Aced

Aced is a Keyblade Master who appears in Kingdom Hearts χ. As a Foreteller, he leads the Ursus Union and is an apprentice of the Master of Masters.

Before Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ
Aced is given a Keyblade forged from his own heart by the Master of Masters, who takes Aced, Ava, Gula, Invi, Ira, and Luxu as his apprentices. Aced eventually achieves the rank of Keyblade Master alongside his fellow apprentices.

The Master bestows a copy of the Book of Prophecies upon Aced, making him a Foreteller and giving Aced leadership over what will become a Union of Keyblade wielders, Ursus. As Aced and the other Foretellers read their copies of the Book of Prophecies, they are shocked by the final entry, which details an event known as the Keyblade War, during which light would expire and the world would reach its end.

When Luxu leaves to fulfill his role assigned to him by the Master, the Foretellers are shocked and confused by his sudden disappearance. Shortly thereafter, the Master requests to meet with Aced alone in the Foreteller's Chamber. The Master informs Aced that his role is to be Ira's right-hand man, much to Aced's disappointment, as he was eager to inherit the position someday. While the Master understands Aced's desire, he tells Aced that enthusiasm alone just isn't enough, and that Ira needs someone like Aced to guide him in the right direction. Although Aced agrees that Ira is the most qualified among the Foretellers for the role, he expresses his confusion to why Ira is being promoted to the leader of the Foretellers. Grimly, the Master mentions that he could one day disappear, and that regardless of whether or not he does, it is Aced's job to support Ira. Elaborating, the Master explains that somewhere down the line Ira's leadership may be brought into question, at which point it is Aced's duty to step forward. With this in mind, Aced happily accepts his role and departs.

Aced and his fellow Foretellers are soon introduced to the Master's new creation the Chirithy. Though the Spirit Chirithy are meant to aid Keyblade wielders in their endeavors, the Master warns them that should a wielder fall to darkness, so will their Chirithy, causing them to transform into a Nightmare. Aced suggests that they destroy any Nightmare Chirithy they come across; however, Ava refutes such a thing as a possibility. When Gula mocks on Aced's identity as the bear because of his scary demeanor, Ava teases that Aced could simply growl at the Nightmare instead, much to Aced's embarrassment.

Without warning, the Master disappears from the world, and although the Foretellers actively seek him out, they are unable to locate him. Upholding the Master's teachings, Aced and the other Foretellers begin recruiting Keyblade wielders to each of their Unions, utilizing the powers of their copies of the Book of Prophecies in the form of Medals to aid their wielders in collecting Lux to maintain the balance.

Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ
Having watched the Player defeat countless Heartless throughout Daybreak Town, Aced comments the Player's abilities. However, Aced offers some words of wisdom in regard to defeating larger Heartless, suggesting that the Player combine his strength with fellow Union members and making his friends his power, leaving the Player to defeat a Darkside alongside other members of the Ursus Union. After the Darkside is defeated, Aced reappears and warns the Player that there are others who collect light, but that not all among them share the same goal of bringing peace to the world. Aced allows the Player to discern who walks the path of darkness before he leaves.

The Foretellers take notice of the Keyblade wielders utilizing Bangles that, when equipped, provide the power to collect dark energy, ultimately settling on the fact that their wielder's utilizing the Bangles was acceptable.

Ira calls a meeting among the Foretellers in the Foreteller's Chamber, where he announces that there is a traitor among them after discovering a Nightmare Chirithy snooping around their home. Aced immediately denies that he is the traitor, prompting Gula to suggest an easy solution: have each of the Foretellers summon their Spirits. However, Invi points out that because of the amount of wielders under each Union, it would be easy for any of them to summon a Chirithy that isn't a Nightmare. When Ava proposes that the Nightmare could belong to a wielder in one of their Unions, Ira brushes this off as unlikely, reminding everyone of the Bangles, and while the Foretellers don't tend to concern themselves with the tools at their wielders' disposal, Ira believes the Bangles are the Nightmare's doing since utilizing the dark energy collected by the Bangles is equivalent to wielding the power of darkness. Gula notes that because all Chirithy look the same and Keyblade wielders are in such high quantity, it would be impossible to discern who the Nightmare belongs to. As the Foretellers look to Ira for guidance, he suggests that only one of them could have obtained the Bangles, meaning that the traitor has to be one of the Foretellers. Condemning Ira for spreading doubt amongst them, Aced storms off on his own, adjuring the meeting.

