CHAPTER 24: Epilogue

[Open to the Keyblade Graveyard]

Sora, along with his friends, Riku, King Mickey, Donald Duck, Goofy, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Roxas, Axel, and Xion, standing in awe of the pleasant golden sky after the defeat of Xehanort and Organization XIII. King Mickey then sighed in relief.

King Mickey: It's finally over.

Almost everyone smiled and nodded in agreement. However, Sora lowered his head.

Sora: ...No.

Riku looked at Sora and told him something in assurance.

Riku: We'll find Kairi. Let's head back to Master Yen Sid. We can figure it out.

Sora: No, I know what to do.

Mickey's eyes widened.

King Mickey: Sora...

He turned to his friends and gave them a small smile as he shared his thoughts.

Sora: My whole journey began the day I lost her.

He placed a hand over his heart.

Sora: And every time I find her... she slips away again. I thought we'd finally be together. But she's out there, alone, not for one more second.

Donald and Goofy jumped in.

Donald: We'll go too!

Goofy: That's right!

Sora smiled at them.

Sora: Thank you, Donald, Goofy. But this time, I have to go it alone.

King Mickey realizes how Sora plans to recuse Kairi and warns him with an explanation of his idea.

King Mickey: Sora, listen. The power of waking isn't to go chase hearts around! Even if you do locate Kairi, you might never come home to us again.

Sora smiled with determination.

Sora: I will. And we'll both be back before you know it.

King Mickey: Please...

Riku walked over and knelt to the King.

Riku: Let him go, Mickey.

King Mickey turned to him.

King Mickey: Riku...

Riku: His heart and his mind are made up. Now, believe in him.

Mickey frowned, knowing Riku was right.

King Mickey: Yeah...

He then gave Sora a small smile.

King Mickey: Safe journey, Sora.

Sora: Thank you.

[Play HIKARI (-KINGDOM Tres Orchestra Instrumental Version-)]

Sora nodded before turning away. He then summoned his Kingdom Keyblade and aimed it towards the sky; magic swirled around the keyblade and fired a beam of light toward the sky as a keyhole appeared, shattering into the sky. Sora activated the power of waking, and his search for Kairi had begun again.

[Cut to the Disney Castle gardens]

After Sora's departure, Donald and Goofy escort King Mickey back to Disney Castle. His eyes light up when he sees Queen Minnie. He runs to her, and she sheds a tear. She starts to run to him, but Pluto jumps ahead and pounces on Mickey, licking his face as Mickey giggles. Pluto barks happily when Minnie reaches him. She laughs and takes his hands in hers as Daisy approaches Donald sweetly before giving him a reproachful look. Goofy shudders in anticipation of her outburst, but she only hugs Donald instead. Jiminy Cricket pops out onto Goofy shoulder with a smile. He grabs his top hat as Goofy turns to see Yen Sid enter with Chip and Dale perched on his shoulders. Pluto jumps excitedly, and the sorcerer smiles down at them. The sky flashes brightly, and everyone looks up as the sky is illuminated with colorful fireworks.

[Cut to the Land of Departure]

Meanwhile, Terra, Aqua, and Ven return to the Land of Departure. Eraqus's Keyblade is planted in the ground adorned with a wreath, a vigil for their fallen master. The three each hold their Wayfinders close to their hearts before walking back to the castle. Terra and Aqua walk on ahead while something catches Ven's eye.

[Cut to Twilight Town]

In Twilight Town, Axel and Roxas sit in their usual spot, the clock tower. They look over as Xion joins them, sitting beside Roxas with a smile. They stare out at the ever-setting sun as a hand reaches in bearing sea-salt ice cream. They look up and see Isa with four bars in his hand. He offers one to each of them and sits beside Axel. Roxas goes to take a bite but notices the arrival of Hayner, Pence, and Olette, each with their own ice cream bar. Axel and Roxas raise theirs in greeting, and the trio sits next to Xion. They all begin to eat as they stare off into the sunset until they notice a flying object casting a shadow over them.

