The Crossroads [Eraqus, Invite]

[Master Xehanort]

The worlds had once more been thrown into chaos, and for as long as this war raged on, they would never be at peace. The corruption and decadence that flowed throughout every moment in this battle of strife was incomprehensible by most, yet to those who watched from a higher perspective, it was easy to make sense of it all. The Horsemen had done well in their aptitude to provide a suitable threat to the worlds, much like any Heartless that had come before or after their time, and only further proved to the innocent how powerful the influence of a man like Xehanort could have upon their lives. He was the true catalyst in all of this, and the source of Stroud's evil that now put the lives of his most hated enemies on the line once more. With any luck the Keybearers Terra and Aqua would fall before the end of the battle, as well as their accomplices who had also taken the plunge into a fight for their lives. It mattered not to the likes of Master Xehanort what fate befell the Horsemen, for all they supplied him was a suitable amount of time in which to craft, shape and form whatever new plan he had developed into reality.

A Corridor of Darkness opened up within the center of a crossroads in the Land of In-Between, many miles from the bowels of Castle Oblivion, which remained divided by green pastures over many hills that spanned as far as the eye could see. The twisted form of Darkness providing passage howled but for a moment longer, until the form of Xehanort had finally exited the makeshift passage unto the dirt path before it. Sienna eyes gazed about his surroundings for but a moment, then closed as the man paused his walk to cast about a dismissive wave which dispersed the Corridor behind him. As the howl of the black and violet anomaly vanished, the faint sound of sand crunching beneath boots could be heard as the Master of the Keyblade made his way to the center where fours paths met as one. With hands remaining locked behind his back, the old man thought silently to himself in regards to the progression of those who he deemed worthy and useful to his ambition. The Mouse King was nowhere to have been found, and any sightings of him remained naught but rumor as opposed to fact.

Most of those who would oppose his efforts were now long gone, and far away fighting battles which have mixed their priorities, and altered their judgement. The Master remained alone, for the Dark Apprentice was at the moment seeing to matters that needed tending as per his request. He would know soon enough whether or not the Nobodies had taken the bait, and met with Vanitas to inquire about his Keyblade. If all things had gone according to plan, then Darkness would set root within the basements and undergrowth of Enchanted Dominion, setting stage for a most useful pawn to return from it's depths and take place upon the board once more. The fairy Maleficent was but one of many beings he found to be easily manipulated, and served the purpose of a worker sufficiently. However despite the magnificence of such blind obedience, Master Xehanort felt that he needed someone who was more capable with the Darkness to perform deeds requiring more than just witchcraft.

A being who was adept in all manners of combat, who possessed prowess in not just magical terms, but physicality as well as mentality. It was true that Vanitas was unquestioningly his most loyal and devoted subject, yet the sides had grown stronger with the additions of numbers, and now there held new possibilities, as well as new threats. The Master would require additional numbers himself, ones that could be easily controlled and swayed to his side, with enough competence to ensure the success that only Vanitas could. With the war spreading every force in any possible direction, it remained possible that some strays had slipped into the Realm of Twilight, and teetered upon the verge of trailing into the Light or Dark. It was only a matter of time before one would surely cross his path, and then know true enlightenment of one's own nature.

[Master Eraqus]

A figure clad in white and tan had been walking down a path on the Crossroads, heading toward the center. The man had been wandering the World with a sense of sentimentality. It had been long since the World of Castle Oblivion had been visited by Eraqus. Previously he had been to the somewhat belie World when he had awoken from his deep slumber. In all actuality, outside of the Castle, the World had a nice harmonious feel to it. Serenity was what best described how Eraqus felt about his present surroundings. With the ambiance as it was, Eraqus could get used to the World being that way. Originally he had planned to turn Castle Oblivion back into the Land of Departure, but with the circumstance of the war and the recent flock of Nobodies that inhabited the castle, he was swayed not to do so. However, that didn't deter him from entering the World from time to time. It reminded him of his past, of where he grew up and was trained. Not all memories were pleasant though, as it was the place where he had met Xehanort.

