Authors note: Bs to the ending to KH3. Way to play at Sokai hearts and then to rip it clean asunder. I did warn about spoilers in the summary so those looking in do so at their own risk. Anyway set after the events of KH3 Sora, champion of light and all around nice guy has faded out, literally, leaving a sad Kairi and pretty much everyone else behind. Fade out, fade in…just where has Sora wound up and can he come back at all? Clearly the King knew of the risks and as Sora struggles in his new reality, his shattered world…what awaits him? This is a writer's interpretation of the next stage and those looking to board welcome to-

Kingdom Hearts: Faded Destiny

CH.1: New residence

"Kairi…no matter what, I will always be with you. You mean the world to me and that being said I am sorry that it took so long to tell you…how I feel. I apologize it took so long in saying, so, even if my time is limited I want you to know…how precious you are to me, how every day we aren't together you will be all I think about. Treat each day like a memory to treasure and not to be wasted…and know you are not alone. I wish there was more time…to bask in your smile, to share in your laugh…this might seem out of character for me but…before I fade away…I want you to know…I love you Kairi…"

Sora faded from view then…his existence wiped clean from the tree had sat on so many times with Riku and Kairi. It was hard telling where he would wind up…what would happen to him next. The Island he had called home for so many years was just a mirage that slipped away in the setting sun and he was falling.

Wait…falling…or was he rising? His heart was racing, his mind was a blind slate and he didn't know where he was heading till he found himself on his back on the cold floor. A figure sat behind some desk staring at him and he sat upright trying to discern his surroundings.

"W-Where am I?" Sora swallows past a dry throat and he notices the figure finally standing up and looking down at him.

"Sora, we have been expecting you. I imagine you are filled with many questions and I will get to them in due time. My name is…Roland and I will be your keeper. You are here in Castle Recedia and this may very well prove to be your home from here on out."

"Castle Recedia, Roland, Keeper…got it. So then…what am I supposed to do here exactly?" Sora got to his feet and felt a bit sluggish.

"As your Keeper I will be logging all information on your accounts here. You have undertaken quite a voyage, a toll which has ceased your existence from the world of mortals. Here you will find that all your tolls and sacrifice are not for nothing. Please follow me."

Sora nods his head. It doesn't make a lot of sense but what choice does he have? He had done everything he could for Kairi and the others so now it was up to them what to do with their remaining days. It wasn't like this place could be found by keyblade…and…even then he didn't want anyone giving up existence to find him. Sora regretted how long it took for him and Kairi…and he wished that he had the time he had now to make things right. To have kept her waiting all that time…there was that word again, time, something he had no appreciation of as he yearned back then to leave the island with Riku and Kairi.

"Here in Castle Recedia you will find yourself bound to this castle. It is only those with special permission may look beyond the huge doors. Long as you respect the rules you will prosper here and gain new insight into your new chapter of your life." Roland appeared to wear some sort of cloak, not Organization wise, but it was blue almost like the ocean.

His voice was gravel like but smooth as honey, honey…like Pooh Bear. Sora got a bit wistful thinking of his friend and how he would never be able to hear his laugh again or see the 100 Acre Woods.

"Roland, um, as my Keeper…does that mean-?" Sora inquires when he notices Roland stop and he turns to stare at him with his amber eyes.

"Yes Sora…I will be watching your progress closely. Any slip up…any yearning to go beyond your boundary, and I will do what I must to keep things prospering." He appeared to have wild and unruly blonde hair and his skin was dark in color.

"Right…understood." Sora finds the man turning around and leading him along a narrow hallway before they make it to a lounge like area filled with others. "Who are they?"

"They are much like you…faded beyond their capacity. They no longer have anywhere to go but here. The heart maybe strong but even it has its limits. As your Keeper I have come to understand you harbored many hearts, bearing them till they could go to their rightful body. Everything you have done has taken a toll…and it is here much like them you will come to find a long existence."

Sora nods his head understanding some of what he says. Roland moves but Sora is left standing there unsure what he should do or say.

"You may use your time as you see fit…should you need my assistance you need only say my name. Adjust, heal, in time you will find this place bears you no harm…so long as you obey." Roland vanishes and Sora lets out a sigh. So…this was home, question was, what does he do now?

Authors note: Sora's journey may seem over…but what mysteries lie in Castle Recedia and what of Roland his Keeper? Time will only tell…