[Cut to Destiny Islands]

We find Riku leaning against the paopu tree as he holds up a photo of him, Sora, and Kairi with smiles on their faces, showing off different poses. He then holds the photo close to his heart as he looks up toward the sky, hoping that Sora and Kairi will make it home safe and sound.

[End HIKARI (-KINGDOM Tres Orchestra Instrumental Version-)]


After a while of relaxation and as the month passed by, Riku and the rest of the Guardians continued their Keyblade duties by patrolling the worlds for any activities of Heartless or any other kind of threats that could've upset the balance of light and darkness. One morning, Riku woke up in his house, getting ready for the day as he waited for another potential call from Master Yen-Sid. Sure enough, he was called. Riku then picked up his Gummiphone and answered it.

Riku: Hello, Master.

Master Yen-Sid: Ahh, hello Riku.

Riku: Another patrol mission?

Master Yen-Sid: No. I am calling all the Guardians to come to my tower.

Riku: All of us? What's going on?

Master Yen-Sid: Today is the day...we hear from Sora and his new friends on the outcome of Kairi's rescue.

Riku: Really?!

Master Yen-Sid: Yes. I have notified the others. Come to the tower immediately. We shall wait for Sora's call.

The call ended as Riku got a little excited.

Riku: Alright!

"Hey, Riku!"

Riku turned around to see three old friends: Tidus, Wakka, and Selphie.

Tidus: What's got you all in a good mood?

Riku: It's Sora. We're expecting to hear from him today. And Kairi, too.

Tidus/Wakka/Selphie: Really?! Awesome!

Tidus: If you DO hear from him, tell him I want a rematch when he gets back.

Wakka: Maybe even play a game for old-time sakes, Mon.

Selphie: And about Kairi! I wanna if they got together yet or not!

Riku: *chuckles* Sure thing.

[Cut to the Mysterious Tower]

We find our Guardians in Master Yen-Sid's study.

Master Yen-Sid: The day before Sora set out on his mission, he called to inform me more about it.

[flashback]


THE DAY BEFORE THE MISSION...

[Play Kingdom Hearts 3 Re:Mind DLC - Cavern Of Remembrance -KH3 Version- Extended]

Everyone gathered once more. Not to train but to relax. However, before any of that, Sora decided to call Master Yen-Sid. Sora breathes in, then out.

Sora: Ok.

Sora dials Master Yen-Sid's number and waits for him to pick it up. After a little bit of waiting, he eventually picks up.

Master Yen-Sid: Sora.

Sora: Hey, Master.

Master Yen-Sid: Has EDA unlocked her Keyblade?

The teens giggle a bit.

Eda: HA! *snort* No. Still a regular witch.

Master Yen-Sid: Ah, I see. Then, to what do I owe the pleasure?

Sora: Master...we'll be setting out to rescue Kairi tomorrow.

Master Yen-Sid's eyes softly widen.

Sora: I've planned out everything I could. We've trained as hard as we could. We've stocked up on potions, elixirs, and ethers. We'll soon get Kairi back.

Master Yen-Sid's face turned stern.

Master Yen-Sid: Where is she located?

Sora: Kairi is held at a castle. The Boiling Isles has an emperor named Belos, who is considered the most powerful witch. According to Namine, Kairi has been held there since she first arrived. And according to Eda, he's not to be taken lightly and trusted. This means we'll have to fight him if it comes down to it.

Master Yen-Sid: I see. Normally, it would be foolish to challenge the leader of any world. However, retrieving Kairi is your utmost priority. You must rescue her at all costs.

Sora: Right.

Master Yen-Sid: Now, as for your friends...

Luz/Witchlings: Master.

Master Yen-Sid: I must confess... I never imagined that new Keyblade wielders would have been discovered so soon.

Luz/witchlings: ...

Master Yen-Sid: However, I am pleased to have this be the case. For a long time, there were only a few Keyblade wielders. Mickey, Master Eraqus, Terra, Aqua, Ventus. And yes... even Xehanort and Vanitas.

Sora and the others frowned slightly.

Master Yen-Sid: But now...our ranks have increased exponentially. In fact, this will be the perfect opportunity for you all.

