Chapter 1: Gatekeeper

I am an attendant of the Gate of Preservation. I must control who goes through it. With my life, I will protect the wielders of the Keyblade. I am their shield, and they are the sword. When the time comes, if ever again, my fate will be for the master, for he I will follow..

It started like any other day. Me and three other apprentices: Orion, Phoneix, and Iris are on a strict rotation.

Train and strengthen our skills

Study of previous keepers before us

Meditate upon the holy crystals to maintain the purity

Outside of the everyday needs of daily living like eating, bathing, or sleeping, this is our lives. Nothing more. Nothing less. It would probably be a wonder for anyone about how that this could be the full extent of our lives, but it was. Hell...the only aspect of our lives that gives us meaning.

Simply put, our lives revolve around the gate. Not just any typical gate of course, however. The gate we protect and stand guard over is called the Gate of Preservation. This gate has been around for centuries to protect the lives of the creatures of our world but the other worlds as well... whatever and where ever they are, I guess. For the keyblade masters, we and this gate serve as the first line of defense in a way. This has been the fate bestowed upon me and all who have come before me.

Long ago there was something known as the Keyblade war. It began because of a man's ambition for power. Darkness was the primary motivation and drive to achieve such a thing, but luckily the effort was for not. The saddening part of the story is the three keyblade warriors were lost, never to be found again. Due to this outcome is where we come into the picture. Our purpose is to prevent such an outcome such as that to happen ever again. The gate is to protect the other worlds and our role is to protect them and them wielders of the Keyblade. Only then will we leave the gate to ensure that a tragic end never comes to fruition again.

Here I honestly thought such a boring title that was bestowed upon me but, later would I only figure out that this role will open a door for me and my destiny...

The day began like any other, Aria finishing her daily meditation and walked through the halls of the Lucid palace to her post. The castle was a wondrous place to behold. Those who come here seek the salvation of the holy light, to purge of whatever ailments that trouble them. This land also serves as a haven for the innocent. No evil could ever touch this place. In its entirety, the world is created solely out of crystal, but it was a beacon of purity. The palace and city shined brightly with multiple colors as its hit by the rays of sunlight to enhance its wonderous glow.

The Lucid world was amazing to all accept Aria. Although this place has been the only home she has ever known, it was almost like a prison. What she wouldn't give to be free from her bondage to the Lucid world, the duty of a Gatekeeper, and the Gate of Preservation.

'It's hopeless. I want to be selfish! I want my freedom... This isn't fair to just be confined to the dullness of this world! But... Hmmm…...'

Aria thought to herself while looking puzzled. The Lucid world was the only home she has ever known, what would await her beyond it? She often found herself daydreaming about the potential adventures she could face but in the same breath, scolded herself because she knew her duty and her fate all too well. If she was ever to leave, not only would she be failing herself. Her people. Her world. Other Worlds. The Keyblade masters. Everyone! No pressure, though right? With that being the closing argument of the debate, she continuously had with herself; she would sigh in defeat and continue with what she felt was right.

"Aria! You're here!" Pulling away from her thoughts, she looked up to see a tall young man, fairly built with thick black hair that fell to his shoulders. He was a crowd favorite amongst the city both to visitors and residents.

"Orion. Good to see you, and where else would I be?" Aria said in a relaxed voice as walked past Orion to take her post. Orion was a handsome guy to all, but to her, he would always be that little boy who she would always compete within strength and wit. He was her fellow gatekeeper, rival, and friend but, also her brother in heart. "How have things been? Quite as usual I'm sure?"

Orion smiled with his cheeky grin and rubbed the back of his head. " Well, Arie... I did get a few flirty looks from a cute girl earlier! I believe I won her over telling about the wonders of our loveellllyyy home! " Aria snorted trying to hold in her sarcastic comments that attempted to bubble out.

"Well look at you, you little lady magnet! Well done!" Aria smiled as she playfully punched Orion in the arm. She didn't have the heart to rub in the idea that love was a luxury a gatekeeper could not afford. He may be older than her but the least mature one between them. Sometimes she would set the record straight, but at times she knew to let a little hope shine through.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but I'm certain the council will be looking for you pretty soon if you don't get to ya post. I'll be sure to tell flirty eyes you said something rather majestic to keep the flirty energy alive for ya." Struck by reality Orion's eyes widened in horror and he made a beeline for the castle. Aria had to contain her laughter at sight but felt grateful to her friend always putting a smile on her face. He was the optimist within the group but also a major goof. Whether it is intentionally, or accident it was hard to keep a sad face with him around.

Aria took her duty seriously but hated the idea that she had to be posted like a solider/tour guide. Stealthily she pulled out a small novel that a passerby left behind. The story depicted thoughts of love, romance, and the occasion sensual bits.

'What the hell was this person thinking bringing this to a HOLY city of all places! ' Aria flushed as she read through the tawdry scenes. Although it was improper, she too yearned for a loving romance with someone. For a gatekeeper, life is bound to the Preservation and the Keyblade wielders. The idea of falling in love and running towards a "Happily ever after" was not ideal because life was meant for only those two things. Aria knew of elders who have loved and been loved outside of their duties but, it was all for not and heartache left at the end of that road. So, with that, it seemed safer to avoid the idea altogether. In the end, life was not terrible but very empty…

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted as she spotted four set of feet in front of her. Leaping back in surprise the novel went flying out of her hands and into the hands of a tall and undeniably handsome young man.

'Oh... My... GOD!'

The young man was very muscular, with hair that was beautiful silver but was tossled into a short-spiked hairstyle. Aria was captivated by his green eyes that had a lovely way to them but also harbor an intensity about them. He began eyeing the book cover and let out a light laugh.

"Is this what gatekeepers read? "

"Hello all and welcome to my first ever FanFic up here! I hope you like it and there will be more to come soon!

xoxo

-Khai