As everyone stood at attention before Master Aqua in Land of Departure, Sora noticed something.

What looked like magical blue swirls circling around their feet and rising in the air.

That… looks like Genie's magic!

He blinked rapidly as it went completely unnoticed by everyone in the room.

Turning at the distinct sound of Genie poofing into existence behind him, all other sounds becoming muffled.

Genie's gaze softened at the little hero, world weary and repeat veteran.

"Genie?"

"Hello, Sora."

"Wha-? What are you doing?"

"After you picked up Princess Jasmine, I asked Al to make his second wish on your behalf."

"Me?! Why?!" Sora turned back to glance at the princess in question, before facing his friend again.

"Because you are also my friend."

And that… Sora was touched. He knew they were friends in the last timeline, but here, they haven't even met yet.

And yet…

"And… what was the wish?"

"Now that, I had to think about. I could've made it so the war never happened. I could've wished Xehanort out of existence. I could've also made it so Ven never connected his heart to yours as a baby. There were many things." He started to casually fly about the room to see all of Sora's friends for himself, still unnoticed.

No one noticed Sora acting strange!

"And so, I had to act quickly so Al could make this wish instead of it being something else."

As he flew around, his pale blue skin rippled from the lights from the rooms' stained glass. Making it really sink in how otherworldly he really was.

"And so, I figured it out."

Sora was soo confused.

He heard another poof as someone behind him came into existence on the ground. Blue swirls fading away.

Sora's gaze widened.

It was himself!

"You have done so much for everyone Sora. But you are already past the point of living normally. And so, this Sora is a copy of you a week before that first storm. No connections to Ven, and he'll never have a Keyblade. And you…" Genie trailed as blue smoke trailed around Sora and grew older. Until he was as he was after fighting Xehanort in KH3 on the Islands.

"Genie…"

"No one'se memories have to change. We can simply have him taken to Hollow Bastion with the last memory being the storm. He'll see you with Kairi and Riku, so there's less confusion when things are explained. Nothing else has to change. This is my wish for you. To see you have the life you always wanted, WITHOUT the Keyblade. WITHOUT the weight of the universe or expectations to save everyone."

Startled, Sora felt tears fall down his cheeks.

"May I grant this wish?"

And then Genie waited patiently for Sora to decide.

Sora looked at the boy (himself at 14), asleep on the floor, without a care in the world.

"Okay." He mumbled. Facing Genie, he nodded. "Can you explain to the Restoration Committee?"

"Of course, Sora. I really hope you have a better ending and live a long time after this."

"Genie… Thank you."

Genie snapped his fingers and the ephemeral magic swirled about before fading like dust in the fading light.

Sound returned to normal as the meeting continued unhindered by Genie's magic.

~/~

Master Aqua gazed at the next generation of Keyblade wielders.

Beside her was her friend and fellow Keyblade Wielder, Ven.

After their very strange stay in the Realm of Darkness, they felt very disoriented and like Time was very confusing around them.

And it all revolved around the boy in the end.

Sora.

She remembered the small child from before, now teenager.

Prior to today, the worlds collapsed and she lost her Master to the Heartless in defense of this castle. And, as it was swallowed by the dark vortex above them, she and her friends woke up in the Realm of Darkness. Their world and many others… another light blinking out in the sky.

The trio stumbled upon Sora wandering around trying to find them and later helped seal Kingdom hearts, meeting up here.

He previously already received the Keyblade and was gathering allies to help fight the Heartless.

Sora showed great potential that struck her with pride.

And now, she stands before those he recruited to the cause in defense of the many worlds that dotted the sky. And he still knows many more potential candidates!

The gathered stand before them now.

If only Master Eraqus were here, but alas, he's still a Nobody wandering around somewhere. His Heart is too strong not to have one. It's the only explanation.

But for now, she has recruits to train.

~/~

Meanwhile…

In Radiant Garden, construction was underway.

Continuing the strange comfort in each others' company, Sephiroth and Cloud watched from above.

Curiously, there appeared a pair of people from a gust of blue smoke below.

The two warriors watch as the flying blue man guides the confused boy to the newly formed Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee' Headquarters at Merlins' house.

Down below…

Sora was not having a good day!

His home is gone and a strange boy took Riku and Kairi with him!

As his grip on that plank fails him and he flies up to that giant orb-thing in the sky blue smoke suddenly surrounds him until he wakes up here. Hand still gripping his utterly useless wooden sword.

Slowly opening his eyes he stares at his new surroundings as the smoke fades into nothingness.

"I'm on another world!"

"That's right, Sora." Genie spoke calmly from behind.

"Who are you?! Did… did you save me?"

"That's right." Genie gently set a large hand on his shoulder. "My name is Genie and I am your friend. I bet you're wondering about your look alike in that storm, right?"

Sora nodded, confused.