Sora: What do you mean, Master?

Master Yen-Sid: I have no doubt Sora has trained you well enough to prepare for this mission. And this mission will indeed put your training to the test. ...However...

Luz and the witchlings kept their focus on Master Yen-Sid's words, feeling a sense of determination.

Master Yen-Sid: Your training is not the only thing that will be tested, but your heart as well. Mainly the witches.

Amity: Us?

Master Yen-Sid: Yes. Should you participate in this mission, you will undoubtedly battle against the order of your world. This "Belos" is the ruler, yet you must challenge him and his followers. As a result, you would be seen as traitors to your own world. You do realize this, yes?

The witchlings' eyes widened with shock. Master Yen-Sid was right; they would be considered traitors, criminals who would no doubt be wanted for their actions. They became nervous about this until Sora spoke up.

Sora: Not to worry, I've thought about that.

Witchlings: You did?

Sora: Yup.

Sora pulls out three Concealment stones.

Sora: I got these for you guys. Tuck these inside yourselves, and you'll be able to be completely disguised. No one will be able to recognize you, not even the Emperor.

Master Yen-Sid: Ah. That is an excellent idea, Sora.

Amity: I'll say!

The three witchlings took the stones and put them into their pockets for safekeeping.

Amity: With these, we should have no problem going with you on this mission now.

Master Yen-Sid: Luz Noceda, Amity Blight, Willow Park, Gus Porter... Today could very well tell us if you are ready to become Guardians of Light. Are you ready for the task?

Luz/Witchlings: Yes, Master!

Luz: We're ready.

Amity: Sora has done so much more for us than we could've imagined.

Willow: As his team... as his friends...

Gus: We gotta return the favor and them some.

Luz/Witchlings: We will get Kairi back. And we'll keep her safe!

Master Yen-Sid: *nods* Excellent. Then I wish you good fortune. In the meantime, I shall inform the rest of the guardians of this. We will look forward to hearing about your success.

Teens: Yes, Master!

Master Yen-Sid: May your heart be your guiding key.

The call ends as Sora puts his Gummiphone away.]


Master Yen-Sid: Yesterday, the mission was in motion. Today, we shall wait here for Sora to call.

The Guardians nodded in agreement.

Riku: Can't wait.

Donald: I just hope Sora hasn't done anything reckless.

[pause]

Donald: TOO reckless.

Goofy: Knowing Sora, it'll be quite the show. A-hyuk!

Terra: Recklessness should be the least of our concerns.

Everyone looks at Terra.

Donald: What do you mean?

Terra: Aqua, Ven, and I fought off Belos and his army before when we met Eda. Belos was quite powerful even for us. It took all four of us a while to damage him long enough to buy enough time to escape.

Aqua: Yes. At that time, Belos was unpredictable, and his abilities were completely new to us.

Ventus: Yeah. He might even be as strong as Xehanort, if not stronger.

Terra: If anything, we should worry if Sora decided to hold back or lost focus.

The rest of the Guardians are taken aback by those notions starting to worry about Sora. However...

Axel: Hey, let's not think negative here. This is Sora we're talking about. Sure, he could cause collateral damage here and there, but he'll pull through. He always does.

Master Yen-Sid: Yes. We must have faith. For now, we wait...

All the Guardians nodded in agreement, then waited for Sora.

[Fade to the Owl House]

SUNDAY 7:00 AM

The rescue mission took place on Saturday at 12:00 AM and ended at 6:00 AM in success and celebration. A day has passed since then, and we find out the heroes are still sleeping. Until they heard an alarm clock go off from Sora's Gummiphone. Everyone groaned and yawned, too groggy to fully wake up.

Eda: Sora! Turn that off!

Sora: I got it...

Sora, still groggy, grabbed the phone and tried to push to snooze.

Sora: *muttering to himself* Come on.

King: Sora!

Sora: I'm trying!

