Real quick, just wanted to pop in and establish ages for the kids here. As of this chapter, Sora and Vanitas are 8, Riku is 9, Roxas is 5, Ventus is 13, and Xion is 3. Also, the designs of their parents in the drawing I did below may look a little familiar to any of you who have read Keys... :3 That's it, onto the chapter!

Prologue, Part 2: The Fall

I heard the shots,
I heard the screams,
But it's the silence after I remember most
The world stopped breathing
And I was no longer a boy

Few saw the shadows moving in. And even if they had, there wouldn't have been much they could have done to stop them.

They would meet in the catacombs hidden deep beneath the castle, clad in coats as black as the darkness they dealt in. There weren't many of them, at least not yet, but there didn't need to be. The power they possessed would far in a way make up for anything else they may have lacked.

For centuries, that power had been hidden away from the world out of fear, until their leader had unearthed it. His extensive studies had revealed its existence, and how to harness and control the products of it. And, once he'd perfected the use of that power, he knew.

He had everything he needed to make the Destiny Islands his own. Everything to make all of the worlds his own.

Everything… except for The Key.

He'd gathered followers in secret, those who sought the downfall of the royal family, who wanted their proper place in the kingdom he promised to create. From disgruntled members of court to outright enemies of the state, he did not discriminate. Just as long as they were willing to follow his every word, as long as they were willing to give everything they had for his cause.

Just as long as he could control them the same way he controlled the shadows around them.

"My Organization," he said as he stood before them all, a sinister smirk spread across his face. "Be of good cheer. For tonight, we shall rise from these depths and make ourselves known. We shall show our strength to the pitiful people of these islands, and to every last world beyond them! And… we shall tear down the insipid, incompetent royals who have kept this kingdom burning in the harshness of the light for far too long now!"

A round of cheers rippled through his followers. Their zeal was admirable, zeal they all shared for a massacre that, as far as any of them were concerned, had been a long time coming. "Tonight a new era shall begin," Lord Xehanort smiled, golden eyes gleaming with violence and greed. With the promise of everything he'd ever wanted at long last right within his reach.

"The era of darkness is at hand."

To celebrate the 300th anniversary of their kingdom's founding, the royal family had decided to hold a grand ball. It was to be the most extravagant, most impressive gathering the Destiny Islands had ever seen, a true tribute to the prosperity its people had seen over the past three centuries. The king and queen had invited countless dignitaries from other worlds to join them for the celebration, and in the hours before the ball began, plenty were already starting to show up. The ballroom was ready, the staff in place to serve, everything was perfectly prepared for the finest festival imaginable.

Everything, that is, except for the royal children.

"Give it back, Vani!" Sora chased his twin around the room. He nearly caught up with him, almost snatching the crown-shaped charm clean out of his brother's hand. Only for Vanitas to pull it out of his reach all over again.

"Not a chance!" he shot back. "I'm the second-oldest, which means I should get to wear this tonight!"

"But you didn't even want it in the first place!"

"Well, I do now!"

"That's not fair!"

"Get over it," Vanitas turned his nose up. He smirked proudly as he put the coveted necklace on. "It looks better on me anyway."

Even though Vanitas saw this struggle as won and done, Sora was never one to give up that easily. His frustration turned to determination as he grabbed a play wooden sword lying on the floor nearby. "If you won't give it back nicely, then I'll just have to make you!" he proclaimed, pointing the fake weapon at his twin.

"What-" Before Vanitas could get another word out, Roxas ran over to Sora's side. While initially uninterested in his older brothers' bickering, the five-year-old couldn't resist the opportunity to pretend to sword fight with the pair.

"I wanna play!" he pleaded.

While Vanitas scoffed, Sora didn't hesitate to let their younger brother in on the fun. "Alrighty, Roxas," he knelt down to his level, a hand on his and a daring smile on his face. "We're gonna fight the bad guy and get my necklace back. And remember, no matter what happens, you've gotta be brave, ok?"

"Ok!" Roxas eagerly agreed.

"Ugh," Vanitas rolled his eyes. "Would you two grow up for a change?"

