Kingdom Hearts belongs to me, though that should be obvious…okay maybe there's no point in saying that anymore, haha. Looks like another chapter's out only a few days after the previous one. And a lot shorter. I wouldn't really call this filler, but I didn't want to put this bit in with the plot of the next world. I hope you enjoy it, even though it is shorter.

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Power of the Mystic

"Why didn't I know about you?" was the first thing I asked my twin, Kaylee. All of us—me, Domino, Rika, Asher, Disney, and Kaylee—had gone back inside of the Mysterious Tower's top room. Kaylee looked so much like my mother. Her silver hair was like a waterfall cascading over her shoulders, much like my mother's. Domino, Rika, and Asher stayed towards the back of the room to give me and my sister some space while Disney stood behind his desk staring out the window.

"As much as I wanted to tell you, I couldn't," Kaylee replied softly, staring into my eyes with her one golden eye. "I will explain everything. Surely you must know that you and I are not ordinary individuals. We possess magic, yet we do not own Keyblades."

"Like Merlin, right?" I asked. "We're like wizards, aren't we? He can possess magic."

"He is a wizard, yes," Kaylee replied. "We are not. We are from a most ancient bloodline. We are Mystics. Our bloodline originated from the very first Mystic, Sirus. He possessed great strength. He was the first magic-wielder. He was a god among men. Like any normal man, he fell in love. He and his lover had several children. Those children had children, and so on. The family tree became so expansive that not every member of the bloodline possessed the power of the Mystic. We are the two remaining members of the Mystic bloodline. As far as we know."

"A Mystic," Domino repeated from where he was standing in the corner of the room. "My dad told me about the Mystics before we came to Utopia. He said they were just myth. I guess what my father said was truth after all. But why did you not meet with Kane sooner? Why follow us around like this?"

"Our mother was afraid," Kaylee continued. "Enix Square found out about our mother's link to the Mystic bloodline. So he did some research. He found that a Mystic could be at its full potential if it wielded a Keyblade as well. Not a single Mystic down the family tree has ever wielded a Keyblade before…except for Sirus."

"But…Keyblades were invented a little over three years ago," I said, confused. "How is that even possible then?"

"The man-made Keys of today were forged three years ago," Kaylee said. "But the blade Sirus wielded was the inspiration for all Keyblades created by Enix. After Enix found out that his wife and twin-children were a part of the bloodline of the Mystic, he began to work on the Keyblades, creating them from the image of the one Sirus wielded. Not only to develop weapons for man to use, but to give the blades to his children…to make us super powerful. More so than what we really are. Mother read that the Mystics are stronger together, and that twins are the most powerful. She hid me away from you. Enix thought that I was kidnapped. This didn't stop his production of the Keyblades, though."

"So wait…" I said. All of this was too much information to handle. "So…the Keyblades were based off of this one that this Sirus used. He wanted the two of us to wield a blade of our own…does that mean Samuel was not a Mystic?"

"Samuel had more characteristics from Enix than our mother," Kaylee answered simply. "Long after I was away, Enix had finished production of the Keyblades, three years ago. He gave his first creation to one of his friends. He was going to transfer another Keyblade to you, Kane, being his only Mystic child left. You see, mother refused to own one, I was hidden in another world, and Samuel wasn't even a Mystic. He thought it was easy to give you one."

I held a hand in front of my face, trying to mentally conjure a Keyblade. It failed, of course. I then told her, "But I obviously don't have one now."

"He was all set to give you your Keyblade," Kaylee continued with her story. "But people showed up. To kill him. To destroy his work. I believe they were henchman of Ibiki Kamikaze. One of the leaders of the group showed up on his doorstep…I think his name was Pierce or something. He almost killed Enix. Enix hid from Pierce long enough to find you a hiding spot…and erased your memories with the power of his Keyblade. You had forgotten who your father even was. Enix then fled Utopia, finding a world to settle down in. To hide."