Eventually, Sora got it, silencing the phone. Everyone groggily cheered and went back to sleep again. About an hour passed, and everyone started to wake up, feeling fresh as daisies. Everyone took a turn showering and then made their way to the kitchen as Sora prepared breakfast. The good 'ol pancakes, bacon, eggs, and orange juice. Naturally, everyone enjoyed the food, especially Kairi. Kairi truly savored each food item. Of course, due to her weakened state of being comatose for months, she still has to eat at her own pace.

Kairi: Mmmmm~.

Sora: *smirk* That good, huh?

Kairi: Oh, yeah~. I haven't had these in FOREVER~.

Eda: Never imagined food being THAT euphoric.

Luz: Can't blame Kairi. I mean, she was comatose for a month. If it was me, I'd be willing to eat those tiny fairies.

Kairi: *stops eating, mouthful* Wha?

A pink female fairy suddenly pops up behind Luz.

Fairy: Give me your skin!

Luz simply backhands the fairy, sending her crashing into a wall leaving her with a black eye.

Luz: You get the back of my hand.

Eda: Hooty! Clean up on the aisle backdoor!

Hooty rolls in the frame and snatches up the fairy.

Hooty: Get the heck out of our home. *tosses fairy outside*

Sora: Aaaanyway, get ready guys. After breakfast, we're calling Master Yen-Sid and telling him the good news.

Luz: Ooh! Master Yen-Sid is gonna be so happy when he sees we've got Kairi back.

Gus: And we can tell him how awesome we were in fights.

Eda: Hold on. Are we gonna tell him EVERYTHING?

Sora: Huh? Why wouldn't we?

Eda: Even the part where you almost...

Everyone stayed silent at that moment.

Sora: Yes. Master Yen-Sid has to know about that, too. It wouldn't be right to keep that from him.

Everyone else nods.

Sora: Although... I'll have to break that in gently.

Eda: Good idea.

Teens: Yeah.

After breakfast was done, everyone made their way to the living room. Sora took out his Gummiphone to call Master Yen-Sid but noticed a message pop up on his notifications tab. It said that it was going through an update process on the calling feature and that he had to wait a minute for it to finish.

Luz: System updates? Ugh. Those things take a while.

A ping was heard from the Gummiphone, stating that the update process was complete. Sora then proceeds to call Master Yen-Sid and waits for a few rings until he picks up. To play on a surprise, Kairi hid behind the others from view.

Master Yen-Sid: Ah. Hello, Sora.

Sora: Hey, Master.

Master Yen-Sid looks around to see everyone with smiles on their faces.

Master Yen-Sid: I presume you have good news based on the smiles I see.

Sora: Sure do, Master. May I present to you...

Sora and the others moved out of the to show Kairi.

Sora: Our returned Keyblade's Chosen, Kairi!

[Play Kairi III - Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX OST Extended | Yoko Shimomura]

Kairi stepped forward.

Kairi: Hello, Master.

Master Yen-Sid suddenly became speechless.

Kairi: Um...Master?

Master Yen-Sid shook his head.

Master Yen-Sid: Sora.

Sora: Yes, Master?

Master Yen-Sid: Press that notification on your end that says "projection mode."

Sora took a look and saw a pop-up that said "Projection Mode Requested" with a green checkmark and red X under it. Sora pressed the green checkmark, and a wide projection screen suddenly appeared in front of the heroes. To their surprise, all the Guardians were there. Riku, King Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Roxas, Axel, Xion, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus.

Sora: Oh, cool! You're all there!

Guardians: Sora!

Riku: Great to see you. So, where's—

And they dropped their jaws at the sight of Kairi. For they all can clearly see Kairi's current physical state.

Guardians: Kairi!

Kairi: Hi, you guys. It's great to see you all again.

Riku: Same here. But...what the heck happened to you?

Axel: You went on a strict diet or something?!

Kairi: *shakes head* No, no. Don't worry. It's not as bad as it looks.

Master Yen-Sid frowns as he turns to Sora.

Master Yen-Sid: Sora, explain. Now.

Sora: Uh, right.

Thanks to Namine's knowledge, Sora could relay everything that happened during the raid. The others included their own perspectives as well. While the Guardians were gravely concerned about Kairi's perspective, they were HORRIFIED with Sora's perspective.

