Well, I've had this story in the works for quite a while now. It seems very surreal to actually be working on it now. Brief preface before we start this one.
This story takes place in an already established series and is the seventh chronological entry. My previous stories span the events of an alternate KH3 all the way through many subsequent conflicts. If you have not read those other stories, I strongly recommend you do so before reading this one. If you decide to go ahead and browse here, be forewarned that there shall be major spoilers included pertaining to the events of past stories. Since KH3 is now out, I would like to stress to any newcomers that this DOES NOT follow the canon KH3 storyline. It follows the alternate KH3 that I wrote and expanded on with the additional five stories that followed it.
The sixth book, United We Stand, was supposed to be my last entry leading in to the story written by my friend Lucenthia, titled Veritas et Caelum. However, I couldn't shake my ideas for this story and so it came to be. As I have hinted at in my other announcements leading up to this, Freedom's Fall is taking place approximately 150 years following United We Stand. As such, the main cast of that story(Sora, Riku, and my many OCs) are no longer around. There is an entirely new cast this time around and I'm pretty excited about it. It hasn't been since New Path, New Wanderer that I gotten to experiment with a mostly new cast. However, one very familiar character from United We Stand will remain a regular for this story and you will see him very soon. That particular character belongs to my good friend and fellow author soraroxas123.
Also, if you are going against my advice and planning to read this without having read any of my previous works, here is a disclaimer. I have always viewed most Disney worlds as an obstacle for darker storytelling which is what I like doing. As such, my choice of worlds is very unorthodox and will include many non-Disney properties including other video game franchises like Dragon Age, Final Fantasy worlds, and others. Don't be surprised when you find the story including non-Disney worlds and characters.
That's my author's note out of the way. If you see a soundtrack in bold, it's something that I recommend listening to during the scene. Here's your final chance to back out and avoid spoilers if you're not caught up with my other stories.
Without further ado, enjoy the opening to the last untold tale in the Wanderer's Series.
Chapter 1: A New Era
(Dearly Beloved, Birth by Sleep version)
150 years prior to current events, a powerful and legendary generation of heroes defended the Realm of Light. Men and women from various origins and worlds stood together against mighty foes. The years in which they lived are now referred to as "the Founder Age" by current historians. During that time, the Keyblade Wielders had all vanished following a devastating loss in the Keyblade Graveyard. The surviving Wielders were scattered and lost to different fates and the worlds nearly fell to darkness. They were saved when one boy manifested a Keyblade of his own and used it to beat back the darkness not once, but twice. His name was Sora, and he hailed from the tiny and isolated Destiny Islands. In time, his friends Riku and Kairi would stand at his side. They would also be joined by Mickey, king of the powerful Disney Kingdom, and Lea, a native of Radiant Garden with powers of darkness.
They gathered in order to face their first formidable foe, an old Keyblade Master called Xehanort. In order to defeat him, they gathered those Wielders who had been lost in previous days, namely Aqua, Ventus, Roxas, and Jack Rikkison. At the climax of their battle, both Terra and Eraqus were freed from the old man's influence. Master Xehanort was defeated, and the Second Keyblade War ended in the heroes' favor.
Following these events, a new threat emerged: Marek Rikkison, brother of Jack who was possessed by Darkness incarnate, an ancient being of incredible power. Determined to free his brother from the thrall of Darkness, Jack stepped forward to lead the Wielders against him. It was during this time that they were able to restore both Namine and Xion to their side, as well as Jack's beloved, Mist, and his father, Jason. Through incredible circumstances, Jack and Mist's child was born and underwent accelerated aging. The young girl was host to the true X-blade, a living embodiment of light and darkness and a sentient creature in and of itself. In order to defeat his brother, Jack had to draw upon another of the ancient creatures like the one possessing Marek. Just as Darkness had taken Marek as a host, Jack drew upon Light to match his power. In the end, Marek was freed from his torment and both Light and Darkness were cast out and defeated. Thus, the Third Keyblade War came to an end.
It was during this time that an emissary from an unknown land came before the Wielders. Calling himself Dawnomar, he explained to them the existence of his people, the Ancients: those who had created all known Realms and dwelt within a Golden City that they called Kingdom Hearts.
