Tatsuya and Yuki followed Kiyara through the Vrythak tribe village, her strides full of a natural grace that drew eyes from the villagers they passed. Tatsuya's attention wavered, not on their surroundings, but on Kiyara herself. Her broad axe, gleaming with an otherworldly silver, hung against her back, its intricate carvings catching the sunlight. Tatsuya knew he should be focused on the weapon—the way that peculiar, purplish-blue energy pulsed like waves over its surface—but his eyes kept drifting lower, beyond his conscious will.
"This Nyren energy on her axe," he mused to himself, barely listening to his own thoughts. "It's so solid, so unlike magic… yet somehow I can't stop noticing her a—"
Suddenly, a sharp smack to his shin jolted him back. Yuki's tail had snapped against his leg, sending him stumbling forward, earning a quick glance from Kiyara, though she only arched a brow and kept walking.
"You know I can hear you, right?" Yuki's irritation rang clear in his mind.
Tatsuya glared at her in annoyance. "When did you start listening in on my thoughts? And why does it even matter? This is the first actual woman I've seen in four months!" His voice was hasty in his mind, a hurried defense that he immediately knew sounded weak.
Yuki huffed to herself, muttering as they walked. "Stupid master… Stupid bear woman…" Her glare was aimed squarely at the back of Tatsuya's head, her tail flicking irritably.
Kiyara's cabin was waiting for them just ahead. As they climbed the polished wooden steps to the front door, Tatsuya pushed aside his awkwardness, though not without one last sidelong glance at Kiyara.
They stepped inside, and Tatsuya's curiosity quickly turned to surprise. Her home was spacious, warm, and inviting. A grand stone fireplace took center stage, its flames flickering warmly beneath an old painting of two men, one with icy hair and the other with Kiyara's bear ears and pink hair, their expressions softened in friendly rivalry. An elegant chandelier cast subtle patterns across the walls, and a set of finely crafted stairs led to the upper level. In the kitchen, a sturdy icebox and polished wooden counters spoke of resources and craftsmanship beyond what Tatsuya would have expected.
"This place isn't bad at all," he remarked with genuine surprise, sinking into the plush fur covers on the couch. "Didn't think a forest tribe would have something so… refined."
Kiyara's head whipped around, her glare as fiery as her crossed arms were tense. "Geez, like I haven't heard that one million times before," she muttered, rolling her eyes. Her bear ears flicked in irritation.
Tatsuya quickly ducked behind the couch, hiding his grin, while Yuki, more cautious and formal, stepped forward, taking in Kiyara's irritated posture.
"My apologies for my master's ignorance," she said, bowing low, her tail curling on the floor and her ears pressed back. "This is his first time meeting someone of your standing."
Seeing Yuki's earnestness, Kiyara's expression softened, her ears relaxing as she offered a nod of approval. "You're a polite one, aren't you, rodent girl?"
Kiyara gave Yuki an appraising look before lifting her chin proudly. "And because of your humility, I'll grant you…"
Taking a bold step toward Yuki, she extended her hand with a grin. "One wish! Tell me what you desire, and I, Kiyara, will do everything in my power to make it happen."
Tatsuya's head popped up from behind the couch, his eyes widening as he silently urged, Ask her to help us get stronger!
Yuki's ears twitched, catching Tatsuya's silent plea, and she closed her eyes, tilting her head as if in deep thought. "Is there anything she can teach us that would truly help?"
As she pondered, Kiyara leaned forward, tapping her fingers on her knee impatiently, her posture like that of a coiled spring. "Come on, out with it already!" she demanded, raising a fist with exaggerated impatience.
"Nyren," Tatsuya thought to himself. "The power she used to break those chains… it wasn't like magic or a Soul Tapestry skill. If it's strong enough to shatter steel, it might be the key we need."
Finally, Yuki looked up, her eyes flashing with a new intensity. She crossed her legs and bowed her head with unwavering resolve. "For my wish, I want you to train us to become stronger," she declared, her voice clear and confident. "Teach us how to use Nyren, guide us in strengthening our magic, and help us master our Soul Tapestries."
Tatsuya and Kiyara were both taken aback by the ferocity in Yuki's gaze, a blazing resolve that seemed to echo back to the struggles they'd faced not long ago. Even Kiyara paused, momentarily stunned, before a smirk spread across her face.
"You've got more fire in you than I thought, rodent girl," Kiyara said, extending her hand toward Yuki.
With a soft smile, Yuki took her hand, giving a small nod. "Thank you, Lady Kiyara. I promise, both my master and I…" She glanced over her shoulder at Tatsuya, who had wrapped himself up in the fur blankets with an expression of smug satisfaction. "…will work hard to learn everything you have to teach."
Kiyara and Yuki shook hands, their forms outlined by the warm glow from the hearth nearby.