Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, its characters or anything Disney, the only things I do own are the original characters and the original world that I came up with in this chapter, you'll know who's mine who is not. Enjoy!
It had been one month since Nairbix made his new home in his new territory. The time he had spent in Twilight Town was quiet, peaceful and relaxing, but that was about to change. The following morning, he contacted Yen Sid and informed him where he was and anxiously awaited for him to take him to meet the other masters.
It would also be his first time meeting the other masters as well as the council, so naturally, he was filled with excitement. From the window of his own study, Nairbix saw his former teacher walk to his front door. He then got up from his seat and quickly made his way to the main room as his master walked inside.
"Hello, Nairbix." He said happily.
"Hello and welcome, Master. Welcome to VanSull Manor." Nairbix said with a teasing bow from upstairs earning laughter from the old wizard.
"I must say, I'm impressed with your new home, Nairbix. I'd ask how long it took to build, but I'm beginning to sense that you used your magic to build it." Yen Sid said.
"That obvious, huh?" Nairbix asked still smiling.
"No one could ever build anything correctly with your sense of taste and style, my old apprentice." Yen Sid remarked.
"I resent that." He retorted dryly before they both laughed.
"In any case, it's time for us to go. I can only imagine that you're excited about this, am I right?" Yen Sid asked.
"Very much, Master." Nairbix replied as Yen Sid opened a corridor of light for the two of them. After they walked through and the light cleared, Nairbix was gaping at the sight before him in awe. It was a massive floating castle constructed out of magical white gold surrounded by beautiful fountains.
Yen Sid noticed his former pupil's reaction to the sight and chuckled as he began to walk up the paved white path that led to the castle. "There will be time for looking later, Nairbix." He called to the motionless master. "The council and masters are waiting for you."
"Sorry." He said bashfully before catching up. Once they were inside, Nairbix saw the many levels of the castle and how they were filled with so many masters just like him. If anything, he thought it greatly resembled the Jedi temple back on Coruscant. As they continued walking, many of the masters were glancing at the duo and whispered about them.
While they were walking, two older gentlemen confronted them with welcoming grins. One was a dark skinned man with a silver beard and golden eyes dressed in a long open black trench coat and white gloves behind his back. The other, wore a long white master's coat with red outlining over a suit of Keyblade armor while his wild black hair was tied up in a ponytail.
"Greetings, Master Yen Sid." The black haired master said.
"Hello, Eraqus." He said to the one who had greeted him. "Xehanort." He said to the other who nodded his head. "And how are you two doing on this fine day?"
"Well, Master. We are doing quite well." Xehanort replied in the gruffest voice Nairbix had ever heard. "Pardon me, but is this your apprentice?" He asked as Yen Sid ruffled Nairbix's hair.
"Former apprentice. Now, he holds the same rank as we do."
"Keyblade Master Nairbix VanSull, living manifestation and embodiment of Narnia's firstborn darkness, at your service." Nairbix greeted.
"Ah, yes. We viewed your Mark of Mastery last month." Eraqus remembered. "You certainly displayed an impressive ordeal of strength for someone your age. How long did you study under Master Yen Sid again?"
"Four years." Nairbix replied.
"Come now, Eraqus." Xehanort interrupted. "Stop interrogating the boy. The council will decide his position, not you and your paranoia." But Eraqus said nothing before walking away to the council room. "When will he learn?" Xehanort asked himself as he shook his head. "It was nice meeting you, Nairbix. I hope things will be in your favor today."
"Master?" Nairbix asked as Xehanort left. "What did he mean by Eraqus's paranoia?"
"Sigh, unfortunately, my pupil. Eraqus is someone who leans too far into the light and sees darkness as evil. I don't doubt that he will be against you joining the council or even having the rank of master considering the nature of your heart and how you came to be." Yen Sid replied.
"Do any of the other masters think like that?" Nairbix asked.
"For those on the council, thankfully not. But I can't guarantee the same can be said for others, however, that ties to more of their own unfortunate experiences with darkness. Still, I can say that they would not treat you any differently besides Eraqus that is."
"Did he have a bad encounter with some sort of darkness?" Nairbix asked while they were walking.
"No." Yen Sid said bluntly with a hint of anger. "And that is what baffles me and so many others. From how you described them, he has a similar narrow minded attitude to the Jedi you met."
"Yay." Nairbix dryly said with sarcasm.
