~X~ (Ventus POV)


Though his sister was happy to be the Master's student, Ventus seemed apprehensive. That grin his instructor had was different. He thought his sister was innocent, and didn't notice the dark intentions in that smile. Little did he realize that she thought the same for him.

They strode out of the training area, having taken much longer than it seemed in fighting. They came to the small kitchen area and Xehanort began to work with the supplies to make lunch. "What is for lunch today Master?" Ventus heard his sister ask.

"Just some sandwiches for today, you both have done well." He finished and put the sandwiches on a plate and the two children dug in. "After this, we are going to try something new. There are creatures lurking that need to be taken care of. I am going to teach you how to both fight them, and control them."

Stella looked up at him, "What do you mean Master?" He smiled that wicked smile of his again.

"What I mean, is that there is a power inside both of you that I want to try and awaken." The two looked at each other with different expressions. Stella had a look of enthusiasm, but Ventus had a look of slight fear.

"Is something wrong Ven?" Stella asked her twin. He shook his head after his sister had raised an eyebrow.

"It's nothing." He said. They finished their lunch and went back to training.


~X~ (Stella POV)


The next week had gone by with a combination of pain, and darkness. I felt the power in me, and I channeled it easily. I couldn't tell how Ventus was doing, since Xehanort was training us separately. All I knew, was that something was going to happen. Since what Master Xehanort had taught us originally was how to control the light, my knowledge of how to control the darkness has increased my mental state and ability.

On the ninth day of this training, me and Ven were finally going to train together, in hope that we can match each other. The creatures Xehanort had spoke of were known as Unversed. They were created from negative emotions. Now, I said that me and my brother were going to get to train together, but it was more of we got to watch the other as they trained.

I stood next to the Master and watched as Ventus attempted to control the beings. He was struggling to even keep up with them, "I told you! I'm not ready!" I heard him yell. "Please, let me get stronger first!"

"Nonsense!" I heard Xehanort reply, "If your sister can handle this, then you should be able to as well." He was right. We had both undergone the same exact training. It must have been something in our Hearts.

Suddenly, Ventus yelled, jumped by the creatures. "It seems you do not have what it takes to control the beings, but I will find a way for you to accomplish what you were destined to do." Xehanort said, I looked down at my feet when my brother looked at me, hoping that I would help him. We both knew I could not interfere, so I shook my head.

I had not noticed that Master Xehanort had gone down to his level, and started to speak, though I could not hear what he was saying. As he looked down on, that I had just noticed, an unconscious Ventus. He summoned his keyblade, "I shall extract the darkness out of you myself." I heard that much. I did nothing to stop him, being the loyal student that I was.

I locked my emotions as Xehanort used his keyblade on my brother, knowing that I would feel horrible for allowing myself to let this happen. I saw what looked like a Heart come out of his body and become encased in a dark aura. After that, a being came from the darkness and landed softly on the ground.

The being wore a strange black and red outfit and a black helmet that covered his head and face from view. "The being of darkness that has come from Ventus, the name Vanitas shall be given." I looked on amazed as the Master continued, looking in my direction. "Young Stella, your brother has fainted and won't awaken for some time. Until then, why don't we do a test for your Darkness?" His voice was kind and so I accepted the offer.

I hopped down from the cliff, almost gliding my way down, and landing softly near my brother's body. I closed his empty eyes and focused on Xehanort. He smirked and summoned the orbs of which I fought to strengthen myself, yet he seemed disappointed.

"Come now child, there must be no light within you to fulfill your part, or must I extract it from you like I did Ventus?" I stood and lowered my keyblade.

I looked toward him and then to the Master and Vanitas. "If you must, I will comply." I said. I knew I had changed greatly over the years, yet in my voice, I could now understand what had changed the most. My Heart.


To be continued...