In all actuality however, Xehanort was a pretty good student before he fell to Darkness. Somewhere in Eraqus' Heart he missed the friendship he had with Xehanort to a degree. Due to past events however, the Light that held onto that sentiment was flickering. No matter, Eraqus believed that in some way or another there was a way to save his old comrade. While they weren't on the best terms, Eraqus felt like it would be the right thing to do. Some may think he would be ridiculous to not destroy a man like Xehanort when he had the chance, but he knew in his Heart that he was right. However that doesn't mean he would handle Xehanort haphazardly. No, Xehanort still had to be punished for what he had done. As long as Xehanort was still active, he was a threat to the Worlds and it was his duty to stop him. Eraqus couldn't do it alone however and needed help, as much help as he could get. Xehanort was not just some simple foe, he couldn't be trifled with. 'Only if Xehanort could see the Light and the mistakes he had done, perhaps then he would finally heed my words and atone to his mistakes.'

Eraqus stopped dead in his path as he closed his eyes, nearing the middle of the Crossroads. '...If there is no other way to save you Xehanort, then I will have no choice but to have you executed.' Eraqus really did protest killing people who had chances to redeem himself, however monsters like the Unversed who have no free will of their own were an exception. There were just some people in life that cannot redeem for what they have done and they were the exception. He continued down the path and opened his eyes, but it started to have a more ominous feel to it. The sun was starting to set and the shadows of the land started to overtake the peaceful surroundings. Darkness was creeping around all edges of the field and finally fully overtook the land. The once blowing grass in the wind that felt serene made the scene grim. It no longer resembled the Land of Departure, it now symbolized the oblivion it lived up to. As Eraqus got closer and closer to the middle of the crossroads he could see another figure, one clad in black.

'Another person on this world? Who could it be? Someone else that has fallen into oblivion?' Thought the Keyblade Master as he approached the figure. As he got closer and closer the figure started to resemble... '..Xehanort.' The crossroads of the fields started to feel like the Keyblade Graveyard. Underneath him the sand pathway felt like it expanded miles long and the grass turned into thousands upon thousands of Keyblades. Quickly Eraqus closed his eyes and shook his head and the field turned back to normal. 'It never occurred to me that this place is so reminiscent of the Keyblade Graveyard. What a chilling resemblance.' The Master thought as he stopped roughly about ten feet away from Xehanort. "Xehanort!" Shouted Eraqus. "This land has no place for the Dark, so what are you doing here?" Perhaps Xehanort also knew about the trick the Land of Departure held. Maybe he was reminiscing, or there for other purposes. Eraqus was intent on finding out why and would refrain from physical conflict, only to use it as a means of self defense.

[Master Xehanort]

The sound of approaching footsteps brought the Dark Master out of deep thought, for the ever growing pitch of another's approach had broken the deep serenity of silence that had imprisoned the vicinity. An aura of strong, unwavering Light came steadily, growing ever so more familiar with each step the individual took as they neared closer. The likelihood that this presence was one that had departed for the Battle of Unity was slim, and therefore eliminated half of the possibilities in which the Master expected to traverse the path hither. There had been many forms of Light he had encountered; most of which too carried their allegiance so strongly upon their shoulders, that it was worn upon their sleeve for all to see and witness. It was such folly that often lead to the demise of these formalities that Xehanort had known, the careless do-good warriors that had befallen a fate as worse as death itself. They were prone to blindly follow whatever information that had graced their ears, never relenting, never questioning their path until finally, the proverbial gauntlet had cast down upon them an ultimatum that held a fate most ill. Those who listened, however, were the rare few who had come into connection with their destiny.

This was not the case as a lone figure in white peaked the hill just yonder, and wandered down the sanded path to greet him with an introduction most informal. Sienna eyes regarded Master Eraqus with a silent observance, accompanied only by the sly spread of a smirk upon his features as Xehanort remained still. So it was that the Master of his former vessel had reclaimed his former self, no longer bound to Terra's heart, but a man freed of his untimely imprisonment within his apprentice. What a development! A most remarkable and unfortunate development at that. Truly he did not expect to see Eraqus of all beings this night under the stars of Twilight, however what words that had left his rival's lips was of course...predictable.

