Settling into the castle had been more difficult than she'd originally anticipated; though, it would have been a lot harder if not for the distraction Lea and Isa provided. The two boys had been ecstatic over her supposed triumph over Braig, but she hadn't told them about the deal she struck, nor the potential consequences should she refuse his favor, whatever that might be. Unfortunately, their assigned community service prevented them from spending too much time with her and Mira found herself wandering the town alone, hoping she would run into her master. He would be arriving any day now, but there had been no sign of him. She dared not imagine what could be keeping him away. When wandering did nothing but exacerbate her nerves, Mira holed herself up in the library for personal study.

One day, while in search of something interesting to read, she stumbled upon the apprentices seated around a table on the second floor of the library. Braig chatted quietly with Dilan and the same large guard from the other day. A long-haired blond man was pouring over some notes, muttering something about unclear findings and experiments. There was also a small child present, but his nose was buried in a thick tome.

Mira stopped short, clutching her book to her chest. Despite having lived in the castle for over a week, she had not formally met all the apprentices. She hadn't considered what she'd say when she finally met them... But perhaps this was as good an opportunity as any to introduce herself. She stepped out from behind the bookshelf hiding her, giving a little wave to the group. "Uh... hi," she mumbled lamely. All eyes snapped to her.

The blond scowled. "Aren't visiting hours over? What do you want?"

"Something to read?" She held up the book. "This is a library after all..."

"Be that as it may, you need to leave. The castle is closed to visitors." The others wore similar expressions of distrust and annoyance, Dilan in particular. Had no one communicated that she was to live there? Grey eyes bored into Braig's, imploring him to say something, but the bastard leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest. No help would come from him.

Expression carefully blank, Mira explained, "For your information, I am here by leave of your king." She jabbed her thumb in Braig's direction. "Ask him." Turning on her heel, she allowed the door to close audibly behind her. Mira stalked back to the living quarters, intent on shutting herself away for the evening.

Mira halted in the common room, staring off into space. How would she learn anything if the others were so hostile to her? Master Xehanort expected her to be productive while awaiting his return... If there was an obstacle in her way, she would have to find an alternate path toward what she wanted. But such things were easier said than done.

Mira would come to find that the apprentices, and Ansem, often secluded themselves to discuss their research as well as other brief accounts of the goings on of the castle. Every time she attempted to join them, she was met with the same dismissive coldness. It was clear by their unfriendly demeanor that she was unwelcome.

After her most recent attempt to crash their little study session, wherein they gathered their books and vacated the table the moment she sat down, Mira threw herself into a chair, ready to pull her hair in frustration. Her master would return any day now, and she still had nothing to show for it, despite her brazen attempts at socialization. What would it take to learn from these people?

A burst of cool air washed over her, drawing her attention upward, a contemplative expression taking over her annoyance. Yes, that would do nicely. She'd been going about this all wrong; this was not like mingling with Terra, Aqua, or Ven. If Ansem's apprentices couldn't get along with her, then she would take the knowledge from them, whether they liked it or not. The vent loomed above her like a promise of salvation; the air duct looked large enough to crawl through with plenty of room; and like all good air conditioning systems, it would reach every room in the castle.

Mira found that the castle's extensive air duct system was like a maze. With only a vague idea of what direction she'd be heading, she crawled through the vent with the help of a magnet spell and made her way – hopefully – toward the others. Even if she found nothing yet, Lea had mentioned he "borrowed" the castle schematics. Those might include a map of all the ducts as well. All information was useful at some point.

"Is it even possible to do that?"

So lost in her thoughts, Mira nearly missed the hushed voices drifting up through the vent below her. She peered down through the grate at the people assembled in the room. All the apprentices, even the little boy, and Ansem the Wise were present.

"I don't know if it is possible, but darkness in all forms is a threat to the peace. The task of protecting this world falls to us. But what causes darkness to appear in people's hearts? Is there a way to eliminate it or prevent it from happening? Understanding where darkness originates is key to eliminating it," Ansem the Wise explained.

"That's all well and good, but how do you suggest we start? Correct me if I'm wrong, but to study the heart… don't we need a heart to study?" Braig deadpanned.

"Yes, and?" Even retorted. "We'll just procure a heart."

He raised his brows. "Really? Just like that? Pluck it right out of someone?"

The blond shifted in his seat. "If need be, yes." She couldn't believe her ears – had he really said that they would just… take someone's heart? What a cold bastard.

