Two years had passed, and Sivera was now 10 years old while Miyawa was about to turn 12 in a month. Their days were filled with the same delightful routine: collecting mechanical garbage and attempting to build something that would fly. They rummaged through the city's junkyards, excitedly gathering bits and pieces of discarded machinery. Each time they attempted to put the parts together, they failed spectacularly, but their failures were always accompanied by laughter and joy.
One sunny afternoon, they sat in the middle of their makeshift workshop, which was essentially a shaded spot under a large tree. They had just spent hours trying to assemble a contraption from old gears and rusted springs.
"Sivera, pass me that spring," Miyawa said, pointing to a twisted piece of metal.
Sivera handed it over, grinning. "Do you think this one will fly?"
"Of course it will," Miyawa replied confidently, though both of them knew better.
As they worked, a group of neighborhood kids passed by and stopped to watch.
"What are you two doing?" one of the kids asked, eyeing the pile of junk skeptically.
"We're building a flying machine," Sivera declared proudly.
The kids laughed. "A flying machine? With this junk? You guys are crazy!"
Miyawa stuck her tongue out at them. "You'll see. One day, we'll be flying above these walls while you're all stuck down here!"
The kids rolled their eyes and walked away, but Sivera and Miyawa paid them no mind. They were too engrossed in their work. After a few more minutes of tinkering, they stepped back to admire their creation.
"Alright, moment of truth," Sivera said, winding up the makeshift propeller.
He let it go, and the machine buzzed for a second before collapsing into a heap of parts. They both burst into laughter.
"Well, that didn't go as planned," Miyawa said, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.
"But it was fun," Sivera replied. "And we'll keep trying until we get it right."
Their failures never discouraged them. Instead, they found joy in the process and in each other's company. They spent their days laughing, playing, and dreaming about the skies.
A month later, it was Miyawa's birthday. Sivera was excited as he made his way to her house, carrying his gift wrapped in a piece of old cloth. Her home was bustling with activity, friends and family chatting and laughing as they celebrated.
Sivera approached Miyawa, who was surrounded by a group of giggling friends. He held out his gift, a turbine-like object that his father had thrown away.
"Happy birthday, Miyawa!" he said with a wide smile.
Miyawa took the gift and unwrapped it, revealing the mechanical part. Her friends peered over her shoulder, curious.
"What is it?" one of them asked, puzzled.
"It's a fan," Sivera said proudly. "I thought we could use it for our flying machine."
The group of friends burst into laughter, much to Sivera's annoyance.
"A fan? Really, Sivera?" one of the boys teased. "That's the best you could come up with?"
Sivera's face turned red, but before he could say anything, Miyawa stepped in.
"I love it!" she said, smiling at Sivera. "It's perfect. This could be exactly what we need to take our machine to the next level."
Sivera's expression brightened. "Really? You think so?"
Miyawa nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. Thank you, Sivera. This means a lot."
Her genuine appreciation silenced the others. They watched as Miyawa carefully set the turbine aside and hugged Sivera.
"Happy birthday," he repeated, feeling a warm glow of pride.
As the party continued, Sivera and Miyawa found themselves at the center of attention. Their friends, curious about the flying machine project, started asking questions.
"Do you really think you can build something that flies?" one of them asked.
"We know we can," Miyawa replied confidently. "It's just a matter of time and the right parts."
Sivera nodded in agreement. "And we're learning more every day. One step at a time."
Their friends, impressed by their determination, began to show genuine interest. Some even offered to help gather parts and brainstorm ideas. The laughter that had once been mocking turned into supportive cheers.
As the party wound down, Sivera and Miyawa slipped away to their favorite hill, a quiet spot where they often went to dream and plan. They sat side by side, gazing at the moon and the stars that dotted the night sky.
"Look at those stars, Miyawa," Sivera said softly. "They're so free. They can go anywhere they want."
Miyawa nodded, her eyes reflecting the starlight. "Yeah. They're not stuck behind walls."
Sivera sighed. "I wish we could be like them. Just…free."
Miyawa leaned back on the grass, staring up at the sky. "We will be, Sivera. One day, we'll fly over these walls and see the world. We'll be just like the stars."
They fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts. The sky was a vast canvas of possibilities, and they were determined to paint their dreams across it.
After a while, Sivera broke the silence. "Do you think the Yahunyens felt like this when they built their flying machines?"
Miyawa turned to him, curiosity in her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Sivera continued, "they must have felt trapped from something too, right? Maybe that's why they invented flying machines. To break free and explore."
Miyawa smiled. "I think you're right. And if they could do it, so can we."
Sivera felt a surge of determination. "Yeah. We just need to keep trying. We can't give up."
