DISCLAIMER: I don't own Kingdom Hearts, nor the Disney and Square Enix characters. Please support the original works.


Chapter Thirteen: Master Yen Sid


The train stopped. Stepping out onto a vibrant lawn, Sora spared a moment to turn around. The blue train car he had just stepped out of vanished, as did the golden, ethereal railways that had brought them to their new destination. Sora lagged behind Donald, Goofy, and Mickey. The king and his two friends ignored the space around them, focusing instead on carrying the supplies that they had gathered with Tantalus Delivery. Riku, Max, and Kairi lingered by Sora, taking in their surroundings.

The train had dropped them off on an island that was floating, somewhere, in the sky. Above them was a midnight blue canvas that glittered with stars, and below was a golden cloud blanket. A few green mountaintops poked out of the clouds, reminding them of how high up they were. Along the edges of their little island were pine trees, their scent mixing with the cool night air. Though high up in an unknown sky, Sora was still able to hear the chatter of birds, and the flutter of wind moving through tree branches.

On the train ride he had been talking with his friends about what Master Yen Sid might be like, what he knew, how powerful he was, all while feeling his heart rate steadily increase from excitement. King Mickey, Donald, and Goofy had been rather secretive, telling Sora and the others to "wait and see." Now, standing on an island in the sky, feeling the distant buzz of powerful, ever-present magic in the air, and the quiet, mysterious expectations ahead, Sora felt slightly nervous.

Someone cleared their throat. Turning, Sora spotted Mary Poppins and Merlin standing on the grass before him.

"About time you all figured out how to get here." Merlin looked at his pocket watch. "And only fifteen minutes late."

Max clicked his teeth. "If you knew where Master Yen Sid was, then why didn't you just tell us?"

"Yeah. Why did we have to figure it out on our own?" Sora added.

Merlin twisted one end of his mustache, a sly glint in his eye. "Telling you where to find the master would have been simple, but nothing in your quest is going to be that easy. You must learn to rely on your mental strength."

"So, gathering clues and finding Master Yen Sid's location was all one big test," concluded Riku.

Mary spoke. "Yes. Very well done. And Sora, impressive strategy in that last battle."

Sora scratched his jaw, looking much like a kindergartner that had just been given the highest praise from his lovely teacher.

With her umbrella, Mary pointed to a tall, lopsided building that loomed in the distance. "Best to head to the tower now."

Just above the treetops, Sora saw a golden brown tower. The structure was curved and crooked, with several smaller towers jutting out of the thick cylinder. Blue, cone-shaped turrets sat atop each tower. The biggest and topmost cone had blue and silver shingles that were set up to resemble a sky with a moon and stars.

"We mustn't keep the master waiting," said Mary as she glided by. "There is much to discuss."

After a blink, Sora realized that he was standing alone, as Riku, Max, and Kairi had gone ahead to join the rest of their party. Regrouping with the others, Sora stopped in front of a set of stairs that led up to the entrance of the tower. Mickey stood at the top of the stairs, pushing open the double doors. He turned, nodding respectfully to Mary and Merlin, before addressing his team.

"Everyone ready?"

A series of determined nods answered Mickey's question. Stepping into the tower, Mickey led the team into a circular room with a single, wide staircase along the wall. As the party climbed the staircase, Sora looked down, hardly able to believe that the entire tower was hollow. The stairs they climbed hovered over nothing, except the glittering magical dust that filled the empty space.

Mickey finally stopped in front of a door. A door that was floating over nothing. Plus, there were no walls on either side of the doorframe. It stood, a lone doorframe with nothing behind it. Mickey pushed open the door, and walked into the light beyond with any hesitation.

Swallowing, Sora followed his friends, and ended up stepping into a spacious room. While Sora looked with his mouth open, Merlin walked by, waving his wand. Suddenly, all the delivery boxes lifted out of Mickey, Donald, and Goofy's hands. They piled neatly, one on top of the other, on the left corner of the room, before an uneven looking bookcase.

