Kingdom Hearts 3 (SK94 Style) Prologue: The Dark Days

Kingdom Hearts 3: The Final Journey

Written By: SimbaKing94, Pebbles&CAMCAM, nd ShroomCutz

Characters and Situations are based off of the

"Kingdom Hearts" video game franchise, 

which is owned in it's entirety by Disney Interactive 

and Square Enix

Prologue: The Dark Days

Hearts have been disconnected.

A Light has been Extinguished,

A Master Powerless

A Hero is Lost in Darkness

Promises have been broken.

A Heart has joined it's other

An Important One is Forgotten

A Villain has been Reformed

But Heroes Will Rise.

A Princess Will Protect

A New Master Will Lead

And a Hero will Waken those who's hearts have called to his

And These Heroes Will Stand

Their Bond Never To Be Broken

As The Light Clashes With the Dark

Over the Ultimate Key

The War of The Worlds has begun

        The sun sets on yet another day at the Destiny Islands.  The ocean reflects the orange sky and shines with almost a mystical power.  Many on the Mainland simply close up their shops, go home, and enjoy the company of their families and friends after another wistful day of business.  But on the adjacent island, where children and teens sail towards to have fun and spend their days goofing off and having fun, there is a different mood.  

        Over time, the island had split in half in terms of it's mood and gravitance.  On one side, sat the free spirited minds of Tidus, Wakka, and Selphie, who gallantly wasted each and every day enjoying each other's company.  They would duel each other, swim in the ocean, have races, and even just kick back and relax on the beach.  More often than not, they gave the Island a sense of happiness it had been sorely lacking for quite some time.

        On the other side, three lone teens sat and leaned on a tall Paopu tree and simply looked out in to the ocean.  What seemed like a lifetime ago, these same had dreamed of seeing the world beyond their small little chain of islands.  But destiny had a funny way of rearing her face on the islands.  Now, after seeing many worlds, encountering many people, and fighting many dangers, the three only wish that they could spend the rest of their days together on these same islands, living normal lives like their friends.  But the lives of normality would never come for these three, because fate and an ambitious seeker of darkness had chosen them to play a part in a battle that would determine the fate of all worlds.  

        Most of these evenings, not one of these teens would talk.  They would just sit back and watch the sunset, as they had every single day of their childhoods.  What was there to say?  The day of their reckoning was coming, and they still needed time to hone in their skills with the mysterious weapons they all carried.  But time was never on their side.  And even the days that Sora, Riku, and Kairi could enjoy just sitting here were coming to an end.  Any hopes for a normal life would be cast into the very shadows these three would have to brave and battle through.  

        An entire universe rested on their shoulders.  Should they falter or fade, the darkness would sweep in and vanquish all.  Countless worlds and people relied on these three as though they were predestined to shield these worlds from the unknown.  Little did these three know, that this sunset would be the very last they were able to enjoy together for a very long time.  Perhaps, even forever.

        Riku was the appointed leader and guardian of Sora and Kairi.  Riku had once been a disciple of the darkness, even casting his own life and body aside to grow in the darkness.  Plucked away from the light by the witch Maleficent and her hordes of Heartless, he fought against his friends and eventually succumbed to his own unquenchable thirst for power.  The darkness crippled Riku, forcing him to exile himself from all worlds and battle to overtake the darkness in his heart.  But his own light began to shine through to his friends, who searched high and low for him.  Their light and the hearts of millions restored Riku to his original self, though he doubted his ability to wield the legendary Keyblade he had inherited from a mysterious young man as a child.  But he played his part well, even preventing his archenemy, Master Xehanort, from enacting his plan for World Domination.  His actions won him the Mark of Mastery, which he, alongside his good friend King Mickey Mouse, and a fallen mage named Aqua, now used to show off their prowess with these amazing weapons.  But Riku fears for his friends.  Even though Xehanort had been stopped, it was only temporarily.  Could he save them from hopelessness and despair should Xehanort strike?  Only time would tell him.  

        While Riku was the leader of the group, for the longest time Kairi was forced to the side to become a cheerleader.  Born with a heart filled with nothing but light, Kairi was cast out into the shadows by a man named Ansem, and ultimately befriended Sora and Riku.  But when their island was attacked by darkness, Kairi's body vanished, but her heart resided in Sora's.  She helped give Sora his light and shined him away from the darkness, but was restored when Sora freed her heart with a dark keyblade.  Kairi's deep feelings for Sora restored him and the two vowed to find Riku and restore their friendships.  After Ansem was defeated, Kairi and Sora were separated when the Destiny Islands were saved.  Kairi awaited her friends return, but overtime, they never did.  This drove Kairi to go out and search for them, which landed her in hot water when she was kidnapped by the evil Organization XIII, a group of darkness seekers.  Kairi, brandishing her newfound ability to wield a Keyblade, fought alongside Sora and Riku as they toppled the Nobody named Xemnas and saved the world from evil once more.  Now, with Master Xehanort restored, Kairi is being forced to learn how to wield her Keyblade and become strong enough to combat the likes of Xehanort and his evil cronies.  Though she is confident she is ready, the girl's budding feelings for Sora could make her an easy target for those who would want to destroy him.

