Xehanort had trouble sleeping the night before, and thus he had slept most of the day, a display of laziness one might think unbecoming of one who wished to become a Keyblade Master, someday.
But this was the Land of Departure, set in a sea of stars that held no conflict.
Xehanort was tired, and most likely would've slept through the night, had Eraqus not come running into his room, slamming the door open and then shut.
"XEHANORT!" Eraqus yelled, jumping onto his brother-pupil's bed and beginning to shake him.
Rudely woken up, Xehanort quickly pushed Eraqus to the foot of the bed. "What are you doing, Eraqus?" He asked grumpily, yawning. "I told you to let me sleep. You had better have a good reason for waking me up like this."
"I do, Xehanort! The Master has chosen when we will take the Mark of Mastery exam!" Eraqus yelled, cheerfully.
It took Xehanort a few moments to process this as he recovered from his sudden awakening. His eyes then shot open wide, and he grabbed onto Eraqus' shoulders, returning the shake he had just received himself.
"Don't just yell that and then say nothing! Tell me more, Eraqus!" He watched as Eraqus stuttered, getting out bits and pieces of words, before finally, something that resembled an actual sentence stumbled out of him.
"Let's just have you find out from him!" He then grabbed Xehanort by the arm, and attempted to drag him out of bed, literally.
"Let go of me!" Xehanort said, pushing Eraqus away in response. "I'm not going outside in just my shorts! I'll be out as soon as I get dressed."
"Fine, fine! I'm coming back in ten minutes if you aren't outside by then, though!" Eraqus warned, before quickly rushing out of the room.
Xehanort didn't take much time at all getting dressed. He might have acted semi-calm in front of Eraqus, but the reality was that he had been waiting for so long to hear some talk of the Mark of Mastery exam for himself and his brother, and here was not just that, but a day already chosen, as well?
He was excited, and left his room quickly. Stepping out of the castle door, Xehanort ascended the steps to the platform, where his Master and Eraqus were, standing at the edge, arms set on the railing. Eraqus turned to look at Xehanort, a huge grin coming across his face.
"Master, Xehanort's arrived!" He yelled as he looked up at his teacher.
"Calm, Eraqus. I already know." He replied, waving his hand close to his chest in acknowledgment. "Xehanort," He said, turning to greet him, "I am glad you're here."
"Thank you, Master." Xehanort replied, "Eraqus told me you have decided upon a day for our Mark of Mastery test?"
"Ah, yes, I suppose that's why you were so quick to rush out here. I have been watching you both grow from apprentices into true Keyblade Warriors. I could keep you as you are for the rest of your lives," He said, letting out a short chuckle, "but the title of Master must extend beyond just me, as it did with my Master, when I was chosen to prove myself." He looked Xehanort in the eyes, smiling warmly. "And so, I decided it was time to see if you could both surpass what barriers stand before you still as Keyblade Wielders, by taking the Mark of Mastery. I have no doubt you will both succeed in doing so."
"I will do my best to please you, Master." Xehanort replied, bowing once more. "When will we be tested?"
"It's not about pleasing me, Xehanort, though I am certain it will do that regardless. But, alas. Four days from now will be when you attempt to show the Mark. There will be some last-minute preparations, so I expect both of you to return to your normal sleeping schedules." He said, his gaze going from Xehanort to Eraqus after a few moments, before turning back to the edge. "You may go, Eraqus."
"Yes, Master!" Eraqus exclaimed. He ran to the castle door, stopping for a moment to turn and yell. "You coming, Xehanort?"
"Yes, Eraqus." He yelled back. He began to walk away as well, but stopped when his Master called for him.
"Xehanort. Remain here with me for a short time. I must speak to you of something."
Xehanort turned back to him as he heard this, and walked over. Eraqus, meanwhile, went into the castle as Xehanort did so, leaving the door open.
"Yes, Master?" Xehanort inquired.
"Xehanort... You have grown so much since I first took you as my apprentice." He replied, his back still turned to his student. "You and Eraqus have both made me very proud."
"Thank you, Master. I try my best, and Eraqus does, too."
"But..." The Master sighed, "...there is something that worries me about you, in particular."
"What might that be, Master?" Xehanort asked, a concerned look spread across his face.
"I have not only heard, but seen your use of darkness." Xehanort's Master explained, turning to face his pupil. "You must remember, darkness is not simply a forbidden power... but it is a parasite, as well. Continuous use of darkness can corrupt you. You have come so far... I do not wish to see you lose yourself to the darkness."
"But, Master-" Xehanort attempted to plead.
"No, Xehanort." Said the Master, as he cut his student's plea short. "I do not wish to be harsh on you, or strict, but I do not want to see or hear of you wielding darkness any longer. I am only trying to protect you."
"...Yes, Master. I apologize." He replied, as he hung his head down, gazing silently at the ground.
"It is alright, Xehanort. Now, go. Eraqus is most likely waiting for you."
"Indeed. Goodbye for now, Master."
He turned and walked away, entering the door that led into the castle. As he turned, shutting the door, he saw a glimpse of his Master, still standing on the hill, gazing up at the dark night.
"Darkness..." He thought.