Chapter 12: Back into Rhythm


Watching the clothes Jadis gave her burn in the courtyard outside the keep is satisfying.

Watching them burn from a fire Namine herself magically created is twice the satisfaction.

She lowers her hand, willing the heat engulfing it away, leaving nothing but a warm tingle down her arm that fades away. Learning the basic magics hadn't been difficult, not after Jadis had hammered in how to draw out her magic for her active use. It was merely a matter of will and focus, desire and shape. Pushing out her magic with a thought of and imagining fire wasn't difficult, nor was blizzard, thunder, or cure. According to Aqua...

"You have a natural affinity for magic," said Aqua thoughtfully, "Much like myself, you take to them quickly. Terra and Ven can use magic without question, especially types they share an affinity to, but not as good as my own overall one. I suppose its not that surprising. I know you don't particularly want to talk about it, but back when you were held under duress, did you really have that much difficulty using your memory magic?"

Namine squirms a little bit, not liking to think about her time with Larxene and Marluxia. "Not really, at least... not for their target. I..."

She thinks on how to refer to Sora. She was born of Kairi, but she came from Sora's body. "I had thought, back then, my power was only limited to people I was connected to, my... my family."

She does not ever have the right to claim Sora as family. But she knows he wouldn't care, would probably give her that big cheeky grin of his and give her a crushing hug. It doubles as letting her cover herself, so... she'll do it.

"I assume you're not talking about Kairi and Ame," said Aqua slowly, a frown on her face, "They said you appeared in Radiant Garden in a flash of light. Do you... I mean... is there anyone waiting for you?"

Namine looks off aimlessly. "There's no one to go back to, not anymore."

It... hurts to admit, but maybe she needs to do so. Even if she could go back to her original time, she wouldn't want to. She fixed what she did to Sora and paid her penance for what she had done, ceasing to exist on her own. This... this is her new start, her new life.

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Aqua softly.

Namine shrugged. "I didn't deserve them anyway, not... not after what I did."

"...did they forgive you? Was it one of them who freed you and sent you to safety?"

"Does it matter?"

"Sometimes Namine," said Aqua, walking over and ruffling her hair gently, "Forgiveness isn't just about accepting it from others, but accepting it from yourself. We can be our own worst enemy, our own worst critic. Its good to be cautious and mindful of what you can do, but self-doubt can be a terrible, crippling thing."

Namine turns and asks, "You have experience with that?"

"Well, not much of it," admits Aqua, "But I have my own doubts and insecurities, same as everyone else. There were generations of Keybearers before us, and they left behind records of their lives, their struggles, turned into lessons for us to learn from. Its sad to say, but, you're not the first Keybearer that was used as a weapon by awful people, and you wont likely be the last."

"Oh."

Aqua hums, considering her, and thankfully changes the subject. "Going to the next tier of spells will require you to increase your power, so we will set a schedule and stick to it, much like the endurance training. You'll practice your spellwork on the training wheel-posts for a time every day. I'll steadily start introducing new spells for you to try as time goes on. What I want you to really learn today is this-"

Aqua thrusts out a hand and a shimmering barrier of transparent magic appears around her. "A solid protection of magic from all angles."

"How long can you maintain that?" asked Namine.

"I can hold it for so long as I have the mana to do so, but its better to do it in short bursts," advised Aqua, "The longer you hold it, the worse the drain gets."

"Alright, so... how would I shape that spell?"

"Eventually it will come as second nature, an instant desire," said Aqua, "But first, I remember using the feeling of safety as the base for it."

"I... I'm not sure I really know what that feels like," admitted Namine.

"...is there no place at all that you've ever felt safe in?" asked Aqua quietly, "Not here? Not at Lady Ame's house?"

She'd hardly had a chance to really start to consider this place home before she'd been cast off to Narnia, and now... knowing that it was Castle Oblivion... she never would. As for the second suggestion... "I... I'm not sure..."

There had been painful conversations in that house, and sometimes, she'd forget not to be afraid of Kairi. Of being taken back inside of her, imprisoned again...

"What about a person?" asked Aqua, just a hint of being unsettled in her tone, "Someone you felt would always protect you and never hurt you?"

She has a hunch what Aqua wants to hear, but..., "You do a little, but Master, as much as I want to be your apprentice, to be closer to you, I barely know you."

