Kingdom Hearts shone brightly in the sky above the Land of Departure's forecourt where two Keyblade Masters faced each other in mock combat. Ventus's eyes sparkled with a challenging look as he brandished the sealed χ-Blade he had crafted. He hadn't changed much, but his opponent certainly had. Riku appeared about fifteen or sixteen years older than he had been during the battle with Xehanort, though his eyes still shone with the light and confidence he had back then. He readied the Kingdom Key and rushed for Ventus, who ducked and rolled to the side, then hit Riku in the back lightly. Riku stumbled but quickly regained his footing and spun around. Ventus smiled and blocked it, though Riku was able to dodge his counter.

A red-haired boy sat on the steps leading to the castle, watching the two Masters spar with his fascination evident in his light blue eyes. He grinned as it appeared Riku had finally gained the upper hand, but it seemed Ventus was only messing with him. He quickly struck with an uppercut, knocking the Kingdom Key from Riku's grip and sending it flying. It landed near the top of the stairs.

The boy quickly turned around and sprung to his feet, taking the steps two at a time and ignoring a call from Riku directed at him. He stopped and picked up the Kingdom Key, gazing at it for a moment before running back down the stairs. He presented the Keyblade to Riku with a proud smile, but that smile faded as the two Masters stared at him. Riku exchanged a quick glance with Ventus, who shrugged and angled his head at the boy. Riku let out a slow breath and took the Kingdom Key from the boy, who looked down and shuffled back shyly. He looked back up, however, as Riku approached him and held the Keyblade's handle toward him.

"In your hand, take this Key…"

The story is not over.