Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, its characters or anything Disney. Enjoy the chapter and I hope you like my little twist.
The next day, Yen Sid called both of his apprentices to his study to tell them of the glorious and honorable event that would take place. As they stood at attention before him, Yen Sid looked at his students with pride before he began to speak.
"Now, my young students, we are fortunate to witness a most proud moment for wielders of the Keyblade, today we shall witness the Mark of Mastery. Only one of you has proven worthy to take this Mark. Though both of you has proven over your years of training, that you are both remarkable wielders of the Keyblade. Step forward, Nairbix." Yen Sid said to his pupil who did as he was asked.
"Your Mark of Mastery shall be combat. You may use any technique that you wish to use, you shall be fighting with a creature that will stop at nothing to ensure that you do not pass this test. What you must do, is defeat it. Once you have done that, I shall promote you to the rank of Master of the Keyblade."
"Master, what is this creature that I shall be facing?" Nairbix asked.
With a raise of his arm, Yen Sid opened his hand in order to cast a spell and shouted, "Light!"
And with that Nairbix was sent into a completely different place. It was wide blue canyon crater and in front of him was someone who looked exactly like him only his black jacket and hair was white and his eyes were a crazed red, in his hand was just a simple white sword.
"You don't deserve that power!" The doppelganger said with a crazed voice and look as it rushed in to attack Nairbix. "You are nothing but darkness, you have no light in you at all! Even your filthy Keyblade is pure darkness! You should just be destroyed!"
"And you are just like everyone else that relies too much on light, too blinded by it to actually see someone for who they are if they have more darkness in their heart than you do. Judging someone before you even know them is just pathetic and stereotypical." Nairbix said trying to anger his opponent as he easily fended off its attacks.
"Silence, darkness spawn!" The fake then charged Nairbix with an unbelievable speed, but to him it was a snail's pace. He raised his Keyblade with a bored expression and blocked the attack.
"Don't you realize that I am you?! I am who you would have been if you were filled with nothing but light!" It declared.
"So that means, I either have to accept you or repel you. I choose to repel you, because if I accept you than I accept that I can easily become you." Nairbix said shoving off the doppelganger and slicing it across the chest causing blood to burst from the wound. It then fell to the ground as it eyes became lifeless and filled with shock.
"This was too easy." Nairbix said suspiciously looking around for something else to attack. Just then rumbling could be felt and heard, over across the crater he could see what looked like a skeleton hand grab the cliffs like it was pulling its body up. He then saw a giant angel that was missing half of its flesh on one side while the other side had all of its flesh and one eye closed.
"Darkness must be eliminated!" It cried without moving its mouth.
"Heh, now it gets interesting." Nairbix said with a wicked smirk. He began to run towards the monster with an even faster speed than the doppelganger. The monster then slammed its skeleton hand on the ground trying to crush Nairbix but failing as he saw this as an opening. He jumped on the arm and ran up towards the head to hit it with his Keyblade, after he made contact the monster slammed face first onto the ground leaving Nairbix smiling evilly while floating in midair. He then closed his hand only leaving his index and middle finger up and pressed together.
With his hand lifted to where it was just below his chin, he shot his arm up quickly so his hand was above his face. This caused a massive explosion in the crater with the fallen angel taking its destructive power. The blast was like a geyser of purple energy with a black outline shooting up into the sky destroying the monstrous angel.
"Again, this was too easy." Nairbix said very bored. Then in a flash of light he was back in the study about to receive his Master's decision.
"Nairbix, you have shown your strength in combat, resolve, and order. The beast you faced was one that represented those who stray too far into light and are blinded by it, you have shown that you shall maintain the balance of light and darkness. So it is with great pride and happiness, that I promote you, Nairbix VanSull, to Keyblade Master." Yen Sid said with a proud smile.
"Way to go, pal!" Mickey shouted as he tackled his friend with a hug.
"I'm actually a master now?" Nairbix asked as it finally sunk in.
"Indeed you are, my former apprentice." Yen Sid replied as he smiled at the new master.
