The Way of Friendship

Prologue

A boy stood, shielding his eyes at the dusty wind that blew past. In his hand was his keyblade, Wayward Wind. He quickly lowered his hand, blinking against the wind, rather than using his hand. It seemed like a fruitless attempt; his arm would get tired, but his eyelids wouldn't. The wind rushing past threatened to knock him off his feet as he teetered from side to side. He happened to step too far from his original position, and was nearly scratched by the creatures surrounding him. They were black, with yellow eyes and rather tall antlers and long legs. At the end of their hands were long claws, and when he would look at them, there was a distinct look of hunger shining in their eyes.

But they held back.

The boy looked back up, blinking a few more times. Not too far, on a small platform stood his Master, Xehanort. He was waving his fingers in an almost excited way, smirking in a sinister manner. The smirk sent another shiver down the boy's spine, and the familiar words rang out. So familiar, in fact, that he could recite them easily.

"Produce for your Master the x-blade!"

The boy, Ventus, had to resist an eye roll. He glanced around at the creatures surrounding him. Even though he had been through this many times, a part of him was tempted. Lately, training had only gotten worse for him. He wasn't even sure there was a strong enough word to describe how gruesome training was. It seemed that every day now, he would be put through absolute hell. But maybe... maybe if he listened this one time, he would be fine. Yeah, maybe Xehanort wouldn't isolate him anymore! He could go out and meet other keywielders, maybe even become a Master someday! Wouldn't that be cool...

Honestly, Ventus couldn't care less about this stupid "x-blade" he was supposed to be making. No keyblade was worth this hellhole. He was just sick of it. Everything. He was sick of everything. Constant trials that left him felt like he was going to die. Xehanort seemed like he hardly cared about him at this point.

Or... wait. Did every keyblade wielder go through this? Maybe it was a normal thing? It didn't seem very likely, but...

Ugh, why couldn't he just make up his mind already?

He looked back over at the creatures, swallowing hard. Darkness was bad, he knew that. How, he didn't know, but he did. He didn't like it, whatsoever. Then again... would anyone like this hellhole he considered a home? Ventus looked up at Xehanort, silently narrowing his eyes, which he then closed.

He was doing this for his own sake.

Ventus focused his mind and gave in to the feeling of falling that came. In his ears, a rushing sound blocked out any other noise. His eyes no longer stung from the dust, and he could no longer feel the handle of his keyblade. Soon enough, he landed on his platform, walking around. He knew it wouldn't work, but if he could just stay here, safe from Xehanort...

No.

He was doing this so he could get out of here. He had to make it out of here. The cursed badlands.. he didn't want to stay there anymore. He sighed, staring up. Ventus leapt up, silently hoping it would work, and praying it wouldn't. He let out a shocked yelp as he got tossed off the platform. With a few flails from his arms and legs, he managed to stop himself before he flew too high up. He took a deep breath and summoned Wayward Wind once more. He twisted the blade around, aiming the tip at the platform. A beam of perfect white light came from it, opening a keyhole in the center of the platform. With another deep breath, he gave the massive key a twist to the right. There was a locking sound- more like unlocking, actually- that signalled it had worked. There was a bright flash, and his portrait suddenly moved to one side. Before he could even begin to comprehend the other person, he was tossed out.

Ventus reopened his eyes, finding himself back in the Badlands. Xehanort had moved to in front of him, his smirk only more sinister. The creatures were gone, and the weapon in his hand felt... heavy. Well, not heavy, per say, but it had weight to it. He looked over, widening his eyes.