Mary came in next, passing by a wooden desk in center of the room, and stopping to stand by the back wall. A man stood next to her, with blue robes that were so long that they covered his feet. A cone shaped hat with stars rested atop his grey hair. He looked out of the moon shaped window, into the starry sky beyond. When Mary gave him a quiet, delicate curtsy, he turned around.

Standing straight, hands behind his back, the great wizard's piercing gaze swept over the entire party, making everyone, except Sora stand straight. Stroking his long beard thoughtfully, the man with the cone shaped hat sat down in the tall, throne like chair behind the desk. When he finally spoke, his voice was deep and calm, with a wizened vibration that could make even the most distracted students focus.

"Welcome Mickey. How long has it been?"

Stepping forward, Mickey bowed. "It's an honor to see you again, Master."

Behind Mickey, the entire party moved to stand in a neat, semicircle. Merlin and Mary stood on either side of Master Yen Sid's chair, quietly observing the meeting.

"Before we begin," said the Master, "I wish to thank Mary and Merlin for guiding you here. Forgive the vagueness of my summons. I wished to test your ability to think around a problem. The struggles ahead will test more then your strength. I am pleased to say that you all passed."

There were a series of proud smiles in the party, which quickly halted when Yen Sid addressed Max and Kairi.

"That machine you two destroyed has greatly lessened the amount of artificial heartless in the worlds. I thank you."

Max beamed while Kairi pressed her hands to her cheeks, unsure of how to react to such praise. When Yen Sid's gaze traveled to Sora and Riku, the two friends stiffened.

"I have also been told that you two defeated the prisoner in Castle Oblivion. That is no small feat."

"Marluxia was no push over, that's for sure," Riku agreed.

"Who was he anyway?" asked Sora. "And what was that world inside the castle?"

Master Yen Sid's gaze was distant. "Marluxia was once a great man. While not the leader of his world, he was well known. A kind soul that loved nothing more then to watch the flowers bloom in the fields outside of his home. He sought to protect the worlds and the light within. Thus, he gathered warriors from many worlds and attempted to destroy the realm of darkness." Yen Sid's voice lowered, his words grave. "You saw the result. Even a good man can fall to darkness. Marluxia lost his way when he stopped caring about the safety of the worlds and let his obsession cloud his judgement. Often the most noble of intentions can lead to the most unimaginable of tragedies." He glanced at Kairi. "As I'm sure you are aware."

"You're talking about my grandpa-no-you mean Ansem. He was willing to let the worlds be destroyed too, all for knowledge."

Riku was as stiff and cold as an icicle as he turned to face Kairi. His fingers opened and closed in the air between them, as though he were trying desperately to grasp for some sort of explanation.

"What? Grandpa? Ansem?"

Sora smacked his hands on his head, his heart doing three whole flips in his chest. "No way!"

Everyone in the room, except for Mary, Merlin, and Max, gawked at Kairi.

"It's true," she said, turning away from her friends. "I didn't remember that little fact until Max and I went to destroy the heartless machine."

Sora and Riku, palms up, fingers spread wide, waved their hands. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"I was embarrassed," Kairi admitted.

Sora slapped a hand on Riku's shoulder, using the older boy's height to balance himself. He leaned forward, as though he were about to hurl. "Wait a minute, that means-"

Riku paled. "That we-"

Mary tapped the tip of her umbrella on the ground. The resulting tap was not too loud, but strong enough to quiet the boys, albeit for a short moment.

"Gentlemen, we do not raise our voices in front of our elders. I believe Master Yen Sid still has much to say."

Sora and Riku turned toward Mary. "W-wait a minute," they spoke together, "this is important."

"I quite agree," said Mary firmly.

