I struggled for the longest time with writing this. No matter what I wrote down, it never felt good enough. One would think it would be easy to figure out in the span of over a year, but alas, that is not the case for good old me.

Regardless, I do feel bad for keeping everyone waiting. I don't want to waste any time, so I say we just continue.

Play: Daybreak Town - Home (Feeling at Ease - 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim)

There was a long and tense silence. Skyler twisted her new Keyblade so she could hold it in both hands, her enormous grin never fading.

Her father stood from his seat at the table, approaching his daughter, "Where…how did you get one?"

"I don't know. I was on my way home from grabbing everything on the list, and when I was taking the back alleys, I got jumped by some-,"

She didn't get to finish before her mother jumped up, "Wait, you were what?!"

"Hold on. I got jumped by these weird creatures," she said while sitting at the table across from her parents, "I don't know if they were animals or something, but they weren't human. Before I knew it, this thing popped up in my hand and they ran off. Just like that."

She had placed the Keyblade on the table, which her father reached over and grabbed, looking it over in his hands. He ran his hand over the blade a few times, tapping the star at the end with his finger.

"I've seen a lot of these. They call it "Starlight". I used a picture of it to model the one I made for you."

He then turned toward his daughter, "And you're sure this is yours?"

Skyler scoffed indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest, "C'mon Dad, you really think I stole it from some random wielder and tried to pass it for my own?"

He shrugged, "I mean, it's possible."

"It's not. Here."

Skyler put her hand up, and a second later, the Keyblade disappeared from her father's hand and reappeared in her own. Her father stared at his hand for a second, then looked back up to Skyler, who smiled.

"You actually did it…"

…

Skyler returned her Keyblade to its spot on the table, "Yeah, I know. Again, I don't know how, but I-,"

She was interrupted again, by her father again, but in a much different way. Unlike the last time, she was interrupted by him grabbing her in a tight bear hug, squeezing her so hard she could barely breathe.

"I always knew you could do it, kiddo!"

In her mind, Skyler was saying, "You gave me an ultimatum that I had to quit if this didn't happen in two years, but fair."

However, in reality, Skyler was simply trying (and failing) to breathe, barely able to squeeze out words as her dad hugged her, "Dad, please…can't breathe…"

Her mother, while laughing, stood from her seat and tapped her husband on the shoulder, "Please, hon. Put her down. You're going to crush her to death."

With his own chuckle, Caelus let Skyler down, patting his daughter on the head, "Sorry, kiddo."

Skyler was dizzy from the crushing, but she was brought back into focus when her mother firmly grabbed her shoulders.

"Your father and I cannot express how proud of you we are, Skyler. Remember that no matter what happens, you'll always have us to have your back and that this will always be your home."

Her mother pulled her into a much less tight hug, which Skyler reciprocated. Her father wrapped his arms around them, enveloping the whole family in a group hug. They remained that way for a long while.

After a while, they all parted, and Skyler gave her parents an eager smile. At long last, her dream had finally come true, and she had her family at her side.

What more could she possibly ask for?

…

"So, what happens for you now?"

"I'm not sure. I dunno if I should head to the Foreteller's Clock Tower, but I don't think that would make the best first impression."

"Maybe they'll come to you? I'm sure they have ways of knowing when a new wielder gains their power."

Skyler shrugged, "It's possible. If only I could find that Chirithy again. I'm sure they would know."

Stop: Daybreak Town - Home (Feeling at Ease - 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim)

Just after she finished, there was a light knocking on the front door of their home, and Iris was about to stand to answer it, but her daughter was quicker.

"I got it," Skyler said as she rose from her seat and walked over to the door. She opened it and was stunned to see who was standing at the door.

"I knew one day, the light of the world would bring us back together."

Master Invi stood before her, carrying a briefcase in her hand. Even though so much time had changed since Skyler had last seen her, the master looked as if she hadn't changed.

Skyler was too astonished to form a coherent thought, only muttering clumsily, "M-ma-Master Invi?"

Invi chuckled lightly, "It's good to see you again, Skyler. Do you…mind if I come in?"

"Uhhhh, I-yes. Yes! Please do."

Skyler took a step back, allowing Invi to enter her home. Iris and Caelus saw the young master, and both stood to greet her.

"Master Invi! It's…it's an honor to have you. To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Invi looked down at the dining room table, noticing the Keyblade that Skyler had left sitting there. She walked over slowly, placing down her briefcase and preparing to reach out for the Keyblade.

"I can think of one reason," before she grabbed the blade, however, she turned back to Skyler, quietly asking, "May I?"

Skyler weakly nodded, and Invi grabbed the Keyblade from the table. She ran her hand over the blade, examining it and all of its details.

