It was a long, long time ago.

People all over the world lived peacefully, bathed in a warm light. But before they knew it, a battle broke out over the light. As a result, everything returned to nothing. However...

It was so long ago that no one even knows how long ago it was. But maybe this story is happening in the present? Or is it that distant past?

Your face tells me you have no idea what I’m talking about. It’s all right, you don’t need to understand it yet. It makes no difference to me.

You know it’s the height of stupidity to judge a person based on appearances, right? Well, maybe the box is the same way. Is the black box really black? What kind of black? Is it even black at all? The simpletons are just looking for a regular black box. They don’t understand what kind of box it is or what’s in it. There’s a major difference between “knowing” and “understanding”.

So, the box. I guess you wanna know how I ended up losing it, huh? What do you wanna know? Well, I say that, but I’ve already said as much as I can about all that. You know, the stuff about knowing versus understanding and all that jazz. And of course, it’s possible that the contents are a secret no one knows about. You could even say it’s a surprise. You’ll see.

How about a thought experiment? Say you were told this world was ending tomorrow. Would you just give in and wait for the end? Or would you get all fired up to do something about it? Think back to the black box. What kind of black is it? No one knows. And the end of the world? How would you expect anyone to know how that pans out either?

Think back to when the man called Xemnas originally opened the door to this world’s Kingdom Hearts. When and where was that, exactly? How long have you thought that the flow of time, from then to now, was continuous?

Is time really continuous in the first place?

Ah, now you look like you don’t believe me.

But how else would you explain it?

And so, I’ve always watched over you guys—or rather, watched over the Keyblade. I just played the part of a fool who wanted the power of the Keyblade for myself.

This world is Olympus. The brave hero that Sora relies on for all his hero-related needs lives here.

What constitutes a “hero”? Well, depending on what world you’re in or what time period you’re asking, the answer differs. Kind of like how Keyblade wielders differ.

So, what kind of Keyblade wielder are you, Sora?

“All this altruism is giving me the warm and fuzzies. So then, does having a heart of light come with an extremely good insurance policy?”

“Just say what you mean.” Sora glared at me.

“Oh, but I did though. No good will ever come from putting other people first.”

The hero beside him, Hercules, chimed in too. “I was able to save Meg’s life because I was ready to risk my own.”

“Because you’ve got friends in high places, you mean. Tricks like that don’t fly for your average joe.” I laughed scornfully at the two of them.

“What do you know? You weren't even there! If you were, you'd admire Herc's courage.” Sora said, and his eyes were full of his usual light. He has good eyes—I’ve always thought so.

“I don't admire one guy leaping into danger if it means someone else might have to jump in to save him. You’re all just lining up to lose out. Dooming others to take the fall with ya.”

How much of my true intent is getting through to you? If it doesn’t reach you at all, I’ve got a problem, but come on, you could at least take some of it to heart. These kids and their heart-guided Keyblades. I’ve seen more than enough of you go down the path of self-sacrifice and it never ends well.

“Oh, and you can spare me the usual party line. Yes, hearts are powerful when they’re connected. But if you put too much of that power in one place, some of those hearts might end up breaking.

As usual, I said just what I wanted to say and then turned my back on him. Sigh, but what if it’s still not enough? These Keyblade fools are stubborn bunches, after all.

“Still, Sora, that doesn’t mean you should change. Accept the power you’re given. Find the hearts joined to yours.”

Although, I’ve gotta say, it’s not like I’m doing anything differently here. Connected hearts and guided hearts—the two hearts have some similarities, but they’re different.

“Why would I ever take advice from you?”

“As if! You don't have any choice but to follow this sweet little trail of bread crumbs. And at the end, you’ll finally realize what destiny has in store for you. In fact, your reward may be just around the corner. You’re so close!”

And with that, I disappeared from Sora’s sight.

That’s right, it’s just around the corner.

I’m so close to my reunion—and with it, fulfilling my mission.

May my heart be my guiding key...

Promotional Preview

This is a story from long, long ago.

The people of the world lived in peace, bathed in the warmth of light. But eventually, a struggle broke out over the light, and as a result, everything was returned to nothing. However—

If you're asking how long ago this happened, it's a story from so long ago no one knows. Thinking about it right at this moment, it's probably a story from long, long ago. You're looking at me like you have no idea what I'm talking about, aren't you? Right, you don't have to understand right now. I wouldn't mind if you did understand, though.

You understand that judging a book by its cover is the height of stupidity, don't you? Maybe, it's possible that the way the Box looks is the same. Is the Black Box actually black? What kind of black? Was it ever actually black? Stupid people only look for the Black Box. That's why they don't know what kind of box the Black Box actually is, or what's inside.

"Suppose the black goat sends the white goat to find a letter that he hid of his own volition; with what purpose has he done so?"**

Only one person has ever asked me that. I think it's likely that that person was the type to have some doubt as to whether the box was actually black or not. Or, it could be that they "knew" something else. There's a big difference between "understanding" and "knowing".

Just who was that person—nah, that's just me talking to myself.

Now, let's get back to talking about the box. Why did that box disappear? The ancient age—right, the box that has been protected by Keyblade wielders ever since long, long ago, has gone away somewhere. Why am I looking for it, you ask? Well, it's a story where a lot happened. What exactly are you trying to ask?

Is it a story from when I had a different name? That's right, there was definitely a time when my name was different.

Luxu—it was that name. You're asking me if I forgot? There's no way I forgot. It's not something to forget, right?

There were six Foretellers. What are the Foretellers, you ask? Well, people who foretell—nah, actually they're the ones to whom the Book of Prophecies were entrusted. Those times were kind of fun. But this is a story from before those times ended. Even I had a training period. Don't look at me like you don't believe me.

Hey, if I told you this world is going to end, what would you do? Would you think there's nothing you can do, or would you think that you had to do something? Remember what I just told you about the Black Box. No one really understands what kind of black it is. And what is the end of the world in the first place? Will it be pure black, or pure white? No one understands what will actually happen. But, there was someone—a person who did know. That person gave the Foretellers missions along with the Book of Prophecies. Each mission was different. I have no idea what he was thinking when he gave me this mission. And I don't understand whether that was correct, either.