The wheels of my bike creaked softly as I pedaled along the worn dirt road, the cool evening breeze brushing against my skin. My muscles ached from the spar with Kendra, and a few fresh scratches lined my arms and legs, stinging whenever the wind caught them just right.
The sky had darkened, painted in deep shades of blue and purple, the last remnants of daylight fading beyond the horizon. Stars had begun to flicker awake, scattered across the sky like tiny embers, barely visible against the stretch of night. In the distance, the soft glow of the lanterns in Wellwood dotted the landscape, warm and inviting. From where I rode, the town almost looked peaceful, untouched by worry.
I took a slow, deep breath, filling my lungs with the crisp night air. It should have been refreshing, should have calmed the unrest creeping through me, but it didn't. My thoughts kept circling back to the fight with Kendra—her raw speed, the relentless way she pushed forward, forcing me to react, to meet her blow for blow. And then there was me. Holding back. Hesitating.
I gripped the handlebars tighter, my knuckles turning white.
I didn't want to admit it, but a part of me was scared.
Not of Kendra. Not of losing.
But of what would happen if I let go.
The distant sound of running water reached my ears as I neared the creek that marked the outskirts of town. The wooden bridge leading toward my home came into view, worn but sturdy, a familiar sight after years of riding this path. I let out a slow sigh, pushing away my thoughts
As I rode past the bridge, the dirt path leading to my house stretched before me, winding between tall trees and open fields. The house sat in the rural part of Wellwood, surrounded by nature and quiet—something I usually found comforting.
Tonight, it felt isolating.
Then, just as I started to lose myself in my thoughts again, a voice called out.
"Kin!"
I blinked, snapping out of my haze, just in time to see a small figure running toward me from the direction of the house.
Yui.
She waved a hand wildly in the air, her dark hair bouncing with each hurried step. Even in the dim light, I could make out the excitement on her face.
"You took forever!" she huffed as she reached me, folding her arms. "I was waiting for you to get back!"
I sighed, finally letting go of the tight grip on my handlebars. "Yeah, sorry," I muttered, putting my foot down to stop my bike. "Got caught up in training."
Yui gave me a suspicious look. "You always say that," she said, raising an eyebrow. Then, her gaze dropped to the scratches on my arms, and her expression changed to something more concerned. "You're hurt."
"It's nothing," I said quickly, shaking my head. "Just some scratches. You should see the other guy."
That got a small giggle out of her. "You mean Kendra?"
"Yeah," I admitted, setting my bike down and stretching my sore limbs. "She doesn't hold back."
Yui gave me a knowing look. "You don't either." I didn't reply right away. If only that were true.
Instead, I reached out and ruffled her hair, causing her to swat at my hand in protest. "Come on," I said, motioning toward the house. "Let's head inside before Mom starts worrying."
As we stepped inside, the warmth of home wrapped around me like a familiar blanket. The soft scent of spices and simmering broth filled the air, signaling that Mom was in the middle of making dinner. The wooden floor creaked under our steps as Yui kicked off her shoes, stretching her arms with a small yawn.
"Mom! Kin's back!" she called out, her voice carrying through the house.
From the kitchen, our mother's voice answered, smooth and warm. "Welcome home!"
I shut the door behind me, letting out a slow breath. The tension I carried from earlier had eased slightly, but exhaustion still sat heavy in my bones. Yui walked ahead, but I took my time, letting the familiar sights of home ground me.
As we passed through the hall, Yui turned back to me, walking backward as she spoke. "Hey, Kin, can you help me with my homework later?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say you were gonna finish it before I got home?"
Yui pouted, puffing her cheeks slightly. "I was, but then I got stuck on a few things, and Mom got busy cooking. Besides, you promised you'd help me if I needed it."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, yeah, I remember. What's it on?"
She brightened. "History! The founding of Rivenden and stuff about the kingdom's old rulers."
"Should be easy, then."
She made a face. "That's what you always say, but some of these questions are super specific! Like, who even remembers the exact year the first Ascension Trials were held?"
I smirked. "You mean you don't?"
Yui groaned dramatically. "Ugh, come on, Kin! Just help me out after dinner, okay?"
I let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, I got it."
Satisfied, she turned back around, skipping ahead toward the kitchen. I followed at a slower pace, my gaze drifting toward the framed photos lining the hall.