"You finally awoke to your power. I'm sure this is something you've been waiting on for quite a while…"

She then put the blade up, and it disappeared in a flash of light. A second later, the Keyblade reappeared in Skyler's hand, which she was not prepared for, the heavy weight of the blade nearly making her fall over.

As the younger girl composed herself, Invi smiled and turned toward Skyler's parents, "I'm sure you two have a lot of questions about what will happen next. I can assure you that I will answer them all in due time. However, I need to speak with Skyler first. If it's no bother, is there somewhere where she and I could talk? In private?"

Caelus stepped forward to answer, "You can use my study. It's just down the hall. Sky can lead you there."

He looked toward his daughter and nodded to her, with her repeating the gesture.

"Follow me, Master. It's right over here."

"Very well. Thank you, again."

Invi bowed to Caelus, then followed Skyler down the hall, taking her briefcase with her. Skyler led them to a door at the end of the hall, gesturing for Invi to enter before her. Once the master did, she shut the door behind them.

…

…

…

Caelus's study was dark and unorganized, with paper schematics for various projects of his being strewn about. A bulletin board on the far wall held even more haphazardly strung up, including old blueprints of the wood Keyblade he had made for Skyler. His desk was similarly unorganized, with clusters of worn-out pens and broken pencils scattered to the side.

Skyler walked past the master, stammering, "I'm sorry. Dad's a mess when he's working. I'll clean this up."

She took a few minutes to clear off her father's desk, clumsily rolling up each blueprint and placing it on a separate table in the corner of the room. Invi watched this with a smile, and when Skyler proudly declared the table as clear, she put her briefcase on the table.

While Master Invi emptied her bag's contents, Skyler tried to create some light conversation, "So uhh…you do this often? This whole new-wielder thing?"

"Any time there is a new wielder, one of us Foretellers comes to meet with the wielder to guide them on their way. As well as speak with their families, if necessary."

"'If necessary'?"

Invi sprinkled some sort of dust into a beaker, answering her question without breaking concentration, "All wielders come from different backgrounds. Some with very little family, some with none at all. It's not uncommon to find one that had been living by themselves."

"Oh…"

…

The conversation died out at that point, with Skyler not knowing how else she would possibly be able to continue. After a few seconds, Invi was still working on whatever she was working on, the sound of metal clinking against glass continuing to break the silence every so often.

"Uhhhh, Master Invi…if I may ask, what have you been working on this whole time?"

The Master didn't turn to respond, only speaking aloud, "Something that will help you on your journey as a wielder. However, I'm missing something…"

She stood from her seat, turned back toward Skyler, and approached the girl, "I just need one thing from you."

Skyler stood at attention after hearing that, loudly decreeing, "Of course! Whatever you need, I'll get it!"

Invi smiled, "You don't need to "get" anything. Just hold still."

She put her hand out toward Skyler's chest, and the girl stood there confused for a moment until her chest flashed, and a small orb of light appeared out of her chest. It floated down into Invi's hand, the Master looking quite content over what just happened.

Skyler, on the other hand, was freaking out, putting a hand over where the orb had just come out, "Ummm, what the hell was that?! What just came out of me?!"

"Relax, you'll be fine. The light in your heart was the last piece I needed."

"The last piece for what?"

"You'll see soon enough. And don't worry about what just happened. I assure you, you're safe."

Invi returned to her things on the table, sliding the piece of light into one of the glass beakers. Skyler looked at her skeptically, still keeping a hand over her chest. Master Invi fiddled with the beakers a little longer, before pouring all of the contents in each one into a singular, larger beaker.

She then took the small orb of light she took from Skyler, and slid it into the larger beaker as well. It combined with the other substances inside, and there was a flash of light.

…

…

…

Skyler had to cover her eyes from the flash, but when she opened her eyes, Master Invi was standing, holding something on the table.

"All done." The Master decreed, and she turned toward Skyler. She was surprised to see that the Master was holding a sleeping Chirithy, although it was slightly different from the one Skyler had met. This one was wearing a tiny jean jacket, much like hers, and on the back was an embroidered icon that looked like a heart.

Skyler looked at her puzzled, "A Chirithy?"

"Your Chirithy, Sky. This little one will guide you on your journey. Here."

She stepped forward, handing the Chirithy to Skyler. It was a lot heavier than she expected, but she managed to keep hold of it.

"Be sure to take care of one another. Often, you'll find that they'll be your only company. The road ahead will be long and dangerous, but they'll always be by your side."

The Chirithy stirred in Skyler's arms, and Master Invi smiled. Skyler, however, looked a bit concerned.

"What the matter?"

Skyler frowned, "...is it a bad time to mention that I'm allergic to cats?"

At first, Invi looked surprised, then she snorted and started laughing quite loudly. Her laughing fit went on for a good half a minute, with Skyler even joining in about halfway through. All the while, the Chirithy continued to sleep in Skyler's arms.

