Hello everyone~!
Allie: Sup.
I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of Birth By Existence. But be warned: just because I've posted the second chapter so soon doesn't necessarily mean that I will continuously do these early updates.
Allie: When she gets inspired, she has to complete it otherwise she'll lose her creativity and take weeks for her to get back on track.
Yeah, it sucks. But enjoy the chapter~!
Allie: *Psst!* If you have any questions, just review or private message us, please!
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Today was perfect for the Mark of Mastery exam. The sun shined so much it made the room so bright. It really did a good job of highlighting the mosaic windows and areas of the room. Iggy, however, lost her train of thought as she watched Master Eraqus make his way toward Terra and Aqua, giggling behind her hand when she saw Ven attempting to stand at attention. She smiled, feeling proud how her best friends are finally able to take the exam and, which she knows for a fact will happen, become Masters.
"Today you will be examined for the Mark of Mastery," Eraqus explained. "Not one, but two of the Keyblade's chosen stand here as candidates…" Here Iggy caught Ven's eye and shared a grin, "but this is neither a competition nor a battle for supremacy-not a test of wills, but a test of heart. Both of you may prevail, or neither."
Her mouth twitched. Oh, Master. You know they'll do great! But she perked up when she saw the older Master speak again. "But I am sure that our guest, Master Xehanort," here, she glanced at said Master and shivered as the gold eyes stared back at her, "did not travel all this way to see our young prospects fall short of the Mark. And to make sure this exam goes smoothly, Master Ignis will oversee the exam along with me." She nodded at the bluenette and brunette and winked at the blonde. "I trust you are ready."
"Yes./Yes." Her friends replied, seeing the composed eagerness and anticipation in their eyes. Then Iggy focused her attention on Eraqus as he summoned his Keyblade and raised it up.
"Then let the examination begin." Using his magic, he summoned several orbs of light, causing Terra and Aqua to summon their own Keyblades and get into their stances-
She shivered and her eyes widened. What the-?!
On cue, the orbs shuddered as tendrils of darkness appeared around them, the added element causing the orbs to move out of their standard position. The action caused Terra and Aqua to brace for an impact. At the same time, Eraqus and Iggy shared a look of brief shock and from confusion from this unexpected turn of events. When she looked back, she mentally applauded the calm disposition as the two examinees charged and destroyed the infected orbs of light. Somewhat fascinated by these orbs, her eyes slowly followed one as it strayed away from the brunette and bluenette-
And gasped. "VEN!"
Her younger friend reacted, summoning his Keyblade and destroying the orb. Turning towards his friends, he said, "Don't worry about me. You two focus on the exam!" The two in question were surrounded by the orbs of light.
"But Ven, you're in danger here!" Aqua called out, looking at Ven with worry. "Go wait in your room."
"No way!" said boy argued. "I've been looking forward to this-seeing you two become Masters. I'm not gonna miss it now!"
"He can take care of himself," Terra stated. "He's been out there training just as hard as us."
"And I'll be there to provide back-up for you guys," Iggy said, causing her friends to look at her with surprise. "You never know when you need the help."
Ven nodded. "Yeah! Ya see, Aqua?"
Said person pursed her lips the sighed, nodding in agreement before fixing her fighting stance, Terra following suit. "Stay sharp, Ven!"
And thus the exam commenced; all four of them destroying the orbs of light and using the skills and abilities they honed over the years. Ven using Strike Raid to sweep the orbs away while Iggy used her Firaga to destroy an unsuspecting orb creeping at him as Aqua used her Cartwheels to dodge the orbs while Terra took them out with his Shotlock command. When the orbs flashed rays of light, some of them would get hit but the others would dodge it, creating a devastating comeback towards the orbs. After five minutes, the battle finished and all four had little-to-no injuries.
Later, the four Keyblade wielders resumed their original positions; Ven standing some ways away from Aqua and Terra, said duo standing at attention in the middle of the room, and Iggy seated on the chair to the left of Master Eraqus. "That was unexpected…" said Master started, "but one must keep a still heart even in the most trying of circumstances."
"It was an excellent test, "he continued, eyeing the younger Master, "one I chose to let unfold while allowing your fellow wielder to oversee any mishaps. Which brings us to your next trial." This caused the examinees to look up with determination as well as Ven while Iggy looked on with a smile.
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"Now, Terra and Aqua," Eraqus said, "the two of you will face each other in combat. Remember, there are no winners-only truths, for when equal powers clash, their nature is revealed." As his two young pupils went into their stance, he nodded. "Begin!"
While the two began, Iggy, began to muse about their passing of their exams. I can't believe it! If Terra and Aqua becomes Masters, then they'll be able to join me on my assignments! Well, it may be a bit hard on Ven seeing as he has a long way to go before he can join us. But I'm sure he's fine. He's been doing great these past for years, and I'm certain that nothing will-
She shuddered, focused on the spar, and silently gasped. No!
