A/N: Hey guys! I'm loving the feedback I've received so far, as well as the OCs! Keep them coming, please!

This chapter happens two years after the previous one. Each student is placed into a team of three. The original apprentices are already split into teams, which you'll see here, but a later chapter explains the teams more. Well, enjoy!

…

Episode One – The Beginning of a Semester

Paopu Academy, where Keyblade Wielders became Masters. Run by the Nine Masters, it was set up in Radiant Garden, in the castle that had once belonged to the great Ansem the Wise. The first year or two was rocky as the Masters got used to teaching in this way, and classes were still being developed, but as it entered its third year, the Masters were confident that they knew what they were doing.

Some of the students had stayed in Radiant Garden over the break, while others had returned to their home worlds to visit their families.

Sora stood on one of the towers, watching as Highwind, the orange and yellow Gummi Ship, came into view, carrying those students who didn't know how to pilot their own ships. A trio of students followed after it, clad in their Armor and riding the Keyblade Gliders. Sora grinned when recognizing them as Team Twilight, the three students who had been Roxas's, Lea's, and Xion's original apprentices.

The one in front, who kept doubling back and zipping around the other two, was a young boy clad in black and gold armor. He was riding a silver and gold hover board-like glider, doing flips and all.

The second one, a young woman in armor that looked very much like the outfits he and Riku wore in The Grid, suddenly spun her Light Cycle like Glider around to face the boy, blocking his path to keep him from accidently knocking the third member off of her glider.

The third one, wearing red and gold Chinese armor, had brought her red and white scooter-like glider to a halt to avoid hitting either of her teammates.

"Hey, guys!" Sora yelled, waving to them. The three apprentices turned to look at him, before the one in black and gold armor zipped around the one in black and blue and shot over to Sora. A few feet from the ground, he jumped off the board, and a flash of light caused his armor to disperse.

Standing in front of him was Chuck, now fifteen. He still wore the black hoody with the cat ears, though he now had it open, revealing a green shirt underneath. His black cargo pants had one long leg, the left, while the right pant leg stopped just below his knee. The fake cat tail attached to his pants swung with each movement.

"Hey Master Sora!" he said brightly. The two girls landed behind him, and in two more flashes of light, Mora and Mei were revealed as their armor disappeared. Mora, now eighteen, looked no different from two years ago. Her short, choppy black hair still fell forward into her face, her crystal blue eyes peeking out from among the strands. Sora noticed the lines on her clothes were glowing brighter today, as was the ISO symbol on her left arm. A sure sign of her excitement, even if that emotion didn't reach her face.

Mei, also eighteen, had only grown a few inches. She still wore her red and gold silk floor length robe, the sleeves about two feet longer then her arms, hiding her hands. The ends of the red sash tied around her waist swirled around her with each movement as she bowed to Sora.

"Master Sora. It's great to see you again," she said in such a soft voice, Sora almost didn't hear her.

"You too, guys. Excited for another year?" he asked.

"Yes," Mora said with a nod. "We're finally taking our Marks of Mastery this year."

"Hm…" Sora put a fist to his chin, looking up thoughtfully. "Is that this year? I don't know, I don't think you guys are ready," he teased. Mora huffed, recognizing it as a joke, while Mei covered her mouth in surprise, a soft giggle escaping her.

"Hey! We are totally ready!" Chuck huffed, crossing his arms. Sora laughed, patting Chuck on the head.

"Not with that attitude, kiddo," he said, before motioning to the door. "Go get settled in your room."

"Yes, Master," all three said before exiting. Sora turned, glancing down in the courtyard, where Cid was unloading luggage from the Gummi Ship. Young people, ranging from the ages of thirteen to twenty milled around him, taking their luggage. The older ones headed right into the castle, while some of the younger ones milled around Cid, waiting for more instruction. Sora couldn't help but grin as he recognized quite a few, recruited by him personally.

Movement from the sky caught his attention again. Looking up he spotted another trio he recognized.

The one in front wore red and gold Spartan armor, riding a bronze and red bike like glider.

Just behind him, wearing very flexible silver and purple armor, was another young man, riding a silver bike like glider with two black ribbons training behind it.

Next to him was a young woman wearing dark purple and white armor that looked similar to Aqua's armor. She rode a glider that resembled a dark blue and black ship, her left hand keeping her red fedora planted firmly on her head.

Sora waved them down, and the three of them landed in front of him. Three flashes of light later, Team Departure, comprised of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus's original apprentices, stood in front of him.

"Hello, Master," Bion, now nineteen, said, nodding his head. Bion only grew more muscles since two years ago, and even a few more battle scars on his already scared arms since Sora saw him at the end of last semester. He was taller than Sora himself, wearing a brown Hercules-like tunic with a blood red cape, black pants, and knee high-lace up combat boots.

"Bion. Enter the Games again?" Sora asked, looking at one of the young man's fresher looking scars. The young warrior grinned, flexing the bicep where his new scar was.

"Yep! I nearly won this time, too." A small frown crossed his face. "Hercules cheats though," he muttered, before looking up at Sora. "Did he go invincible when you fought him, Master Sora?" he demanded. Sora laughed.

