Chapter 24

The Story So Far

"Well… it's no Hogwarts." Kyoko observed as they stepped off the train.

"Still impressive though." Nagisa said as she ran across the grass, spinning excitedly. "We're on a floating island!"

Madoka had to agree. The train had deposited them on an island hovering above a sea of some sort of orange fog in which other hill shaped islands could be seen. The island was dotted with trees and bushes. On the other end was a large crooked tower, there were many smaller towers branching off of it, but the largest one had it's roof decorated with stars and moons.

"Yeah, let's go!" Sayaka rushed across the grass, towards the front door.

"Sayaka have some manners! We're guests here!" Mami chided, following after her.

As Madoka stepped forwards, she heard a strange sound behind her. When she turned to investigate, she saw the train that had brought them vanishing in a flash of light.

"What the… where'd it go?!" Kyoko asked.

"Looks like there's no going back." Madoka said.

"Seems so."

They joined the others at the tower entrance, where Sayaka was currently knocking on the door repeatedly.

"I think they heard you." Mami said. "Now-"

At that moment, the door began to open. Standing in front of them was a small girl with dark hair. She looked slightly younger than Nagisa and was wearing pink attire.

"Already? Those last guys just left and already there's new people? Unlisted address my ass. If you're here to sell something, we're not interested."

"Huh?" Sayaka asked, confused.

"Are you… Yen Sid? We were told to seek out the wizard Yen Sid." Mami asked.

"Your here to see the wizard, huh?" She said. "Well… come with me, I suppose."

The girl gestured, and headed back into the tower. Following her, Madoka saw that the entry hall was actually fairly small. Just a little open space leading to a staircase, from which footsteps could be heard.

Two more girls descended. One was a heavyset blonde-haired woman wearing a yellow bodysuit. The other was also blonde-haired though she was tall and thin, wearing a top cropped to show off her midriff, and a loin cloth and mismatched stockings.

"Did he forget something? He seemed like the type to forget something." Said the tall girl.

Madoka wondered who "he" was.

"No, it's new people. They're here to meet Yen Sid." Said the short girl.

"Huh, neat. Well, they certainly seem interesting." Said the heavyset one.

"So none of you are Yen Sid?" Nagisa asked.

"Wait, you haven't heard of us?" Said the tall one.

"Where are you from?" Said the heavyset one.

"Mitakihara?" Madoka answered.

"Never heard of it." The tall one said.

"Sounds like it's way out in the space-boonies." Said the short one.

"Now, now, that's uncalled for!" Said the heavyset one.

"Okay, who are you?" Sayaka asked.

The trio all smiled at this. The two on the stairs leaped off, one flipping in the air, the other spinning, while the girl on ground level cartwheeled.

"Sandy!" Said the tallest as she landed.

"Cindy!" Said the heavyset one, as she landed.

"Mindy" Said the short one as she rolled into position.

The trio struck a pose. "And we are the Magus Sisters! Esper of Cooperation and Sisterhood."

Madoka was immediately reminded of Ramuh. "You're all Espers?"

"No no! Weren't you listening? Esper! Singular!" Said Sandy.

"Were a package deal!" Said Cindy.

"Three for the price of one!* *StandardratesandrestrictionsmayapplyoffermaynotbeavailableinyourWorldsideeffectsmayincludenauseafatiguefaintingmegalomaniacrampsandindegestion
askyourhighsummonerifMagusSistersisrightforyou."

"What."

"Can you take us to Yen Sid?" Mami asked.

Cindy sighed. "Sure."

"Nobody appreciates showmanship these days." Sandy commented.

"Philistines," Mindy complained.

The sisters headed up the staircase, and gestured for the girls to follow. As Madoka ascended the spiral staircase, there was a sudden flash of light, and now she was on a blue staircase floating in the air.

"Whoa! Awesome!" Sayaka said.

The area they were in was massive. Looking above, Madoka could see several other floating staircases. Then she looked down, and saw more of that orange colored fog at the bottom, same as she saw outside.

"What is that?" She asked.