I'd walked this path a hundred times, passed these pictures every day, yet tonight, my feet hesitated.
My eyes traced over the familiar images—snapshots of moments that now felt like distant echoes.
And then, I stopped.
One particular photo caught my attention, just as it always did.
It was an old picture, the edges of the frame slightly worn. In it, I was eight years old, standing at the front with Yui, who had been only four at the time. She clung to my sleeve, smiling brightly, her excitement practically radiating from the image.
To our side stood Aiken and Kensei, eleven years old back then, standing with arms crossed in an attempt to look mature, though their grins betrayed them.
Behind us was Mom, Aiko, looking almost unchanged—her long white hair tied back, the same gentle smile she always carried.
And in the center of it all was him.
A man with long brown hair, his expression full of life, eyes the same rich brown as Aiken and Kensei's. His broad hands rested on mine and Kensei's heads, ruffling our hair as we all laughed.
My father.
I swallowed, my fingers twitching at my side. The longer I looked, the heavier my chest felt.
That day… it felt like a lifetime ago.
I tore my gaze away from the photo, exhaling softly before continuing down the hall. The lingering weight in my chest didn't fade completely, but I pushed it down. No point dwelling on the past when the present was waiting for me.
Stepping into the kitchen, the comforting aroma of dinner filled the air—something rich, warm, and familiar. The faint crackle of simmering broth mixed with the rhythmic sound of a knife chopping vegetables.
Mom stood by the counter, sleeves rolled up, her movements fluid and precise as she worked. Strands of her white hair had slipped loose from her bun, framing her face. When she heard my footsteps, she glanced up, and the moment our eyes met, she smiled.
A soft, bright smile. The kind that could melt away even the heaviest burdens.
"Welcome home, Kin," she said warmly, pausing for just a second to take me in.
Just like that, everything I'd been holding in—the frustration from school, the tension from my fight with Kendra, the weight of the past I had just relived—felt a little lighter.
I hadn't realized how much I needed that.
"Yeah," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "I'm home."
Yui had already rushed over, peeking into the pot with curious eyes. "It smells good! What are we having?"
Mom chuckled, gently nudging her back. "Stew. Now, don't go sticking your hands in it before it's ready."
Yui pouted but obeyed, stepping back with a dramatic sigh. "Fineee."
I leaned against the doorway, letting the warmth of the kitchen settle into me.
Mom turned back to me, her gaze softening. "You look tired."
I shrugged. "Just a long day."
She gave me a knowing look, but didn't push. "Go wash up, dinner will be ready soon."
I nodded, turning to leave, but before I could take another step, she added, "And Kin?"
I glanced back.
Her smile hadn't faded, but there was something else in her eyes now—something gentle, understanding.
"I'm glad you're home."
A quiet breath escaped me.
"…Yeah," I said again, softer this time. "Me too."
**
I sat on the edge of my bed, fresh out of the shower, my damp hair clinging to my forehead. The night air seeped in through the open window, cooling my skin as I absentmindedly rolled a small pink gem between my fingers. It caught the dim light of my bedside lamp, flickering with soft reflections as I turned it over.
But my mind wasn't on the gem.
I let out a slow breath, my jaw tightening as I leaned forward, elbows resting on my knees. The fight with Kendra replayed in my head, each moment sharper than the last.
The second I tapped into my Matter, everything changed.
Kendra lunged at me, her claws flashing under the sunlight, but I saw it. I saw everything. The way her muscles tensed before she moved, the flicker of energy pulsing through her veins, the exact moment she shifted her weight. It was as if time itself had slowed for me.
I ducked, narrowly avoiding her swipe, then pivoted on my heel. My body moved faster, sharper, like I had been unshackled from my limits. I countered with a clean strike to her ribs, sending her skidding back. She barely had time to regain her footing before I was on her again, closing the distance in an instant.
My fist lashed out. She barely dodged, my knuckles grazing her cheek, but I didn't stop. My foot slammed into the ground, and I twisted, bringing my leg up in a kick aimed at her midsection. She raised her arm to block, but the impact sent her stumbling.
For the first time in the fight, I was pushing her back.
Kendra grinned, her crimson eyes alight with challenge. She let out a low chuckle, shaking out her arms before crouching into a stance again. "Now you're getting serious," she muttered.
