Gwen had no idea how long she was in this cold, dark, deep abyss. All she knew was that it was taking her somewhere, where her destinty awaited. To the place where she belonged.

Then the next thing she knew, she was laying on cracked pavement. In a daze, she slowly sat up and looked around. She had landed at foot of a flight of stairs, which led up to...the worn gates of a castle, which looked oddly familiar. Its white stone walls were in shambles, with big holes holes scattered throughout. The towers at the corners also had their roofs broken into.

Gwen felt a warm connection...and she realized what this place was. It was the very same castle from her dreams. This place...it was the one she belonged in. It was so familiar...the name was just on the edge of her hazy memory...

Then there was a creak as the gates opened, and a green-skinned man with red hair stepped out of the castle. He was quite tall, with a bulky frame that made him even more imposing. He looked menacing in his obsidian armor and gold-lined black cape. His steel boots heavily clunked as he walked down the steps.

"Who dares to trespass on the Forsaken Fortress?" He said with a threatening tone.

Gwen took a deep breath to get her bearings, then got on her feet and stared up at the man. Forsaken Fortress...no, this place had another name.

"Camelot...that's the name of this world, right?" She asked him.

The man sneered in a malicious manner as he got close to her. She suppressed a shiver as his large hand closed on her neck.

"Now how do you know that, little girl?" He growled.

Gwen winced as he gripped her tightly and lifted her to his eye level. She felt something stirring within her, like a heartbeat...but not her own. Somehow, she managed to keep from panicking even as the man was choking her.

"I...belong here." She croaked.

He chuckled. "You belong here? I guess that means you're someone who ended up lost in space after the Heartless took over. I guess you'll be glad that you get to die here."

He squeezed her neck even tighter, and she gasped futilely for air. Her vision faded in and out, gradually getting darker. Then...she felt a strange, dangerous energy coursing through her. As if it had a mind of its own, her hand rose and emitted a burst of purple flames at her captor's face. He screamed in pain and surprise and dropped her.

"You wretched..." He coughed, batting the fire away. "Who the hell are you!?"

A tempting voice echoed in her head, telling her what she should do from now on. Gwen was wary...yet she was not opposed to the idea that this voice was giving her. It helped her remember...who she really was. So she straightened up, giving the dark man a cool smile.

"This is MY kingdom, you insolent fool. You should know better than to disrespect those superior to you."

His eyes narrowed in suspicion for a moment, then they widened as he seemed to recognize her.

"I see...so you are the one who spoke to me in those dreams. Or rather, you hold her inside you. The true heir to the throne."

"So you do have sense." Gwen mused. "Now, Demon King Ganondorf, show me those who will serve me from now."

Ganondorf smirked and gave a bow, then turned and walked up the steps. Gwen followed beside him, outwardly composed and confident. In her mind, she thought about Ray, and where he might be. Hopefully, he was alright without her. But maybe...he would be at her side forever, if her plans fell through.

"You will have him safe in your arms, I promise you that." The temptress said in her head.

It made her uneasy...but she already had a path set in front of her, and she would see it through to the end.

...

The cafe in the First District was livelier than it had been in a while. With the news that the Safe Zone was on its way to being cleared of Heartless, the citizens had been in an uproar. Now nobody was complaining about the mediocre food and drink as they celebrated. Of course, in the center of this was Ray, who had been pushed around by the excited people.

"Cheers to the keybearer!" Shouted the very drunk bearded guy.

"Hooray!" Everyone cheered, holding up their drinks.

"C-can't breathe!" Ray complained as they swarmed him.

Eventually, after a lot of struggling, he managed to shove himself outside. He let out a sigh of relief, then groaned.

"Forget the cake...I should get out of here before a news reporter comes."

"Wise decision." Kirito said from the side.

Ray turned to see him and the other Safety Committee members, along with Tails and Knuckles. Remembering the promise of a talk, the blonde summoned Excalibur and held it up.