Aqua winced. "I... yes, that's correct. Perhaps I'm getting a little ahead of myself there, but... anyone else?"

"Lady Ame cared," said Namine quietly, "But... she's old, I never considered her protecting me, never would have wanted her to risk herself for me. The guards..."

They hadn't cared before, when they were Nobodies. She wasn't sure Leon had even known she'd existed in her original time. "...had other duties."

The grief in her tone makes Namine hunch a little. "Has anyone ever made you feel safe?"

She's never been unaware of Riku's darker tendencies, even though she considered him a good person at heart, but... he chose DiZ most of the time, and helped to do a terrible thing to Roxas to bring Sora back. As much as she knows Kairi is good, she will probably never truly be comfortable around her with what was done to her and unintentionally by her. Mickey... went along with what DiZ said, and had his own clear opinions of Nobodies, most people did. As for the one she should trust the most...

"There's one person," admits Namine, thinking of Sora, "But... while I might feel safe around him... he's not safe around me. He... I did awful things with my power to him... because they wanted me to..."

She gives a short bitter laugh. "He wanted to be friends for real, not because I made him think I had been his childhood friend in place of another, but because he was just... so kind and good. I... I don't deserve anything from him."

"Like I said earlier," said Aqua softly, "Forgiving yourself."

Namine didn't answer.

Aqua sighed before crossing her arms and looking up to the sky. "Hmm..."

"Perhaps, young one," came an old rattling voice, "You should consider the desire to protect yourself, hmm? Rather than seek it of others."

They turn to see Xehanort and Terra walking down the steps from the keep, Eraqus a bit behind them, and Ven behind him.

"Trust and companionship are not to be slighted, as Eraqus reminded me yesterday," continued Xehanort, "But one's inner strength, their heart, their will, their intent, cannot be thought so little of either. Eraqus informed me of what Lord Aslan told him upon your return, and of your trials in life thus far. Think of the same strength you used to strike down that foul witch, but instead of your memory magic, focus it on the desire to never be so taken advantage of again. Form that intent into reality."

Namine considered him for a moment, before looking down at her hand. She drew out her power, a soft glow outlining her. She thought of the Witch's cold cruelty. She thought of Laxene's knives, Marluxia's touch, Diz's words... she never wanted to be hurt like she was ever again. Never wanted to be forced to hurt another against her will again. She raised her hand, pushing out with her magic, shaping it with that thought and desire...

There was a brief shine, and a solid white wall appeared in front of her.

Xehanort chuckled. "Good, good, an excellent start. Your apprentice has great potential Master Aqua."

"She does," agreed Aqua, "We'll work on shaping its form and getting it more translucent so you can see out of it, but he's right, a very good first try Namine."

She flushed, unused to the praise. "T-thank you."

Aqua turned back to the others. "Heading out then?"

"Yep," said Terra, "Master Xehanort and I are going to work on tracking down Vanitas and ending this conflict."

"Mmm," hummed Xehanort, "Before anything else, he needs to be located and dealt with. A rogue element like him... unpredictable, uncontrollable. He could ruin so much more than he already has. Its an unfortunate fate, but he must be brought to an end."

"Watch out for eachother out there," warned Eraqus, "This Vanitas may not be at the level of a Keyblade Master, but he is not to be underestimated. Being caught offguard, or a simple momentary lapse, will spell disaster."

"We'll be on guard," agreed Terra, nodding sharply, before turning, "Shall we, Master Xehanort?"

The man grunted, reaching into his robes and pulling out a small armor band, wrapping it around his wrist and tapping it. In a flash of light he was surrounded in...

That looks a lot like Xemnas's armor... no... that IS Xemnas's armor!

Namine stares at the armor of the elderly Keyblade Master, startled. The man pays her no further head, tossing his Keyblade into the air where it transformed... into a four winged jetpack? That was... odd. She watched the elderly man strap it on before shooting off into the sky, Terra taking off after activating his armor and transforming his glider.

It leaves Namine baffled. Xemnas was the Nobody of an amnesiac Terra, why would he have Xehanort's Keyblade Armor? The fact that he still took up Xehanort's name as well... it all leaves her uneasy... just... why?

"He casts an opposing figure with that armor and Keyblade, doesn't he?" muses Aqua.

"Yeah," said Namine quietly.

"Master?" posed Aqua, "Wasn't his Keyblade...?"

