Kingdom Hearts Dark Road: Difference between revisions
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--><!-- Base -2 years -->Living quietly on [[Destiny Islands]], Xehanort wakes from a recurring dream about [[Player (KHχ)|Player]], though he does not recognize anybody in it. He begins to contemplate the existence of other worlds outside his home, when he is greeted by a mysterious brown hooded figure. Unbeknownst to him, this figure is [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Ansem]], his Heartless from the future, who tells him it is his destiny to travel to other worlds. He then opens a portal to [[Scala ad Caelum]], a world where Keyblade wielders are trained, and instructs Xehanort to enter. He travels through the [[corridor of darkness]], where the darkness begins to slowly infect his heart. | --><!-- Base -2 years -->Living quietly on [[Destiny Islands]], Xehanort wakes from a recurring dream about [[Player (KHχ)|Player]], though he does not recognize anybody in it. He begins to contemplate the existence of other worlds outside his home, when he is greeted by a mysterious brown hooded figure. Unbeknownst to him, this figure is [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Ansem]], his Heartless from the future, who tells him it is his destiny to travel to other worlds. He then opens a portal to [[Scala ad Caelum]], a world where Keyblade wielders are trained, and instructs Xehanort to enter. He travels through the [[corridor of darkness]], where the darkness begins to slowly infect his heart. | ||
<!-- Base time period (+0) -->Two years after Xehanort's arrival in Scala ad Caelum, Xehanort, now a Keyblade wielder, and his classmates [[Eraqus]], [[Urd]], [[Bragi]], [[Vor]], and [[Hermod]] are told by their master [[Odin]] that seven | <!-- Base time period (+0) -->Two years after Xehanort's arrival in Scala ad Caelum, Xehanort, now a Keyblade wielder, and his classmates [[Eraqus]], [[Urd]], [[Bragi]], [[Vor]], and [[Hermod]] are told by their master [[Odin]] that seven upper classmen - [[Heimdall]], [[Helgi]], [[Hoder]], [[Sigrun]], [[Vala]], [[Vali]], and [[Vidar]] - have gone missing while training for their [[Mark of Mastery exam]]. However, fellow lower classman [[Baldr]] has been assigned a different task, and has not been informed that his older sister Hoder is missing. While the lower classmen are far from ready, Odin tasks the youths with finding the missing seven by scouring the many worlds. | ||
Before they leave, Xehanort and his classmates discuss the state of the worlds: even long after the events of the [[Keyblade War]], many fragments of the world are still forming, and those that have already formed flow on different time frames — while one may be far in the future in terms of technology, another may be still in the beginnings of bearing life or basic technological advancements. With that in mind, and the order not to interfere in the affairs of other worlds, Xehanort and his friends begin their search. The group first travel to [[Agrabah]], only to find the world uninhabited yet full of [[Heartless]]. Xehanort suspects the world is still growing and has not developed living beings yet. | Before they leave, Xehanort and his classmates discuss the state of the worlds: even long after the events of the [[Keyblade War]], many fragments of the world are still forming, and those that have already formed flow on different time frames — while one may be far in the future in terms of technology, another may be still in the beginnings of bearing life or basic technological advancements. With that in mind, and the order not to interfere in the affairs of other worlds, Xehanort and his friends begin their search. The group first travel to [[Agrabah]], only to find the world uninhabited yet full of [[Heartless]]. Xehanort suspects the world is still growing and has not developed living beings yet. | ||
They next go to [[Wonderland]], where they find the world has some inhabitants, including the [[Queen of Hearts]], who appears to have darkness in her heart. After experiencing the Queen's darkness, Xehanort and Eraqus begin to deduce their own theories about the nature of darkness, and suspect the | They next go to [[Wonderland]], where they find the world has some inhabitants, including the [[Queen of Hearts]], who appears to have darkness in her heart. After experiencing the Queen's darkness, Xehanort and Eraqus begin to deduce their own theories about the nature of darkness, and suspect the upper classmen were consumed by darkness themselves. Xehanort and Eraqus simultaneously recall a statement from Brain that darkness can hide within people, and they wonder if they could fight a being whose darkness was so deep-rooted that it was unaware of it. | ||