"I knew you could do it, Nairbix!" Mickey exclaimed happily, "Never doubted you for a second."
"Thanks, Mickey. Um, Master?" Nairbix asked, "Would it be alright if I leave to tell my mother and my other friends?" But Yen Sid just raised his hand with an amused smirk.
"You may do as you wish, Nairbix. I no longer hold any authority over you. You now hold the same rank as I, you and I are now equals. You do not need my permission."
"Thank you, Master, but I don't think I could ever consider myself your equal." Nairbix replied as his former teacher walked over to him and rubbed his head.
"Be that as it may, I see that you are. However, before you leave, I have some things that I need to discuss with you, master to master." He said glancing at Mickey who took the hint. Once it was just the two of them, Yen Sid went back to his seat while Nairbix stood before him.
"What is it you want to talk about, Master?" He asked.
"Now that you are a Keyblade Master, Nairbix. There are things that you should know. Since you have completed your training here, you must find another world to settle down and watch over as your territory."
"My territory?"
"Indeed." Yen Sid replied. "Each master has their own world that they watch over. Normally, they choose a world that does not have a ruler or protector. This does not mean that you should only search for worlds such as this, mind you. You may also choose an uninhabited world like this one, or you may simply live the life as a wandering master. The choice is yours."
"Okay, I think I know a nearby world that I could set up in." Nairbix informed after thinking of the worlds he was familiar with. "Is that all?"
"Not quite. Tell me, Nairbix. You are familiar with the positions we wielders of the Keyblade have, correct?" The sorcerer asked.
"Yes, apprentice and master. Why?" He asked.
"Actually, there is a third ranking amongst us. This is only given to those who have unlocked all the secrets of both their own hearts and their Keyblades' as well."
"A third ranking?" Nairbix gasped, "What is it, Master?"
"It is known as, True Master of the Keyblade." Yen Sid answered. "Every master has tried and made progress in achieving this rank and power. But only two have ever done it."
"Two?!" Nairbix exclaimed, "Only two?! Who were they?"
"The first True Master's name has long been lost and forgotten. All we know, is that he was a surviving veteran of the Keyblade War. As for the second, it my own master who surpassed his predecessor. Mind you, they both spent many years of training in order to become True Masters. It isn't a simple task, of course. But I have faith in you, my dear student." Yen Sid said fondly. "What's more, after you have settled in, I want you to contact one month later."
"Okay, but why?"
"…I've grown old, Nairbix. I'm not the Keyblade Master I use to be." He said as he tried to summon his Keyblade, for some reason, it took him several seconds before it appeared. "I'm beginning to lose my ability to summon my Keyblade, my powers are failing me."
"What?" Nairbix asked feeling sorry for his beloved master.
"The reason that I want you to contact me after you've settled, is because I'll be introducing you to the other masters. Should they approve, they may just offer you my seat on the council."
"Me, on the Masters Council?" Nairbix asked.
"Should you and they accept, yes. But we can discuss this another time. Go, celebrate with your loved ones, and take Mickey along with you. I'm sure he's anxious to spend time with you and Jumba." Yen Sid ushered.
"Thank you, Master. But won't you be joining us?" Nairbix asked.
"No, I'm afraid that I won't. I had your Mark of Mastery viewable to the council, so I'll be meeting with them in order to learn of their decision regarding if they would offer you a seat."
"Very well, then. We'll be back later, goodbye, Master."
After Nairbix and Mickey left the tower, they made their way to pick up Jumba from his lab to tell him the good news. Inside the alien's lab, the duo walked in and tried to find their friend.
"Jumba?!" Mickey called.
"Jumba, are you here?" Nairbix called before the sound of footsteps echoed.
"Ah, Nairbix and Mickey!" Jumba exclaimed as he hugged his closest friends. "What be the bringing you to Jumba's lab?" He asked.
"We've got great news, Jumba." Mickey said happily. "Nairbix has just become a Keyblade Master!"
