Ember circled once around the tower before landing on the grass at the bottom of the entrance steps. Unversed appeared around her, but they honestly weren't much of a challenge. She just unleashed the force of Darkness on them and watched them writhe - she was too unsettled to be merciful.

The doors swung open of their own accord as she approached them, "Okay…" The inside of the tower wasn't much different than the inside; stars and moons were the prevailing decoration choice, and there wasn't a whole lot there, just a handful of locked doors and a spiral staircase leading towards the top of the building.

With nowhere else to go, Ember began climbing the stairs. She couldn't decide whether she was unsettled or put at ease by this place, magic hummed in the very air. Reaching the top of the stairs, Ember knocked lightly on the door in front of her and it swung open. Stepping inside, she immediately cased the room: some bookshelves, a second door, a large desk, and a man sitting at said desk. "You must be Master Yen Sid." She bowed slightly in acknowledgement of the sorcerer.

"And you are Ember, one of Eraqus' pupils."

"I am, Master."

"I am Master no more, child. Merely a watcher of the Stars."

Ember fought down a scoff. "Once a Master, always a Master, sir. It's not something you can leave behind whenever you feel like it."

Yen Sid stroked his beard. "You speak very boldly, child."

"I've never been one to censor my words, sir." Ember responded. She was being unusually snippy, in all actuality, but she was beginning to feel sick. "Those who don't want to hear what I have to say are the ones who decide to take offence."

The door opened and a familiar Mouse entered the room. "Welcome back, Mickey." Yen Sid intoned gravely. Of course, GRAVE seemed to sum up Yen Sid's entire emotional spectrum.

Ember turned to face her friend, a smile finding its way to her face. "I'm glad you're alright, Mickey. I was worried."

"Aww, thanks Ember." Mickey grinned. "Ven helped me out or I would have been a goner."

"Good thing he got there in time then. He was doing okay?"

"Yep! As far as I could tell, he was good." Ember opened her mouth to respond but instead let out a strangled gasp and fell to her knees. "Ember! What's wrong?" Even Yen Sid had half stood in concern.

"I-" Ember grabbed her chest. It felt like her heart was being torn apart, waves of agony crashing against her. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.

"Curaga!" And, miraculously, it worked. The pain stopped its attack, leaving behind a dull ache. "Ember, what happened?" Mickey asked, helping her into a sitting position.

"Evil has won a considerable victory." the fire-mage whispered, tears falling uncontrollably. "Eraqus is dead."

"He's what?" Mickey gasped.

"I sense it too…" Yen Sid nodded. "Master Eraqus has fallen."

"Oh dear…" Mickey lowered his head. "Gosh, Ember… I'm sorry."

Ember wiped her tears and got to her feet. "I have to find the others." She announced, her determination steadying. "Thank you for everything, Mickey. Master Yen Sid." she sketched a curt bow and turned on her heel, hurrying from the Tower before summoning her Armor and Rider and taking off into the sky.


Next Chapter: The Keyblade Graveyard