Xehanort and Eraqus are curious about the Queen's darkness, and decide to continue investigating Wonderland while the rest of the group proceeds into other worlds. After observing the residents' fear of the Queen, Xehanort finds that the Queen's darkness is born of her anger, and that her darkness maintains the world's order. Due to the vow that Keyblade wielders should not disturb world orders, Xehanort reasons that the | Xehanort and Eraqus are curious about the Queen's darkness, and decide to continue investigating Wonderland while the rest of the group proceeds into other worlds. After observing the residents' fear of the Queen, Xehanort finds that the Queen's darkness is born of her anger, and that her darkness maintains the world's order. Due to the vow that Keyblade wielders should not disturb world orders, Xehanort reasons that the upper classmen may have been defeated in a world ruled by darkness, unable to oppose it. Xehanort concludes that pursuing darkness will be necessary to finding the upper classmen. The lower classmen regroup to share their findings, and recall a lecture from Odin, where they learned that darkness in ancient times would spread and infect people - but that as time went on, people began to spawn their own darkness through negative emotions. Eraqus recalls a conversation with Baldr a week prior, where he expressed concern over Hoder's well-being during her Mark of Mastery training. | ||
Xehanort, Eraqus, and Vor continue their search by investigating the [[Dwarf Woodlands]], though Vor gets separated from the group and encounters the [[Magic Mirror]]. After regrouping, the trio approach the Magic Mirror, and are told that the | Xehanort, Eraqus, and Vor continue their search by investigating the [[Dwarf Woodlands]], though Vor gets separated from the group and encounters the [[Magic Mirror]]. After regrouping, the trio approach the Magic Mirror, and are told that the upper classmen are each acting alone. Eraqus begins to ask about Vidar in particular, but he appears in-person before the question can be asked. Vidar voices his distrust of Xehanort, then offers for Vor to join the upper classmen's mission. Vor agrees and leaves with him, as she was earlier told by the Mirror that staying with her friends would stagnate her growth as a Keyblade Master. Eraqus and Xehanort recall a meeting among the lower classmen where they discussed why they wanted to become Keyblade Masters: Eraqus initially treated it as a family obligation, but later resolved to defeat darkness; Bragi wished to do what is right; Urd wished to learn about and explore the worlds; Baldr wanted to protect what's important to him; Hermod wanted to uphold the greater order; Xehanort wanted to reunite with the friends in his dreams; Vor tries to think of a reason, but ultimately refuses to answer. | ||
The | The lower classmen try to inform Odin of Vor's departure, but are unable to contact him. Eraqus and Xehanort get into an argument over whether to search for Vor, or to keep pursuing the upper classmen - ultimately, Eraqus and Bragi leave to ask the Magic Mirror about Vor's location, while Xehanort, Urd, and Hermod decide to search for the upper classmen in new worlds. However, Eraqus and Bragi are unable to approach the Mirror due to [[The Queen]] guarding it, and leave to pursue other methods. | ||
Xehanort, Urd, and Hermod arrive at Beast's Castle, where they find that two | Xehanort, Urd, and Hermod arrive at Beast's Castle, where they find that two upper classmen have stolen the Beast's rose. The group is suddenly attacked by Heartless, one of which lures Urd away from the group, into an ambush in the ballroom. Just as Urd is about to be overwhelmed, Vala, who was watching from above, casts [[Faith]] to defeat all of the Heartless. Vala is impressed by Urd's determination, and offers for her to join the upper classmen's mission, but Urd insists that her mission is to bring the upper classmen home. Vala concedes and has Vali give the Beast's rose to Urd, stating that the object is essential to that world's order. Vala and Vali leave through a portal, though unbeknownst to them, Xehanort has overheard the conversation. Xehanort, Urd, and Hermod return the rose to the Beast, and promptly leave the world to continue their search. | ||
