The dawn broke gently over the mountains, casting a warm glow across the valley. The crisp morning air was filled with the distant calls of birds and the whisper of leaves swaying in the breeze. Kian stood at the edge of the cliff, his gaze locked onto the horizon where the sunlight spilled over the world like liquid gold. His hair had grown longer, the jet-black strands curling slightly at the edges, and his once-lean frame now carried the solid build of relentless training. His eyes, a vibrant green, shimmered with the electricity that lay dormant beneath his skin.
He breathed in deeply, feeling the hum of power resonate within him. He was Tier 7 now his aura denser, more refined. Lightning crackled faintly around his fingertips, sparking off in quiet bursts before fading into the wind. It was controlled now, not the wild, rampaging storm it once was. He had learned. He had grown.
Behind him, footsteps approached. Kian didn't need to turn to know who it was. Her presence was like a calm breeze amidst the storm that churned within him. Nia stepped up beside him, her movements graceful and confident. She, too, had changed. Her hair had grown longer, tied back in a loose ponytail, and her posture held an ease that spoke of sharpened skills and newfound strength. Her once childlike features had matured, her eyes sharper and more focused. She wore a light, fitted jacket that hinted at her newfound prowess a testament to the training she had undertaken in secret.
She smiled warmly, nudging his arm. "Happy birthday, Kian."
He chuckled, glancing down at her. "You remembered."
"Of course I did," she replied, feigning offense. "It's your first one… without them." Her voice softened at the end, and for a moment, silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken memories.
Kian's gaze returned to the horizon, his jaw tightening. "Yeah... it is."
A comforting hand rested on his shoulder, and he turned to meet her eyes full of empathy and strength. "They'd be proud," she said softly. "And... I'm proud too."
Kian's expression softened, the tension in his jaw easing. "Thanks, Nia."
Their moment was interrupted by the familiar sound of heavy footsteps and the unmistakable grumble of Chandler's voice. "Alright, lovebirds, enough with the sappy nonsense," he huffed, his hands resting on his hips. Despite his gruffness, there was a softness in his gaze as he looked at Kian. "Get dressed. We're going to the city."
Kian blinked, surprise flickering across his face. "The city?"
Chandler nodded. "Your old stomping grounds. Figured you might want to see it again... maybe remember some things worth holding on to."
Kian's heart skipped a beat. Memories of crowded streets, familiar faces, and the smell of festival food surged back to him. He hadn't been back since... everything. He swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. "Yeah... I'd like that."
Nia clapped her hands excitedly. "Shopping! Finally, we won't be stuck with mountain hermit fashion anymore."
Chandler rolled his eyes but waved them off. "Get moving. We leave in an hour."
As they turned to head back, Nia nudged Kian with a grin. "We're definitely picking out something less... mountain-y for you this time."
Kian raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with the jacket?"
"Everything," she teased, her eyes sparkling.
Kian laughed, the sound raw and unburdened. For the first time in a long while, it felt like things were... normal.