Eden Grace’s first weapon was a bo staff at the age of six and that was to aid with her martial art skills. The young fighting genius quickly moved on to learning the spear and sabre. She was in the middle of learning how to use a sabre when she was orphaned and then taken into the care of her aunt Asari.

“Welcome to Vatou and your new home.” Asari said to her ten year old niece, trying to keep the atmosphere as light as possible. “I have taken two days off to help you settle in. I’m sorry I can’t take more.”

Eden simply nodded and followed her aunt into the palace gates. The journey up the hill tired out the young girl but she felt revitalised after seeing the pond in the garden. The water reminded her of her former seaside home of Lu’es.

“This is the southern complex for guests that visit the queen. Usually it is the faction leaders when they have their meetings. We live in the west complex, you’ll like it. It’s the closest to the training grounds.”

Eden notably perked up at the mention of the training grounds before deflating. Training cheered her up before it brought back memories of her late mother.

“Shall we check it out right now? We can do a quick spar while they set up your items.” Asari offered as she could see that her niece still wanted to visit.

“Yes please.”

The two headed to the storage for Eden to pick up a weapon to use. There was a class for the children of officials living in the palace, which left the choice of weapons limited for the duo. Luckily, Eden was able to find a staff and Asari chose the same.

“It’s been a while since I’ve used one of these.” Asari swung the bo staff around, warming up her wrists.

Eden simply nodded as she watched her aunt’s form. Even if it had been a while, the child knew better than to take the spar lightly. Nevertheless, she was confident that she would win.

“Ready, bow, and begin.”

While Eden was a genius, she was still no match for the adult she was facing. Eden tried her best to make up for her lack of experience and smaller stature with her skills and technique but after ten minutes, their difference was notable.

Eden had lunged forward with the intent on striking her opponent’s ribcage, however her arms were too short and the staff never made it to its intended target. Asari used Eden’s momentum to her advantage and grabbed the short staff, pulling it towards her.

“Ah.” Eden had lost her balance.

In one swift motion, Asari threw Eden’s staff far out of reach, swept Eden’s feet, and pressed her staff onto Eden’s chest, pinning her to the ground.

“Wow you are really good!”

Eden and Asari looked over to see a young girl, just a bit older than Eden, sitting on the stairs. Her eyes were shining from witnessing such an interesting fight.

“Lady Zula, why are you here?” Asari asked, slightly out of breath.

“I heard noises after my class and came to watch. You are really good with a staff Deputy Advisor Asari and you too.”

“Thank you Lady Zula. This is my niece Eden. She will be living under my care now. Eden, this is Lady Zula from the Ruruji Family.”

“Hello.” Eden barely finished her greetings before Zula spoke.

“Your last move was so cool. It’s a shame that it didn’t reach but it won’t be a problem in the future when you grow a bit taller. I guess if you took another step you would have been able to reach your opponent. No, then you would have gotten in the range.”

“I thought about that too. I was thinking of twisting my body as I lunged but then I wouldn’t have had enough strength.” Eden quickly opened up and spoke strategy with Zula.

“Could you not have used the momentum to twist for a stronger hit?”

“No, the moment I turned, I would have been hit. I guess growing is my only option.”

“Hey, can you teach me how to use the staff?” Zula suddenly shifted topics.

Eden looked at her aunt, who had moved to sit on the steps while the two chatted on the training grounds, to see if it was okay. Asari simply nodded, happy to see Eden happy. Asari mentioned that she would inform Zula’s father about her whereabouts but the two kids were already in their own world.

“The staff, like a kick, requires centrifugal force.” Eden explained the first thing she learned about the staff. “Lady Zula, have you learned martial arts?”

“You can just call me Zula, no need for titles. I’ve seen martial arts but I haven’t been formally taught yet.”

Eden understood the meaning behind Zula’s words and asked, “Does that mean you’ve self-taught or something similar?”

“I tried copying the few times I’ve seen it but nothing more.”

“That’s okay, I’ll teach you.”

Eden proceeded to teach Zula some basic moves before showing how to incorporate the bo staff into the movements. Zula was a quick learner and Eden was a great teacher. Within the few hours they were together, Zula had understood the basic concepts.

“Zula.”

Zula turned to see her father at the top of the stairs with Deputy Advisor Asari. Time had flown during Eden’s lesson and it was time for Zula to return home. She nodded to acknowledge his presence and quickly turned back to Eden. The two headed up the stairs where their guardians stood.

“I have to go now. Do you know how to use a straight sword?” Zula showed the sword she had to return. “Perfect, next time I’ll teach you. I’m teaching one of my other friends too. He’s a beginner too so it’ll be fun. He’s a year older than me and a bit of a crybaby but you’ll like him. Okay bye Eden.”

“Goodbye Zula.”

“See you next time Deputy Advisor.” He bid his farewell when Zula grabbed his hand.

“Likewise Scholar.”

The two families parted and Asari continued the tour as they made their way to the western residence. Asari also answered Eden’s questions, including the ones she had on her new friend. Instead of following her father’s footsteps as a scholar or her mother’s as a general, Zula wanted to study to be an advisor. As such, Lady Zula would usually be found in the palace as an apprentice.

“I heard you will be learning the straight sword next.”

“Yes,” Eden said, trying to contain her excitement.

“Your father created many weapons but the straight sword was his favourite.” Asari recalled the memories of her late brother. “This sword here was the last one he created.”

Eden grabbed the sword that was handed to her. She had never assumed much about the sword around her aunt’s waist but she did admire its black with gold detailed sheath. Eden took the sword out and tested it out. It was smaller but heavier than her staff, in fact it was too heavy for her to hold with one hand.

“The day you beat me in a fight is the day I’ll pass this sword down to you. Whether you choose to use it or not is up to you.”

“I want it,” Eden declared. She had little to no memories of her late father and the sword was her chance to make up for it.

“Then I look forward to the day you beat me.”

Three days later, Eden met Zula again and her friend Aciel.