"Mist."

"Looks kinda weird for mist." Mami said.

"No, not that kind of mist. It's Mist with a capital M. It's a manifestation of pure magic." Cindy explained. "With the right knowledge, and in the right hands, it can be a powerful augmentation to your magical abilities. Without that, it can be harmful, causing mutations, insanity, wild magic, or worse."

Madoka blanched as she considered this, and thoughts of the things that could go wrong should she use magic started to fill her head.

"Why call it Mist? Why do they have to use 'Capital Letters' like some third-rate RPG? That's just confusing!" Kyoko snarked.

"Why do you call your suspended water vapor mist? That's just confusing!" Mindy shot back.

As they reached the top of the staircase, they pushed open a door, leading them into a room with windows shaped like crescent moons. There wasn't much else but a door on the other side of the room. Passing through it placed them back in the staircase room, on one of the higher ascents. This one was green and spiraled.

"Keep moving. Master Yen Sid is at the top." Cindy said.

"Ya know, they weren't what I was expecting for a greeting." Kyoko said, as she followed.

"What did you expect? Dumbledore?"

"Well, more like Hagrid. This place also seems kinda empty." Kyoko gestured to all the open space.

"Well Hogwarts is a school in a castle. Lots of people live there. This place doesn't seem built for that." Sayaka said.

"Hogwarts still had towers with more interesting stuff in them. Like the moving paintings."

"Yeah, that would be neat!"

"I really wish I knew what you two were talking about." Mami said.

"Yeah, if we win this thing, I'll have to show you the movies!" Kyoko said.

"You mean when we win. Right Madoka?" Sayaka said.

"Oh… um… r-right." Madoka said. Her thoughts had been lost on the possibility of her magic going wild, though Sayaka's comment pulled her back. It didn't make her feel any better however.

The sisters led them through another door at the top of the staircase, leading to a room much like the previous one, save that here, the windows were shaped like stars.

"Madoka? Is something the matter?" Mami asked.

"No." She insisted. "Just distracted. Taking it all in."

Madoka looked away, hoping it didn't seem suspicious.

They were led through another door, and to a third flight of floating stairs leading to a final door.

The sisters pushed it open and gestured for the girls to follow. As Madoka approached, she heard a deep voice.

"I did not expect you back so soon?"

"Well, we were about to head into town, when something more interesting showed up?"

"Hmm?"

As they walked into the room, Kyoko immediately exclaimed. "Now that's Dumbledore!"

"Hush!" Mami said.

Rude comment or not, Madoka couldn't help but agree. Yen Sid looked like everything one might think of when hearing the word "wizard". He wore blue flowing robes and a conical hat decorated with stars and moons. He had long gray hair and a gray beard. He sat at a desk lit by a candle inside a skull. Around the room were shelves of what she presumed were spellbooks.

"A most unexpected visit." The wizard turned to the girls and began to stroke his long beard. "What brings you young ladies to this tower?" He asked.

Madoka was about to speak, but hesitated. She then felt a hand on her shoulder, and turned to see Mami. She gave a gentle but encouraging smile, and nodded. Madoka nodded back.

Madoka held out her and, and Eternal Struggle appeared in her grip.

The Magus Sisters gasped in shock, and even Yen Sid's eyes widened.

"A new Key Bearer?!" Sandy exclaimed.

"This late in the game?" Cindy added.

"Last minute upsets? The crowd calls foul!" Mindy added.

"Hush!" Yen Sid chided. He then leaned forwards slightly. "A Keyblade."

His eyes scanned over the weapon, before focusing on Madoka herself. She was confused before she realized that he was focusing on her scar, causing her to shy away.

Yen Sid leaned back in his chair. "Tell me, child, what you and your companion's names are."

"Um… I'm Madoka Kaname. This is Sayaka Miki, Kyoko Sakura, Mami Tomoe, and Nagisa Momoe."

"Pleased to meet you. Now tell me, Madoka. How did you come into the possession of a Keyblade."

"Er… it's… kinda a long story."

