I walked down the familiar yet to quiet hallways, heels clicking and thoughts racing. Master was probably calling us down for another practice session, making my tired head ache. Most of the doorways were sealed, marked as the master's chambers. One of them had the glow of candlelight shining through the doors; the shadows of two figures could be seen on them.

"But Master, she's not the same." I heard someone say in a distressed tone. Terra, maybe?

"It's going to have to be something we get used to." The Master said solemnly.

"You don't even understand! You didn't know her like I did! The pain is tearing me apart." Terra screamed, his words echoing through the halls. My god…

His pain reached me, my heart hurt for him. I approached the room, and decided on walking past. It isn't my business anyway. I frowned and walked on, but continued listening.

"You know nothing was the same…."

"But she was my…."

Their words drifted off as I got farther away. I forced my curiosity to mellow and ran down the stairwell.

Master Aqua was lined up, back straightened. She looked so proud, having gotten her mark of mastery a few days before I came. She'd told me about the whole event, how Terra had succumbed to the darkness, making him ineligible. Even the thought of losing that opportunity made me cringe. I couldn't even imagine.

Master Eraqus entered, standing behind his thrown and speaking. A bright light shown through the space between the thrones, making me squint. Terra entered shortly after, sweat still on his brow probably from all of his screaming. I turned to look at him, a look of concern on my face. He was much too focused to notice, or at least that's how he looked.

"Very well then, I will send my pupils to investigate." The master said after a slight pause. His tone was of all seriousness.

Another pause.

What's happening? I wondered. This didn't seem like the normal meeting.

"Yes, I understand. Farewell." He said as the light vanished. He turned to address us with a grimace.

"That was my dear old friend Yen Sid. As you know, he is Master no more... but he still keeps a close eye on the tides of light and darkness. His counsel serves as signposts on the road we wielders of the Keyblade must walk. All the more reason, then, for concern-for he tells me the princesses of heart are in danger. Not only from the forces of darkness, as you may assume... but also from a new threat-one that feeds on negativity. Fledgling emotions that have taken monster form-Yen Sid calls them the "Unversed." As wielders of the Keyblade, you are tasked with striking down any who would upset the balance of light and darkness. The Unversed are no exception. I tried to pass this news on to Master Xehanort, but my repeated attempts to reach him have failed. I doubt there is any connection, and yet... This all troubles me."

"Master Xehanort is gone?" Terra questioned. My mind drifted to our previous visitor. I often never had anything to do with him, his dark demeanor creeped me out. Those golden eyes pierced each of us whenever he was in the room.

"So here we are. I need you three to get this situation under control. Eliminate the Unversed, and find Master Xehanort. I have unlocked the Lanes Between. You may use these forbidden pathways to travel between this world and countless others. The darkness looms closer than usual within these spaces, but your armor will protect you. Lastly, remember that order must be kept. You cannot tell anyone there are other worlds. Now go, and fulfill your duty."

"Yes, Master." We three said in unison.

"Terra, consider this an opportunity. A second chance for you to change my mind. And Kori, I trust that your abilities are developed enough. Remember the strength of your heart."

Terra and I nodded as all three of us turned to depart.