Disclaimer: not mine

1st of the new chaps! I added a few scenes and changed some ages in case you skipped the repost chapters.

I seem to be pulling mostly FFX names for the Islanders this time

Poll for Changing Destiny will be going down tomorrow

Chapter 9

Prompto lay out on the sand, just enjoying the peace as he waited for the others to arrive, having already finished school had some advantages. He had no interest in further studies, at least nothing the Destiny Islands could offer him. He'd done his best to continue his magical training but it was hard without a focus or teacher, even reading material. And he didn't know what magic he was naturally attuned to either though he'd worked out the others. Riku had taken to fire like a fish to water, Kairi to water, and Sora to wind. Neither he or Riku had managed to summon their Keyblades yet either, not so bad considering Riku had just turned fifteen, but he would be seventeen this year, Aqua, Terra, and Ventus has all summoned theirs before then. So why couldn't he?

He'd felt Merlin searching for him again on and off lately, could feel his magic was almost back to normal, so he'd kind of assumed he'd be leaving the Islands soon, another reason not to pursue further studies. He'd have so much to catch up on…he couldn't even really claim to have continued his physical training as fighting wasn't really big on the Islands, but especially Second Island. Sure, he worked on sword fighting using wooden swords with Riku, Sora, and occasionally Kairi but it wasn't the same as having a trainer who was better than him to learn from. He was physically fit and could hold his own against other teens but in a real fight? He didn't know.

He still missed his first family, he always would, with his memory he could never forget them. Whatever those scientists had done to him ensured that. Sometimes he wondered how human he really was, he'd seen his medical records but the technology here didn't match that of Niflheim so there was a lot they would have missed. Being able to remember the sound of Aqua's laugh, the way Terra would toss him in the air, sitting with Ven to watch the stars…maybe there was one thing he would say thanks to those monsters for. Maybe if he knew what had happened to them it would be easier but he didn't.

He'd felt the growing Darkness though, seen the stars that winked out over the years, and it worried him. If…if they were…gone, was he the only one left? Him and Riku and neither of them able to actually summon their Keyblade. If he could, he'd bequeath Sora in an instant and not just because he used to feel like Ventus. That had faded over the years and he still didn't understand what that was about at all. He'd worked out it wasn't so much Kairi felt like Aqua either, but Aqua had placed a very powerful protection spell on her necklace, he was pretty sure that was what brought her to the Islands when Radiant Garden fell, likely following the link to a new Keyblade wielder for protection.

The scary part was…he could have sworn he sensed Darkness lingering in the Secret Place. He'd seen the door there, knew it was likely the World's Keyhole, but he was also pretty sure it was sealed. It'd take a Keyblade to open so they should be okay, but then why couldn't he shake the feeling something was coming? He stopped wearing his pauldron years ago to fit in but now he carried it everywhere and he couldn't help it. If something was coming then it'd have to get through him to hurt any of them. He was not going to lose another home and family without a fight, Keyblade or no.

He closed his eyes, drifting to sleep in the warmth of the sun. Prompto's sleep was not peaceful, images flitting through his mind of desolate lands and war…Niflheim and figures in Lucian black, daemons and…Noctis.

He woke with a gasp to see three canoes approaching, surprised he'd slept that long. Why would he dream of Eos after so long? Because he'd been thinking of the past? But then why not dream of Ven and the others? He shook it off and got up, waving at the others.

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Riku backed away from the strange, hooded figure, not liking what it was saying or the way he felt suddenly dizzy. It approached and fire flickered to life in his hand, making it pause.

"Impressive."

He got the feeling it wasn't at all threatened though which was bad, fire was his best element. Where were the others? He really needed backup! Something was blocking him from leaving the Secret Place, it felt…Dark.

"Yes, you will be perfect with a little work."

"No way!" Riku snapped back, eyes widening as the shadows seemed to darken, beginning to move.

And then Light blasted the cave. As the barrier dropped he scrambled back, familiar hands grabbing him, pulling him along. Soon they were out in daylight and Riku collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath, terrified.

"Riku? Look at me Riku," a familiar voice called, a hand tipping his face up, and Riku blinked dazedly at Prompto. He sounded a little out of breath and Kairi, hovering behind him, looked pale. That Light…had it been them? He knew it was Sora who'd pulled him out. Prompto relaxed and then wrapped an arm around him, Riku sagging against him. "You're okay," his friend whispered.