"Never!" Sora exclaimed, standing.

"Never!" Roxas echoed, following his brother's lead. Just like he always did.

"Well, you're gonna have to," Vanitas crossed his arms, looking away. "Because I'm not playing with–OW!" he yelped when Roxas suddenly slammed the side of his wooden sword straight into his gut. He buckled to his knees, hands wrapped around his stomach, as he gave Roxas the perfect opportunity to swipe the necklace off his neck without much resistance.

"I got it, Sora!" He ran back over to his brother, prize in hand. "I won!"

"You sure did!" Sora laughed. He leaned down, allowing Roxas to put the necklace back around his neck where it belonged. "Great job, Roxas," he ruffled the boy's already messy blonde hair.

Vanitas heaved an angry sigh as he glared up at the pair, still recovering from the surprisingly hard hit he just took. Still, even he couldn't help but ease up into a soft smile when he saw just how happy Roxas was and just how proud Sora was of him. He didn't like to show it that often, but there were times, just like this, when Vanitas couldn't help but let his soft spot for his brothers shine through.

The sweetness of the moment soon melted away when the queen entered, Xion in her arms and Ventus trailing at her heels. At thirteen, the eldest prince was only just starting to involve himself in matters of the court. And his latest concern was one he wasn't about to let go of quietly.

"But Mom, you have to listen to me!" he implored, clearly distraught. "I know what I saw!"

"Ventus," the queen sighed. She was even more exasperated, however, when she noticed the state her younger sons were in. "Boys! The ball is starting soon! I thought I told you all to get ready!"

"We were trying to, until somebody got distracted," Vanitas shot Sora a pointed glance.

"Sorry, Mom," he grinned sheepishly, smoothing out his regal attire.

"Well, you can both make it up to me by helping me get Roxas and Xion dressed," the queen said. She set Xion down, allowing the three-year-old princess to cheerfully toddle over to her brothers.. "Now, Ven, you were saying?"

"I was saying I think Lord Xehanort is up to something!" Ventus exclaimed. "I overheard him just the other day, talking to Count Evan and Sir Braig about some kind of dark creatures? I didn't hear much, but I heard enough to make me worry. And you and Dad should be worried too!"

"Dark creatures?" the queen raised an eyebrow. She was only half listening as she worked on straightening Vanitas' shoulder pads. "Ven, honey, you have to admit, that sounds a little… out there."

"It's not!" Ventus argued. "I read about these monsters–they were called Heartless-that used to destroy entire worlds a long time ago. What if Lord Xehanort was talking about those same things?"

"But what if he wasn't?" the queen countered, clearly not taking him seriously. Still, the look of frustration on her son's face was enough to get her to cave, at least a little. "Alright, listen," she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Let's just get through tonight, and then tomorrow, I'll talk to your father about arranging a meeting with Lord Xehanort so we can hear his side of things. How does that sound?"

"But I-" Ventus let his protest fall when he caught the stern look his mother was sending his way. "...Ok, fine…" he sighed, disappointed.

"Thank you, dear," she smiled, gently patting the side of his face. She quickly checked over the others to make sure buckles were fastened, slacks were straight, shoes were on. When she was satisfied, she allowed herself another smile, this time a more genuine one as she adjusted the glimmering tiara atop her own head. "Alright, everyone, I'd say we're ready. So come along. Our guests have already arrived. It's time to go greet them!"

"Mom," Sora hurried over, excited and hopeful. "Is Kairi gonna be here tonight? You said she might come!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, sweetie," the queen frowned. "I just heard back from Lady Aqua today. Kairi and Naminé are feeling under the weather, so they won't be able to make it."

"Aw…" Sora's shoulders dropped.

"Nami's not coming?" Roxas piped up, just as dejected.

"No, she's not," the queen shook her head. "But don't worry; we'll see them both again in just a few months when they come for the summer."

"Oh, uh, actually, Mom," Sora perked up, remembering the promise he'd made. A promise he had every intention of doing whatever he could to keep. "Next summer, can we maybe-"

"Not now, Sora," the queen insisted. The stress of the party was clearly getting to her, but even then, she maintained a sort of kind patience with her children they couldn't help but mutually respect. "We have a ball to attend."