At a windy balcony in Scala ad Caelum, Vidar approaches Odin and attempts to say goodbye - but Odin warns him that the thirteen ancient darknesses may be upon them soon. These darknesses are considered "true darkness", have no form, and are the source of most darkness in the world. Seven darknesses were imprisoned in the Lost Masters; four were trapped in the "Realm Between" of the data world; and two were supposedly destroyed with the collapse of the world, but there is no proof of that. Odin advises Vidar to recognize the differences between true darkness and other forms of darkness he might face. | At a windy balcony in Scala ad Caelum, Vidar approaches Odin and attempts to say goodbye - but Odin warns him that the thirteen ancient darknesses may be upon them soon. These darknesses are considered "true darkness", have no form, and are the source of most darkness in the world. Seven darknesses were imprisoned in the Lost Masters; four were trapped in the "Realm Between" of the data world; and two were supposedly destroyed with the collapse of the world, but there is no proof of that. Odin advises Vidar to recognize the differences between true darkness and other forms of darkness he might face. | ||
Urd suggests finding Eraqus and Bragi, so Xehanort's group returns to Agrabah in search of them. Jafar approaches the group and, under the guise of saving Agrabah, requests that they search for the lamp in the Cave of Wonders. Xehanort feels the darkness of Jafar's greed, but nevertheless agrees so that the group can search a new area. In the Cave, Xehanort's group reunites with Eraqus and Bragi, who Jafar had also sent with the same mission. Bragi declares the mission a waste of time and starts to leave, but Urd suggests finding the lamp anyway, as it may be a world-order-essential object that the | Urd suggests finding Eraqus and Bragi, so Xehanort's group returns to Agrabah in search of them. Jafar approaches the group and, under the guise of saving Agrabah, requests that they search for the lamp in the Cave of Wonders. Xehanort feels the darkness of Jafar's greed, but nevertheless agrees so that the group can search a new area. In the Cave, Xehanort's group reunites with Eraqus and Bragi, who Jafar had also sent with the same mission. Bragi declares the mission a waste of time and starts to leave, but Urd suggests finding the lamp anyway, as it may be a world-order-essential object that the upper classmen are targeting. Urd's suspicion is correct, as Vidar and Vor appear through a portal just as the lower classmen reach the lamp. Vidar explains that the upper classmen need seven lights to defeat true darkness, but they have lost some lights - so they are seeking the objects in hopes of finding "true light" to replace them. Hermod berates Vidar for violating the worlds' orders, but Vidar asserts that following order led to the loss of his friends - he hopes only to defeat the darkness, that he might avenge them. Vidar asks that Eraqus join the upper classmen in their shared goal of defeating darkness, but leaves with Vor before Eraqus can respond. Eraqus is shaken, but maintains his allegiance to the lower classmen. | ||
At Hermod's suggestion, the lower classmen inform Odin of Vidar's plan, and ask why defeating true darkness would require such methods. Odin recalls his conversation with Vidar on the balcony, when he was asked how true darkness could be defeated despite having no form. Based on the actions of the Lost Masters, Odin reasons that a true darkness who has taken a vessel could be defeated by sacrificing the vessel. However, Vidar is unwilling to accept further loss of life, and demands another method. Odin speculates that summoning Kingdom Hearts, which requires seven true lights, could possibly defeat darkness - but all worlds would be purged with them, and he is not certain that darkness would actually be vanquished by doing so. Due to the forbidden nature of the summoning, the countless lives at risk, and the uncertainty of whether true darkness is the current foe, Odin discourages the method. Odin relieves the lower classmen of their mission, believing it to be beyond their ability. As they leave the classroom, Odin remarks that the "dark seeker" will finally be upon them. | |||