Eventually, Invi composed herself, clearing her throat before saying, "Sorry, that was…improper of me. You needn't worry about your allergies. Chirithy won't be any trouble for that."

Invi looked back to grab her briefcase, "They'll be waking up soon. I should take a moment to speak with your parents about what's going to happen. Take a moment to get to know one another when they wake up."

She walked past Skyler toward the door, the younger girl turning back and asking, "Is there anything else we need to talk about before you go today?"

"Yes. One last thing. But I'll tell you as I leave. It will set you on your way."

Invi then opened the door, leaving the study and Skyler. Chirithy stirred again in her arms and actually started to awaken.

They and Skyler's eyes met, with Skyler giving a very awkward, "...hi."

Play: Where The Heart Is - Final Fantasy XVI

Invi returned to the dining room, where Skyler's parents remained, both of them sitting at the table, a freshly steaming kettle of tea sitting in the center.

The mother, Iris, noticed the master first, and she smiled, "Master Invi. I assume all went well with Skyler?"

"Yes, it did. I've asked her to wait so that we all may speak. If it's no bother."

"Not at all. Please, sit. I'll get you some tea."

Invi smiled, and she walked over to join Iris and Caelus at the table, the former pouring an extra cup of tea into a mug for Invi and placing it before the master on the table.

"Thank you. You've both been too kind."

"It's the least we can do. Our daughter is going to be under your wing now."

Invi smiled, deciding at that point to take her mask off, removing it from her face as well as removing her hood. She straightened out her blue hair, placing her mask on the table next to her hand.

"I'll do my best to meet your expectations."

…

Invi took a sip of her tea, then started, "Now, I know that this is something Skyler has wanted to do for quite a long time. I remember that distinctly from the day I met her as a child. However, as her parents, I need to let you both know about just how dangerous a role such as this is."

She was expecting Iris and Caelus to interrupt, but neither said anything. Only continuing to listen intently. So, she continued, "When I first met Skyler all those years ago, I could sense the light in her heart. It was intense and very strong. I knew from that day she had the makings of a great wielder, with the potential to be one of the best in all of the Unions."

"But, with all of that being said…I've seen many wielders, strong in heart and strong with the blade, fall to the darkness in more ways than one. They could be the brightest person and the greatest wielder to have ever held a blade, once the darkness gets in, it spreads. And once it begins to spread…well, the consequences are something I'd rather not get into."

Caelus, the father, finally decided to speak, "So, are you trying to…talk us out of this? Because I'll tell you. It's not us you're going to need to convince, it's the girl in that back room over there."

"I'm not trying to talk anyone out of it. What I am trying to do is to make you understand the risks that come with being a wielder. Tomorrow, or whenever she sets off on her journey, that could be the final time you ever see her. It's…it's hard as a Master to have to do this, but I could never imagine what it would be like for you both if something were to happen to her."

She met Iris's eyes, who had been silent this whole time, and sternly spoke to her, "While I will do whatever I can to make sure she is prepared for the dangers of the world, make sure she has the best training that I can possibly offer her. But if she isn't careful, loses a battle, or lets even the smallest amount of darkness into her heart, then…I'm afraid that there's very little I could do by then to personally guarantee her safety."

…

There was a tense silence, as Invi and Skyler's parents engaged in one long staring contest. Caelus looked over to his wife, who had remained silent to this point.

At long last, she spoke, breaking the silence in the room, "You know, there was this one time, a few years ago, long after you met Skyler in that yard by the river. I think she was around twelve, maybe thirteen. We were in the middle of town one day, and she ran into a young man who was a Keyblade wielder."

"Skyler went up to talk to him, and he was very rude to her. Acting all bold and abrasive, as if holding that kind of power put him on a pedestal above her or something. It was near the end of their conversation when Skyler asked, 'Why do you want to wield a Keyblade?' The man answered, 'So that I can be stronger than everyone else.'"

Iris leaned forward, "You want to know what Skyler said after that? She told that man, 'A Keyblade wielder becomes strong to protect those around them, not to use it for their own selfish gains. If you aren't going to use your power for good, then you shouldn't have it at all.' And she walked away from him."

"I know that what you and your colleagues do is dangerous. I've seen it, and I know what the…things you fight are capable of. But if there's anyone in this world who is strong enough and has the will to oppose it, it's my daughter. That's why she's wanted this her whole life, and that's why she was chosen."

She leaned back in her seat, taking a long, deep breath. Her eyes met Invi's once again, and she smiled at her, "But I'm sure you knew that last part already."

Invi smiled back at her, "That I did."

…

…

…

While that conversation was happening, Skyler was engaged in her own discussion with her Chirithy, now that it was awake. She placed the creature on her father's desk, taking a seat in the chair.