"Really?" He asked only to see the others nod. "Congratulations, Nairbix! When did this happen?"
"About twenty minutes ago, actually." Nairbix admitted with laughter in his voice while scratching the back of his head. "We came to get you and the others before we start celebrating."
"Others?" Jumba asked.
"Natasha, her droid Wall-E, and my mother. We're going to Radiant Garden before we head to my mother's world to tell her the good news." Nairbix replied.
"Oh, well in that case, let's go." Jumba said as Nairbix opened a corridor to Radiant Garden. Once the three friends arrived, Nairbix eagerly made his way to the castle to see the girl of his dreams. After they all climbed up the many steps that led to the giant castle doors, a deep and frightening voice filled the air.
"Who dares to enter the castle of Radiant Garden?" It asked while Nairbix became annoyed.
"Lea, it's me, let us in." He said to Natasha's little brother.
"None may enter unless they speak the royal password!" Lea said using a device to disguise his voice.
"Lea, what're you talking about? You guys don't have a password." Nairbix pointed out.
"Yes we do, I made it up after you went home yesterday." Lea explained as Nairbix smacked his forehead in frustration.
"Then how am I supposed to know what it is?" He asked.
"You…good point." Lea said dropping the fake voice before the door opened. Off to the side, the three friends could see the young prince. Like his sister, he had crimson red hair but only had it done in a spikey fashion. He wore long slacks and a vest over a plain white shirt and raggedy greenish-yellow bandana around his neck. From his size, he appeared to be about seven years old and five years younger than his sister. "How come you're back so soon, Nairbix?" He asked while his sister's friend rubbed his head.
"I've got something to tell your big sister, and I was hoping that she could come with me." Nairbix informed as the little boy led them down the massive hallway that is until he stopped, folded his arms and pouted at Nairbix.
"No!" He stomped showing his attitude. "She just got home, you spent time with her all week." Nairbix found this amusing but knew that unless he didn't chose his next words carefully, Lea was going to throw a little tantrum.
"I know, buddy. But how about this, the next time me and your big sister hang out, you can come and play with us. Sound good?" He asked as he got down to the boy's level.
"…Promise?" He asked still pouting.
"I promise." Nairbix said with his right hand up.
"Pinky swear?" Lea asked as he raised his chubby little finger. Nairbix held back a laugh before linking his own finger and shaking it.
"Pinky swear." He said causing the boy's attitude to take a one-eighty.
"Okay!" He cheered. "Sissy's outside practicing."
"Practicing?" Nairbix asked.
"Yep. Since she came home, she's done nothing but practice her Jedi stuff. Did you know that she can make things move without even touching them?" He asked becoming excited from the memory.
"I did know that, we even met other Jedi who can do that too." Nairbix added while he and his friends tried not to laugh at how innocent the little prince was. He then led them outside to the castle's training area, in the center was Natasha on her knees still wearing her Jedi robes meditating. In her lap, her hands were resting on top of what used to be Qui Gon Jinn's lightsaber. As she sat there, Gatling guns from all sides rose from the ground and aimed at her position. A soft breeze was the only sound that filled the air before the guns fired at the princess/Jedi.
Thankfully, the ammunition was nothing more than rubber balls, however, they would still cause pain if they made impact. Just before any of the multiple balls could make contact, Natasha leapt from the ground and quickly activated her lightsaber. In an instant, she was able to slice every projectile that came her way without even opening her eyes.
After the weapons sank back into the ground, Natasha opened her eyes and saw her brother with Nairbix and his friends. Wall-E then rolled over to her and gave her a fresh towel to wipe away her sweat.
"Thanks, Wall-E." She said sweetly as she walked over to the others. "Hey, fellas. What are you guys doing here?"
"Nairbix said that he has something to tell you, so I brought him to see you." Lea said to his sibling.
"You did?" She asked playfully. "Well, aren't you a little gentleman? Thank you, cutie." Natasha said before smothering him and kissing his cheek much to his dispute before he went back inside. "So, what's up?"
