Departure

A few minutes later the two Keyblade wielders ran into the throne room to find a tense looking Aqua and that Eraqus wasn't anywhere around.

"Aqua where is Master?" Terra asked as he and Roxas came to a stop next to her.

"He disappeared behind the thrones after the bells started by themselves. So I guess he is conversing with Master Yen Sid right now." She said getting Terra to nod.

"Wait did you say Yen Sid?" Roxas inquired.

"Yes I did, though have you heard of him before?" She questioned.

"Not really all I know about him is something Eraqus mentioned before the Mark of Mastery begin. So I take it that he is a Keyblade Master as well." He said.

Truthfully while he did possess Sora's memories, that didn't mean that he had all of them. Besides while Sora had encountered the man, all that he inherited was that he was once the King's teacher, a powerful sorcerer, and that he lived in a world called Mysterious Tower.

"He was a Keyblade Master, in fact he was trained here by Eraqus's Master before he and Master Xehanort arrived and passed the Mark of Mastery when they began their training. Though he decided to retire from becoming a Keyblade Master years ago. He keeps in touch with Master through a crystal located behind the thrones." Terra said, getting a nod from Roxas.

A few moments later Eraqus reappeared from behind the thrones and the apprentices and new Keyblade Master stood at attention. He gave them a quick glance over them before sighing.

"Normally I would lecture you on the few flaws with your stance Roxas, but there are much bigger concerns as of this moments." The elder Keyblade Master sighed out before fixing them a serious glare.

Roxas couldn't help but let out a small, silent relief at avoiding a lecter.

He never thought that he would meet someone more stricter with posture then Saïx.

Still his relief died down a moment later as he knew that whatever Eraqus was going to say was going to be grim.

"My old friend Yen Sid keeps a close eye on the shifting tides of the light and darkness. His console helps us Keyblade wielders in which to help us keep the balance of the worlds whenever it is threatened. Unfortunately my old friend has noticed that just minutes ago the balance has been disrupted and the tides have shifted in favor of the darkness for the first time in a century." He said with the upmost seriousness. After a quick look over of his apprentices reactions he continued.

"From what he tells me that this darkness has spread over a number of worlds and has been actively targeting several of the Princesses of Hearts." He continued on.

'Okay this is much more worse then I thought.' Roxas grimly thought after hearing that.

He knew better then most the power of Princesses of Heart. After all he and Naminé were created due to Sora blotching the Heartless Ansem's attempt to use all seven of them to reach Kingdom Hearts.

So he knew that anything go after at least one of them wasn't to be trifled with.

Depending on the worlds this new threat targets, Kairi would be a prime target as she was arguably the youngest of the princesses except for maybe Alice and her world seemed unreachable from anywhere but Wonderland.

So it would be a good idea if he gets the chance to check up on them, well on the worlds that he knew as he didn't know where half of them actually lived.

So with that in mind he focused back onto what Eraqus was saying.

"This new threat is a form of darkness that Yen Sid has never heard of before nor that he has found any records of. A form of darkness that feeds on negativity. A horde of fledgling emotions given the form of monsters. A threat the likes that have never been seen before. A threat that Yen Sid has named the Unversed." He continued on.

Once again Roxas was thinking that the situation got even worse.

Even a brief description of the Unversed had him on edge. An unknown horde of creatures that feeds on negativity sounds a bit too much like the Heartless for his liking. Still from the sounds of it they were not Heartless, but something else entirely and if he had to guess probably more intelligent. An dangerous combination to have and a major threat if he had to face them.

Still he had to wonder, if they attacked the worlds years ago then why hasn't heard of them before? Unless of course it probably had something to do with them not being around in his time as well.

"I have tried to have passed this news onto Master Xehanort, but however I can't find a trace of him anywhere. I don't there is any connections...but this all troubles me." He added before a gasp shifted their focus onto.

"Master Xehanort has disappeared, but how? Me and Roxas just saw him at the courtyard earlier, so how could he have vanished?" He said.

"I have no clue Terra, but your, Aqua's, and Roxas's objectives is to locate Master Xehanort and eliminate the Unversed." Eraqus said, surprising everyone.

"Why did you include Roxas Master? Not to question your orders Master, but isn't he a little inexperienced for this?" Aqua asked.

"She is right, after all he has only a single year of training and that only covered the bare essentials at best. No offense Roxas." Terra stated.

"It's alright I can understand, after all it seems like I have a ton to learn after all. Though I'm curious on why you would suggest that I go with them." Roxas asked, though he had a hunch on why though.

