Within 'Infinitum Firmamentum,' the members of Organization 14th stood assembled as their forms shrouded in darkness, their faces hidden beneath their hoods. They stood in a circle, each one occupying a space marked by a tall, slender throne of pristine white. The chamber was vast, its ceiling lost in the shadows high above, its walls adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to writhe and shift.
Dorval: Comrades, we stand at a precipice. The time for whispers and shadows is over. The hour of our ascension is at hand. Report. What progress has been made in our efforts to awaken 'Kingdom Hearts?'
Member 2: We have successfully infiltrated several worlds as you commanded. The artifacts are in our possession. The energy transfer is underway. But the process is slow. While we estimate several more weeks, perhaps months, before we have accumulated enough power to unlock the gate.
Dorval: Weeks? Months? (his voice rose with a sharp crack that sliced through the entire colossal structure they were standing on) We do not have that luxury! Not anymore, not with two Keyblade wielders operating unchecked.
He turned his gaze towards another figure, their form trembling slightly beneath his scrutiny.
Dorval: And what of Xanderius? Has he returned with the Crystallized Heart?
Member 4: Xanderius is gone. He was eliminated. By the same Keyblade wielder. One of the comatose from the era of old. Blizzard, he called himself.
A collective gasp rippled through the assembled members. The elimination of one of their own, a Nobody who had served the Organization for decades, it was a blow that struck at the very core of their collective being.
Member 7: Eliminated? Impossible! Xanderius was one of us for so long! How?
Member 13: No! You're lying! He can't be... (she stumbled back as her voice shifted to a strangled sob) Xanderius, he promised he would...
She trailed off, her body shaking with grief, her face hidden beneath her hood, but the raw agony in her voice was a palpable force that filled the chamber.
Member 1: Let's be realistic, Norgam. He was the weakest among us. Always whining, always stumbling, always relying on others to clean up his messes. (he let out a harsh, humorless chuckle) It was only a matter of time before his incompetence caught up with him.
Norgam: Shut up! You don't know anything about him! He was...
She choked on the words, unable to articulate the anger that burned within her.
Dorval silenced them both with a wave of his hand.
Dorval: Silence. Xanderius is gone. We mourn his passing. But his loss changes nothing. Our mission remains paramount. We will open 'Kingdom Hearts.' We will reclaim our hearts. We will be whole. Again.
He fixed his gaze on Member 6.
Dorval: Tell me, this Keyblade wielder, this 'Blizzard,' what do we know about him? Aside from the fact that he remains a threat, no doubt?
Member 6: He is young. Impulsive. But powerful. He wields a Keyblade unlike any we've encountered before. Its power keep growing. Of course he is dangerous.
Member 3: We need more information. We need to understand the nature of his power, his motives, his weaknesses. We cannot afford to underestimate him.
Dorval: Yes... Yes, increase surveillance. Deploy additional reconnaissance units. Gather intel. I want to know everything about this Blizzard. Tool or obstacle, he will not stand in our way.
He turned his gaze towards the other assembled members.
Dorval: And what of the other player in this conquest?
Member 2: He remains a wildcard. Unpredictable. Dangerous. We have deployed numerous scouts, but he seems to slip through our grasp. He is a phantom, a nightmare that haunts the fringes of our awareness.
Member 5: Our resources are stretched thin. We cannot afford to dedicate unlimited manpower to chasing shadows.
Member 12: Perhaps we should consider alternative strategies? An alliance, perhaps? Or elimination?
Dorval: No. 'The Lunatic' is a Keyblade wielder. Like this Blizzard, he represents a threat, an unknown variable that could disrupt our plans. We will continue to monitor him, gather information, assess his capabilities. But we will not engage him directly. Not yet.
His gaze flickered towards Member 13, who stood silently, her body stiff with grief, her face hidden beneath her hood.
Dorval: We have more pressing concerns.
Member 13: Did none of you hear what he said? That madman wants to erase reality! He wants to destroy everything! (her voice trembled with a mixture of rage and fear) What are we supposed to do if he succeeds?
Member 4: Perhaps we should consider the Lunatic's offer? An alliance could be mutually beneficial. We could pool our resources, our knowledge, our power, to achieve our shared goals.
Dorval: Foolishness. This maniac's goals are not our own. He seeks to unmake the universe. To start anew. We seek to reclaim what was lost, to become whole. Our paths may intersect but they do not align. (he swept his gaze over the assembled members as his voice dropped to a low, hypnotic murmur) We will use the Lunatic as we use all things, to our advantage. His chaos, his destruction, it will create opportunities, openings that we can exploit. We will be patient. We will be watchful. And when the time is right, we will strike.
