"At present, the lanes and corridors that run between the worlds may only be traversed by us Keyblade wielders, and those who have given themselves over to darkness. As the former, our duty is to cross the chasms between the worlds and guard against the latter, whose darkness corrupts and contaminates, so that no world need ever be lost again."-Master Xehanort
The six mentors, and Master Ansem, had all convened in the early hours of the morning. Following the aftermath of the Heartless invasion, the council members were tense with worry.
"I now bring this council meeting to order!" said Master Ansem emphatically
Five of the mentors immediately broke into panicked babble; Mentor Jensen sat silent an almost amused look painted on his face.
"Silence!" ordered Master Ansem. "Despite the circumstances, you will hold yourselves with the decorum of your positions, speak in turn!"
Master's Ansem's aura of control exerted itself over the group. The Mentors immediately calmed, recognizing the tone of their master's voice.
"Master Ansem, how did this happen?" asked Magnus, the Mentor who taught magic.
"I am not sure...However as I said before, the Heartless have been increasing in strength over the course of these past few months. I can only surmise they finally reached a high enough level of power to breach the barrier," explained Master Ansem
"How is that even possible? The Heartless have docile for generations! We've never had this problem before," said Avery, the Ranged Weapons Mentor
"Do not forget how close this world is to the darkness Avery. We may enjoy the comforts of the Realm of Light, but the Land of Departure exists just as much within the Realm of Darkness," said Alastor, the Battle Tactics Mentor.
"That doesn't change the fact nothing like this has ever happened before. Regardless of the Land of Departure's state as an Inbetween World, never before have the Heartless been this aggressive," said Tessai the Stealth and Espionage Mentor.
"Well I for one think we should forget about how it happened and focus on what we're going to do about it," said Dreidall the Defensive Coordinator and Chief Scientist.
"And what do you suppose we 'do about it' Dreidall?" asked Avery sarcastically.
"Something is better then nothing! If the forces of darkness are indeed getting stronger, then we need to find out if this widespread or an isolated incident," Dreidall responded with an equal amount of sarcasm.
"Perhaps we should send a should send a scouting party. One to investigate the other worlds," suggested Tessai.
"That is actually a pretty sound idea Tessai," said Jensen breaking his observant silence. "At the very least we might gain a better idea of what's going on."
"I'm glad you approve Jensen, but the question is who do we send?" Tessai asked in response.
"Master Ansem, why don't you and a couple of us go?" asked Avery.
"Ridiculous, we cannot afford to send any of the council members with the loom of Heartless invasions over our head. You would have us send Master Ansem and half our number away? Who would defend this world then?" asked Magnus indignantly.
"I think the answer is obvious," said Jensen, the other council members turned to him expectantly. "We should send our strongest students. Ones who have the experience and power to deal with the threats the outside worlds might present." Jensen folded his hands together. "I propose we send Xehanort, Nadia, and Eraqus."
The council immediately broke in loud argument that only stopped Master Ansem slammed his fist on the table.
"One at a time! There will be order at this meeting!" shouted Master Ansem.
"Master Ansem, we cannot let your heirs be subjugated to such tasks. They are only children," said Avery.
"Nonsense! Xehanort, Nadia, and Eraqus are our most powerful pupils. The only three to have reached rank Keyblade Apprentice in thirty years. Children they might be, but they could easily match some of the people in this room in skill," said Jensen with a pointed look at Avery.
Avery sneered, clearly annoyed at Jensen's implication.
"Nadia and Eraqus yes; The boy, no. What has he accomplished on his own?" asked Avery.
"I beg to differ Avery, the boy has certainly shown remarkable skill. Not to mention, his intelligence makes him an even more formidable force. Did you not witness him best Master Ansem in combat? I think he's accomplished plenty," said Alastor.
"Be that as it may I don't trust the boy," Avery said harshly.
"What reason has the boy given us to distrust him, all of my interactions with him have been quite pleasant. As Alastor has said, Xehanort is exceptionally bright. Would Nadia, and Eraqus not benefit from having him around?" asked Magnus.
"Really... am I the only one who has made the correlation?" asked Avery
"Just spit it out Avery, it's obvious you're dying to say something," said Alastor.