When Neoshadows appear in Daybreak Town, the Player joins three other Keyblade wielders in their efforts to quash the darkness being spread by the new species of Heartless; however, the Player is the only one to survive. After Chirithy witnesses another of his kind fade, Aced appears to speak with the Player, revealing that while the Keyblade wielders are gathering Lux at an amazing rate, the darkness is spreading even faster. With this, Chirithy asks if that means that there really is a traitor among them, to which Aced states that he is not willing to believe that yet.

One night, the Player is shown a dream by Chirithy, in which Aced meets with the Master in the Foreteller's Chamber alongside Ava, Gula, Invi and Ira, though Nightmare Chirithy quickly puts a stop to this dream.

A few days later, Aced asks Ava and Gula to meet with him, where he voices his frustration against Ira's suspicions. When Aced asks his fellow Foretellers' opinions on what Ira had said, Gula admits that he doesn't believe it and that Ira's argument had no merit without evidence backing his claims. Ava suggests that there may be something Ira hasn't told them, which aggravates Aced further as he believes Ira should trust in them. At Gula's behest, Aced reveals that he wants the three of them to form an alliance, but Ava reminds him that alliances are forbidden. When Gula inquires if Aced intends on joining forces in order to confront Ira, Aced admits that such a thing would be pointless, and wishes to focus on fighting the approaching darkness while Ira is busy identifying the traitor. Gula agrees to join Aced's alliance, but specifies that it is only between them for the time being, as he doesn't want to involve the members of the Leopardus Union. Ava is shocked by Gula's decision and opts to follow the Master's teachings instead. When Gula asks if Ira and Invi are aware of his plan, Aced admits that he did not confide in Ira for obvious reasons, but that he had invited Invi to join them. When Invi arrives, Aced extends his offer of alliance to her, but Invi rejects this, seeing this as a defiant act in pursuit of power and accusing that Aced has been tainted by darkness. Conversely, Aced retorts that it is Invi who has been tainted by darkness, as she reports their actions back to Ira and could for all they know be conspiring with Ira. Enraged, Aced parts ways with his fellow Foretellers.

Following the Dark Corridor Trials, Chirithy ventures to the Foreteller's Chamber to report to Aced. Aced is happy to hear that the Player has made such progress, but Chirithy believes it is too early to send the Player on such a mission. Aced laments that he has no choice but to hasten the Player's training, as he must strengthen their resistance to darkness as quickly as possible and obtain as many warriors as they can get on the side of light.

A few months after forming an alliance with Aced, Gula dissolves the partnership, stating the alliance to be meaingless since the alleged impending darkness has yet to come. Furthermore, there haven't been any suspicious incidents of late and Aced hasn't rallied anyone else to his cause. When Aced starts to object, Gula accidentally slips that Invi agrees with the dissolution of their alliance. Aced realizes that Invi ordered Gula to dissolve their alliance, though Gula defends that it is decision to follow through with it. Outraged, Aced reminds Gula that the traitor hasn't been discovered yet, though Gula cites this to be the motivation for his actions as he can't trust anyone other than himself. Aced counters that Gula doesn't stand a chance against the darkness on his own, but an apologetic Gula remains firm in his decision and leaves. Furious, Aced vows that Invi will pay for what she has done.

