Chapter 2

The two years quickly passed for Jessica as she settled into the daily life of being an apprentice under Master Eraqus. There had been ups and downs for Jessica but she had been greatly surprised to learn that she was a natural and a quick learner. She tried to brush it off as it was just her fencing practice when she had been younger but it didn't seem to convince Terra. Though the two and become friends, as she had with Aqua and Ven but Terra and Jessica were constantly bickering or giving each other a hard time.

It became so bad sometimes the Master Eraqus would have to intervene and punish both of them with chores in opposite ends of the castle. Finally one afternoon enough was enough. It started out with practicing magic attacks in the outdoor training yard, Jessica was pared with Ven and trying to help him with the thunder spell. "Just try to relax and focus on how the magic feels before calling the spell. That's what helps me in training when I'm learning a new spell." She instructed.

Terra over heard this and shock his head as he walked over. "That may work in training but in the heat of a battle there is no time to take time and focus." He said as he towered over Jessica as she glared up at him. Despite Jessica being considerable older out of all the apprentices, (being 19 when she had arrived and now in her 20's) she was only a little shorter then Aqua and Terra liked to remind her, constantly.

Even though she was starting to get mad at him, Jessica had to ignore her beating heart and prayed that her face wasn't turning red. For some time now she had developed a crush on the tall burnet and did at times enjoy riling him up. There were times that she remembered her boyfriend Ben back home and felt guilty about her feelings for Terra. She had found over time that the guilt was slowly fading as her feeling for Terra grew. At the moment though she was more pissed off at Terra as she wanted to tear a strip out of him for criticizing how she tried to help Ven. Before an argument could start between them, once again, Master Eraqus came forward and pushed them apart. "This has been going on long enough. Jessica, Terra, this endless arguing must come to an end. You are not only distracting yourselves from your training, as well as Aqua and Ventus but you are disturbing the harmony of our home. Until you resolve whatever it is between the two of you, neither of you will be allowed to participate in training. Now I suggest you both take some time to calm down and think of how you will both put an end to this, away from the rest of us." He said pointing to the door of the castle. Glaring at each other once more both Terra and Jessica walked away from the training yard and in different directions once inside.

An hour later having calmed down and realizing their master had a point, Terra went in search of Jessica, instead of waiting for her to come to him. He had a hunch she was in one of two places inside the castle, either her room or most likely in the library. Sure enough when he search the upper level in the library and to a small out of the way nook by one of the big windows he found her with her nose stuck in a thick volume. He studied her for a moment, believing that she was so engrossed in her reading to notice his arrival. Terra may have found her irritating at times, that training was almost seemed too easy for her, he couldn't deign that she was beautiful.

Though she had insisted that she keep her hair long and always having it in a braid, Jessica had chosen to wear cloths that were a bit more appropriate for training. Her cloths consisted of a tight cap sleeve black shirt with a vest-corset combination that was a dark red. The straps and broach they all wear was dark blue straps crossed over her chest, well the broach was bronze color, secured on her vest, right over her heart. Her armor piece that was also used to activate her full armor was a shoulder piece much like his own but smaller with a gold and silver color scheme. When Jessica did activate her full armor it was very similar to Aqua's save the color and height difference between the two girls. Terra had to admit Jessica had come far in the last two years, and in some ways it made him jealous with how quickly she had caught up to him and Aqua. But then he would see her like this, where the sun would make that red hair seem like it was on fire and she looked amazing.

"Are you going to keep standing there staring at me or are we going to talk out the truce between us so we can join training with our friends tomorrow?" Terra jumped as her voice brought him out of his thoughts and saw that Jessica was looking at him, instead of the book in her hands.

Terra awkwardly cleared his throat in to his fist. "Yes we should and I would like to start with an apology. I was out of line with how you were trying to help Ven to master that spell. It was a good suggestion to help him learn how the spell feels."

"Thank you for that Terra, it makes me feel better about how I'm a bit behind you and Aqua and still learning." Jessica said as she closed the book and put it aside. "I feel I owe you an apology as well. I've always been hot tempered, my late grandfather said that's why I was born a red head but I have been slacking off in my control. Also you are pretty easy to rile up, which can at time be fun but not during training."

"I'm not easy to rile up." Terra defended.

Jessica laughed a little. "Oh yes you are."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are Terra and right now is a very good example." Jessica snapped as she got up from her seat and poked him in the chest.

"So you're saying it's my fault that we argue so much, is that it?" He snapped as he towered over her, slowly cornering her against a book shelf.