"So that's how I forgot…" I muttered. Enix had hid me, protected me from the Keyblade Hunters… and erased my memories so I would forget who he was. It was sad and depressing to think about. "And what happened to Samuel and Mom?"

"You may not have known this, but Samuel adopted a Key of his own and went out to look for Enix," Kaylee replied. "Mom tagged along after casting a spell on you to protect you from harm. And then she left with Samuel. Along the way Samuel died. Mom found where she had hidden me when I was a baby. I was being taken care of by Merlin. He had taught me how to use my magical abilities since I could walk." Whoa. I did not see that coming. "She told me to protect you… that our paths were destined to cross in the future. And then she left…and died sometime later. The protective spell around you wasn't an actual spell…it was me, destined to watch over you."

"I've almost died a few times…in Utopia…" I told her. "You didn't protect me then."

"I did not have to," Kaylee told me. "Domino was there. I knew he would protect you." Domino smiled at that. "Like he did in the battle with Elijah Brunner, the teacher at your school. I was there, watching."

"And then…" I tried to put together the pieces of this whole story, trying to find out what part she was leaving out. "And then, after Samuel and Mom left, Ibiki found me and put me into his Home. I made a family there."

"Yes," Kaylee nodded, putting her soft hands on my shoulders. "I apologize if I had to over-explain anything. I have waited years to tell you…pretty much everything that I did today."

I nodded in response. Kaylee filled the gaps in my memory. Half of my life was a complete mystery until now. Now I know why Enix, Samuel, and my mother had left our lives forever. I would call Enix my father, but saying it out loud didn't feel quite right. I felt a tightening in the pit of my stomach. Enix was viewed as a great man by many. But with recent revelations, I couldn't be too sure. Enix created the Keyblades out of some selfish reason. He wanted to create weapons…something to make his two children strong. What would have my life been like if I did own a Keyblade of my own?

"Are you two done chatting it up?" Rika asked, approaching my twin and I with a smug smile. She held a hand out for Kaylee to shake. "The name's—"

"Rika Khiohé," Kaylee said with a smile, giggling. Rika pouted like a child and crossed her arms in anger. "I watch over Kane. That is my duty. So of course I know you." She looked over to the other two towards the back of the room. "Phoenix Asher, and last but not least, Domino Starr. I'm Kaylee Carter. It's nice to finally meet all of Kane's closest friends."

"The pleasure's all mine, my dear," Asher said in a polite voice, quickly rushing to Kaylee and taking her hand in his. "If I must say, you are looking fine this evening."

"Is it evening?" Kaylee asked with a chuckle. "It looks like night outside."

Asher looked rather embarrassed as he said, "Well, I guess it may be night…"

"Quit trying to flatter her," Domino interjected, approaching us and grabbing Asher by the back of his collar, yanking him backwards and away from Kaylee. He took her hand and shook it formally. "Unless you haven't noticed, I'm Kane's best friend. We've known each other since…well, since before we actually met each other." I knew what he meant. We had known each other since before we met three years ago. The memories were just long gone.

"You're Diantha's twin, right?" Kaylee asked, making Domino snap to attention. He quickly nodded. "In my travels I've met Diantha. Nice girl, she is. I've met the rest of her family too. Over in Sanctuary. That's where I've been staying for the past three years."

"With my family?" Domino asked. "That's…nice, I guess. Merlin taught you all that need you needed to know?"

"My training alongside him ended a few days before the creation of the Keyblade," Kaylee answered. "I left Daybreak Town and found Sanctuary. Every day I would go to Utopia to watch over you, as I promised, Kane."

"Wait," I said, something sticking out in my mind. "I've…seen you in the Olympus Coliseum. There, you said you made the promise to our dad…that was before I knew he was Enix. Why did you lie?"

"I was protecting you from the truth," Kaylee quickly said. "Any more questions?"

"What happened to your eye?" Asher suddenly asked.