With that, she headed out, Ventus following behind as he silently encouraged his siblings to do the same. They were about halfway to the ballroom when Sora slipped away from his family, tucking into a connecting hallway as they passed it by. He tip-toed down the corridor, biting back laughter as he snuck up on his unsuspecting target. Only to practically scare the life out of him when he caught him in a sudden hug from behind.

"Sora!" Riku gasped, nearly dropping the silver he'd been shining. "What are you-"

His words suddenly froze in his throat when he fully turned to face the prince, fully dressed in his most elegant regalia for the ball. It would have made the eight-year-old look far beyond his years, if not for the untamable mess of brown spikes on his head and the infamously impish smile on his face.

"I wanted to come say hi before the ball started," he said. Riku could tell he was making no effort to hide his excitement for such a grand occasion. "And I wanted to see if you'd dance with me later!"

"I-I can't do that!" Riku looked away to stifle a blush. "Especially not out there, Sora, someone will see us!"

"Oh, that's right… I really wish we didn't have to keep everything a secret…" Sora frowned, tapping his chin in thought. "Oh, I know! I'll come find you and dance with you in secret. It's not the same as dancing out in the ballroom, but it'll still be fun!"

"...Yeah, ok…" Riku couldn't help but agree. Just like he couldn't help but smile, couldn't help the rush of red still warming his cheeks, couldn't help but let all his defenses down when Sora hugged him once more.

"I've gotta go, but I'll see you later," the prince turned to rejoin his family before they could notice he was gone. "See ya, Riku!"

"See you…" Riku echoed much more quietly as he saw Sora off. The smile on his face lingered far after the prince was gone as he imagined the two of them in just a few hours from now, happily dancing the night away.

Riku would spend the next eight years dreaming of that dance. A dance that, like so many dreams he once had, would never come to be.

The ball was spectacular, a glittering gathering of noble guests from near and far, all coming to celebrate 300 years of prosperity and providence. As a prelude to the party, guests enjoyed the finest dishes the Destiny Islands had to offer before they moved to the ballroom. There, the music swelled to a joyous crescendo as women in gorgeous gowns and men in stately suits skillfully waltzed along with it.

For as bright and beautiful as the rest of the ball was, none shone quite as brightly as the royal family did. The king and queen were the picture of regal grace as they welcomed their guests, all while ensuring their sons were on their best behavior. To their credit, the boys sat still on their thrones, though they still whispered and joked among themselves at a few of the dignitaries who came forward to greet their parents.

Sora recognized some of them, including a peculiar, but friendly pair he'd once met from the far off world of Disney Town. He couldn't resist making a funny face at them from afar, throwing them off as they bowed to his parents. While the captain of the guard got a good chuckle, the court magician let out an indignant huff, shooting a glare at the chuckling prince.

Still, it didn't take long for Sora to get bored with simply sitting around while the rest of the party played out in front of him. Ventus whispered a warning to him about shuffling too much in his seat, while Vanitas made a point of sitting taller and straighter just to spite him. Roxas and Xion were both half asleep by now, and honestly, Sora couldn't blame them. He was nearly ready to excuse himself, slip away, and find Riku for their dance, until–

The king and queen stood, smiling back at their children as they began to make their way down to the floor. The kids quickly perked up, taking the unspoken invitation without a second thought. They raced after their parents, joining them in the clearing their guests had made for them to dance. And dance they did.

The king scooped Roxas and Xion up into his arms, lifting them up onto his shoulders to proudly parade them across the floor. Ventus and Sora took turns twirling in time with the queen, and though Vanitas tried to remain as stoic as ever, he couldn't stay on the sidelines long when his twin pulled him into a spin. The orchestra played a jaunty, spritely tune to accompany the royals, and their guests clapped along with them to the beat. Their shared joy was infectious, felt across nearly every corner of the room for a kingdom that had stood so strong and peaceful for 300 years. And for the benevolent, beloved family that was sure to lead that kingdom into 300 more.