However, these Ancients were not as benevolent as they seemed. Marek Rikkison, freed from the dark being which had possessed him, had become a powerful Wielder and the most adept user of darkness in the Realm of Light. Approached by the Ancients and tasked with finding his old rival Eclipse, a formidable mercenary, he embarked on a mission of his own. His subsequent battles with Eclipse spanned most of the known worlds, culminating in a great conflict within the forgotten land called the Crossroads. There, the Keyblade Wielders of light joined him in battling Eclipse and his master Anetar, a member of the Ancient high court.
Marek defeated Eclipse and slew Anetar, but then the truth was revealed: Maechil, leader of the Ancients and Creator of all Realms, had set up Anetar as a scapegoat for his own war. Using the murder of his general as an excuse to nullify an old treaty with even older entities, Maechil declared war on the Realm of Light. The entire might of the Ancient people came crashing down upon the human worlds. However, Dawnomar chose humanity and sided against his own people.
The conflict that followed would come to be known as the War for Kingdom Hearts. Left with no other choice, Jack Rikkison stepped forward to lead his fellow Wielders in the struggle. After two years of battle, betrayals from Maechil's inner circle gave them the chance to defeat he who had crafted all worlds. Jack once more merged with the Divine Being Light, and together their strength was enough to challenge Maechil in direct combat.
Jack succeeded in felling Maechil, but the Creator's death left the other Realms with no lifeline to hold them together. Thus, the worlds were collapsing. To save the worlds, Jack gave his body completely over to Light. This caused him to perish, but Light was able to use the Rikkison's body which augmented his power enough to sustain the Realms. Unable to be trusted, Light was then locked away along with his brethren, Darkness and Corruption.
Following Jack's death, Sora took charge over the Keyblade Wielders, who by now had formed a united Agency called the Light's Enforcers. The War for Kingdom Hearts had not yet been won. One of the Divine Beings, Oblivion, was still at large and seeking the True Kingdom Hearts, an after-realm where all souls gathered after death. Using the power of trillions of souls, he aimed to blanket the living Realms into an undead wasteland where all living creatures would be mindless pawns for his bidding. However, he was defeated by the heroes and locked away by Dawnomar.
Then began the days of peace. Such was the fame of Sora's generation of Wielders that they became known as the "Founders", and the span of time regarding their lives was named as such. Sora served as the LE's Grandmaster for many years, until he retired and Pierce Rikkison, son of Jack, took over. Since the days following the last war, tensions have continued to build between the Keyblade Wielders and the Council of Sovereigns, the joint-body composed of world leaders from the Realm of Light. The two bodies comprised the majority of legal and military power within the Realm, and distrust had been brewing for generations.
It was at this time that this tale begins; a time when the Founders are long gone and the Keyblade Wielders are growing stagnant. To make things worse, enemies from all sides are bearing down from the shadows, awaiting their chance to topple the mighty agency. It was during the leadership of a man named Turias Yoric that things finally fell out of control. (end Dearly Beloved)
PRESENT DAY….
The sun was setting over Radiant Garden, painting the entire city in a ray of orange light. Most of the citizens were already inside their homes, waiting for the fall of night and darkness. The calm and happy citizens were no longer on the streets. Now, only security patrols strolled through the town to keep an eye on everything.
The security officers wore ornate and shining armor but had no helmets. They were indeed Keyblade Wielders and still remained in charge of the city's defenses. There had been many attacks from pirate and mercenary groups in the recent days and so extra precautions had been taken.
Up the hills toward the center of the town were two towering landmarks. The first was the great castle which had once belonged to Ansem the Wise, which now served as the meeting and living quarters for the Council of Sovereigns. The Council comprised many leaders from the known worlds and at the moment, most were in attendance in an urgent meeting. Within the same area of the city but separated from the castle was an even bigger and more intimidating structure called Heroes' Forge, once known as the Hall of the Keybearers. This magnificent castle was the headquarters for the Light's Enforcers, or Keyblade Wielders.