"You do you, man. I think that we should try less drastic solutions before… that." Braig muttered, leaning back in his chair and looking up. Brown eyes met grey, and his mouth popped open, soon sliding into a smirk. Mira gasped audibly and Dilan whipped around as Braig erupted into a coughing fit. "Sorry 'bout that. Guess a little something tickled my throat." He couldn't have sounded more insincere. Her heart pounded. Would he give her away?

Clearing his throat, Ansem murmured, "I agree with Braig." He eyed Even critically. "We should seek other measures prior to that suggestion. I think that's enough for today, if no one has anything further to add?" None of the apprentices were forthcoming with a response, so he continued, "Very good. Then we are adjourned."

The apprentices rustled with their papers, but Mira watched Braig striding out of the room, a sinking feeling in her chest. She needed to get out of there! She didn't want to be caught in a vent with him if he used his teleportation abilities...

Mira hastened down the corridor; she was almost there – just a bit further and she'd make it! Then she could hide in her quarters and pretend she wasn't there. The footsteps behind her quickened and she nearly broke into a run. Throwing a glance behind, her heart lurched when no one was there–

"Oof!" There was a pain in her derriere as she crashed to the floor. Braig towered above her, eyes alight with mischief. She'd have to play dumb. "Why are you following me?"

"Why are you running away? Guilty conscience?"

"Because you started chasing me, creep!"

His grin widened. "Creep?" He made a show of looking around. "I don't see any creep; must be long gone by now. Besides, I've heard that creeps prefer to hide in air vents and spy on people without their knowledge." A snort escaped her. Fair enough. "Aaahh, there's a smile." He held his hand out to her, lifting her from the floor.

She frowned at the gallant gesture, unused to such attention. "Was there something you wanted?"

Braig leaned against the wall, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Why were you spying on us?" He kept his tone was light, but his eyes were calculating.

"I – I was just –"

"Don't even think about lying to me."

She tensed. "I was just curious, okay?! What else why I supposed to do?" she hissed. "You made it clear I'm not welcome to study with you, but I have to do something while I'm here. I didn't think you guys were discussing ripping hearts straight from people's chests!"

"That idea was soundly rebuffed, as you heard." He patted her head. "Even is overzealous when it comes to research, but he will honor Ansem's wishes."

"I think the word you're looking for is 'crazy.'" But the problem was, Ansem had left the possibility open if they found no other solutions. Part of her wished she had remained ignorant and stayed out of everyone's way; but then she would have failed Master Xehanort. If she had to find a positive to the madness, it was that she, at least, learned something of interest. Even if it was horrifying.

"Alright, here's the deal. I'm not gonna tell anyone about you spying in the ducts," he eyed her emphatically, "but in return, you need to keep quiet as well, got it? It'll be our little secret, okay?" He waggled his finger at her.

They definitely had more to lose than she did. If word got out that the 'wise' king potentially entertained the idea of experimenting on people's hearts… there would be unrest. But she needed to be there for however long her master said. She would keep his secret. For now. "Deal."

"Y'know, now that we have a secret, it's almost like we're friends." He waggled his eyebrows.

"To take a leaf out of your book, friend, 'as if.'"

"Aww don't be like that-"

"Like what? Rude and dismissive to you? The way you and the others have been to me?"

He had the decency to look abashed. "Hey, you can't blame us for not trusting you. But I'll give you that one." Mira rolled her eyes. "Well..." he started awkwardly, "how about I actually do what I was told for once – and show you around? Then we can get to know each other better. Like friends."

Braig's smile was charming, and he almost looked genuine. But the calculating gleam hadn't left his eyes; she would have to be on her guard around him. "Don't act like this isn't an excuse for you to keep an eye on me."

He shrugged, giving her a once-over. "I could be looking at worse." She scowled. "At any rate, you're bringing down my vibe by looking so mopey all the time."

"You're so annoying," she grumbled. "Fine, let's get this over with."

"Right this way, your highness." Braig offered her his arm.

She stared at the proffered arm blankly then back to him. "You will stay at least three feet away from me at all times." Laughter followed Mira as she strode down the hall.

As it turned out, Braig took her somewhere entirely innocuous: the ice cream shop, of all places. He escorted her through the town square, pointing out the different stores and which places typically offered the best deals on their wares. He said, however, that of all the stores there, the ice cream shop was the place to go. Shrugging, he explained that it was uncommonly popular, due to their original flavor: sea salt ice cream.

"Sea salt?" Did it taste like the ocean? "Can we go in?"

He nodded, opening the door for her. "After you, Princess." Mira frowned at the nickname.