She had spoken with such gentle conviction that Sora and Riku's passion completely evaporated. Both boys had prepared a counterargument. When Mary had agreed with their sentiment, they felt rather, well, childish. Sora cast his eyes down to his shoes when he realized everyone was watching him. Meanwhile, Riku cleared his throat.

"S-sorry. You're right. Let's continue."

"Why, thank you." Mary inclined her head toward the master. "If you would?"

Yen Sid spared a moment to smile at Mary before he spoke.

"Now where was I? Ah, yes. Marluxia wished to eradicate the darkness, yet he never considered what the loss could do to the rest of the worlds."

Goofy tilted his head. "I don't get it. Ain't darkness a bad thing? Now I don't agree with Marluxia's plans since they would have unleashed many heartless. Bue if he did destroy the realm of darkness, wouldn't that mean that there would be no more heartless or darkness to worry about?"

Yen Sid shook his head. "With the exception of the seven princesses, there will always be darkness in people's hearts. Thus, there is no way of knowing for certain what would have happened if Marluxia had succeeded in destroying the realm of darkness. The worlds we live in now were born of that same darkness. The two realms, one light, one dark, have existed side by side for eons, until Ansem broke through the divide between the two, by bringing forth the heartless eleven years ago."

Kairi covered her eyes, turning away from everyone else one more.

"When Marluxia made me open the realm of darkness," Sora trailed off, swallowing. "All these pureblood heartless about, did they escape because of what I did?"

"Fear not," replied Master Yen Sid. "These heartless are a recent phenomenon, brought about by the situation we find ourselves in."

Mickey raised a hand. "Master, do you know what is causing the worlds to crash together."

"I may indeed. But first," he pointed, "that book."

Everyone followed the master's gaze to Kairi. Under her arm, was the old text she had found in Belle's library. Stepping forward, Kairi placed the heavy book on the master's desk. He glanced down at the jagged, heart shaped symbol on the cover, eyes narrowing.

"Do you recognize it?" asked Mickey.

"No. Yet I feel a familiarity to this shape, as though I have seen it in another lifetime." Master Yen Sid reached toward the book. His fingers stopped, hovering inches above the cover.

"What's wrong?" asked Mickey, standing on his tip toes to get a good look at the book.

"This book is enchanted."

Merlin leaned forward, adjusting his spectacles as he looked down at the old tomb. "Enchanted indeed, and ancient to boot. I feel old, forgotten magicks in place."

He tapped the book with his wand. Everyone held their breaths, expecting the book to burst into flames, talk, explode, anything. Nothing happened.

"What crockery!" Merlin waved his wand angrily. "None but those with a pure heart can touch it!"

Kairi leaned forward, opening the book to the painted page she had seen in Belle's library.

"I found this book somewhere it didn't belong," Kairi explained. "And I can't read any of the writing inside it. Except for this page." Kairi took a breathe, reciting. "'When all hearts have returned to the light from whence they came, the true Kingdom Hearts shall open.' I can't read the rest."

Mickey's ears twitched. "Is the book giving us a clue that Kindgom Hearts is in danger?"

Master Yen Sid leaned forward. His eyes closed, as though reminiscing about a forgotten memory from ages past.

"Some believe Kingdom Hearts is located in the deepest darkness, but not even I know what awaits inside that fated place. Yet this does confirm one of my suspicions."

"Which is?"

"The world crashing phenomenon is due to a sudden influx of light."

There was a series of surprised gasps, but Yen Sid focused on Sora, Riku, and Kairi.

"You three do not seem too surprised."

"Belle said something similar," Riku explained. "There was a sudden rush of light before her world crashed into Mickey's."

"But where did that light come from?" Kairi wondered.

"And if there is all this extra light, then why are there so many heartless around?" Sora added.

Donald stomped a flipper. "What about all the people popping up where they shouldn't be? Is that caused by the light too?"

Goofy tapped a finger to his temple. "And the dark patches in the sky."

"Everything is out of order," said Max. "And light is what's causing it? That doesn't make any sense."