The world they now stood in was one betwixt the Realms of both Light and Dark, a common knowledge that the pair of Masters shared, yet a truth only one would choose to accept. Master Xehanort regarded the words of Eraqus with but a slow shake of his head, then gave the man an appeased smile as he extended his right hand in gesture to his newest guest. "On the contrary, old friend. There is as much place for the Dark here, as there is for the Light. On the roads of Twilight, one may equally walk within the grace of both as you know." spoke Master Xehanort as he approached the path to the left, and regarded the man of Light out of the corner of his vision for but a moment. It was truly a wonder that this man had survived what fate he had served him, but only further bore witness to the strength of the other Master's heart. In truth Eraqus deserved what reputation he held in strength and fortitude, however in the eyes of Xehanort, he was unfitting for the title of Master. It was something he felt could only be retained by those who harbored no fear of either Light nor Dark, and willingly embraced the powers of both without careless hesitation. So would Eraqus truly master his abilities and true strength? In Master Xehanort's opinion, no.

"I found it best to take a stroll to gather my thoughts. In light of what is happening, I would suggest the same for yourself given the nature of your apprentice's whereabouts." spoke the Master of the Keyblade, answering the question of Eraqus with as much truth as he allowed to let on. Master Xehanort took a few steps forward, bringing both his arms to interlock behind his back, then turned to look back over his shoulder towards Eraqus. "Walk with me." he added, then began a slow steady pace down the sanded path before him, leaving Eraqus in his place whether he chose to follow him or not. Master Xehanort harbored no ill intention, nor hostility towards his Light heart friend for the moment, but merely regarded him with a mutual respect expected of those in conversation. Eraqus had not shown hostility upon seeing him, so Xehanort saw no need to express such in turn, and in return would condone the conduct that was given to him.

[Master Eraqus]

Eraqus stood there and listened to what Xehanort had to say. Thoughts were buzzing around in his mind as he pieced together what he had said to Aqua. 'His words hold merit, as this place is a neutral ground where both Light and Darkness coexist. Since one does not outweigh the other it is a land that could be abused easily, hence why I told Aqua to seal away the land if anything were to happen to me.' In short, Eraqus knew that Xehanort was right. If the circumstances were different, Eraqus would of apologized outright. However it was best that Xehanort didn't know of his enlightenment to the Dark. In his opinion, Xehanort might take Eraqus 'accepting the Dark' as a weakness. While he was harboring inside of Terra's Heart he was able to kind of understand what it was like to have the shoe on the other foot. However the memory of how he understood was different. His Master's voice had echoed throughout his mind and gave him a test and Eraqus had passed. He really didn't know what revived him, if it was his Master's doing or otherwise it hadn't mattered.

Xehanort had then explained how he takes walks to gather his thoughts. Coincidentally Eraqus pretty much doing the same, however his walk was more driven by nostalgia than piecing together his thoughts. With what had been happening to all the Worlds with the Horsemen running around, Eraqus deliberated on walking the path with Xehanort. On account of that Terra and Aqua were deep in war with the Heartless, Eraqus thought it would be best to clear his mind. A reoccurring thought came back to him, 'This brings me back to when we were training under our Master.' It's true, Eraqus did miss their friendship. 'It's feasible, but I might be able to get information out of Xehanort. Knowing the next step in his plans would further our defense.' Although the walk didn't have to be about deception, as said before Eraqus needs to take in what has happened. Slowly the Master had followed Xehanort, walking near him. He had kept Xehanort in his vision in case if he decided to do anything rash.

"It enthralls me on how these Horsemen managed to gain such power." Eraqus said as he trailed behind Xehanort. The raid on Kingdom Hearts reminded him on how powerful they were. "Terra and Aqua are on that battlefield. I know in my Heart that they will put an end to Stroud and finally end this conflict." 'Conflict..' The word reminded him of Xehanort's previous goal, to obtain Kingdom Hearts to unleash the Keyblade War. "Enlighten me, Xehanort. Has this War on the Worlds finally satisfied your quench for knowledge? This is what the Keyblade War would bring! Endless chaos and imbalance in the Worlds with foul creatures of the Dark plaguing existence. Is this a universe you truly want to live in?" Eraqus looked forward as if he was looking through Xehanort. "The lives that would be destroyed by that war, would you be able to live with yourself with such a weight on your shoulders? The burden of those lives will not be forgotten Xehanort." If there was any chance at all to sway Xehanort's decision about the Keyblade War, he had hoped that would be it. "Look at all the causalities the first Keyblade War brought. Would you want that amount doubled.. no, tripled!?" Eraqus would continue to try to get Xehanort to abandon his plans.