Perhaps that's why it was so ironic, and so sad, that their brightest moment together would be one of their last.

A ripple of startled gasps suddenly echoed from the far end of the room. The cheerful music came to an abrupt halt as almost all of the lights across the hall seemed to dim all at once. Confused by the sudden shift, the royal family turned to see the crowd before them parting ways to reveal an unsettling group approaching. Each of them were clad in a long black coat, hoods drawn up to hide their faces away. The only one anyone did recognize was the man who led this ominous pack of uninvited guests, a man the royal family knew all too well.

"Greetings, your majesties," Xehanort offered the king and queen a mocking bow. "What a fine celebration you have here. Unfortunately, I'm afraid this party, as well as your rule over this kingdom, has reached its end."

The couple exchanged a bewildered glance, ignoring the whispers of confusion sounding from the crowd around them. "Lord Xehanort," the king stepped forward. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Oh, how audacious of me," Xehanort chuckled as he nodded back to his followers. "Before we begin, allow me to introduce my associates, the founding members of Organization XIII."

At this, the cloaked figures removed their hoods. Some, the royals recognized from court, such as Count Evan and Sir Braig, and a few from their staff, including a young page named Ienzo and two guards: Dilan and Aeleus. Others were less familiar, though the king and queen could spot a few rouges they'd arrested not long ago who had been somehow set free from prison. Regardless of their origins, however, they all shared one thing in common: the outright hatred burning in their eyes as they stared at the royal family before them.

"You see, my former king," Xehanort continued, hands poised behind his back. "I've been doing a great deal of thinking as of late. I've been thinking that a kingdom ought to be ruled by the strongest soul within it, by the one who holds the power to make their world truly great. And I believe I've unlocked that power and then some…"

He held a gloved hand up, crushing into a fist as sheer darkness welled around it. Shrieks erupted from the spectating guests as the shadows themselves seemed to spring to life, emerging as nightmarish creatures of all sizes. They leered greedily at the guests, but didn't outright attack them, held at bay by their master's power. At least, for the moment anyway.

"The monsters…" Ventus gasped, recognizing them from his studies. He pulled his siblings in close, his heart aching as he felt Roxas and Xion tremble in terror against him. "The Heartless!"

"That's right, young prince," Xehanort nodded proudly. "The Heartless are beings born from pure darkness, the remnants of souls who have lost their hearts. Your ancestors all but banished them from existence using this kingdom's greatest treasures, two weapons that have been passed down from generation to generation." His wicked grin deepened when the king and queen tensed up, guarding their children from him the best they could. "I'd be more than willing to let you and your family live… in exchange for them both."

The royal children looked at each other, awash in confusion. They'd never heard of any such treasure, scarcely understood what any of this was even about. But as the Heartless began to creep forward and as the members of Organization XIII stood eagerly waiting for the king and queen's answer, one thing was clear. Their parents, their entire family, really, was in danger; and one of them wasn't about to stand for it for one second longer.

Sora pulled out of Ventus' grip before he could even hope to stop him. He didn't have his trusty wooden sword on hand, but he still boldly rushed forward. Tears brimmed in his eyes, but anger was what guided his feet forward as he came to stand between his father and the twisted man threatening them all. "Leave us alone!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the deathly-silent hall.

That silence reigned for a moment or two longer as Xehanort scowled down at the boy. Yet surprisingly, he soon evened out into a smile as he leaned down a bit to the child's level. "Oh, Prince Sora," he took the charm of the boy's necklace in his palm. His fierce golden eyes bore into Sora's wide blue ones. "Out of all of your miserable siblings, I think I'll take pleasure in ending your life the most."

With that, he swiftly snatched the necklace off the prince's neck, holding it high before making a point of putting it around his own. The first of many crowns he intended to conquer in his deadly conquest.

"Of course, all that unpleasant bloodshed could easily be avoided…" he looked back to the king and queen, his tone leading, calculating. "If you give your Kingdom–and your Keys–over to me."