        The heart of this Trio, however, was Sora.  Already donned the Hero of Light, Sora had joined forces with a mage named Donald and a knight named Goofy in order to defeat Maleficent, Ansem, and Xemnas and protect the worlds from darkness.  He had thwarted many plans of the likes of Xehanort and has truly blossomed into a Keyblade Warrior.  But Xehanort targets Sora as one of his new disciples of evil, so the boy must use all the power that light has to offer him and purge his worlds from the likes of this evil once and for all.  Sora was indeed the heart of the group, because he was not only beloved by both Riku and Kairi, but was already a hero almost every world they had encountered knew about.  He connected them all to each other.  And they, in turn, reached out and connected to him.  Sora was, in many ways, the heart of the entire universe.  

        And all of these traits for these three were about to be tested, as they enjoyed one last quiet evening before their worlds would be plunged into darkness...

        "I never thought I would be sad to leave this place again" Riku spoke softly, after no one had spoken in nearly an hour.  

        "After all that time we spent trying to leave this place, I really am almost too sad to want to go" Sora answered in agreement.  

        "Things are gonna change when we leave this place again" Kairi sighed.

        "I can't see how things will ever be the same" Riku said, his gaze focused on the setting sun on the horizon.  "I mean, not a single thing has been the same since we first set out to build that raft.  We've been coming and going so much, it's almost too much."

        "Aw, c'mon you guys" Sora chirped gleefully.  "You guys have to try and think positively.  You can't be such downers all the time.  The Islands are safe.  It's the other worlds that are calling.  And when all this is over, we'll come back here and enjoy each other's company forever."

         Kairi laughed.  "You always know how to brighten our spirits, Sora."

        "Forever?" Riku asked, faking nervousness.  "Uh-oh.  I don't know if I want to be with you guys, forever.  I'm too cool for you guys."

        "What's that supposed to mean?" Sora asked playfully.

        "Yeah, Riku!" Kairi followed Sora in suit.  "If you think your too cool for us, I'm sure Donald and Goofy would be happy to have you join them."

        "On second thought" Riku chuckled, "maybe I better keep you guys around."  As the three friends laughed, a portal of light began to shine next to them.  First Riku, then Sora, and finally Kairi all noticed the light and turned to face it.  The light shined with various different colors.

        From within the portal, a hoarse voice called to them.  "Sora.  Riku.  Kairi.  The time has come.  We must speak at once."  

        Sora looked to Riku, who nodded in agreement.  Without waiting a second, Sora took off into the portal.  Kairi followed him at almost the same speed.  Riku looked back at the island he once called home, and followed his friends inside.  

        In the dense chamber of the sorcerer Yen Sid, Sora, Riku, and Kairi all stood firmly, saluting the powerful wizard as he looked them down.  Once a Keyblade Master alongside the likes of both Xehanort and Master Eraqus, Yen Sid decided to pursue both knowledge and magic and doffed the mantle of Keyblade Master.  Now, Yen Sid served as the lone voice of both reason and rhyme for all of the few Keyblade Wielders of light.  His apprentice, a small mouse named Mickey, the King of Disney Castle, stood beside his former master in silence.

        "I have closely inspected the training you have been through" Yen Sid spoke to the group wisely.  "And I am proud to say that you three are beginning to show signs of true Keyblade mastery."  Sora looked up at the sorcerer cheerfully, but Yen Sid stared him down.  "However, Sora and Kairi are still quite a long ways away from becoming Keyblade Masters of their own."  Sora and Kairi looked down in disappointment.  

        Yen Sid cracked a smile.  "But it isn't as thought you two are completely without hope.  With time and experience, you two should fit the bill perfectly."  Kairi and Sora returned to standing alongside Riku, who took every word the Sorcerer said seriously.  

        "There really isn't much more I can teach them, Master" Riku answered respectfully.  

        "I know you haven't had the time to fully complete your own studies, Riku" Mickey called to his friend eagerly, "but we think we may have a solution to your problem."  Mickey turned to Yen Sid.  "Do ya want me to tell them?"

        Yen Sid shrugged.  "It is up to you."