"We have the big news to tell you, Natasha." Jumba said hardly containing his excitement.
"What?" She asked starting to laugh.
"As of today…" Mickey began.
"We do the proudly introducing of…" Jumba carried before they both finished.
"Keyblade Master Nairbix VanSull!"
"Master?" Natasha asked while Nairbix rubbed his head with embarrassment. "Since when did you become a master?"
"Since this morning, actually." He replied before Natasha flung her arms around him laughing happily as Nairbix spun her around. "We were hoping that you could come with us to celebrate, you up for it?"
"Duh!" She exclaimed as they let go, thankfully neither of them noticed the other's flushed face unlike Jumba, Mickey and Wall-E. "Just let me go tell my mom and uncle and then we can go."
"Thanks, Natasha, I'm glad you want to come." Nairbix said with a genuine smile. From the doorframe, Natasha returned the smile before replying.
"What kind of best friend would I be if I didn't?" She asked as she left.
"She's really something, huh, guys?" Nairbix asked only to find his two friends glaring at him with their arms folded. "What?" He asked as his brows furrowed. Still no response. "What?" He asked again with a little more demand.
"Oh, are you speaking to us?" Jumba asked with sarcasm. "We're just curious who you are doing the addressing to."
"What?" Nairbix asked growing confused and annoyed.
"We just thought that we were your best friends, guess not." Mickey huffed.
"…Are you two serious? You're acting like this because of what Natasha said?!"
"Well, are you?" Mickey asked.
"Am I what?"
"Do you consider Natasha your best friend?" Jumba asked while Nairbix smacked his head.
"Guys-yes, I do, okay?! I consider her my best friend. It's different with me and her." He said as he face flushed again. "And yeah, I don't consider you guys my best friends." Nairbix said shocking the two. "I consider you guys my brothers." He said earnestly.
"You do?" They both asked feeling touched.
"Well, yeah-look. It's a bit different with me and Natasha."
"Different how?" Mickey asked while Jumba caught on.
"Oh!" He carried teasingly. "It would seem that our master of the Keyblade has become twitterpated for the Jedi Princess of Heart."
"What-twitterpated?" Nairbix asked.
"Indeed." The evil genius prodigy nodded. "Nearly everybody gets twitterpated. For example: you're walking along, minding your own business. You're looking neither to the left, nor to the right, when all of a sudden, you run smack into a pretty face. Woo-woo!" He exclaimed, "You begin to get weak in the knees. Your head's in a whirl. And then you feel light as a feather; and before you know it, you're walking on air. And then you know what? You're knocked for a loop, and you completely lose your head!"
"That's ridiculous, Jumba!" Nairbix waved off. "And since when are you a love expert?! Do I have feelings for Natasha? Yes. I won't deny that." He admitted, "But I honestly doubt that I'm "twitterpated" of all things!"
In a split second after he said this, Natasha walked back out and informed them that she could go. As this happened, Nairbix gazed at her and became weak in the knees, light as a feather and walking on air. "Oh, dear Emperor, I'm twitterpated!" He screamed in his head.
"Nairbix!" Natasha shouted bringing him out of his daze. "I asked you if you're ready."
"Yeah, uh, sure, let's go." He said sheepishly as he opened a corridor.
It had been several years since Nairbix had last been to The Moors. Ever since his mother became dark and declared herself queen of The Moors, the land had gained a darker beauty. Since time was different for all worlds and that Nairbix had only seen his mother and Diaval at the tower, there was no telling how long it had been since the two of them had cursed the infant princess.
As the three brothers, princess and droid made their way to the center lake of The Moors, they saw the fallen wingless fairy sit on her branch made throne glaring at the hateful images in her mind. In his original crow form, Diaval alerted his mistress of her son and his friends' arrival with a squawk. She raised her head and instantly changed her expression to one filled with motherly love.
"Darling." She said lovingly as she rose to embrace her child. "What are you doing here?"
"I have good news, Mother. Master Yen Sid promoted me to Keyblade Master this morning!" Nairbix cheered.