Walking along the path from Heroes' Forge to the Council's castle was one man. His hair was blonde but graying and it flowed elegantly down to his shoulders. He wore a crimson robe about his person that bore a notable resemblance to those worn by Masters Eraqus and Jason, having fashioned it in their honor. Underneath the robe he wore a ceremonial armor plate adorned with the LE's insignia: two flaming Keyblades crossed over each other.
He passed by two Keyblade apprentices on patrol, who immediately sprang to a salute as he passed. He cordially dismissed them with a wave of his hand and continuing walking until he rounded the next corner. Passing a row of houses with urgent purpose in each stride, he drew near to the gates leading to the castle. Narrowing his brown eyes angrily, he strode toward the closed gates and addressed the two officers standing guard. "Open the way. I have matters to discuss with them." he said impatiently. The two officers were not Keyblade Wielders and as such were not eager to abide by his request.
"The Council is in session, sir, and has expressly demanded no interruptions. I'm afraid you will have to wait until after they have adjourned." one of the men replied. The Keyblade Master crossed his arms.
"Do you know who I am, son?" he asked through clenched teeth. The officer nodded.
"Yes, sir. Master Turias Yoric, Grandmaster of the Order. All Keyblade Wielders answer to you, but I take my orders from the Council. Hidden Legion Sergeant Avveys, sir." he replied. Turias groaned in distaste.
"Hidden Legion, eh? A walking example of the Council's overreach in military matters. I'll ask you only once more, boy. Open the gates, or I shall do it myself." he said. The sergeant uneasily glanced over at his fellow, who shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm sorry, sir, but the Council has said…." he began again. However, Turias flicked his wrist and summoned a thin golden Keyblade to his hand. With an impatient swing, the gates flashed brightly and opened seemingly of their own accord. Without waiting for further words, Turias started walking through the new opening. "Hang on, sir, you can't…." the sergeant began, only for the Keyblade Master to turn around and stare angrily at him. The young man quickly recoiled under the severity of the older man's gaze.
"I am Grandmaster of the Order. Although I do not usually flout my authority, I refuse to allow the Council yet another breach of their authority in LE affairs. This farce of an investigation ends now." Turias declared, eyes narrowed and his voice solemn and heavy. He then turned and forcefully pushed open the castle doors, disappearing inside.
He passed by further guards as he navigated the familiar halls, though none dared try and impede him. Despite the Council's growing boldness in challenging the Wielders on private matters, the LE was still greatly loved and respected by the citizenry. They would not dare touch him. As he neared the center chamber of the castle, he began to hear the familiar arrogant and drawling voices.
Coming within sight of the double-doors that led to the central meeting chamber, the two guards posted outside halfheartedly tried to stop him. Not even granting them words, he moved between them and pushed open the doors. Sneering angrily, he walked right into the open middle of the room and looked around at the seated Councilors.
Radiant Garden's Councilor, an old balding man with gray steely eyes named Balorin, had been speaking and continued doing so until he finished his statement.
"…..nothing further to add in her defense, the Council sentences Apprentice Seryn to death for the murder of two Legion operatives in Agrabah." Balorin said. Once he finished speaking, only then did he look up at Turias. "Grandmaster Turias, your arrival is most…..unexpected." he muttered the last word with raised eyebrows. Turias narrowed his eyes.
"Spare me. You know full well that the Council does not have the authority to place the death penalty on a Keyblade Wielder unless it is agreed upon by the Grandmaster and two senior Masters under them. You don't have a single vote from the Agency." he declared. Balorin chuckled quietly from his seat.
"The necessity of Wielder votes upon Wielder punishments was a foolish proposition to begin with, only agreed upon because of the debt the worlds owed the Founders after the Ancient War. Such requirements are obsolete and no longer necessary." he replied. Turias shook his head in disbelief.
"The agreed principles between Sora and Ansem the Wise are obsolete? You throw away the most sacred laws laid down by the Founders?!" he exclaimed. A woman to his right cleared her throat, causing him to glance in her direction. She had blonde hair and icy blue eyes and wore a distrustful expression on her face.
"The court recognizes Councilor Heelia, representative of Spira." Balorin calmly said. Heelia nodded gratefully to him and stared down at Turias.