"One of the legendary? Yes," said Eraqus, "Xehanort was the strongest of my generation for many reasons, that Keyblade is one of them."

"...legendary?" asked Namine.

"Keyblades come in many forms," explained Aqua, "They can be shaped and molded by the heart of the one who wields them. Some Keyblades however, represent... more, and are the same no matter who wields them. For example, my Keyblade, Rainfell, is a water based Keyblade, but it is not The Keyblade of Water."

Namine tilts her head thoughtfully "...are there Keyblades for all the elements?"

"There are," confirmed Eraqus, "Early Keybearers were, unfortunately, not necessarily good. They crafted their Keyblades to steal the light and impose darkness, but others crafted them to oppose such dark desires. Back in those ancients times, the world was one piece, with different rules, ancient magics, and many entities of unfathomable power. Some Keyblades were empowered beyond others by various means, whether blessed by the divine or enchanted in rituals and the like. In addition to the elements, certain affinities or concepts have Keyblades, such as life, death, time, you get the idea."

"Are there Keyblade's that represent light and darkness?" asked Namine.

Eraqus frowned. "They haven't been seen in many a generation, but the closest I know of that represent them individually, I suppose, would be the Kingdom Keys, crafted after the world was separated into many parts. They were to be wielded by those chosen to defend the realms in times of strife. One of light, one of dark, together they have the power to open or close the doorway between the Realms of Light and Dark."

Namine slow blinked. Sora had a... okay. Sora did a good job in all, but... why would the Realm of Light choose a fourteen year old teenager to wield such a Keyblade? Or well... Riku first then it went to Sora after? Namine is kind of confused about that, considering the Inheritance Ceremony is a thing. She's also curious what he meant by represent them individually, was there one that represented them both?

"So... having these Keyblades isn't common, is it?" asked Namine.

"Thank the light no," confirmed Eraqus with a brief laugh, "You have to gain their attention, have the will and power to wield them, represent their purpose to a heavy degree, and have shown you would not use them in a manor they would not like. They also tend to be... pickier... about who they choose as well. Its not unheard of for their bearers to lose their favor and the ability to use them during their lifetime either."

Pickier huh? Well... the Kingdom Key left Riku twice when he didn't apparently meet its standards, so she gets that she supposes.

"Come Ventus, we'll do today's training and then you can start your duties for the day," said Eraqus, sweeping past them.

Ven sulked a bit, but followed without actual complaint.

Namine watched them go before asking, "...do you think my wand would help with casting?"

"It would certainly make the end result stronger, and may make it easier to channel your power," said Aqua, "But its best to learn how to do so without first, incase you don't have your wand or its taken from you."

"Alright."

"Now," said Aqua, "We're going to be hammering on getting that shield right before moving on..."

Her master grinned cheekily. "I hope you're ready for repetitive casting, because this is likely to be an all day thing, pausing only when needed for food and breaks..."


The shield ended up taking her till midday the following day to get down enough for Master Aqua's satisfaction. It was a bit... milky in coloring and transparency compared to Aqua's, and was one sheen rather than being made of hexagons, but she said it was good enough to start with. It surrounded her fully in a protective bubble and that... that was comforting.

"Now," said Aqua, summoning her Keyblade, "I want to show you something I was working on out in the world while fighting the Unversed. Lets head to the training rings."

They left the courtyard and walked over the small bridge, stopping a ways from the first one.

"I don't quite yet have the 'omph' myself for this, but," said Aqua, narrowing her eyes and pointing her Keyblade, "When I hit the -ga tier of magic, this will be a lot more impressive."

Triple balls of fire shot out of her Keyblade and smashed into the wings, carrying them around in a circle.

Namine tilted her head. "You cast three times really fast?"

Aqua gave a small sheepish laugh. "Not... not quite. Its a Triple Fire, eventually a Triple Firaga. Its a three part magic linked together into one cast for almost the same energy as one normal spell."

Oh. "That's good?"

"More power without an big increase in the mana you need to spend? Absolutely," agreed Aqua, "I've always been good with spell-creation and melding, but not much chance to experiment with the practical part of it against live opponents. Terra and Ven... don't generally like to be test dummies."

Namine giggled. "I'd imagine not."

"Anyway, I want to cheat a bit and start you off on stuff like this," said Aqua, "Learning spell complexity from the get go will help with magic flexibility."

"Flexibility?"