If he didn't give up his plans however, Eraqus was still preparing to have a Mark of Mastery exam. It was the last thing he wanted to do, send Keyblade Masters after Xehanort to stop him. Eraqus heard that Yen Sid was around, so if he was able to get in contact with him they would be able to have a proper Mark of Mastery. Nevertheless, Xehanort would not be invited when it would happen. Eraqus would be foolish to do so, seeing how they would be used against Xehanort. Only time would be able to tell if Xehanort would consider rejoining the side of good.

[Master Xehanort]

Much to be expected, the words that Eraqus spoke to him were the same as they would have been fifteen years ago. Perhaps his old friend had learned something while being harbored in Terra's heart, perhaps he didn't. All the same he still appeared to be wary of the power the Darkness held, and could not comprehend the ability to control it, rather than give into it. As much as the Light bearer would seek to, Darkness could never be destroyed, only channeled. The memory and sound of those words he had spoken to Terra so many years ago resonated within his mind, contemplating in contrast to those of Eraqus spoken only moments ago. He cared not for the lives of the innocent, nor for the burden of such losses. They were but casualties of war, nothing more no less, and it was to be expected when conflicting interests came together. As Master Xehanort opened his mouth to reply, something miraculous happened in the cosmos above. Sienna eyes gazed skyward as many shooting stars began to rain through the dark night sky, and for every twenty that passed bright beams of Light rocketed past overhead, creating a bright borealis in their wake. The bright cosmic display brought about a confident smirk upon the face of Master Xehanort, who raised a hand toward the display as he stopped his progressive walk. "It would seem neither of us will see the universe you speak of, Eraqus. Look there." spoke Master Xehanort as he formed his hand from open palm, into a solid point at the sky and it's continued parade of thanks to the brave warriors that had defeated Stroud.

It was undeniable proof that the warriors of both sides had claimed victory, for here in the Realm of Twilight it could be seen just as clearly, though much differently, as from the Realm of Light or Dark. So the leader of the Horsemen was now defeated, and the worlds were now in the process of restoring and healing themselves from the chaos. As he brought his hand back down to his side, keeping the other poised behind his back, he glanced to Eraqus once more and regarded his old friend with but a simple nod. "It is true, my past transgressions could never hope to redeem your faith in me. However in light of what has transpired, and what seeks to come about, I only ask that you open your heart to this knowledge." allured Xehanort as he gestured to his old friend once more, bowing his head in an apologetic manner. He of course did not mean any apologies he would have for the past, for everything that had happened, happened for the reasons they did. If he was to reenact all of those events again, then he would willingly do so without a second's thought.

Indeed it was fortunate that Eraqus still regarded Xehanort with some sense of care, for his words and questions only proved to the Dark Master that his heart had never changed in this regard. It was something he could use to his advantage if he so required, but there was something from Eraqus he needed more than his petty emotional support. What that was, he had yet to determine. The location of Ventus was of no concern, for Vanitas was more than capable of seeking out his other half than the boy's Master. Perhaps the location of the other keys would prove useful in the time to come, but it was ultimately a pointless piece of information to acquire from someone who would be still prone to lying to him. Ultimately Master Xehanort decided against all of these ideas, and decided to offer equal trade in information. Whatever Eraqus would be willing to share in exchange, would be up to him, however even Xehanort knew that the value of such would be met. If not then it was only better that the Master of Light hold on to these facts, if only to provide Xehanort himself with more time to work.

