Terra, Aqua, and Ven were all currently training against one another outside on the training grounds.
Terra and Ven were clashing keyblades and seemed to be evenly matched until Terra got the upper hand by exploiting an obvious opening in Ven's stance. With one strike he was able to knock the keyblade out of his hand and force Ven on his back.
"Ouch," Ven said rubbing his back.
Terra just laughed as he held his hand out to help Ven up.
"That was great, you're improving Ven you lasted much longer than last time."
Ven just sighed "Still though I know I can do a lot better."
At this point, Aqua walked up to the boys "He's right Ven, you're getting better at recognizing the patterns of your opponent and being able to counter them. It just takes time; you need to stop being so hard on yourself."
"Well, it is Terra, after all, of course, it would be easy to remember his patterns," Ven said teasingly already back to smiling, causing Aqua to laugh
"Hey just remember who knocked you on your back just now," Terra said jokingly with a smile.
"Aqua, Terra, Ventus"
All three immediately straightened once they heard the voice of their Master approaching them.
"Master Eraqus," all three said in acknowledgment.
He smiled at how diligent his students have been at training, soon the time will come for Aqua and Terra to take their mark of mastery exam and he had hope that both will pass and become true masters.
"I'm glad to see your training is going well, but I must put a hold on your training for now. There is a situation that I need to talk to all three of you about."
All three of them just looked at one another sharing curious but also worried expressions.
Seeing their worried looks "I assure you the situation as of now is not a dire one, but it will provide the three of you, especially you Aqua, with another companion."
"Another Keyblade wielder will be training with us, that's awesome," Ven said already excited at the prospect of making a new friend.
Master Eraqus just shakes his head "Not quite, come let us sit, and we will discuss this further."
All four of them sat on the stone seats right outside the castle.
"So, have any of you heard of summoners before."
"Summoners?" Ven asked and by his tone did not know what Master Eraqus was talking about.
Aqua moved forward a bit in her seat "Wait a minute aren't summoners powerful Mages from long ago, I heard they are the reason why magic is the way it is now."
Master Eraqus just nods his head
"Yes, they are powerful mages indeed, but a summoner is so much more than the magic that they can perform. Like us Keyblade wielders, they too seek to protect the light from the darkness but unlike us who use the keyboard, they have a unique way of battling through their summons. The Summoners are connected to a unique world filled with various creatures they can call into the world to aid them in battle"
Aqua looked intrigued by this information "None of that was ever mentioned in my readings."
"Didn't they just sort of disappear as time went on?" Terra asked only vaguely remembering reading about them in his studies.
"Because it's been meant to be kept secret, you see many people including keyblade wielders of the past have tried to extort the power of the summoner for their own gain as each time a summoner makes a connection to a familiar the more powerful, they become. Unfortunately, 50 years ago a creature that was dubbed by the name of Sin by the people destroyed a vast population of Summoners who tried to stop the beast."
Terra immediately jumped up out of his seat "So is that creature coming back and attacking the worlds."
Master Eraqus just gestured for Terra to sit back down with a soft smile that reassured Terra that there was no immediate danger.
"Sin as powerful as he was, was able to be sealed away by a powerful Summoner named Braska. Though the battle ensured that the summoner population dwindled exceptionally, and most were forced into hiding for their safety. Only masters such as myself and Xehanort, are aware of those remaining."
"So then why are you telling us now," Aqua asked not understanding where he was trying to get at.
Master Eraqus sighed "You see not too long ago the remaining summoners were attacked by an unknown assailant and the son of Braska had contacted me some time ago before the assault asking me to give shelter to his daughter whom he already sent away as he had predicted a tragedy to befall him and the others."
Aqua, Terra. And Ventus all bowed their heads in respect.
"Do you know besides his daughter, if there were any survivors?" Ventus asked.
Master Eraqus just shakes his head "I'm afraid not, Master Yen Sid informed me this morning, his daughter Senna has been staying with him since she was sent away. This is why I found it necessary to inform all of you, as Senna will be arriving sometime later this evening and will be staying with us under our protection. I expect you all to make her feel welcome and to help her with anything she might need."
The three just nodded at their master as they soaked everything that he had just told them.
(The Mysterious Tower)
Master Yen Sid looked out the window to his tower looking very troubled over the recent developments and those that have yet to come.
"Master Yen Sid"
Yen Sid turned around and saw young Senna standing right across from him. She was no older than 17 years old, with dark purple hair that was tied up with a red ribbon. She had delicate features, one that he did not expect from one of the last remaining summoners. The feature that struck him the most was her deep red eyes. He had never seen eyes like those before, it was quite interesting and one he would like to ask her about at a more appropriate time. She wore the standard garment of a female summoner albeit modified to her wishes, the white sash worn over her top that was tied by a red Obi, and her Hakama was a deep dark blue that was filled with various stars, and crescent moons. Tied separately on her back was her own personalized staff that every summoner used to channel their magic and used to summon their creatures.
"Ah Senna, I assume you have finished all your preparations."
Senna bowed to him in response "Yes, but if it's not too much to ask what is Master Eraqus like."
"You have no need to worry, Master Eraqus while strict in his training, is a kind and just man. You will find no better protection than with him and his three pupils."