The lower classmen are lost as to what to do next, and Bragi jokes about asking the fallen upper classmen for clues. Suddenly, the group is approached by Baldr, who has returned from a task to study different types of darkness. He suggests that the fallen upper classmen could be contacted in the Underworld of Olympus Coliseum. Eraqus lets slip the mission to find the upper classmen, but Baldr reveals Hoder's fate; shortly after Baldr's conversation with Eraqus, he followed Hoder to Enchanted Dominion, where she was then slain before his eyes while protecting him from Maleficent's flames. Baldr lost consciousness and woke in the infirmary at Scala ad Caelum, and shortly after that was when Odin gave the task to find the upper classmen - Baldr was not assigned an alternative task, but instead given time to heal. Baldr wants to know what started this chain of events, and opens a gate to Olympus Coliseum. | |||
At Olympus Coliseum, Hades assists the lower classmen in reaching the Underworld, but splits them into two groups. Xehanort, Eraqus, and Bragi request to talk to Hoder, even though she died in a different world. Hades finds the proposition ridiculous, but still complies, with the stipulation that one of the lower classmen must stay in the Underworld as his pawn. Hades finds Hoder along with a group of others, and directs Xehanort's group on where to find them. On the way, the group is obstructed by Cerberus, but Baldr appears and suggests that Xehanort and Eraqus go on while he and Bragi fight the beast. Xehanort agrees and runs with Eraqus past it, where they find Urd and Hermod just regaining consciousness. The latter two go to help Baldr and Bragi, while Xehanort and Eraqus continue down the path. There they find Hoder alongside Heimdall, Helgi, and Sigrun. | |||
The upper classmen had been investigating Enchanted Dominion, but determined that they could not offer help, as doing so would upset the world's order. Despite this, Hoder splits off from the group in the night to fight Maleficent alone. Vali informs the group, and Heimdall, Helgi, and Sigrun go to investigate. They find Hoder just as she fades, attempting to tell them that Baldr needs help. The three face Maleficent to avenge their fallen friend, but are slain themselves, and their hearts end up in the Final World. Heimdall suggests that light and darkness are a matter of perception, and conflicting beliefs - he wonders if finding a middle ground would be better than sticking to a divide between light and darkness, but Xehanort and Eraqus disagree with this advice. The upper classmen start to vanish, and Hoder asks Xehanort for a favor. | |||
Xehanort and Eraqus return to where Cerberus was, and discover Urd alone while Hermod is searching for Baldr and Bragi. Hades suggests that one of them will be staying in the Underworld, but Urd rejects the deal and starts a fight with Hades. Hermod arrives to aid his friends, leading Hades to get angrier and ready a strong attack, but the four lower classmen are suddenly pulled into a corridor of darkness before he can do so. Hades is stunned by the development, and recognizes an entity nearby. | |||
Inside the corridor of darkness, Xehanort locates Eraqus, and the two quickly put on their Keyblade Armor to buy time while they search for a way out. Urd and Hermod do the same, but Hermod is overwhelmed by the darkness and collapses. Urd sees someone who she thinks can help, but it turns out to be a shadowy figure, and she and Hermod are slain. Eraqus and Xehanort collapse in a similar manner, but Odin arrives, and his light prevents the shadowy figure from finishing them off. With the Master's Defender in hand, Odin opens a gate to rescue his surviving students. | |||
=== 1 Year Later === | === 1 Year Later === | ||
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Some time later, Xehanort returns to the Keyblade Graveyard, and shares his findings with the Master of Masters. He claims that darkness lurks in every heart, and that people's darkness grows as the weak overcome the strong. However, Xehanort is unwilling to sit back and observe, believing that people must be ruled by darkness, or else the world would fall to chaos - and he believes himself necessary to make that change. He also feels imprinted in his heart a guide on what to do, and feels a familiarity with the black coat. The Master responds by accurately predicting that Xehanort will not need the coat soon, as he will be able to control darkness instead of needing protection from it. Xehanort questions the Master's prediction, and the Master reveals his name and status as a Lost Master before departing. | Some time