*Prologue*
There are three parts of the 'Mark of Mastery' examination.
Firstly, there is the Dream: A daunting place in which the student is taken from our own world, and thrust into a land filled with their greatest fears, a land where friends become enemies, love turns to hate, and the darkness deep within tries to take over your heart. You see, to become a keyblade master, one must be able to conquer even the most terrifying of nightmares.
Succeeding this, is the Drop: To fall within a dream is naught but a confirmation of your own personal anxieties, instabilities and insecurities. It is an overwhelming feeling as you lose what little control you have over yourself; your body, your heart, your soul. You will have a lot to worry about as time passes; just as long as you wake up before you hit the ground.
And the final part of the exam, the Distance: The culmination of your journey. Only those who can prove themselves by going the distance will achieve the Mark of Mastery.
Now, Sora and Riku, the time has come for you to face your destiny. You must prove you are capable of vanquishing Master Xehanort from and the terror he brings. You must prove yourselves to me, to the King, and to yourselves.
At dusk, your assessment shall commence.
Best Wishes, Master Yen Sid.
Sora sighed, clutching the piece of paper that had been slid underneath his chamber door, presumably by Riku. He flicked the corner of the page repeatedly, watching as it slowly warped out of shape, bending away from him. He flung himself backwards onto the linen of his bed, groaning as he pressed his palms into his semi-shut eyes; the message from Yen Sid swayed downwards until it landed gently on the bright red carpet. Sora let out a scream.
Silence.
~Dusk. Darkness. Dawn.