"Yep. There's a trick to defeating him though," he said with a wink, before looking at the other two. "How were your breaks?" he asked.

"Good. It was nice, hearing the music of home again," Jasper said with a smile.

Jasper, also nineteen at this point, stood just as tall as Bion, but with a slim, lithe figure of a dancer. His long, light purple hair had grown a little longer than before, but was still tied back in a low ponytail. He wore a sleeveless turtleneck, silver top that ended just under his pecks, showing off a six pack, with three amethyst gems set into it across his collar bone. A long purple sash was tied around his waist, sitting low on his hips, with the ends long and free flowing, and baggy white pants that tightened at the ankles clad his legs. A purple silk wrap covered the top of his legs, short on the right side, knee length on the left, with silver diamond designs along the hem. Over top the wrap was a silver linked belt, and on his hands were silver dancer gloves with little silver discs attached. Every time he moved, his gloves and belt would jingle softly, giving the illusion music followed him everywhere.

Sora smiled at that, before finally looking at Kaya.

The oldest of the three, Kaya's red fedora was pulled low over her eyes, the silver starfish pin attached to it flashing. She had also grown an inch or two. She was wearing a light purple blouse with bell sleeves that moved with her, black jeans, and black boots.

"It was nice to see the Land of Departure again," Kaya said, not meeting Sora's eye. Sora nodded in understanding, not pushing her.

"I'm sure. Go get settled. I'll see you at the assembly," he told them. The three nodded, heading inside. Sora watched as Bion put a comforting arm around Kaya, while Jasper hummed some bouncy little tune.

"That was stupid of me," Sora muttered, looking back down. By this point, Cid had gathered the younger students and were leading them inside. As Sora watched, Team Destiny, comprised of his, Riku's, and Kairi's original apprentices, entered through the courtyard, having been staying in town with Collen's parents for the past week.

Leading the way, now eighteen, was Sora's original apprentice himself, Kai. His black-blue spikes bounced with each step, having grown a little longer in the last two years. He wore a sleeveless black undershirt that zippered in the front, with a light blue short sleeved jacket over it. The jacket had a black hood that was currently down. He wore dark blue cargo pants with a yellow belt. Two black straps were attached to the belt at the boy's hips, crossing behind his legs, and attaching to the pants just above the knees. On his feet were large, dark blue shoes with silver soles, and black wristbands covered his wrists.

Just behind him, also eighteen, was Collen, his long light brown hair pulled into a high ponytail. He wore a skin tight black shirt under a dark red, long sleeved, open jacket that dropped to just below his butt. The sleeves of the jacket were tucked into the black fingerless gloves he wore, and his legs were clad in dark brown pants, with three belts stacked on top of each other around his waist. Completing the look were black sneakers and a black scarf.

Following those two, also eighteen, was Gina. Her long, thick black hair swayed with each step, contrasting with the white top with red trimming she wore. The top had a white hood with the same red trimming that was currently down, and long, flowing sleeves. The top was open and short, revealing the black bikini top she wore under it, and her stomach. Covering the black bikini bottoms she wore was a purple wrap, a lot like Jasper's, but made from sturdier cloth then the dancer's. On her feet were purple flats, and around her neck was a light pink and yellow seashell, held there but a piece of thin ship twine.

Sora watched as those three talked amongst themselves, laughing. Kai shoved Collen's shoulder, who suddenly caught him in a headlock, while Gina watched, laughing. For a moment, Sora saw himself, Riku, and Kairi.

"How fitting," he said with a grin, watching as Kai struggled against the bigger boy, until Collen finally let him go and started walking forward. Gina suddenly darted forward, jumping on Collen's back, while Kai laughed.

Shaking the memories of himself with his two friends away, Sora turned and entered the castle himself. It had come a long way since they had rediscovered it. All of the wires and pipes were now concealed, the rubble cleaned up, and sounds of life filled the halls.

"There you are!" Kairi said, coming out of a different hallway and joining Sora as he walked towards the Audience Chamber. "The assembly is about to start!"

"I know. I was on the roof," Sora admitted.

"Were you taking another nap?" the red head accused.

"What!? No! I was watching the students come in!" Sora said indignantly. Kairi giggled at him.

"Sure." She shook her head. "Don't forget, you're giving the opening speech this year!"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Sora huffed, before grinning and jogging forward. Kairi grinned, following after him.

…

Kai, Collen, and Gina finally entered the Audience Chamber, which was already milling with students.

"Do you see them?" Kai asked his taller friend.

"Guys! Kai, Collen, Gina! GUYS! Over here!" a voice suddenly yelled.

"Not yet, but I hear them," Collen said with a smirk, glancing around. Jumping up and down in his seat was Chuck. Collen led the two over, and couldn't help but smirk. Chuck was sitting between Mora and Bion, with Jasper sitting on Bion's other side. There was an empty seat next to Mora, and next to that was Mei, with Kaya on her other side. Gina grinned, gently shoving Kai over to that empty seat, while they sat on Kaya's other side.