"Alright, I suppose it's time for answers. Just what exactly am I holding, who is that King of Camelot, and what is Camelot?"

"If you hadn't figured by now, that's a damn ancient Keyblade you're holding." Liz said in disbelief. "Excalibur, the Royal Key of Light."

"It was once wielded by the King of Camelot." Kirito continued. "Artorius Pendragon was his name, better known as King Arthur."

Ray looked at the Royal Key in surprise. This was...really such a treasure? An ancient king's weapon? That meant...

"So when he said King of Camelot...that old man meant that he was King Arthur." He concluded. "He ruled that kingdom, right?"

Kirito nodded. "Hit the nail on the head. You're holding a millennia of history in your hands. Our world's history, to be precise."

It took a moment for Ray to realize. "...You come from Camelot?"

"Hey, he's not dumb after all." Liz said cheekily.

"You are right." Leafa stated, hand on her hip. "We lost it to the Heartless five years ago, and we ended up here. One day though, we will get it back. And we're counting on that key."

"That's why we're telling you to not screw it up." Sinon said, crossing her arms. "I know you have your own reasons, but there's more than just a girl that's at stake."

Ray frowned at that. "I get that now, alright? But Gwen's not just a girl, she's the person I belong with. Everything I do, even sealing those Keyholes, is all to save her in the end."

Kirito pointed at Excalibur. "But there's one big problem with the Keyblade, and that's how it looks right now. The next time you see King Arthur, ask him why Excalibur is like that."

Ray nodded and looked the weapon up and down. It certainly was strange, how it looked so incomplete. Maybe Arthur would have an answer. But for now...

"I'll do that. But if that's all, I suppose I better get going."

Knuckles stepped forward. "Not without us. We're supposed to keep an eye on you."

"You're the solution to the galaxy's big problem." Tails added. "But you can't do it alone. That's why our friend Sonic sent us."

Ray ran a hand through his bedhead, a bit confused about this. Despite what they had been through with that Heartless earlier, he wasn't sure about going along with these talking animals. However, he knew he had no way of going out there alone.

"Not like I can do anything else." He said with a wry smile, holding out a fist. "Alright, I'll go with you guys. Once again, my name is Ray."

Tails added his own, smiling brightly. "Miles Prower, but my friends call me Tails!"

Knuckles smirked and put his fist with theirs. "Knuckles the Echidna. You better not fall behind, keybearer."

Ray tilted his head. "Echidna? What kind of dog is that?"

"I'm not a dog, you punk!"

Liz and Silica stifled laughs as Knuckles's temper flared up, while Ray stepped back a bit. Kirito shook his head, then gestured for Klein and Agil. The two nodded and stepped forward, each bringing out something.

"Before you go, we have little presents to give you." Klein announced, holding out three cards. "From me, membership cards. Consider yourselves a part of the Wayfarer Safety Committee!"

The newly formed trio each took a card and looked it over. It was black plastic, with a silver cat insignia on the front. Printed in gold was "Wayfarer Safety Committee: Junior Member".

"Huh, cool." Ray said with a slight grin.

"What benefits do we get?" Knuckles asked. "A salary?"

"You're only junior members, Hot Dog." Liz pointed out. "That means you only get the privelage to go out of the First District when you want to. And also slightly bigger portions in the cafe."

"Ugh...well it's something at least."

Tails looked at Agil. "What do you have for us?"

The big man smiled with pride as he presented a brown leather backpack to Ray.

"A handmade travel pack that I found in storage." He said. "Your items will be safe and secure in here because of its enchantments. I even put in some Potions for you guys. Normally I would charge an arm and a leg, but for you guys it's on the house!"

Knuckles pumped a fist. "Alright, we scored big time! Thanks for the gift!"

"That certainly will come in handy." The King told Ray. "You better not lose it."

"Of course I won't." Ray muttered as he put the pack on.

Then Asuna came forward, holding out a leather pouch that was bloated with jingling coins.