Guardians: YOU ALMOST DIED?!

Sora looked down in shame.

Sora: Uhh...yeah.

Riku: Darn it, Sora!

Donald: *quacks in frustration* "Darn it, Sora" is right! Bad enough you blabbed about the order DESPITE Ms. Eda—

Eda: No need to call me "Ms."

Donald: And the others already knowing about the other worlds! But you almost went dead AND scared your friends half to death themselves! We ALWAYS tell you, "NEVER let your guard down until AFTER the fight is done!"

Goofy: Now, Donald. Calm down. *to Sora* All that matters is that you are ok, Sora. But do be more careful next time. We really want you to come back safe and sound.

Sora: Of course, Goofy. I already promised the others that I would do better and get stronger. And that promise is extended to all of you.

Goofy: Glad to hear it!

Donald: *growls* You better!

Master Yen-Sid: Settle down, Donald.

Donald does so.

Master Yen-Sid: As for Kairi, I am relieved that you have survived not only Xehanort's strike but also the ordeal from your rescue.

Riku: We all are. Still, it's crazy...to think you were held captive AND unconscious throughout it. If we were all there, this Belos and his Emperor's coven would've been down in the ground in a second.

Axel: Nah, they'd be up in flames. I would've melted the castle, the old witch, and her idiot sidekick.

Kairi: Aw, you guys are sweet.

Axel: Anything for our pals.

Riku: I'm sure Sora's already told you, but Xehanort is gone for good now.

Kairi: Yes. He has. I'm so happy that you all won in the end, as I knew you would.

Riku nods.

Aqua: Still, we can't help but be so concerned about you right now.

Kairi: *chuckles* Like I said, this is not as bad as it looks. I just need to eat to gain weight again.

Sora steps in.

Sora: I'm making sure of that.

Riku: You?

Goofy: Oh, yeah! Sora has learned how to cook from his time at Uncle Scrooge's bistro in Twilight Town.

Sora: Yup. In fact, I'm pretty much these guys's personal chef. *points thumb at Luz and witches*

Eda: To be fair, your cooking is delicious.

Luz: And you and I both know that we can't really digest anything here in the Isles.

Sora: True.

Eda: Plus, thanks to you, human food is way better than ours.

Witchlings: Agreed.

King: I refuse to go back to eating old junk!

Sora: King, stop it.

[End Kairi III - Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX OST Extended | Yoko Shimomura]

Master Yen-Sid cleared his throat.

Master Yen-Sid: Now, then. Let us properly introduce each other.

The Guardians were the first to start.

Riku: Riku.

King Mickey: I'm Mickey.

Donald Duck: Donald Duck.

Goofy: Name's Goofy. A-hyuk!

Roxas: Roxas.

Axel: The name's Axel, get it memorized.

Xion: Hello, my name is Xion.

Ventus: Ventus. Call me Ven.

Terra: Terra.

Aqua: My name is Aqua.

Eda unnoticeably began to get emotional as Luz and the witches then started.

Luz: Hi, I'm Luz Noceda.

Amity: Amity Blight.

Willow: Willow Park.

Gus: Augustus Porter. Call me Gus.

Eda was about to introduce herself but was cut by King.

King: I am King!

Hooty worms his way between everyone.

Hooty: HOOTY!

The Guardians and even Master Yen-Sid became startled at the sight of Hooty.

Axel: What the heck is that?!

Eda: Oh, that's Hooty. He's our house demon/security system. Hooty! Outta the way! And go out to collect the mail while you're at it!

Hooty: Ok!

Hooty goes off to do so. As soon as he left, Eda stepped forward.

Eda: Anyway, I'm...

Ventus: Eda?

Terra, Aqua, and Ventus widened their eyes in surprise.

[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dearly Beloved- Extended]

Ventus: Eda!

Eda's eyes widened as well.

Eda: Ven!

Eda sees and focuses on Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. The four locked eyes with one another. Everyone could sense the atmosphere changing into an emotional state between the four.

Eda: Terra...Aqua...Ven...

Terra/Aqua/Ventus: Eda...