He snapped his fingers like that of a gunshot.
Dorval: The meeting is adjourned. Continue your research. Gather information. And prepare yourselves. The crisis is upon us.
The members of Organization 14th bowed their heads in unison while their cloaked forms dissolved into shadows as they vanished from the chamber. One by one, they disappeared, leaving behind only the faint mark of their passing.
Two members remained however.
Norgam: Lumielle, why are you...
Lumielle: Norgam, you're not thinking straight. Your grief is clouding your judgment. You can't go against the Organization. Not alone.
Norgam: I don't care anymore. Xanderius is gone! And it's all his fault! (she gestured towards the empty space where Dorval had stood moments before) He sent him to his death! All alone!
She shook her head, her voice cracking with a mixture of rage and despair.
Norgam: I'm going to find that Keyblade wielder, that Blizzard. And I'm going to make him pay.
She turned and strode towards the exit as her cloak billowed behind her. Lumielle watched her go, fear tightening its grip on her heart.
Lumielle: Norgam, wait! (her voice was quiet but urgent) You know we can't act independently. If you want to go after this Blizzard... you need to petition Dorval. Let him know your intentions.
Norgam paused, her back still to Lumielle. For a moment, she didn't move, then she turned, a mask of cold fury replacing the raw grief on her face.
Norgam: You're... right, Lumielle. I will petition Dorval. As soon as possible.
Her voice was controlled, yet cold. Lumielle wanted to believe her, wanted to believe that she would follow protocol, but there was something in Norgam's eyes, a flicker of something dark and dangerous, that filled her with dread.
Norgam brushed past her, her cloak swirling around her like a shroud. As she disappeared through the chamber doors, Lumielle was left alone, chilled to the bone by the emptiness of the room and the certainty that Norgam was already beyond her reach.
Blizzard's POV.
They emerged from the coliseum of the Keyblade Graveyard, stepping onto solid ground. Blizzard staggered, his legs shaky, and Josiah caught him with a grunt, steadying him.
Josiah: Easy there, kid. (Josiah muttered with exhaustion) That... that was a close one.
Blizzard: We... we made it. (Blizzard breathed with wide eyes as he stared at the familiar, desolate landscape of the graveyard) We actually survived.
Josiah: Yeah, no thanks to Gandalf back at Hogwarts. (Josiah grumbled, running a hand over his grimy face) Some mentor he turned out to be.
The Space Shuttle shimmered into existence beside them, formed from the coalescing light of Blizzard's Keyblade. Blizzard glared at the Dream Eater.
Blizzard: Come on, Chirithy. (Blizzard asked, already moving towards the open hatch) Let's get out of here. I need a shower, a nap, and maybe a whole week of therapy after that encounter.
Josiah chuckled mirthlessly.
Josiah: Therapy? Kid, you and me both. I'm starting to think signing up for this whole 'saving the universe' gig was a mistake. Should've just stayed with the resistence.
As they settled into the plush seats of the cockpit, a wave of exhaustion washed over Josiah. He leaned back, closing his eyes against the flashing lights of the control panel. He just wanted to sleep, to forget about 'The Lunatic,' the fate of all existence hanging in the balance.
Josiah: Alright, kid. (Josiah said while forcing his eyes open) Where to next?
Blizzard hesitated, his brow furrowed.
Blizzard: Honestly, I have no idea. We've been bouncing from world to world, following Chirithy's lead, but...
His voice trailed off, his gaze distant, lost in thought. Chirithy, perched on the console, swished its tail nervously.
Blizzard: I think. (Blizzard continued slowly) We need to talk to Yen-Sid again.
Josiah: (snorting) That schizo? What good is he going to do? The guy's about two steps away from wearing a tinfoil hat and ranting about the lizard people.
Blizzard: Josiah, he's the only one who understands any of this. (Blizzard argued, a hint of desperation in his voice) He's the one with most experience than any of us combined.
Josiah: Trusting a schizophrenic with a god complex and a superiority complex the size of a small moon? (Josiah interrupted, raising an eyebrow) Yeah, I think we've got that part covered.
Before Blizzard could retort, a glowing, translucent form materialized before them. Yen-Sid' stood there with an expression of bizarre, smugness and manic energy. He speard his arms wide open while his eyes were wide and unfocused, darting around the cockpit as if he were seeing a thousand things at once.
[Young] Yen-Sid: Fools! You dare question the methods of Yen-Sid, master of the mystic arts, wielder of unimaginable power? (his eyes darted back and forth as if following something only he could see) You imbeciles are speaking to my astral projection! My physical form slumbers peacefully within the celestial sanctuary of my tower, gathering strength, preparing for the inevitable cosmic struggle to come! And you dare question my courage?