"Master, Yen Sid!" A deep and gruff voice shouted from above, they turned their heads to the level above them and tall saw young man with short dirty blonde hair grinning happily at the sight of the old wizard. But one part of his appearance greatly struck Nairbix. He was beyond muscular! Even though he was wearing regal robes and a long-sleeved golden master coat, anyone could clearly see that he was chiseled and ripped! He then jumped from the rail and eagerly rushed over to them clearly ecstatic to see the famous master.
"Oh, it's so good to see you again, Master." The man said before he noticed Nairbix. "And you must be Nairbix VanSull." He said shaking Nairbix's hand roughly but with kindness. "I saw your Mark of Mastery, truly, you are a mighty warrior; it's an honor to finally meet you."
"Thank you, um…?"
"Oh, where is my head?!" He asked as he smacked his head while laughing. "I am Keyblade Master Edgar Goldmin. I also happen to be a member on the Council of Masters as well. I look forward to having you with us, my friend. I had better move along, the meeting for you will soon take place. Goodbye, Master Nairbix, Master Yen Sid." And with that, the happy go lucky man left.
"Um, Master, who was that?" Nairbix asked.
"That was Edgar Goldmin, he is without a doubt the most humble and caring master to have ever been on the council. In case you hadn't noticed, he has a bright and beaming outlook on life." Yen Sid through his chuckles.
"And a firm grip." Nairbix added as he clenched his hand.
"You're likely to discover that all of the masters here have their own unique personalities and outlooks, Nairbix. But despite their differences, they all see our kind as their family and would give their lives if it meant protecting not only them, but any world in need."
"As anyone should." Nairbix agreed. He then noticed a master from a quick glance reading a book. He seemed to be about eighteen years old, he had pitch black hair on the top of his head and white on his sides clearly showing his dark blue eyes. He wore a dark skin tight blue shirt underneath a black short-sleeved coat with white wisps dancing at the end.
"Who is that person, Master?" He asked pointing at the young man.
"Oh, that would be Master Delton Voss. He's been on the council for about a year now. He normally keeps to himself save for certain members on the council." Yen Sid replied.
"Really?" Nairbix asked.
"Indeed. Now, Nairbix." Yen Sid began, "When the meeting begins, you may speak when you are addressed or if you must defend yourself, not for any other reason, understood?"
"Yes, Master." He replied before they entered. The room was wide and round and each of the many masters sat on the elevated seats as they looked down at Nairbix while Yen Sid flashed up to his seat.
"The Council of Keyblade Masters' official meeting regarding newly instated Keyblade Master Nairbix VanSull has now come to order." A giraffe-like master announced. Then, at the head of the council, a tall and muscular tanned man with wild and long silver hair wearing a blood orange colored master's coat made his announcement.
"As Grandmaster of this council, I, Sigurd Vince, welcome you, Master Nairbix VanSull to our castle." Sigurd said.
"And I greatly appreciate it, Grandmaster." Nairbix replied with a bow.
"Master Nairbix, you have been called here to witness firsthand the council's decision regarding whether or not you shall take your former master's place on this council."
"Pardon me, Grandmaster." Goldmin addressed. "But why is it that Master Yen Sid is offering his seat in the first place?"
"Allow me to answer that, Master Goldmin." Yen Sid announced. "To those of you who do not know, I have discovered that I am losing my ability to summon my Keyblade." After he said this, an uproar came up and filled the room with chatter but it was quickly ended once he raised his hand. "Thank you. As I said, I am losing the ability to summon my Keyblade. Because of this, I do not see any reason for me to be on a council of those who can. And, since one of my two disciples has become a master and a powerful one at that, I think that he should take my place."
"Surely there must be some way for you to retain your powers, Master." Eraqus offered.
"No, Eraqus, there isn't. Besides, I have served as a wielder of the Keyblade for many years. I will simply consider this my retirement, and continue to use the magic that I have left to watch over the worlds and provide help to those who need it." Yen Sid replied.
"Now those, are some inspiring words, Master." Said a giant master from the other side of the room.
"We have all witnessed what Master Nairbix can do, even if it was a sliver of his strength. I personally agree with what Master Yen Sid has said and agree that we should offer him a place on this council." Xehanort provided.
"All those in favor of carrying Yen Sid's proposal?" Sigurd asked as he and nearly the master raised their hands. "Opposed?" Only one hand rose, and surprise surprise, it belonged to Eraqus. "Would you care to inform the council why you are opposed to this, Eraqus?"