"All of you have made valid points, but Roxas is at a point were he can keep up with either one of you. However you are both correct soon his inexperience so it will be up to the both of you to train him on your journey." Eraqus said while sending a subtle look at the Nobody.

"Yes Master/Eraqus." The three chorused back, while Roxas returned the look.

His hunch was right, Eraqus had selected him for his experience in fighting the likes of the Heartless. Out of the three of them, he was the one of the most combat experience but was lacking in skills that the other two possessed. So the elder Keyblade Master was pairing him up with the other two in order to help him train while enhancing the combat effectiveness of the other two.

That was honestly a brilliant move on his part, but that did bring something into question.

"Wait, If I'm being selected to train under them then why not Ven as well? He has trained here longer then I have." Roxas asked.

"Ventus is not ready yet. I will stay back and complete his training until he is at an adequate level for which I will personally deliver him to either Terra or Aqua if the threat of the Unversed has not been resolved at that point and nothing else." Eraqus said firmly, getting him to nod.

But he couldn't help but feel like the elder Keyblade Master was hiding something though.

"Now then, in order to help you with this momentous task, I have unlocked the Lanes Between. These forbidden backroads are capable of breaching the barriers between the worlds. However there is a greater risk of the darkness here then in regular space, but your armor will be able to protect you." Eraqus continued.

"What about Roxas, he doesn't have any amor." Aqua questioned.

"He does have a coat that he has from his former Master that will shield him from the darkness. Do you still have it Roxas?" He inquired.

"Yes I have it up in my room." The Nobody answered.

"Good, then retrieve it after we are done. For after that I have decided that you shall begin your journey with Aqua and then switch with Terra at a later point and back again. When you two decide to switch I will leave up to you to decide amongst yourselves. This will be good practice for the two of you when it comes time to have apprentices of your own." Eraqus said, getting the two elder Keyblade wielders before facing Terra.

"This will be especially helpful for you Terra, because training Roxas will help weigh on this opportunity the current situation presents." He continued surprising them all again.

"Are you saying that I'm getting another chance, Master." Terra asked, still stunned by this revelation.

"That is exactly what I'm staying Terra." Eraqus said. "If I had my way you would be crowned a Master in a heartbeat. But your heart is suffering a great imbalance right now. So use this chance to fix it and show to me that you are worthy of becoming the great Keyblade Master that I know you will be. But do not obsess over proving yourself nor fearing to failing this chance. Obsessing over it will only cloud your mind and beckons the darkness, while failing will provide you a chance to learn for your mistakes and to try again. You must never forget that if you which to succeed."

After a few moments of silence, Terra spoke up.

"Thank you for this chance Master! I promise you that I will not fail you this time!" Terra said, his eyes burning with determination.

"I'm glad to hear that Terra and I look forward to the day that you will return, ready to finally become a Master." Eraqus said with a small smile, before it vanished and his expression hardened.

"Now then Terra you shall be the first to go off into the worlds. Though I suggest that you take a few minutes to prepare for your journey. Roxas you will have to wait for just a few minutes as I still have something to discuss with Aqua. I will provide her with the supplies for the both of you to set off." He said, getting the Keyblade wielders to nod.

"Now then, go forth and restore the balance of balance to the worlds. And remember may your heart be your guiding key. It will lead you down the right path if you always stay true to it." Eraqus finished.

"Yes Master/Eraqus!" The Keyblade wielders chorused. Their faces showing determination at facing the momentous task a head of them.

Except for Roxas, his was filled with unease.

After all he had been here for about 2 days and was now expected to help preform a task his Somebody had done twice over all ready. So it didn't exactly give him a vote of confidence to be doing this.

Sora had it thrust upon him, while he was basically being ordered to by Eraqus.

Well he could at least take solace in the fact that he wouldn't be going at it alone and actually start with his new friends and not alone like Sora did at first.

"Roxas are you alright?" Aqua asked, breaking him out of his musings. The Nobody noticed that both her and Terra were hovering above him, with looks of concern etched on their faces.

"I'm fine, just a little nervous about what we are going to do?" Roxas said truthfully with giving them a small smile. He appreciated the concern that they have for him, it almost made him truly happy. And once again wishing that he would have a heart in order to truly feel the emotions.

And once again curbing the thought, thinking about that would only make it worse.

"It's understandable Roxas, but like Master said both me and Aqua believe that you can do this. So I'm sure that you will be great at this." Terra said confidently.

"Same here Roxas, besides you will have me and Terra to confide to and help you along the way." Aqua chimed in.

It was at that moment Roxas couldn't help himself and did something that surprised the both of them.

He hugged them without any prompting. From what he had told them about his past and how he reacted to his first hug minus the rib breaking, this was major to him.