"If you stick to only one type of magic, you'll master it, the spells become comfortable and flow so easily, you could probably do remarkable things with that magic," explained Aqua, "At the expense of everything else. Its best to have a vast repertoire of magic. I'm not saying don't focus on what you're good at, but shore up your weaknesses or lesser used abilities too."

"Alright," said Namine, shrugging, "I don't think I'll have a problem with that. I'll use whatever is necessary."

Aqua nods. "I'm not expecting it on the first try, or even fluidly on the first day, but, I'm going to coach you through it. Now, cast a fire spell. Feel the intent and will in your mind as you do."

Namine aims a hand a ring and releases a small ball of fire. She tries not to let it bother her that it barely makes the ring move.

"Now, again, but three times in a row."

Simple enough, she does.

"The next part is tricky," advised Aqua, "The idea of chain casting is to cast without pause, without hesitating to think. Just knowing, feeling what you need to do and..."

"So... I practice fire until I can push them out together as fast as possible without thinking?" interrupted Namine, "And it'll be triple?"

"...not quite," corrected Aqua, "Chain casting and linking spells together aren't actually the same thing. Chain casting is the ability to flow from one spell to another with little to no pause. Like going from Fira to Blizzra to Thundara with hardly thinking about it. Its good for taking advantage of situations, like casting a water spell and then you just instantly know to hit them with thunder for incredible damage or blizzard to add a deep chill to the water coating them. Linking spells together is to cast both spells with one cast, or mix them, or something to that effect. A linked spell can be powerful, but also very taxing."

"Is a triple fire a linked spell or a chain spell?" asked Namine.

"Its kind of a mixture?" said Aqua with a little hesitation, "I've never tried to explain this to someone before, I just kind of... know? I just feel it and do."

Like Namine and her use of memory powers, but Aqua is just... overall magic. Namine will never be her equal in pure magic, but she'll settle for being good. "Alright. Maybe with a week or two of practice I could get it?"

Aqua hummed in response and motioned to the training-wheels. "Only one way to find out..."


Steadily, Namine recovers from the Witch's 'tender care', her thinness returns to normal, though Aqua still seems intent on putting more meat on her bones. Her morning endurance training goes back to usual. Her schedule tends to be endurance training into breakfast into magic training into a new training. Ventus had fished out a wooden training sword and gave it to her for use. She was given motions to practice to build muscle memory, common blocks and attacks that could be adapted to an assortment of weapons, but most certainly a keyblade. After that Aqua and her took a break for a bit, simply sitting around and talking. Lunch isn't much later, then its another rotation of trainings before dinner then she's released for the day.

Those last hours before bed... and laying in bed trying to sleep, are the worst. Her thoughts betray her with self-doubt, worries about the fate of the Keybearers and if she can save them. She is no stranger to nightmares at this point, and wonders if she'll ever have normal dreams in her life. She can tell Aqua notices, as does Eraqus, concern in their eyes, but neither have commented yet. She's unsure if she wants them to do so. She's not honestly sure they can really do anything about it. She doesn't believe that casting Sleep on herself would really counteract dreaming, or if it did, if it would be as effective as natural sleep.

She gets quicker, day by day, at spellcraft. Aqua will occasionally shift from triple-spell practice to drilling her...

"Fire, water, thunder, water, blizzard, aero!"

Namine tries to quickly cycle through the spells, finally making the training-wheels spin around at the combined effort. It brings a small smile to her face, to finally have built up enough oomph to do so. She's not quite sure if its actual muscle starting, or her arms filling out a bit to be less twigs, but the wooden sword isn't difficult to swing around anymore. The morning jogs are easier too. Its... nice... to feel and see progress.

Of course, whenever she sees Aqua, Ventus, and very occasional Eraqus spar, its a reminder of how far she has yet to go. They are so, so much farther than her. She might be ahead of where Sora started magically when he left the islands, but she's pretty sure she's still a bit behind physically. Curiously though, when she watches Eraqus testing Ventus, a flash of light sending the boy staggering...

"Master," asks Namine, the both of them sitting a ways away on the grass watching, "How does one... use the light? That's not something we've covered yet."

Aqua pauses, and the brief uncertainty on her face makes something in Namine's stomach twist. "I... wasn't forgetting it, but, after discussing it with Master Eraqus, I decided it was... something I was planning on later in your apprenticeship."