Yen Sid looked down at the book Kairi had placed on his desk. "I know not where all this light has come from. As for the heartless and the dark patches in the sky," Master Yen Sid trailed off.

He waved his hand over the book, watching as the pages flipped. The book opened onto another page. Old writing appeared on the left page, and there was a painting on the right. The image depicted light and darkness melting together, like two different oceans, one dark purple, and one white, meeting and mixing at the center.

Mickey cringed. "Master, you can't mean-"

"I'm afraid it is true. If the worlds are blending together, then the realm of darkness is also combining with our world. Those dark patches in the sky, are pieces of the realm of darkness shining through."


"If you keep this up, you'll be too tired to do what comes next. Relax. I'm sure Master Yen Sid knows what he's doing."

Sora stopped pacing to glance at Riku. They stood in the field outside of the tower. Yen Sid had dismissed part of the group, both in order to let them deal with the new revelation, and to devise a plan with Mickey, Donald, and Goofy.

"It doesn't bother you? The worlds crashing together is bad enough, and now the realm of darkness is combining with our realm too? And all this, because of light? I just don't get it. We came here for answers, not more questions."

Riku shrugged. "I don't think anyone, even a great wizard, can know everything there is to know about the universe. Personally, I think that's a good thing."

Sora squinted at his friend. "You're telling me, that straight-A student Riku actually thinks it's okay not to know everything?"

Riku grinned. "I'm not a know-it-all."

"This is just an excuse not to help me and Kairi with our homework, isn't it?"

"You'd be just fine if you'd just study."

"But I can't read all those textbooks without falling asleep."

Sora ducked when Riku aimed a light slap at his forehead.

"I meant," Riku spoke, playfulness leaving his tone, "that knowing everything ruins the fun of it all. There would be no more new mysteries, or the knowledge might be a burden, or," Riku pointed, "pursuing knowledge might lead to big mistakes."

Sora looked where Riku was pointing. Across the floating island, standing between two trees, her back turned, was Kairi. Max came to stand at her side for a moment. She spoke to him, a weak smile on her face. When Max left, Kairi turned again, her head hanging.

"I think the two of us have some more apologizing to do," Riku said.

Sora swallowed a painful lump in his throat. "I can't believe Kairi's grandpa was Ansem. This is crazy."

"Trust me, I'm just as surprised as you."

"You think she needs us? She looks sad."

"Us?" Riku raised an eyebrow. "I'm pretty sure you could make her smile just by appearing in her line of sight."

Now it was Sora's turn to aim a light smack in Riku's direction, one the older boy accepted without complaint.

Riku laughed, rubbing his arm. "What? You know it's true."

Sora stomped ahead. "Just come on."

Kairi turned when she heard the boys approach. She was holding another book in her hands. This one was also old, but it wasn't the same book she had placed on Yen Sid's table. She smiled when Sora neared, and he couldn't help answering her with a grin. Riku shoved Sora with his shoulder.

"Told you."

"Would you knock that off?" Sora grouched.

"Am I missing something?" Kairi asked when the boys were in hearing distance.

"Actually, Sora-oof!"

Riku stumbled forward as something thumped him, hard, on the back. He managed to regain his balance before he could knock Kairi over.

"Sorry." Sora wore an innocent smirk. "There was a fly on your back."

Straightening, Riku shook his head. "Oh really?"

With one eye squinted in suspicion, Kairi looked from one face to another. "I'd say that you two are weird, but then again, when do you two act normal for more then five seconds. It's a good thing I'm around, otherwise you'll be at each other's necks again."

At this, both Sora and Riku grinned. Sadly, their good humor evaporated just as quickly as it had appeared.

"Is it true what you said about Ansem. Was he really your grandfather?"

Kairi turned away from Sora.

"I'm sorry," he said hastily. "I didn't know. I-"

"It's not like I knew it either," Kairi interrupted. "Besides, what could you have done if you had known?"