The shop itself was bright and colorful, with plenty of seating to accommodate customers who preferred to eat inside. The menu, however, was… extensive to say the least. She ordered the one he'd mentioned, and they took a seat while they waited.

"So…" he began, peering at her out of the corner of his eye, "what are you here to study?"

Mira shrugged. "Anything your master can impart, I suppose. I was told I could learn a lot from him." And she already had, based on what she overheard.

"That's true; he is very knowledgeable. But who-?"

"Hey Mira!" called a familiar voice. Lea and Isa, having just walked into the ice cream parlor, veered towards them. To her dismay, Lea's loud exclamation drew the eyes of people who'd previously overlooked her. "You're alive! We looked for you at the inn, but you weren't there! I thought for sure that this jerk," he side-eyed Braig, "had done something to you."

"Besides being irritating? Nah."

The aforementioned irritating jerk scoffed. "You wound me, Princess. But no, squirt, she's a guest in the castle, duh."

Isa started. "So, it's true? How did you manage-"

"What is he even doing here? Why don't you ditch him and hang out with us?" Lea interrupted, grinning cheekily.

"Uh, this is a public place Flamesilocks. I can be here if I want."

A server handed her ice cream to her, and she raised a brow at the frozen treat. It was blue; for some reason, she'd expected it to have no color. She took a tentative bite and promptly shuddered. Definitely a novelty flavor. Anyone who'd ever swum in the ocean and tasted sea water didn't need to try it. Sure, it was sweet, but if anything, that made it worse.

Braig chuckled. "Don't like it?" She grimaced and shook her head. "Yeah, I don't really care for it either."

Lea's mouth fell open in shock. "How can you people not like sea salt ice cream? It's the best!"

"You people?" Mira mumbled under her breath. "It's just ice cream."

"You eat it then, runt. You could use the calories."

The 'runt' visibly bristled at the comment, opening his mouth to rant at the guard, but Isa dragged him away, muttering a quick goodbye. Mira watched the exchange impassively, more concerned about Isa's comment. From the way he'd spoken, it sounded like he'd already heard she was staying in the castle. Maybe the innkeeper said something? Cool liquid dripped onto her hand; the ice cream was melting.

Mira's eyes flew open, unseeing in the deep dark of the early morning, unable to sleep any longer. She lay there, blankly staring up at the ceiling illuminated by the moonlight. Today was the day she was supposed to see her master again. She rolled over. Master Xehanort had not given her a time during which to meet him… but tardiness wasn't an option. Mira prepared for the day, tiptoeing out of her room and down the hall as quietly as possible. The castle was asleep, and she hoped to keep it that way.

As it turned out, she ended up waiting several hours before he made an appearance at their designated meeting spot. Mira had started to doze when the sound of someone clearing their throat startled her into wakefulness. Her eyes flashed open, and she grinned. "Master!"

He raised his brows. "I do hope you haven't run out of munny already."

"What?" Her smile dimmed.

He waved it off. "How long have you been sleeping outside?"

"Just a few hours, I think-" His meaning dawned on her. "Oh. No, I still have most of the munny you gave me." She held out the relatively full munny pouch proudly. "I found a place to stay for free!"

"Oh?"

"Mhm. Ansem the Wise has generously offered me room and board." Though perhaps friendly hospitality would cost extra.

"Well done." He smiled down at her, patting her head. "Now, I have a matter of importance to discuss with you." She straightened. "Of the two apprentices up for the Mark of Mastery, only one was successful."

Only one? Both had seemed so ready; how could one of them have failed? "Who?"

"Aqua." She shouldn't have been shocked. Aqua was capable and strong, but how had Terra failed? She asked him as much, but he shook his head. "That's not your concern. Come, time is short, and we have much to discuss before I depart."

Why was he in a hurry? He'd only just arrived... What was making him so busy that he couldn't train her? But she only nodded, voicing none of these concerns to him. He was a seeker as well as her master. She needed to accept that she was not his top priority, though it stung. "Master?"

"Hm?"

"A few days after I arrived, I broke my wrist… can you check to make sure it's healed properly?" She held out her arm for his inspection.

Gloved hands prodded at the bones, twisting it to and fro. Then he mumbled a few words she couldn't understand. Pale green light appeared over her wrist. "You did well in healing it. But," he levelled her with a hard stare, "how did you manage to injure yourself?"

Mira sighed. "Well, there's this guy-" Master Xehanort's face took on a pinched quality. "A-anyway, he has this ability that allows him to teleport without a corridor. And after I snuck into the castle, he caught up to me and…"

"Broke your wrist." He finished her sentence.

