No one's Pov

A mouse, better known as Mickey, King of Disney Castle and Disney Town, struggle to stay afloat on a large book while raging waters begin to swirl into a whirlpool. The King spiraled down farther and farther until the illusion faded and he was back in the Mysterious Tower. He rubbed his head in embarrassment and looked at his Master, the powerful wizard Yen Sid. The wizard sighed heavily and looked at his pupil.

"Mickey... I cannot shake the feeling that something terrible is about to transpire." the wizard said. The King looked at his Master, confused. What could he mean? Outside the tower window, 4 stars grouped together, twinkling brighter than any others. These stars represented the 3 young Keyblade bearers and their precious treasure. The stars also represented their lives.


Xehanort's Pov

I had come to observe Eraqus's pupils, Aqua and Terra, as they take the Mark of Mastery. I glanced over to Ventus. He seemed to be doing well. I thought of what I had in store for the boy and could only marvel at the result of success. That's when I noticed the small child next to him. She had one of her hand underneath the chin of a rabbit doll and the other was gripping onto Ventus's hand. Next to her was an Eevee I could only assume was hers. I could tell from where I was she had ice blue hair with iris blue highlights the ends. Her hair shone like starlight in the rays of the sun. Her eyes were sapphire blue and seemed to reflect a star-filled night sky. That girl was a miniature version of her. Things had become a little more interesting.


My Pov

Me and Ven both stood straight as sticks as Master Eraqus approached Terra and Aqua. Jolteon and Lovie were next to us and Terra's Flareon and Aqua's Vaporeon were by there sides.

"Today, you will be examined for the Mark of Mastery. Not one but two of the Keyblades chosen stand here as candidates... but this is neither a competition nor a battle for supremacy- not a test of wills, but a test of heart. Both of you may prevail, or neither. But I'm sure our guest, Master Xehanort... did not travel all this way to see out youngest prospects in years fall short of the Mark. I trust you are ready." Master Eraqus said to Terra and Aqua.

"Yes." answered both Terra and Aqua.

"Then let the examination begin." Eraqus said. His Keyblade, Master's Defender, glowed and several orbs of light appeared. Terra and Aqua had their Keyblades, Earthshaker and Rainfell, and were about to start, when I felt something. Something dark and evil. That's when the orbs became covered with strands of darkness. Everyone, except Master Xehanort, seemed surprised. Terra and Aqua still began their exam. All of sudden, one of the orbs went over them and headed towards me and Ven.

"Ven!" Terra cried.

"Hikari!" Aqua cried. Ven summoned his Keyblade, Wayward Wind, and destroyed the orb.

"Don't worry about us. You two focus on the exam." Ven told.

"But Ven, you and Hikari are in danger here. Take her and go wait in your room." Aqua told Ven.

"Not a chance! Me and Ven have been looking forward to seeing you and Terra becoming Masters. We're not missing it. I'll be fine." I said.

"Ven can take care of himself. He's been out there training just as hard as us. He'll keep Hikari safe." Terra told Aqua.

"Yeah!" Ven exclaimed.

"Stay sharp, Ven." Aqua warned. They each teamed up and destroyed the orbs, only to have more pop up. Vaporeon, Flareon and Jolteon all attacked the orbs as well to provide cover for their respective Trainer. I felt relieved that they had the situation under control. That is until Ven turned around and got a terrified look on his face.

"Hikari, behind you!" Ven yelled. Behind me? What did he- oh no... I just slightly turned to see that an orb had snuck up behind me. It lunged right at me. It was moving too fast for me or Lovie to do anything. For anyone to do anything.

"Hikari!" everyone cried.


