"As a Keyblade Master, Xehanort had a gift like few others. But such great minds are often plagued by a single great question. What is the essence of the human heart that weakens us, or empowers us? The answer, he believed, would be found in the 'Keyblade War.'"

Yen Sid paused and Ignus stepped forward next to his desk. "Xehanort had a theory that the struggles and challenges of the past were actually a map to the struggle between light and darkness that happens within each person. He became so obsessed with this idea that he renounced his duties as a master and chose the life of the seeker. He dedicated himself to solving this puzzle."

Yen Sid nodded and continued. "Since then, in many a guise, he has clashed with protectors of the light – keyblade wielders like yourselves. And mark my words, he will trouble us yet again. We must be ready. Which is why you, Sora, and Riku, are to be tested for the mark of a true Keyblade Master."

Ignus looked at the two boys across the desk. Riku was back in his own visage, standing tall and proud, intently listening to Yen Sid. Ignus was a bit surprised to see a similar focus on Sora's face. The boy had grown up quite a bit since their first meeting. He stood taller, reaching Riku's chin, and he'd lost the hyperactive distractedness Riku had talked about so often.

"No doubt you fancy yourselves masters already," Yen Sid ignored Ignus's muffle snort, "but it takes years of training. Only a true master can teach you the proper way."

"Both of you are self-taught keyblade wielders, which is pretty incredible considering your skills and accomplishments." Ignus added.

"However, the time has come for you to let go of preconceived notions, forget what you know about the keyblade, and begin your training again with a clean slate."

Sora practically jumped back. "But that's a formality, right? I already proved myself. Me, Ignus, and Riku – we can take on anything. Right, Riku?"

Riku's eyes were on the table as Sora turned to him. "I don't know." Riku extended his hand and Way to the Dawn appeared in it. "I think the darkness in my heart may still be too strong." He let the weapon vanish. "Walking that path changed me. I'm not sure if I'm ready to wield a keyblade. Maybe I do need to be tested."

"Riku." Ignus said softly. "Your darkness is yours. It is not evil. It is not wrong. The keyblade decides the worthiness of the wielder, and it has not abandoned you. That should give you some comfort. But you're still not confident, and it makes you hesitant to risk using darkness for fear of losing control of it. Maybe this test will allow you to gain the confidence you need." Ignus turned to Sora. "And Sora. Being a Keyblade Master is not about battle prowess. I didn't become a master through my skills as a warrior. While you've proven yourself time and time again, this is not a field that you've ever had to approach."

Sora looked from Riku back to the men behind the desk. "Then count me in. Put me through the test! Just watch, me and Riku will pass with flying colors!"

Well, Ignus hid a smirk. Maybe he hasn't completely grown out of the way he used to be.

Yen Sid shared a look with Ignus before turning back to the boys. "Very well, then. Sora and Riku, let your examination begin."

Notes:

Special thanks to the guest commenter who drew my attention to the fact that this chapter got messed up in upload and was pretty much unreadable. I've been trying to edit guest comments to let me respond to them, but it doesn't seem to be working, so hopefully this works better.