"Well if the shoe fits." Jessica snapped as she glared up at him well trying to push him back but found him to be an immoveable wall of muscle and cloth. Terra smiled a bit as he watch her struggle to push him back, eventually grabbing her wrists and pinned them above her head. "Let go Terra or so help me-" He didn't give her a chance to finish as he pressed his lips to hers, finally shutting her up for once, save the surprised muffle. When she kissed him back and increased the pressure, he smiled against her mouth as he let her hands go and gently grabbed her face with both hands.

When they pulled back to catch their breath they looked at each other a bit shocked by what had happened. "So what was that threat?" Terra asked as he tried to get his breath back.

"I forgot." Jessica said in a daze, making Terra chuckle.

-o0o-

It seemed that was all Terra and Jessica need to realize that all the tension between them had been growing feelings for each other. With it out in the air things took on a more pleasantness in their daily routine. If the others noticed the difference of their relationship they chose not to comment on it and let it be. Which was fine by Jessica as late one night she woke to Ven crying out in his sleep, which had her up and out of bed in a flash. Her movements of course woke Terra who sat up in bed in time to see her bolt out her door to head to Ven's room. When she opened the door she saw that once again Ven was caught up in one of his nightmares. Jessica went to his bed and gently shook him awake, which always proved to be a challenge. When Ven did wake he bolted up and she had to dodge his head to avoid collision. "It's ok Ven I'm here and you're safe." Jessica told him as she rubbed his back the way she knew would calm him.

He let a shaky breath out as he lend against her and wrapped his arms around her, taking soles from her calming presence, as he always did. Terra and Aqua joined them a few minuets later, and wrapped their arms around him, hoping that by their added comfort would help their young friend go back to sleep. It seemed to work as Ven was soon fast asleep and the other two let Jessica tuck him back into bed. As they were leaving his room they discovered Master Eraqus standing in the hall. "Nightmares again I see."

"Yes master but we were able to calm him down and back to sleep master." Aqua explained as she closed Ven's door.

"Very well. Off to bed you three, as you all need your rest." Master Eraqus ordered with a smile and waited till Terra and Aqua had closed their doors before he stopped Jessica. "I just wanted to say that you have been a god send with Ventus, in dealing with his nightmares and his recovery. I do not believe I would have been half as successful at helping him as you have been."

"You shouldn't count yourself short Master. I'm sure you would have been able to manage to help him if I wasn't here to help." Jessica assured him with a smile.

Master Eraqus returned her smile and turned to go before he remembered something. "Jessica before I forget please come to my study after breakfast tomorrow morning. I have something I wish to discuss with you." Jessica was confused but agreed to be there before she headed back to bed.

-o0o-

Jessica could only stare at Master Eraqus after what he had just told her. "Master I don't believe I heard you right because I could have sworn you just said that I was to take the Mark of Mastery Exam with Terra and Aqua in two weeks."

"You did not miss hear me Jessica. I have decided that you will take the exam with Terra and Aqua." He informed her calmly from behind his desk. "You may have started later then them, but you are older then they are and the power you hold should be out in the world helping others."

"The power I hold?" Jessica asked cautiously as she fought the urge to retch up and grasp her pendent that she had tucked under her shirt. "I'm not sure I understand what you are talking about master."

"I have known since you came here that you carry an important power and that it comes from the stone in the neckless you always wear." He informed her causing Jessica to take a protective step back and place her hand where neckless lay under her shirt. "You have no need to fear from me as know such power needs to be protected and that you have been using it to help Ventus heal. You have exceeded any expiations that I had in your training and I feel you are ready."

"Thank you Master for the vote of confidence but I don't feel ready. I've only been learning for just over two years, where even Ven for all we know has been training longer then I have. Also who would take the test with Ven when he is ready?" Jessica asked with a grin, which made Master Eraqus smile well he shook his head with a smile and an eye roll. "As for the power I protect, it is not to be use lightly."

Realizing she made some good points, Master Eraqus let her decision stand and sent her off to go join the others in training. When Jessica did join her friends they curious about why their master wanted to see her and when she told them, they all thought she was crazy. "You could be a master at the same time as Aqua and Terra. Why would you not want that?" Ven demanded in shock.

"Oh and if I did, who then would take the exam with you?" Jessica asked him well pocking him in the side with her elbow as he was sitting next to her. This got a laugh out of him as well Terra and Aqua as they got up and back to training. It was much later that Aqua and Jessica got together to work on some lucky charms that Aqua had wanted to give everyone. She wasn't letting Jessica do much in the actual work, save help with gathering the materials and the design a bit. Aqua informed her that she wanted it to be as much of a surprise for her as well as the boys. "So I notices that you and Terra have become closer since you put your differences aside. Have you two started dating?" Aqua asked out of the blue making Jessica jump in surprise.