Soon Kairi and Sora were pressed into the hug as well, all three of them scared and clinging to each other.

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Prompto stared at the cave they'd played in for years, he really didn't like such a Dark presence so close to the Keyhole or the kids. It had felt almost like…but that wasn't possible, was it? Surely after a decade, Master Xehanort would be too old and it hadn't sounded like him. Still, he didn't like how it/he had managed to isolate Riku and then try to temp him, what had it been trying to do at the end when Prompto and Kairi had blasted the area with Light?

Too many signs of Darkness to be ignored, even if he tried to. He had to protect them, especially Riku it seemed. Why target him, because he could wield a Keyblade or something else? And what could he do? He wasn't even seventeen yet, lacked a decade's worth of proper training and couldn't summon his Keyblade yet.

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Kairi sat on her bed, staring out at the sea. What had that been back on the Play Island last week? It had scared her but she had reacted when Prompto attacked, feeling her own Light move to help him. She was glad they'd been able to save Riku but it had been terrifying and exhausting, even now her Heart ached a little from the effort.

Prompto had told them all about what he'd seen the day Radiant Garden was destroyed, what he'd sensed leading up to it, and she was very worried. Could the same be happening now, was she going to lose her home again? Her memories? Then again, Prompto hadn't lost his so maybe she'd hit her head or something last time. Still, if the Islands were destroyed how many people would be killed? Prompto had his armour but no one else was protected. And even if they survived, they'd be split up and end up who knew where. She couldn't lose them.

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Mickey read the message from his Master in concern. He had felt the growing Darkness himself, had seen more stars blink out but he hadn't realised that it had gotten so bad. No matter what they did, Worlds would always fall to Darkness occasionally but six in the last two years? That was unprecedented in modern times. Perhaps during the ancient Keyblade War it had happened but not since then.

It suggested someone was behind it but who could it be? Master Xehanort had not been seen for a decade, they had assumed Terra and Aqua defeated him, though they couldn't be positive. Could it be…Terra? Had Aqua failed to save him before vanishing? He didn't believe it could be Prompto, the boy had been too Light to have gained such Dark power so quickly, and they had not detected a new Keyblade wielder which meant he still hadn't learnt to summon it. And despite that strange illness he'd had as a child, he didn't believe Prompto would give into Darkness. He didn't like considering that it could be Terra either, so he hoped it was a new player or Xehanort.

He sighed and looked up at the portraits on the wall. He knew what he'd have to do as the only Keyblade wielder, he would have to stand against the Darkness and leave his wife and friends behind. He could not leave their World undefended by taking the Captain of the Knights as well as the Court Magician. Minnie's magic was tied to their World and she had to remain and be protected. He'd had a decade at home, it was time to do his duty.

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Lulu watched as her son left the house for the last day of the school year, concerned. Something had happened and it had put the whole group of kids on edge but not one of them had said a word. She'd asked the Mayor even! But he claimed Prompto and Kairi were keeping their mouths shut, though he had noticed the shift too. Elma had noticed that Sora was jumpy and for some reason was keeping a bag close at all times, were they planning to stay on the Play Island or something for the summer? It wasn't like they hadn't camped there before so surely that couldn't be it.

Maybe they were planning something big for Sora's fourteenth? They'd thrown a big part for Riku's fifteenth that year so maybe they were doing something so that he wouldn't feel left out? It was strange that that one-year difference caused more issues than the two-year gap between Prompto and Riku. Honestly, Mayor Braska had been very lucky when he adopted the cousins, despite Prompto being male they were such calm children for the most part. She knew he was a bit disappointed Prompto showed no interest in continuing his studies but personally, she thought he was waiting for the others so they could all go together. It would be very hard for Prompto to move to the big Island by himself after all, especially when he'd already been uprooted once before.

Still, she couldn't deny something strange was going on. Riku seemed almost….haunted. if someone had harmed her son…

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Sora ran across the sand as fast as he could, hot on Riku's heels even as Kairi and Prompto cheered them on. Prompto never raced them, not when they were being serious cause he was taller and built for speed so he always won. Even now, Riku was the bulkiest of them, though it wasn't really obvious, but he was the second strongest. Prompto didn't like them pointing that out though, he didn't like reminders he was different. Sora didn't care where he came from or if he was fully human or not, Prompto was Prompto.