"Another thing from all of us!" She said with a warm smile. "2000 Col! Spend it wisely!"

Ray took the pouch from her, looking rather incredulous. This much money, just for them?

"Uh...thank you." He said uncertainly. "Are you sure we can have all this?"

"Well you can't go on an adventure without funds." Liz pointed out. "Don't blow it all off on something dumb, alright?"

"It's all in good hands." Knuckles said smugly, taking the pouch. "You got a professional to manage this."

Tails cupped his cheek in thought. "Wait...we can't expect this world's money to be exchangable in others."

"Foxy, it's gold." Liz said in a matter-of-fact tone. "If gold isn't a universal currency, I'll be damned."

"Yeah, she's right." Knuckles agreed, patting the pouch. "Gold is the most valuable metal that was traded for a lot of things back in the day. 2000 gold pieces practically makes us rich in some other worlds."

"I guess..." Tails said uncertainly.

Ray also wasn't sure how Col would fare as a currency in other worlds, but they would find out soon enough.

"Thank you for all of this " He said, holding a fist to Kirito. "Good luck with things here."

Kirito returned the gesture. "We wish you well too. You're welcome back here anytime."

"If anything happens here and we need you, we'll give you a call." Silica added, giving Ray a wink.

He shook his head, remembering his broken phone that he tossed away. No way he was going to get a call...but the gesture was nice.

"If you even can. Well, we better be off now. See ya later guys!"

With thay said, he began to walk towards the gates that led outside the Safe Zone, with Tails and Knuckles on either side of him.

"Bye!" Tails chirped, throwing back a wave.

"I'll be doing business with you later!" Knuckles shouted back at Liz.

"Looking forward to it!" She said with a sly grin. "Heh heh...gonna get a sucker."

With the Safety Committee waving them goodbye, the new trio exited the Safe Zone. Outside the gates, Ray stopped as he saw some kind of airplane parked nearby.

"What is that?' He asked Tails.

"That's the Cyclone!" The fox said proudly. "It's the vehicle we'll be using to travel the galaxy!"

He hopped up front and started the engines, while Knuckles took the middle seat. Ray climbed into the back seat...only to realize how little space there was for someone of his size.

"Uh...is this really okay?" He said skeptically.

Tails looked back with a thoughtful frown. "Hm...I should have taken passenger size into account when making the adjustments. Uh, it will be fine...I think."

He tapped a button on his console, and a dome started to form overhead. Ray was forced to hunch over so the covering could go over him, and his head ended up resting on Knuckles. The Echidna growled and glanced up at him.

"Watch it, blondie." He grumbled.

"It's not my fault this ship is too small for me." Ray retorted.

"On the bright side, you don't need a seatbelt." Tails said with an awkward smile. "Well, all systems are green! Time for takeoff!"

He raised the Cyclone into the air, then directed it upwards to sky. He punched a button, and the plane became glowing streak as it went into hyperdrive and exited the world.

...

Unbeknownst to the trio, they were being watched from afar. The image of the Cyclone was being projected by a magic circle in the center of a humongous round table made of stone, which was heavily cracked. At the head of the table, Gwen was watching as Ray traveled through the galaxy. Inside, she was rather relieved to see that he was alright. However, she was also concerned about what he was getting himself into, and wondering whether this would turn out alright. But outside, she had the face of cool composure, not wanting to seem weak in front of her subordinates.

Around the table were five others, a group that called themselves the Forsaken Five. The center of this group was Ganondorf, who was smirking at the airplane.

"So what if he did seal a Keyhole?" He said with an arrogant tone. "He is nothing but a squire. A weakling who can barely even use Excalibur."

At his left came a scoff. Giving him a smug look was a woman in her twenties, with wavy lavender locks. Over her grey suit was a red cape, which she flourished as she admonished the Demon King.