"It was some time prior to my arrival here that I encountered a man within the Keyblade Graveyard." spoke Xehanort as he began to pace back and forth between Eraqus and the bottom of the nearest hill the sanded path traversed over. The Dark Master's hands once more interlocked behind his back, while he closed his eyes to imagine the individual he spoke of within his memories. The meeting of which he spoke of was ultimately inconclusive, however he recalled it as if it were yesterday all the same. "An odd being he was. The man with silver hair never mentioned his name, however there was an unmistakable affliction within his heart." Master Xehanort came to a full stop with his back to Eraqus, then looked over his shoulder. "From what I felt from him, I am certain that there was no Light within it. For he spoke of Kingdom Hearts, which at first I was lead to presume he had business with Stroud, alas this was ultimately not the case." A simple pause with a turn to raise a clenched fist soon followed. "For soon after, this mysterious man made inquiry to the forgery of the X-Blade. Doubtless to wield it for a purpose much similar to my own, those fifteen years ago." spoke Master Xehanort, bringing both his hands to his chest in a sorrowful display as he bowed in head in a mockery of anguish. He took a few steps back towards Eraqus, moving slowly as he did so, but stopped when he was but five feet from his rival.

What was the other Master to say?

[Master Eraqus]

As Eraqus traveled with Xehanort he had patiently waited for his answer, however he knew that Xehanort would not be swayed so easy. Before Eraqus could get an answer, Xehanort had pointed out something in the sky. Tilting his head Eraqus looked up to see what he was trying to show him. The sky was full of lights and colors, it made Eraqus smile. Briefly he closed his eyes and placed his right hand over his Heart. 'Terra, Aqua, the battle is finally over. You two have done well. As for you Terra, there will be a special surprise waiting for you when you return home.' The Master thought as he opened his eyes, the proud smile not leaving his face once. Throughout all the conflict Terra had managed to go up against Stroud, along with the help of Aqua and the others. Finally it was time for Terra to receive the title he rightfully deserved, the Mark of Mastery. Eraqus had promised him it many years ago when he had sent Terra off on a mission to take care of the Unversed and to find Master Xehanort. In his Heart Eraqus believed that Terra finally showed proof of the Mark.

Although there was still something unclear to Eraqus, what had happened in the fifteen years he had been in slumber? It was true, Eraqus hadn't figured out what events transpired and was curious on what went on. Preparing to ask his question, Eraqus was going to speak but Xehanort had talked first. He mentioned something about information and about the faith that Eraqus had in Xehanort. 'As it may be this knowledge Xehanort has to offer me could be deceit, but it could very well be vital information that will affect the future. I shall heed his words with caution.' Eraqus thought as he sternly watched Xehanort bow and then tread back and forth, taking notice of the information Xehanort had to give. 'The Keyblade Graveyard?' Questioned the Keyblade Master, his silver eyes concentrated on Xehanort. 'It's not often such a world is visited, especially by ones who know not of the Keyblade.' Eraqus tried to analyze the information given to him by Xehanort, checking the merit behind the story.

Eraqus didn't want to be tricked again and would see Xehanort in a lower light than he already had. 'No Light in his Heart? Another creature that is made of pure Darkness?' There weren't that many sentient beings in the Universe that were made out of pure Darkness, let alone one that's Heart that had an absents of Light, so it had caught Eraqus' attention. What Xehanort had to say to him next had made Eraqus' eyes widen. The Keyblade Master took a step back in shock. "How is that possible!?" Well the history of the Keyblade War and the X-Blade existed, but only a few Keyblade Masters knew of the tale. The information had been passed down from Master to student, however it was something not really talked about. The man might've gotten the information from a Master or the information could of slipped. Eraqus knew that the risks were high when dealing with the X-Blade, let alone someone attempting to forge it. The brown-haired Keyblade Master could simply not let that happen.