More than a year after the Master's s disappearance, Aced attacks Invi on a rooftop with his Keyblade, with Invi quickly dodging the attack and summoning her own Keyblade to deflect Aced's next attack. As Invi attempts to escape across the rooftops of Daybreak Town, Aced persistently strikes at her with his Keyblade, forcing Invi to defend herself until he drives her into the ground. Once he has a footing, Aced utilizes magic to draw Invi closer to him - striking at her again and asking why Invi gets in his way. As Aced succeeds in disarming Invi, she tells Aced that he's being conceited, as she is protecting the balance the way the Master of Masters told them to; adding that Aced needs to come to his senses. Moving toward Invi - Aced states that if nothing is done, then Light will expire and they won't be able to avoid the Keyblade War; resolving that they need to defy their teachings to protect the world. Invi asks if Aced is implying that the Master of Masters was wrong, only for Aced to remind her that the Master of Masters isn't here anymore - with Aced claiming that he wouldn't allow his prophecy to come true. Aced once again tries to draw Invi in with magic, but Invi calls him a fool and summons her Keyblade back to her hand. Invi then generates a wall of water to defend herself before propelling through it to attack Aced; who only just manages to guard against her attack. As Aced is pushed thrown back, Ava is guided to the scene by her Chirithy. Gula then calls her over and the two of them join Aced and Invi to inquire about what's going on. Invi accuses Aced of being the traitor, and Gula supports her by summoning his Keyblade against Aced, asking that Ava do the same. Though Ava is hesitant, she reluctantly summons her Keyblade as well. Facing three of his old comrades rallied against him, Aced launches himself into a vicious battle, from which he barely emerges alive.

Player eventually returns to the entrance to the Foreteller's Chamber after encountering another wielder named Skuld, who also has ties to Ephemer. Upon finally entering the Foreteller's Chamber, Player, Chirithy, and Skuld find nothing - disappointing Skuld - only to be caught in the act by Aced. Skuld apologizes, explaining that they're looking for someone. Angry, Aced voices his disappointment in Chirithy; as he knew that the Foreteller's Chamber was off-limits. Aced admits that he'd caught another wielder in the Foreteller's Chamber several days before, asking if he was a friend of the group's. Player confirms this, and Skuld asks if Aced had talked to Ephemer. Aced then confirms this, but explains that Ephemer's Union collects Lux for a reason that contradicts their own, and that Ephemer had only gotten close to them in order to get information; however he is no longer a threat. As the group realize that Aced had eliminated Ephemer, Aced asks what they intend to do - though Chirithy assures Aced that they will do nothing; taking full responsibility for everything. Stepping forward, Player tells Aced that the whole thing was his idea, and that he'd wanted to find Ephemer because, up until meeting him, Player had only ever done what was asked of him without question. Ephemer had left a lasting impression on Player - and even though he broke one of their promises, Player knew they were still friends. However, Aced had taken Ephemer away from him, and it stirred negative emotions within him - though he did not care if that meant they had Darkness in his heart, because he couldn't let Aced get away with what he'd done. Raising his Keyblade against Aced, Player couldn't care less about the consequences because in his heart he knew Ephemer would've done the same. Player and Aced battle each other ferociously – with Aced ultimately emerging victorious. As Player is cast to the ground, the façade of the Foreteller’s Chamber fades away and the group find themselves in the sewers yet again, where Ava reveals herself to have been disguised as Aced the whole time in order to test Player and Skuld.

Aced is soon confronted by Gula, who finds him collapsed in one of the houses of Daybreak Town. Confronting him, Gula asks if Aced wants to know what his role is, revealing the incomplete nature of their copies of the Book of Prophecies and the contents of the Lost Page. Summoning his Keyblade, Gula points it at Aced and reveals that the Master of Masters told him to find and stop the traitor. Shocked and angry, Aced expresses his disbelief, recalling how he'd considered Gula his comrade and how that was a mistake. Aced tells Gula that it doesn't matter if he thinks that he's the traitor, because Gula knew all along that there was a traitor and silently stood by while the Foretellers fought each other; something which Aced is unwilling to forgive. Gula notes Aced's fatigued state and nervously tells him to give up already as he approaches. Summoning his Keyblade, Aced cuts Gula down - though before he can finish Gula off, Ava arrives and stands between them; begging Aced to stop. Doing as Ava says, Aced hobbles off on his own, leaving Ava to tend to Gula on her own.