"Where in the world did that come from?" Jessica asked trying to play coy.

"Oh come on don't think for one second that you've fooled me. I've seen you and Terra sneaking in and out of each others rooms. So tell me the truth, are you two together?" Aqua asked clearly not letting it go.

"Yes Aqua we are, happy? We didn't want to tell any of you and make things awkward or anything. Besides we're not really sure where our relationship is going yet. I just hope that whatever happens we all can remain friends." Jessica said nervously as she looked at Aqua. "I hope this doesn't change things or well- I know how you feel about Terra."

Aqua blushed a bit as she looked away. "Your right I do have feelings for Terra but it's not fair to you and him if I were to tell him. Besides since I figured out you and he were together I've come to realize the he is more like my brother. So don't worry about me, I'm happy for the both of you." She said smiling at Jessica who went over and gave her a hug before bidding her good night.

As it was late Jessica poked her head in Ven room, relived to see that he was sleeping peaceful, and was just closing his door she felt two strong arms wrap around her waist. "You should be more careful about public displays of affection or Ven and the master will find out like Aqua did." Jessica whispered as Terra started to kiss her neck.

"I'm not surprised that Aqua found us out but I don't care so much if the others do as well." he muttered against her neck well he continued to kiss her his way down, until he retched her shoulder then went back up till he retched her ear. "So are we going to your room or mine tonight?" he whispered in her ear as he ran his hands up and down her sides well taking the shell of her ear into his mouth. Jessica couldn't help the moan that left her as Terra pulled her towards his room. Jessica didn't put up much of a fights as Terra got her in his room, soon capturing her mouth in a heated kiss and pushed her down on to the bed.

-o0o-

In no time two weeks passed and it was the night before the exam as Aqua and Jessica talked as they walked to a spot not far from the castle to look at the stars. Jessica had just told Aqua a joke when they spotted Ven napping near the edge of the cliff. Smiling Aqua whispered in Jessica's ear. "Let's surprise Ven."

Nodding the two girls quietly creeped up on Ven and waited till Ven woke up looked around with a yawn before he laid back down to see both Aqua and Jessica leaning over him smiling. "WHOA!" he shouted in surprise well they both laughed. "Give me a break Jessica and Aqua."

"Ven you hopeless sleepy head, you know you should have at least brought a blanket." Aqua pointed out as she sat on his right and Jessica on his left.

"Ya because the last thing you want is to be stuck in bed with a cold well Aqua and Terra take their exam tomorrow." Jessica teased well scuffing up his already messy hair.

He didn't seem to care as he looked deep in thought. "But did I dream that place up? It really felt like I had been there before, looking up at the stars." he asked confused.

"Except you've always lived here with us." Aqua reminded him. Since Ven could not remember anything of his life before he came to live with them, they simply didn't act like he had never been anywhere else. Jessica didn't really approve of this but it had proven to be a losing battle so she let it be, especially since they didn't know of anything before he came to them.

"Ya I know." Ven muttered before he looked up at the sky again, Jessica could see his gears slowly grinding as he thought over something. "Hey Aqua, do you ever wonder what stars are? Where light comes from?" he had asked Jessica this same question once and had quickly regretted it as she went all science teacher in explaining about how stares were burning balls of gas. To say that he quickly lost interest would be an understatement.

"Well they say-" Aqua started to say.

"That every star up there is another world." Terra said making his presence known as he walked over and joined them. "Yep, hard to believe there are so many worlds out there besides our own. The light is their hearts and it's shinning down on us like a million lanterns."

"What? I don't get it." Ven stated confused.

"In other words their just like you Ven." Terra said as he took a seat and looked down at them with a smile.

"What dose that mean?" Ven demanded, still comfused.

"You'll find out some day I'm sure." Terra assured him but Ven whined a bit as he demanded to know right then and there. This lead to the two boys arguing a bit which made both Aqua and Jessica laughed at their antics. "And what are you two laughing at?"

"We can't help it." Aqua insisted.

"You two would make the weirdest brothers." Jessica said and of course the boys disagreed at first but soon the 4 of them were all laughing. They sat in silence for a bit till Aqua remembered her finished charms and gave them each one. The charms had turned out great as Aqua gave them each a star shaped charm, each a different color. Terra got orange, Ven green, Jessica red and of course Aqua got blue. She went on to explain about the star shaped fruit she had fashioned the charms after and unbreakable connections. After that they did a bit of sparing, every so often trading off so they all got a chance to spare before calling it a night and heading back to the castle.

Little did they know that would be the last night they would spend beneath the same stars.