Yen Sid gestured. There was a sparkling of lights from behind her, and when Madoka turned around, she saw a wide, fluffy couch had been conjured.

"We're in no hurry here." Yen Sid said, gesturing for her and the others to sit. "Take your time. I'd very much like to hear it."

As she sat down, Madoka looked at the others, and then back down at the Keyblade. She ran her fingers along the scar on her face, and then took a deep breath before slowly launching into an explanation of her story.

She started with the dream she had, and went from there, covering everything she could think of. From the Heartless attack to the encounter with Maleficent at the mall. Sometimes the others would step in to expand or clarify when Madoka faltered, especially when she got to the attack on her home and family.

As she finished the story, she felt a strange feeling, as if her story was simultaneously too long and too short at the same time.

For his part, at the conclusion, Yen Sid closed his eyes and stroked his beard, clearly deep in thought.

"You have been through a truly harrowing experience. Especially for somebody of your age. I wish that the fate of the World did not so often fall into the hands of those so young. Truly, fate is cruel to young Keyblade wielders. It robs them of the opportunity to live the peaceful lives they deserve to have." The old wizard's eyes were drooping, making him look even older. A reassuring smile crossed his face, but it was one that didn't match his eyes. It was the smile of someone almost about to cry.

"Sir?" Mami asked.

"This is merely wistful thinking on my part." And like that, it was gone. The great sage's expression was once again stone as he spoke authoritatively. "Here you are now, at the peak of this tower to seek answers from me. And answers you shall have. What is it you wish to know?"

"What were those creatures who attacked us at the train station?" Mami asked.

"A good question to start with." Yen Sid said. He gestured, and a glowing image of a small black ant-like creature appeared in the center of the room. "You already know what a Heartless is, do you not?"

"Yes. Ramuh explained it." Madoka answered.

"Good, then we can move forward from that." Yen Sid gestured, and another image appeared. This time it was one of the white creatures. Even though it was just a hologram, Madoka still found it so unsettling to look at.

"These creatures are known as Nobodies." As he spoke, the image shifted, showing a normal human man. "When one succumbs to darkness, whether naturally or artificially, a Heartless is born."

A Heartless appeared. The man attempted to fight the creature, but failed and was struck down. Madoka flinched as she saw his Heart emerge from his body and become another Heartless, only to feel Sayaka and Mami's comforting hands on her shoulders. She smiled weakly, and continued observing.

"Ordinarily, the body and soul left behind simply fade away at this point, only to reform again when the Heartless is slain by a Keyblade and the Heart set free."

Here, Cindy floated over above the holograms. "However, should the victim possess a strong enough will, the body and soul will persist." She said.

"Moving about on its own." Sandy said, moving next to her sister.

"Becoming its own being." Cindy added.

The man's body began to transform, becoming featureless and gray. He stumbled about, seemingly wandering aimlessly. He was in a city of some sort, with glowing neon signs and LED screens everywhere. He eventually paused in front of a window staring at his own reflection, running his hands across his gray face, featureless save for a jagged mouth.

"Unlike a Heartless, Nobodies retain the memories of their former lives as well as their intellect and capacity to reason. However, without Hearts they are incapable of emotions."

"Happiness, sadness, love, hate. Those are all gone. All they have left is an immense sense of loss. Emptiness. A void where they know something should be." Cindy explained.

The man suddenly turned, as something approached him. Madoka recognized the crossbow wielding Nobodies and the Samurai Nobody as they circled around the man.

"Much like Heartless and the darkness of the heart, the stronger a person's will, the more powerful their Nobody will become. Those with the strongest wills will retain a form resembling their original appearance." Yen Sid said.

A figure in a black cloak appeared, approaching the newborn Nobody. They seemed to be saying something, but there was no sound to go with the image. The cloaked figure then gestured, and a streak of white snaked out from off screen to wrap around the new Nobody. There was a flash of light, and then the newborn Nobody was now wearing a white jumpsuit.