The king hesitated, any trace of courage or resistance draining out of his face the second he looked back at his children. By now, the queen had pulled Sora back over to his siblings, who were all clustered close together, holding onto each other tightly. The sight of them alone, so scared and uncertain, so young and innocent, was nearly enough to convince him to hand over everything that had been demanded of him. And maybe he would have, if his wife wasn't a bit stronger in his stead.

"Never," she hissed, knowing what such a sacrifice could cost. Many lives would likely be lost either way, yes, but even more would be if they gave Xehanort what he wanted. At least this way, all of the other worlds still had a chance, even if-

Even if their own world might not.

"Very well," Xehanort coldly concluded. "Then you have brought this anguish upon yourselves, your children, and your kingdom."

With just a wave of his hand, the onslaught started. With a wave of his hand, the Destiny Islands began to fall.

Screams rattled the ballroom as soon as the first Heartless attacked. Many more followed as guests desperately tried to escape while they still could. Xehanort and his Organization vanished in the chaos, narrowly avoiding capture at the hands of the royal guard. Those guards flooded into the hall, armed and ready to fight the scourge of monsters, even if they knew little about the strange, new threat at hand. Leading their efforts was Master Eraqus, sword in hand and Terra at his side to bravely defend their charges. The king quickly joined them, taking up a blade himself to ensure that his family, and his very kingdom itself, lived to see another day.

"Take the children and find shelter!" he shouted back to the queen. And though she wanted nothing more than to stand by her husband's side, she knew that right now, her children needed her even more than he did.

So she grabbed Roxas and Xion, ordering her older sons to follow her as she ran to one of the throne room's less crowded doorways. Still, between scattered servants and frantic guests alike, it wasn't hard for some of them to lose their mother in the mess of bodies packing the halls.

Sora's breath caught in his throat when he suddenly realized he couldn't see her anymore. Even worse yet, he couldn't see Ventus or Vanitas either. Tears burned in his eyes as he tried calling out to them, only for the sounds of screaming and shattering glass to drown his voice out altogether. No one that ran past the middle prince even paid him much mind, each of them desperate to escape and save themselves first. No one, that is, except for the hand that latched onto his and began pulling him away.

"Riku!" Sora gasped when he realized who was dragging him down the hall. Whatever shred of relief he felt quickly turned back into terror, however, as a burst of fire suddenly came to life in the direction they were running to.

Riku skidded them both to a stop well before the flames could reach them. "This way!" he yanked Sora in the opposite direction, following the flow of the panicking crowd. "C'mon, we've gotta hurry!"

"But what about my mom?!" Sora shouted, struggling to be heard. "And my brothers and sister? We can't just leave them behind!"

"They probably already made it out," Riku said, though he had no way of knowing. He could only hope that he was right somehow. "Which means we've got to too."

Sora nodded, knowing that if there was anyone he could trust in a disaster like this, it was Riku. He was more than ready to follow him wherever he might lead, until– "Wait!" he stopped, pulling his hand out of Riku's. "I've gotta go back for something!"

"What?" Riku barely had a chance to ask before Sora took off without him. "Sora, wait!"

Riku continued calling out for him, but Sora didn't care. The only thing he could think about right now, the only thing that mattered, was the tiny seashell charm he'd left on his bedroom dresser before the ball began. The symbol of a promise that could stand to be so easily destroyed in the flames that were already burning away so much of what he'd always known.

He was about halfway to his room when he spotted her. His mother stood alone in a room he'd never been able to get into before–for as long as he could remember, the door had always been locked. Now, it seemed to no longer exist at all, as if it had been hastily broken away. She didn't notice him creep inside at first as she stood facing the beautiful stained glass window before her: the image of two keys coming together inside the shape of a shining golden heart.

"M-Mom-?" he dared to speak up. She jumped, but breathed a sigh of relief when she turned to him, her long hair frazzled and her beautiful gown all but torn to shreds.

"Sora," she wrapped her arms tight around him when he ran to her for a hug. "What are you doing here? I thought you were with Ven and Vani-"

"I-I don't know where they are!" he cried. "Where are Roxas and Xion?"

