22 Shraavana, 1637 (August 16, 1570), En Route to Prayagraj, Near Chacha Empire Border
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the campsite. The sounds of the night filled the air: crickets chirping, leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Siddharth and Aisha stood in a secluded clearing, the flickering light of a campfire illuminating their practice area.
Since their initial conversation a few days ago, they had made it a nightly ritual to train together. Siddharth gripped the butterfly swords, feeling their weight and balance in his hands. He had made small improvements, his movements a bit more fluid, his strikes more precise, but he knew he still had a long way to go.
"Remember," Aisha said, her voice firm but encouraging, "it's not just about strength. You need to focus on your form and precision."
Siddharth nodded, taking a deep breath. He moved into position, executing a series of strikes and blocks as Aisha had shown him. His movements were still somewhat sloppy, but there was a noticeable improvement from the first night.
"Better," Aisha acknowledged, her eyes following his every move. "But you need to tighten your stance. Keep your guard up and your strikes controlled."bas she demonstrated the correct posture.
He adjusted his own posture, feeling the tension in his muscles as he tried to perfect his form. Each correction Aisha made helped him understand the intricacies of the butterfly swords better. Her expertise was evident, and he found himself eager to learn from her.
"Why did you choose butterfly swords?" Aisha asked, tilting her head slightly, her curiosity genuine.
Siddharth paused, lowering the swords. "I don't know. They just felt right. They seem versatile, and I like the balance."
Aisha nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "They're good for close combat and offer a lot of control. But you must remember that every weapon has its strengths and weaknesses. Have you considered trying others?"
Siddharth looked thoughtful, tapping the hilt of his sword. "I have, but I think I want to master these first."
Aisha smiled, a glint of approval in her eyes. "That's a good approach. Mastery over one weapon is better than being mediocre with many. But understanding different weapons can also help you counter them in battle."
They continued their training, Aisha guiding Siddharth through various techniques and forms. As the night wore on, Siddharth felt his confidence growing. His newfound strength from the grey ball was becoming more manageable, and he was learning to control it better with each passing day.
"Let's call it a night," Aisha finally said, lowering her own weapon. "You've made good progress, Siddharth. Keep practicing, and you'll get there."
Siddharth nodded, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. "Thank you, Aisha. I appreciate your help."
She gave him a small smile, her eyes softening. "You're welcome. Now get some rest. We have a long journey ahead of us."
Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of rustling leaves and heavy footsteps. A bloodied scout soldier stumbled into their clearing, his breathing ragged and eyes wide with terror.
"Help... ghosts..." he gasped, collapsing to the ground.
Siddharth and Aisha rushed to his side. The soldier's body was covered in deep lacerations and claw marks, as if he'd been attacked by a wild animal. Blood oozed from his wounds, and his face was a mask of pain and fear.
"Stay with us," Siddharth urged, gripping the soldier's shoulder in a desperate attempt to keep him conscious. But it was too late. The man's eyes rolled back, and he let out a final, shuddering breath.
As they processed the scene, a chilling silence enveloped the clearing. Aisha tensed, her eyes scanning the darkness. She felt a sudden whoosh and instinctively deflected a bolt aimed at Siddharth. The projectile clattered harmlessly to the ground.
"What was that?" Siddharth whispered, gripping his swords tightly, his knuckles white.
Aisha didn't answer, her gaze fixed on the surrounding darkness. Slowly, pairs of glowing red eyes emerged from the shadows, surrounding them. The eerie silence was broken only by the faint rustling of leaves and the sound of their own breathing.
Siddharth and Aisha stood back to back in the quiet night, their hands tightly gripping the cold, metallic hilts of their swords.
Their breaths formed misty clouds in the crisp air, each puff rhythmic with the beating of their anxious hearts. The moon, nearly full, cast a silvery glow over the clearing where they waited, illuminating the approaching danger with an eerie light.
As the shadows formed into distinct forms, the true nature of their foe was revealed under the haunting moonlight. Before them stood creatures that resembled men, but with features so distorted and malevolent that they could only be nightmares sprung to life.
Their faces were contorted in eternal rage, their mouths twisted in snarls that revealed rows of jagged, yellowed teeth. Claws, long and curved like the scythes of the grim reaper, hung at their sides, gleaming dully in the moon's glow.
"They don't look …human."' Siddharth whispered, his heart pounding in his chest.
Aisha nodded, her grip tightening on her sword. "Stay focused. We'll get through this."
The creatures circled closer, their red eyes glowing with malevolent intent. Siddharth could feel the adrenaline surging through his veins as he prepared for the fight of his life.
One of the creatures lunged at Siddharth with a guttural growl. He parried the attack, sparks flying as their blades clashed. "Aisha, behind you!" he shouted, swinging his sword with all his might.
Aisha spun around, her sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. "I've got it!" she yelled, her eyes blazing with determination. "We need to find a way out of this clearing."
"Agreed," Siddharth grunted, blocking another attack. As he falls back, "But first, let's teach these ...creatures a lesson."
With a battle cry, they charged at the humanoid figures, their swords flashing in the moonlight. The fight was brutal, each strike met with fierce resistance. But Siddharth and Aisha fought with unwavering resolve, determined to survive the night and uncover the truth behind the mysterious wraiths.