"I would have at least tried to talk to him," Sora defended. "Or tried to find another way."

Kairi looked up, her eyes firm. "He had to be stopped. You don't have to apologize for defeating him."

Sora rubbed the silver crown on his necklace. "But still, he was your family."

"It did hurt a bit when I remembered who my grandpa was. In my memories, he's an old man. He was kind, before he gave his heart to darkness. The person I saw in Hollow Bastion last year, the person you fought, was no longer my family."

"Is it weird if I say that I don't regret everything your grandpa did?"

Kairi tilted her head, looking at Sora in total shock. "What?"

"If your grandpa hadn't made that mess eleven years ago, then we never would have met. Plus," he gave her a playful shove, "I don't care who you're related to. You'll always be Kairi to me."

Kairi giggled as she gently shoved Sora back. "You always know how to cheer me up." She cast a nervous look at Riku. "Um, I-"

"If you start apologizing, I'm going to be sick."

"But my grandfather was the one that possessed you."

"Yeah? And? I was the one that let myself be manipulated in the first place. I'm done letting others take responsibility for my mistakes." Riku put his hand on Kairi's head. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

Kairi let out a chocked, "thanks."

Riku let his hand drop from her hair. "Got anything else on your mind?"

Kairi fidgeted. "It's related to what Master Yen Sid said. I was thinking about my grandmother's story again."

Sora snapped his fingers. "I get it. 'The true light within the darkness,' right? You think that's what all this extra light is?"

Kairi nodded. "Right. Grandma said that the worlds are scattered and divided from each other because the true light sleeps in the deepest darkness. If that light is coming back, then that could be why the worlds are crashing together."

"Mind filling me in," said Riku.

"Oh right." Sora grinned guiltily. "We never did tell you that story."

A strange look passed over Riku's features. His eyelids fluttered for a moment, his lips curving downward, his expression faraway. Even though it was an instant, Sora's heart ached for his friend. There was pain in that sad smile, but before Sora could ask him if he was all right, Riku spoke.

"Slipped your mind huh? Well, I'm here now. What's the story?"

Kairi recited her grandmother's fairy tale, and Riku listened without interrupting, his expression back to normal.

"When the door to the innermost darkness is opened, the true light shall return," Riku repeated Kairi's words.

She nodded. "I think that's why there's so much light, and more heartless about." She lifted the book she had under her arm. "I have to get to the realm of darkness. I have to know if my grandma's story is true."

Sora stepped closer to Kairi.

"Don't look at me like that," she huffed. "It's not like I haven't been to the realm of darkness before. How do you think I got off the island?"

Sora wrinkled his forehead. "Uh..."

"Let me guess," Riku drawled, "you never thought about it? What? Did you think she just princess-of-hearted herself to Disney Castle?"

The left side of Kairi's lip lifted. "Princess-of-hearted? Is that what you call my powers when I'm not around?"

Sora snorted. "That's so lame. Couldn't you come up with something cooler?"

Riku rolled his eyes, even though he wore a smile. "Is this really important right now?"

"Yes," Sora groaned. "What are we going to do with him, Kairi? He still has no sense of humor. I can come up with a better name then that. Something like: star power!"

Kairi made a face. "No way. I like warrior of light better."

Sora put his hands together, making a shape. "Holy heart!"

"That's so dorky!" Kairi laughed. "Rainbow light punch!"

Sora raised a finger to the air as though he had a grand idea. "Oathkeeper form!"

Copying him, Kairi shouted. "White mage!"

"Keyblade princess!"

"Holy lancer!"

"Seven wishes!"

Kairi snapped her fingers, pointing at Sora. "I like that one. I'm keeping it."

"Bummer. I thought you'd like keyblade princess better."

"I don't have a keyblade." A slow smile spread over Kairi's cheeks. "Ohhhh."

"What?"