"Your Founders were good men in their own time, but their beliefs no longer matter in these current days. The Light's Enforcers are a military organization. We embody a system of law and justice. You have no authority over us, just as your agency deserves no say in the decisions of the Council. You exist merely to protect the worlds from outside threats, no more." she said shrewdly. Turias smirked coldly.
"You forget yourself, Councilor. It took a Grandmaster's signature to form this very Council 150 years ago, when Jason Rikkison did just such a thing. The Keyblade Wielders shall always have a say in what is decided in this room. Whether you agree or not does not change the laws written into history." he replied, doing his utmost to curb his temper. Another member, this time a rather tall mouse, raised his hand. Again, Balorin leaned forward and spoke.
"The court recognizes Councilor Mervin Mouse, representative of the Disney Kingdoms." he said. Without hesitation, Mervin spoke.
"Laws can be easily changed, Grandmaster. I propose a vote on our previously discussed proposition, Number 871." he said, sucking his teeth and giving Turias an irritated look. Balorin cleared his throat, placing a set of glasses on the bridge of his nose and looking down through the papers on his desk.
"Proposition 871….to hereby grant emergency legal powers to the Council in the event of Wielder interference in affairs of criminal court. Yes, I remember this one now. If a Keyblade Wielder goes unpunished by his own Agency for a serious crime, the Council shall take actions to see justice done. Approval of the Order's Grandmaster is not needed. This one seems fitting for the occasion we find before us now." the head Councilor explained.
"You can't do any of that! You have no right! The very premise assumes you have the authority to sentence my agents when you have none at all!" Turias argued furiously. Mervin sucked his teeth again and sighed happily.
"This gives us the power, Master Yoric. That should have been obvious….." he chuckled under his breath. Turias summoned his Keyblade and planted it into the ground before him.
"If you try to kill my agent, we shall take it as an act of war on the Council's part. Can your Hidden Legion really stand up to the heirs of the Founders?" he asked scathingly. They had been through this dance many times in the past few years. He was tired of it.
"Hm, physical threats, Grandmaster. It shows how brittle your argument truly is." Heelia chimed in. Turias, however, still had one card left to play.
"To pass that Proposition, you need a two-thirds majority. Do you really think you can get that?" he asked. Balorin leaned back in his chair and sighed wearily.
"I see empty seats in our hall tonight. It falls to those who remain to raise a voice of objection. Do you look to find one in those gathered here?" he asked. Turias looked desperately around the room, realizing with horror that Balorin was correct. Two seats were in fact empty, the very Councilors who would be most willing to lead a charge against their own court; two who believed fully in keeping the Council's power limited against the LE. He looked in vain at Heelia and Mervin, knowing well where they stood. However, he found no allies in the others gathered either. The Councilors from Agrabah, Baron, Roma, Insomnia, Ferelden, and Camelot were silent. Gaia's Councilor was among the two missing.
He swallowed the lump in his throat, realizing that he might have to summon military might against his fellow governing body after, all. After seeing no objections, Balorin triumphantly stood to his feet and reached widely with his hands. "Will there be none who dare object to this Proposition?" he asked in a loud echoing voice. Silence met them for several moments, until something surprising happened.
The doors to the chamber once more burst open, and a firm elegant voice rang out from behind where Turias was standing. (The Promised Beginning, Birth by Sleep)
"The last son of Zatorian dares object!"
Turias couldn't help but smile upon hearing the familiar voice and turned around. Standing tall in the doorway was a man with flowing blue hair, dressed in armor of Ancient design. His fiery red eyes shined from across the room as he strode proudly into the chamber. "Last living veteran of the Ancient War, comrade of the LE Founders, and Councilor for the Realm of the Ancients…Zane Alkerias." the man announced himself. Upon his entrance, Balorin and the other Councilors had visibly faltered, their confident smirks disappearing before one could even notice.
"Councilor Zane, we did not expect you back until tomorrow." Balorin nervously greeted him. Zane smiled calmly at him and stopped beside Turias.