"Silly Gerudo, you should know better than to underestimate the power of the Royal Key. True, it is not in full form, but as you saw with the Ilfang that hardly matters."

"Hmph, that is why we are taking measures to keep that key from being a problem. I am not a fool Croix, you blasted witch."

To his right, another man banged the table. He was unusually tall and had lanky limbs, but his body was bloated to where it resembled an egg. It was a miracle his black pants and red suit even fit him. His pointy nose and bushy brown mustache twitched as he got really annoyed.

"That boy is not the problem." He grumbled. "Those two animals are the lackeys of that damn hedgehog! Of course he would get in the way of our galactic conquest!"

Beside him, a giant creature huffed and shook his head. He was like a mix between a dragon and a turtle, with a scaly yellow body and a spiky green shell. With his big clawed fingers, he flicked the man on the forehead and almost knocked him over.

"Don't get boiled, Eggman." The turtle dragon chastised. "They're no more than nuisances."

Eggman scowled and rubbed the sore spot. "Oh really Bowser? Then I bet those pesky plumbers you're always complaining about are "just nuisances"."

"Grr...You just had to bring them up..."

Gwen watched the exchanges with a interest. These followers..they were quite the characters. She couldn't tell whether to take Eggman and Bowser seriously. But Ganondorf and Croix...she'd need to be careful with them.

Her head turned to the last person at the table, standing beside Croix. He was quite the giant, bigger than even Bowser. His mechanical limbs and razor-sharp teeth made him rather inhuman. He turned his misshapen face and met Gwen's gaze, and scowled at her.

"I do not care who comes my way," He said gruffly. "they will be cut down without mercy."

At that moment, Gwen couldn't help but let her concern for Ray take over. She didn't want him being killed by this giant.

"Chakal, do what you want, but you must not kill that keybearer."

Croix smirked and crossed her arms. "Oh, why not? I thought we weren't supposed to let him seal the Keyholes. Naturally that means he should die."

Gwen frowned at the witch. "Croix, there are much better alternatives than killing. The keybearer can be a great asset to us."

"You mean a great asset to you. Of course, I can't blame you. A powerful queen needs a powerful king at her side."

Gwen looked aside and remained silent, and Croix continued with an amused smile.

"Of course you have your own agenda. All of us do. I myself want to harness the power of negative emotions. The darkness in people's hearts...fear, anger, and sorrow. They'll make the greatest magic of all!"

"I merely want to defeat take over my world and finally beat that hedgehog." Eggman confessed, stroking his mustache.

"I'm going to make Princess Peach my bride and give my children another mother." Bowser said with a smug grin.

"I only want San Ángel and my medal." Chakal grumbled.

Ganondorf spread out his arms. "And I will become a god, without the need of my world's Triforce. As you see milady, we all have our desires, but we all have a common goal. If we can harness the power of darkness, we can fulfill our wants."

Gwen looked at each of them, deep in thought. To say their desires so openly...it meant they weren't distrustful of her. In that case, that meant she should at least trust in their common goal. But even so...

"You do not trust Croix and Ganondorf?" The temptress said. "Good thinking, I wouldn't either. Just keep a close eye on them, and we'll be fine."

Gwen nodded, then gave her Forsaken Five a cool smile.

"I do not find fault in having a personal goal. I promise that we all shall get what we want. But remember, the only way to fulfill your desires is to stay loyal to me. Treachery will not be forgiven."

Eggman and Bowser bowed their heads, but it took a moment before Croix and Ganondorf did the same. Chakal just huffed and nodded.

With that, Gwen adjourned the meeting and headed to her room. As she walked through the dimly lit and desolate halls, she sighed from how exhausted she was. This had been a rather draining night for her, and there was still much more she needed to do. After some rest, it would be time to begin the necessary preparations. This old castle would need a lot of touching up for the future.

"Soon, Camelot will be great again." The temptress mused. "Do not fret, my dear girl, because you will have your happy place and most treasure person. Just trust me, and you will have everything you want."