Editing Land of Departure

  |game3=Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory

The Land of Departure is one of few special worlds in the [[Universe of Kingdom Hearts|''Kingdom Hearts'' universe]] that is located between the [[Realm of Light]] and the [[Realm of Darkness]].<ref name="Ultimania">'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania]]''''' "[Land of Departure] It is a special place between the realms of darkness and light, and has been protected for generations so that it is not used for evil. A device was set in place just in case of such an event, and after Master Eraqus was killed and Aqua closed the Keyhole of the world, it put this device in action. It turned it into a castle which would draw anyone who goes there into oblivion."</ref> As such, Master Eraqus described the world as a neutral place where [[light]] and [[darkness]] exist in balance.

The Land of Departure has physical qualities of several major worlds from the ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|series}}'' series. The Land of Departure is shown in artwork to be set high in grassy mountains, surrounded by flowing water. The building itself decreases in width as it reaches the ground, tall spires protruding from the roof. Two lengths of golden chain connect the castle to twin peaks. Similarly to [[Twilight Town]], there is one major building in this world's render; the main building also bears a resemblance to Twilight Town's clock tower. Like [[Radiant Garden]], this world also has a circular area in the middle of it, with a large building overhead.

The game's tutorial, while still controlling Ventus, takes place in the {{nihongo|'''{{a|Mountain Path}}'''|山道|Sandou}}. Going up into the hill leads to the {{nihongo|'''{{a|Summit}}'''|山頂|Sanchou}}. The area before the Mountain Trail is the {{nihongo|'''{{a|Forecourt}}'''|前庭|Zentei}}, where the world's [[Moogle Shop]] can be found if the player chooses to return to the Land of Departure for a limited time in the story. Beyond is Terra's, Ventus's, Aqua's and Master Eraqus's home.

The Land of Departure is also one of a select few worlds in the series that features areas that eventually cannot be accessed during later portions of the game. After Master Eraqus is killed and Master Xehanort plunges the world into darkness, the world cannot be fully revisited. The Forecourt is no longer accessible because the road leading to it has collapsed, and it is seen one last time towards the beginning of the [[Final Episode]].

!Area Map

Generations of Keyblade Masters have kept the land safe.

 

Immediately after saving Aqua, [[Sora]], [[Donald]], and [[Goofy]] travel with her to Castle Oblivion, where she utilizes the power of the [[Master's Defender]] to restore the Land of Departure to its former glory. Aqua leads the group to Ventus, where she apologizes to him for making him wait so long and tries to wake him from his slumber, only to be disappointed to learn that his heart never returned in her absence. Just then, Vanitas makes his presence known, having followed the group in order to find Ventus. Aqua attacks Vanitas when he approaches Ventus, and despite Sora, Donald, and Goofy wanting to help her, Aqua refuses and casts barrier to isolate herself and Vanitas in order to redeem herself.