"In short, he's you from the future, given a second chance to set things right."

"He's me?!"

(Above, Cloud and Sephiroth share a confused look after hearing that.)

"He is from three years from now. He actually saved many worlds, over and over. He is likened to a war veteran at this point. And even now, he's trying so hard to save everyone, preventing multiple disasters from happening."

"I see…" He holds up his sword as he lets the explanation sink in. "So, why am I here?"

"While Sora saves everyone else, I'm here to save him. You are HIS second chance. You're his chance to live a normal life without any of the expectations put upon his shoulders. All he's ever wanted was to see other worlds and go on adventures with his friends. But with a Keyblade, the weapon he wields, he can't. He's obligated with many responsibilities. Too many."

"I think… I understand now. You.. really are a good friend to help me like this."

"Please Sora, when you helped me and Aladdin… You set me free. Now, I have the chance to return the favor! Regardless of what happens, you'll always have a friend in me."

Sora smiled and his mind spun.

With his future self saving the Galaxy, his only task is to live and experience things as a regular person.

"Does anyone else know-?"

"Ah! And that's why I brought you here. Don't worry, Future Sora already filled them in on everything, so if you have questions, they can help. But remember! NO saving people. Because once you start, that expectation will be put upon you again. Understand? You are a regular civilian, PLEASE stay that way!"

Back up above, the winged duo silent followed the duo below from the roofs.

They have much to think about.

When they reach Merlin's house, the below go inside. Sephiroth stands on the roof and look to the skies.

"Even if the morrow is barren of promises,

Nothing shall forestall my return,

To become the dew that quenches the land,

To spare the sands, the seas, the skies,

I offer thee this silent sacrifice."

Cloud looked to the former General curiously.

"A friend from before I met you. The quote was his own interpretation to Act V of a play he adored."

"I see." Cloud trailed deep in thought. "So, what now?"

Sephiroth looks down to face him. "What they spoke of sounds like a wonderful idea, but bears problems. If the weapon they spoke of was like the one that Riku used in Olympus, then he holds great power at his disposal. That boy below appears to not have one, nor he ever will. If that version of Sora wishes to travel without care, he needs a way to protect himself."

"Sephiroth." Cloud glared suspiciously at the other. "What are you thinking?"

"A vacation of sorts." A smile. "I wish to travel with the boy and offer myself as a bodyguard. After all, it would be nice to see what's out there without the expectations or obligations, would it not?"

Cloud just stared. Completely dumbfounded.

~/~

Meanwhile, back at Land of Departure.

"After pondering the situation brought to me, I see now what I must do. Although none of you, Bar Sora and Luxu have any training, I still applaud you in your forethought to train on your own. And so, I shall do this on a trial basis. If you pass, a Keyblade is yours as promised. Is that understood?" Master stood firm.

Having a Keyblade is no joke. It is a great responsibility and after her own failing after being termed a Master, she needed to make sure her mistakes weren't repeated.

Everyone nodded. Most had expected something like that.

With that, the meeting ended.

That left Aqua, Ven, Sora and Mickey to answer numerous questions by the families and Villains.

The girls stood off to the side trying to catch up now that they haven't seen each other since the worlds were restored.

Kairi noticed Sora was distracted and kept glancing out the windows.

~/~

At Merlin's House

"I think it's a wonderful idea!" Aerith clapped her hands as she and Aerith cooed at a very much innocent Sora.

After Genie's explanations, they introduced themselves.

Sora was overwhelmed with all the attention. These were his friends?!

"Hey, kid." Cid beckoned over.

"I wanna show you something. Follow me." With that, the gruff man led the boy outside.

The group shared amused looks, knowing where this is going.

Sora followed the man to a large warehouse filled with machines. A workshop?

And a giant multi-colored thing in the middle.

Sora could only gasp in wonder.

Lighting a cigarette, Cid grinned. "It's called a Gummi Ship. Your future self uses these ships to travel from world to world."

Sora whipped around to grin at him in excitement.

"Older you came prepared with previous flying experience. If you really want to see what's out there, this is the way to go. And so, I have a proposition for you."

Sora bounced in place in child-like amazement. It put a smile on the old pilots' face. The difference only three years could make, eh?

"Would you like to be my apprentice?"

"For real?!"

Cid cackled. "Yeah, kid. For real. I can teach you how to build a ship, how to fly, navigate. The works. Whadda ya say?"

Sora's grin practically split his face. "YES! Please!" Sora nodded rapidly.

"Get some rest and enjoy the day. For tomorrow, I expect you to be here, bright and early." Ge grinned ominously.

Sora turned wary, before he nodded determined.

Cid then waved him off, and Sora ran excitedly back to Merlins'.

Cid just stayed where he was. His gaze shifted back to the ship.

Crossing his arms, he smiled before putting out his cigarette.