A Love Written In The Stars

"Father once told me, 'A sword is an extension of your soul. Move with it, and you become one.'"

———

Mei's Pov:

I got up before sunrise, feeling the cold air as I gripped my sword. Taking a deep breath, I drew it and began the smooth flow of strikes, blocks, and steps, alert to every twig snap and rustling leaf in the dark. Each move felt natural, my body and mind fully focused, bringing me closer to mastering my skill with each practice.

This was where i felt most centered, most in control of my destiny.

Flashback:

The bamboo forest was covered in a light mist. Mei found a small open space, took out her short sword, and began practicing her sword skills in secret, knowing her mother wouldn't approve of a woman learning martial arts.

After a few minutes, Mei put her sword away. It was time to go back home before her family woke up, though part of her wanted to stay and enjoy the peaceful feeling of practicing. But her responsibilities called, so she quietly made her way back through the forest.

"Where have you been all morning?" her mother scolded.

"I...

"How many times do I have to tell you? The woods are no place for a young girl!" Mei dropped her gaze, knowing the evidence of her training was written on her body. But her father came to her defense.

"Now, now. The child meant no harm," he said gently. "Let her have her adventures while she's still young. There will be time enough for womanly duties later."

But her mother would not be placated. "You're always encouraging this girl! this is why she doesn't listen to me"

"Womanly duties should begin now. You fill her head with foolishness, wandering the forest alone. What will people say if they find out? She must focus on more becoming activities."

Mei bit her lip to hold back tears, torn between her parents. Her father smiled sadly. "Just a bit longer, dear. Let her have her innocence a while more."

Though her mother's displeasure remained, her father's understanding lifted Mei's spirit. She knew that as long as he approved, she could follow the calling in her heart a while longer.

Mei's Pov:

Back in the present, l sank as I remembered another moment from my childhood.

That afternoon, my father took my hand and led me deep into the forest. There, he showed me stances and movements I'd only seen in sword dances. With patience, he guided me as I copied his graceful forms. "You have a gift, my daughter," he said. "With practice, you can achieve anything."

Pride warmed my chest at his praise. From that day on, my father would join me in the clearing whenever he had time. I looked forward to those sessions more than any other lesson. Under his watchful eye, I learned everything he taught, and his patience and support lifted me whenever I doubted myself.

I'll never forget the day he said I was ready to spar. We faced each other, laughing and light-hearted. But when we traded blows, his skill was clear. I held my ground, thrilled to test myself against him. In the end, he scooped me up, beaming. "You will go so far, my brave girl. I believe in you."

His faith has always driven me to keep improving. In memory of his lessons, I practiced my final form—a series of synchronized attacks. I moved with precision, striking at an invisible opponent from all angles.

The morning mist was fading as sunlight lit up the terraced fields and straw-roofed houses of the village in the distance. Mei moved smoothly through her practice, her body flowing from one move to the next without pause, striking and blocking against invisible opponents around her. Her movements had a beauty, an art shaped by years of hard work.

Mei's Pov:

At the end of my routine, I pictured disarming an opponent, my blade poised at their throat in victory. I paused, catching my breath, feeling the satisfaction of a practice done well.

My progress—I owed so much of it to my father. As I wiped sweat from my brow, a thought crept in: if only I'd been strong enough back then, maybe I wouldn't have had to leave.

If I'd been there that night, perhaps I could have protected them. My family might still be alive. Guilt and sorrow twisted sharply in my chest, but I pushed the thoughts away, steeling my heart.

Wallowing changed nothing. All I could do was honor their memory by bringing their killers to justice—and if justice failed, then I wouldn't. One way or another, they would pay.

The bamboo forest had watched me train hard every day, and now its silence brought me comfort. Regret wouldn't help me; only a strong heart and skilled hands could guide me forward. With my training done, I made my way out of the forest.

Along the path, a familiar figure appeared up ahead, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Jingyi!" I called.

He spun around, surprise turning to joy. "Mei! It's been too long."

We hugged tightly, our laughter scaring the birds away from the trees. I had missed his sharp wit and warm, knowing eyes. Since we met as kids, he'd always drawn me out of my shell with his easy charm.

His smile faded, and he said softly, "I'm sorry about your family. It was… brutal."

My smile slipped for a moment, but I managed to say, "It was hard at first. But I'm getting through it." I brightened, shifting the topic.

"Tell me what adventures you've had! I want to hear everything I've missed these past years." Jingyi took the hint and launched into an exaggerated tale.

Laughter filled the air as we swapped stories. I listened eagerly to Jingyi's latest tales, his lively impressions of the villagers sparking my own laughter. My stories felt simpler in comparison, yet sharing them warmed my heart. As we walked, his easy chatter brought a comfort I hadn't felt in ages, making the long road feel shorter.

The warm glow of sunset filtered through the green branches, and I found myself wishing we could freeze this moment, hold onto this lightness. But I knew that wasn't possible.

Soon, the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting amber light over the forest. Jingyi sighed and stood, stretching his stiff limbs.

"I should head back before it gets completely dark," he said reluctantly. I nodded, trying to push down my disappointment. But Jingyi smiled and took my hands.

"This won't be the last you see of me, I promise. I'll be back before you know it." His eyes sparkled with plans yet to unfold. "You're stuck with me, Mei, whether you like it or not."

I pretended to scowl, which made him laugh. Then I pulled him into a tight hug, conveying everything I couldn't say. Jingyi squeezed me back, understanding without words, before letting go.

His grin lifted my spirits as we parted, and with a playful wave, he disappeared down the path.