Eraqus's Pov

I could only watch as the orb lunged toward Hikari. It moved too fast for anyone to do anything to stop it. Then a bright light filled the room, causing us all to shield our eyes. There was the sound a slash and I could only assume that Ventus, Terra or Aqua had saved Hikari. When the light faded, I uncovered my eyes and was shocked. My pupils were still in the same position they had been. None of them saved Hikari. She had saved herself. In the child's hand was a Keyblade! It was a deep, pastel blue color while the handle itself was a deep indigo. The "blade" was a light-blue metal bar with a spike and a star at the end of the bar the same color. A gold rainguard was at the bottom of the bar. The Keychain was a gold star and it was attached to the hilt of the Keyblade with a silver chain. How was it possible? How could she wield a Keyblade at such a young age? Deep down, I couldn't help but feel proud of her. She was starting to become just like her.


My Pov

I looked at the Keyblade in my hand. Where did it come from? Lovie stared at it in amazement. Just as sudden as it appeared, it vanished from my hands. All that was left was the yellow star Keychain. After everything calmed down, I went back over to Ven. Master Eraqus spoke.

"That was unexpected... but one must keep a still heart even in the most trying of circumstances. It was an excellent test, one I chose to let unfold. Which brings us to the next trial." Master Eraqus explains. The next part I was gonna hate. Aqua and Terra were going to fight against each other, along with Flareon having to against Vaporeon. I knew they weren't going to do any real harm to each other, but still. Terra and Aqua began spare with each and Flareon and Vaporeon started to battle, when something happened. Darkness formed around Terra's hand and around Flareon's body. I felt pain in my chest and fell to my knees. Ven wrapped his arm around my waist.

"Hikari?" Ven asked, concerned. Why was I feeling dizzy? I felt better once Terra and Aqua had finished.

"Terra, Aqua, you both performed commendably. However, only Aqua has shown the Mark of Mastery." No way. Only Aqua made it? "Terra, you failed to keep the darkness within you sufficiently in check. But, there will always be a next time. That is all." That's what I had felt! Terra's darkness. But how could I have felt it? "Aqua, as the newest Keyblade Master, you are entitled to certain knowledge. Please wait here for further instruction." Master Eraqus finished. After he and Xehanort left me,Ven, Eve and Jolteon went over to Terra and Flareon.

"Hey..." Aqua said, sadly.

"Pore..." Vaporeon squeaked.

"Terra, I'm sorry." Ven said sadly.

"Jolt..." Jolteon squeaked.

"The darkness... Where did it come from?" Terra asked.

"Terra, even though you didn't pass, you're just as much a Master as Aqua is." I said.

"Vee vee!" Lovie said, nuzzling Flareon. He smiled at me and ruffled my hair while Flareon nuzzled Eve.

"Thanks kiddo. Why don't you head back to your room and get some rest? I noticed you weren't feeling well earlier." Terra suggested. I nodded my head and went back to my room. I returned Eve to her ball, which was a Crystal Ball. I was able to create these blue, crystal Pokéballs. I didn't know how. I was just about to turn the corner when I saw Master Xehanort. I stop and hid behind the wall.

"What do you make of Ventus?" Xehanort asked. I couldn't tell who he was talking to, but I heard the person's voice. It was a boy.

"He ain't gonna cut it. Somebody's gotta break that loser in." the boy said. What? Who was this guy and what did he mean?

"Not here, you won't, Vanitas. I have to keep up appearances." Xehanort said.

"I know that. He just needs a little incentive to leave home." Vanitas said. I've gotta warn Ven. I turned to run, but I felt someone grab me. "Well, looks like I found even better bait." I felt something hit my head and fell to the ground.


Vanitas's Pov

I caught the kid as she fell. I wrapped my hand around her waist and lifted her under my arm.

"Ah! Terra, Aqua and Ventus's most precious treasure; Hikari." Xehanort exclaimed.

"If she's so precious, then I guess her going missing would make that loser come running." I said.

"Yes. Take her to the Keyblade Graveyard and wait for him there. But, keep her within your sights at all times." Xehanort advised.

"She's just a little kid. Even if she gets away, she won't get far." I said.

"Don't be fooled. She's more than what she seems." Xehanort warned.

"Whatever." I scoffed. I summoned a portal and walked through. Let's just see how long it takes Ven to notice his treasured light is missing.