Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts.
Chapter 6 – Master Qualification Exam
A week after Eraqus's announcement, the Master stood with his apprentices in Nox's central courtyard. The king himself, as well as Prince Caelum and several other nobles and guards, stood at the edges of the courtyard to watch the initiation of two new Keyblade Masters, Terra and Aqua.
Terra stood straight and tall in front of his Master. His face an emotionless mask. Aqua stood with her best posture and with a blank expression. Eraqus looked at them both and nodded.
"Now, we shall begin the Master Qualification Exam," the Master announced. "This exam is the test that will determine your fates as the Chosen of the Keyblade. Whether you pass or fail will be determined by how well you exhibit your mastery of wielding your respective Keyblades and talents. I trust you both are ready?"
"Yes, sir," the apprentices said as one.
"Very well. Bout face," Eraqus ordered. Terra and Aqua turned around. "Keyblades at the ready." They summoned their Keyblades.
"This first test will see how you deal with unusual situations, and it's also a test of speed."
Eraqus summoned his Keyblade, a long skeleton key-like blade with a gray, square-shaped guard. The blade was a thin black pole with the teeth at the end shaped like an 'E'. The symbol on the keychain was shaped like the heart Eraqus, Terra, and Aqua all wore.
The Master waved his Keyblade and several orbs of light appeared in front of Terra and Aqua. They stood in their battle stances as the orbs began to move. Spectators ran to hide from the spheres.
"Begin!" Eraqus ordered.
Terra charged at the nearest orb and it disintegrated when his Keyblade hit it. Aqua ran towards the orbs that had flown up to the tops of the courtyard trees. She jumped onto a low branch and leapt off in a spinning jump. She slashed through two orbs in one shot.
The duo charged after the orbs. Some moved too fast for Terra and he resorted to some magic attacks. Aqua was faster than Terra, but the orbs were far faster than her. But three Thunder bolts later and the orbs were done for.
Terra got rid of the last orb of light, which had gotten dangerously close to Nox and Caelum. As much as he would rather have the orb hit the obnoxious prince, Terra wouldn't let it harm the king. So, he attacked the orb once the king and prince had taken cover.
"Well done," Eraqus said. "Now, come back." His two students returned to their Master's side and retracted their Keyblades.
"You both passed this section of the test. Very good. Your hearts remained strong as you dealt with your strange opponents. We shall now proceed with stage two. You both will duel each other as a test of your battle skills."
Terra and Aqua shared a quick glance and a nod.
"Aqua, stand at the entrance. Terra, stay here and face your opponent."
Aqua walked to the entrance that led into the city and Terra stood to face her. They summoned their Keyblades.
"In this test, you will prove your prowess to another who wields a Keyblade. It is rare, but likely, that you may encounter one. There are still other Keyblade wielders aside you both and myself. It is also good combat practice for a person wielding a sword."
Terra and Aqua stood in their battle stances, staring the other down.
"It does not matter who wins or loses this fight," Eraqus continued. "All that matters is that you try hard and use your battle skills and reflexes to their full potential. Magic is not permitted in this fight as it is solely a display of swordsmanship."
Aqua grumbled miserably. Magic was her specialty, Terra's was brute force. This fight would be to his advantage.
"Begin!"
At the sound of their Master's order, Terra and Aqua charged at each other head on. Terra lunged, but Aqua intercepted and jumped away. She pirouetted just as Terra swung again. His Keyblade caught on hers and sparks flew.
Aqua forced her heels into the ground to prevent Terra from pushing her back. She pushed against him and their Keyblades flew apart. Terra gripped Earth Shaker tighter.
Deciding to go more offensive, Terra reeled his Keyblade back and did an uppercut. The water maiden jumped back, startled, and the earth knight spun before tossing his Keyblade at her. Aqua was so startled that she did a cartwheel away, but it hit her foot and she accidentally dropped Rain Fall. Earth Shaker clanged to the ground.
Aqua took the minute moment of confusion to appreciate Terra's impressive strength. Earth Shaker took all his strength to lift. It was miraculous he could throw it like that. And he'd done it with only one arm!
Terra called Earth Shaker back and Aqua did the same with Rain Fall, snapping her out of her thoughts. This time, Aqua charged head on at Terra.
She spun and jumped right at him. Terra blocked her strike and retaliated. He tossed his Keyblade again, this time hitting Aqua on her right shoulder guard. She grabbed her arm and, in the confusion, dropped Rain Fall again.
"Enough," Eraqus ordered just as Aqua ran over to retrieve her Keyblade.
"You both have passed this portion of the test as well. Excellent," the Master said. "Return here."
The two still-apprentices walked back to their Master. This time, they kept their Keyblades out, as they figured they would still need them.
"For the final portion of the exam, you will show me your strengths in magic," Eraqus explained. "Like the battle test, this is not to see how much better you are than the other. It simply requires that you show the extent of your power. This test will be fought against the orbs of light again. If necessary, use physical moves in this display as well."