"Indeed? That explains why you were so determined to have this meeting now while I was away. But not to worry, we Ancients are quite adept at moving swiftly when injustice is about to occur." he replied politely. Balorin, Heelia, and Mervin eyed him angrily, but it did not faze him. "So, I raised an objection to yet another attempt to increase our own power on this court. When shall it end? When shall we cease trying to give ourselves more power and influence?" he then asked them, maintaining his veneer of calm. When Mervin spoke, it was through clenched teeth.
"We shall stop trying to do so when we have been given enough power to enact the change necessary for the future to thrive. We are living off of the stagnant embers of your precious Founders and have done so for over a century. It is time to stop looking to the wisdom of dead men and women and think about what we must do to make the worlds better in our own time. Your constant objections are not helping matters!" he said spitefully. Hearing this, Zane laughed with genuine amusement.
"Do not hide behind your poisonous breath, Councilor. We all know you despise the Wielders simply because you did not gain your own Keyblade. Your sister got one instead, and that is why she now rules your kingdom while you sit on this Council. You desire a chance at real power to replace what you think was stolen from you because your heart was too weak to be a Keyblade's chosen." he retorted. Mervin furiously stood to his feet, nostrils flared and his finger pointed directly at Zane.
"How dare you!?" he exclaimed, at which point Zane yawned and looked over at Balorin.
"I enter a formal note of objection to this Proposition. What more do you require for this jest of a law to be dismissed?" he asked calmly. Balorin frowned with anger, removing his glasses from his face and staring down at the Ancient Councilor.
"You must rally more than a third of this body to your side in order to prevent it from passing. Do not be optimistic." he said coldly. Zane cocked his head to the side, not a sign of worry on his face.
"Not to worry. Councilor Owen shall be here momentarily. I was gracious enough to inform him of the important matters being discussed. He has already returned from his patrol with the Hidden Legion." he said confidently. As if on cue, once more the doors opened. In walked a younger man with short black hair and sky blue eyes. He wore a modified version of the old uniform once worn by the members of SOLDIER.
"Councilor Owen Fair, ready to stand by what's right." the man declared and walked over to his seat. The man bore a striking resemblance to his great-grandfather, the legendary Soldier and LE ally Zack Fair.
"You have two votes for you. That is not nearly enough." Heelia said stiffly, though they could sense the air in the room already changing. Many of the other Councilors were heartened by Zane's arrival. Though they were unwilling to begin the objections, they were willing to stand behind the Ancient that had done so.
A man with spiky brown hair and green eyes raised his hand. "The court recognizes Councilor Garret Cousland, representative of Ferelden." Balorin spoke. Garret looked over at Zane and Turias, giving them a nod and smile.
"Ferelden remembers the great friends that the Wielders have been to us in years past. I stand with Zane and Owen." he declared. Mervin cursed under his breath and met eyes with Balorin. Radiant Garden's Councilor sighed and looked around the room.
"Very well, this appears to warrant a full vote. Those in favor of this Proposition, raise." he said, raising his own hand. Mervin and Heelia quickly followed, along with the Councilors from Baron, Agrabah, and Roma. There were six in favor. Balorin sighed, already expecting defeat. "Those opposed, raise." he muttered.
Zane raised his arm first, followed by Owen and Garret. They were joined by the Councilors from Camelot and Insomnia. The final count stood at six to five, falling short of the two-third majority required for passage. Mumbling angrily under his breath, Balorin slammed his gavel down. "Proposition struck down and dismissed. This court is hereby adjourned." he muttered in a monotone voice. He and the other Councilors who voted with him immediately shuffled off to one of the side rooms. As the Councilors from Camelot and Insomnia walked off to their own quarters, Zane looked over at Garret and Owen.
"Can you two personally retrieve Apprentice Seryn? I trust you will make sure she reaches Heroes' Forge unharmed." he asked them. The Gaia and Ferelden Councilors nodded respectfully and walked out to do as asked.
Now alone in the room, Turias breathed a sigh of relief and looked over at Zane with a grateful smile. "You're late." he said, thumping his hand on the Ancient's shoulder. Zane nodded slightly.
"I apologize. I was halfway to the Golden City when your message reached me. I came as quickly as was possible. This was a victory, but do not think they won't try again." he replied. Turias sighed wearily.