Kai, his heart in his throat, sat down, before looking at Mora. She was holding her Identity Disk in her left hand. A holograph floated over it, depicting a puzzle game, which Mora manipulated with her right hand.

"H-hey, Mora. That looks fun…" he said.

"Hello, Kai," Mora replied, her eyes flickering over to the boy before continuing with her game. "It is."

"H-hello, Kai," Mei suddenly said from the boy's other side, her voice extremely soft. Kai jumped slightly, turning to face her.

"Hey Mei," he said, causing Mei's face to turn red. "Have a good break?"

"Oh, uh, um… y-yes," the woman stuttered, covering her cheeks with her sleeve-clad hands. "It was nice to see Twilight Town again."

Kai was forced to lean forward to hear what she said, but smiled at her words all the same.

…

Thirteen-year-old first year, Hazel, quickly found a seat in the Audience Chamber, trying not to freak out at the large amount of people in the room. She hopped into a chair next to an older student with long silvery-white hair, wearing mostly black and white, and settled down, her feet tucked under her on the seat, her hands gripping the edge of the seat between her feet. Ice blue eyes flickered over to her from between a curtain of that silvery-white hair, taking in Hazel's dark brown hair, forest green eyes, white tank top, green knee-length skirt, and bare feet, but otherwise seemed to ignore her. Hazel hesitated for a moment, before taking a deep breath.

"Hi. My name's Hazel. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said to the girl next to her, remembering the etiquette lessons she had learned from her mother. The woman turned a little more towards her.

"Aila," she said.

"Guys! Kai, Collen, Gina! GUYS! Over here!"

Hazel jumped slightly and turned towards the sound of someone yelling, only to see a young boy dressed as a cat jumping up and down in his seat. The trio who had just walked in walked towards him, waving and talking to not just him, but the five people he sat with. Hazel studied them, noticing that they were all older than most of the students in the room, with the exception of cat-boy.

In fact, most of the people in the room seemed to throw quick glances back at the group of nine, and her sharp ears could pick up muttering.

"Look at them! They're the Legends!"

"Not talking to anyone again during the Opening Assembly. The Legends never seem to socialize with anyone except each other, huh?"

"That's not fair. The Legends have known each other much longer than anyone else here."

"The Legends?" Hazel asked, turning back to Aila. The young woman glanced over at the group of nine, before looking back at Hazel.

"The original apprentices of the Masters. Before they opened the Academy," Aila explained. "They're probably the most powerful students here, to be honest."

"Oh…"

"I hear they're pretty nice though, if you actually talk to them," Aila added with a smirk. Before Hazel could say anything else, Master Sora stepped to the podium. A hush fell over the students. Sora looked out at them, before smiling.

"Welcome to Paopu Academy. Or, welcome back to the returning students," he said with that infectious grin of his. "Most of you know me, but for those who don't, I'm Sora." There were a few chuckles at him omitting the title of Master from his introduction. "Paopu Academy was founded to train new Keyblade Wielders to fight both Heartless and the forces of Darkness. The Keyblade Wielder's job is to maintain the balance of Light and Dark in the worlds," Sora began, growing serious. "But beyond that, we are what tie the Destiny of the worlds together. That's actually where the name of the school comes from.

"The Paopu fruit comes from Kairi, Riku, and my home world, Destiny Islands. It is said that when two people share a Paopu fruit, their destinies become intertwined, forever. We are the Paopu fruits of the worlds: shared among them, and connecting their destinies. And it is those destinies that we must protect. Although we aren't currently facing a crisis, you all know how quickly the tide can change. And we'll make sure you all are prepared. So, again, welcome," Sora finished. The students clapped politely, and Sora couldn't help but smile. "Xion, Kairi, and Naminé will show the first years to their temporary rooms until they receive their team assignments," he said. The three women he named stood, heading towards the door. "And the older students are free to explore the castle and town for the rest of the night. Just remember that the Cavern of Remembrance is off limit-" he looked pointedly at the group of nine sitting in the back, "-as is the area beyond the town. Classes start Monday. Good luck!"

"The Cavern of Remembrance?" Hazel asked as the students around her began to rise from their seats, only to find her neighbor, Aila, already gone.

"An extremely dangerous cavern, with the entrance just outside the castle," another voice answered. Hazel jumped slightly, turning towards the new voice, only to find Bion standing behind her. He smirked. "I heard the Masters say that they're going to use it for the Mark of Mastery exam."

"Oh. Y-you're one of those Legends, right?" Hazel asked, surprised. Bion laughed at that.

"You can say that. You might want to hurry though. You're a first year, right?" he asked, motioning over his shoulder with his thumb. Hazel glanced over his shoulder, only to see the group of first years moving out of the Audience Chamber.

"Eep! Bye!" she called, darting after them. Bion chuckled at that before continuing towards the front, wanting to great his original Master, Terra.

…

A/N: Alrighty! Here's another chapter for you guys!

Aila belongs to DeathTheManiac

Kaya belongs to Wolfiered23

All other OCs belong to me

PLEASE SUBMIT OCS! I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO POPULATE THIS STORY MYSELF AND I STILL NEED 19!