Kingdom Hearts: SfE Part 2 - The Final Keyhole and the Mark of Mastery

Eden looked at ease, but slightly nervous. Opening the final door led to a wide room with a cone ceiling. A desk of finely crafted wood which held a skull upon it, glued by the burning wax candle. A thick air of force hung about the air, making it hard for The Wielder and her steed to breathe. "Yen Sid? Hello?" she called quietly, glancing around.

 

The group had taken Ashir to the train station, hoping that this time the train to Yen Sids tower was still there. Valerie was grabbind Ashirs hand, whether it was the real Ashir or not. Sora and Riku looked at the duo, Sora giving a small chuckle. Roxas was waiting outside the train station to wait, looking up at the clock tower. Kurix joined Roxas, not really understanding why he was looking at a clock. "Um, excuse me....we're looking for a train?"Sora went up to the ticket booth, thinking positive.

 

No one was at the Ticket station, as it was late and the day was closed for celebrations. However, a blue train did come in, gushing great steams of smoke as it slowed to a stop.
Ashir struggled against Valerie's hand, squeezing her hand hard.

 

Valerie gave a small wince at the tight hand shake due to Ashir's strength, but kept a firm girp to calm him down. "Its okay..."she said. Sora entered the train first, trying to keep Kisa calm since the young infant stirred at the train noises. Riku waited until everyone else went into the train. Valerie took Ashirs hand and lead him onto the train next. Kurix hopped onto the train, ready to go. Roxas gave Riku a small look before boarding the train.

 

"Wonder where he is.." Gexln said dryly, fast losing interest.

 

Ashir, though on the now departing train, whipping his arm in order to free his hand from the weird person. "Agh!" he grunted, flailing his arm to keep her away.

Eden shrugged. "Yen Sid?" she called again, looking at another door that housed the supposed three fairies. A sudden gust of wind opened the door, and out came a slow Yen Sid going to his desk. "Sir?" he paid the nobody and human no mind.

 

Valerie squeaked, pulling away from Ashir before she got a broken limb from his strength. "Now I know there must be something going on."she sighed. "Well maybe he doesn't know you because to him he's not a creation?"Sora suggested, cradling a now awake Kisa. "I dunno, the whole Aunty thing with her has gotten me confused."Roxas said. "M-Maybe he's a....what did you guys call me...a nobody?"Kurix was alittle weak on suggestions. "maybe..."Riku groaned in annoyance. "Oi! Jeffrey, girls! Get on the train!"he snapped.

 

"The great Yen Sid is an old man...who would've thought it. Mr Yen Sid, sir, might i ask you a question?" Gexln asked, trying to be somewhat polite.

 

"Jeez, we are," Jeffrey said, getting on the train and taking a seat next to Valerie. "Well, at least buying the tickets wasn't a total waste of money."
"Come on, Ri," Kairi said as she and Naminé boarded the train, grabbing Riku's wrist.

 

Ashir hid into himself in a corner of the train, keeping any gazes to the Nobodies. He kept far from Valerie however, unable to cope with her unfamiliarity.

YenSid slowly sat within his great chair, giving a great sigh. His presence made the air heavier than it already was. His piercing eyes gazed upon Gexln, with slight interest. Eden quickly knelt down, as with Equius' bow.

 

"yaaay for getting on the right traain."Valerie said. "Guess you weren't a complete failure, Riku."Roxas said. "Excuse me?"Riku gave Roxas a small look. "Oh, please don't start fighting."Sora groaned. "He started it."Roxas and Riku said, pointing at eachother. Kurix couldn't help but laugh at the two's behavior. "Okay, I give up. He's adorable. Can we keep him?"Valerie asked, hugging Kurix. Roxas huffed, but then noticed Ashir. Poor kid...if he is a Nobody....

 

Gexln followed suit and bowed slightly. "Might i ask you something, sir?" he repeated.

 

With a slow nod, YenSid kept his interest on Gexln. "Speak." His thick and booming voice held all the regality, power, and age of a sorcerer of his stature. This made Eden wince, slightly, but she held what little ground she dared to hold.

Ashir stared at Roxas, in his little fetal state again.

 

Roxas saw that Ashir was uncomfortable, taking a seat next to the kid. "Hey, it's okay. Noone's gonna hurt you..."He said, trying to get Ashir out of the fetal position. Kurix looked over to Roxas and Ashir. What's with the sudden change? He was grumpy a few minutes ago.... Valerie looked out the window as the scenery changed to the familiar route of the mysterious tower. Kisa seemed to open her eyes at that moment. "You see that, Kisa?"Sora whispered, earning a few gurgles and noises from said infant. "You're just a heart attack waiting to happen, arem't you?"Riku was watching over Sora and Kisa.

 

Not even flinching, Gexln spoke. "Would it be possible for a Nobody such as myself to take the mark of mastery exam?"

 

YenSid allowed the question to hang in the air, contemplating it. " If you prove yourself..."
Eden jolts up, which surprises and slightly amuses the great Sorcerer. "Sir, please. Gexln is a Nobody of Darkness, but he's my ally. He's not evil, but he's not an angel either, he just wants to get his heart! And maybe becoming a Master would help him with that!"

Ashir stared out the window, not really amazed with the visuals.

 

As the train came to a stop Riku opened the door so everbody could get out. "yaaaaay! we're heeere."Valerie jumped out. she awed at how tall Yen Sids tower really was. Sora came out next, Kisa calmed down for now. Kurix was third, Roxas making sure Ashir was going to come out. "Come on, we're here. Its time to go see Eden."He said. Riku looked over to Roxas, a bit suprised. Wow, he's nice to everyone else but me...ouch. "Oh, don't say that. Give him time."Sora's voice echoed in Rikus head.

 

Ashir very willingly followed Roxas, looking up at the tower. The name Eden sparked something within him once more, but he couldn't figure out as to what.

 

"Alright, and now up we go!"Sora said, alittle too enthusiastic. Valerie grinned, but then realized it. "Oh god....Stairs..."she groaned. "What do you have against stairs?"Riku asked. "Well obviously, she hates them."Kurix said, pointing out the obvious statement first. Roixas stayed by Ashirs side. "Can we just go up?"he asked.

 

Ashir stared at the tower, eyes sparking with memories and words. Licking his dry lips, he tried coughing out a few words. "Eden... What is?"