-o0o-

The next day the exam was held and Jessica had her guard up as Master Xehanort was in attendance and she still did not trust him. As the exam began it seemed that Jessica had reason to worry as the first test did not go as their master intended as the spheres of light became tainted by darkness and out of control. Both Terra and Aqua were immediately worried about Ven's and Jessica's safety but they both summoned their keyblades and told them to focus on the exam. Once the discord with the spheres was dealt with Aqua and Terra moved on to the sparing part of the exam where it seemed that both of them were evenly matched. Then suddenly a dark aura appeared in Terra's left hand and he was distracted for a second. Jessica frowned as he quickly dismissed it and parried Aqua's strike, and she couldn't help wonder where the darkness had come from.

Soon the exam was over, leaving Terra and Aqua to stand at attention in front of both Master Eraqus and Xahenort after the two masters had deliberated about what they had observed. In a turn of the events only Aqua was named master, as Master Eraqus had taken the slip of the darkness Terra showed means to deny him mastery. As all but Aqua were dismissed the three friends tried to console the clearly upset Terra. He simply told them that he wanted to be alone but Jessica only let him have a few moment head start before going after him.

She found him sitting on the bottom step of the main stairs outside the castle, he didn't seem all surprised when Jessica sat next to him and took his right hand in both of hers. She didn't say anything but leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder, hoping to offer him silent comfort and strength. Terra sighed as he intertwined his fingers with hers, grateful that she had come after him but he was staring off into space, confused. "There's darkness with in me, so what dose that matter. I know I'm strong enough to hold it back." He told her, unaware that there was another who heard him.

"Yes, you are indeed strong." Xehanort assured him as he walked down the stairs towards them, ignoring Jessica's glare. "The darkness is nothing to fear and yet how frustrating that Eraqus refutes its power. Why you could train with him forever and still you would never be a master in his eyes."

If Terra noticed the tension and unease his girlfriend had towards the aged master, he didn't show it as he demanded. "But why? Help me understand Master Xehanort. What is it I have failed to learn?"

Jessica almost couldn't believe her ears as Terra asked this of him bit it was what Xehanort said next that really took her by surprise. "You'll fine as you are. Darkness can not be destroyed, it can only be channeled."

"But by doing so you open yourself to the darkness and be left vulnerable to temptation." Jessica said, finally finding her voice and was relived it was even, free of scorn.

Xehanort turned and looked at her with a sneer. "This said by none who is filled with the power of light beyond measure."

Jessica was a bit surprised by this, she could almost call it a blatant statement that he knew of what she protected. She opened her mouth to argue her point and question him a bit but Terra stopped her with a squeeze of her hand that he still held. "Yes thank you master." Terra said as he bowed to Xehanort's retreating back, well Jessica reluctantly did the same. Jessica looked at Terra with a frown as he looked at her with apprehension in his eyes. Before either of them could say anything the warning bell began to ring, and they ran back inside, straight to the main meeting room. They both came to a stop and stood at attention on either side of Aqua.

"What happened?" Jessica asked worried.

"I don't know." Aqua confessed as she looked around and noticed they were one short. "Why isn't Ven here?"

Before either of them could discuss Ven's absence Master Eraqus came over, after he had finished talking to former Master Yin Sid. He informed them of a threat to the balance of darkness and light. Yin Sid had named them the Unversed, as they feed on negative emotions and were a threat to the princesses of heart. After being given instructions on keeping world order, and how it was a second chance for Terra to change their master's mind about the mark of mastery they were dismissed. Jessica quickly ran to her room to grab the pouch holding star shard the Emissaries had given her years a go. She wasn't sure if this was the time they told her about but it never hurt to be careful or prepared.

She soon meet up with Aqua as she was heading outside to see Ven in his armor and on his keyblade glider before he shot straight up into the gate Terra had opened. "Wait Ven!" both girls shouted but were too late to stop him.

"No he mustn't." Master Eraqus shouted worried as he came to a stop next to them, then he turned back to his to one of his remaining students. "Jessica you have to bring him back."

"Don't worry Master I will find him but instead of bring him back why not stay with him and allow him to help in dealing with the Unversed." Jessica offered knowing how much Ven would want to help in dealing with the situation.

Master Eraqus knew she meant well but he did not want to take the chance of the worst happening as he placed both hands on her shoulders. "I know Ventus will want to help and that you would be capable of looking out for him Jessica but you must bring him back as soon as possible." He told her sternly, leaving no room for arguing. Jessica exchanged confused looks with Aqua but didn't argue with their master as she and Aqua activated their armor and their own keyblade gliders. As she and Aqua headed through the gate, Jessica couldn't help but wonder what this adventure would hold in store for all of them.