Namine's eyes trail the sudden stress lines on her Master's face. The topic made her uncomfortable. "Why?"

Aqua licks her lips and lowers her voice. "I don't say this to be mean, or cruel, or anything of the like. But, life hasn't been kind to you Namine, has left marks on you that would make drawing out Light to use difficult. You struggle with self-doubt, with darker emotions, sometimes I've seen you just stare vacantly off into the distance. Sometimes you seem afraid in our home for no reason, and I... am not unaware of your difficulty sleeping either."

Namines bows her head. "...oh."

"Light requires faith, belief, focus, determination, and in general, positive emotions," explained Aqua, "But, its not a rush, not a race. You need more time to help you recover from what you went through. Trying now may do nothing more than frustrate you, or lead to the opposite results."

Opposite..., "Darkness."

"Yes, and I'd like to avoid you accidentally using it," said Aqua.

Namine thinks of her worst moments under Jadis's thumb. Thinks of what she did to the Witch's General... has she already failed then? If she told them, would they throw her out? Could she continue knowing she was lying and deceiving them by hiding what she did? "...I...what if I..."

"Yes?"

"What if I have used it?" asked Namine quietly, afraid, looking down at the ground, "During my w-worst moments there under her control..."

Aqua sighs. "I was afraid of that."

Namine's shoulders hunch.

"Shh, its alright Namine," said Aqua, reaching an arm around and pulling her to her side, "What you went through was awful, and you hadn't received proper training yet to stand against it. Delving into it is... regrettable, and to be worked through, but it hasn't stuck, you haven't succumbed to it, and that is what matters."

"...how could you tell if I had?" whispered Namine, sniffling.

"Its not something I'm personally familiar with, but... out of concern to how to help you, I read up on this kind of thing. Darkness tends to leak into one's magic in a rather visible manner," said Aqua, "Not always, but usually. There have also been no outbursts of dark energy from you, and while you struggle, your emotions haven't become volatile in a way unexpected to your circumstances. You succumbing to your struggles is something I was worried about originally, but I'm proud to see you fighting through it. Don't ever doubt that, alright?"

"...okay."

"Just... don't mention it to Master Eraqus," murmured Aqua.

"It... are we hiding it?" said Namine uncertainly, "...should I be punished for it?"

"No," said Aqua sharply before her voice evened out, "Eraqus is... very, very strict in such matters, which I don't believe you need right now. His methods are... more heavy handed than other previous master's I've read about. I believe its why Terra was failed out of his Mark of Mastery Exam for only so brief a flicker of darkness that I wouldn't have failed him for had it been my choice. We actually discussed it with Master Xehanort, he mentioned that his own struggles with it earlier in life might have been part of the reason. Apparently they came to blows once, its where Eraqus got his scar from. Xehanort... regrets what happened, said it was one of the reasons he'd been away for so long, out of shame."

"Oh," said Namine, "Alright."

Curious, that Terra apparently had only a little flicker of it, yet a heartless as powerful as Ansem was born from an amnesiac version of him. Perhaps something happened that drove him to darkness? Eraqus, Aqua, and Ven were gone in her time, if they died... that would have probably been more than enough to push Terra over the edge. Its another reminder in her resolve that she needs to get strong enough to help them. Though... she is curious what happened to Xehanort, and why the amnesiac Terra was going by his name... if he is still going out on missions, then she doesn't think old age does him in.

She pushes the thoughts aside and snuggles up against Aqua, watching Eraqus and Ventus spar...


Watching Aqua shape magic is... breathtaking at times.

Usually around the later parts of the day after training is done, her Master will either be in the library reading, or out in the training yards practicing. Namine has seen her kneeling down in the dirt, drawing patterns and scratching them out, working through something before she stands and tries out a spell. Namine has witnessed the successful creation of little explosive mines that can be set and triggered, launching a ball of lightning that detonates in a shocking circle upon impact, and Aqua has upgraded her triple fire into a triple fira along with doing a triple for blizzard. Its also inspiring when she fails, because she never ceases laughing at herself and getting up to try again.

Namine isn't quite sure what Aqua is trying to do with teleporting midair and then slamming down with her keyblade. There is a brief burst of energy each time, but she can tell by the flickers of frustration that it isn't quite what the woman is aiming for. Her Master is aiming for some kind of physical-magical teleport attack, but isn't quite there yet with whatever it is. She's seen her chain it a few times in a row, but each further attempt after the first few either weakens or fails. When she's finished making it though, Namine imagines it will give quite the impact.