"Don't worry," she smoothed his messy hair, wiping a few of his tears away. "They should be safe; I handed them off to some of the servants who were on their way out."

"But why?"

"Because…" the queen sighed, standing. "There's… something I have to do." She turned back to the window, its glass aglow in the blaze of the fires likely just beyond it. "I'd told Ven to meet me here if something like this ever happened, but… I can't afford to wait for him anymore. So…"

"Mom?" Sora frowned. The way she was acting, so calm in the midst of such a severe storm, was already strange enough as it was. But what the queen did next surprised her young son even more.

It burst into her hand in a blinding flash, a huge silver Key with a golden handle. She held it gently as she turned to face him, running a hand along its surface before looking back to her son with a small, rueful smile. "Sora… I'm so sorry for the burden I'm about to give you… but I'm afraid I don't have a choice…"

Sora had about a million questions, but none managed to make their way out as his mother took his hand and placed the hilt of the Key in his palm. It was heavy, far too heavy for him, but thankfully, the queen was there to help him support it.

"In your hand, take this key," she began, closing her eyes as if in prayer. A prayer her own mother had recited to her in the same way many years ago. "So long as you have the makings, then through this simple act of taking, its wielder you shall one day be. And you will find me, friend–no ocean will contain you then. No borders around, below, or above… so long as you champion the ones you love…"

Upon the queen's final word, the Key suddenly vanished from existence. Sora sharply pulled his hand back, feeling a rush of… something rush through his veins. It wasn't painful–far from it, actually. If anything, it was comforting, like a small ray of light peeking through the heavy clouds that had suddenly come to rest over all of their lives.

"Mom, what-"

"There's no time to explain," the queen hugged him again. "Just promise me this, Sora: that you will never tell anyone about that Key or what happened here. It has to be a secret, one that you guard with your life. It's the only way to keep our kingdom–every kingdom–safe. Do you understand?"

Sora shuddered, choking on his own approaching sobs. "I-I-"

"Sora!" He nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard Riku's voice behind him. The servant boy stopped stiff when he noticed who the prince was with. "Y-your majesty!" he bowed. "I-"

"Please, young man," the queen, of all people, implored him. She led Sora over to him, quickly surveying the hall beyond them to make sure the coast was clear. "Take my son somewhere safe. Take him as far away from this castle–no, from the islands–as you can."

"What? No!" Sora protested, panicking. "I don't wanna leave you and everyone else! Come with us and we'll find Ven and Vani and Dad and-"

"Sora," the queen placed her hands on the sides of his face. "Everything will be ok. I promise. Don't ever forget." By now, she couldn't hold back her own pressing tears any longer as she gently kissed his forehead. "I love you more than the sun, the moon, and-"

"A-and even the sky…" he finished as he wept into her arms.

"I heard voices! This way!" A harsh shout echoed from beyond the hall, no doubt from one of the Organization's members. The queen rose to her full height, drying her tears as she issued Sora and Riku one final command.

"Go!" she whispered fiercely. "Now!"

Before Sora could argue any further, Riku took him by the hand, this time refusing to let go as they ran out into the hall together. The queen did the same, going at a much slower pace to confront the men who might seek to bring her family harm. To sacrifice herself in their place.

"Riku, please!" Sora cried, trying to pry his hand out of the servant's grip. "I've gotta find my brothers! And Xion–she's so little, she's probably really scared! I need to make sure they're all ok!"

"I need to make sure you're ok!" Riku shouted back. Their bickering had caught the attention of one of the many Heartless now infesting the castle. It had been on their tails since right after they'd left the queen, weaving their way through the maze of halls just to try and evade its deadly claws. There was another threat lurking through the castle too; the Organization was clearly intent on capturing the royal family, to bring them back to their sadistic leader. To Riku, the thought of either catching them might as well have been a death sentence–for himself, and for Sora.

"I'll be fine!" Sora insisted. This time, he pulled hard enough to finally break free. This time, Riku didn't waste any time chasing him when he tried to run away. "But I'm not leaving them behind–they're my family, Riku-"

"And you're mine!" Riku yelled without thinking. It was enough to stop Sora, only briefly, to get him to look back at the other boy with wide, wondering eyes. Riku never got a chance to explain himself though, before something suddenly shook the castle from its very foundation.