"The rising darkness, the sudden growth in the Heartless' power. All of it corresponds with the boy's arrival in Land of Departure. We know next to nothing about this boy. No one finds it suspicious this boy falls from the sky via Corridor of Darkness? No one finds it suspicious that upon arrival, he immediately attracts a Darkside, the same creature that broke down the barrier. No one finds it suspicious that he immediately worms his way into befriending the Master's children?" asked Avery, his tone full of accusation.
"Don't be ridiculous Avery, were you at the same battle the rest of us were? Xehanort was instrumental to that victory. If he was secretly some type of subversive, what would there to gain from helping us? Wouldn't it have benefited him for us to fall?" Jensen asked.
"I wouldn't expect you to see it Jensen!" Avery spat. "It's obvious you're very taken with the boy. Just like the Master's children. Nadia in particular seems quite...susceptible to his char-"
The implication didn't have a chance to leave his mouth. With ninja like swiftness Jensen jumped over the table knocking Avery to the floor and in an instant had his Keyblade against Avery's throat.
"Jensen!" shouted Master Ansem.
Jensen however did not immediately desist.
"If you ever speak about Nadia like that again I will cut out your tongue without a second's hesitation. Do you understand?!" Jensen asked, the fury in his voice evident in every word.
Avery looked to the others for help; no one made a move.
"I asked, do you understand?!" Jensen shouted once more.
"Y-Yes..." said Avery reluctantly.
Jensen slowly got off of Avery and returned to his spot at the table. Avery dusted himself off and sat back his spot at the table, trying to pretend that nothing happened. It was then Master Ansem spoke.
"I agree with Jensen. Xehanort has not given me any reason to mistrust him. My children might be a bit brash but they are not easily fooled. In fact I was under the impression they did the fooling," he said, smiling at the mentors, many who had been victims of the siblings pranks. "I don't believe these incidents are caused by Xehanort's doing.." Master Ansem rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "Perhaps Xehanort's arrival was merely a sign that these things were to come..."
Master Ansem trailed off, deep in thought; Jensen took the opportunity to interject.
"At any rate if we are all in agreeance on sending Nadia, and Eraqus, then Xehanort is the obvious choice to accompany them. I understand we normally only allow those Keyblade Apprentices who have managed to materialize their Keyblades to traverse other worlds, but I think we can make an exception in this case. Besides considering Nadia and Eraqus'...brash natures, it's probably best they have someone who thinks before he acts to accompany them. They balance each other out," said Jensen in his usual composed manner. "So are we in agreeance?
"I think it's the smartest course of action," said Tessai.
"I have no objections," said Magnus.
"It seems like a fairly sound strategy, I vote yes," said Alastor
"In the best interest of our defense, it's probably best to send those three instead of leaving ourselves defenseless by depleting half our ranks. I vote yes," said Dreidall.
"Obviously I'm outnumbered, but let it be known that whatever goes wrong is on Jensen's head...I vote yes," said Avery rather reluctantly.
Master Ansem turned to Jensen.
"What? Obviously I vote yes considering I came up with the idea," said Jensen with a slight laugh.
"Formalities old friend," Master Ansem responded.
"Well I vote yes," said Jensen.
"It's unanimous then, I shall unlock the Lanes Between and Xehanort, Nadia, and Eraqus shall scout the worlds and see if they discover the cause of this growth in darkness," said Master Ansem.
"I still have some concerns, the Lanes Between are very close to the darkness. How are they supposed to protect themselves?" asked Avery.
"Actually, I'm glad you brought that up. Myself, Tessai, and Magnus have just finished developing something the that will perfectly 'suit' the occasion," offered Dreidall. "Master Ansem, Jensen...explain to them situation, then bring them to me."
As the council began to depart, Master Ansem halted the group.
"Oh and by the way Avery, if you ever speak ill of my children again...It will be my will Keyblade that will be at your throat. I think you'll find that I'm far less merciful then Jensen was."
Master Ansem waved his hand and all the council members knew they were dismissed.
...
