Sora took a stroll down the Tower hallways, fingers linked behind his head with a light spring in his step. It was a good day. Kairi was playing babysitter to Rachel's egg. Rachel had been given a day off visit everyone with no specific task for the day. All she really had to do was demonstrate to Master Yen Sid her progress. After that, the day was hers.

They started the day running the obstacle course together. It was cool to go through the whole thing again as a full team. Together, Rachel and Bryan were always the team to beat. It was a fun way of pushing themselves to get better when they all wanted to one day upstage the sibling duo. The things they got to learn by working together and running through the exercises Master Yen Sid had perfected over the years were amazing. Sora thought the skills he'd acquired on his adventures with Donald and Goofy were impressive. Considering that a lot of what he knew during those adventures was self-taught it truly was a feat to be admired. It wasn't completely unguided, of course. Donald was of course the kings' royal magician. And Goofy, even though a bit of a (loveable) bumbler sometimes was still the captain of the guard and had a few combat tricks to share.

Watching his friends powers grow was also amazing. Especially Kairi. For all his life, Kairi was high-spirited and spunky but not much of a fighter. She'd fought a few swordfights with Sora and Riku but was never very good nor did she really have any inkling to learn how to get better. Kairi was content with keeping to more low-key activities like collecting shells, listening to the waves and cheering on her friends from the sidelines. And yet, in a relatively short time Kairi had been officially chosen as a key bearer with a new Keyblade of her own and was showing amazing skill as a warrior.

But best of all, were the growth of their friendships. The dynamics of the group and the hearts that the group consisted of were all across the board. But no matter how the individuals interacted, one constant remained: they would always be there for each other. They saw this as their greatest asset. How could Xehanort pull them apart after all the fun and laughter they'd been through, especially in the weeks they'd been training at the Mysterious Tower? Riku had once fallen into the trap of lies and mistrust but Sora knew that would never happen again. He'd worked too hard and traveled too far on the path of redemption to be swayed. On top of that, he had Rachel. Love is too precious to endanger, ever. They all had time to grow up and learn not only about themselves but the worlds around them and where their hearts found their strength.

The more Sora thought about it, the more certain he became that there was no way Xehanort could succeed in trying to drive a wedge between any of them or plant seeds of doubt among them. After all Sora had done for Kairi, he knew she would never question his motives. He loved her and felt a painful prickle over his skin just thinking about doing anything that might hurt or betray her. And what could possibly break up the dynamic duo; Rachel and Bryan? From what Sora understood, a version of Xehanort had once tried to trade Bryan's safety in exchange for information from Rachel. Back then she'd chosen to fight for her family rather than submit in any way to a stranger. If the roles had been reversed, Bryan wouldn't hesitate to have done the same. Even if they truly didn't have the power to bring Xehanort's reign to an end, Sora knew, without a doubt, their loyalties and morals could never be compromised.

As Sora strolled down the hallway, he saw an open door. As he passed, Sora saw out of the corner of his eye the room was not empty. Master Yen Sid was putting something on a shelf. It didn't look like an activity that silently said company was unwelcome so Sora stepped inside.

"Hi,"

The sorcerer turned. "Good afternoon, Sora. I understand you are all soon to require new challenges on the obstacle course."

"I don't know. Rachel and Bryan seem to keep finding ways to upstage everyone. They seem to have new tricks up their sleeves all the time. We still have several of their old course times to beat."

Yen Sid nodded. "It's good that you all stay determined to push yourselves."

"No problems there. With so many of us working together, we can only get stronger. And it's been great to see everyone make everyone else stronger."

"As I have seen. You have all progressed very well."

"Master Yen Sid, um, mind if I ask you something? A little off topic?"

"Not at all."

"This might be a bit out of the blue but I've been thinking about it for a while. Will the rest of us be able to stay here or even come back here after the battle with Xehanort is over? Training at the Tower, I mean."

"There will always more to learn as a Keyblade Master. So long as there is more to learn, you are always welcome. To be a key bearer is a great responsibility. Regardless of how you decide to further your studies you will need somewhere to come back to."

Then, Sora noticed something in the old sorcerer's face. What was it?

"Um, is everything okay? Was it something I said?"

"No, Sora. But I too have had things weighing on my mind."

