When it came to spell mastery, Terra and Aqua were polar opposites. Master Eraqus could show the two pupils the same spell, and Aqua would be able to master it in an hour after seeing it, while Terra would take days before he was able to perform a presentable cast. This week, in the Land of the Departure, the two were mastering Aeroga, a spell that the Master had left Ventus, a third pupil and friend to Terra and Aqua, in charge of.
"You're doing great, guys!" Ven exclaimed, his blue eyes shining with excitement as the three stood in the sunny courtyard. "Just think of windy things! It helps!"
Aqua gracefully held her Keyblade, Stormfall, in battle pose, closing her eyes as she prepared. Outside of her gaze, a glaring, sweaty, furious Terra stood slightly downwind and behind her, gripping his Keyblade, Ends of the Earth, tightly with both hands. Aqua was the first to cast.
"Wind!" The bluenette exclaimed, sending a swift and steady gust across the courtyard, rustling the dust off the cobblestones as it swept though. Wide-eyed, Aqua brought a dainty hand to her mouth, her cerulean locks disheveled in her joy.
"Oh, Ven! That went much better than I'd first expected for myself. At least, I think. Was it good?" She asked the blonde, sincerity in her actions clarifying her voice.
"Great first try, actually." Ven replied, crossing his arms over his chest, and giving a short nod of approval. Swiftly, his gaze shifted to Terra, who was looking more volatile with every second that passed.
"Erm, Terra! Give it a try…" Ven urged hesitantly, trying to coddle the mocha haired boy's seething frustrations.
Terra thrust Ends of the Earth forwards, angling it towards a weak, stray patch of grass that had managed to grow between the cobblestones in the courtyard. With an exasperated groan, Terra tried to cast Aeroga. Upon his casting, only a faint, wispy breeze transpired, barely shaking the grass patch. A low, menacing growl formed in Terra's throat, expanding into a thunderous roar as the boy threw his Keyblade down onto the ground. Ventus and Aqua exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to say, or how to say it. For a moment, the only audible noise was the sound of Terra's manic panting, until Ven broke the silence.
"Terra…um…" The sandy blonde mumbled, trailing off into a look of desperation aimed at Aqua, who countered with a glare, and an equally helpless stare. After another tense moment, Aqua spoke.
"If you'd like to practice after dinner tonight, I'd be more than willing to-"
Terra snarled at the young mage, stopping her mid sentence.
"Be willing to what? Prance around and show off how good you are with magic? What good is spell casting anyway? No thanks." The angered boy scooped his Keyblade up and stormed off towards the pupil lodging, leaving the two anxious students behind.
"I…just wanted to help…" Aqua faintly whispered, wrapping her arms around herself insecurely. Ven grimaced, and took a step towards her, untangling her arms to take her hands in his.
"Aw, Aqua. Don't cry. You know how Terra gets, especially with magic. If he falls behind, he explodes." The blonde assured her, rubbing her thin hands. "C'mon, let's get some dinner."