Xehanort, Nadia, and Eraqus were lounging around the Room of Legacies. Each of them trying to wind down from exhausting battle they took part in. For the first time in a long time they were doing absolutely nothing, simply basking in the relief that only came with a battle's end. No words were exchanged, just the presence of each other's company was communication enough. It was their connected silence that was ironically proof that despite the fact hours prior the loom of certain death hung over their head, despite the fact that they nearly lost their home, they were still here.
The three friends basked in their pleasant silence for a few moments longer before being interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Moments afterward the door opened and in walked Master Ansem and Mentor Jensen.
"Nadia. Eraqus. I can hardly recall the last time I have heard my children so...silent," said Master Ansem softly.
Mentor Jensen nodded in agreement.
"Well you know the whole almost getting wiped out thing will do that.." said Eraqus, his tone almost angry.
"Eraqus.." Jensen started softly.
"Eraqus, nothing Jensen!" said Eraqus angrily.
Nadia put her hand on her brother's shoulders; Eraqus roughly pushed it off.
"No Nadia, we risked our lives to save everyone... and yet all he can muster up is sarcastic indifference. Some father...no you don't deserve that title," said Eraqus bitterly.
"Eraqus!" shouted Nadia harshly.
Eraqus looked at his sister, whom he cared for more then anyone; for once he held his tongue.
"So what do you want Fath-" Eraqus paused for a split second. "Master Ansem.."
Master Ansem looked at his son for a long time. Hurt, and understanding both flashed simultaneously in his eyes.
"I-I came to inform you that the time has come to for you to do your duty as Keyblade Wielders," started Master Ansem.
Jensen then took over the explanation.
"We want to discover the source of the growing darkness. Obviously we can't spare the Mentors or Master Ansem, we can't afford to leave Land of Departure unprotected. So we thought it would be best to send three of our strongest students to go scout the other worlds in our stead. We need students with the power and skills necessary to deal with any threat that may or may not be there. We need you to find out whether or not this rise in the darkness is an isolated incident or if it's spread to other worlds. Maybe we could also discover the root of the problem along the way. So in short we have decided to send you, Nadia-" said Jensen before being interrupted by Nadia.
"What about Xehanort?" she asked sounding a little more harsher then she meant.
Jensen rolled his eyes.
"I did say three did I not," said Jensen. "Besides someone has to reign the two of you in."
"Hey!" shouted the two siblings simultaneously.
Master Ansem turned to the trio, having regained his composure.
"The fact of the matter is that you three are the only ones with the skills and power to handle a task of this caliber. As such there was no clearer choice as to which students were to be selected. Xehanort, normally the exploration of the outside world is left Keyblade Apprentices who have fully materialized their Keyblades but in this case I have made an exception. Besides I think this will make for an excellent opportunity to accelerate the process. I have the utmost confidence in all of your abilities," he said.
Master Ansem and Eraqus stared at each other for a long time; the barest traces of a smile crawled on Eraqus' face.
"You know coming from you that almost sounds like a compliment...I suppose I can free my schedule up," said Eraqus.
"You don't have to ask me twice," said Nadia.
"The chance to visit other worlds is what brought me here in the first place. I suppose the real question is when do we leave?" said Xehanort.
Jensen clapped his hands together.
"Well then follow me to Dreidall's lab I believe that he has a present for you that will 'suit' the situation," he said repeating Dreidall's joke, a knowing look on his face. "Follow me!"
...
A little while later the group joined Mentor Dreidall who was busy tinkering with something in his lab.
"Hey guys I'm glad you could join me, I think you guys will really like what we've cooked up," said Dreidall.
Dreidall took out what looked like a giant armored plated belt emblazoned with Keyblade Wielder emblem. He then handed the belt over to Eraqus and looked at him expectantly.
"Ummm...what exactly is it?" asked Eraqus.
"Put it on! Put it on! The great discovery is self discovery!" said Mentor Dreidall enthusiastically.
Eraqus took off his jacket and held the plate to his waist his waist. Automatically the belt clung to his waist and strapped itself in on it's own accord.
"Well that's handy," said Eraqus
"Press the emblem!" said Dreidall excitedly.