"You wanted me to pick that one because you have a keyblade. Are you saying that I'm your princess?"

Sora froze. "Uh..."

"I'm just kidding," Kairi giggled. "Riku, can you believe thus g-what's with the face?"

Sora turned, catching Riku wearing the same distant expression as before. Riku blinked at Kairi, as though she had caught him having a daydream.

"Huh? What face?"

"You look like you just heard some terrible news," said Sora, leaning to the side to get a good look at his friend.

"It's nothing." Riku shook his head, as though trying to shake the expression off. "Just wondering how you two can go from worried to fun so quickly."

"That's because we're not worry warts like you," said Sora. "Come on, think positive. We'll figure out whatever is happening. Together. Like we always do."

"Together. Right."

Kairi narrowed her eyes. "Why do you sound so upset?"

"I'm just annoyed that we got so off topic, that's all."

"Suuuure." Kairi bit her lip. "Fine. I'll drop it. What were we talking about?"

"The realm of darkness and exactly how you got to Disney Town," Riku reminded her.

"Oh right. The realm of darkness just randomly spat me out there."

"That reminds me of how I woke up in Traverse Town after the darkness destroyed our world." Sora clapped his hands. "I think I get it. The light might be the thing forcing worlds to crash into each other, but darkness is what's blowing people around. Remember how Ariel said that there was a lot of darkness in her world before she came to the islands?"

Riku's ruffled Sora's hair. "I'm impressed. Good thinking."

Sora winked.

"There must be an entrance to the actual realm of darkness somewhere," said Kairi.

"Okay, seriously," drawled Riku. "Why are you so eager to go to the realm of darkness?"

"There's one more thing I haven't told you guys." Kairi opened the book in her hands, flipping to a bookmarked page. "When I went to the realm of darkness the first time, I wasn't alone. Pluto was with me, but there was also someone else."

She raised the book in front of Sora's eyes. He gazed at a picture of a rabbit with black fur. Wand raised, the rabbit was running forward, charging into battle, magic flowing around him, pushing up his blue shorts and white, dress shirt.

"I know him," said Kairi. "His name is Oswald. He was the first person to teach me magic. I wouldn't have survived the realm of darkness without his help. He's still trapped in there. I have to find him, no matter what."

Kairi looked at the boys' faces, waiting for their reactions. Sora spoke first.

"Come on, Kairi. Did you think I would against it? I would do the same thing if it meant finding you or Riku."

"The only problem is Master Yen Sid," said Riku. "Would he approve?"

"Who better then Kairi to investigate the realm of darkness?"

"You have a point. She's a princess of heart, so there's no chance she could be affected by darkness while she's down there."

"Plus, she can reduce the heartless from that side."

The boys were suddenly pushed backward. Stumbling, they managed to regain their balance, as well as let out a breathe when they realized what had charged into them. Kairi embraced them both, wrapping one arm around Sora's shoulders and the other around Riku's waist. She gave both boys a happy, little squeeze.

"I love you guys!" she sniffled.

The boys chuckled, returning her hug.

"Just promise to be careful. I don't want you to disappear like Alice did."

"Come on, Riku. She's totally got this. Right?"

"Right," Kairi giggled.

Someone cleared their throat. The three friends broke apart. Mary and Merlin stood between them and the tower.

"The master's ready to see you," said Merlin. His message given, Merlin burst into magical dust, disappearing.

Sora looked around. "Where did he go?"

"Back to Hollow Bastion," said Mary. "To begin deciphering that old book that only Kairi can touch. I'll be on my way too. But before that," Mary turned to Riku, "I believe you have something that does not belong to you."

"Doesn't belong to me? Oh!" Riku reached into his pocket. "Do you mean this?"