Miyawa nodded, her expression serious. "We won't. We're going to make this happen, Sivera. No matter what."
Sivera got up, looking at the horizon that was blocked by the massive walls. "But if there are monsters outside, that's the main reason we can't go out and meet the Yahunyens. To survive in the world, to go outside, we need to become strong."
Miyawa sat up, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
Sivera turned to her, his eyes filled with determination. "Why don't we ask your father to teach us how to fight? He's a warrior, and he practices his own martial arts techniques. If we learn from him, we can get strong enough to protect ourselves and maybe even find a way out."
Miyawa's eyes widened. "That's a great idea, but…"
"But what?" Sivera asked, eager to hear her thoughts.
"My father might not agree," Miyawa said thoughtfully. "He'll ask for a reason, and if we tell him we want to get out of the walls, he'll never agree. He's interested in fighting techniques and maintaining peace in the city, not exploring the world."
Sivera frowned. "So, what do we do?"
Miyawa pondered for a moment. "We need to find a way to convince him that learning to fight is important, even if we don't mention the outside world."
Sivera nodded slowly. "Maybe we can tell him it's for self-defense, to protect ourselves and others in the city."
Miyawa smiled. "That might work. He's always talking about the importance of being able to defend oneself."
Sivera's face lit up with hope. "Then let's do it. We'll talk to him now."
"What? Now?" Miyawa confused with the haste.
"Yeah now, get up, get up!" Sivera said pulling her hand to stand up.
"Hey okay, alright, I'll come, stop pulling my hand." Miyawa agreed in her complaining tone.
Miyawa's father was in the backyard, practicing his martial arts under the starlit sky. His movements were precise and fluid, a demonstration to his years of training and dedication. As the two friends approached, they could hear the faint sound of his disciplined breathing and the soft rustle of his clothes.
"Father," Miyawa called softly, trying not to startle him.
Her father paused mid-strike, turning to face them with a look of mild surprise. "Miyawa, Sivera. What brings you here? And I thought you went home Sivera."
Sivera took a deep breath and stepped forward, trying to muster as much confidence as he could. "We have a request, sir. We'd like you to train us in martial arts."
Miyawa's father raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of curiosity mixed with suspicion. "Oh? And why this sudden interest in martial arts?"
Miyawa, sensing her father's skepticism, quickly added, "For self-defense. We think it's important to know how to protect ourselves."
Her father scrutinized them both, his sharp eyes searching for any hint of deception. "Self-defense, you say? And what has prompted this sudden concern for your safety? Has something happened?"
Sivera and Miyawa exchanged uneasy glances. "Nothing has happened, sir," Sivera said, trying to keep his voice steady. "We just believe it's a good idea to be prepared."
Miyawa's father crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing. "You expect me to believe that you've suddenly decided this on a whim? I find that hard to believe. There's more to this, isn't there?"
He kept questioning one or the other, in reply to whatever reasons they could give him. They hadn't anticipated this level of scrutiny.
The tension was rising. Sivera felt his heart race, and a bead of sweat trickled down his temple. They were caught in their half-truth. Miyawa's father was no fool of the Kabanatshi clan, and his intuition was razor-sharp. Sivera's mind raced for a plausible explanation, but instead, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"It's because I love your daughter and want to protect her!"
The words hung in the air, heavy and unexpected. Miyawa's eyes widened in shock, and she thought, "Idiot! What are you saying?!" She glanced nervously at her father, expecting an explosion of anger thinking such non sense would never work on him.
Her father's eyes widened slightly, and his face flushed with a mixture of surprise and something else—a hint of amusement? He stroked his chin thoughtfully, considering Sivera's outburst. "You love my daughter, do you?" he said slowly, as if testing the words.
Sivera, now fully committed to his ridiculous declaration, nodded vigorously. "Yes, sir! I want to protect her, and I believe learning martial arts is the best way to do that."
Miyawa's father stared at Sivera for a long moment, then at his daughter. Miyawa braced herself for his reaction. "Hmm," he said finally, nodding his head and continued like a perverted ninja who can cook (you know I mean who all, lol), "Learning to defend a lady you love is quite...
Suuuubaraaaashiiiiiiii."
"You know I had my first love at the tender age of yours too, I relate to that, it was a hidden reason why I became a master as I learned from my father." he continued.
Miyawa's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe what she was hearing from her serious and well behaved father. "It worked?!" she thought, astonished and with puzzled expressions.
Her father continued, "Very well. I will teach you, Sivera, so you can protect Miyawa. And Miyawa, you will also learn. You must be able to defend yourself when Sivera is not around. Both of you will train under me."
Sivera and Miyawa exchanged incredulous glances. This was beyond their wildest expectations. "Thank you, sir!" Sivera said, bowing deeply.