But just as I was about to push forward again, something inside me snapped.
Pain.
My chest tightened, my breath hitching as a sharp, unbearable ache tore through my body. My vision blurred, my limbs suddenly weighed down like they were made of stone.
Then, my knees hit the dirt.
I gasped, my fingers clawing into the ground as my body refused to listen to me. My strength had disappeared in an instant, leaving me frozen in place. Kendra straightened, her expression shifting from excitement to something else—concern.
"Kin?" she asked, her voice less teasing now.
I couldn't answer. My breath was ragged, my body trembling as though I had just run for miles. The power I had felt just moments ago was gone, drained from me as if it had never been there.
I closed my eyes, exhaling sharply as the memory faded.
The gem was still in my hand, warm from my grip.
I let out a quiet sigh and rubbed my temples. No point in dwelling on it now. I had pushed my body too far, and I paid the price for it. Simple as that.
Shaking the thoughts away, I placed the pink gem on my bedside table and stood up, stretching my sore limbs. The scent of freshly cooked food drifted into my room, and my stomach let out a low grumble. I hadn't realized just how hungry I was.
I stepped out into the hallway, the wooden floors cool beneath my feet as I made my way to the dining room. The soft hum of my mother's voice and Yui's chatter filled the air, a comforting contrast to the silence in my head.
As I entered, Yui was already in her seat, swinging her legs under the table as she picked at her rice. Mom was placing a bowl of soup down in front of her before turning to me with a warm smile.
"Finally decided to join us?" she teased, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
I gave a small shrug as I pulled out my chair and sat down. "Just lost track of time."
Yui smirked, setting her spoon down. "Lost track of time thinking about Kendra, huh?"
I blinked, my hand pausing mid-reach for my bowl. "What?"
"You know," she grinned wider, leaning forward. "You two have been spending a lot of time together. Sparring, training—sounds like something else to me!"
I let out a sigh and grabbed my spoon. "It's not like that."
"Uh-huh," she dragged out, clearly enjoying herself. "So if I told Kendra you've been thinking about her all evening, you wouldn't mind?"
I shot her a flat look. "Do you ever stop talking?"
Mom chuckled softly as she took her seat. "Alright, Yui, don't tease your brother too much. Let him eat."
Yui shrugged but still had that smug expression on her face as she went back to eating.
Mom glanced at me as she stirred her soup. "How's school been, Kin? Everything going well?"
I hesitated for half a second before nodding. "Yeah. Just a normal day."
She gave me a knowing look, the kind only a mother could give. "You sure?"
I focused on my food, not wanting to get into it. "Yeah. Nothing worth talking about."
She didn't push, but I could tell she knew there was more. Still, she simply smiled and turned to Yui instead. "And what about you? You said you had homework earlier—did Kin help you with it?"
Yui huffed, crossing her arms. "No! He got all quiet and weird, so I didn't even get to ask yet!"
Mom laughed, shaking her head. "Well, finish eating first. Then maybe you two can go over it together."
I let out a small sigh but nodded. "Yeah, I got it."
Yui smirked. "Good. Because I'm going to show you how smart I am!"
I groaned. "Great."
**
I sat cross-legged on the floor of Yui's bedroom, flipping through the pages of her history textbook. The soft glow of the lantern beside us cast warm light over the scattered papers and open notebooks between us. The scent of lavender from her bedsheets mixed with the faint ink of her notes.
Yui sat across from me, legs tucked beneath her, pencil tapping against her chin. Her brows were furrowed as she skimmed her notes, already dreading whatever question I was about to throw at her.
I glanced at the textbook. "Alright, let's start with an easy one. When was Rivenden founded?"
She groaned, letting her head fall back. "Ugh, do we have to start with dates?"
"You're the one who wanted my help," I pointed out.
She sighed, rolling her eyes. "Fine. Rivenden was founded five hundred years ago."
I raised a brow.
She huffed. "By King Alden. During the Age of Unrest."
"Correct." I turned the page. "Next question. What major event led to the kingdom's expansion beyond the Silverwood region?"
She bit her lip, thinking. "Uh… the Unification Pact?"
I shook my head. "Close, but that came after. Think earlier."
Yui frowned, tapping her pencil against her knee. "Oh! The War of the Three Banners?"