Eraqus pressed against the Keyblade Wielder emblem emblazoned on the armored plate. He was suddenly engulfed in a shining light surrounded his entire body. When the light dissipated Eraqus found himself fully clad in a excellently crafted suit of armor. The armor shone brilliantly it white and gold color scheme shining in the light. Eraqus took a moment to admire the armor.
"This is amazing!" said Eraqus looking at himself in a nearby mirror. "I look like something out of Kamen Rider!"
Nadia rolled her eyes, almost to the back of her head; Jensen slapped his forehead in exasperation. Dreidall however clapped his hands in excitement.
"Yes your armor specifically was inspired by that very show. I didn't realize you were a fan," said Dreidall in acknowledgement.
The two were clearly about to go in fan mode about the show, something Nadia swiftly foresaw and something she quickly put a stop to.
"Hey enough fanboying, more explanation," she said sternly.
"Okay, okay. This my latest invention an armor specifically designed for Keyblade wielders. The Lanes Between are extremely close to the darkness. As such traveling between them is very dangerous. In order to protect you guys I developed this armor which is highly resistant to external darkness. Tessai helped me synthesize the metal so that it's flexible and does not impede on mobility, Magnus worked his magic to add a transformation function. By using his magic he transfigured the full armor sets into condensed wearable Armor Triggers. The triggers when activated will transform into the full scale armor without having to drag around a full size suit of armor around twenty-four seven," he explained.
Dreidall handed Nadia an Armor Trigger that took the form of a pale blue gauntlet with a face plate that bore the Keyblade wielder emblem. Nadia put the gauntlet on and pressed the face plate on the wrist of her gauntlet and was also enveloped in a flash of light. When the burst of light faded she too was also clad in full armor, only hers was blue and white in color scheme.
"Woah! This is sick, it really is light weight. It feels like an a pair of clothes!" said Nadia in awe.
Dreidall took out the third Armor Trigger, which took the shape of an armored shoulder guard adorned with a crown symbol.
"Xehanort, I had to modify yours a little bit to be compatible with your Ethereal Blades," said Dreidall. "To further elaborate the armors are compatible with your Keyblades, and for now your Ethereal Blades. This compatibility will allow you to transfigure your weapons into modes of transport while within the Lanes Between. The function relies heavily on the your ability to transfigure your weapons. Am I correct in assuming you've mastered this ability?" asked Dreidall
The trio nodded in unison.
"Excellent, then simply use this ability with your armor activated and the armor will automatically transfigure your weapons into modes of transport. Xehanort why do you try it out," said Dreidall.
Xehanort strapped his Armor Trigger on his shoulder and pressed on the crown emblem, he was then enveloped in a burst of shining light. Xehanort felt a sudden sharp burst of energy surge from his heart, the transformation sequence momentarily halted before resuming. When light was gone Xehanort too found himself dressed in a full suit of armor. Unlike the other two armors, Xehanort's armor was a bit sleeker in design. It bore an emblem that resembled the Keyblade wielder emblem except upside. The motif was emblazoned throughout the armor, complete with a crown like helmet. Nadia and Eraqus nodded in approval; Dreidall however wore a look of utmost curiosity.
"What is it?" asked Xehanort.
"That was not the original design for your armor, in fact there hardly anything left of my design," said Dreidall.
"How is that possible?" asked Xehanort
Dreidall rubbed his short beard in contemplation.
"I'm not sure but perhaps once your Aura Weapons integrated with the armor, your heart changed the design. I suppose the aesthetics don't make a difference, but it is rather curious how rigid your heart's will is," he said with a laugh
"Xehanort is pretty stubborn," noted Nadia.
"Hey!" said Xehanort with a laugh.
"Xehanort, Nadia, Eraqus; why don't you guys try out the transport transformations," said Dreidall.
Xehanort decide to be the first one to attempt to do the transformation. He materialized his Ethereal Blades, immediately he felt a slight resonance between his blades and his armor. Xehanort tossed the twin blades into the air and willed them to transform. The blades then transformed into a pair of magnificent wings composed of pure ethereal energy. The wings attached themselves onto Xehanort's armor, essentially becoming an extension of his body. Xehanort found that he had complete control over the wings, as much as had with any of his other limbs.