Eda, Aqua, and Ventus teared up a bit as Terra gently smiled, happy to see each other after ten long years.

Eda: *chuckles* I can't believe it. I'm actually seeing you three again. *sniff* Do you have any idea how worried I was until I heard and saw everything you guys went through in Sora's memories?

Ventus: We're so sorry, Eda.

Aqua: Yes. Please forgive us. We know and appreciate that you wanted to help us. But at the time, we were just following the world order.

Terra: When Master Yen-Sid told us Sora was staying with you, we knew he was in good hands. And not a day goes by where we don't regret not bringing you with us when you insisted. *sigh* If we had, Xehanort and Vanitas would've been beaten right then and there.

Eda: Yeah, well. I'm just glad you three survived in the end. And that you're doing ok. I wish I could actually be there with you guys right now.

Ventus: And you will. We're trying to find the path leading us to the Boiling Isles. That way, we'll come get you guys and see each other again.

Eda: Hmph. Looking forward to it.

Sora and the others smiled at this little reunion between the four while thinking their in-person reunion would be a lot more emotional than this. It was then Eda noticed something on Terra's and Aqua's fourth fingers from the right to their left hands.

Eda: Uhhh... Terra, Aqua...what are those on your fingers?

Terra and Aqua jolted and blushed.

Ventus: *turns to the two* Ahp! They've been discovered. Might as well spill the beans.

Terra and Aqua stammered a bit before raising their hands and speaking.

Terra: Umm...they're our...wedding rings.

Eda, Sora, and Luz became really surprised and gasped with excitement.

Eda/Sora: YOU'RE MARRIED?! When did this happen?!

Terra: A week after Xehanort's defeat.

Aqua: Truth be told, Terra and I have been in a relationship since middle adolescence. *giggles* Poor thing nearly passed out when I proposed. It was sweet.

Terra: Did you have to bring that up?

Luz: Aww, that's so cute!

Sora: This whole time? In love? Well, I'll be!

Eda, comedically emotional, shakes Sora.

Eda: I'm so happy for you two!

Sora: *shaken* Con-gra-tu-lations, you-guys! And-Eda, ple-ase let go-o-o-o-o!

Eda does so as she tells Aqua that they will party once they see each other in person again. To which Aqua appreciated.

Master Yen-Sid: *ahem* Now then, I believe it is time to reveal our newest Keyblade wielders.

[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dearly Beloved- Extended]

Sora nods as he looked back to the others.

Sora: Guys?

Eda: Show 'em your stuff.

[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -The Promised Beginning- Extended]

Luz and the witchlings nodded and stepped forward. One by one, they each summoned their Keyblades.

Luz: My Keyblade is named Inner Peace. And with it, balance is my power.

Amity: My Keyblade is named Burning Love. And with it, love is my power.

Willow: My Keyblade is named Nature's Valor. And with it, courage is my power.

Gus: And my Keyblade is named Trickster's Conviction. And with it, confidence is my power.

The Guardians and Eda were in awe of the four new Keyblades in their view.

Master Yen-Sid: Excellent. I look forward to the day when you are brought to my tower for us to meet in person. I also hope to see you four ready to answer the call when the worlds are in need.

Luz/Amity/Willow/Gus: Yes, Master!

Luz: Oh, that reminds me. At some point, we'll still have to tell our families about this.

Master Yen-Sid: Yes. Once we find the path to reach the Boiling Isles, we will personally visit each of your families and explain the purpose of Keyblade wielders.

Gus: Huh... I wonder if our folks will be ok with us being world-traveling heroes.

Sora: Eh, just tell them we get paid a lot.

Amity: Wait. You guys get paid?

Axel: Oh, yeah. Every Heartless and Nobody we slay gives us major cash.

Eda turns to Sora.

Eda: So, that's how you have all that munny.

Sora: Yup. In fact, you guys should have some too.

Willow: Where?!

Sora: Either in your inventory space or in your closets.

The witches paused.

Sora: I don't know how either. All I know is it appears in my closet sometimes.

The witches paused again.

Eda: Check our closets later.

Luz/Amity/Willow/Gus: Yup.

