"Focus." James's voice echoed across the small courtyard in the early morning.
Claire sat cross-legged on an ancient meditation cushion, her hands resting on her knees. In front of her, an incense stick burned on the tea table, its smoke rising in gentle wisps. Six hours of training had passed, but she still couldn't control the smoke as effortlessly as she had during yesterday's battle.
"I can't do it," she opened her eyes, saying with frustration. "It feels completely different. That sense of connection from yesterday... it's gone."
James paced over from the other side of the courtyard. "Because yesterday you were reacting instinctively to danger. Now you're trying to consciously control the power." He crouched in front of her. "Close your eyes and tell me what you feel now."
Claire complied. "I can sense the energy flows, but they're... blurry. Like looking through frosted glass."
"That's normal." Dr. Chen's voice came from the back garden doorway. The old man approached carrying a tray with several steaming cups of tea. "The first few days after awakening are always like this. Your meridians are still adapting to the new power."
He handed Claire a cup of tea, an unusual aroma reaching her nose. "This is..."
"A special blend," Dr. Chen smiled. "It will help you see more clearly."
Claire took a careful sip. Warmth immediately spread from her throat throughout her body, and the symbol on her wrist began to heat slightly. Suddenly, the world changed. The energy flows became clearer – she could see them flowing through the courtyard, winding around plants, passing through buildings, and even flowing through James and Dr. Chen's bodies.
"Wow," she said, eyes widening. "This is amazing."
"Now," James said, "try to touch one of the energy flows. Don't grab it, just brush against it gently."
Claire reached out, carefully approaching a strand of energy floating in the air. As her fingers nearly touched it, the incense smoke suddenly twisted, coiling upward like a small snake.
"Good," James nodded. "Every Awakened has their own way of interacting with energy. Some control it directly with willpower, others need a medium. For you, smoke seems to be the most natural medium."
"Why smoke?" Claire asked curiously, watching the smoke dance at her fingertips.
Dr. Chen and James exchanged a meaningful look.
"It may be related to your bloodline," Dr. Chen finally said. "Your mother... she was also a rare prodigy. She could see things others couldn't, predict events before they happened."
Claire's heart quickened. "The jade token..." she touched the token tucked inside her collar. Since receiving it last night, she'd kept it with her constantly. "Can it tell me more about her?"
"Memories need time and specific conditions to awaken," James said. "And some memories... might not be pleasant."
Just then, hurried footsteps interrupted their conversation. Uncle Zhang rushed into the courtyard, his expression grave.
"There's trouble," he said breathlessly. "The Shadow Organization has captured a newly Awakened child on the other side of the city. The Council is calling for anyone who can help."
James immediately stood, his black coat moving without wind. "Lead the way."
"Wait," Claire stood up too. "I'm coming too."
"No," James and Dr. Chen said in unison.
"You haven't fully mastered your abilities," James added. "It's too dangerous."
"But I can help," Claire insisted. "I know what it feels like to be thrown into all this. That child must be terrified."
"Let her come," a voice suddenly said. Everyone turned to see Lucas leaning against the back garden doorframe. Today he wore a deep blue suit, still impeccably groomed. "Sometimes, real combat is the best training. Besides..." he gave Claire a meaningful look, "this might be a good opportunity to learn some truths."
Claire felt the jade token warm slightly beneath her clothes. She didn't know what Lucas meant by that statement, but her instincts told her this mission was important.
James seemed about to object but finally just sighed. "Fine, but you must follow instructions strictly. And..." he pulled a small jade pendant from his pocket and handed it to her. "Wear this. If things get dire, break it. I'll find you immediately."
Claire accepted the pendant, feeling the warm energy within. She hung it around her neck alongside her mother's token.
"Time is critical," Uncle Zhang urged. "My car's outside."
As they hurried toward the street, Claire noticed Lucas following. He wore a subtle smile, as if privy to some secret knowledge.
She suddenly realized this wasn't just a rescue mission. For her, it might be the first step toward uncovering the mystery of her identity.
The maternal token pulsed gently against her chest, as if responding to her thoughts.
"I'm ready," she said softly, unsure whether she was speaking to herself or to the memories hidden within the token.