The memory; a thought held through the passage of time.
Though it seems fragile, if allowed to grow, it can become a powerful guiding force.
It can change or fade as time passes, but a memory can never truly die.
Falling… falling… falling…
A boy fell amidst a sea of darkness, his spiky brown hair seemingly unaffected by the descent. He showed no signs of panic, instead appearing to be in a deep slumber as he plummeted towards an unknown location. His intricate outfit was unusual by most standards, consisting of a hyper-stylized red jumpsuit and black jacket. The outfit had a wide variety of zippers and chains, the necklace in particular featuring a silver crown-shaped pendant. His hands were adorned with a pair of equally unique fingerless gloves, while his yellow shoes were clearly oversized.
As the youth fell, a myriad of scenes rushed through his head. A white castle, black coats, a blue robe… The scenes, though fragmentary, spoke of a great conflict. They rung of familiarity, yet the boy's subconscious could not decipher their meaning. It was as if they were pieces to a puzzle, one that had lost to many pieces to solve.
The youth continued to fall for what seemed like an eternity, hurtling towards a solitary platform whose surface was as dark as the surrounding void. The boy's descent slowed as he neared the platform, and, as if controlled by a master puppeteer, his position was reversed slowly. He landed with a graceful tap, causing a transformation of the platform's surface. From the point of contact, the dark surface dissolved into a flock of doves that flew away with grace. The floor that the boy now stood on was not one of murky darkness, but rather a pristine stained glass mural.
The beautiful floor depicted a magnificent wizard raising his arms, likely casting a spell of great power. His robes were a deep blue, reminiscent of the night sky, while his cap of the same color was decorated with several yellow stars and crescent moons. A noble beard hung from his chin, dinged gray from a long life and much wisdom. His very presence would likely demand respect from anyone he would encounter, whether they be friend or foe.
The boy groggily opened his eyes, clearly still more asleep than awake. He stared into the abyss, showing no emotion and no sign of thought, acting as a doll without a purpose. A voice silent as the depths of space spoke to the boy.
You have lost something precious, haven't you? You're memories have been lost, but they can be reclaimed. Try to remember. What is precious to you? Can you remember what you treasured most?
For a few moments, the boy continues to gaze into the nothingness. As if through an epiphany, the boy's expression changed from one of emptiness to one of realization. Four illusory figures appeared before him, signifying the return of a memory. One was a duck garbed in blue, one was a tall dog in green and orange, one was another boy in yellow and dark blue, and the final was a girl with a brilliantly bright smile. The figures vanished as quickly as they had appeared, leaving behind only their shadows.
Your friends give you strength when your own is gone. As long as you never forget your friends, you will never be alone. You have remembered your treasure. Now… Can you remember your quest?
The shadows steadily grew into impish pitch-black creatures. The monsters slowly approached the boy, forcing him to slowly step backwards in fear.
The Heartless, beings created from hearts corrupted through darkness. You need not fear them, for you possess the weapon they fear most.
The boy looked around himself, hoping to find anything that could help him against the darkness. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw an unusual object floating above a pedestal. The object was a blue ensiform weapon decorated with stars and crescent moons. At first glance, most would have considered such an object more a piece of art than a weapon. With no other options, the youth quickly grabbed the unusual object. Upon contact, the weapon changed its form to one more familiar to some part of him deep inside; an oversized silver key with two cylindrical teeth and a golden handle guard.
At first, the youth marveled at the weapon and its transformation. After remembering the danger around him, however, he quickly swung the weapon as if he had done it countless times before. The shadowy creatures reeled in defeat, dissolving into the surrounding darkness
As the one chosen by the Keyblade, you have defeated many Heartless. You searched far for your friends while dispelling the darkness. You have remembered your quest.
A shining staircase extended from the platform, beckoning the youth's advance. After following the multicolored pathway, the boy arrived at another platform with a floor as intricate as the last. This stained glass floor depicted two boys, both identical to the one who had just arrived. Both figures held a Keyblade in their hand, sitting back to back with vastly different expressions. One gazed above with a joyful grin while other slept with his head facing the ground. Besides this detail, their poses were perfectly symmetrical.
The boy looked around as the muted voice again spoke.
Now… Can you remember who you are?
The boy turned around to see his shadow stretching, growing into another dark entity. This one, however, was much larger, towering over its former owner. A large heart-shaped hole occupied its chest and relatively small wings grew from its back. Hair like strands of darkness hung from its head wildly.
Upon seeing this goliath, the boy coward, though only for a moment.
Remember your friends. Remember that you hold the key. If you do, the Heartless can never take you.
The boy summoned the key-like weapon, materializing it from thin air. With a determined expression, he charged at the monstrosity. After a long and difficult struggle, the giant dissolved into the void. A door appeared in the center of the stage, again accompanied by the soundless voice.
You are the Keyblade bearer and a friend to many. Though you have been through much, your journey is far from over.
Your name is Sora.
The boy known as Sora approached the door, opening it to reveal a blinding light. Having regained his memories and identity, he walked through the door unafraid, ready to face his next adventure.