Sometimes, Sora had strange dreams and Prompto was in them but a lot littler. He never told anyone though cause it was just too weird. He'd always felt comfortable with the older boy, like he'd always known him even though he hadn't.

They were staying well away from the Secret Place now, Prompto had done something with magic to keep the others out too, just to be safe. Hopefully that cloaked figure had gotten the hint and wouldn't be back but…none of them really believed that. They'd all taken to carrying a bag of basic supplies everywhere, just in case. Not that they wanted their World destroyed by Darkness or anything, but more and more stars were going out and Prompto had explained how they were other Worlds. Something really bad was happening everywhere and it was best to be prepared for anything. Prompto was trying to teach them to protect themselves with magic if it did happen but only Kairi was really getting anywhere with that.

So even when they played, there was training involved, like racing to work on speed and stamina. They weren't going to get caught off guard, even if the others who used the Play island thought they were nuts. They'd been close to Tidus and Wakka once but not so much anymore, they were still friendly but they'd grown apart since beginning to learn magic since they couldn't tell them about it. Kairi and Selphie were closer but that was because she was the only girl friend Kairi had and apparently girls needed friends their gender? He didn't get it.

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Prompto listened carefully as Riku recounted the dreams he'd started having, of building a raft and leaving the Islands, which was ridiculous since a raft wouldn't get anyone off World. But they'd started after Riku admitted seeing a flash of brown cloak from the corner of his eye. So the figure wanted Riku invested in leaving? Why? They all wanted to travel, see other Worlds, but not until school was done and they'd worked out how to manifest their Keyblades. What did that figure want?

What scared him about the dreams was the feeling of Darkness Riku had described, remembering the last time he'd seen Terra. No…Riku wouldn't follow in Terra's footsteps, he wouldn't. And Terra had just been trying to protect them anyway. He wished Merlin was there to help give him ideas what more he could do. He felt so lost but he knew better than to let negative thoughts and emotions take root.

Sora was pressed to Riku's side, a rather fierce, protective, expression on his face. A lot of people just laughed Sora off, not seeing passed the goofiness and occasional bought of clumsiness, but there was so much more to him. He was smarter than anyone gave him credit for, he just had attention issues unless it was something he was interested in. The feeling of Ven had faded over the years, until now there was nothing outside of the occasional action to remind him of his brother. What had that even been about? It hadn't been magic like Aqua's protection on Kairi, and it wasn't a Bequeathment either. Had Ventus met Sora and attempted it but hadn't managed the ceremony until he left him in Radiant Garden? But he hadn't acted or felt like Ventus, Merlin would have noticed. Maybe…could Sora actually be related to Ventus? He'd had amnesia after all, but Prompto had seen no signs of a missing relative in Sora's home.

There were so many questions, would he ever find the answers? They needed so much more help than he could give, but he was all they had.

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Yen Sid sat back in his chair, staring out at the stars, searching for answers. Mickey had agreed to investigate the cause of the growing Darkness and incredible increase in Worlds falling. It was very concerning, especially as there was no indication what the cause was, and there had to be something behind it, it was not natural for Worlds to fall so quickly or frequently.

They desperately needed more wielders; Mickey could not do it all alone. Aqua and Terra were missing and Ventus remained where she had hidden him. The only one he knew anything about was Prompto but he did not know his current whereabouts, he knew he was alive and had yet to manifest his Keyblade though. He wondered why that was, had Prompto turned his back on his training? Some kind of mental or emotional block due to trauma perhaps?

He was no longer a Keyblade Master, too tightly tied to his position in the Mysterious Tower to leave for very long. If he could get any of the wielders locations he would leave to retrieve them, Prompto too if he could work out his location. It wasn't like he could just randomly pick someone and train them, there were requirements for a Keyblade wielder and those who fulfilled them were rare.

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Prompto shook his head at the sight of Sora fast asleep on the beach but then he paused before running over to him, sensing something….not Dark thankfully but something was happening. "Sora? Sora wake up!" he shook his shoulder hard but Sora didn't stir, breathing deep and even, seemingly peaceful.

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Mickey sensed something…a possible power…a possible wielder! He settled into his chair and then closed his eyes, Heart reaching out to the…boy. He felt so young, too young, but what choice was there?

"So much to do, so little time... Take your time. Don't be afraid. The door is still shut. Now, step forward. Can you do it?" he called out to him, knowing he was being tested. "Power sleeps within you...If you give it form...It will give you strength. Choose well."