Terra took his turn to groan at hearing what the test would be. Aqua was far better at magic than he was. She'd knocked him down plenty of times in magic battle practice to prove it. Aqua, on the other hand, was beaming.
"You will take this test one at a time," Eraqus said. "Ladies first, Aqua."
"Yes, sir." She bowed to her Master and walked a few steps away.
"Good luck, Aqua," Terra told her. She turned and smiled at him. His cheeks flushed.
Aqua took a deep breath and held up Rain Fall. "I'm ready," she said.
"Then, get ready," Eraqus said. He called out his Keyblade and waved it, summoning more balls of light. They all formed in a circle around Aqua. "Proceed, Aqua."
Aqua focused her magical energy and cast a Thunder spell. Three orbs vanished and two more replaced each of them.
At Aqua's surprised expression, Eraqus said, "I forgot to mention. This test is a little harder. Find a way to defeat every orb at once."
"Got it," Aqua said. She concentrated harder and started attacking more and more orbs, using her power over light to shoot energy beams and casting magical spells to destroy the orbs. She felt her strength build. The orbs multiplied to fifty before Aqua finally felt her strength reach its peak.
"Teleport Blast!" she screamed. Aqua glowed with white light and light orbs erupted from her body. The water maiden had summoned as many orbs of her own as there were already. They all spiraled into a swirling pillar and she jumped at the nearest one. She whacked it and the enemy orb disintegrated. She then vanished and hit another ball, sending it into another orb. Aqua repeated the process many more times, finishing once Eraqus's final enemy orb had been destroyed. The light sparkled and swirled around her and she landed on the ground again, light as a feather.
As Terra watched Aqua, she captivated him just as much as she had on that day at the street fair when she danced. Her refined magical talent was clear. The glittering light that swirled around her lit up her eyes. She looked like something out of a dream with the light and sparks swirling around her.
"Beautiful…" he whispered.
"Splendid, Aqua!" Eraqus applauded. "Use of your most powerful attack, a combination of physical and magical might, was a fine show of your skills. Well done."
Aqua walked back over to Eraqus and Terra, dispersing Rain Fall as she went.
"Great job, Aqua!" Terra said. She blushed.
"Thank you," she said, bowing to Master Eraqus and smiling at Terra.
"Terra, your turn," Eraqus said. "Same conditions as Aqua. You must defeat all the light orbs at once and you must use magic."
"Alright," Terra said. With his Keyblade in hand, the earth knight walked back to where Aqua had previously been as Eraqus summoned more orbs of light. They formed in a circle around Terra and he stood ready to proceed.
"Go!"
Terra started off with an Aero spell, which destroyed five orbs, but replaced those five with ten new ones. He decided slashed and hacked at the orbs until his power filled him with pumping adrenaline.
Terra unleashed his full power in his move, Destroy Arts. Terra raised his Keyblade to the sky and meteors rained down. The spectators were alarmed, but the meteors split into multiple pieces and all collided with the light orbs, destroying them in a single second.
Aqua cheered for him. Terra flashed her a rather cocky grin, but she smiled in return. Eraqus overlooked this as he grinned with pride at his student.
"Excellent, Terra!" the Master said. "Incredible display of power and magic. You both did incredibly."
Terra dispersed Earth Shaker and returned to Eraqus and Aqua, whose smile hadn't faded.
Terra's skill had impressed Aqua far more than it ever had. She stared as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He blinked and as his eyes opened, they were sparkling with energy. He nudged her arm and Aqua turned to face Eraqus.
"Now for the results," Eraqus said. "Terra, you displayed battle skills very superior to Aqua's. Aqua, your magical talent was amazing to behold. And your own individual combinations of physical and magical moves were true signs of mastery. Therefore, I am pleased to say that you both have passed the exam and become Keyblade Masters."
Terra thought his heart had stopped. Aqua's eyes widened to the size of plates.
"Thank you so much, Master!" Aqua bowed so low, she was bent completely flat.
"Thank you, Master!" Terra said. He bent so far forward, he almost touched Eraqus's armored stomach.
"Rise now, as Keyblade Masters," Eraqus said. "Congratulations, Master Terra, and Master Aqua."
Aqua couldn't hold it in, she wrapped her arms around Terra in excitement. Terra returned the gesture.
"You were incredible, Aqua!" Terra told her.
"So were you!" Aqua cried. "Your spell with the meteors… it was amazing, Terra!"
The earth knight could've stood with Aqua in his arms all day, but he released her when they heard the sound of clapping behind them.
"My congratulations to you both!" a voice rang out. The Keyblade Masters turned to King Nox, who was approaching them with Caelum right behind him.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Terra and Aqua bowed respectfully to the king, but it wasn't needed. A Keyblade Master's authority was higher than the king of just one world.
