The sun rose slowly over the village, its golden light bathing the rooftops and warming the morning dew. Kaito stood in the small training yard behind Ayame's church, Kagekiri in hand. He had barely slept after the previous day's events. Kaede's arrival and the cryptic danger emanating from the temple left a cloud of unease hanging over him.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on uncertainties. He needed to train, to grow stronger,not only to protect the village but also to master the katana's power.
"Time waits for no one, kid," the blade murmured. "You wield me like a twig in a storm. If you want to survive, sharpen not just me, but yourself."
"I know, I know," Kaito muttered, taking a deep breath.
Ayame stepped into the yard, carrying a small basket of herbs. "You're starting early," she observed, her tone warmer than the previous day's outburst.
"I need to be ready," Kaito replied, eyes focused on the blade. "Kagekiri... it's powerful, but it's not easy to control."
She studied him for a moment before setting the basket down. "The blade's strength is a double-edged sword, Kaito. It may amplify your skills, but if you rely too much on it, you risk losing yourself to its will."
He frowned, lowering the blade slightly. "What do you mean?"
Ayame approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Kagekiri isn't just a weapon; it's a living force. It reflects your spirit, and if your mind wavers, the shadows it cuts can consume you. Training isn't just about technique, it's about balance. I'll help you learn that."
Kaito nodded, appreciating her guidance. "Alright. Where do we start?"
"Start with focus," Ayame instructed, moving to the edge of the yard. She sat cross-legged on the grass, gesturing for him to join her. "Before you can wield the blade, you need to center yourself. Meditation is the first step."
"Wait, meditation?" Kaito asked, confused.
"Yes. Trust me, Kaito. Even the greatest warriors must master their mind before their weapon," she said firmly.
Reluctantly, Kaito sat across from her, Kagekiri resting on his lap. He closed his eyes and listened to Ayame's steady voice guiding him. The katana seemed to hum faintly, its whispers melding with his thoughts.
Meanwhile, Kaede sat by the window inside the church, watching them through the glass. Her injuries still ached, but her curiosity burned brighter than her discomfort.
"Is he meditating?" she asked herself aloud.
"Yes, and you should be resting," Ayame's voice startled her. She turned to see the priestess standing behind her with a bundle of fresh bandages.
Kaede frowned. "I've rested enough. I want to know what's going on. Why is Kaito so determined to train? What's the deal with that sword?"
Ayame hesitated, debating how much to reveal. "Kaito's katana is no ordinary blade. It was forged to seal the Shadeborn, a threat that could destroy not only this village but the entire realm. The blade chose him, and now he's bound to its fate."
Kaede's expression softened. "That's... a lot for one person to carry."
"It is," Ayame agreed, her voice laced with sadness. "But Kaito's strong, even if he doesn't realize it yet."
Kaede's lips twitched into a faint smile. "He's stubborn, that's for sure."
"Stubbornness can be a strength," Ayame said, gently adjusting the bandages on Kaede's arm. "But you... you're still a mystery. What brought you to the forest? And why were you carrying that strange amulet?"
Kaede stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "That's my business," she said curtly.
Ayame sighed, clearly not convinced. "Fair enough, for now. But if you're staying here, you need to be honest with us. Secrets won't help anyone."
Kaede looked away, guilt flickering across her face.
Back in the yard, Kaito grunted as he swung Kagekiri, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp whistle. Ayame had left him to practice alone, and the katana's whispers filled the void.
"Your form is improving, but you're still too hesitant," Kagekiri criticized. "Trust in the blade, but don't let it guide you completely. You must lead."
Kaito tightened his grip. "Easier said than done," he muttered.
Suddenly, Kaede stepped into the yard, leaning against the doorway. "You're loud for someone who's supposed to be training," she teased.
Kaito stopped mid-swing, turning to face her. "Shouldn't you be resting?"
"I'm fine," she replied, crossing her arms. "Besides, watching you flail around is entertaining."
He scowled. "I'm not flailing!"
"Sure you're not," she said with a smirk. "But seriously, Kaito. If that sword is as dangerous as Ayame says, you'll need more than meditation and swings to master it."
"Got any better ideas?" he asked, half-challenging her.
Kaede's smirk widened. "Actually, I do." She reached into her cloak and pulled out a small, intricate device, a strange metallic object that glinted in the sunlight.
"What's that?" Kaito asked, intrigued.
"A training aid," she said cryptically. "Let's see how good your reflexes really are."
Before he could protest, she pressed a button, and the device launched a series of small glowing orbs into the air.
"Catch them, samurai boy," Kaede said, her voice playful yet serious.
Kaito swung the blade instinctively, striking the first blind as it hurtled towards him. It shattered into harmless sparks, but two more followed immediately.
Ayame stepped back into the yard, watching the exchange with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "You two are going to be the death of me," she muttered.
As the day wore on, the three of them found themselves working together, testing Kaito's limits while Kaede shared surprising glimpses of her resourcefulness. Ayame, though cautious, began to feel a fragile bond forming between them.
Little did they know, the crack between realms in the temple had widened, and the shadow of the first Shadeborn was creeping closer.