She covered her mouth as she glimpsed at the small darkness Terra had summoned before he sent it back. Glancing at her Master and the guest Master, she looked down in sadness. Oh Terra… look what you've done.
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"We have deliberated and reached a decision," Eraqus said, Master Xehanort and Ignis standing beside him respectively. However, Iggy could not meet Aqua and Terra's eyes. "Terra, Aqua, you both performed commendably. However, only Aqua has shown the Mark of Mastery." Iggy clenched her fists. "Terra, you failed to keep the darkness within you sufficiently in check. But, there is always next time. That is all."
The res of what her Master said escaped her, as she could only sense the disappointment and frustration inside of Terra's heart. When she heard her fellow Masters leave, she looked up and jogged toward her friend, catching Terra's comment:
The darkness… Where did it come from?"
She opened her mouth but shut it, as she couldn't answer him. The four wielders-the rookie, the failure, the newbie, and the Master-could only stay quiet, not fully comprehending what had just transpired. The redhead, bluenette, and blonde looked up when they heard their companion say, "Sorry… but I need some time alone." On that note, he left.
Soon, Eraqus came to speak to Aqua about that, and Ven left, most likely to his room. Instead of sticking around and participating in the discussion of that, Iggy left, wanting to be alone for a while. After taking numerous twists and turns, she looked up to realize that she arrived at the castle's own library. Smiling wistfully, she opened the door, taking in a deep gulp of ink and old paper that was familiar to her. Walking towards a particular red armchair, she trailed her fingers over it, remembering how she was little and would she read book after book until she fell asleep, her Master finding her in an awkward position and a book almost falling out of her hand. Looking up, she gazed at the tall bookshelves she tried to reach when she was young; having to stack at least five books and stand on her toes to actually brush it. She giggled when she remembered that game of 'tag' she did with Aqua and Terra when the first came here.
Terra…
The smile disappeared, her thoughts on her brunette friend reminding her of the conversation with her seniors. Oh Terra, I'm so sorry.
A flash of light and a familiar weight in her hand appeared. She smiled, lifting up her familiar Keyblade, her Flickering Flame, and let the natural lighting in the room hit it. It was basic in design, representing a small but bright and powerful flame. The handle took the shape of a simple flame, the colors starting out red but fading into orange then gold toward the middle. The attached charm was a small red-and-gold flame, the chain a soft gold. The shaft was between a long and short reach, balancing her attack and defense perfectly. Towards the end, it curved, allowing the teeth to form into three small, but sharp, flames. And when the weapon hits the natural lighting, it glowed, giving the illusion of fire, the colors scheme of red-orange-gold helping the added affect.
Gazing at her trusty blade, she remembered how thrilled she was when she was able to actually summon it for the first time after she came here. In her excitement, she tripped and fell face-flat on the ground, her Master having to heal the cut on her cheek. But her excitement and joy didn't diminish one bit. She smiled, all those memories of her times of youth.
Then she frowned.
How she missed those days.
DONG! DONG!
She gasped, sending her Keyblade back to wherever it went and ran out of the room, taking the short cuts she knew by heart to the "throne room" (a nickname she gave when she was young). Turning the corner, she spotted Aqua watching Master Eraqus. As she ran, she glanced to her left to see Terra right behind her, and both wielders reached Aqua at the same time.
"What happened?" Terra asked, standing at Aqua's right while Iggy stood to the left of her.
"I don't know," Aqua replied, glancing at her fellow female as she looked around.
"Why isn't Ven here?" said redhead asked. Her companions couldn't answer her. But all three stood at attention when their Master approached them with a grave expression.
"That was my dear old friend Yen Sid." Iggy perked up at the familiar name. "As you know, he is Master no more…but he still keeps a close eye on the tides of light and darkness. His counsel serves as signposts on the road we wielders of the Keyblade must walk. All the more reason, then, for concern-for he tells me the princesses of heart are in danger."
Iggy's eyes widened. What?! Why?! Who would-!?
"Not only from the forces of darkness, as you may assume…" Eraqus continued, "but also from a new threat-one that feeds on negativity. Fledging emotions that have taken monster form-Yen Sid calls them the 'Unversed'."
Even the name sounds foreboding, said redhead thought, shivering.
Eraqus looked at his three charges before continuing. "As wielders of the Keyblade, you are tasked with striking down any who would upset the balance of light and darkness. The Unversed are no exception. I tried to pass this news on to Master Xehanort," here Iggy twitched, "but my repeated attempts to reach him have failed. I doubt there is any connection, and yet… This all troubles me."
"Master Xehanort is gone?" Terra mumbled to himself, missing the questioning and concerned glances of his female companions. But the two turned back to their Master, saving that tidbit for later.
"So here we are," said Eraqus.
I need you three to get this situation under control. Eliminate the Unversed, and find Master Xehanort. I have unlocked the Lanes Between. You may use these forbidden pathways to travel between this world and countless others.