"Xehanort?"

"Partially. But this concerns all of you. And I do not take comfort in not telling you sooner."

"It's not anything bad, is it?" Sora doubted Master Yen Sid would actually lie about anything or withhold anything dangerous.

"No, not at all."

"Then what?"

"Users of magic have…abilities that are bestowed through magic, not just the study of it."

"Huh?" That seemed more out of the blue than what he'd asked. "What does that mean?"

Master Yen Sid sighed heavily. That surprised Sora. It wasn't an impatient sort of sigh, or a tired sort of sigh.

"Magic in its purest form can be wielded by almost everyone, as I'm sure Merlin has spoken of to you before. Some wield it freely. Others require years of focused study to fully understand and use it efficiently."

"Yeah, Merlin's talked about that before. But why do you sound like you're about to tell me bad news?"

"Not…bad news, but I cannot deny I should have told this to all of you sooner."

Sora waited for Yen Sid to continue.

"Magic…whether it be learned through the art of sorcery or bestowed as a gift through the Keyblade, it eventually effects the user."

"Effects?"

"Yes. After a while, pure magic becomes such a natural part of a person it becomes ingrained into the deepest part of them. The very cells become saturated with magic. In this capacity, they are kept in their healthiest, strongest state for much longer than normal."

"Does that mean…aging doesn't-?"

"Precisely. The aging process will begin to slow after a while. It happens to all magic users of all disciplines, and key bearers. It can be as much a burden as it is a blessing."

"Burden because…eventually we'll-our friends will have…" Sora could understand why Master Yen Sid had a hard time telling them this; why he had been reluctant to share this news earlier, especially with the threat of Xehanort over their heads.

The Sorcerer nodded gravely. "With only a small bit of perception magic, friends and family will not notice that you appear younger than how your years should be showing on your face. But, as unpleasant as the thought is, you will eventually outlive them. The more powerful the magic, the longer the power can last. The same goes for heroes of the Keyblade. This may not surprise you, but Xehanort is actually older than he appears. Though he may not be satisfied with it, his power is still great despite the fact his body as succumbed to the inevitable: age."

"And that's why he's been trying so hard to keep himself alive and strong in one form or another. If he keeps putting his heart, or at least a part of it, in someone younger, he can start all over again."

"As he has done. A man as determined to see through to his goals so fervently cannot possibly be satisfied after he's reached them. I believe if he managed to succeed in his goal of forging the X-blade and bring about a second Keyblade war and get the answers he's been searching for, regardless of the outcome, he would never end the cycle until he is stopped."

"Ignoring whether Xehanort could actually succeed, is what he's done really a way for him to become immortal?"

"In a way," Master Yen Sid answered in a "'Yes, but…' sort of way. "Xehanort could force his heart into a younger vessel and live out the days they would have had. Or split his heart within others and do the same. But a heart can only withstand so much. I admit my reasoning is mostly speculation. I have not heard of anyone who has given into that kind of power to such an alarming degree before. A fractured heart, no matter how strong, will eventually lose its ability to repair or overpower another."

"Kinda reminds me of an old stuffed animal I had when I was little. I loved that thing so much the cloth wore thing or the stiches came undone. My mom patched it up over and over because I wouldn't let it go. By the time I stopped playing with it, it was mostly patches and I don't think much of the original threads were left."

"In essence, yes. If you had not let it be, continued use might have destroyed your toy beyond all hope of repair. I believe Xehanort's heart is the same. Hearts are strong, but not indestructible, regardless of what the owner may like to believe."

"Do you think that is why he's been trying so hard to get what he wants? Because maybe he knows he only has so many chances to lose, fracture and regain his heart before he can't anymore?"

"I'm sure that is one reason. The other is, of course, the fire that burns when you have planned, waited and labored to achieve your goals and there is still work to be done, there is still more waiting."

"This is a lot to take in," Sora said.