"You're right. They're getting bolder. If it wasn't for you, I think there would have been war already." he replied. Zane gestured toward the door and the two began walking out of the castle.
"I wish it were not so, but I fear that is correct." the Ancient said quietly.
"Have you ever seen tensions this high, being immortal and all?" Turias asked him. Zane grunted thoughtfully and nodded.
"Yes…this all reminds me of Maechil's behavior just prior to the Ancient War erupting." he replied. Turias stopped talking, thinking fearfully of what his friend had just said.
"Do you have some time? I would like to discuss all of this with you further when we can no longer be overheard." he asked. Zane nodded.
"Indeed. To your office, then. I always relish the chance to revisit old memories." he said. Turias chuckled quietly, knowing what the Ancient was referring to. (end The Promised Beginning)
LATER, HEROES' FORGE, GRANDMASTER'S QUARTERS….
(Keeping the Peace, Dissidia)
Turias was seated at his desk, sifting through a mountain of papers. Sighing wearily, he threw them down and looked across the room. He smiled slightly upon seeing Zane silently facing the glass cases bordering half of the office.
Zane gently reached up and placed his hand against the glass, studying the items within the case as if entranced. There were many different things inside. Directly in front of him was an armored black vest with a hood. It was the very same vest that he had seen an old friend wearing on many occasions over a century ago. "The Shroud of Jack Rikkison." Turias said, standing up and walking over. Zane nodded slightly.
"Forged by Alexander Rikkison shortly after killing his own treacherous father. Then it was passed down to Jason, then Jack. Pierce wore it for much of his life, as well. It still surprises me that you were able to find so many of the Founder Relics." he said quietly. Turias smiled and glanced down at the rest of the items in the glass case.
There was a worn sketchbook that had once belonged to Namine, Eraqus' Journal, the Paupu Charm crafted by Kairi, Aqua's blue Wayfinder, one of Lea's Chakrams, the silver robe worn by Jason Rikkison, the crown-shaped necklace worn by Sora, and the small Black Coat once worn by Mickey.
"We have gathered these Relics in recent years to prevent them falling into the wrong hands. Non-Wielders have no right to hold these sacred treasures." Turias explained.
"These are more than mere trinkets, dear friend." Zane remarked. The Grandmaster raised his eyebrows, keen to hear what the Ancient had to say. Zane removed his hand from the glass and turned to face him, memories swimming in the depths of his red eyes. "Surely you know better than most that the Wielders of today are not nearly as powerful as the Founders once were." he began. Turias nodded slightly.
"Yes, we no longer have the strength to cripple worlds and battle creators of Realms. I have often wondered why we are so much weaker now." he replied.
"It was the Founders' doing. They wanted no one to hold that power, neither the Wielders nor their enemies. The Realms came so very close to annihilation, if not for Jack and Mist….." Zane said, trailing off and taking a breath. Forcing away those difficult memories, he looked up once more. "Kingdom Hearts was locked away again along with the Divine Beings. Without their interference, the warriors of this Realm have been limited to the strengths of their own hearts, no longer drawing upon outside influences for additional power. As long as the Divine Beings remain absent from this Realm, the strength of the Founders shall not be found here." he explained. Turias listened intently and glanced back at the Relics in the case.
"But what does that have to do with these Relics?" he asked. Zane glanced back at them as well, his gaze falling upon Sora's necklace.
"Such was the Founders' power that fragments of their essence were left behind on the physical items they carried with them. Some of their power and even memories lie within those items. Only one with the pureness of heart can pick them up and see anything more than an old heirloom. Have you made an attempt?" the Ancient elaborated. Turias shook his head at the other man's question and looked at the vest worn by Jack and Pierce. What memory might lay in the Relic worn by two Grandmasters? Could there be a special message hidden therein for future Wielders who would hold that post?
"A few of the Relics remain lost, in any case." he muttered. Zane nodded knowingly.
"Indeed. Some have already been destroyed by thieves and vandals, but a few yet remain beyond your sight; the Dagger of Marek Rikkison and the Sword of Darian Voltare, for example." he said. Turias looked over at his friend with interest.
