They tell me I'm too young to understand,

They say I'm caught up in a dream…

The waves beat peacefully against the shore here. It's relaxed, safe... home.

Since the three of us got back to Destiny Islands, it's been isolated. We tried to tell Selphie, Wakka and Tidus about our journey, but they didn't believe us. No one would believe us. The worlds we've seen, the creatures we've fought, and it's just stories. Make believe. A dream.

Riku is being really quiet. He's not spoken to me since we got back and he won't say much to Kairi. I think he feels guilty over his role in this, but it wasn't his fault; it was the Darkness.

But the Darkness is gone from this world now, and all the worlds. We destroyed it.

What remains is Kairi, Riku, King Mickey and me: the Four Protectors of Light.

We'll keep harmony in this world. In all the worlds.

One sky, one destiny.

Peace.

Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes,

Well that's fine by me.

It's warm here. I feel relaxed, safe… home.

The three of us have been separated for so long… time doesn't seem to pass here but I know it's different now. I can sense a Light in the world out there, a Light like one we fought for. Maybe it's Aqua and Terra protecting the worlds. Maybe they defeated Master Xehanort? I hope so…

I miss them. My friends.

"Sora, look!"

Sora woke with a start. He'd been asleep? But he hadn't felt himself drift off and he didn't feel tired. He'd been somewhere, with someone. But where? Who?

"Sora, come on!"

Kairi's voice brought him from his thoughts. He looked to where she was pointing; drifting out at sea was a bottle. A bottle with the King's mark!

"Where's Riku?"

"I'm here. I see it."

Riku was standing on Sora's left, offering him a hand. Kairi was still a few steps ahead, the waves lapping at her feet. Sora and Riku joined her at the tide's edge and waited for the bottle to reach them. As though it sensed the three of them watching it, the bottle stopped bobbing to and fro and headed directly for the shore.

"It's a letter from the King. Sora, open it."

Kairi had passed the bottle to Sora who opened it with a slight pop.

Sora, Kairi, Riku,

I'm writing to tell you about a grave danger. The Darkness is still within this world. At the root of Kingdom Hearts. Although we are all charged with protecting the light, only one of us may pierce the darkness. With too much light, there will be more shadows.

Sora, you were chosen by the Keyblade. Kairi, Riku and me had the knowledge passed down to us through previous Keyblade wielders, however the Light chose you. I think you know what this means. The burden of protecting the Light, the Worlds and everything under the One Sky belongs to you. Donald and Goofy have already agreed to help you on the way.

Even without the two of them though Sora, you would not be alone. Ansem the Wise left me his research on the Realm of Darkness, and it seems that there is… something else. In the World of Light, the Light can cast shadows, a passage for the Heartless to enter. However this leads me to believe there is a glimmer of hope in the Darkness. There needs to be Darkness for the Light to shine.

Sora, you must seek out Master Yen Sid. He may know more about this hope. Donald and Goofy will meet you there. The Keyblade will lead the way.

I am sorry you must do this alone. But know that I will be with you along the journey in your heart. We all will be.

King Mickey.

"But why can't we help?"

"Riku, the King gave us the orders, you know why."

"But we can call upon the power of Keyblades just like you. It's not right, you can't face the Darkness alone," there was a hint of worry in the last sentence.

"Don't worry Kairi," Sora turned, putting his hands on her shoulders, "I'll be fine. And you guys will be with me," he moved a hand over his chest, "the King said so. You all will be. You, Riku, Mickey… and him."

"Him? Who is he? You already mentioned the Ki-... SORA!"

As Kairi asked the question, Sora felt a warmth flow through him. He closed his eyes to embrace the warmth and barely heard her call his name. Through his closed eyelids Sora saw a dazzling light. It was beautiful. The source of the warmth inside him was all around. When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing behind Master Yen Sid. The ancient Master was facing out of a window.

"Uhhh, what happened?"

Yen Sid turned. As his eyes rested upon Sora, confusion brushed his features momentarily, but was stifled as quickly as it had appeared.

"Ahh, young Keeper of the Light." Yen Sid stepped forward towards his chair, "I have been expecting you. But not this early, and not without your aides." He sat down facing Sora. A quick wave of the arm allowed a chair into existence opposite him. "Please sit, there is much to explain."