"I would. I am against this considering that Nairbix VanSull not only has a heart of pure darkness but that he is also the living manifestation and embodiment of an entire world's darkness." He said as the other master began to shout at him.
"You would deny him this because of your paranoia with darkness?!" The standing giraffe master bellowed.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, Master Calo, I am against him joining because of his darkness." Eraqus retorted.
"In case you haven't been paying attention to his actions over his years of training, and what Master Yen Sid has told us, Eraqus. Master Nairbix is not like the evil you automatically confuse darkness with." Master Delton reminded dryly.
"Enough!" Sigurd shouted. "Clearly, Eraqus is against you joining us, Nairbix. Do you have anything that you would like to say to him?" He asked.
"Yes, I do." Nairbix replied with his voice slightly trembling with anger before he looked to the older master. "I don't care if you have some sort of hatred towards darkness, and I could care less about your feelings towards me. But as a master, you shouldn't judge someone based on the nature of their heart before you even know them."
"Well said, Nairbix!" Goldmin cheered.
"I agree with what you have said, Nairbix." Sigurd added, "However, we can only approve something if all members come to an agreement."
"There is another option, Grandmaster." Delton reminded. "In cases similar to this, the council can allow a duel to decide the outcome." With that being said, the entire council murmured in agreement.
"All those save for Master Eraqus in favor?" Sigurd asked as everyone raised their hands. "It's settled then. Masters Nairbix and Eraqus shall have a duel, if Nairbix wins, he shall have earned his place amongst this council. Should Eraqus win, he shall decide Nairbix's fate. Are these terms agreeable?"
"Yes." They both said glaring at one another. Eraqus then jumped down to face Nairbix as the room shifted to a battle arena.
"Excellent. This battle shall be until either someone yields or is rendered unconscious, and any technique is allowed." Sigurd declared as Nairbix and Eraqus summoned their Keyblades. Silence filled the air as the tension grew thicker. "Begin."
The two quickly rushed at each other and slammed their weapons against each other. They then shrugged themselves off and continued to slash at each other. Eraqus then jumped back and readied his next attack. He slowly waved his Keyblade to his side and lunged at Nairbix with unbelievable speed as he slashed his torso.
But as soon as the attack made contact, Nairbix created a large barrier sphere causing Eraqus's attack to bounce back just before he caused it to burst. The blast did do minor damage to the older master and allowed Nairbix to take the opening and slash his opponent. It did cause Eraqus to skid back several feet, but he was still standing.
He then charged once again at Nairbix and slammed his Keyblade down on his. Even though Nairbix wasn't even close to faltering, he still needed to shrug off the older master. So, in a rush of adrenaline, Nairbix managed to get Eraqus off of him before he readied his next punch. But something strange happened as Nairbix's punch made contact, an invisible sonic force blasted from his fist and into Eraqus's torso causing him to be sent flying into the wall unconscious.
Everyone in the room was silent after they all witnessed the unbelievable attack, not that they had never seen it before, no, they all knew too well what it was and what it meant for the new master.
"It would seem that Master Eraqus has been rendered unconscious." Sigurd said breaking the silence while Nairbix stared at his hand. "Thus, Nairbix VanSull the living manifestation and embodiment of Narnia's firstborn darkness and Keyblade Master is now an honorary member of the Council of Keyblade Masters."
For a moment, no one had gotten over their shock until Yen Sid rose from his seat and began to applaud his former student. Soon, everyone joined in and congratulated Nairbix's victory. Then, the wall to the seats of the masters opened made a set of stairs that led to a smiling Yen Sid and his seat. As Nairbix walked towards his master, the others patted his back and expressed their congrats to him. Once he reached Yen Sid, the old sorcerer bowed and stood aside to show his seat, but before Nairbix sat down, he threw his arms around his master and hugged him before Yen Sid did the same.
As Nairbix took his seat, Yen Sid flashed down to the center of the floor and looked at all of those who he found some way to teach.
"And so, my friends. This marks the end of my days as a master and wielder of the Keyblade." He announced, hearing this, many of the masters began to tear up at the sight of the beloved master leaving them. "I have witnessed so many wonderful things because of the mighty weapon and tool that I once wielded. I was blessed to meet and make so many friends and help guide so many of you to where you are now. I can honestly say that I have no regrets. I leave my seat and the worlds in capable hands. I bid you all a very fond farewell." He said wistfully. While he was exiting the room, he began to whistle through his teeth a song very old and dear to all those who wield the Keyblade.
