The sun was at its highest when Ryuu left the cottage. Despite the revelatory conversation with his aunt, the words still swirled in his mind like wind that could never be tamed. The invitation to the Tournament of the Elements had left more questions than answers, and the weight of his heritage surrounded him like a looming storm.
With his heart still racing, he decided to embark on his journey toward the port city. It was the first step in understanding the truth about his mother, the power of the Lance of Aether, and what the tournament truly meant. The wind blew softly, as if wanting to accompany him, but Ryuu felt that he was still not ready to fully control it. At times, that very wind seemed to mock him.
The road to the port city was filled with green fields and small villages. Ryuu walked alone, wearing the travel cloak his aunt had given him, but his mind kept returning to the words of the healer. Would he be able to control the power he had inherited? Would he be able to resist the temptation to use it, if he truly possessed the power of the Lance?
As he walked down a path surrounded by dense trees, the crunch of leaves under his feet was suddenly interrupted by a distant scream. Instinctively, Ryuu tensed, and the wind around him began to stir as if responding to the imminent danger. Following the sound, he reached a clearing where he saw a group of armed men surrounding a young swordwoman.
The woman, dressed in a dark cloak, skillfully defended against each blow from the attackers. Despite her skill, the number of bandits was too much, and the blows seemed to be slowly tiring her. Ryuu watched, uncertain for a moment. He could feel the fury in the wind, as if the element itself was ready to explode.
"Enough!" Ryuu shouted, his voice firm but with barely contained fear. The breeze began to swirl violently around him, as if responding to his instinct. He used his power without thinking, letting the wind concentrate into a gust that knocked the bandits who were trying to get closer to the swordwoman.
The men fell to the ground, stunned, while the young swordwoman watched them with a defiant gaze, still holding her sword firmly. She didn't seem surprised by Ryuu's intervention, as if she were used to facing such situations. Rather than fleeing or thanking him, she approached him, watching him cautiously.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice cold as steel.
Ryuu took a step back, the gust of wind around him still blowing fiercely.
"I'm Ryuu," he said, still not fully understanding what he had just done with his power. He looked at the woman, who seemed more annoyed than relieved. "Are you okay?"
"I am. But I don't need you to save me," she replied with disdain, as if she had no patience for heroic gestures. However, she seemed to recognize something in Ryuu, as her gaze softened slightly. "Not everyone can handle that much wind."
Ryuu, somewhat confused, touched his head, unsure how to respond. He hadn't intended to unleash his power in such a way, but something inside him had reacted instinctively.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble," he said apologetically, although he knew the wind didn't always respond to his wishes.
The young swordwoman watched him for a moment longer, then sighed, resigned.
"You're lucky I needed help. I'm not the type to thank strangers, but..." She paused for a moment, as if evaluating something. "I'll admit, I didn't expect to see someone like you on these roads."
Ryuu noticed that her tone was serious, but there was also a hint of curiosity in her eyes. He decided to introduce himself properly.
"My name is Ryuu, and I'm from the coastal village of Zephir. I'm on my way to the port city for..." He stopped, feeling that the reason behind his journey wasn't easy to explain. Something inside him told him that he shouldn't trust this stranger completely yet. "For personal matters. And you?"
The woman smiled bitterly, as if the question brought painful memories.
"Kara," she replied, sheathing her sword with a quick gesture. "And my journey isn't exactly personal. I seek vengeance."
Ryuu raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Revenge? Against whom?" he asked, unable to avoid his curiosity.
Kara looked at him intently, her eyes filled with a mixture of fury and determination.
"My brother was killed by the Ignis army," she said coldly, as if the words no longer affected her, as if she repeated them constantly in her mind. "Now I seek to make them pay, the entire nation. And this tournament might be my chance to find who I need."
Ryuu felt a strange connection to her. They both had their own personal reasons for being on this path, and somehow, their destinies seemed intertwined. Although Kara's mission was different from his own, Ryuu couldn't shake the feeling that their meeting wasn't just a coincidence.
"So, you're going to the tournament too?" Ryuu asked, watching the wind begin to calm.
Kara nodded firmly.
"Yes. The tournament is my only chance to get close to the powerful people of Ignis. But I need allies, and I wouldn't mind having you by my side, if you have the courage to follow me."
Ryuu looked at Kara for a moment, feeling a spark of determination light up in his chest. Perhaps not everything in his life was about escaping the fear his power caused. Perhaps, with this swordwoman, he could find a greater purpose.
"Count me in," Ryuu said, extending his hand confidently.
Kara didn't hesitate. She accepted his offer without a second thought.
"I'll see you in the port city." That was all she said before turning and continuing on her way, leaving Ryuu with the feeling that his destiny was becoming clearer, but also more dangerous.
Ryuu followed her, feeling for the first time that, despite the storm he had unleashed in his life, he might have found a reason to fight.