Eraqus' hand went from loosely hanging to a tight grip, his anger clearly showing. However the anger wasn't directed at Xehanort himself, no. The anger was at the one who wanted to disturb the balance. 'I have to calm myself, lest I let the Darkness conquer me.' "My friend, the knowledge you have shared with me is valuable." Said Eraqus, his fingers uncurling and freely hanging from his side once more. "I will have to converse with Master Yen Sid and Master Aqua before any plan of action is taken." Eraqus explained to Xehanort. "It's almost like tradition hasn't changed over all these years Xehanort. So if we are dealing with a potential threat to the Worlds ...and a possible forging of the X-Blade, matters have to be dealt with to the highest extent, as you know." Eraqus wasn't only pointing out Xehanort's previous ambitions about the X-Blade, but the duties of a Keyblade Master. After mentioning the X-Blade himself, a thought had passed through Eraqus' mind. "Xehanort if this man was after the X-Blade like you were, why go against the man and come to me with the information?" It wasn't that Eraqus didn't appreciate the information that was given to him, but it made him wonder. "Is it that you're walking down a path of redemption yourself?" It was a stretch, but if Xehanort really was trying to redeem himself, it would slowly start to rebuild the trust in Eraqus' Heart.

[Master Xehanort]

The reaction of Eraqus' face upon hearing the information regarding the man of the dark was a symphony of delight, one that warmed the heart of Master Xehanort with a comfort only success could bring. The old man brought his hand from his chest to gesture to Master Eraqus, shaking his head as if he were wrought with guilt over the news, however he was far from such a thing. "I'm afraid I do not know. Somewhere along the lines, he obtained the information by some means. However it is irrelevant." he replied to the other's inquiry of how such a thing was even possible, but paused when the wielder of Light decided to speak. It was good news indeed that he planned to share this information with the likes of both Yen Sid and Aqua, for it would only set in motion the forces needed to counter the would be key seekers' plans, whatever they were. Xehanort remained focused on what Eraqus had to say, merely adding in a few words whenever he was addressed in any manner. "...matters have to be dealt with to the highest extent, as you know."

"But of course, Eraqus."

More prolonged silence continued to follow as the other Master continued to verbalize his opinion of the news he had just received, to which Xehanort merely nodded in a courteous reply whilst retaining his hands behind his back as usual. Such a possible threat would be dealt with in the highest extent and priorities of the Master to learn of these facts. With any luck this would provide little hindrance for whatever he had planned for Vanitas, and could provide Xehanort with a better perspective on the wide scale scene. It was only something he could hope for, but was something he was not concerned with. This information alone was enough to set Eraqus, and his followers on the trail of those who sought the power of a Keyblade. They would be hunted and destroyed without mercy, and there would be no one to suspect himself or his apprentice of seeking to reacquire the weapon. Indeed the sleight of hand was a truly marvelous ploy of the human intellect, certainly useful in the most hectic of situations.

Eraqus then inquired Xehanort's reasons for revealing something of such vital importance, to which the old man merely replied with a simple shake of his head once more. He turned away from his rival and former friend to gaze once more upon the bright display of colors in the night sky, his sienna eyes slowly wandering south towards the billowing blades of grass that swayed to the wind's every whim. They too were metaphorical to every combatant of these wars, every being that remained swayed by the wrath of both Light and Dark, ever crafting and twisting their fates and destinies whilst intertwining them with a grace only nature could provide. Master Xehanort took stride once more, beckoning Eraqus to follow him once more as he traversed over the hill to find yet another crossroads upon the path.

As he neared the middle of this conjunction, Master Xehanort came to a stop, and turned in full to face Eraqus. "There are many roads to take, old friend. Whether the one I walk is that of redemption's, that remains uncertain. I am a Master of the Keyblade, Eraqus, and it is our duty to uphold the balances of the worlds." spoke Master Xehanort as he nodded to his former comrade of the Key, then turned to wave a hand upon the center of the junction he now stood within. From the depths of the earth, seemingly out of nothingness, darkness sprouted upward as though involuntarily to create a new Corridor of Darkness. It was his passage for exit, however he continued to remain here should Eraqus have more words for him to hear. Regardless though he kept a timely meeting with an individual he had promised, and did not intend to keep said party waiting.

