooded man did not move from his standing upright position, nor did he say anything more. As the old Xehanort had other business, he passed by the other man as he told him, "Now if you'll excuse me. I have other matters of my own to attend to."

Though just as they were now facing each other's backs, the hooded man turned to the old Xehanort as he turned and asked him for confirmation, "What about the keyblade users and their friends?"

Curious as to what was the problem, the old Xehanort turned back to the other and asked in response, "What about them?"

The hooded figure then elaborated by explaining, "They have been quite persistent. Preventing Xemnas from getting control of Kingdom Hearts' power, and then preventing us to transform Sora into a vessel."

While this was all true, the Old Xehanort did not seem to have that as much concern as he merely responded saying, "Not a problem, they will not stop us from our plans. Though, if they do become a bit of a nuisance, I trust you to delay them. Though do not destroy them of course, they must still reach the destined place after all."

The hooded man did not respond but understood. The old Xehanort chuckled as he walked away with the hooded man walking in the other direction. For Xehanort, the game had just begun, and all of the pieces were being played accordingly.

Several years ago, …

Two young men were playing a game, one with silver-ish hair that was almost white, tan skinned, brown eyes and wearing largely dark clothing. The other young man had light skin, black curled hair and purple eyes, largely wearing white clothes. The two were seated by a closed window giving them a full view of the area below. However, instead of enjoying the sun and the view outside, the two were more focused with the chess game on the board in front of them. Each taking their time to think, react and counter the other's moves.

As the man with black hair had a grin on his face, thinking and then making a move, taking and removing one of the pieces on the board. He then smiled as he looked at his friend and happily told him, "That's check."

While analyzing the pieces on the bored, the silver-haired man seemed and confident flipping one of the pieces between his fingers. Keeping a grin on his face, he replied to his friend saying, "I wouldn't be so sure about that." Using his free hand, he used another piece to take the one who had him in check. The black-haired man's pieces were now open as upon the next move, and then, with a smirk on his face, the white-haired man made his move as he then said, "And that's checkmate. I win again."

Not taking the loss too seriously, the black-haired man kept his optimism as he teasingly said in response, "I wouldn't get too ahead of myself if I were you. The score's just been evened out. The only one who can be winner is whoever wins in the next match."

Slightly disappointed, the white-haired man remembered the score as he then said, "Alright, you're correct. One more game it is." He then began sitting up the board again as he couldn't help but wonder as he asked his friend, "I don't get sometimes while we place these games so much. You know I'll win, darkness will always in the end against the light, right?"

Tisking in disbelief, the black-haired man said in response, "As if." He then wondered why he believed so as he asked, "who told you that anyways, Xehanort?"

Shrugging at the idea, the white-haired man replied with a smile on his face as he replied to his friend, "I don't know, Eraqus. It's just what I believe."

The two then began a new game with Eraqus playing the first piece on his side. Those days were different times, lighter times. When the heartless were not a threat to the worlds. When there was no war against light and darkness. But those days are now over, and the man known as Xehanort would go from a bright minded young teenager, into a monster.

Author's Note: This is my very first attempt at a Kingdom Hearts Fanfiction. I know that the Kingdom Hearts III video game is fast approaching in January. In my defense, I planned to start this way long ago when we didn't have much information of what was going to happen with the game. But, because of family stuff, high school and graduation and college, I kept having to put it off. However, I finally getting back to it despite the game releasing, because I have a lot of ideas in mind for the fic and I would hate for them to go to waste. I am sorry if this offends you in anyway, that was not my intent at all.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this fanfic. If you did, please favorite the fanfic and leave a review letting me what you think. Your overall thoughts, what you like and what you think could be improved. Thank you all, have an awesome day.