Whatever it was knocked both boys off their feet. The few windows that remained were blown out, glass scattering across the floor as a mass flood of Heartless surged from the hallway in front of them. Not knowing what else to do, Sora scrambled to his feet, grabbing Riku by the hand this time as he rushed to hide in the nearest room he knew of: his own.

Riku locked the door behind them, pressing his weight against it to keep it closed. He didn't notice Sora run to the dresser to take the good luck charm, tucking it away deep inside his pocket. Even if nothing else could be salvaged from this nightmare, at least he'd still have that, at least he'd still have the promise of her. And at least he'd still have Riku.

Or so he thought.

Something banged harshly against the door, a rally of angry voices sounding along with it. "They're here!" Riku warned in a whisper. His eyes darted around the room for a solution, fortunately finding one just in time. "This way!" He pulled Sora over to one of the castle's many hidden doors. They'd used this one plenty of times before to visit each other in secret; they never could have guessed that it'd one day be used to save both of their lives.

They jumped when something sharp slammed into the door, splintering it, though the lock still held. For the moment, anyway. "Go," Riku pushed Sora into the passageway. "You can get out through the servant's quarters. I'll distract them while you get away."

"No, you need to come too!" Sora begged, grabbing his hand and holding on tight.

"I'll be right behind you," Riku squeezed his hand with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Sora didn't believe him in the slightest.

"Riku-"

"Hurry!" Riku shoved him back, latching the passage shut tight just in time for the door to give way. In an instant, three black-coated men stormed in; Riku recognized them–Aeleus, Dilan, and Braig. Once supposedly loyal members of the royal guard, now nothing more than Xehanort's vicious lackeys.

"You there, boy!" Dilan shouted at him. A set of spears hovered behind him, somehow suspending entirely on their own. "Where are they? Where are the royal children?"

Riku didn't bother dignifying any of them with an answer. Instead, he threw the first thing he could get his hands on, a book left lying on the nightstand beside him. He missed, of course, but that didn't mean he was about to stop trying. He reeled back a bare fist, prepared to fight to the end for Sora's sake if he had to. Only for the heavy butt of Braig's arrow gun to slam straight into the side of his head.

He crumpled to the ground, only barely conscious enough to hear the men search the room. Through bleary vision, he watched as they gave up quickly, fortunately not finding the secret door–or Sora on the other side of it.

"What do we do with the kid?" Aeleus asked, nodding down at Riku's unmoving form.

"Leave him," Braig scoffed, leading the way out. "He's just another dumb servant. If the Heartless don't get him, the fire will."

Riku waited until he was sure they were gone to try and pull himself upright. He reached for the secret door, his hand trembling as he tried to unlatch it. "S-Sora…" he whispered, his head pounding as the last of his strength failed him. Even still, the prince was his final thought as he slipped back to the ground, his final thought as the world went black around him.

The prince would remain his only thought for a long, long time.

The air outside the castle was cold, much colder than it should have been, even on a winter's night. Sora felt that chill straight to his bones as he emerged from the servants quarters in only his royal suit, alone and afraid. He'd tried to wait for Riku, only for fear to push him onward through the tunnels, out of the castle entirely. All he could do now was hope that his best friend and his family had done the same.

He followed the tide of the crowd fleeing from the burning palace. Many of the visiting dignitaries had already taken to their Gummi Ships to escape the islands altogether. Those who weren't lucky enough to have that option resorted to the bridge that connected the small island the castle sat on to the much larger one where the capital city lay waiting. Or rather, where it lay burning, just like the castle beyond it.

The Heartless had spilled out of the castle, bringing their destruction to the islands' regular residents. They chased those fleeing from the palace across the bridge, pouncing upon them and violently tearing them to shreds. Sora narrowly stifled a scream when he was unfortunate enough to watch one of these savage attacks happen from just a few feet away. A larger Heartless barreled a man to the ground, its claws ripping into his chest and pulling out a small, heart-shaped light. As soon as that light vanished, the man's screams were silenced, his body lurching violently as it began to change from human to monster. Within seconds, he was unrecognizable, mindlessly transformed into one of the very creatures that killed him.

