Fractured Twilight {KH Fanfic/Boy Of Choice}

Chapter XXIV

Every underling of Eraqus or Yen Sid stood in a straight line side by side in the training room, all eyes on the Masters as they stood before the trio of chairs just behind them. Eraqus stood closest to the group while Yen Sid stood a few feet back and allowed them to talk. Tensions were rising, between the discussion of their plans, Aqua Terra and Ventus' awkward glances, and disagreements between ideas. Sora was the biggest negotiator, having more than enough knowledge of the situation and everyone else. He was also the most cool headed during this time, determined to protect every one of his friends. Eraqus could see the proud glisten in his eyes as they spoke.

"... Sora, are you aware of how to retrieve a missing heart?" Eraqus challenged.

Sora straightened his back, hands promptly stuck to his sides like glue. "I don't know the specifics, but I know a trained Keyblade Wielder can send themselves or someone else into Dive of the Heart so that person can interact with another's heart."

Eraqus slowly nodded. "Not quite, however you are on the right path. The hypothetical person diving into the heart must be connected to the heart, otherwise it will not work. Today I will be training the worthy ones present and assign them that possible task."

"Can we get an actual plan going first?" Vanitas muttered under his breath. He received a harsh nudge from Riku who stood beside him, not so subtly telling him to hush.

Eraqus could only chuckle with amusement. "Yes, we will discuss a plan now. After touching base with Master Yen Sid, I am to understand that Xemnas has been wanting to acquire Ember for some time due to her strong heart. And now, he has achieved that goal and successfully turned her into a Nobody to continue his bidding. Not only is she a dear friend of my guests here, but from what I understand her power is quite destructive."

"Yes sir." Sora confirmed with a curt nod of his head. "She can uh... Break things. Crack items, knock over buildings. I don't really understand the full length of what she can do, but I've witnessed those events."

"And having that power in Xemnas's clutches is a recipe for disaster." Eraqus agreed. "Xemnas likely has her locked up until he can force her to cooperate."

Hesitantly Axel raised a hand and silently asked permission to speak. When Eraqus gave the nod of approval Axel was brave enough to speak up after being quiet all this time, "Xemnas has dungeons that can contain magic users and likely has her there. Roxas and I know the layout of the castle well and we are uh..." He paused, pondering on the usage of proper words.

"We are eager to help devise a plan." Roxas finished his friends sentence, snagging a quick miffed side eye.

"Very well. Master Yen Sid and I will take this time to teach the appropriate Keyblade Wielders how to dive to the heart and the power of waking. The rest of you prepare for the siege." Eraqus lifted a finger and began to point. "Sora, Riku, and Ventus. Please stay behind. The rest of you, we will acquire you when we are ready."

"Cowabummer." Roxas muttered to himself, turning his back and retreating from the room. Axel trailed not too far behind, also quite disappointed in the outcome.

Roxas, Axel, and Vanitas silently following behind retreated from the throne room and left the others to their task. Upon closing the door behind them, Axel rubbed the temple of his head with the palm of his hands as he attempted to remain composed.

He forced a deep breath. "Dive to the Heart... Power of Waking... What even is all that?" Axel groaned wearily, slouching his back in defeat.

Vanitas clicked his tongue. "Since Emberlynns heart was free from the Heartless, it's trapped inside itself... In a way. The others need to not only Dive to the Heart, but use Power of Waking to retrieve the heart. Not only that, her heart will likely only go with whoever has the closest connection with her. So they need to be able to control that power but also manage to send someone or themselves inside."