Sora and Kairi gathered around Riku's hand, watching as his fingers opened. In his palm was a star shaped charm. Almost automatically, Sora pulled out Kairi's good luck charm and held it out, comparing the two. Kairi's charm was made out of thalassa sea shells, but the star charm in Riku's hand was made out of stained glass. The tips of the glass star were pointed, making it resemble an orange flower, with crown shaped tips at each petal. In the center of the star charm was a jagged heart shape, one that Kairi recognized.

She pointed at the heart. "That's the same symbol that's on the book I gave to Master Yen Sid. Where did you find this?"

"I stepped on it when I was in Neverland," Riku answered. "It's weird. It felt familiar, almost like I should know the person it belonged to. I was going to ask you about it, but it looks like you've never seen this before."

"Nope," Kairi confirmed. "Weird that looks a lot like mine, though."

Mary held out her hand, and Riku placed the strange charm in her fingers. She brought the star up to her eyes.

"There was a picture of this charm in the book," said Mary, giving the charm back to Riku. "It is part of a set. There are two more. Try to find its blue and green counterparts. Perhaps they may reveal some unknown secrets."

As Riku put the charm back into his pocket, Mary turned and poked a nearby tree with her umbrella.

"Max, it's not polite to eavesdrop on your friends."

The tree shuddered and then Max tumbled out from behind it, landing hard on his rear. He dusted the leaves off his hoodie, a blush settling over his muzzle.

"I was only worried about Kairi."

"Aw, you're so sweet." Kairi reached out and poked Max's black nose. "But don't do that again."

"Indeed. A gentleman respects others' privacy," said Mary.

Max's blush deepened. Sora, Riku, and Kairi tried not to laugh, especially when Mary gave each of them a stern look.

"Now off you go. The master is waiting."


Master Yen Sid had patiently listened to everyone's story. He did not react, nor interrupt, except when Riku had shared the story of how the darkness had spoken to him. When asked, Master Yen Sid admitted that he had never heard of such a thing, that the darkness was a force, not a consciousness. Nevertheless, he did assure the team that he would have Merlin and Mary investigate the ancient book to see if such phenomena had been recorded before. When the stories were finished, Yen Sid addressed Sora, Donald, and Goofy first.

"I am giving you three a specific task. Should you come across any disconnected, or new worlds, that are unlocked, and not attached to any other, find the keyhole and seal that world. Even if the worlds are melting together, we cannot allow the heartless to destroy them."

Sora, Donald, and Goofy saluted."Yes sir!"

Kairi slowly raised her hand. "If I may, Master, I have a request?" She gulped when Yen Sid gestured for her to continue. "I want to find a way into the realm of darkness."

Master Yen Sid raised his eyebrow.

Sora and Riku suddenly spoke, one over the other.

"She can investigate."

"Yeah, and she's a princess of heart so she has a natural defense against the darkness."

"And she-"

Yen Sid silenced the Sora with a look. "Please let the young lady speak for herself."

The boys bowed their heads. Facing Kairi again, the master asked her to continue.

"I can investigate, as Sora said, but I have a more selfish reason for going. I have a friend down there. Not only do I want to find him, but I know that if anyone knows more about the realm of darkness and how it has changed, it's him. He's been in the realm of darkness for many years."

Master Yen Sid folded his hands behind his back. "That is quite a claim. The realm of darkness is an inhospitable place. It gnaws away at the heart. Your friend must have some focus to stay down there for such a long time."

"He is focused, and he's strong too."

"May I ask his name?"

"Oswald."

Yen Sid jerked backward as though Kairi had just slapped him. He swayed, and Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, darted forward, hands outstretched, to try and catch him before he fell over. The master quickly righted himself and waved them back. Straitening, his voice was a breathless growl when he spoke next.

"Describe him."

Rather then speak, Kairi opened the book Queen Minnie had given her back in Disney Castle's library. When Master Yen Sid looked at the picture, he had to put a hand on his desk, to steady himself once more.

"Impossible," Yen Sid whispered. "He's alive?"

Mickey came to stand at his master's side, peering at the picture in Kairi's book. "Wasn't Oswald one of your pupils, Master?"