He waited, hoping the boy would make the right choice, that the Keyblade would accept him. Had Terra or Aqua Bequeathed a child ten years ago? He smiled as the child accepted the shield, a defender, that was a good sign. Those who chose the sword were not always suited from what he'd read in the records, he had chosen the wand himself.

"All right! You've got it. Use this power to protect yourself and others." He knew a practice fight against something from the Dark would be the next step and sure enough the shadows lifted from the Station, forming creatures with yellow eyes. "There will be times you have to fight. Keep your Light burning strong," he warned.

He couldn't actually watch was happening, it was more sensing it. But the child seemed to be doing very well, previous combat training? That could only help. He waited as the boy confronted his own truth, wondering what it was but he didn't hear or sense what was happening, it was far too personal. It was interesting that the Stations the boy was facing were of several Princesses of Heart, were they connected to what was happening?

"The closer you get to the Light, the greater your shadow becomes," he warned, knowing the final test was coming. "But don't be afraid. And don't forget..." he swallowed, able to feel the boys' fear. "Don't be afraid, you hold the mightiest weapon of all. So don't forget... You are the one who will open the door."

And with that the connection was gone, he hoped the boy was alright, but he could feel a Light somewhere, burning brighter. He'd done it then, he'd passed the test, and Mickey smiled in relief. Still, he was concerned, he had only read of such a test in the history books, most tests were far quicker and simpler.

He took a deep breath and decided to check in with the World his Master had told him of, the one that formed to save those whose Worlds fell. Radiant Garden was long gone, perhaps Ansem the Wise was there, or someone else who might know something. It was as good as any place to start.

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Sora's eyes opened and he yelped in shock, scrambling up. "Prom?" he asked.

"Are you okay?" Prompto asked in concern, and Sora frowned.

"This huge, black THING swallowed me up! I couldn't breathe! I couldn't…" Sora trailed off, eyes wide. "Was…was it a dream? What was that place? So bizarre..."

"Breath Sora," Prompto gripped his shoulders, and Sora leant into his support. "Can you tell me what happened? You were dreaming but…it was something more."

Sora shuddered but began talking, seeing the understanding on Prom's face when he mentioned choosing between the three weapons. "Prompto?"

"I had a similar dream when I lived with Merlin, but not that involved."

"So you had to choose?"

"I chose the shield too," Prompto smiled at him.

"So, what? It's to do with magic?"

"No…the Keyblade. But…as far as I can tell, you've never been Bequeathed, Riku was by Terra but…"

Sora shrugged. He didn't really remember much from that far back, but the blue haired lady was very hard to forget, Prompto said her name was Aqua, and Riku remembered more, had filled in some of the gaps.

"Does that mean Riku's had the dream too?"

"That's for him to say," Prompto answered. "Now come on," he pulled Sora to his feet.

Sora followed him, mind still on the dream, voice, and strange creatures. A Keyblade, him? But why? How? He nearly jumped when they went through to the section near the obstacle course only for Riku and Kairi to leap up, shouting Happy Birthday! He'd…forgotten, with the weird things happening and school ending for the year… he grinned at his friends. Time to forget their worries for a while.

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"Good morning, Your Majesty," Donald called as he walked down the long red carpet of the Audience Chamber toward a golden throne. "It's nice to see you this morn…" he trailed off as he realised the throne was empty. "What!" he squawked in alarm. Where was the King?

Pluto walked out from behind the throne, carrying an envelope in his mouth. Donald opened it and read the letter. He blinked for a second, then suddenly sped back out into the Colonnade. He raced across the courtyard to where Goofy, Captain of the Royal Knights, was sleeping.

"Wake up, Goofy, wake up! This is serious!"

Goofy continued to snore and Donald's temper got the better of him. He pointed his finger into the air, yelling, and summoned a lightning bolt, which swooped down and struck Goofy in the side, jolting him awake. He sat up sleepily and looked around. "Hey there, Donald. G'morning."

"We've got a problem, Goofy! But don't tell anyone..."

"Queen Minnie?"

"Not even the queen," Donald shook his head.

"Daisy?"

Donald shook his head furiously. "No, it's top secret!"

"G'morning, ladies," Goofy called over Donald's shoulder and he froze in horror.

"What?" he turned to see a cross Daisy, hands on her hips, and Queen Minnie.

Daisy cleared her throat and Donald laughed sheepishly. Oh boy.

TBC…

Pairing suggestions?