Sora couldn't help but wonder how many poor souls in the castle had suffered that same gruesome fate. He couldn't help but wonder if his own family, his own brothers and sisters, his mother and father had been-

That awful thought was forced out of his mind when he felt a sharp tug on the back of his shirt. The fine fabric ripped as he pulled away, turning back to find aHeartless right behind him, ready to take another victim. He wasted no time running, his heart pounding with adrenaline and fear as his legs took him as fast as he could go. It took everything he had in him to not look back when he heard another explosion shake his ruined home as he left it behind.

He wasn't safe from the Heartless, even as he made it to the other side of the bridge. The town before him was in an absolute upheaval. Buildings were on fire as people of all ages raced through the streets desperately searching for loved ones. Those who were unlucky enough to get caught by the Heartless were quickly converted into them, losing all sense of self, any trace of humanity they once had in the process. What his family and his people had done to deserve this waking nightmare, Sora had no idea. The only thing he did know was that he'd give just about anything for it all to finally be over.

If only he'd known–the nightmare had only just begun.

He was about to begin looking for his own family when he was suddenly shoved hard to the ground, not by the Heartless, but by the frantic crowds around him. With his once-elegant clothes already torn and soiled, few recognized the middle prince and even if they did, few cared at a moment like this. Right now, his status didn't matter in the slightest, not to his people, and certain not to the Heartless.

Sora narrowly avoided getting trampled as he crawled across the busy square, making it to the nearest alley he could find. Even then, however, he had no chance at catching his breath or gathering his bearings. A flock of Heartless had already taken up shop in his hiding place, their round yellow eyes glowing bright from the shadows. Sora tensed when he saw them, slowly backing away to make his escape, only to find that another group had arrived to block his only escape.

Sora knew he'd already cried far too many times tonight alone. Still, he couldn't stop the tears from coming all over again as the Heartless crept closer to him on both sides. The thought of being twisted and transformed into one of these despicable creatures, forced to hunt down and hurt his very own people was enough to make him sick. But for as terrible as it was, it seemed all but inevitable as one of the Heartless finally attacked, grabbing him by the throat and hoisting him up high into the air.

He kicked and flailed, clawing at the massive hand that was slowly suffocating him. Its free hand slowly reached for his chest, for his heart, eager and ready to take everything he was away from him, leaving nothing more than yet another monster behind in his place.

Somewhere between his terror, Sora thought about his family, his father's wisdom, his mother's love. He thought about Ventus' patience, Vanitas' wit, Roxas' spirit, Xion's smile. He thought about Riku's courage and Kairi's kindness. He thought about all of the people he loved, all of the people he wanted to see so badly, all the people he so desperately wished he could save.

And as he thought about them… instead of the unthinkable, a miracle happened.

"No borders around, below, or above-"

A bright flash burst to life in his outstretched hand-

"As long as you champion the ones you love…"

Light that took on the shape of a shining silver Key.

The Heartless recoiled at the sight of it, its purity far too great for their corrupted forms to handle. The creature that had captured Sora reared back with a fearful hiss as it tossed the Key and the boy holding it as far away from it as possible. Before the prince even landed, the Heartless had cleared out; and with them gone, he should have been safe.

But like so many other things about this night, what should have been wasn't what was.

He hit one of the alley walls headfirst, a pained gasp slipping out of him in the seconds before he slid to the ground. The Key vanished into thin air as the middle prince landed, unconscious and unseen in a lowly, lonely gutter while his kingdom continued burning all around him.

The Destiny Islands were lost to darkness that night. So many lives were extinguished, an entire way of life destroyed. All that had ever been was now no more.

And the royal family, once so deeply beloved by their people… was now nothing more than a memory. A memory doomed to be forgotten.

And thus, the prologue is complete! Next time, we jump into the present. Make sure to let me know your thoughts in a REVIEW! Until next time!