        Mickey nodded and turned back towards the trio.  "Well, the good news is that while I've been surveying the worlds, it looks like Xehanort is laying low.  We may finally be able to bring some balance back to these worlds."

        Kairi frowned.  "But didn't Sora and Riku take care of all the Heartless?"

        Yen Sid shook his head.  "Unfortunately, Kairi, the Heartless are still sailing about in full force throughout the worlds.  So long as darkness remains in a single heart, the Heartless will never fully dissipate.  Alongside the Heartless, another old enemy is returning to the worlds.  These creatures once brought chaos to the many worlds, but we had thought they were stopped.  The Unversed are a new breed of enemy for you three.  They feed on the negativity and doubt.  In many cases, should Unversed appear, the Heartless should not be far off, or vice versa."

        Sora nodded eagerly.  "Don't worry.  We can handle this.  We've beaten these kinds of guys before.  And I'm sure the Unversed are something we can handle."

        Mickey nodded, but lowered his head.  "But we still have a few problems that I need you guys to look into."

        "Like what?"

        "Well" Mickey began, reaching into his pocket for something.  When his hand returned, he showed off a sphere of blue and white energy that shined throughout the room.  "This is the source of the data from all worlds.  We've used it in Jiminy's Journal to maintain the order and peace in as many worlds as possible."

        "What's wrong with that?" Riku asked.  

        "Well, I have a friend" Mickey explained, "that has been building an amusement park.  It pretty much shows off all of the worlds we've been to and studied.  But some of the rides have been acting weird.  Some even have gates to other worlds inside of them."

        "WHAT?" all three teens shouted simultaneously.  

        "New and uncharted worlds we've never seen, alongside some old ones I'm sure you'd like to see again.  But as soon as we got a hold of these worlds, not only have many of the worlds become infested with Heartless, but it looks like we weren't the first ones there."

        "Xehanort?" Kairi asked nervously.

        "Maleficent" Yen Sid interrupted.

         All three teens looked to each other.  They had all encountered the liked of Maleficent before.  Riku was once her pawn of darkness and Kairi her prisoner.  Sora had already squared off with and defeated Maleficent, but her dark power restored her and now the witch seeks to destroy him.  "Is she really a dangerous threat?" Sora asked both masters.

         "Perhaps not as prudent a threat as Xehanort" Yen Sid answered, "but do not underestimate the witch and her powers."

         "She and Pete have been trying to find ways to control these new worlds before we can get any data on them" Mickey explained.  "I've tried to send Donald and Goofy, but the gates to these worlds can only be accessed by Keyblade Wielders, like you."

        "So, you want us to take down Maleficent?" Sora asked.

        Mickey shook his head.  "If you face Maleficent, then I know your heart will tell you what to do.  I need you three to go into these new worlds and begin trying to figure these worlds out.  Prevent the Heartless from overtaking them, and stop Maleficent's plans no matter what the cost."

        "We're in" Riku answered for the group.  Kairi and Sora nodded in agreement.

        "I've already sent Lea off to a few new worlds" Mickey continued, "so if you guys run into him, let him know you guys are out on patrol too."  

        "Where is this place?" Kairi asked.  

        "Right outside our Castle" Mickey answered.  "You guys sure are gonna love it there.  And I'm sure Donald and Goofy are gonna be real happy to see you guys too!"  

        Yen Sid raised his hands.  "Before you go, I have something to tell you all.  Just because Xehanort is not currently active, that does not mean he will simply sit around while we restore the worlds to peace.  He may be sending his own underlings out to conquer these worlds and plunge countless hearts into darkness in order to draw you out.  Be on your guard at all times."

        Sora nodded.  "Together, we can overcome anything!"

        Yen Sid remained stone-faced.  "True, but you three are going to have to separate in order to keep coverage of all of the worlds.  There are many different and diverse worlds in Disneyland, so I ask you three to be vigilant and mindful of all dangers.  But do not lose hope.  For, as you have taught so many others Sora, no matter how far apart you can get, your hearts will bring you together again."

        "Do you really think Kairi should be by herself?" Riku asked, causing Kairi to give her friend a dirty look.

        "I think I should go with her" Sora announced.

        Kairi shook her head and took Sora's hand.  "Sora, I can handle myself.  I need to learn how to fight like you guys.  If you never give me that chance, how can I possibly get strong enough to fight Xehanort?"

       "You sure?"

       Kairi winked at her friend and let go of his hand.  "Positive."

       Riku nodded.  "I guess that answers that."

       Mickey pointed towards the door.  "You guys wait by the tower entrance.  I'll meet you all down there and take you to Disneyland."  The three students nodded, saluted Yen Sid one last time, and departed.  