[Master Eraqus]

"Understood" Eraqus said to Xehanort as he theorized on how this man could of gotten the information. The Keyblade Master also agreed on the fact that how he got the information was extraneous, but it wasn't something to totally overlook. If the individual obtained knowledge of the X-Blade just by chance, it would not matter. However if there was another who had told him about the legendary weapon, that person could too be a threat to the balance of the Worlds. It seemed that Xehanort had felt guilt over the news, Eraqus was pleased that the Master showed concern in the Worlds as well. Perhaps in the future he would be able to consolidate with Xehanort in the future to take care of any imbalance in the Worlds. As of now however, Eraqus would only go to Xehanort if his old friend had any information to share. The Keybladers that inhabited the Worlds would have to be prepared for another Keyblade War in case if someone did get hold of the X-Blade. Their focus was the silver haired man and Eraqus was bent on making sure the weapon would not be forged.

The silver-eyed Keyblade Master continued to follow Xehanort down the paths until they got to the middle of the crossroads. The paths on the World seemed everlasting, quite frankly he didn't know which one would bring him back to Castle Oblivion. However if he was going to return to the castle he would have to make sure that he said his goodbyes first. Even if Xehanort had turned out to be an enemy in the past, he had given him his respect and Eraqus was determined to show the same respect back. There was no outward conflict as there was in the past and Eraqus respected that. Xehanort had then explained to him about the many different paths, and it was ambiguous if he was taking the road to redemption. Eraqus understood what Xehanort was trying to get across. That they were both Keyblade Masters and that it was their responsibility that said balance was in check, regardless if he was walking the path of redemption. As the Corridor of Darkness appeared, Eraqus stepped back a bit. He wasn't shocked by the dark portal itself, he just refused to use the transportation without his Keyblade Armor.

He didn't want the Darkness to overtake him as the Darkness in the portals was nearly infinite. It takes a lot of will to reject the Darkness and Eraqus wouldn't let himself be influenced by it. "Xehanort, just be forewarned. If you meet the silver haired man again you should contact us Masters. If he desires the X-Blade he must have a dangerous power, especially if his Heart lacks Light." Eraqus said as he slowly turned around, taking the path they just recently took. He stopped and turned his head to gaze at the dark portal. "May your travels bring you prosperity." The Master turned his head back in front of him and continued down the path alone. It made him think of the paths he had taken in the past and what paths he may take in the future. Whatever the future may hold was unknown at that time, but the Worlds were at risk again. His current path was the one a Keyblade Master should always walk, the path of balance.

Eraqus has exited the thread.

[Master Xehanort]

Master Xehanort regarded Eraqus with a mutual respect for the sake of appearances, and continued to play off the notion that there were no hostilities to be made between the two. It was true that the Dark Master had every reason to strike down this man of the Light, furthering his benefit towards reacquiring Kingdom Hearts, however the silver eyed Keyblader would prove to be much more useful alive than dead. The news of this darkened heart that sought the X-Blade had been taken more seriously than first thought, however given his past experiences with the man, Xehanort expected no less from Eraqus as far as his priorities were concerned. The possible threat of another Keyblade War was not taken lightly by Masters of either side, yet those of the Light were more prone to take immediate action than that of himself. The words of Eraqus prior to his departure were meaningful in a small aspect, but they were forged out of respect regardless, to which Xehanort returned the favor by giving him a final nod of approval in reply to his warning.

As sienna eyes watched the white clothed form of Eraqus reach the peak, say his peace, then disappear beyond the hill yonder, Master Xehanort called back after him. "And to you as well old friend." he lied, as he brought his hands behind his back to interlock them once more. If everything was to work out as planned, then the travels of the Master would indeed be prosperous. How ironic it was that the departing words of his rival, bore so much significance in light to the many things that were to eventually come. Within time Kingdom Hearts would be reclaimed by those who rightfully earned, and deserved it's vast reservoir of power, and then the worlds would know true chaos as another Keyblade War would begin. As he turned towards the open Corridor of Darkness, a cruel smile crept upon the face of Master Xehanort as he stepped into it's depths.

It was time to begin preparations for the next turn of events. Soon all factors of his grand scheme would come into play, and change the face of the board upon which the many pawns would do battle. Traversing through the darkness of the portal, Master Xehanort's form was soon overcome by the coalescence of its closing as he departed for the Keyblade Graveyard, leaving nothing in his wake upon the Crossroads. It was time to meet with Vanitas.

Master Xehanort has left the thread. The thread has ended.