"Do you know where they are?" he asked urgently, but Zane shook his head.
"Nay, I do not. Marek hid his dagger well and it has been lost ever since. As for the Sword, I know it was once safeguarded by the Rikkisons, along with Jason's Robe and Sora's Necklace. Two of those now sit in your case." he explained. Turias pushed his graying hair out of his face and leaned back against his desk.
"The Rikkisons once had these Relics?" he asked, genuinely surprised. Zane nodded gravely.
"Indeed. When Pierce's son Korrin chose to leave the Agency behind, he and the rest of his family established a hidden settlement in the outer worlds. That much you know. They were given many tasks, one of them being to safeguard certain Relics left in their possession. The Robe and Necklace must have been taken….." Zane began, and Turias already knew what he was going to say.
"When the Rikkisons were attacked and wiped out." he whispered, rubbing the back of his neck. Zane nodded.
"It has been nearly ten years to the day, as I recall." he added. The Grandmaster nodded gravely.
"Yes. I had just accepted the post of Grandmaster when the news reached us. The Rikkison camp decimated and my own son….." he choked, tears springing to his eyes. Zane closed his eyes as if recalling a painful memory.
"We never were able to find who attacked the Rikkisons. Did you learn anything more regarding Eskan's demise?" he asked softly. Turias shook his head slightly and looked over at a picture sitting on his desk.
He stood in the middle, with his two sons on either side of him. The one to his left was Eskan, his eldest. His first act as Grandmaster had been to try and restore relations with the Rikkison settlement. Trusting in his oldest son to handle such an important mission, he had sent Eskan to do so. It had been mere weeks later that he had received the reports: the Rikkison camp had been attacked and Eskan had been found among the dead.
Sensing the man's pain, Zane reached out and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Turias felt himself drawn back to reality and he looked up at the Ancient with a grateful nod. He quickly wiped away his tears and once more looked over at the Founder Relics, trying to take his mind off of such things. "Tell me more of the Founders. What do you remember of them?" he asked. Sensing the man's need for a change of topic, Zane crossed his arms and obliged.
"When I met them, they were warriors desperate to save their home. Over time, however, I began to see the strength and resolve within them. I interacted with Jack, Marek, and Sora more than the rest. Jack had the courage of a lion and the weight of the worlds on his shoulders, but I never saw him waver. Even when the time came to give his own life, he never hesitated." Zane began. Hearing about Jack Rikkison, Turias couldn't help but look over at the vest again.
"And the others?" he asked. Zane suddenly smiled.
"Marek's arrogance was famous across the Realm. Though he had the skill to back it up, I always believed that it would be his undoing. However, in time I realized that his witty arrogance was merely hiding his broken heart. He was a man in pain, but he directed it at his enemies rather than let it consume him. Marek truly was remarkable, and I believe there shall never be another like him. As for Sora, his wisdom and strength of heart will never find an equal. Many times, I watched him pull Jack and the others back from the death of hope. As much as Jack should be remembered for defeating Maechil, without Sora the worlds would have fallen many times." the Ancient continued saying. Turias found himself almost speechless. Hearing Zane's recount of the legendary Founders and remembering that the Ancient had fought beside them reminded the Grandmaster of just how old Zane really was.
"From what we know, they were legendary in every regard. And then one day, they just vanished." he remarked. He looked at Zane, hoping for more answers but the Ancient had stiffened upon his last statement. "Zane?" he asked. Zane turned his back to the other man and looked at the floor.
"If you seek the truth behind the Founders' disappearance, I have no answers for you. Some mysteries are simply left unsolved." he replied somewhat sharply. Hearing how defensive the Ancient had become with the conversation, Turias raised his hands in a sign of peace.
"I am sorry. I was simply hoping that by hearing about the Founders, I would get some kind of sign that I am doing the right things as Grandmaster. I fear not for myself, but for my son." he explained. Zane relaxed himself and looked back at him again, nodding in understanding.
"It is quite alright. And how is Raelyn doing?" he asked graciously.