Slowly, the old wizard moved around his desk and sat back down. "I have had many apprentices over the years, and each one has made me proud in their own way. However, there was a period of time when I refused to teach anyone."

Mickey ducked his head. "I remember. When I first came to you for guidance, you sent me away until I proved myself."

"Yes. I never told you why. Before I became your master, Oswald was my last apprentice. He and his love had a rare gift for channeling magic."

"His love?" Kairi blurted. Everyone else tensed at her outburst, but her eyes were too shiny and excited to care about the surprised stares that were directed her way. "You mean Ortensia?"

Another smile touched the corner of Yen Sid's lips. "Yes."

"I knew it!" She pumped her fist. Then, she sobered. "Wait. What happened to them?"

"They joined Marluxia's crusade against the darkness. I was against it. I knew that no good would come from Marluxia's ideals, but Oswald could not understand why one would refuse to use their skills to stand against the darkness. I never saw him, or Ortensia, again. I had assumed he was lost, just like all those that had aided Marluxia's quest."

"Master," Mickey looked down at the floor, hands on his head, pulling down his ears. "So that's why you never talked about him when I asked."

"Forgive me, Mickey. I felt ashamed. I should have tried harder to stop him."

Mickey looked up. "I can't believe that Oswald is still alive. We can't leave him in the realm of darkness."

"You are right." Yen Sid met Kairi's eyes again. "Please, bring my old friend back home."

Kairi looked as though she were about to jump, but she somehow managed to keep her feet on the ground, though an excited twitch did cross her face.

"Thank you, Master."

"I know not where you can find an opening in the realm of darkness, but sine that realm is melting into ours, you should find an opening on your quest. A warning, however. There is much risk to what you are attempting to do. The realm of darkness is an ever shifting labyrinth, and you may not find your way out for some time, even if you do find Oswald and Ortensia."

"Don't worry." Kairi put her arm around Max's shoulders. "As long as as I'm not alone, I can tear my way out. I've done it before."

Max shrugged Kairi off. "The only problem is: how do we get there?"

Goofy gave Max a pleading look. "I know I can't stop you, but please be careful, Maxie."

"Come on, Dad. Kairi and I can handle anything."

"I know, but no matter how strong you get, you'll always be my son. I just wish there was a way to keep track of ya, in case you get lost."

"I have something that may ease those concerns."

Master Yen Sid snapped his fingers. Three leather pouches appeared on the table. With a wave of his hand, the pouches lifted to float before Sora, Riku, and Kairi.

Plucking the pouch from midair, Sora pulled out a thick stack of parchment paper from within. There was a silvery, blue shine that appeared in the paper when he moved it around under the light.

"Thank you for bringing the materials from Twilight Town. Merlin and I have enchanted those letters. Simply use your fingers to write. You do not need ink. Once you've signed the name of the recipient at the bottom of the letter, roll up the parchment and tap it twice. It will find where it needs to go, no matter the distance or the location."

Riku handed his pouch to Mickey for safekeeping, while Sora and Kairi, thanking the master, pocketed theirs.

"Now then, your assignments, Sora and Mickey-"

A blue puff of smoke stopped Master Yen Sid's words. Merlin appeared, waving his wand desperately, his mustache bristling as he stepped out from the smoke.

"Oh, it's just dreadful!" Merlin pointed his wand at Sora. "Lad, you must come to Hollow Bastion, immediately!" "What's going on?"

"Hollow Bastion! The world has been split in half!"


Jiminy's Journal

Master Yen Sid (First Appeared in Fantasia, 1940): Wise yet stern, Master Yen Sid is one of the most powerful and knowledgeable magicians in the universe. He serves and Mickey's master and council in times of need. Though he became rather reclusive after losing his last apprentice, Oswald, the old master knows much about events happening in the universe, and will offer guidance if the worlds are in danger.