"This amazing Dreidall, perfectly functionable!" said Xehanort, flexing the wings in awe.
Dreidall nodded in approval, he then turned to Nadia and Eraqus.
"Why don't you try your's out," he said.
Eraqus and Nadia nodded and materialized their Keyblades. Tossing them into the air, the Keyblades glowed in a brilliant light. When the light faded the Keyblades had transformed into glider like vehicles. The Master Keeper glider took the shape of a magnificent motorcycle type glider, while Kingdom Key's glider was more reminiscent of a hover board. Nadia hopped on her glider and flew a couple laps around the room, like Xehanort she found she could control with no effort. Eraqus hopped on his glider and gave it a test run as well, confirming it's functionability. Nadia hopped off her glider and call to the Kingdom Key, it immediately reverted to a Keyblade and returned to her hand.
"This truly is your greatest work yet!" said Nadia in awe.
"Thank you Nadia, that means a lot. It's certainly more practical then that itching powder you, me, and your brother synthesized that itching powder," he said with a smile.
Mentor Jensen who was in the midst of drinking coffee suddenly spat it out.
"That was you who helped them with that prank, damn you Dreidall," said Jensen angrily.
"Well guys that's enough with the demonstrations i have lot's of work to do!" he said hastily as he pushed the group out of his lab. " I'll see you all tomorrow before you depart."
With looks of bewilderment the trio was now forced to hear a lecture from Jensen as they walked down the hallway, each imagining the adventures they would have when they took that first step into the outside world.
...
The following day Xehanort, Nadia , and Eraqus walked together to the courtyard. The air was thick in anticipation, it had been a long time since anyone had left Land of Departure. It had been even longer since there was a real reason for anyone to leave Land of Departure. This was a big deal, even for something as simple as a scouting expedition. The trio who were no strangers to attention, were staring to feel the pressure of everyone's expectations.
"So are you guys scared?' asked Nadia as the three continued to the courtyard.
Eraqus put his hands behind his head, his usual habitual tick.
"Of course not..." he started, but the tone in his voice said otherwise. "Well I suppose a little. I mean we don't really know what's out out there."
"What about you Xehanort?" asked Nadia.
"A little..a respectable amount of fear is a perfectly rationale response to the unknown. There is no shame in the feeling," Xehanort said in response.
Eraqus squirmed nervously.
"Being scared is for babies. What do we have to really fear anyway?" Eraqus asked rhetorically.
Eraqus then brushed past the two, hastening his pace. Xehanort found Eraqus' sudden change in attitude a little unnerving. However in the depths of his memories he recalled Nadia once implying that Eraqus could often be a 'scaredy cat' especially when in came to the unknown. Xehanort wondered whether or not this was some manifestation of that fear. As if reading his mind Nadia reassured Xehanort.
"Don't worry he's just...nervous," she said.
Xehanort nodded and they both quickly caught up with Eraqus who had made it to the courtyard. Waiting for them stood Master Ansem, and the other Mentors.
"Ah..I'm glad you arrived. I suppose I can wish you good luck but I believe we should be swift as possible with this mission. I want to get started right away," he said in a business like fashion.
He quickly realized how he sounded and immediately amended his tone.
"Although considering at this point we don't even know if there is real danger I think a good luck would feel a little more foreboding," he said in a much more concerned tone.
Eraqus smiled at his father's attempt to be nice.
"Alright then let's get going," he said.
Master Ansem nodded and materialized his Keyblade. He pointed it to the sky and out shot a bright beam of light that created a portal.
"I have unlocked the Lanes Between you can use them to travel between worlds. Right now only one path is unlocked however should the worlds need your assistance more paths shall open. But be weary the Lanes Between are close to the darkness, as such the Heartless are sure to be on your tail," he explained. "Good luck."
Before the three could do anything, Mentor Jensen stepped forward. Throwing away all pretenses of his usual strict demeanor, he pulled Nadia and Eraqus into a hug.
"Please...be safe," he said softly.
"We will Jensen," said Eraqus, clearly touched
"Yeah Jensen nothing to worry about," said Nadia. "Besides we have Xehanort looking out for us."
