Prologue: The 7 Forbidden Keyholes
Xilus was a keyblade master in training under master Eraqus. It had been seven years since he first came to the Land of Departure to begin the rigorous training that would one day make him eligible to visit other worlds. However, the day was coming near when he knew he would be picked to partake in the "Mark of Mastery" exam that all his upper classmen had taken.
It was one early morning in April when the flowers were just starting to bloom that a message arrived from Master Eraqus. It explained that Xilus would be chosen to finally have his chance to become a full fledged keyblade master and that he was to report to the grand hall immediately.
When he arrived, he found the master waiting for him with a beaming smile on his face.
"Xilus," Eraqus said proudly. "I am glad to inform you that after seven years of hard work and discipline I have decided to make you one of the candidates to becoming a keyblade master. You have proven to have a heart of light that is pure and cares about others, and so take your keyblade in hand, it is time for your Mark of Mastery exam!"
Xilus was elated and summoned his keyblade to his side proudly. "Alright, Master!" the young man said. "Just tell me what to do next!"
Eraqus's expression darkened as he sat in the throne beside him. "I can see that you are eager, but in order for you to learn the true importance of what it means to be a keyblade master, you are going to have to travel to seven different worlds. In each of these worlds there is a secret keyhole that has to be unlocked by a heart of light such as yours."
Easy!" he said. "I'll find those keyholes and awaken the seven worlds!" Xilus held his keyblade aloft. "I can do anything as long as I have this!"
"I'm afraid it won't be so easy," Eraqus continued. "Like I said, to understand the true importance of the weapon with which you have relied on all these years, you must unlock these secret keyholes without the use of the blade."
Xilus was confused. "But how can I unlock a keyhole without a key?"
Eraqus once again smiled. "That, my boy, is the test."
Without warning Eraqus snapped his fingers and a portal of light surrounded the youth. The tingling of interworldly travel overtook his body and, in a moment, he found himself in another world.
