At the Training Ground.
Kai stood alone, swinging his katana with relentless intensity. His movements were fluid but forceful, as if each swing held an unspoken frustration.
Something was clearly troubling him, yet he continued his practice, the sound of the blade slicing through the air echoing in the quiet training field.
A familiar figure approached, and as soon as Jun stepped into the clearing, she noticed his tension. "What's wrong, Kai?" she asked, her voice soft but firm.
Kai stopped mid-swing, finally acknowledging her presence. Kai looked at her with a slight frown and asked, "Why didn't you tell me that you're facing an Admiral from the Milky Way Realm?"
"What difference does it make if I told you or not?" Jun replied with a slight scowl, trying to hide his worry.
Jun shook her head and then, in a quick move, slipped beside him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders in a comforting embrace. "I know you're worried about me, but you should have a little faith in your maid, my young master."
"I do," Kai answered softly, looking away as if embarrassed. Then he added, "But he's one of the strongest men in the Galaxy Government. You know that, Jun. Facing him is... it's dangerous."
Jun smiled, gently tilting his chin to make him look her in the eyes. "And I am one of the strongest in your father's army," she said with a reassuring smile. "If you don't have faith in me, who will?" She released him from her embrace, her gaze warm yet unwavering.
Kai sighed, looking down for a moment. "I do have faith in you, Jun. And I know you'll win," he said, lifting his hand toward her. She knelt slightly so their fists could meet in a gentle, familiar gesture of solidarity. "Go and let them remember your name," he said.
Jun grinned. "That's all I needed to hear." After a pause, she continued, "By the way, what's your dream, Kai?"
"My dream?" Kai looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"Yes," Jun pressed, "surely you have something you want to leave behind in this world, a legacy, perhaps even a legend."
Kai rubbed the back of his neck thoughtfully. "I never really put much thought into that," he admitted, then asked with a faint smile, "What do you think I should strive for?"
Jun laughed softly. "That's for you to decide, Kai. It's your life."
Kai paused, lost in thought as he tried to imagine what his dream could be. Unable to decide, he finally asked, "So, Jun, what's your dream?"
Jun chuckled softly and replied, "My dream has always been to become the strongest swordsman—or swordswoman, in my case."
"Then why aren't you the strongest swordswoman already?" Kai asked, his curiosity piqued.
Jun sighed, her expression shifting to something more serious. "Kai, whatever you do in life, make sure you never chase revenge."
Kai was taken aback by her sudden change in tone but nodded, even though he didn't fully understand. Jun gave him an approving smile and said, "Good. Now, have you thought about your dream?"
Kai looked down at his katana, tracing a finger along the hilt as he mulled over the possibilities. Finally, he suggested, "Then how about this? After your fight, we'll both chase the same dream and see who achieves it first."
Jun smiled at his resolve and nodded. "Alright, but promise me one thing. While I'm away, make sure you beat Aurora, okay?"
Kai grinned, determination sparking in his eyes. "Yes, I promise."
The Next Day
Kai took Jun's words to heart, challenging Aurora to a duel. They fought fiercely, their battle ending in a tie, but they both grew closer in those moments, learning more about each other with every clash and parry.
As they spent more time together in the following days, Kai found himself more determined than ever to prove Jun's confidence in him wasn't misplaced.
One Week Later
The news came like a thunderclap—Jun had fallen. She was gone. The message came through his mother, who delivered it with sorrowful eyes. Stunned, Kai ran to the training grounds, his mind refusing to accept the reality.
Kneeling on the ground, he whispered, "This… this can't be right."
Aurora was nearby, watching him with solemn silence. Her young face, usually so confident, was filled with uncertainty. She wanted to comfort him but didn't know how.
Kai looked up at her, his voice strained. "Jun said she would be back. So why isn't she?" Tears filled his eyes, and his words trembled. "We were supposed to become the greatest swordsman and swordswoman together… like we promised."
Aurora, only nine years old, was at a loss. She had never faced death before, never lost someone close. She hesitated, unsure of what to say.
Suddenly, a hand rested on Kai's shoulder. Kai looked up to see his father, Lucas, standing over him with a stern expression.
"Kai," Lucas said firmly, his voice cutting through the grief. He tossed a katana in a sleek black scabbard at Kai's feet. "That's from her."
Kai reached out, wanting to hold the sword, but stopped as a deafening BOOM echoed. Cracks splintered through the ground from Lucas's powerful stomp.
"Why are you holding the sword?" Lucas demanded, his gaze piercing. "Jun served not a weak, worthless man, but someone who was supposed to be confident, determined, and unstoppable. Is this how you honor her memory?"
Kai looked down, feeling the weight of his father's words. "No, I… I'm sorry," he whispered.
Lucas knelt beside him, placing a hand on his head with uncharacteristic gentleness. "Life comes and goes, my son. We live, and we also die. But are you going to stay here, weeping for her, or will you rise and finish the journey you both started?"
Kai's tears began to dry as his father's words took root in his heart. He took the katana in his hands, its weight both a comfort and a burden.
Lucas stood up, watching him closely. "There's nothing wrong with grieving, Kai. Just remember to stand up again. Face it; don't hide from it."
Kai nodded, wiping his tears, and looked over at Aurora. "I made a promise to her," he said, his voice steady. "I promised I'd become the greatest swordsman. And if I ever stray from that goal…" His gaze was fierce. "Aurora, you have to cut me down."
Aurora looked into his determined red eyes and nodded solemnly. "Then I'll become the strongest spearwoman. When that time comes, let's have another duel. Only then will I agree to marry you."
Kai managed a faint smile, standing tall. "Alright then. I won't disappoint you."
"Neither will I," Aurora replied, her eyes sparkling with renewed resolve.