As Aced hobbles through the streets of Daybreak Town, he eventually finds himself face-to-face with Ira. Believing that Ira had come to finish him off, Aced allows himself to collapse to the ground, asking that Ira make his end swift. Walking to Aced's side, Ira reveals that he's there not to eliminate Aced, instead explaining that he wants to fulfill the role he was given by the Master of Masters. Ira adds that it's not their place to try to change the events of the future, explaining to Aced that they are meant to ensure that Light lives on instead; stressing that they can't afford to lose any of the five Lights. Touched, Aced is surprised to hear that Ira still considers him to be one of the Lights. However, as Ira helps Aced to his feet, Aced reveals that there still may only be four Lights, revealing that Gula has the Lost Page in his possession and that he's been using it to discern the identity of the traitor. While Gula claimed this to be his role, Aced remains unsure - though what he is sure of is that he will never forgive Gula for what he's done, knowing that someone would betray them and remaining silent, believing this to be the biggest betrayal of all. Ira voices that he'd like to believe Gula was being true to his role, telling Aced that he'd deal with the situation at hand, but advising him to keep it to himself for the time being. Aced claims to understand and parts ways with Ira, who sets out to find Gula and retrieve the Lost Page.

In the time that follows, Gula begins collecting more and more Lux in order to summon Kingdom Hearts and force the Master of Masters to return in order to avert the Keyblade War. Subsequently, in order to maintain the balance, Ira and Aced also begin collecting more Lux, as that day of the final battle draws nearer.

Kingdom Hearts χ
Hearing a argument between several Keyblade wielders - including Player and Skuld - in which one claims that the end is already upon them, Aced interjects, confirming this as the truth. Aced explains that the only thing they can believe in is the promise of their Union, and although they're all Keyblade wielders, they cannot judge if a heart is made of Darkness or not. Instead, Aced suggests that the absolute strength is Union strength, which isn't based on the amount of Light a Union has collected, but its righteousness instead; which can only be proved by fighting. When Skuld objects, Aced notes that she is part of Ava's Dandelions, calling what Ava is doing with the Dandelions a display of power as well and asking if it's not the same. Though Skuld is unsure, Player steps forward and declares that he is not a Dandelion, prompting Aced to ask which Union Player hails from. Upon revealing this, Aced summons his Keyblade and orders Player to prepare his Keyblade. Though Player battles Aced, they are quickly beaten back and Aced declares that Player is disqualified as a Keyblade wielder. Just then, Ira arrives on the scene, ordering Aced to put away his Keyblade - degrading Aced for raising his Keyblade against another wielder. Though Aced claims it to have just been a test of Player's strength, Ira suggests otherwise, as it had been Aced's bloodlust that drew him there. Aced retaliates by proclaiming that the Keyblade War is not unavoidable, and that the other Foretellers - including Ira - are becoming desperate to collect more Lux than the other Unions. Aced claims that the fight had started from the very beginning, and that it was only intensified by the Foretellers themselves. Ira questions if this is to mean that Aced will try to hold them back - with Aced stating that he is no longer gathering Lux, but rather soldiers, as a strong Union is absolute and they need but one leader to hold everyone in balance; declaring that he will banish Ava, Gula, Invi and Ira and ultimately rule over all of the Unions. Knowing that Aced does not have that kind of strength, warning him of his cockiness, though Ira decides to allow Aced to discover the fate of one who overestimates himself of his own accord. With that, Aced states that he will be waiting at the place of the final battle before taking his leave.

As Player dreams of the Keyblade War, encountering Aced first. Aced recognizes Player, reminding him that he'd declared that Player had been disqualified as a Keyblade wielder. Preparing to defend themselves, Aced welcomes the opportunity, claiming that he wants such a power for his own Union as he draws his Keyblade against Player. After battling Player, an impressed Aced applauds Player's strength, telling him that he'd passed his test and become incredibly strong, citing this as the reason why he must erase Player where he stands. Though Player attempts to defend himself, Aced proves to be too powerful, knocking him off of his feet and berating Player with his Keyblade. Before Aced can finish Player off however, Ira steps in, defending Player against Aced. Furious, Aced sets his sights on Ira instead, chasing after him as he retreats from Aced's attacks.

Appearance
Aced is a muscular young man who hides his face under a dark grey bear mask. His tan, hooded cloak covers a robe, shirt, and sash that are all light brown in coloration and have black embroidering. Gold tassels appear on the front of Aced's cloak.

Personality
Aced is an honest individual with a strong sense of justice.

Etymology
Aced's name is derived from the word ', which means "sloth" in Latin and is represented by a bear in the '.