Master Yen-Sid: *ahem*

Everyone turned to Master Yen-Sid.

Master Yen-Sid: The point being, our Guardians here, as well as our new Keyblade wielders there, will someday meet in person, and it is my hope that you all will be a strong unit together off and on the battlefield.

All the Keyblade wielders agreed in unison.

Luz: *excited* I can't wait to get to know each of you guys. There's so much I wanna know.

The Guardians smiled and chuckled a bit at the sight of Luz. To them, she was sorta of like Sora, an undoubtedly pleasant person to be around with. Riku and Amity locked eyes for a bit. Knowing each other's stories, they felt as though they could talk about their experiences for days on end. The same thing could be said for Roxas and Willow. And Axel feels like he could teach Gus a thing or two.

Master Yen-Sid: Settle down, everyone.

Everyone does so.

Master Yen-Sid: Luz Noceda, Amity Blight, Willow Park, Gus Porter.

Said teens focused on Master Yen-Sid.

Master Yen-Sid: You have proven yourselves to be trustworthy and that you are all strong, not just in your physical strength but in your heart. And those hearts that allowed you to forge your bonds together led you to victory in your battles, applying everything you've learned from Sora and successfully rescuing Kairi. For that, you have my sincerest gratitude. *bows*

Luz/Witchlings: *bowing* Thank you. And You're welcome, Master.

Master Yen-Sid: There is one philosophy that is sacred to Keyblade wielders. Do you remember what that philosophy is?

Luz/Witchlings: "May your heart be your guiding key".

Master Yen-Sid: That is correct. Do you solemnly vow to uphold this philosophy? Not just as Keyblade wielders, but in your lives as well?

Luz/Witchlings: Yes, Master!

Master Yen-Sid closed his eyes while stroking his beard for a few seconds before opening his eyes with a gentle, proud smile on his face.

Master Yen-Sid: Very well. From this day forth, Luz Noceda, Amity Blight, Willow Park, Gus Porter, I hereby dub thee into the Guardians of Light!

Luz/Witchlings: *bows* Thank you, Master Yen-Sid!

Everyone paused for a bit with smiles.

Master Yen-Sid: ...NOW, you may cheer.

All the Guardians, including Eda and King, did so with shouts, whistles, and hand clapping. However...

[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -The Promised Beginning- Extended]

Hooty: GUYS!

Everyone was startled again by Hooty suddenly slamming the front door open. As he came in, they noticed papers in his beak.

Eda: Hooty! What the heck?!

Hooty: Sorry. But we've got bad news! REALLY bad news!

Eda: What?

Hooty hands the papers to Eda.

Hooty: See for yourself. And show the others, too.

Eda starts going through the papers.

Eda: Just how bad are we talking—

Eda had a horrified look on her face at two particular pieces of the paper set.

[Play KINGDOM HEARTS III – Original Soundtrack - Secrets of the Night]

Sora: Eda? What's wrong?

Eda: ...You kids might wanna see this.

Sora, Kairi, Luz, and the witchlings took a look at the papers and became shocked. The Guardians saw their expressions and then grew concerned.

Master Yen-Sid: What is it? What is the matter?!

Each member of Sora's team took a paper and showed them to the Guardians. The Guardians became shocked at what they saw: Wanted Posters. Wanted Posters for each one of them on Sora's end. However, what was truly terrifying was Sora's and Kairi's posters. For Kairi, it said, "WANTED: ONLY ALIVE." For Sora, it said, "WANTED: ONLY DEAD."

The Guardians gasped at this.

Goofy: Oh, gwarsh! ONLY dead?!

Donald: *quacks in anger* How could they do that!?

Sora: Looks like Belos is really ticked off that we had him beat.

Riku turns to Master Yen-Sid.

Riku: Master!

Master Yen-Sid: I know! Let us not panic! Remain calm!

It took a bit of time, but everyone did calm down.

Master Yen-Sid: Now then, I understand that this does not bode well. Those wanted posters are a message that Belos will not let this go. Sora.

Sora paid attention.