"He did? I'm so proud of you, Darling!" Maleficent replied as she attempted to embarrass her son by kissing his cheek in front of his friends. The day in The Moors was happily spent, Nairbix had shown his friends all of the places that he used to play at during his time in the world before he left. So many of the creatures that he befriended happily welcomed him back while he spent the whole day with his mother, crush and two new brothers. After night had fallen, Nairbix once again parted ways with Maleficent and returned his companions to their homes. Still feeling awake and adventurous, Nairbix began to search for a world that he could claim as his territory.
As he was traveling between worlds, Nairbix noticed one that he had come across before but never examined. In a flash of darkness he found himself in the middle of a quiet little town colored orange from the setting sun. All around him were tall buildings and paved road, even a trolley car passed by him as he gazed at the town.
"Hey!" Someone's voice called out. From behind him, Nairbix saw blonde young man waving at him from a large stand in the center of the area he was in.
"Me?" Nairbix asked while pointing.
"Yeah, you. You new around here?" The man asked as Nairbix walked over to him.
"Not really. Just browsing around to see if I'd like to live here, though. I'm Nairbix, Nairbix VanSull." He greeted.
"Call me, Jake. So, Nairbix, what's a kid like you going around looking for a place of his own for?"
"Oh, I just finished learning all I could from someone, and now that I'm finished, I'll need a place of my own. Know of any place available?"
"Sorry, little man. I'm just a stand owner, so I wouldn't know. But if you could find the mayor, she could probably help you out." Jake offered.
"Okay, thanks. Where can find I her?"
"Well, she usually spends her time playing with her son on Sunset Hill in the upper level of the town when she's off duty. I'm sure that if you give her all the details, she could probably hook you up with something."
"Sounds good to me. Thanks, Jake." Nairbix said as they shook hands.
"Any time, pal." He said as the little master went on his way. After boarding a train to take himself uptown, Nairbix reached the cozy neighborhood. As he got off the train, Nairbix was met with the sight of a little boy bawling his little eyes out. Wearing a striped white shirt under a pair of little overalls, the little brunette had his fist in his face to rub away his tears.
"Hey, little fella." Nairbix said gently. "What's the matter, huh?"
Through his crocodile tears, the boy raised his head and spoke to the visiting master. "I ca-can't find my-my mommy!" He wailed, Nairbix immediately comforted the boy as his sobs caused him to hiccup.
"Oh, it's okay. Everything's gonna be alright, what's your name, kiddo?" Nairbix asked.
"Ti-Timmy." The boy sniffled.
"That's a nice name." Nairbix smiled. "My name is Nairbix. So tell me, Timmy, where did you last see your mommy?"
"I don't know." The child mumbled.
"Well, what does she look like?"
"She's a lady." Timmy replied making Nairbix sweatdrop.
"Well, that certainly narrows things down." He thought bluntly. "Okay then, what were you and your mommy doing before you got lost?"
"We were playing up on the hill, but then I lost my ball and went after it. Then some big kids kicked it away and when I came back, Mommy was gone." Timmy said on the verge of tears again. With quick thinking, Nairbix decided to put his training from Halloweentown to good use. He reached into Timmy's ear and magically pulled put a big red lollipop. At the sight of the treat, Timmy's face lit up before he happily took it. Nairbix then ruffled the lad's hair and hoisted him up on his shoulders.
"Now then, let's go find your mommy." Seeing how Nairbix had no idea who the boy's mother looked like, and that he had never really been to this world before; he had no idea who he was looking for or where he was going. And the little one on his shoulders wasn't much help either.
But thanks to this little excursion, Nairbix was able to get a great view of the peaceful town. If he was able to, he just might consider settling here. However, despite the smaller size of the area they were in, it was proving difficult to locate the missing mother.
After what seemed to be an hour of searching, both Nairbix and Timmy stumbled upon a well-dressed, frantic young woman. As she was swerving her head left and right, she stopped dead once she spotted the boy perched on Nairbix.