Blizzard and Chirithy exchanged uneasy glances. Josiah, however, merely crossed his arms and stared at the hologram with open skepticism.
Blizzard: Uh, is he always like this? (he whispered to Josiah)
Josiah: Yeah.
Noticing their whispered exchange, Yen-Sid's form flickered with agitation.
[Young] Yen-Sid: Silence! You will address the magnificent Yen-Sid with the respect and awe befitting a sorcerer of my unparalleled stature!
Josiah turned back to the hologram, a bored expression on his face.
Josiah: Right. Sorry to interrupt your... cosmic preparations or whatever. But last time I checked, we were the ones risking our necks out here, not you. We almost got turned into cosmic dust by 'The Lunatic,' remember? Where were you then, oh mighty sorcerer?
Yen-Sid blinked, his expression flickering with a hint of panic. He cleared his throat, regaining his composure.
[Young] Yen-Sid: Well, perhaps 'risking' is a bit strong a word. More like facilitated. Guided. Nudged in the right direction, shall we say?
Chirithy who had been unusually quiet throughout the exchange, suddenly spoke up in a high-pitched and trembling tone.
Chirithy: If you knew it was so dangerous, why didn't you come with us? Why send them into that madness alone?
Yen-Sid's form flickered, his ghostly image becoming more transparent, as if he were struggling to maintain his presence.
[Young] Yen-Sid: My dear. You wound me. To involve myself directly would be untoward. It would rob my pupils of the opportunity to learn, to grow, to prove themselves.
Josiah let out a harsh bark of laughter.
Josiah: Prove ourselves? To who? To a fraud who's too chicken to leave his own tower?
[Young] Yen-Sid: Fear had nothing to do with it! (Yen-Sid protested while rising his voice in pitch) I assure you, if I had deemed it necessary to intervene personally, that Lunatic would be—
Chirithy: If you were really guiding us, maybe Blizzard wouldn't have lost his arm!
Josiah: He's got you there, Yen-Sid. Besides, didn't 'The Lunatic' just reattach it anyway? Like some sort of twisted party trick? So much for your 'unparalleled' power. But please! Enlighten us, oh wise and powerful Yen-Sid! What exactly would you have done to this 'Lunatic' if you weren't too busy in your tower?
[Young] Yen-Sid: He would be dust! (Yen-Sid thundered while his form flickered violently) Scattered to the winds! Erased from existence!
Chirithy let out a soft sigh, burying its face in its paws. Blizzard shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting between Yen-Sid and Josiah.
Josiah just sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, a wave of exhaustion washing over him. This was pointless. Yen-Sid was as helpful as ever, which was to say, not at all. They were on their own, just like always.
The sorcerer focused its attention on Josiah's keyblade, his gaze flickering with a strange mix of intrigue and manic fascination. His tone, though, shifted, losing some of its previous hysteria and taking on a strange sincerity, albeit tinged with his usual eccentricity.
[Young] Yen-Sid: Goodness gracious! Look at that! Magnificent, simply magnificent! You've awakened to the power, Josiah! Tell me, how does it feel to command such a magnificent instrument of cosmic energy?
Josiah blinked, a little surprised by the sudden shift in Yen-Sid's demeanor. His own response was tinged with exhaustion.
Josiah: Honestly? Exhausting. It's not like it comes with a holster or anything. This thing is heavy.
Unable to contain himself, Blizzard let out a quiet chuckle.
Yen-Sid's form flickered again, his manic energy returning in full force.
Yen-Sid: What? A holster? Absurd! Preposterous! A Keyblade is an extension of your very being! You don't just put it away! It's not some pocket-sized trinket! (he flailed his arm wildly, almost causing his holographic form to destabilize entirely) You must be one with the Keyblade! Feel its power coursing through your veins!
In a frenzy of exaggerated movements, the sorcerer demonstrated the act of summoning and dismissing his own Keyblade. It appeared and disappeared with a wave of his arm, leaving a trail of shimmering light in its wake.
Yen-Sid: See! It's simple! All you need is concentration! Feel the flow of energy! Don't tell me you enjoy carrying that cumbersome thing around! It's basic Keyblade etiquette!
Though still dubious, Josiah decided to humor the clearly unhinged sorcerer. He closed his eyes, focusing on the weight of the Keyblade in his hand. To his surprise, as he willed it away, the Keyblade dissolved into motes of light, vanishing completely. He opened his eyes and felt a wave of relief as the constant strain on his muscles vanished.