"Thank you guys, it is honestly nice to have you guys and Ven looking after me." Roxas said honestly as the two returned the hug.

"It's no problem Roxas, besides that's what friends are for. To look out for each other." Aqua said, before the hug was broken by the sound of sniffling. The three Keyblade wielders turned to Eraqus as he was wiping his face with his sleeve.

"While I hate to ruin this touching moment, I believe it is time for Terra and Roxas to leave. You three have a long journey ahead of you." Eraqus said.

"I know Master, but I just have a moment to say something?" Terra asked.

"Very well but make it quick." Eraqus replied back.

"Thank you Master." Terra said before facing Aqua. "Look I want to say that I'm sorry earlier. I was upset and what I did was uncalled for, so I apologize for running out on you and Ven after the exam."

"Apology accepted Terra. Though I will admit that you were honestly a bit rude, but you were quite upset at the time and I can understand why. Just try to make sure you don't repeat it again, alright." She said.

"I won't, anyway I'll see you on our journey." Terra said as he began to walk out of the throne room. "You coming Roxas!" He called.

"I'll be there."He called back before waving to Aqua. Once she waved back, he immediately ran to catch up to Terra. By the time he caught up to him, the eldest apprentice was at the base of the stairs that lead up to the apprentice's rooms.

"Looks like this is where we part ways for now Roxas, I'm already prepared the journey." He said, causing the Nobody to quirk an eyebrow.

"I highly doubt that you packed everything that fast." Roxas said, causing Terra to look a little uncomfortable.

"Actually I had packed everything immediately after the exam and when you found me I was still deciding on either if I should leave or stay. I was torn between leaving for a bit and trying to work the issue on my own, going with Xehanort, or staying here and getting help from for this. In the end I eventually I decided to stay here. Everyone would be devastated if I left and considering that Master Xehanort has disappeared and I would've been caught off guard by the Unversed it was probably best that I didn't leave." Terra said, getting Roxas to nod.

"While that is true, but your leaving now anyway." He said.

"Well that is true I suppose." Terra said while shrugging. "But staying here has given me a second chance for the Mark of Mastery. One that I have no intention of failing this time." He continued before he began to walk away from the steps. "One that I guess I partly owe to you Roxas. So the next we meet I suppose that have something that you would be interested in."

"And that is?" Roxas asked honestly curious about what Terra was talking about.

"You'll have to find out. So until then, I'll see you later Roxas." Terra shot back as he turned a corner, vanishing from sight.

"I suppose I will." Roxas said softly.

That little revelation honestly stunned him. Terra was worst off then he first thought and Xehanort probably noticed that as well.

Hell he might've even planned for that. After only one meeting with that man and he was already on edge more so then he was around Saïx. The only ones that unnerved him more were Xigbar and Xemnas. So he was worried for his new friend incase he tried anything.

But he had faith that Terra would be alright.

Though if he was honest that might be some of Sora's optimism rubbing off on him.

So he could only hope that everything will turn out alright. If not then he wouldn't hold back if Xehanort threatened his new friends.

He had just gotten a chance to restart his life and he would make absolutely certain that it wouldn't be snatched away by the machinations of anyone again.

With that in mind, he checked if anyone was nearby before creating a Corridor of Darkness. He did know the layout of the castle, but he supposed it was out of both convince and habit to use the Corridor to travel to his room. Besides it was paramount that he had to hurry along. Time was paramount after all.

So he vanished into the Corridor and closed it behind him.

(At the same time)

In another world with trees stretch for miles, the creature appeared on a particular tall on overlooking a clearing with its king relaxing in the shady canopy.

"So how did it go?" He asked it.

"Your task been completed my king, though if you don't mind me asking. Why did you have me tear up his room until I found his left sock and nothing more?" The creature asked while tilting its head with an unsettling jerk.

"A few reasons. Basically to buy us a some time and just to mess with him a bit." The figure said, causing the creature to nod.

"So do you have anything else my king." The creature asked.

"Nothing except find a branch or something for the both of us to get comfortable on, Roxas's test is about to begin and you wouldn't want to miss it." He said while summoning a Corridor of Darkness.

The creature, could only nod as it scrambled to do its task as it's king plunged into the Corridor.

Ready to bring back the interesting human back with him.

(At the same time - Land of Departure)

Roxas was ready to beat somebody senseless.

He had found that someone had ransack his room in an attempt to retrieve something.

Which perplexed him as he literally had nothing but the clothes on his back while traveling with him and figured they would have had literally been targeting anywhere else in the castle.