Magic, the ability to use magic, extended the health and life of a person? Though, now that he thought about it-it shouldn't have been that surprising. That was amazing to hear but also daunting. That certainly wasn't anything they'd put on the brochure for being a Keyblade Master. But that also made Sora wonder, if pure magic used by anyone could do that, what about someone who specialized in it? Master Yen Sid was The Sorcerer. And Merlin claimed to be the world's most powerful wizard. Magic was their life. So…just how old were they? Both men were fully bearded with aged faces and eyes that told truths of years of experience and countless wonders witnessed. Yet, Sora couldn't remember a time when he had seen Yen Sid use the full extent of his power. What would that be like to witness? Inspiring? Terrifying? But it didn't seem like the most appropriate thing to ask. But another wonderment butted its way into Sora's mind that he couldn't help but ask.

"But no one can live forever," Sora confirmed.

"That is correct, no matter how many years, or for some, even centuries pass, no being is meant to live for all time."

"If…um. If you don't mind me asking, who will-I mean, what will happen when…when you're gone? What will happen to the Mysterious Tower then? What about future key bearers?"

"There is no need to feel awkward over such a question, Sora." Yen Sid assured him. "I know that, while I have many a good year left in me, I will leave this world one day and see what wonders lie beyond. As for future heroes of the Keyblade, they will be guided by you and your friends."

"Us? Me?"

"Of course. Surely this cannot surprise you. You are yourself a Keyblade Master now. Yes, you are young and still have much to learn, but by all rights tied to such an honorable rank, you could appoint a successor and mentor an apprentice of your own this very day if you so chose."

The words were so calm and said so wisely yet their weight felt like a slap in the face. Again, it shouldn't have been that big of a shock, and when said out loud did make a lot of sense even though Sora hadn't given it much thought before. Neither had Sora ever thought about himself as teacher material before.

"As to your question regarding this Tower, that I will be leaving in Rachel's capable hands. As well as the title of The Sorceress. Once she's earned it, of course."

"Wait a second! She isn't just training to be a sorceress, she'll be the sorceress?"

"Indeed. I have unshakeable confidence in her abilities and commitment to her studies. So much so that I have decided she will be my successor when I am gone."

"That's amazing!" Sora exclaimed. "She has to be so excited! How come she never said anything to any of us?"

"She doesn't know."

Sora felt very taken aback. "She-? Rachel doesn't know? But…how can she be the next Sorceress and not know it? How could she inherit the Mysterious Tower and not know it?"

"I have chosen not to tell her just yet."

"But why?"

"I do not want that knowledge to hinder her studies."

"Hinder? How would an honor like that hinder her studies?"

"Because of the way she learns magic best. Master Rachel excels at magical endeavors because she enjoys it. Some people learn best through determined, focused study. For Rachel, magic is fun. She wants to learn more because it brings her the same joy as a parent when they make their child laugh. As you know, Bryan is well-versed in magic but prefers combat to sorcery. He may very well one day have magical strength like his sister, but acquiring it will be much more challenging because he does not find the same joy in the learning as she does; for example.

"If I told her she would one day inherit the Tower and take on responsibility and honor of being named the Sorceress once she has earned the title; that would only be a burden. I have chosen not to risk her learning magic to live up to an expectation, not because it is what her heart truly desires."

"Oh, I guess that's right." Sora said. "I guess…that would also be a lot to take in; especially with us all preparing for confronting Xehanort. Yeah, that would be…" Sora couldn't even wrap his head around having so much on your mind, big stuff at that.

"You are perceptive. The final battle with Xehanort must take first priority. You are right. Nothing can distract our focus."

"Absolutely." Sora agreed. "I won't tell her or anyone what you've said."

"I trust you will."

"I know she'll be a great sorceress. She has great heart and kind nature and-."

There was a commotion outside the room in the hallway.

Lea's voice passed the door very quickly. He was shouting and practically slurring sentences together he was talking so fast. He was saying things like "Wait a second!", "Time out!" and a few other pleas that were hard to discern with the rapidness of his arrival and departure. Rachel was following a few sprinting strides behind. She was a lot easier to hear clearly as she approached and vanished down the hall after Lea.

"I'M GONNA RIP OUT YOUR HEART AND MAKE YOU EAT IT!"

And they were gone.

"Um…" Sora paused, with the look of man who knew he spoke too soon. There was no way of knowing what Lea could have possibly done this time to warrant such a declaration. And, frankly, Sora was more nervous than curious to find out. "Uh-huh. Gentle as a butterfly. Delicate as a flower."