"They really… don't have emotions?" Madoka asked. She attempted to comprehend that, failing each time she tried. They couldn't feel satisfied when they accomplished something, or determined when they failed. Couldn't feel eager to begin something, or laugh at a funny joke. Couldn't be happy at a beautiful day. Couldn't enjoy a delicious meal. Couldn't love someone close to you. Couldn't cry when something bad happened. Such an existence was unthinkable.

"The Heart is the source of emotion within a being. When it becomes a Heartless, it is only capable of feeling dark emotions. Hatred, anger, fear, despair, greed, violence. These are the emotions that drive the Heartless. Consequently, the Nobodies are also incomplete. Though they can use their memories of their previous lives to mimic emotional responses, those are merely a facade."

To be broken apart, losing all positive aspects of yourself and trapped endlessly in negativity. It was like a personal hell, and a deep knot formed in Madoka's stomach at the thought. It also felt eerily familiar.

"That sounds… horrible." Sayaka said, clearly having the same thoughts as Madoka.

"It is." Mindy said.

"Indeed. However, for the Nobody, such a separation need not be permanent. Anything that is self-aware either has a Heart, or can develop one, even Nobodies. They can still grow from the experiences of life and forming connections with others. However, this is where Organization XIII comes into play."

"Who are… Organization XIII?" Nagisa asked.

"Our enemies. They are comprised of the most powerful of Nobodies, ones that have fully retained their human forms. They gathered lesser Nobodies under their banner to serve their dark purposes. They were defeated once, but have reformed. They are the ones responsible for the ills of the universe."

"How so?"

"The Nobodies followed the Organizations banner due to a lie. The leaders of the Organization deceived them into believing that they couldn't develop new Hearts."

The knot in her stomach worsened as Madoka considered the cruel implications of this. To develop genuine feelings, and yet be led to believe that they were false. The confusion and grief that would cause, only to be worsened when those feelings were not considered genuine.

"Why… Why would anyone do something like that?!" Madoka exclaimed. It seemed inhumanely cruel.

"To answer that question I must first ask another question: how aware are you of the history of the Keyblade?"

"Ramuh told us about the Keyblade War."

"Ramuh… indeed. There is more to the tale however, and so much you must know. It begins decades ago, in the time of my youth. After the Keyblade War, wielders were reduced to but a handful in small circles, carrying on what remained of the traditions and teachings from ancient times. Xehanort and Eraqus were two such Keyblade Wielders, apprentices to a Keyblade Master like I was at that time." The wizard gestured again. The image shifted, now displaying two boys. One had tan skin and silver-white hair. The other had more asian features, and black hair.

"Both of them were talented Wielders and the closest of friends, like brothers. Eventually, they achieved the rank of Master. Eraqus took over the role as the guardian of the Land of Departure, while Xehanort turned towards more scholarly pursuits." The boys in the holograms grew older. The tan-skinned young man became old and feeble-looking, with a bald head, a hunched back and a goatee. His counterpart aged much better, growing facial hair and taking on the appearance of an old samurai, though wrinkles still lined his face.

"Eventually, Eraqus began teaching pupils of his own." The samurai looking-man, Eraqus, then began talking to three figures: a beautiful young woman with short blue hair and a similarly blue keyblade, a boy younger than Madoka with light brown hair and kindly smile who held his small Keyblade in a reverse grip and a tall, muscular man with dark hair and a broad Keyblade. They began to swing their blade again and again, practicing in sparring matches against each other. Eraqus watched over them, smiling approvingly. "Their names were Aqua, Ventus and Terra. Each would come to a terrible end." Yen Sid said stoically.

He gestured to Xehanort, who then smiled much more menacingly. Dark miasma surrounded the hologram. Nagisa began clinging onto Mami's arm a bit tighter. "Xehanort became obsessed with the Keyblade War," Yen Sid continued. "He desired to see it repeated, to see it happen again. The last war reshaped the World, and he sought that power. To this end, he created a vile creature to serve as his own apprentice, named Vanitas." A being with a helmet covering its face, a red and black bodysuit and a skirt appeared by Xehanort holding an evil-looking Keyblade in its hand.

