Blood and Ember

We had been walking around the town for the past few hours, asking people, talking to job merchants—anyone who might have seen the boy. Yet, there was still no sign of him anywhere. The night sky was starting to appear, with the giant blue moon glowing overhead.

"Ugh! Elara, we still have no idea where this boy is or what he's doing."

Captain Hikari's face was set in a scowl, and she seemed to be in a particularly bad mood.

"I understand the frustration, but shouldn't we call it a day? It's nearly night, and most of the villagers have already gone home. There's barely anyone left out here. I guess… this is goodbye for us."

I wasn't sure why I said goodbye. Deep down, I didn't want to leave Hikari. But I figured she probably didn't want someone like me around. Sure, it was fun being with someone again, but I didn't want to drag her down. She's the captain of a royal guard squad, after all, and I'd hate to tarnish her reputation.

Hikari suddenly pulled back her fist and punched me in the arm—not hard, but enough to feel like I'd been hit by a rock.

"What was that for?" I exclaimed, rubbing the spot.

"Why would you say that? We're friends, aren't we?" A bright smile spread across her face, the brightest I'd ever seen.

Friends? What does it mean to be friends with someone? Is it about having fun together? Just being there for each other?

I was full of confusion. Hikari trusted me and treated me like a normal person—the kindest treatment I'd ever received, aside from Edward.

"Hikari… thanks. This means a lot. I'm glad to be your friend."

"Good! Now that we've settled that, I think you're right. It's time to call it a night."

Hikari stood up from the ground, brushing dust and dirt off her armor. For the first time, I noticed how beautiful it was—silver with white cloth flowing behind her like a cape. It was stunning, and, for a moment, I thought she might actually be beautiful too. Before, I'd only seen her as average, but now… I couldn't blame anyone who might fall in love with her.

"So, where are we meeting up tomorrow?" I asked, trying not to get lost in her beauty.

"Meeting up? I'm staying where you're staying, of course!"

"What? Why with me? My place isn't big enough for both of us. How about this: we meet here tomorrow instead?"

I could feel my face tighten, struggling to hold back a genuine smile.

The fluorescent moon shone brightly in the night. Awooo. A distant howl echoed through the town.

In an instant, Hikari's expression shifted to one of seriousness, completely different from the playful mood just moments before.

"That howling…"

"What is it, Hikari?"

"That sounds like a… D-D-Dagon wolf. Dagon wolves are rare pack leaders—extremely dangerous and aggressive. They can grow up to 30 feet tall. I've only ever seen one in person…"

A blood-curdling scream tore through the air, chilling and horrible. The sound echoed throughout the village, loud enough to wake the sleeping townsfolk.

Before I could react, Hikari was already moving. She sprinted faster than I'd ever seen anyone run, leaving me in a cloud of dust.

"HIKARI!" I called after her, but she was already thirty yards ahead, her focus locked on the sound of the Dagon wolf. She was trembling earlier—shaking, sweating—and now she was running faster than I could imagine.

I leapt onto a nearby building, using my wind affinity to propel myself upward. Running on rooftops was something I'd learned while living alone, avoiding the harsh glares of the crowds below. My stamina was wearing thin, my breaths coming quicker, but I pushed myself harder.

"HIKARI!" I shouted using all the strength in my voice. My throat was feeling dry after that.

She finally stopped and turned toward me, her eyes red and puffy, tears streaming down her face. She clutched at her chest, gasping for air.

I caught up to her, panting heavily. We stood there in silence, the tension palpable

.

"Hikari… a-are you okay?" I asked hesitantly.

"I… I-I'm sorry for running away," she stammered, her voice breaking.

"That doesn't matter! Are you okay?"

I knew I shouldn't be asking. I was just someone she happened to save, someone she happened to be with. If anyone else were in my place, they would probably be able to help her more.

"Hikari, I'm sorry I'm the one you have to deal with, but I'm here for you. You were there for me earlier—when the villagers were staring, when the man in the alley attacked. You helped me when no one else would. So I want to be here for you—not as someone you saved or an acquaintance, but as a genuine friend."

Hikari collapsed to her knees, her sobs slowing as she wiped her tears away.

I trusted her, and she trusted me. In just one day, we'd built something meaningful—a connection that felt real.

"Hikari, calm down. You're the captain of a royal guard squad. You can't let this break you. You need to lead, to protect those who need you."

She stood slowly, wiping her face clean like she was recalling something from her past. 

"H-how can I do that? I couldn't even save my master…"

"You can do this! You've done so much already—scaring off that man, taking down a traitor in the army. There's no reason to be afraid of a Dagon wolf! I understand you might have a painful past with them, but someone out there needs your help. Trust me, your friend."

Her expression steadied, and she nodded.

"You're r-right!"

She brushed herself off and looked at me.

"After this… can we talk, Elara?"

"Sure?"

Side by side, we sprinted toward the source of the scream, the howl of the Dagon wolf still echoing in the distance. Whatever lay ahead, we would face it together.