Seventeen Years Ago – Twilight Town

Andriel walks along the beach, staring at the pink and orange sunset. Nyzol walks along side her. They are the only two people on the beach, on the whole work in fact.

"This is a wonderful world, Creator. You did a remarkable job."

"This is merely a gift. Kingdom Hearts allowed me access to create this world. But it is nothing compared to the other one."

Nyzol wraps his clock tighter against himself. "I only wish that this beautiful creation was not needed."

"I understand, but it is needed. This world will act as a safe harbor for the innocents caught in the war. It will be a rough transition for some. Many will never be able to talk about their pasts. It won't be a great life, but it will be a life." As Andriel walks, her long purple robes drag along the ground, moving the sand around. Her eyes have not left the sunset.

"I am not sure that will be enough for some of them."

"I know, but I must preserve what I can. And this world will play a bigger part in destiny. It will be the future home of some very special children."

"I do not mean to question you, Creator, but what is the purpose of planning for the future when the present is so uncertain?"

"Nyzol, through the years you have been my most loyal follower, but you are impatient. You are so very much like…him." Andriel's eyes move away from the sunset and look down at the sand.

"Kalin Rizla was my greatest friend and your devoted husband. It is only natural that some of him has rubbed off on us." Nyzol's gaze follows Andriel's to the ground. "Hubrin will pay for his death."

"And all the others that he caused in the last battle, including your wife's."

"Lillora died serving you, Creator. It is what she would have wanted."

"Yes, but it is not what I would have wanted." Andriel puls a hand from her robes and lays it on Nyzol's shoulder. "The war is not going well. Hubrin has more followers than I could have imagined. You did deliver a major blow to his forces by defeating Xenhaort, but I can no longer be certain that we will be on the winning side."

"I have confidence in the prison that you've constructed."

"I'm sure that the prison will hold him, but getting him into will prove to be difficult."

"Not to disrespect, Creator, but why are you taking steps to keep him alive? Hubrin should be executed for his crimes."

"I know you have never liked Hubrin, but I never believed he would be the one to awaken a thirst for death within you."

Nyzol bows his head again. "I apologize. The past years have been most difficult for all of us. I have not handled it with the grace that you have." He looks back up, locking his eyes on Andriel. "Ever since Hubrin came into our lives it has been a battle."

Andriel takes a few steps away from Nyzol and stops walking. "I know that you blame me for the war, Nyzol."

His eyes widen in shock. "I would never, Creator."

"But you have every right. It was I who brought Hubrin into the church. I did not listen to your numerous warnings about him. And look what has happened because of it."

"Creator, I have followed you since I was a small child. In that time there have been decisions that I have disagreed with. But I have never questioned you. I have always believed that you have wisdom that I do not possess and that you do these things for a reason."

"Do you not find it strange that you blame Hubrin for what he has done, but not the person who gave him the tools to commit such atrocities?"

"Hubrin twisted the tools that you have him to suit his own cruel desires. You were not the one who supplied his evil nature."

"Than you for your loyalty, Nyzol. You have been, by far, the greatest champion in this war. I know that I will be able to trust you."

"With anything."

"Even as this war rages on, a new enemy arises, one that is a direct threat to Kingdom Hearts. The Heartless will invade and attempt to plunge the worlds into darkness. A new champion will be needed to take them on. That champion is your son."

"Sora? But he's only a baby."

"But he will not always be. Sora has a great destiny." Andriel reaches into her robes and pulls out a shiny, new Keyblade. "I am entrusting this to you. When the Heartless reach the home that I have created for him, you will know that it is time to give it to Sora."

Nyzol holds the Keyblade in both of his hands. "But, surely, you will be able to pass this along to him. You are more qualified to instruct him in it's use."

A dark look crosses Andriel's face. "If the war ends the way I fear, then I will not be available. I trained you myself and I am more than confident that you are capable of helping Sora."

"I will do my best to serve you, Creator."

Andriel continues walking down the beach. "Now I must ask you to do something that you are not going to want to do."

"What is that?"

She stops abruptly and faces Nyzol. "Hide. Leave this world and do not return home. Stay in the shadows of history. Do not attempt to enter any more battles. And if the war does not go our way, do not pursue him. My mission for you is to watch over the children without leading Hubrin to them."

"You want me to abandon you?"

"Yes."

"But, Creator, I cannot."

"You must. The future must be preserved. Who wins this war will not matter in twenty years time if the Heartless infect. Kingdom Hearts must be protected."

"What you are asking me to do is…"

"For the greater good, Nyzol."

He opens his mouth to argue, but quickly closes it. After a seconds hesitation he closes his eyes and nods his head. "I will do as you ask."

"Thank you." Andriel once again puts her hand on Nyzol's shoulder. "I have made contact with a powerful sorcerer who is in the process of training a new king. He has already begun teaching his pupil about the Heartless. In time, he will find the Keyblade that I have left for him. And there are other Keyblade masters that will come with the time is right. They will be able to help Sora further." Andriel steps away to where he robes are almost touching the water. "Nyzol, over the years you have not just been someone who has severed me. You are my friend. I would trust no one else with this mission."

"But to just leave you at the mercy of Hubrin is…"

"This is more important. Remember that is is not only your son that I'm leaving you to watch, but mine as well."

"I will never forget."

"Then go. There is a Gummi ship waiting for you near the train station. The children have already started their journey to their new home. Once they are there, your mission begins."

"Yes, Creator."

Nyzol begins to walk down the beach, leaving Andriel standing by the water. For one split second he turns his head back to take one last look, knowing that it will likely be the last time he will ever see her.

Now alone on the beach, Andriel turns back to face the sunset. She brings her hand to a locket around her neck. "Sweet Riku, always know that you mother loves you."