"Timmy!" She cried as she ran over. Without giving any warning, Timmy pushed Nairbix's head down and jumped off of his head before toddling over to the woman.
"Momma!" He shouted back. In a somewhat corny way, the two ran into each other's embrace while Nairbix sweatdropped at the scene.
"Ahem." Nairbix grunted earning the mother's attention. "Sorry to interrupt, but could you be so kind to help me with something, Ma'am?"
"Oh, of course. Anything after you took care of my little boy. What do you need, sir?" She asked now standing with Timmy in her arms.
"I'm considering moving here, but there are some things that I need to discuss with the mayor of this town. If you could help me locate her I would greatly appreciate it." He replied. Hearing this, the woman gave a soft chuckle.
"Well, look no further. I actually happen to be the mayor." She replied.
"Of course you are." Nairbix smirked dryly.
"Sasha Martyr, mayor of this fine little town, at your service. How can I help you?" She asked.
"Well for starters, have you ever heard of a Keyblade before, Madam Mayor?" Nairbix asked as they began to walk back to the train.
"I have actually. Before I settled here, I was actually a wandering adventurer so I came across a wielder or two from time to time. I take it, you're a wielder of the Keyblade as well?" Sasha asked.
"A master as of this morning, actually. I was hoping to see if it would be possible to stay here and call this place my territory; if you would allow it, of course." Nairbix informed.
"Certainly." Sasha replied warmly. "It's the least I can do for you for your service and for looking after Timmy." As they continued discussing the matter, they boarded the train that would take them back to the station in town.
"Thank you, I really appreciate this. Anyway, I was wondering, does the town have any large homes or wide open areas that I can use?"
"…Well, there is the old clearing in the woods past the massive wall on the west side. There isn't anything there, but I could have some people construct a new home for you, if you'd like." Sasha offered.
"Is it a large clearing?" Nairbix asked as they got off the train and left the station.
"I'd say so. It's not that far from here, I could show you if you'd like."
"Why not? I may be able to tell what would best suit my needs after seeing the place. Lead the way, Madam Mayor." He teased. They soon made their way to a large cracked hole at the bottom of the great stone wall and walked to the outskirts. After passing through a small maze of trees, Sasha led Nairbix to the large clearing that she had spoken of.
"Is it to your liking?" She asked.
"It's perfect. The size is more than what I would need." Nairbix replied. "How long do you think it would take to build something here?"
"That depends on what you want built. What would you like anyway?" She asked. Nairbix thought for a moment before he answered. He thought of any possibility that came to his mind, having guest, students or even a family staying with him would require a large home.
"What about a mansion? How long do you think that would take to build?" He asked.
"Around a month or so. But like I said before, it all depends on how you want it built. Unless you could care less about how the mansion would look, I'd need to give the contractors a set of blue prints." The mayor informed. By using his magic, Nairbix made a set of blue prints riddled with the designs that he wanted. Sasha briefly looked over them for a moment before speaking to the Keyblade master.
"Impressive. But it seems a bit complex. I don't know if our guys can handle something like this." She admitted.
"No need to worry." Nairbix waved off. "Construction magic happens to be one of my many specialties." After reciting one of the spells that he learned curtesy of Aggie, Nairbix created the mansion that he pictured in his mind right before them. "What do you think?" He asked the awestruck mayor who nearly dropped her sleeping son.
"…Wow." Was all she said.
"Yeah, not too bad for a rush job, if I do say so myself." Nairbix joked.
Once she collected her thoughts, Sasha looked back at Nairbix before she spoke to him again. "Well, if everything is okay with you, I think I'll be heading home, Nairbix. Have a nice day."
"And you as well, Sasha." Nairbix said in return as the mayor walked away with her boy.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" She softly exclaimed as not to wake Timmy. "Welcome to Twilight Town, Master VanSull."
I only have one thing to say, yes, Nairbix lived in the old abandoned mansion in Twilight Town and that's where he raises his children until Ansem comes.