"More or less." There was a gleam in her master's eyes, and she almost felt bad for Braig. But he had it coming.

"Hm. I wonder at this ability of his…" He trailed off, then cleared his throat.

"Master? Before we begin…" Mira explained what she overheard Ansem and his apprentices discussing, as well as her concerns. "I think they're going to do something terrible before long." A chilling thought popped into her head. Ansem cared about his people and didn't want to harm them, that much was clear. But she wasn't from here. It hadn't occurred to her earlier, but if they needed to silence her, hers would likely be the first heart they steal. "What if they select me… to-to-"

Xehanort patted her head. "I wouldn't concern yourself with that; you've been trained well." His expression darkened. "They wouldn't dare lay a finger on you. Eraqus is an acquaintance of the foolish king, and he wrote on your behalf, remember?"

Mira gulped and nodded; he had a point. Even so, she would remain on her guard. Just in case.

"Now, in the event that you need to leave, for any reason," he glanced at her meaningfully, "I will teach you how to open the Lanes Between. What you need to do is…"

As it turned out, opening the Lanes was a simple task; all she needed to do was visualize that there was a door, and that she could walk through it. The difficult part was that it required intense concentration, and her mind kept wandering.

After several failed attempts, her master remarked, "You're distracted. Are you still troubled?"

She inwardly cringed; she needed to focus! "No… I was just wondering how often you'll come back to train me?"

He softened. "As often as time allows. You are to be my successor; one day, I hope for you to take up the mantle of Seeker."

"What does that mean? Is that different from being a master?" Like Aqua.

"You will have your own Mark of Mastery, yes. But more important than the title is the understanding that mastery is simply a benchmark. Achieving your mastery should not lead you into stagnation. There's more to the worlds than we could ever understand in a lifetime. I aim to teach you to see and learn these things."

"So, you'll be around often, since there's so much to learn, right?" She grinned cheekily.

He chuckled. "I also aim to impart patience to you."

Mira huffed, repressing the impulse to stick her tongue out at him, and resumed her focus on the Lanes.

In hindsight, she should've tried opening the Lanes when she was wandering the Realm of Darkness. But it required focus, and her distress was too deep. She had trapped herself in her own mind, freedom potentially within her grasp, but unable to reach out and take it. She stood from her desk and exited her room. The stars in this world were so beautiful and they made the tower feel truly mysterious. A sentinel watching over the dark, with only small gleams of light to watch over it.

She sat on the steps in front of the entrance, pulling her knees to her chest. The door opened behind her, the rustling of fabric indicating company. To her surprise, it was Yen Sid who took a seat beside her; sometimes it felt like he never left his study. The notion was amusing. "This place is so empty Do you ever feel lonely here?"

Yen Sid inclined his head. "Maybe so, but in that emptiness, one may find serenity."

"I guess... but even somewhere like this, I feel like I don't belong. Like I have no place here. With nothing to fill the silence, I feel like I can't escape the memories of what I've lost." Even after all this time, she yearned for his advice, his guidance. She was like a kite, cut loose and free-falling, far from all she knew and where she belonged.

"Do you wish to resume your training?"

"What?"

His countenance was stern, but not without kindness. "If it is distraction you require, the worlds could use another keyblade master. Darkness is spreading faster than before, but the cause lies beyond my sight." He sighed deeply.

"What would you have me do?"

"Lock the doors between worlds. Close the Lanes."

"What will that solve?" Mira asked, incredulous.

"It will buy us time."

"If you say so." Privately, she disagreed, but what else was she supposed to do? She had nothing left.

But as he explained her task in more detail, it became clear that Yen Sid misspoke when he told her she would be closing the lanes. Rather, Mira was meant to obliterate them entirely. It was staggering; the worlds were connected, how could destroying those connections be a benefit?

"You are a prime example of why."

"What do you mean?"

He gazed at her knowingly. "Hearts naturally connect with other hearts. Yet yours is tethered to only two others."

Mira shifted, looking away from him. "I'd say I'm weaker because of it."

"In some ways, perhaps. But you walked through the dark and emerged unchanged. Undamaged."

She begged to differ. After all that happened, Mira couldn't say she was the same as before. "Without the strength from connections, won't the worlds collapse faster?"

Yen Sid inclined his head. "Some may, unfortunately. It's far from ideal, but we must control the damage from what happened five years ago."

Could she accept the consequences of cutting loose the worlds of light and, in doing so, condemning many of them to sink into darkness? What about the people who lived there? Did the ends justify such cruel means?