"With the end of one tale, a new one begins." Sigurd said with a sad smile as a single tear rolled down his face. "Welcome to the council, Master Nairbix." He said.
After the council had dismissed, Nairbix walked out of the room with thoughts racing through his head. That is until Goldmin tackled him with a bone crushing and tearful hug.
"Oh, Nairbix!" He wailed. "Truly you touched all of our hearts today with the sad parting between you and your master! You, my friend are so inspiring!"
"Goldmin, let the poor guy go. I don't think he'd appreciate it if you killed him." A brown haired woman said walking over to them. She had he hair in a ponytail draped over her right shoulder and wore armor similar to Eraqus's underneath a long-sleeved purple coat that was just a bit darker than her own purple eyes.
"Oh, so sorry, my friend." Goldmin sheepishly said rubbing the back of his head.
"You'll have to excuse Goldmin, he's a bit emotional to, well, everything." The woman said as she outstretched her hand. "Trisha Klein. I'm on the council too. Congratulations on joining us, Nairbix." She said as they shook hands.
"Thanks. Um, if you guys don't mind, I have a question." Nairbix said nervously.
"Not at all, fire away." Trisha urged.
"…During my fight with Eraqus, I used some strange technique that I'd never seen or used before. Do either of you have any idea what it was?" He asked, hearing this, the two chuckled at their fellow master and council member.
"Indeed we do, Nairbix." Goldmin replied before Trisha continued the answer.
"That technique you used is known as the Flux Wave technique. It is typically the first technique that masters unlock as their abilities as True Masters. It's strange, though. Normally, it takes some time before any of the powers to show up. Certainly more than a single month after achieving the rank master, that is." Trisha said.
"It's honestly not that surprising considering how young of a master he is anyway, Trisha." Delton said walking over to them. As he walked over to Trisha, he placed a quick kiss on her cheek causing her to blush and Nairbix to look at them in surprise. "Nice work today by the way, VanSull." He said looking blankly at Nairbix.
"Thanks, so, um…what exactly do we do now that the meeting's over now?" He asked.
"…We go home." Delton said like it was a dumb question.
"Oh, right." Nairbix replied bashfully as the apparent couple walked away.
"Well, it was nice to meet you, Nairbix. Farewell." Goldmin waved before disappearing in a bright flash of golden light. Having no other reason to stay, Nairbix transported himself back to the mansion.
As he sat in his study, Nairbix pondered about the rank of True Master and how he may achieve it. "Trisha mentioned unlocking the abilities." He thought out loud, "Maybe, the power is somewhere dormant inside Heartbreaker." With the thought in mind, he summoned his Keyblade and began to concentrate all of his magic as he closed his eyes and entered his Station of Awakening.
Once he reached its surface, Nairbix noticed that the once empty places were filled with Natasha, Jumba and Mickey's faces. "So, you've learned the secret." A woman said from behind Nairbix.
She wore a sleeve-less, frilly ball gown as red as red wine and two black sashes crisscrossing over both her eyes over her pale face. "How long has it been since you were last here?" She asked with a smooth and silky voice. "Was it only when we met? Or have I simply forgotten times past then?"
Nairbix chuckled at the woman with a somewhat sad smile. "No, it was that one time. But we've seen each other every day since then, my dear Heartbreaker." He said to the spirit of his Keyblade.
"Not like this." She reminded, "Only as a weapon and a tool."
"I have never seen you as that. I may have addressed your kind as that, but I've always seen you as my partner. I love you. Not like a lover, but not as less as a friend."
"As do I. But it's been so long since I felt you this close to me." Heartbreaker said in a depressed tone.
"I know. You know why I'm here, Heartbreaker. Something in my gut tells me that I'll need power to help people in the future."
"I agree. I have the same feeling, as well. Though, there's no telling what threat will come that we will need the powers of a True Master. But, I cannot simply supply you with all the secrets, Nairbix."
"I know. I don't expect you too. You're too stubborn to do so." He teased earning a genuine smile from the Keyblade spirit. "I don't care how long it takes. I'll become a True Master and protect my friends and the worlds." Nairbix declared summoning his Keyblade.
"And I will gladly fight alongside you." Heartbreaker replied summoning herself matching Nairbix's stance just before they clashed. So began the training of Nairbix VanSull to become a True Keyblade Master.