Kaylee stayed quiet. I mentally thought, Asher, you idiot. "Asher, you idiot!" Domino shouted out. Of course he did. You don't just ask people about their conditions like that. Some people just don't like explaining things like that. What happened to her right eye could be scarring for her. Kaylee's silence told me she didn't want to talk about it. I did not expect her to smile.

"When I was old enough to understand most things," Kaylee started, "I asked Merlin why I could not see out of this eye." She waved a hand over her right eye for emphasis. "He told me there was a training incident when I had learned my first spell. It blinded me here. I cannot even remember seeing out of this eye. But it's okay. You get used to something like this, and there's no problem. It'd be even weirder to have vision in both eyes, you know?"

Asher caught Domino's stare from before and quickly said, "Uh, Kaylee, I'm—"

"Don't be sorry, Phoenix," Kaylee said with a smile, walking over to him and putting a hand on his shoulder. "Or should I call you Phoe-Phoe?"

Asher quickly jumped back in surprise. "Where'd you hear that!?"

"I've also seen Lucina in my travels," Kaylee said with a smile. "She's told me a lot about you. Including all of her favorite pet nicknames for you. She really likes you, doesn't she?"

"She's like a sister to me," Asher replied. "I helped her get over the loss of her boyfriend. My brother, Raven." He quickly shook his head and said loudly, "Are we just gonna stand around talking about irrelevant stuff, or are we gonna go and find the next crystal Keyhole?"

Disney finally spoke up after his long silence. "There's no need to rush. Kaylee has only just arrived. Tomorrow she will take you to the next world I have found for you guys. Until then, relax. You will need all of the rest you can get."

Suddenly Kaylee darted her eyes to the window. It was very slight, but I noticed it. I could tell that Domino noticed it as well. An instant later Kaylee took off out the door. I didn't have time to think. Without a word, I was running after her. We ran down the long spiral staircase, going downward through the expanse of colors that seemed to go on infinitely. We had gotten to the very bottom floor, and she threw herself through the door. I quickly followed.

Outside of the doorway I saw two people shrouded in dark cloaks, hoods shielding their faces in darkness. It had been so long, and I've seen this outfit only once, but I was certain. The book I had received in Daybreak Town had an illustration of someone identical to me facing off against a man in a black coat. These were the same coats. But these were two people. Two coats. And neither one was Domino.

They both had their backs to us, as if they were just about to exit this world. The one on the right continued looking towards the edge of the world. I thought I could see him shaking, either with fear or with anger. The one on the left turned around to face us. "Well, wouldja look at that," he said in a somewhat familiar voice. "Didn't think you'd be coming out here any time soon." I was about to ask who he was and why he was here, but he a raised a hand for me to shush. "We're not here to cause trouble. We were only here to check on Domino."

"Who are you?" Kaylee asked.

"I should ask you the same thing," the man said with a chuckle. "I've got it from here, man." The man to the right, who still had his back turned to us, nodded and vanished within darkness. "Now let's skip the introductions. You know who I am. You tried to drown me."

"Dante Netherwood," I deduced. I knew I could recognize his voice. "Drop the façade and drop your hood." Dante complied and lowered his hood, showing his face now. He looked the same as when I last saw of him in the Olympus Coliseum. "Why the change of clothes? Why are you wearing that? Where did it come from?"

"You ask a lot of questions," Dante snapped. "Allow me to ask one, please. Who's the girl?"

"I'm his sister," Kaylee answered. "You and your buddy that were just here emanate a strong darkness. I'm surprised you came here knowing somebody could undoubtedly sniff you out like this."

"I was hoping it would be Domino," Dante answered, looking passed us and towards the tower.

"Hello, Dante," came Domino's voice. I looked back and in the doorway was Domino. I wonder how long he had been standing there. "Any word on the whereabouts of Sanctuary?"

"You're looking for Sanctuary," Kaylee muttered. "I could have told you where it was."

"Jazz and the rest of her followers have made it there safely," Dante replied. "It was a hell of a lot trouble finding the damn place, though. That's what I came here to tell you. When you're done with whatever the hell it is that you're doing, come by Sanctuary. Then we can talk goals. Until then, I have somewhere to be, someone to see."