She can't say her master isn't playful . She's seen her adding magic to just cartwheeling around, an amused smile on her face, testing it out just because she could. Fire or ice or thunder coating her feet. Though she imagines getting kicked by that would hurt, so maybe not quite being playful. Aqua was really happy when she managed to link her barrier spell and cure together, absorbing the energy of an attack and funneling healing energy back into herself from it. Incredibly potent, but way out of Namine's ability to learn quite yet, though Aqua insists that Namine will have it down within the year.

Its honestly crazy just how powerful Keybearers can become, that kind of ability alone makes defeating a Keybearer out of reach for most people.

"You ever think I'd be able to link memory magic and other magic together?" asked Namine one day.

Aqua looks over at her in consideration. "I've thought about it, considered it for future lesson plans, but its not something to be done lightly."

Namine frowns a little. "Why?"

"Memory magic is a delicate thing," said Aqua, "From what I've read. You yourself have experienced how others have forced you to use it in ill ways. Just the slightest wrong move could cause damage to someone's mind you didn't intend. Using it offensively in combat... its risky. Some of the things I've thought about are... distinctly unethical."

Namine hesitates, not sure if she should ask. "...like what?"

"You could impose on someone the memory, the idea, that they are on fire, burning alive," said Aqua quietly, making Namine recoil, "You could make them think they are suffering from an ailment, maybe slide into their mind that they've suffered an injury they never actually took. Make them think you did one thing but you actually did the other. Try to erase the knowledge of how to use a certain ability. But like I said, that can't be easy to do in the middle of a fight, you focusing on that rather than the battle could get you hurt or killed, and a slip up could, as I said, do damage you never intended. If you are in the unfortunate position where you have to strike down your opponent, then perhaps it is a moot point, but... there are certain lines that shouldn't be crossed."

"Oh," said Namine, stomach squeamish, "But... defensively or healing? I think Eraqus mentioned that memory powers usually hint at powers related to the heart?"

"He mentioned that to me too," said Aqua, nodding, "But... that is something I unfortunately can't teach outside of basic uses of the Keyblade once you get yours. Its a frustration, but, none of us here can actually help you learn to use your ability outside of being soundboards and directing you to books in the library. Experimenting with your memory magic and related abilities is something I would prefer for the later parts of your apprenticeship. Once you are more experienced with magic, and have your Keyblade."

Namine nods, accepting it, but..., "How long does it take?"

"For your Keyblade to appear?"

"Yeah."

Aqua hummed. "It differs for everyone. Sometimes weeks. Sometimes months. Sometimes years. Especially if you receive the ceremony very young."

"...oh."

Aqua gives her a lopsided smile. "You felt it when it happened, Namine. The Inheritance Ceremony worked, you will bear a Keyblade one day, I promise you."


Namine's first foray into the Land of Departure's library on her own is... daunting. Rows and rows of so many different topics. Perhaps she should just wait, listen to Master Aqua's desire for waiting until the later parts of her apprenticeship to delve deeper into her powers, but... she doesn't think she has the time to wait. So as evening turns towards night, she skips a night of watching her master practice and runs fingertips over titles of so many different titles. She burns a good half an hour, eyes starting to glaze over, until she stumbles into what she's looking for on accident.

In a side room is an assortment of books piled up, one opened, a notepad on it with bullet points. Its Aqua's handwriting. Probably jotting down future lesson plans. Namine appreciates Aqua devoting so much effort into her education, it brings a smile to her face and warmth to her stomach. So she doesn't pry into the notepad, merely looking over titles of the books, one in particular draws her eyes...

Memoria

The title sends a shiver down Namine's spine. The mere act of registering the word in her mind causes a brief fluctuation in her magic before it settles back into her. She hesitates, wondering why a mere word caused such a strong reaction in her. "Memoria..."

