Because of You

Chapter 3

"Now that you're both Keyblade wielders, we can begin our task to get you down into the Realm of Darkness where Sora is being held captive," Master Yen Sid said.

You nervously gulped away a lump in your throat. The thought of going so far down into the vast world of Darkness made your hair stand on the back of your neck, but you knew that if it were the other way around Sora wouldn't hesitate to save you. You swallowed your anxieties and continued listening to the Master's instructions.

"In order to reach that far down, you must dive into the Seven Sleeping Worlds, the same as Sora and Riku did during their original tasks in the Mark of Mastery Exam before circumstances changed. The Keyholes in each world will need to be unlocked in order for you to proceed to the next. Complete the tasks in each world to reveal those Keyholes, and use your Keyblades to unlock them."

"That sounds like it could take a while," Lea grunted.

"There's no other way to reach Sora? Going through the Seven Sleeping Worlds seems like a lot of work..." Your voice trailed off as you glanced at Sora's still sleeping form. He had that same stupid (but sweet) smile on his face, as if he were peacefully dreaming about being a pirate again or swimming in the oceans of Destiny Islands. Not a hint of the nightmare he's actually going through on his face whatsoever. "What if...what if we're too late?"

"You're forgetting that you're entering worlds that are in a deep slumber, very much like you will be," Yen Sid said. "In that case, it may seem like you spend hours in one place but in reality you're there for mere minutes. You'll reach Sora in time, no doubt."

A long silence filled the room, save for the soft chirps of the crickets outside of the tower. There were so many emotions overflowing inside you: heartache, anxiety, fear, emptiness. The thought of Sora being lost to the shadows sent your heart into a frenzy. He was the closest person you've ever had as a brother, and already your world was shaken without his sunny presence.

Lea watched you closely as a lone tear ran down your cheek. Hesitantly, he reached out and placed a hand on your shoulder. You jumped out of your trance at the strangely-familiar warmth Lea's hand emitted. His grip was strong and confident yet gentle, and you couldn't help but wonder how his flesh would feel without being covered by his usual black leather gloves. As quickly as the thought entered your mind, Yen Sid's voice interrupted your daydreams and brought you back to the harsh reality you were currently living.

"One last thing before you begin: in these Sleeping Worlds you will not encounter any Heartless or Nobodies. [Y/N], you saw me briefly explain this to Sora and Riku when their examination began." You nodded your head before he continued. "Nightmares will take form and fight their way to set you off course, however you will both be paired with your own Dreameaters to help guide you onto the correct paths of the Keyholes."

"Dreameaters, Nightmares, Keyholes, got it."

"Are we good to go yet, or did Dorothy here forget something?"

You side-eyed Lea and gave him a harsh glare.

"What? 'Lions, Tiger, and Bears?' Get it?" He scratched the back of his head nervously as you raised an eyebrow at him, as if saying: 'This really isn't the time to make jokes.'

"We're relying on you two. Good luck."

The Master stood up from his desk and rolled back his sleeves, conjuring some sort of spell. Thrusting his arms out to you and Lea, you felt yourself thrown backwards into the air and your vision blurred with sleepiness. Before your backs hit the wall behind you, you were already in a deep sleep, just like the others, on your way down to the Realm of Darkness.