Master Yen-Sid: You and your friends may have been victorious for now... However, it is clear this is only the beginning. You would do well to train even harder than ever before and become much stronger than you are now. Do you understand?

Sora frowns while listening closely to Master Yen-Sid.

Sora: Yes, Master. As I've said, I will get stronger.

Kairi: So will I.

Luz/Witches: Us too!

Master Yen-Sid: *nods* Hm. On our end, we will make haste and prioritize our efforts toward locating the Boiling Isles. The moment we do so, we will deploy and come to assist you and retrieve you all to my tower.

Sora/Kairi/Luz/Witches: Yes, Master!

[Fade to the castle hallways]

Master Yen-Sid: (voiceover) Many challenges will come your way. You must be ready to face them when the time comes.

Lilith is walking through the hallways while having a troubled expression on her face. Steve is following her.

[Fade to a remote forest]

Master Yen-Sid: (voiceover) Be prepared, young champions...

Boscha is leaning against a stone wall with her arms crossed and has a glare in her eyes as she turns her head to see Bria walking towards her with a smirk on her face.

[Fade to castle rooftop]

Master Yen-Sid: (voiceover) Because, as of this moment...

Belos, Vanitas, Maleficent, and Pete are standing next to each other as they stare off into the distance in the direction of Bonesborough with the Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed lined up behind them.

[Fade back to the heroes]

Where everyone was still listening to Master Yen-Sid with serious expressions.

Master Yen-Sid: We are at war.

All but Master Yen-Sid: Yes, Master!

Riku: Hang tight, you guys.

Ven: We'll be there as soon as we can.

Axel: And once we do...

Xion: We will win once more.

Sora/Kairi/Luz/Witches: Right.

Master Yen-Sid: We will prioritize locating the Boiling Isles immediately. In the meantime, I wish you all good fortune in your future endeavors.

Sora/Kairi/Luz/Witches: Thank you, Master.

The call ends as everyone stood there in silence.

[Cut to the Owl House rooftop]

Everyone, with a look of determination on their faces, stood close to each other as they started off into the distance in the direction of Bonesborough.

Sora: Like Master Yen-Sid said, this is just the beginning.

The rest nodded.

Luz: And we'll have to train, get stronger so that we'll be ready for what comes our way.

Kairi: And we'll do it together. As long we stick together, there's nothing we can't do.

Sora/Luz/King/Witches: Yeah!

The teens summoned their Keyblades while Eda summoned her staff. Sora raised his Keyblade first.

Sora: All for one...

Everyone did the same, clinking their weapons together.

Heroes: And one for all!

After that, they all went back into staring off towards Bonesborough. Staying silent until they quoted their most important philosophy.

Sora: May our hearts...

Heroes: be our guiding key.

[End KINGDOM HEARTS III – Original Soundtrack - Secrets of the Night]


[Play Simple And Clean]

(NOTE: Ladies and Gentlemen? It's done. Season 1 has officially reached its conclusion. Thank you all so much for your love and support. When I started writing this, I honestly didn't think I would have the steam to see this through. And yet, here we are. However, I regret to inform you that I will go on a hiatus. Sad I know. But I need a break, and I want to focus on other projects for now. For example, I want to finish that "A Light In Amphibia" short story I did, I wanna finish. As well as maybe write other short stories involving Sora in other worlds. Work on an original story project that's been at the back of my mind. And I still have that ONE secret chapter to publish here. Hope you'll like that. Now, I kindly ask you guys not to ask me when I'll start Season 2. I'll have to binge-watch it to plan how the story will go, and that will take a long while, so there is NO set date on when I'll begin again. Season 2 will start when it starts. I will not abandon this series. I really wanna see through to the end. If you don't hear from me in over a year, you might have to assume the worst. And if there's anyone out there who has the courage to carry on the torch and continue the story from here. Feel free. I thank you all for your patience and hope you'll share this fanfic with others you may know who might be interested. Until then... *looks back* Guys?

Sora/Kairi/Luz/Eda/King/Amity/Willow/Gus: Byyyyyyeeeeeee!

[End Simple And Clean]


reconnect.
HEARTS OF THE BOILING ISLES