"There you go." I smirked. "That war was what forced Rivenden to expand its borders. The Unification Pact came after as a way to secure peace."
Yui sighed, rubbing her temples. "You are enjoying this way too much."
I ignored her complaint and kept going. "Who was the first ruler to implement the Matter Registration System?"
She narrowed her eyes at me. "You're making these harder on purpose."
I shrugged. "Maybe."
She groaned but answered anyway. "King Justin the Second."
"And why was it controversial?"
"Because it limited how commoners could use their Matter, while nobles had way more freedom."
"Right again." I leaned back on my hands. "Okay, last one. What was the original name of Rivenden before it was officially a kingdom?"
She chewed on her lip, thinking hard. I could see her eyes darting over her notes, trying to recall the answer. After a few seconds, she groaned. "Ugh, I don't remember."
I grinned. "Rivermere"
Yui threw her pencil at me. "You're the worst."
I caught it before it hit my face, laughing. "Hey, I'm helping you learn."
She crossed her arms. "Yeah, yeah. You're enjoying this way too much."
I smirked. "Maybe a little."
Yui let out an exaggerated sigh and flopped onto her back, stretching her arms above her head. "Ugh, my brain hurts," she mumbled, staring up at the ceiling.
I rolled my eyes. "Maybe if you actually focused, it wouldn't be so bad."
She groaned dramatically. "I was focusing! But you keep throwing questions at me like I'm taking the actual exam right now."
I smirked. "That's the point."
She huffed and lazily turned her head to the side. "Just give me five minutes. My brain needs a break."
I leaned forward, tapping the open textbook in front of her. "You do realize that if you don't pay attention, you're gonna struggle during the real test, right?"
No response.
"Yui?"
Still nothing.
I furrowed my brows, sitting up straighter. "Hey, are you even listening—" I stopped mid-sentence when I finally looked at her.
Fast asleep.
Her breathing was steady, her chest rising and falling in a soft rhythm. One arm was draped over her stomach while the other rested above her head, her fingers lightly curled. Her pencil had rolled a few inches away, forgotten.
I let out a quiet sigh. "Seriously?"
Shaking my head, I moved closer. She looked peaceful, her face relaxed in sleep. It was hard to believe that just moments ago, she was whining about history like it was the worst thing in the world.
Carefully, I slipped my arms under her. She barely stirred as I lifted her, her head resting lightly against my shoulder. She was lighter than I expected.
I stepped over the scattered books and papers, carrying her to the bed. Slowly, I laid her down, making sure not to wake her.
She shifted slightly, letting out a small murmur, but stayed asleep. I reached for the covers and pulled them over her, tucking them around her small frame.
I watched her for a moment.
"…Goodnight, Yui."
With that, I turned off the lamp and quietly exited the room.
**
Laying in my bed, I stared up at the ceiling, my arms resting behind my head. The room was quiet, safe from the faint rustling of trees outside my window.
In three days, I'd be heading back to the capital.
The thought settled uneasily in my chest. The Ascension Trials… I had been preparing for them for so long, yet now that they were just around the corner, it felt unreal. No matter how much I trained, the pressure of it all still lingered in the back of my mind.
I let out a slow breath and turned onto my side, ready to let sleep take over.
Knock, knock.
My body tensed.
I blinked.
Knock, knock, knock.
Slowly, I turned my head toward the window.
Two faces stared right back at me.
I jolted up with a startled grunt. "What the—?!"
Pressing against the glass, looking way too amused for their own good, were Kendra and Jasper.
Kendra, perched on the window ledge like some kind of overgrown cat, flashed me a smug grin and waved. Jasper, squeezed awkwardly beside her, gave a sheepish shrug as if to say, Yeah, I don't know why we're doing this either.
I blinked again. "Are you guys serious?"
Kendra knocked again, louder this time. "Come on, open up, night owl."
I groaned, running a hand down my face. "You do realize there's this thing called a front door—"
"We do," Jasper interrupted. "But Kendra insisted this was funnier."
Kendra grinned wider. "And I was right."
I sighed, rubbing my nose. "You two are ridiculous."
"And you're slow. Now, are you gonna let us in or just keep staring at us like we're stray animals?"
I muttered something under my breath but got up, dragging myself toward the window.
This was going to be a long night.