Master Yen Sid could sense within Senna a great power more so than other summoners that he has met including that of her father, but her confidence was the blockage to being able to truly unleash her potential. He hopes that her time with Eraqus and his pupils will help with that because as soon as this threat is dealt with, he would like to bring her back and train with him.
"Senna before I send you on your way, let me give you this piece of advice while the loss of someone brings you great heartache that can't be healed, it is the love that leaves a memory that no one can steal."
Senna had tears welling up in her eyes, but she quickly took a deep breath trying to will the bad memories away, she didn't want to appear weak to such a strong master.
"Thank you, Master Yen Sid, I can't describe how much I appreciate everything you have done for me," Senna said trying her best to be strong.
He then proceeded to wave his hand and soon a portal full of light.
"This pathway is connected to the Land of Departure, Master Eraqus will be waiting on the other side for you."
Senna took in a deep breath and then proceeded through the portal.
As she continued on her trek to the end, she couldn't help but clutch the bracelet that her mother had made for her when was still a child. It had a little star and moon ornaments on the silver piece that her mother said was enchanted to bring one luck in dire situations. She knew she would need this more than ever.
Suddenly the light got brighter and brighter, and Senna soon found herself standing in front of a magnificent castle. She just looked up at it with such an awestruck look, besides the world in which her familiars reside she has never seen such a magnificent place.
"So, you must be Senna."
Senna turned around and saw who she assumed was Master Eraqus approaching her. He was an older man whom she presumed was in his late 40's maybe early 50s. He was wearing attire similar to what her people once wore, except armor in the middle of the outfit. Part of his hair was pulled up into a topknot, with a bang falling off to the right side of his face, where there was a distinct scar over his right eye and another one on his left cheek.
"Ah yes I am Sir, I humbly appreciate you giving me shelter," she said as she performed the customary bow.
Master Eraqus just smiled before he also bowed "My condolences on the loss of your family and fellow summoners. It is a great honor to have a summoner in our castle, we will do our best to provide you with whatever you need."
He then proceeded to lead her toward the throne room, where his three students were waiting to greet her. Despite the fear and anxiousness, she felt on the inside, Senna made sure not to outwardly show it. She always taught that emotions need to be controlled otherwise they would consume you. That was one of many lessons she failed at, Senna would be the first to admit she always wore her emotions on her sleeves as she thought that suppressing one's emotions was pointless, because if you build it up so much it was all going to come out anyway. Though now she can understand why, the grief she was feeling was overwhelming it felt like it was tearing her from the inside out every time she thought of her father and mother.
Soon they came upon a huge door, that lead into the throne room, and Master Eraqus immediately opened the door. To say Senna was impressed was an understatement the room was very large and the whole décor was stunning. She could only assume this room was used for important matters, as she saw the three large seats up ahead.
It was then she saw his three students all standing up ahead, 2 boys and one girl. Just from first glance, she could tell she was around the same age as the two oldest-looking ones. The oldest boy had tan skin with brown hair that was styled into vertical spikes, while the younger boy had golden blonde hair with bright blue eyes. Then the only girl in the group had short blue hair and blue eyes. For Senna, this was somewhat of a comfort, back at home she was bullied by others due to her unusual hair color and eyes. It was nice to know she wasn't the only one with unusual features.
"Senna these are my apprentices."
The older boy was the first to introduce himself.
"The name's Terra"
Then the girl was next
"My name is Aqua it's nice to meet you."
The younger boy then eagerly came up to her
"My name is Ventus, but call me Ven. Your eyes are just like rubies, I have never seen anything like it."
Senna was taken back a bit, no one has ever commented on her eyes in a positive matter before. It was always insults about being the devil or being mixed blood.
Master Eraqus seeing the look on Senna's face turned to Aqua "Aqua why don't you take Senna to her quarters and let her settle in for a bit before supper."
"Of course, Master"
Aqua then turned to Senna with a smile "Just follow me, your room is in the same area as mine."
They quietly made their way to the east part of the castle and eventually stopped at Senna's room.
"This will be your room; my room is right across from yours if you ever need anything. I got to admit I was excited to hear another girl moving in, you can only take so much of the boys for so long" Aqua said attempting to make at least some light conversation.
Senna for the first time since everything has happened let herself give a small genuine smile.
"Thank you Aqua, I must apologize for my reaction back there to your friend. People don't usually compliment my eyes like that."
Aqua looked a bit confused "Why, I think they are pretty as well. They are very unique."
"Well from my experience people are quick to judge and form opinions on which they do not understand."
Aqua saw the expression on Senna's face and by the tone of her voice, she was struggling not to cry.
"I'll leave you alone to let you get settled, just remember I'm right across the room if you need anything."
Senna just smiled before she quickly opened the door to the room and shut it behind her.
She then let out a long-drawn sigh as she finally let a tear slip from her eyes as she let the memories from the last week come flooding back in. While she didn't have a great relationship with the other summoners, the place she could call home was no longer there along with her father. Now here she was in a completely new place living with strangers that she doesn't know.
Senna felt her knees give in as she falls to the ground with her hands covering her face as she lets out a loud sob.