"Please look after them Xehanort," said Jensen.
"I will!" said Xehanort
The other mentors pat Jensen on the back in understanding, having had a hand in raising Nadia and Eraqus, they all knew how he felt. Jensen stepped back in line and allowed the three friends to step forward. The trio activated their Armor Triggers and materialized their weapons. Tossing them into the air, they initiated their vehicle transformations. Xehanort's Ethereal Wings attached to his armor; Nadia boarded her Hoverboard Glider, and Eraqus his Cycle Glider. They were each given a salute and a final round of good lucks. After a momentary final look at the castle, the trio took off into the sky and entered the Lanes Between.
...
Almost immediately they were surrounded. No sooner then they arrived within the Lanes Between Heartless appeared on all sides. Unlike the Heartless that had attacked Land of Departure these Heartless had what appeared to be elastic like blocks attached to them. The blocks seemingly gave the Heartless the ability to freely traverse the Lanes Between.
Xehanort surveyed the situation, trying to estimate the best course of action.
"What should we do?" asked Nadia.
"Let's get the hell out of here, our mission is to make to the end of this pathway," said Eraqus
"Hang on guys I'll create an opening!" cried Xehanort.
Xehanort flexed his Ethereal Wings and willed them to grow. The wings expanded to great lengths, pushing the Heartless out of the way and creating a path for them to escape. Nadia and Eraqus steered their gliders through the gap, followed closely by Xehanort. As the three flew down the pathway the Heartless followed in hot pursuit.
"We're going to have to fight some of these guys, there is too many of them to ignore,"cried Xehanort, cutting a horde of Heartless down with his wings.
Eraqus and Nadia nodded in agreement. Nadia used the edges of her glider to slice through the Heartless, twirling in mid-air as she did. Eraqus pulled the triggers on his Cycle Glider emitting blast of energy that destroyed the Heartless. But for each one they took down another took their place. Still the three warriors pressed on trying to reach the end of the path to the next world.
"Guys look there it is!" shouted Eraqus, as he pointed to a bright portal that signified the end of the pathway.
"We're going to make it!" cried Nadia.
Only she spoke too soon. More Heartless appeared on their tail, far too many for them stop and fight.
Xehanort cursed; they were so close to making to be stopped at the last moment. He shook his head; no, he couldn't let it end here.
"Guy's grab a hold of me I have an idea!" Xehanort shouted.
Nadia and Eraqus quickly steered towards Xehanort and grabbed onto him. Xehanort turned away from the portal and started charging a huge amount of energy. He then pointed his wings at gigantic amassment of Heartless and fired a powerful blast of Ethereal energy. The blast was so powerful that it not only eliminated the Heartless he had targeted, but it propelled them straight through the portal, and closed the gateway. Xehanort felt the sensation of falling but was no longer comprehending what was going on. Drained of all his energy, Xehanort felt himself passing out. The last thing he heard before darkness took him was Eraqus.
"We made it, we're in another world!"
A/N:Wooo this was a super long chapter, so it took a little longer to finish. I didn't initially intend to make it this long but there were a couple elements I wanted to add before we enter onto the next world. First and foremost I wanted to introduce the council of Mentors and their roles within the Land of Departure. Second I wanted to incorporate Keyblade Armor and gliders into the story and this was my way of introducing them. Just like the trio has left behind the Land of Departure, this chapter marks the departure from the introductions. The stage has been set and we will now be progressing into the meat of the story. This story will have thirteen worlds. I have already introduced two of them in the form of Destiny Islands, and Land of Departure; leaving eleven worlds left. I have a really good selection of worlds picked out that I'm really excited about. I hope you guys are enjoying the story. As always reviews are appreciated, enjoy!
KH Dictionary
Inbetween World- An Inbetween World is a world that rests on the Realm Between. These world's have special properties that give them the ability to exist in multiple realms at the same time. This includes both the Realm of Darkness and the Realm of Light, in some cases it include the Realm of Sleep. The current list of Inbetween worlds is Traverse Town, Twilight Town, Land of Departure/Castle Oblivion, Yen Sid's Tower, The Keyblade Graveyard, and The World That Never Was.