"Together, the two of them sought to use Ventus to create the ancient weapon, the χ-blade. Using it, he planned to recreate the Keyblade War and summon forth Kingdom Hearts. With its power, the World would be his to shape as saw fit.

Now, Madoka and the other girls looked at the holograms with rapt attention as the figures fought. "Obviously, Eraqus and his apprentices could not allow them to succeed. But…" Just then, Eraqus was run through by the grinning Xehanort, an expression of shock on his face before he vanished in a puff of light. Xehanort then turned to the younger Keyblade wielders and, gathering dark power in his hand, blasted them all. The hologram became blurry after that.

"In the aftermath of the battle, Eraqus was murdered by Xehanort, and Terra vanished, never to be seen again. Ventus, Aqua and my own apprentice Mickey defeated Vanitas, but Ventus' heart was shattered in the process." A hologram showing Yen Sid, Aqua and what looked like an anthropomorphic mouse talking over Ventus' lifeless body appeared. They appeared to be discussing what had happened. "This was the last time I saw Aqua or Ventus again. She took the boy's body and hid it away, then disappeared into the Realm of Darkness."

"After this, Xehanort vanished, only to return in a different, younger form." A man resembling Xehanort's younger self appeared, but this time, he was wearing a white labcoat. "Xehanort had failed to bring about Kingdom Hearts the first time, so he resorted to a different tact." Five faceless figures surrounded Xehanort before all of them bowed towards a tall, imposing blonde man with orange eyes. "Under this guise, he was able to become an apprentice to the great scientist Ansem the Wise. They began to perform experiments on the Heart, experiments on darkness. Ansem the Wise began to have second thoughts on the ethics of their experiments, and ordered them shut down. However Xehanort and Ansem's other five apprentices betrayed him, sending him into the Realm of Darkness while Xehanort impersonated him."

"Sounds like this Realm of Darkness place is all kinds of bad news if everyone who goes in never comes out." Kyoko interrupted.

"That World is one where few individuals have ever escaped from. The Heartless there are much stronger than normal, and the Realm itself is malevolent, shifting itself to keep you trapped there forever." Yen Sid explained. Without missing a beat, the hologram of Ansem disappeared. Xehanort and the other apprentices then did… something and removed glowing hearts from their chests.

"What the-!" Sayaka exclaimed.

"After betraying their master, Xehanort and his other apprentices removed their own Hearts and became Heartless willingly."

"Why would someone do that? Just willingly give themselves over to Darkness?" Sayaka asked, clearly unsettled.

"Power." Cindy said. "That's usually what it comes down to. Darkness grants power, even as it eats away at the mind and body."

"Sometimes they don't notice. Sometimes they don't care. As long as they get what they want, no matter how many people they screw over in the process." Sandy explained. "Those with strong darkness can control the Heartless, make them do their bidding; It's always risky though. Show weakness and they will turn on you."

Yen Sid continued the story without missing a beat. "In removing his own Heart, Xehanort split himself into two, a Heartless and a Nobody." At this, two similar-looking men with long silver hair and dark skin appeared. One had a Heartless emblem on his chest and straighter hair, while the other wore a black cloak and had wilder hair. "Xehanort's Heartless retained his sapient mind due to consciously giving himself over to the darkness. It was he who first started the Heartless invasion of the Realms of Light and Twilight. He sought after Kingdom Hearts, and thus abducted the seven Princesses of Heart in an attempt to create his own by merging the Hearts of Worlds together. To this end, he manipulated like-minded villains to ally with each other, unknowingly playing into his hands." At this, a group of people surrounded the Heartless Xehanort. A strange blue skinned man with hair of fire, a purple skinned woman with the lower body of an octopus, a middle eastern man clad in dark robes and wielding a snake shaped staff, a European looking pirate with a hook for a hand, something that looked like an animated bag crawling with bugs. Most of these people Madoka didn't recognize, but there was one she did, the demonic looking woman in black robes.