But no what worried him was that whoever did it was targeting him specificity. Whoever it was he didn't know, it could be Xehanort, the attacker from the Corridor of Ages, or anyone else really.

So with the upmost speed, he put up his coat and packed everything he owned.

After all whoever did this might come back and his best chance against whoever did this was with the Keyblade Masters here.

Once double checking that he had everything, something loud had rushed past his window and practically rattled everything in it.

Curious on what it was he opened the window and only saw a large sphere of light comparable to the one Ava used in that dream/memory he witnessed the other night.

"Ven/Ventus!"

He looked down to see Eraqus and Aqua chasing after Ven and from the shouts instantly figured out that something was up.

Deciding to take the simple route, he summoned another Corridor and stepped through it.

A moment later he appeared behind Eraqus and noticed that Ven was gone and that something was flying towards the light.

"Where is Ven?" He asked, startling the two Keyblade Masters.

"Roxas don't do that! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Eraqus shouted, clutching his chest.

"I'm sorry about that, but can you please explained what just happen?" The Nobody asked.

"Roxas it's Ven. He took off after Terra and he doesn't know about the Unversed. So he is rushing in blind and could be running into danger as we speak." Aqua answered, getting a grim nod from him.

So whoever infiltrated the castle seemed to not only be targeting him, but also seemed to be after the apprentices as well and seemed intent on separating all three of them.

"Aqua, Roxas go after him and bring him back!" Eraqus shouted at them, his concern for Ven's safety being his main concern right now.

"Don't worry Master, well will bring him back." Aqua said while Roxas nodded.

But as she prepared to summon her armor, a Corridor opened beneath Roxas's feet and something immediately dragged him into it.

"Roxas!" She cried out as she tried to reach out to him. Roxas did the same, but the Corridor immediately closed behind him, leaving her fingers to graze the stone of the courtyard.

(Unknown world)

Roxas immediately fell out of the gate and into the clearing.

He suspected that whoever ransacked his room was nearby and had dragged him into this world away from Aqua, possibly to test him.

If the shapes that were beginning to come out of the shadows were of indication.

"Well, I've had enough of this." He decided upon summoning Oblivion.

Someone had dragged him hear and was actively going after his new friends.

When he found whoever was responsible for this, they will pay.

(Land of Departure)

'Xehanort you are going to pay for this!' Eraqus thought as he grabbed Aqua's hand.

"Master?" She asked, her eyes watering a little as she had literally just seen her friend.

He didn't say anything as a small glyph of light appeared on her sleeve.

"Aqua, this glyph will connect you to one I have placed on Roxas's sleeve. I was going to use it to talk with him later, but now this is a makeshift tracker. As long as it glows it will signify that he is still alive and that he on a nearby or on a world that is close by. It will only go out if he is dead or when you have made contact with him. So follow this light and it will lead you to Roxas." Eraqus said as he let go of her hand.

"And keep him with me until it is time to switch with Terra?" She asked while her eyes began to dry and her resolve increasing exponentially by the second.

"Yes, but I have one more objective for you, one that you must also share with Terra. Find whoever kidnaped Roxas and bring them to me alive. I wish to interrogate them personally and I will be able to look away if they are pretty battered up." Eraqus said to the younger Keyblade Master, notice that her eyes had hardened and showed only one thing.

It promised pain for whatever the target was.

Honestly it unnerved him a little, but he could sense no shift in the balance of her heart.

"In what condition should they be in?" She asked coldly.

"I will be willing to overlook a missing hand or foot, but nothing more." He said firmly.

Normally he would abhor that kind of action, but whoever did this was working with Xehanort. So they needed to know the consequences of their actions, especially if they were an abomination like he thinks was behind this.

"Don't worry Master I will not fail this task." Aqua said as her expression returned to normal and summoned her armor.

"I hope so." He said quietly as she summoned her Keyblade Glider and disappeared into the entryway into the Lanes Between.

Once he was certain that she was gone, he let out the his aura. A great searing light surrounded him as he raged on about his old friend.

Xehanort was bringing about the apocalypse and had messed with his apprentices and Roxas in order to do so.

He was going to lock down this world and tie up a few loose ends before going after his old friend.

He was going to kill Xehanort.

He just hope things never got to the point where he would make an impossible choice.

His apprentices or the balance of the worlds.

A choice he hoped to never encounter in his lifetime.

(Chapter 24 end)

Hey guys Mukuro7 here and I hoped that you enjoyed this chapter.

Anyway this chapter ends the Land of Departure arc and begins the Vanitas arc which will cover the Dwarf Woodlands and a few events going on there and a few other things. So I hope that you all will enjoy it.

So until next time, ciao!