"Who?" Domino and I asked at the same time.

"Wouldn't you like to know," Dante said, laughing as he vanished into darkness.

Almost as soon as he vanished, three Shadows rose up from the ground where he stood moments before. "What the!?" I yelled out. "Did Dante make those appear?"

"It wasn't Dante," Domino said, refusing to believe one of his friends had conjured up Heartless to take care of us.

One of the Shadows jumped at me. I grabbed it by its neck as it was in midair, and it exploded from an electrical charge I sent flowing through its body. The other Shadows instantly sunk into the ground and vanished. Apparently they didn't want to deal with joining their friend in death. "That was weird," I said quietly.

"Maybe they know just how strong you are, Kane," Kaylee said with a smirk. "The Power of the Mystic flows through your veins. You are very powerful. Maybe one day you'll even be as good as me."

I laughed at that. She seemed all serious before but she was acting just like a sibling would. I countered with, "Maybe I'm already as good as you!"

"Oh really?" she said with a smirk. "Can you do this?" She swiped her hand through the air, and only feet away a tornado of air rose from the ground and into the air.

"No," I said, studying the swirling vortex growing larger and expanding towards the sky. "But I can…do this!" I used a Blizzard spell. Cool ice escaped my fingertips and entered the tornado, suddenly freezing it silent. Kaylee just laughed and pointed her palms towards the frozen twister, and it immediately melted, the water shooting towards me and dousing me in cool water. "Wow!" I shouted out, suddenly shaking from the cold water that was once frozen. One quick Aero spell dried me off.

"I have to admit, that was one strong Blizzard spell," Kaylee remarked.

"Blizzara," Domino corrected.

"Really, you're learning second-level spells already?" Kaylee asked with a smile. I could tell my twin sister was proud of me. Without saying another word, she embraced me in a hug. "Now I feel kinda stupid, listening to Mom, not meeting up with you until now." She wiped away a tear and said, "Now I know I made the right choice. I hope you're not too mad at me."

"Why would I be mad?" I asked her. "You've protected me. I'm grateful."

"Happy to hear you say that," Kaylee said, hugging me another time. When she released me, she said, "Oh, and I'm not supposed to tell you this, but I know which world Disney's taking you to. It's this beautiful, tropical world surrounded by a magnificent ocean that goes on forever. The skies are always bright blue in the day, and illuminated with stars in the night. Not a cloud in sight. Maybe we can all look for the crystal Keyhole there, while still, you know, relaxing. Having fun. You never have enough of that, do you?"

"Nope," Domino answered. "Every time we try to relax, well…someone almost drowned, an entire ship got sunk, some guy became some sort of monster…we never do catch a break."

"But I am looking forward to this new world," I told Kaylee, and she smiled.

"Good!" Kaylee's smile brightened up my spirits for sure, I had almost completely forgot about that other guy that was with Dante. Why were they wearing hooded cloaks like that to begin with? I quickly forgot about that when Kaylee brought us inside, went to another world just for some fried chicken, and then came back with it so we could all eat before the big day Kaylee had planned for tomorrow.

Did I mention I love fried chicken?

…

(Anytime in the story that you see three dots like this, it means it will be told in Third-Person Perspective)

A man in a dark hooded cloak stood on the shore of a beach in some far-off world with only one word in his mind. Revenge. He crossed his arms and looked out onto the big blue sea. Dante had commanded him not to lash out when he saw Kane and Domino earlier. It took all of this man's being not to. He was shaking with anger. He got angry a lot. He couldn't help it. He couldn't follow Dante's orders any more. He had no choice but to confront them. He knew they were coming to this world. He would get his revenge on him.

…

Did you like this chapter? Again, sorry it's shorter but it was meant to be only a tad filler because the next chapter should be longer. Also, occasionally from now on there will be third-person segments detailing what's going on out of Kane's point of view. Hopefully it won't disrupt the flow of the story. See ya in the next one!