The room exploded into a cacophony of confused noises as Lea finished speaking.
"I sensed something was amiss nearly the moment Sora and Riku departed." Yen Sid's steady voice cut through the clamor. "Xehanort must have known what we were attempting before we even began."
"But you do know where they are?" Goofy asked.
"This isn't the way the Mark of Mastery is traditionally found. Usually it would be a test before the master that a potential was training under." Ignus explained.
"In light of what they must do next, however…" Yen Sid said. "It was a necessity. If Sora and Riku complete their test, by finding the seven doors corresponding to the seven pure lights, they will return home with a new power. At that point, they will both be true masters."
"Unfortunately, the dangers make this less of a test and more of a trial of their hearts and minds."
"But are they safe right now?" Mickey asked.
"Safe is a strong word." Ignus lowered his head. "Considering how strong they are, I'd like to believe that they're fine. I haven't been able to sense them recently. The sleeping worlds that they're in probably have something to do with it."
"All of my efforts to locate Sora and Riku have ended…questionably." Yen Sid agreed. "Xehanort is a devious tactician. There is nothing we can do that he will not, to some extent, be able to predict. As you can see, the Organization's members are complete people again. Xehanort will be no different. We cannot afford another moment's hesitation. We must consider any strategy to outwit Xehanort and catch him off guard."
"He knows us too well. He knows the mind of a keyblade wielder too well." Ignus looked up as a thought struck him. "But now…" He looked sideways at Lea. "We have a new player that he wouldn't expect." Lea nodded back.
"I must warn you again, the road will not be easy." Yen Sid cautioned.
"Fine." Lea smiled. "Let's jump right in."