"He is almost twenty-five years of age now, and he has grown into a fine Keyblade Master. In truth, he is among the most capable Agents under my command. Still, I have a nagging suspicion that he is destined for things beyond the grasp of this Agency." Turias replied. Zane smiled, knowing full well what the other man meant.
"I can say that I have been keeping an eye on him, as well, and I believe you are correct. The boy's future is clouded, but there is greatness in his destiny unlike anything I have seen since Sora disappeared." he said. Hearing this, Turias breathed a sigh of relief and sat down once more in his chair.
"I hope to hear from him soon. He and Agent Lorne are on a mission to take apart a fleet of pirates who we suspect are also working as slavers in Council worlds. I hope your words about his greater destiny prove true, my friend." he explained.
Zane's words would indeed be correct, as Raelyn Yoric, son of the Grandmaster, would find himself at the heart of events to come.
And that's the first chapter. More of an introduction than anything, I also laid a lot of the groundwork here. I hope you hang on to many of the important things I established as they will come into play later.
I'm going to begin something new that I probably should have done long ago, and that is try and provide a list at the end of each chapter of the new characters introduced during it. My hope is that this will help everyone keep track of the new cast as it is a lot of names and people to learn and remember.
New Characters Introduced:
Turias Yoric: The current Grandmaster of the LE, or Keyblade Wielders. He greatly respects the legacy of the Grandmasters who came before him and strives to lead using the examples of Jason, Jack, Sora, and Pierce.
Councilor Balorin: tall balding man who represents Radiant Garden on the Council of Sovereigns. He is a vocal voice opposing the Keyblade Wielders.
Councilor Heelia: cold and calculating woman with icy blue hair who represents Spira on the Council of Sovereigns. She is a vocal voice opposing the Keyblade Wielders.
Councilor Mervin Mouse: Descendant of Mickey who was not chosen by the Keyblade and represents Disney Kingdom on the Council of Sovereigns. He is a vocal voice opposing the Keyblade Wielders.
Councilor Owen Fair: Great-grandson of Zack Fair with short black hair and blue eyes. Wears a modern version of the Soldier uniform. A good friend of Zane and the Keyblade Wielders, he represents Gaia on the Council of Sovereigns. He is a strong voice in support of the Keyblade Wielders.
Councilor Garret Cousland: A descendant of Fergus Cousland, Garret remembers the past friendship between his family and the LE Founders and represents Ferelden on the Council of Sovereigns. He is among the friendlier members of the Council concerning the Keyblade Wielders.
Councilor Zane Alkerias, last son of Zatorian: last living veteran of the Ancient War and a returning character from "United We Stand: The War for Kingdom Hearts." He is a champion of Wielder rights and a good friend of Turias and his son Raelyn. He represents the Ancient Realms on the Council of Sovereigns. Credit goes to soraroxas123 for his creation.
Eskan Yoric: oldest son of Grandmaster Turias who died while on a mission with the Rikkisons. The entire Rikkison family is believed to have been wiped out during the attack that left him dead.
Other Terms to Remember:
The Founders: The generation of Keyblade wielding heroes who saved the worlds from multiple Keyblade Wars as well as the Ancient War. The term collectively refers to Sora, Riku, Kairi, Jack Rikkison, Terra, Ventus, Aqua, Roxas, Lea, Xion, Namine, and the others who founded the united Key-wielding Agency called the Light's Enforcers.
Founder Relics: Personal items left behind by the Founders, imbued with fragments of their power and holding hidden memories within them for those who prove worthy.
Heroes' Forge: The great castle in Radiant Garden that serves as headquarters for the Keyblade Wielders.
The Hidden Legion: A Special Forces division of soldiers and agents who answer directly to the Council of Sovereigns. They are the Council's response to the Keyblade Wielders and frequently clash with the Agency over authority in world affairs.
The Ancient War: Also known as the "War for Kingdom Hearts", it was the great conflict between humanity and the Ancients that took place 150 years ago. Jack Rikkison, and many others, gave their lives to stop Maechil Omnivion and put an end to the fighting.
Okay, I think that's everything. Next chapter, we will meet our new protagonist for the story, Raelyn, and we will get underway on this new adventure. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for what's coming next!