The wind rustled through the leaves outside the small hut, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of pine and fresh mountain air. Nia paced nervously just beyond the porch, her hands clenched into tiny fists. She had been mulling it over for days, watching Kian push himself to the brink with every training session. He was getting stronger there was no denying that but with each breakthrough he made, she only felt more inadequate.
Kian didn't seem to notice; his mind was always on training or resonating with the world. But Nia saw it the way his aura flared brighter every morning, the raw power crackling at his fingertips. It was inspiring... and terrifying. If something happened again if someone came for them what could she do? Watch from the sidelines? Hide?
The thought twisted her stomach. She stopped pacing and took a deep breath, steeling her resolve. Her grandfather was sitting just outside the hut, sharpening a worn, iron blade that gleamed in the sunlight. His movements were precise and unhurried, the rhythmic scrape of metal on stone oddly calming.
"Grandpa?" Nia's voice was softer than she intended. She cleared her throat and tried again, louder this time. "Grandpa, can I talk to you?"
Chandler didn't pause his work. "You're already talking to me, aren't you?" he replied with a smirk, eyes still fixed on the blade.
Nia rolled her eyes but pressed on. "I'm serious. I… I want to get stronger."
That made him pause. Chandler looked up, his eyes sharp and thoughtful. He set the blade down and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "And what brought this on?" he asked, although his gaze told her he already knew.
Nia looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "I just… I want to be able to help. To protect… people." Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she stood firm. "To protect Kian too. I don't want to just watch while he does everything. I want to fight alongside him."
Chandler raised an eyebrow, his expression softening just a bit. "You know it's not just about power. It's about control, discipline, sacrifice. Kian's got potential, but he's got to work for every inch. It'll be the same for you."
Nia nodded eagerly. "I understand. I'm ready."
Chandler chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, then. First lesson don't tell Kian."
Her eyes went wide. "Wait, why not?"
"Because," Chandler said, getting up from his chair and stretching his shoulders, "if he knows, he'll go easy on you. He's soft like that, even if he doesn't show it." His eyes sparkled with mischief. "And I have no interest in training you half-heartedly. You want to get stronger? You'll earn it."
Nia hesitated but then nodded firmly. "Okay. I won't tell him."
"Good," Chandler replied, his voice lowering to a near whisper. "We start at dawn. I want you up before him, working harder than him, and learning faster than him. If you can do that, you'll be strong enough to stand by his side."
A fire lit in Nia's eyes, her fists clenching with determination. "I will. I promise."
Chandler nodded approvingly. "There's the spirit. I expect nothing less from my granddaughter."
As she turned back to the hut, a small smile tugged at her lips. For the first time, she felt the gap between her and Kian wasn't insurmountable. She would train in secret, grow stronger, and one day, she would stand beside him not behind.