She takes the book out of the pile, its a good sized blue leather bound book with a crystal-shape etched into its cover. She opens its cover and looks over its table of contents:

1) Introduction to Memory

2) A History of the Study of Memory

3) The trinity of Body, Heart, and Soul

4) Memory and the Body

5) Memory and the Heart

6) Memory and the Soul

7) Memory and the Keyblade

8) Memory Ethics

9) Dangers of Interfering with Memory

10) Notable Magic Practitioners, Scholars, and Scientists of Memory

11) Memory Theory & Unanswered Questions

12) Memory Lore

13) The Keyblade of Memory

14) The Realm of Memory

15) Closing Reminders

There was a Realm of Memory? Its her first thought, and rightly so, she wasn't even aware of it. Never heard it mentioned before. She looks towards the page number, so very curious, but out of the corner of her eye, she sees there is a slip of some sort on the back of the cover page. She glances at it, then registers it said: 'Restricted Section Checkout Sheet'.

"Oh."

Oh dear.

She really wasn't supposed to be reading this yet. She doesn't think Aqua should have left it out, then again, she shouldn't be digging through her master's stuff either. Aqua is the Keyblade Master, Namine isn't. But... while she didn't find what she was looking for exactly in ways to use her power to help, to defend. Yet she is so very curious about what she just stumbled upon...

"I was wondering where you were."

Namine winces and turns around, caught red handed. Aqua stands in the doorway, a single eyebrow raised. Namine blushes and murmurs, "I... I only..."

Aqua shook her head. "Its fine. If I was truly unwanting of others nosing around I would have locked the door."

Namine hesitates, slowly setting the book down anyway.

"I'm not angry, but," said Aqua, head tilted to look at the book she took, "Why dig into the subject despite my advising to wait?"

"I... w-well..."

"I'm not angry Namine, I just wish to know."

Namine swallows. "What if I'm needed? What if we don't have years to wait? Something terrible has been happening, and I'm not strong enough yet to help."

She'd struggle with a stronger heartless, be lucky to even survive a Darkside. A group of Neoshadows would be likely to rip her apart...

Aqua sighs and closes the distance, laying a hand on Namine's shoulder. "Apprentice, a Keybearer you may be, but you are a child still. Its not your duty nor responsibility yet to take up arms."

"You're not that much older than me," muttered Namine. Well, not actual age, but physical.

Aqua smiled in amusement, considering her. "Perhaps not. Less than a decade separates us, likely five at most depending on just how old you are."

"I...," how old was the Kairi she was born from? "F...fifteen maybe? Fourteen?"

"You're not sure?" asked Aqua.

Namine looked away. "Time bled away while... while I was a captive."

Aqua's lips purse tightly, a gentle hand coming up to brush away at Namine's hair, thankfully she doesn't comment on it. "Less than three or four years between us might not seem much to you Namine, and Keybearers can grow remarkably fast, but I also have years of training that you have not. I am a Keyblade Master, and by most world's standards, an adult, while you are not yet a senior apprentice. Ven isn't even a senior apprentice yet, he shouldn't have ran off on his own after Terra, he's not expected to nor should he get involved. Unless things are truly dire, a younger apprentice should not be involved in a dangerous situation. Before you say it, yes, you and Ven came along to Radiant Garden, but you were not alone when you did so, you were escorted by a steward, a master, and a senior apprentice who might as well be a master. If there had been a fight or a confrontation there, you two would have been ordered to find safety while the three of us handled it."

Namine doesn't think Ventus would take that kind of order well, or even listen to it. When she voices that, Aqua gives an exasperated sigh. "No, probably not. He does at least have training, is very skilled, and is probably going to be a senior apprentice soon enough anyway, or well, would have. He technically could be one now, but... maturity is a requirement to advance, not just skill, power, or training. He did good out in the worlds, but considering that he shouldn't have been out there to begin with, and his slip up in not mentioning the breach to our home... its likely been pushed back at least a year."

"He didn't mean to put anyone at risk," said Namine quietly.

"No, he didn't, but intentions don't always have the expected results," said Aqua, "And as much as he is my friend, like a little brother to me, I am not blind to his tendency to act first and think later."

Namine nods and goes quiet.

Aqua steps around her and lays a hand on the Memoria book. "I'd rather not yet split your focus with extracurricular studies and lessons. I want your magic and fitness up to par first, and your educational lessons when they resume up to at least where it should be for your age. At that point, even if you're not a senior apprentice, I'll agree to you starting in on this. Alright?"

There was little to do but nod her head and say, "Okay..."

"Now c'mon, I think I have one of the spells I was working on down, and well," Aqua grinned at her, "I do like having an apprentice to show off to."

Namine laughed, smiled, and followed her out of the library...