        Yen Sid scowled.  "Xehanort's silence worries me, Mickey.  The last time he was silent about his ambitions and plans, we lost Terra, Ventus, Aqua, and Eraqus to his scheming.  And this time, we still have little true knowledge of his plans."

        "We don't have another choice, Master" Mickey answered his mentor's fears.  "We can't just wait around for Xehanort to strike again.  We almost lost Sora to him."

         Yen Sid nodded.  "Why he chooses to pursue Sora at all still worries me.  We have little to no knowledge of his plans, but should he try anything he has done in the past, I want someone to keep and eye on Sora at all times.  Should he follow the same path as Terra, I could not bear to forgive myself."

        Mickey laughed.  "Sora give into darkness?  You've gotta be kidding, Master.  Sora would never give into it."

        Yen Sid continued to keep his mood grim.  "Xehanort has power of darkness we still know nothing of.  He and Maleficent primed Terra for his fall.  Sora could be just as viable.  All I ask is that you keep an eye on Sora.  Pass this message onto Riku.  He can keep an eye out for his friend."

        "Sora's not as weak as you think" Mickey answered, leaving the chamber.  Yen Sid sat alone in silence.  Well, almost alone.  High above Yen Sid, perched in the window, was a black raven.  The raven, upon seeing Mickey depart, flew off into the darkness and vanished from sight.

        The halls of the Forbidden Mountain fortress shook and rocked violently when Maleficent unleashed her fury upon her misfit minions.  With the growing power of Xehanort, the Heartless continue to listen to her less in droves.  Now, the self proclaimed Mistress of All Evil only had a horde of impish goons at her beck and call.
        But today, the halls shook because an overweight buffoon bumbled his way towards his mistress's throne room.  Pete had followed Maleficent blindly ever since she had freed him from another dimension he was banished to by Queen Minnie.  Even now, as the Heartless slipped further away from her control, Pete still followed Maleficent, even if it meant the occasional humiliating task or degrading reports from his lady.  Now, Pete hurried to his mistress because she seemed to have something of the utmost importance to report to him.  As Pete tripped down the steps leading to the center of Maleficent's massive and dull throne room, the evil fairy addressed her minion.
        "It's about time you got here" she snarled.  "I was beginning to think you had abandoned your post."
        "Never, m'lady" Pete assured his mistress.  "I've still got me a debt to pay.  So long as I'm free and your kicking, I am at your service."
        "What do you have to report?  About the new worlds?"
        Pete chuckled wickedly.  "We already have Heartless all over those worlds.  It shouldn't be too long before those worlds fall in line.  Then, we can take over this one!"
        Maleficent nodded.  "And what of our allies?"
        "Thanks to our help in his invasion of that little green guy world, Zurg is more than willing to throw his loyalty to us.  And for that Horned King, he still wants proof we can get that there pot he's looking for."
        Maleficent looked aghast.  "That's it?  Those are all the allies we have left?"
        Pete nodded nervously.  "Well, a lot of our allies got flattened by that runt with the Keyblade.  Even if you brought them back, I doubt they would want to help you.  I'm pretty sure most of them remember how you went along with the plan to conquer Hollow Bastion without them."
        Maleficent scoffed at her lackey.  "Those wretched fools?  I have no more use for the likes of them.  No, their greed only goes as far as their quests for domination in their own worlds.  I didn't even bother sending you after Hook or Hades this time.  Their incompetence is their own problem."
        "But we're still scouting out other options.  There's this one world I really think you should look at.  It's said they got themselves a powerful sorceress, who--"
         "There are more pressing matters to deal with" Maleficent warned her lackey.  "I have recieved word that your old friend, King Mickey, is sending out the Keyblade brats to pester us once more."
        "Not them again!" Pete groaned.  "Their gonna ruin all of our plans, like they do all the time."
        Maleficent sneered.  "You underestimate the power of a well planned scheme, Pete.  It seems that old fool Yen Sid fears that Sora will be a target of Xehanort.  Do you have any idea why?"
        "Beats me" Pete answered cluelessly.  "He's just a runt with a powerful Keyblade."
        "I do not know exactly what Xehanort is scheming, but for him to target Sora, it must be something worthwhile.  I will be keeping a close eye on Sora's progress through these worlds.  Sora is still and invaluable member of Mickey's little band of light.  Perhaps, he is worth the acquisition of a certain "Data" that we've been looking for."
        "I read ya loud and clear, Maleficent!" Pete proclaimed.  "But what about the other losers?"
        Maleficent turned away from Pete, hiding a truly evil smile.  "They shall be the fire that feeds Sora's anger.  The more rage and darkness he feels, the more useful he is to us.  Should he not prove of any worth, I shall exterminate the pest once and for all!"