later, Xehanort returns to the Keyblade Graveyard, and shares his findings with the Master of Masters. He claims that darkness lurks in every heart, and that people's darkness grows as the weak overcome the strong. However, Xehanort is unwilling to sit back and observe, believing that people must be ruled by darkness, or else the world would fall to chaos - and he believes himself necessary to make that change. He also feels imprinted in his heart a guide on what to do, and feels a familiarity with the black coat. The Master responds by accurately predicting that Xehanort will not need the coat soon, as he will be able to control darkness instead of needing protection from it. Xehanort questions the Master's prediction, and the Master reveals his name and status as a Lost Master before departing. | ||
=== 2 Years Later === | |||
<!-- Base +2 years -->Xehanort and Eraqus return to their old classroom, and discuss what they learned on their travels in preparation for the Mark of Mastery exam. Xehanort laments that one lifetime is not enough, and Eraqus suggests finding people that can carry on one's legacy. Xehanort would rather do that himself, and decides that he needs fourteen lives - thirteen to remake the world, and one to explore the new world. Eraqus states that his dream is to stay true to light - that if anyone were to become lost in darkness, he would be a beacon to light their way back. | |||
=== 4 Years Later === | === 4 Years Later === | ||
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=== 64 Years Later === | === 64 Years Later === | ||
<!-- Base +64 years -->Xehanort returns to the Magic Mirror and asks if the friends in his dreams truly existed at all. The Mirror states that some of them still live, and reveals the location of [[Ventus]] at the [[Keyblade Graveyard]]. | <!-- Base +64 years -->Xehanort returns to the Magic Mirror and asks if the friends in his dreams truly existed at all. The Mirror states that some of them still live, and reveals the location of [[Ventus]] at the [[Keyblade Graveyard]]. | ||
=== 65 Years Later === | |||
<!-- Base +65 years -->Xehanort and Ventus, the latter with a blank stare, walk through a corridor of darkness. Xehanort reflects that these corridors are meant for spirit and emotion, not living beings - living beings would attempt to embrace the emotions, corroding their hearts with darkness, unless they wear a black coat for protection. However, Xehanort rejects this advice, believing that a strong heart is enough to survive. He recalls his mentor, who taught him of the "child of destiny who can connect their heart to others and feel what they feel". Xehanort asserts that he must embrace the emotions of the corridor, so that he might be worthy of the title. | |||
Xehanort arrives with Ventus at the Land of Departure, as [[Terra]] and [[Aqua]] are training. He leaves Ventus at the door and speaks with Eraqus, congratulating him for taking on apprentices. Eraqus mentions a letter that Xehanort had sent, and forgives Xehanort for their past conflicts. Xehanort explains that he has trained Ventus for the past year, and that he thinks Ventus is the child of destiny - therefore, he requests Ventus to be trained by Eraqus, a "true heir to light", rather than someone close to darkness like himself. Ventus suddenly screams in the other room, and the two go to investigate. | |||
After dropping off Ventus, Xehanort walks along a hall and speaks to Vanitas, who was supposed to wait at the Badlands. Vanitas is glad to be rid of Ventus, but Xehanort asserts that bringing Ventus to Eraqus was done for Ventus's sake, not Vanitas's. The two walk together down the hall, as Xehanort recounts the whereabouts of the thirteen ancient darknesses: seven are trapped within the Lost Masters, four are trapped in the data world, and two were supposedly destroyed when the world collapsed - but one survived, disguised as Ventus. Xehanort asks if Vanitas is that ancient darkness, and if he might know where the other darknesses are, since the darknesses were all once together as a whole - but Vanitas denies Xehanort's accusations at every turn. Xehanort wonders why a darkness would need to hide, and reveals that he knows Vanitas was not born from Ventus's heart, but was an outside entity that hid within him. This finally breaks Vanitas's façade, and he asks how much Xehanort knows. Xehanort returns the question, but Vanitas is unwilling to elaborate on the matter. | |||
{{sec-stub}} | {{sec-stub}} | ||
