The week passed quickly to Raiina, in a haze of sunlight, and pain as she dutifully meditated every morning, struggling to bring her mind and body closer to the light. Slowly but surely her mind was becoming more focused, where she had fallen from the light before, she now felt herself being pulled closer, slowly but surely towards that bright beam, and when she reached out her hands she could almost feel heat radiating outward toward her skin, as the beam formed a bright, fiery sword.
After meditation each day they would get changed and have a late breakfast, before beginning combat training, something which all of the group were looking forward, especially Atrum, who's eyes seemed to light up whenever the words "Keyblade", or "combat" were mentioned.
It was still early days though, and all of the fighting was basic, as so far they had only covered simple blocks, and a few punches, but the small group advanced quickly, guided as always, by Valader, a black belt in more than one style of fighting.
"Before you learn to fight with a sword, or with a Keyblade, you must first learn how to fight with your fists," Valader instructed, pacing in front of his kneeling students.
"But I thought, you said we'd never be without our Keyblade's or somethin', you said whenever we needed them, they would appear, through magic or something-" Ty began, his head cocked to one side, so he looked like some form of happy, loveable dog.
"Good point," interrupted Aerren, "When are we learning magic, that's going to be a vital part of fighting isn't it. And how can you know everything about something we haven't even created yet?"
Valader paused, as if, once again he was deciding on how best to answer everyone's questions, in that cryptic manner he always seemed to adopt.
Sighing, Raiina shifted slightly, smoothing her loose, white fighting clothes, before beginning in a quiet voice. "Why can't you tell us Valader? What is there that is such a big secret or concept, that we won't understand, or appreciate? Please at least answer some of our questions, as usually your answers raise more questions then they satisfy."
Her eyes were downcast, staring stoically at the sand just in front of her slim form, as her face slowly turned redder and redder the longer she spoke. Everything about Valader made her nervous, his cool, kind voice, his deep eyes, sparkling smile and mysterious manner. He was an enigma to Raiina, one that she would very much like to solve…
A shadow cast over her body, and she raised her gaze reluctantly, to see Valader standing above her, a curious expression on his face. He stared into her eyes for a long moment, before sighing, and surveying the rest of the future Wielder's, all of whom were listening eagerly, awaiting what would surely be the answers to some of their questions, spoken, and unspoken.
"It's, it's…" Valader broke off, biting his lip slightly, which made Raiina realize yet again how young he was, he wouldn't be much older than she was, and yet here she was expecting him to answer such questions.
"It's not that I don't want to tell you, it's just, I don't know how to, though I suppose I have to begin somewhere. I can't tell you everything yet though, and before you get angry, it's because part of the story is still a mystery to me. You keep asking me about how I know things, so I guess I'll start there. You see, there is… a prophecy of sorts that tells about four wielders who will come and restore balance and light to the worlds, by using Keyblade's something which they will create. The four of you, are those four wielder's, as well, you found your way here, which the prophecy said you would. It stated that the four 'chosen ones' if you will, would find this world, and find me, and that that was one of the signs that you would be a future wielder."
He paused, looking around, trying to gauge the reaction of his students before he continued, "I'll show you the prophecy sometime, but for now, let's get on with the training!"
He moved away from Raiina, and back out to the front of the kneeling group, returning to his familiar role as instructor. "Now as for your questions Ty, and Aerren, it is vital for us to know how to fight with our fists, as that is the basis of all combat, and Aerren, we will learn magic when I think you are ready, and not before, are we clear?"
Four head nodded slowly in unison, as Valader began to instruct them in how to properly execute a left jab, showing them how to correctly extend their arm in a sharp but powerful motion.
Raiina's eyes flicked around, looking at her fellow students, marveling at the changes that had occurred in her companions in a week. Ty was as cheerful and happy as ever, yet there seemed to be more purpose to his actions now, he almost seemed more serious, as if he understood that what they were learning was of the upmost importance, which Raiina supposed it was.
Atrum was as unfathomable as ever, as he kneeled on the sand, his dark hair moving gently in the slight wind, as it fell gracefully over his smooth face. Yet for all his lack of true expression, Raiina could sense a change in his demeanor, he seemed more eager, and more passionate, and his deep eyes shone with a dark glimmer that showed his determination.
Aerren was perhaps the least changed of all Raiina suspected, and without knowing why she felt a surge of something akin to dislike whenever she saw her petite frame, and delicate features. Her expression was often one of boredom, and she seemed to not fully appreciate what Valader was teaching them, or at least that's what Raiina felt.
The group concluded their lesson before heading back inside, hurrying toward the showers that awaited them along with a sumptuous meal.
As she sat at the dark wooden table, Raiina looked at the three future wielders seated in front of her, and she felt a surge of connection, a sort of bond with them. All thoughts and feelings she had towards them disappeared in an instant, as she realized that no matter what, for the rest of their lives, their destinies would be intertwined forever.
She flicked a gaze up at Aerren and shuddered slightly, she wasn't sure how she would handle seeing her for the rest of her life, but she would struggle on silently as always.