Moon's fingers traced the worn leather grip of his wodden blade as the young girl approached him , her own wooden sword swinging carelessly at her side. Her name was Mira, one of the few children in the Tensura Clan compound who didn't avoid Moon because of his family's rumour or because of what he might become when he turned ten...was she just being good as a human being it was just to tell in truth she was just attracted to me because of my look that's all there was...
"You always get all quiet and weird when you look at the sky like that," Mira said, plopping down beside him on the veranda Her dark hair was pulled into two messy braids, and dirt smudged one cheek from her earlier training "It's just the sky...that feels quite and peaceful while looking at it"
Moon shrugged "I like watching how the colors change here tt's different from... before "
Mira tilted her head. "I don't see much difference there " moon laughed
"Consider yourself lucky," Moon muttered, then immediately regretted his tone when he saw her expression fall "Sorry for that let's just train.."
He slid off the veranda, landing with grace on the packed earth below In the four years since arriving in the Dream World, Moon had thrown himself into training with an intensity that concerned even the adult instructors some claimed it was his way of coping with loss others whispered it was due to his father's influence none of them really understood
Mira jumped down beside him, immediately assuming a fighting stance, her wooden blade held high "Ready?"
Moon nodded, settling into his own stance lower, more grounded than the traditional forms taught in the compound.
He had developed his own style, borrowing elements from various sources, adapting them to his smaller frame and quick reflexes
"Begin!" Mira called out and launching forward with surprising speed
Their blades clacked together as Moon parried her opening strike, pivoting to counter with a swift cut toward her midsection she blocked, wood scraping against wood, and then they were dancing a flurry of calculated movements, attacks and counters flowing together
Moon felt his mind clear as he focused solely on the rhythm of combat this was the only time his thoughts weren't consumed by memories of the Convergence, by the absence of Jin, by the growing dread of his upcoming tenth birthday
"You're distracted ? ," Mira taunted, nearly landing a blow to his shoulder "Focus!"
Moon narrowed his eyes, adjusting his grip. He feinted left, then spun right, using a technique he'd observed from the older clan members his blade buzzed through the air, stopping just short of Mira's neck
"I win," he said, allowing himself a small smile
Mira pouted, then laughed "That move was unfair! Where did you learn that ? "
"Watching the Paladin-rank warriors train at dawn," Moon said looking felling the rays of setting sun "If you got up earlier, you could learn it too"
"Only crazy people and you are awake at dawn," Mira bluntly said wiping sweat from her forehead "Again?"
Before Moon could answer, a shadow fell across the training ground. Both children immediately straightened, lowering their weapons in respect as Moon's father approached
Sung his father was an imposing figure tall and broad-shouldered, with the same striking red eyes as his son. Unlike many in the Tensura Clan who tried to maintain their old Earth customs, Sung had fully embraced the attire of the Dream World. He wore a deep blue hanbok-inspired garment with intricate silver embroidery that marked his rank as one of the clan's highest officials. At his hip hung a real blade not the wooden practice weapons of the children its scabbard decorated with inlaid mother-of-pearl forming the Tensura Clan's emblem
"Father," Moon said with a respectful bow
Mira nervously followed suit "Chief Sung, I apologize for the noise of our practice "
Sung's expression remained impassive. "There is no need for apology, young Mira. Training should be vigorous " His gaze shifted to his son. "Moon, you drop your guard on your left side when executing that spinning maneuver "
Moon's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. Of course his father had been watching long enough to spot his weakness "Yes, Father I'll correct it."
"See that you do," Sung replied then, unexpectedly, he drew his own blade a movement so swift that made Mira gasped her breath "Show me the technique again "
Moon blinked in surprise his father rarely took time to for him to talk after his mother death now he was suddenly offering to train him personally, which he usually leaving his instruction to the clan's designated teachers
Without much hesitation Moon assumed his stance again, conscious of Mira backing away to give them space
"Begin," Sung commanded Looking at his son
Moon executed the spinning technique, deliberately slowing his movements to demonstrate the form as expected, his father instantly targeted the vulnerability, his blade arcing toward Moon's exposed side
But instead of completing the strike, Sung held his position. "Do you see? In a real fight, this opening would mean your death " his voice lacked of emotions
"Yes, Father."
"Again, but correct it this time."
Moon nodded, concentrating as he repeated the move this time, he kept his guard tighter, bringing his blade across to protect his left side after completing the spin
For nearly an hour, Sung drilled Moon on the technique, making small adjustments to his stance, his grip, the angle of his blade. Mira watched from the sidelines, with wide-eyed at receiving what was essentially a private lesson from the clan chief himself
Finally, when sweat plastered Moon's hair to his forehead and his arms trembled from exertion, Sung nodded in approval of he was doing better then before "Better with practice, it will become instinct "
Moon bowed deeply, trying to hide how much his father's rare approval meant to him. "Thank you, Father ! "
Sung sheathed his blade, then did something even more unexpected he rested his hand briefly on Moon's shoulder. The touch lasted only a moment, but Moon felt the weight of unspoken words in the gesture
"Your tenth birthday approaches," Sung said quietly
With that, he turned and strode away, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the late afternoon sun
Mira hurried back to Moon's side once Sung was out of earshot. "Wow! The Chief himself training you! You're so lucky!"
Moon's eyes remained on his father's retreating form. "Yeah," he said softly..."Lucky ! "
The truth was more complicated. In those rare moments when his father trained him, Moon felt a connection that transcended words as if through the clash of blades, they could communicate things neither knew how to say aloud his father's strictness wasn't cruelty but preparation to survive in this world where his turning ten could mean death, disappearance, or power, Sung was preparing his remaining son for whatever fate awaited
"Are you scared?" Mira asked suddenly, her voice uncharacteristically serious "About your birthday?"
Moon gripped his practice sword tighter. "No, whatever happens, happens."
"I'll still be your friend," mira said looking at moon with eyes full of attraction
"Even if you get the mark. Even if you... change."
Moon gave her a small, smile. "I know "
Peoples are tend to change the little attraction she have towards me will change once the Mark's appear, human are made in that way
As the sun began to set, casting an otherworldly glow across the compound, Moon cleaned and stored his practice blade. His thoughts drifted to Jin his brother who had disappeared during the Convergence had Jin received the mark? Had he transformed? Or simply vanished?
Moon would turn ten in just three days Soon, he would know what is the real meaning of life
With one last look at the sky, Moon headed inside to join his father for dinner, the weight of his coming birthday hanging over him like a mountain