King Nox looked very much like his son. They had the same facial traits, including their brown eyes, but Caelum's light blue hair had come from his mother, Nox's queen, who had passed due to a sickness shortly after her son's birth. The king had dark brown hair and he was also taller than his son and slightly broader.
"I'm glad to see all the training you've been through has paid off and your full potential has been achieved," Nox continued. A broad smile spread across his face, much different from his son's smile, which was normally a sneer.
"I'm very pleased as well," Eraqus said. He placed a hand on both Terra and Aqua's shoulders. "Both of you have truly earned your titles." He beamed at his students.
"Thank you, Master," Terra said.
"Eraqus, I have to ask you…" the king started.
"What is it, Nox?" Eraqus asked.
"Do you think it's time or not to reveal our two new Keyblade Masters to my kingdom yet?"
"I believe the time is right for Seaside Haven to know about Terra and Aqua," Eraqus replied.
"Then, I insist we honor them tomorrow night during my son's birthday party," Nox said.
Terra and Aqua cocked eyebrows and locked gazes temporarily.
"That's sudden, Nox," Eraqus said.
"But why not, Master Eraqus?" Caelum asked. "Enough people attend our parties and it's the perfect opportunity to reveal these two Keyblade Masters to the kingdom."
Eraqus thought it over. He saw that it was a good opportunity, but it was so formal. Terra hated formal events and Aqua was very similar. She'd flee at the sight of a dress, which she would have to wear at an event that formal.
He then decided it would be a good way to teach his apprentices some humility.
"Very well," Eraqus proclaimed. "Aside from Prince Caelum's birthday, we may also announce the making of our two new Keyblade Masters, Terra and Aqua."
"Say what?" Terra and Aqua said in perfect unison. Neither could believe what they'd just heard.
"You heard me," Eraqus said.
"Wonderful!" Nox exclaimed. "I need to see about details for that anyway. Caelum, come with me and we'll set about the details with the party planners."
Nox turned away, but Caelum lingered a moment longer and reached to touch Aqua's hand. She hid it behind her back.
"Aqua, congratulations again," the prince said with a sick smile. Terra scowled. "To you as well, Terra." The prince sneered as he said the new Keyblade Master's name.
Caelum strode after his father in a swish of robes.
"Master, you can't be serious," Terra said.
"I am dead serious," Eraqus said. "Tomorrow night, you both will be announced as Keyblade Masters to Seaside Haven. And you will put up with the party as well. And remember to dress properly."
Eraqus walked between his students and went into the throne room. The other spectators had left while the king had spoken with Eraqus. Now only Terra and Aqua were in the courtyard.
"I'm not looking forward to tomorrow night," Aqua said. Her arms crossed impatiently.
"Why not?" Terra asked.
"Because you know there's dancing at those parties and Caelum is bound to ask me to dance with him," the girl grumbled.
"Well, don't worry, Aqua." Terra put his hands on her shoulders. Their different blue gazes locked with each other. Terra was lost in the waves of Aqua's eyes, while Aqua was entranced by the cobalt ice in Terra's.
"You have the right to refuse him, you know."
"I know… but he'll insist."
"Then, I'll dance with you."
Terra was stunned by his own words. Him? Dance?
Oh, Darkness, take him now.
"Really?" Aqua hesitantly asked.
This was probably why Master Eraqus had forced them into attending the party anyway. To teach them that they needed to get over their personal problems.
But Eraqus had known that Terra wasn't a dancer. The man had proclaimed he had two left feet even though he'd never danced before.
But if he did it with Aqua…
"Yes," he said, swallowing his pride. "I'll dance with you if it helps you get over your nerves. And through the party."
Aqua smiled that radiant, sweet smile of hers.
"Okay, you've got a deal," she said. She moved Terra's hands from her shoulders before leaning closer and whispering, "Thank you."
Without waiting for Terra to respond, Aqua lightly kissed his cheek.
Overcome with shock, Terra didn't notice that Aqua had removed her lips until she was halfway between his position and the throne room.
'Wow,' was all Terra thought as he stared after the maiden Keyblade Master.
Okay. Chapter six is done!
About the MQE, I made up the magic test and kept the actual two parts we see in the game. Text is made up too. I don't even understand what the light orb test is for actually. They never explained it, so I had to wing it. And the magic test was added to be fair to Aqua's magic strengths since Terra has physical strength.
And Terra actually becomes a Master in this story! Good for him! BBS wise, I still don't think it's fair that Master Eraqus didn't give Terra the 'Master' title he deserves just because of one little mishap with his Darkness. And since there's later drama, I cut him some slack.
And one more thing, I wanted to use actual attacks Terra and Aqua use in the game. Make it more interesting. Destroy Arts and Teleport Blast are their most powerful finisher moves, respectively.
Like last chapter, writer's block and distractions kept this chapter from being up sooner.
