CHAPTER 5

Conclusion

"Although untapped, she shows great potential," Master Aalif insisted, marveling at the princess's preliminary skills. "Not only is her light strong, but her will is also unbreakable." The conversation took a different turn as both wise men, seemingly of one mind, thought identical thoughts about the brave-heart teen.

Master Yen Sid spoke his mind, summarizing his thoughts to his friend and himself. "Reassurance in her safety is good news, for a blow to Kairi would be equivalent as a blow to Sora. He cares for her so, but he can't always be there to defend both her and the worlds," the watcher of worlds declared, recalling Sora's previous journey in which he was willing to follow the Organization's leading if it meant finding Kairi. "It's good then that she learns to fight," he concluded, his mind racing as he stroked his beard thoughtfully, closing his eyes before engaging them again, along with his intellect.

"But back to our discussion," he insisted, knowing that his fantasies could wait a while longer. His mind traveled back in time to the matter of the timeline. If only Sora and Riku traveled back in time, the only changes that should have been made were right at Destiny Islands, which wouldn't matter as the world was destroyed directly following. That doesn't explain the multiple occurrences, or their present revelation. "The rifts caused by the timeline, how did they appear so suddenly?

The debate was on. "You guessed Xehanort is moving. I would have to agree," the master's comrade responded, pausing in between sentences as if mentally composing his speech. Aalif disclosed unnecessary details to verify his point, as he was in the habit of doing. "These rifts seemed to create different pasts for a few certain individuals – they suddenly seemed to remember events that they didn't know but had lived somehow." Yen Sid was not surprised by this revelation, as he knew from their studies how alternative timelines can be created and replace the original. However, his informant's next statement stunned him. "Some even had no memory of their original past," Master Aalif continued, "all of it has been erased and replaced." This was a surprising revelation, as most often one would retain their memory of paradoxes if they had been the one to alter it. But if some of those affected remembered and others hadn't, how does this place their involvement in the case? Who are these individuals?

Despite his assumptions and uncertainties, Master Weis considered these thoughts trivial until his colleague's conclusion. "And the new memories of those affected revealed that Sora and Riku have more enemies than they ever knew."

So not only is Xehanort's possible return imminent, but now he has an army of the past? This seemed unlikely and tremendously defective. "Xehanort is cunning and deceitful," Master Yen Sid admitted, knowing the dark master's IQ had always been outstanding even before his conversion to darkness. ", but I do not believe he could plan this far in advance. And if he couldn't travel through time…" his sentence trailed off as he considered this. Is it possible?

His compatriot was quick to agree with his declaration. "Of course, it would be illogical to believe even he could think so far ahead." After a brief pause, Aalif entered into the world of 'what if?' his sure answers melting away to the unknowns. "But could he have allies like we do who exist everywhere, hiding in the shadows and helping in disguise? Could he have friends in the sleeping realm, or companions who travel the timeline?" These thoughts were troubling to both masters, and the legends of the future did not ease their minds at all. "But this is all speculation and ideas," Aalif admitted, attempting to ease his own mind as much as Weis'. "This is where I am still unsure."

Yen Sid was deep in concentration, working on an entirely different level. Despite his perceptiveness, even he was having difficulties grasping their theories. So he expressed himself, his ideas and his concerns. "Despite our questions on this fact, your story sound probable," he agreed, shutting his eyes and furrowing his brow. Most of his questions from their discussion could be privately studied, but one tugged at his mind most of all. "Yet I do not understand why Xehanort would change the stories of other Sora and Riku do not know." His eyes opened as he continued his explanation, motioning to his friend on the other side of the crystal. "He would surely attempt to crush them from the inside – Kairi would have been much more useful to change than a stranger," he noted, knowing the Organization was definitely aware of Sora's deep connection with her.

The two companions were again in agreement. "This also confuses me, but I enjoy observing this," Aalif mentioned before proposing his solution. "Kairi couldn't have been taken in the first place, being a princess of heart. She has the physical incapability of obeying or giving into the darkness." This fact was obvious throughout her own adventures as she traveled through corruptible darkness unharmed. "I cannot tell why Xehanort would not manipulate others close to your students," the scholar continued, pausing as he inserted in his own opinion. "However," he continued, "I do know the people he manipulated are strong individuals capable of fighting Sora and Riku fairly." This fact again sparked the inquisitive concern both masters expressed towards the situation. "If their past is what their newly discovered memories appears, we have an issue on our hands of mass proportions. Sora and Riku may be in more danger than you think."

"Yet I cannot tell," Yen Sid stated solemnly. This statement turned the tides of the conversation from the timeline corruption to the missing keyblade wielders, of whom no reliable trace of their whereabouts had been found.

"I cannot locate them either, despite trying," Weis' companion responded, sorrow in his tone at his own failure. Despite their grim turn of events, Aalif's next statement lifted both of their spirits to a degree. "But I have one ally that currently calls the Realm of Sleep home; he could possibly have some new information for me. Although my ideas may be folly or truth, I hope this may be useful to you," he added, trusting that the masters' conversation had brought new angles of the situation to light. "I don't know what else I can do," his supporter continued," but I will be glad to help in any way I can. It's been a long time since I took up arms," he added solemnly, "but that may soon be called for."

"Let us hope not," Master Weis Yen Sid responded with conviction, knowing both of them were well beyond their prime fighting ability. "Thank you," he replied kindly, "it has been nice to share ideas with one such as yourself." Having many new considerations in his wheel of thought, he needed time to ponder them before the king and his attendants returned. "Until we speak again, farewell."

"Goodbye, brother." And with that departing, the crystal's light faded, and the retired master was again left alone with his thoughts.