"Maleficent..." Madoka whispered under her breath.

"Indeed, Maleficent was the instrument by which Ansem abducted the Maidens carrying the shards of light. Even after she was struck down, she persisted, recovering and continuing her schemes of conquest on her own, sending Heartless to attack worlds to add to their numbers. Though I don't know what her end goal would be."

"She mentioned something about a black box and a Book of Prophecies." Madoka said.

"Hmm…"

"Sir?" Mami asked.

"Let us save that matter for another day. There is more to cover after all." Yen Sid continued his story. "Meanwhile, his Nobody took on the name 'Xemnas' and gathered powerful Nobodies into his ranks, creating the original Organization XIII. I mentioned before that he prevented them from gaining Hearts of their own. This was because he wished to fill each member of the Organization with Hearts of pure darkness - his own. With Xehanort's thirteen darknesses and Ansem's seven lights, they would be able to recreate the conditions necessary to summon Kingdom Hearts. Fortunately, heroes rose up to stop them."

The hologram displayed three people that looked to be around the same age as Madoka: a boy with spiky brown hair and a massive grin on his face; a slightly older boy with silvery blue hair; and a red-haired girl with a spunky grin. "These three are Sora, Riku and Kairi. Like yourselves, their home was invaded by the Heartless. They were scattered across worlds and it took years for them to be reunited.. Eventually, each of them were able to obtain a Keyblade and defeat both Ansem and Xemnas. Images flashed by of the spiky haired boy, Sora, fighting Ansem, who had taken on a more monstrous form resembling a cross between a spaceship and a giant insect, followed by a picture of Sora and Riku wielding Keyblades against Xemnas, who was wearing a black and white version of his regular cloak.

"But wait!" Nagisa suddenly exclaimed. "If the Heartless and the Nobody were defeated by Keyblade wielders, then… then that means the original Xehanort comes back, right?"

Yen Sid nodded seriously. "Yes, and that's where we are now. Xehanort has returned in his original form and has gathered up a new Organization XIII. Now, we must gather up Keyblade wielders to clash against against his new Organization and put an end to his evil once and for all." At this, he gestured and two sets of figures emerged. On one side, Sora, Riku, Kairi, the mouse named Mickey and another young man with fiery red hair and a black coat stood with Keyblades ready to fight. On the other side stood Xehanort in his elderly form along with twelve figures in black coats and faces obscured by their hoods. The two sides leaped towards each other before the hologram vanished in a puff of golden dust.

"Wow..." Kyoko said.

Madoka had to agree. Her quest had gotten a lot more complicated and intimidating. Everyone in her World being taken by the Heartless was just part of a massive Worlds spanning conflict. A war between light and darkness.

"It's a lot to take in, I'm sure." Cindy said.

"I'd like to ask for your aid, but I can't make that decision for you." The old man spoke gravely. "As we are now, there's no need to rush your decision. Your experiences up to this point have been harrowing, and I believe you should take your time to learn more. We can still teach you about your abilities. The Magus Sisters will be very valuable in the teaching of magic. But for now, after your battle, I'd think it prudent to rest a bit."

Yen Sid gestured again, and a glowing doorway appeared behind them. As the girls entered, they found that it leading to a sort of lounge. There were couches and tables, as well as shelves of various books.

"So, what do you think?" Sayaka asked Madoka.

"Shit just keeps getting crazier doesn't it?" Kyoko said, slumping down on a sofa.

"I… I…" Madoka wasn't sure what to do as she sat down. Things had changed so fast it made her head spin. Only a few days ago, the only thing on her mind was how to spend her summer break. And now, she and her friends were caught up in a war for the fate of the entire universe. As she reflected on what happened to her once more she recalled something from her first dream.

"I want… I want to do something meaningful with my life. Something that makes a difference, something important."

Was this her wish? Was the universe granting her wish in some sort of cruel joke? It sounded ridiculous on the surface, but nonetheless the thought troubled her deeply.

Again, thanks to The Name Of Love for beta-reading and idea sounding!

~Dragonexx