Asha's heart raced as he hurried down the main road, lost in thought after his encounter with Faida. He could still feel the warmth of her cheerful spirit, her enthusiasm about his father, and her excitement about training to become as powerful as Tendaji. Her eyes had shone with admiration, and Asha had seen something familiar in that gaze—a spark of determination that mirrored his own.
---
The flash back
As he remembered how he had clumsily bumped into her at the fruit stand, he slowed down, turning back to apologize. Faida's laugh rang out as she got up, dusting herself off with a grin. "You look just like him, you know—the great Tendaji. He's my hero! I want to be as strong as him one day… maybe even surpass him!"
Asha's face brightened. "Tendaji is my father," he said with quiet pride, "and my hero too."
Faida's eyes widened in astonishment, then lit up with excitement. "Your father? I can't believe it! I get to talk to Tendaji's son!" She practically bounced with joy. "There's so much I want to know! What was it like growing up with someone so legendary? How does he train? What's his most powerful technique?"
Asha chuckled, scratching his head. "Well, he was always there when I needed him. He's not just strong—he's a really great father. He started off like any of us, in a chaotic world, but he worked so hard to make it safe for all of us."
As they walked together, Faida hung on every word, her eyes wide with admiration. "It's amazing," she murmured. "He's exactly the kind of person I want to become—someone who protects everyone, no matter what."
After a moment's pause, she lowered her voice, looking up at Asha with concern. "Is it true… what people are saying? That his spirit's been sealed away?"
Asha nodded slowly, a determined look crossing his face. "Yes… but I won't give up. I have to get stronger. I'll make this world safer, not just for my father but for everyone I care about."
Faida's face softened as she listened, and her own resolve seemed to grow. "You're not alone, Asha. We'll both work hard and grow strong. And one day, we'll fight side by side."
They shared a smile, a silent promise binding them as they continued their walk. The more they talked, the more Asha felt a connection with Faida. They shared dreams, fears, and the same deep-rooted drive to protect those they loved. For the first time since his father's fall, Asha felt a renewed sense of hope.
But then he remembered his original task—asking his mother for permission to train with Tidiane. "I have to go," he said, looking back toward his home. He gave Faida a quick wave before dashing off, but to his surprise, Faida followed, keeping pace beside him.
---
A Mother's Love
When they arrived at Tendaji's house, the familiar warmth of home greeted Asha. Inside, his mother, Assa, was busy preparing dinner, her movements graceful but tired. The past few days had taken their toll on her, and her eyes held a sadness that only deepened when she saw her son's worried face.
Asha entered quietly, holding out the fresh fruits he'd bought, hoping the small gesture would soften the difficult conversation that lay ahead. "Hi, Mom," he said with a soft smile, "I brought these for you."
Assa raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Asha. But I know you well enough to know you're trying to butter me up. What is it you want to ask?"
Asha hesitated, looking down as he gathered his thoughts. "I want to train with Tidiane," he said finally, lifting his gaze to meet hers. "I want to get stronger so I can protect you, and everyone I care about. And… to bring Dad back."
Assa's face softened, but tears filled her eyes as she shook her head. "Asha, you're still so young. I've already lost your father, and the thought of losing you too is… it's too much to bear."
Her voice broke, and Asha felt a pang of guilt and sadness. But he stepped forward, reaching out to take her hand. "Mom, I know it's dangerous. But I can't just stand by and do nothing. Dad gave everything to protect us. I have to be ready to do the same."
Assa's tears fell freely now, and she looked away, her heart torn. "You remind me so much of him," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "The same courage, the same stubbornness… the same willingness to sacrifice." She turned back to Asha, her eyes filled with love and worry. "If you're truly serious about this, Asha, then tell me—what is it you hope to accomplish by training with Tidiane?"
Asha took a deep breath, his voice steady. "I want to be able to stand beside him, to fight for the world he's trying to protect. And if there's a way to save him, I'll find it. I'll bring him back to us, Mom."
The resolve in his eyes made Assa's heart ache. She knew the path he had chosen was dangerous, and every part of her wanted to keep him safe at home. But as she looked at her son, she saw Tendaji's spirit reflected in him—the same unbreakable will, the same love for those around him.
With a sigh, Assa nodded, her hand resting gently on his cheek. "Then go, Asha. Train hard. But promise me, you'll be careful."
Asha's face lit up with gratitude, and he pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you, Mom. I promise—I'll come back stronger, for both of us."
Behind them, Faida watched the exchange, moved by the strength of their bond. In that moment, she understood the depth of Asha's determination, and her admiration for him grew.
As Asha prepared to leave for training, Assa called out, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. "Asha, remember who you are. Remember your father's legacy. And no matter how hard things get, always hold on to hope."
With one last nod, Asha turned and left, the weight of his mother's words settling in his heart.