Josiah: Well, I'll be...it actually worked. (he stretched his arm, flexing his fingers) I can't say I'll miss constantly lugging that thing around, that's for sure.
Ignoring Josiah's comment, Yen-Sid cleared his throat loudly, bringing their attention back to him.
Yen-Sid: Now then, on to more pressing matters! You three clearly require further... refinement. Consider it a cosmic bootcamp! A series of trials to test your mettle and unlock your true potential! (he rubbed his hands together gleefully) You must venture forth and cleanse the darkness from a trio of worlds! Each victory will unlock hidden pathways and reveal the locations of other slumbering children. (he fixed his gaze on Blizzard) It is your destiny, Blizzard, to awaken them! To unite the fragmented pieces of this shattered reality!
Yen-Sid paused for a moment, a rare moment of stillness before his manic energy resumed.
Yen-Sid: You will face dangers beyond your wildest imaginings, no doubt! But fear not! Embrace the chaos! (he leaned closer) And Josiah. (his tone turned serious for a fleeting moment) Be wary. Your powers, though nascent, are a beacon. Do not underestimate the seductive lure of the darkness.
Yen-Sid's attention was suddenly drawn towards the viewport, his gaze sweeping across the endless expanse of stars and swirling nebulas. An idea seemed to strike him, his grin widening with manic glee.
Yen-Sid: Yes! The Dream World! The ultimate test awaits! Once you have cleansed these three worlds and located your slumbering brethren, you will venture into the ethereal realm of dreams! There, you will face your deepest fears and confront the nightmares that plague the sleeping minds of this universe! Should you emerge from this crucible with your sanity intact and your minds healthy, you will have earned the title of Keyblade Masters! And then... then, you can join my esteemed club! The Order of Wielders Who Don't Get Eaten By Nightmares!
Blizzard's eyes widened with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.
Blizzard: The Dream World? You mean, like...where Chirithy is from?
Yen-Sid: Precisely! A realm of pure imagination! A swirling vortex of hopes and fears, desires and nightmares! (he shivered, momentarily lost in thought) But be warned, it is not for the faint of heart!
Josiah: Dreams? Nightmares? We signed up for dimension-hopping and monster-slaying, not this psychotherapy nonsense.
However, Blizzard interrupted Josiah with a spark of hope igniting in his eyes.
Blizzard: Wait a minute! What if it could help me remember? What if going to the Dream World could unlock something in my memories?
Yen-Sid threw back his head and let out a booming laugh.
Yen-Sid: Oh, my dear boy! Memories are fickle things! They can be a blessing or a curse! The Dream World holds no answers! Only more questions! And maybe...just maybe... a few terrifying insights into the deepest recesses of your subconscious! (his laughter morphed into a hacking cough, his form flickering violently) But enough of this idle chatter! There's no time to waste! Three worlds! Remember, three worlds! And be wary of these purple—
His voice cut off abruptly as his holographic form dissolved into nothingness, leaving the three of them in stunned silence. The weight of his words, however, lingered, heavy and ominous.
Josiah: What was that about? The color what?
Blizzard shook his head, equally confused.
Josiah: Maybe he meant Deadly Nightshade? I hear those things are nasty.
Chirithy shook its large rounded head with its ears drooping slightly.
Chirithy: I doubt it. Yen-Sid tends to be... a bit more direct when it comes to poisonous plants.
Blizzard: Well, that's helpful. Looks like we're going in blind.
He stared out of the viewport, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. Could the Dream World really hold the key to his past? And what was so terrifying about the color purple?
Sensing his friend's apprehension, Josiah clapped a hand on his shoulder, attempting a reassuring grin.
Josiah: Hey, come on. Chin up! It's not like we haven't faced worse, right? We've got this. Besides, what other choice do we have?
Taking a deep breath, Blizzard nodded slowly, forcing a smile. He had a feeling this was going to be a long and perilous journey.
Blizzard: I... I'm a Keyblade Wielder. Unlocking worlds is what we're supposed to do. Besides, we can't let 'The Lunatic' or that Organization get their way... whatever they are trying to accomplish.
Though he tried to sound confident, the unease lingered, twisting in his gut like a bad omen. He glanced at Chirithy, who avoided his gaze. A flicker of sympathy, a touch of something akin to pity in his usually drawn eyes.
Josiah then settled into the pilot's seat while adjusting the controls.
Josiah: Alright then, next stop...adventure! Let's see if we can't find ourselves some of those hidden pathways. (he pulled back on the control yoke, and with a surge of energy, the shuttle shot forward, plunging them deeper into the infinite expanse of the universe.
End of Season 1.
To be continued in the next arc.
Entering - Camelot arc.