"The darkness looms closer than usual within these spaces," he warned, "but your armor will protect you. Lastly, remember that order must be kept. You cannot tell anyone there are other worlds. Now go, and fulfill your duty."
"Yes Master," the three chorused.
Terra turned and began to walk away before Master Eraqus called him. When he looked back, his Master spoke. "Consider this an opportunity. A second chance for you to change my mind."
"What?" Terra asked in confusion (and slight hope, Iggy noted).
"You must know, I care for you like my own son," Eraqus explained, ignoring the chuckle/cough from a certain redhead. "If I could have my way, I would name you Master in a second.
"But," Iggy frowned, figuring out what he's about to say, "how can I, when you are so obsessed with power? Terra, you mustn't be afraid of losing. Fear leads to obsession with power, and obsession beckons the darkness."
He placed his hand on his pupils shoulder. "You must never forget."
Eraqus stepped back, and Terra bowed. "Thank you, Master." Then he stood up, determination in his eyes. "I swear… I will not fail you again." Then he turned and resumed to walk off.
But when Ignis looked at Aqua, she could see the worry in her female companion's eyes. Then the bluenette looked back at Eraqus. "Master, I'll best be on my way."
"As do I," Ignis added, turning and heading after her fellow Master. Both, however, stopped when Eraqus said, "Wait, Aqua, Ignis."
The bluenette turned around, her companion staying where she was to stare at Ven's retreating figure. "Before you depart, I have one other…Well, call it a request of the utmost priority." The redhead stiffened, turning around.
"Yes?" The two females asked in unison.
"I told Terra this could be a second chance to show the Mark of Mastery…" their senior Master explained, "and I meant it. However, that flicker of darkness he displayed during the examination-" the redhead twitched, "I can sense it runs very deep. If he were to-If those powers were to prove too much for him to handle, I want you two to bring him back to me at once."
Aqua and Ignis looked at each other in shock, before looking down in sadness. "it's for hi sown good. I could not bear to lose any of you to the darkness."
Aqua blinked and looked up, the redhead following suit. "Of course," the bluenette replied. "We would never let that happen."
"We promise you we will bring Terra back," Ignis added, her eyes downcast but knowing with regret.
"Only this time," the bluenette spoke up, "you'll see he has what it takes to be a Master."
The two females turned around heading towards the direction of their two male companions. Then Iggy stopped, nodding to her friend to continue walking. When she was out of earshot, she turned back, looking at her Master with narrowed eyes. "You know…He's not as weak as you think."
She turned around, following her fellow Master, all the while trying to forget the sad smile on her Master's face.
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When she arrived outside and stood by Aqua, she couldn't help but smile sadly at Ven seeing Terra off. When Terra activated his armor and summoned his Keyblade, however, she frowned. What the-? she thought. Confusion, shock, worry, despair, concern… why is Ven feeling like this? And towards Terra of all people?
Then she raised an eyebrow in confusion. Determination? What…?
She gasped as Ven activated his armor. "Ven! STOP!"
He ignore the redhead as he summoned his Keyblade. When Aqua and Iggy reached him, he was already up in the air, heading towards the portal. The two females stared at his retreating figure in shock before they snapped their attention towards their Master, who said, "No! He mustn't!" Then he stared at his remaining two pupils. "You two have to bring him back!"
Aqua nodded, clenching her fist. "Don't worry, Master!" she said, then headed off. Ignis glanced at her before turning her attention towards the Master, nodding her head in agreement. Before she could take off, however, the male placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up at him in confusion.
His expression graved, he said, "If the need arises, I allow you to use that."
She gasped, her eyes widening. "Wh-what?"
He stared at her, an unreadable emotion on his face. Staring back, she finally nodded, her eyes narrowed. When the hand was taken off, she walked forward. Raising her hand, she brought it to her armor. She hovered over it, an unreadable emotion in her eyes. Then she turned around, bolted toward her Master and jumped, wrapping her arms around his neck.
His eyes widened, then softened. He wrapped his arms around her waist, placing his head on hers. For a short while, the two could only share silence. Then she leaned into his ear, whispered, and broke up the hug before summoning her armor and Keyblade.
As the lone Master stared after the retreating figure of his pupil, the words repeated in hi smind over and over again.
"Goodbye, father. I love you."
"I love you too, Ignis," he whispered. "I love you so much."
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If only they knew how much pain they will experience…
If only they knew that their friendship will become questioned…
If only they knew the truth …
If only…
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Allie: Depressing much?
Maybe.
Allie: -_-'
Well anyway, after this chapter, I'll work on the third one as well as revamping the prologue of my One Piece fanfic.
Allie: Why?
CAUSE IT SUCKS!
Allie: …
Well I hoped you enjoy this chapter of 'Birth By Existence'~!
Allie: Please tell us your opinion by dropping a review right …
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Allie: … here~
Bye for now~!
Allie: Ja ne!
Posted: 10/2/13