"So…what exactly are you? You're not one of those monsters that wielders fight, right?"

Chirithy vehemently shook their head, "No no. I'm what they call a "Spirit". You don't need to worry about me trying to attack you in your sleep if that's something that worries you."

"Well, I won't need to sleep with one eye open."

"No ma'am!"

Skyler then leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest, "So, Chirithy, what's your part in all of this? If we're gonna be working together, I feel like I should know what exactly you do."

"Well, essentially, I'll be your guide and companion throughout your journey. I'll help you out if you ever have any questions about your role as a wielder, give you tips wherever you might need them, collect any Lux you gather from Heartless you defeat, as well as be your faithful friend! You can always rely on me!"

Chirithy posed in a very proud manner, while Skyler looked at her with a questionable look in her eyes. The Spirit noticed and questioned her look.

"You don't seem convinced."

"Sorry, I'm just taking some time to process everything. It's…a lot to take in, y'know?"

"I get ya. Well, like I said, if you need to ask anything, you can always turn to me. While I can't teach you how to do your math homework, I'm always here if you have a Keyblade question."

Skyler smiled, "Well, good to know I've got somebody to have my back out there."

"Yep!"

…

"Okay, now that I've introduced myself, it's time for you to do the same thing. Tell me all about our newest Keyblade wielder."

Skyler looked up at the ceiling, thinking to herself on what she should say, "Well…my name is Skyler. I'm fifteen years old. I've wanted to be a Keyblade wielder since I was three years old. I met Master Invi once and that was cool. I can bake a mean plate of cinnamon rolls. Oh, and also, I'm a l-,"

"Whoa whoa. Settle down. You don't gotta spit it all out at once. We got plenty of time to get to know each other."

"Oh…right."

Chirithy then hopped off the desk and onto Skyler's lap, patting the girl on her arm, "Either way, I'm sure Master Invi is nearly done with her conversation with your parents. We should probably head out and go talk with her about what's going to happen next."

"Okay."

Skyler went to stand, putting Chirithy back on the desk before she did. However, she did not expect to feel Chirithy jump onto her back and then climb onto her shoulder. She questioned the spirit.

"Uhhhh, whatcha doin' up there?"

"What, you thought I was going to walk? If I did we'd never get anywhere. I'll be relying on you to carry me around, alright?"

Skyler just shrugged, said "Well, if you say so", then walked to the study exit, opened the door, and entered the hall.

…

…

…

As Skyler and Chirithy approached the dining room, they heard Invi still talking with Skyler's parents. She was finishing her sentence as they approached.

"...she'll be fine once she arrives at the Gathering grounds. When she arrives at the right point, her heart will guide her the right way."

She heard Skyler approach as she finished, and stood to look back at the young wielder, grabbing her mask from the table as she did so.

"I see you two have met already. How does it feel to have your very own?" Invi asked this as she walked up to Skyler, giving Chirithy a quick pat on the head.

"It'll be nice to not have to go through all of this alone."

"True. Even still, Chirithy will have just as much a role to play in your journey as you will. So take care of each other."

"We will, but Master…what am I supposed to do now? You said something about a "Gathering"? What's that?"

…

Invi then took a step back, putting her mask back on along with her hood, "For all new Keyblade wielders, they must first prove they have what it takes to wield their newfound power. Deep in the Luminous Wood to the east of town, there lies a sacred ground called the "Keybearer's Gathering". Make your way there, enter the trial chambers, and there we'll see if you are truly worthy."

"How will I know when I've found the Gathering?"

"Your Keyblade will point you in the right direction. Just follow it, and your heart, and it will see you through. You should depart the first thing tomorrow morning. It's not quite a short walk from here."

Invi then turned away, taking a moment to approach Caelus and Iris, who had stood from their seats and joined them, "Thank you for having me today. I hope to see you all again very soon."

Then, the master turned to Skyler, and although her voice was as faint as a whisper, Skyler could hear it almost as if she was speaking aloud.

"May your heart be your guiding key."

"Huh?"

Before Skyler could respond in any way, Invi had told her "Goodbye," and she walked out the door. Skyler was left there, with her Chirithy perched on her shoulder. Her parents talked to her left but none of the words registered in her head.

She whispered the words back to herself, under her breath, "May my heart be my guiding key…"

…

Skyler then looked down at her hand, opening it up and watching her Keyblade appear once again.

"So, this is happening, huh? They want me to prove myself worthy, huh?"

Her hand clutched the grip tightly, "Fine. I'll prove my worth. You've wanted this your whole life, Sky. Time to show them that you belong."

And with that, we finally continue. Hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you'll continue to stay with me on this journey. I have no intentions of stopping, and want to share this journey with you all.

Until next time.

-Broncozfan623