Her father nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "We begin tomorrow at dawn. Be prepared for hard work."
As they left the backyard, Miyawa couldn't contain her astonishment. "I can't believe you said that!" she whispered, half-laughing. "You're crazy! But it worked. Father agreed to train us!"
Sivera grinned sheepishly. "I panicked. It was the first thing that came to mind."
Miyawa shook her head, still smiling. "Well, let's make sure we don't waste this opportunity. Tomorrow, our training begins."
With that, they parted ways, Sivera left to reach his home.
.....
As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Sivera and Miyawa's training progressed. They became stronger, more disciplined, and more skilled. Her father's rigorous training regimen pushed them to their limits, but they never gave up.
Usually, after a particularly hard training session, they sat together on the hill, gazing up at the usual stars. The physical exertion of the day had given way to a comfortable fatigue, and they enjoyed the cool night air in silence for a while.
Finally, Miyawa spoke. "Sivera, do you ever think about what it will be like when we finally leave the city? To see what's beyond the walls?"
Sivera nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Every day. I think about the freedom, the adventures we'll have, the places we'll see. But I also think about the challenges. The world outside isn't just about flying machines and open skies. It's about survival, too."
Miyawa sighed, leaning back on her hands. "Yeah, I know. But with the skills we're learning, we'll be ready. We'll face."
Sivera smiled at her confidence. "You're right. We will. And one day, we'll build that flying machine and soar into the skies, just like we've always dreamed."
Miyawa's eyes sparkled with excitement. "It's going to be amazing. We'll explore new lands, meet new people, and maybe even find the Yahunyens. Imagine learning from them, seeing their inventions firsthand."
Sivera's smile broadened. "Yeah. That would be incredible. And we'll do it together, just like we've always planned."
.....
As the years passed, Sivera and Miyawa's bond grew deeper, but it wasn't without its challenges. Their friendship experienced the typical ups and downs that come with growing up. There were arguments over trivial matters, times of jealousy, and moments when their dreams seemed too far-fetched. But every fight ended with a heartfelt apology, and every disagreement made their bond stronger. They were each other's anchor in a world confined by the tall walls of Razhivaliyah.
Their interest in flying machines never waned, but their focus shifted more toward each other as they grew older. Sivera blossomed into a tall, handsome young man, his eyes still filled with the same wonder for the skies as when he was a child. Miyawa grew into a young woman of striking beauty, her spirit as fiery and determined as ever.
Despite their growing love for one another, they never forgot their shared dream of leaving the city and exploring the world beyond the walls. They still spent many nights on their favorite hill, gazing at the stars and talking about the future. But they also learned to appreciate the present, finding joy in each other's company and in the small moments of daily life.
Their relationship deepened, transforming from a childhood friendship into something more profound and mature. They started spending more time together, not just working on their mechanical projects, but also enjoying each other's company. They would go on long walks around the city, visit the local markets, and help each other with their family chores.
Their engagement was met with joy and celebration from both their families and friends. The wedding day arrived, and it was a beautiful affair, filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a shared future. Miyawa wore a simple yet elegant dress, her hair adorned with flowers. Sivera couldn't take his eyes off her, his heart swelling with happiness.
The ceremony was held in the garden where they had spent so many hours dreaming about the future. Friends and family gathered, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of joyful chatter. As they exchanged vows, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them and their love for each other.
"I promise to love you and stand by you, no matter what challenges we face," Sivera vowed, his voice steady and filled with conviction.
"And I promise to support you and share in your dreams, wherever they may take us," Miyawa replied, her eyes shining with tears.
A year after their wedding, Miyawa discovered she was pregnant. The news filled them with joy and anticipation. They spent hours preparing for the arrival of their baby, converting a small room in their house into a cozy nursery. Sivera crafted a wooden crib with his own hands, and Miyawa sewed tiny clothes and blankets.
When their daughter was born, she brought a new kind of happiness into their lives. They named her Malaes, a name that meant "SkyWings" in the old language, reflecting their compassioned dreams because they weren't true yet. They lived their dreams metaphorically through their daughter's birth.
Until... that day came.
Extra Information:
Sivera's Father: Namir Hersley, [NAA]+[MEER]
Sivera's Mother: Hirasumi Hersley (Original: Hajiyatso), [HEE]+[RAA]+[SOO]+[MEE]+[HAA]+[JEE]+[YAAT]+[SOW]
Miyawa's Father: Sokar Kabanatshi, [SAW]+[KAAR]
Miyawa's Mother: Kurumiya Kabanatshi (Original: Sanwai), [KOO]+[ROO]+[MEE]+[YAA]+[SAAN]+[WAA]+[EE]