Celestaris: Chronicles of Manga, Moon & Kizuna.

Part 1

As the morning progressed, the first rays of sunlight pierced through the forest, bathing the path in a golden glow that danced among the leaves.

After wandering through the village, Yuna, Melodía, and I followed the trail leading to one of Mythara's most sacred and revered places.

I had heard countless stories about Cherri, the ancient sakura tree that protected the forest, but today, I would finally have the chance to see it with my own eyes.

Each step felt imbued with reverence. Even Melodía, with her elegant and distant demeanor, had a glimmer in her eyes that betrayed her admiration for what we were about to witness.

At last, we saw it—a towering sakura tree, its branches stretching toward the sky as if reaching for it, while soft pink petals fell in a stunning display, gently carpeting the ground.

—It's so beautiful, Kizu! —Kizuna exclaimed, suddenly emerging and twirling in the air to get a better look at the imposing tree.

Melodía, who until that moment had not been introduced to Kizuna, looked at her with a mix of amazement and curiosity.

—And what is this little creature? —she asked in her usual indifferent tone, though her eyes sparkled with excitement.

—This is Kizuna, and… well, Kizuna is Kizuna —I replied with a smile. There really wasn't a better way to describe her.

—Can I hug her? She looks like a flying plush toy —Melodía said, her smile contrasting with her usual aloofness as she reached out her hands toward Kizuna.

Kizuna, alarmed, quickly darted behind my head, clutching onto my hair with surprising strength for someone so small.

—Haruto, that elf really scares me! —she murmured in a low tone, trembling slightly.

—Relax, Kizuna. She just wants to hug you, she's not going to hurt you… I think. —I whispered, trying not to laugh.

—I'm not a plush toy, Kizu! —Kizuna retorted, puffing up her cheeks in a gesture that would have been adorable if she weren't so serious.

She shot the elf a fierce look that clearly said, "Don't even think about it."

The contrast between the sakura's solemnity and Kizuna's little whirlwind of chaos gave the scene a perfect "slice of life" vibe, filling it with charm and energy.

Melodía dramatically dropped to the ground, lying on her back with her arms sprawled behind her, and began tracing circles in the dirt with her index finger, letting out a theatrical sigh.

—So this is what rejection feels like… —she murmured, her voice heavy with exaggerated desolation—. I just wanted to hug her…

—Come on, don't be like that —Yuna said, trying her best not to burst into laughter—. You'll see. Once Kizuna gets comfortable, she'll let you get closer.

Melodía, as if she'd just received some ancient, long-lost wisdom, suddenly jumped to her feet. She struck a victorious pose, raising one arm high as she grinned from ear to ear.

—Of course! It's only a matter of time. Kizuna will be mine!

I couldn't help but chuckle softly, watching her be so dramatic yet endearing in her own unique way.

—Anyway, putting that aside, there's something I've been meaning to ask you, Melodía… —I said, attempting to steer the conversation in a new direction.

However, she interrupted me with a coquettish gesture, raising an eyebrow and giving me a look full of mock superiority.

—No, thank you. I'm not interested in a human —she said, her tone perfectly calibrated to sound dismissive—. My beauty is reserved for worthier candidates.

—I'm glad to hear that, but… that wasn't what I wanted to ask —I replied, waving my hand in an exaggerated motion, as if to dispel the absurd idea.

Melodía feigned indignation, placing a hand on her chest as if she'd just been mortally wounded.

—Oh! So now I'm not beautiful enough for someone as unrefined as you? —she retorted, though the slight curve of her smile betrayed her playful intent to provoke.

—Of course not. I just wanted to ask what kind of magic or abilities light elves have —I said, finally managing to steer the conversation toward a more intriguing topic.

She adopted a more serious expression, though she didn't lose that air of haughtiness. Clearly satisfied that she'd preserved her "dignity," she crossed her arms and looked at me with interest.

—Is that what you want to know? Well, listen carefully, human, because I'm not going to repeat myself —she said, crossing her arms with an air of importance, as if she were about to reveal some divine secret.

—Oh, so you're curious about our abilities, are you? —she continued, making a dramatic gesture as though she were conjuring an imaginary halo above her head—. We light elves generate magic by channeling light, in my case, through music.

—Really? —I asked, leaning forward in surprise.

—Indeed —Melodía replied with a satisfied smile, clearly enjoying my reaction—. We can create barriers, reflect enemy magic, attack with concentrated spells, motivate our allies… and countless other things your limited mind likely couldn't comprehend.

Yuna nodded enthusiastically, adding a touch of legitimacy to her friend's grand explanation.

—That's true. During the last Great Battle of Mythara, the light elves led the defenses with their magical music. It's truly something to behold —she said with a warm smile.

My mind began to picture it—an epic battle where music rose as both weapon and shield. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to witness such a thing.

—So, light elves are like… "bards"? —I asked, genuinely curious, though I didn't think much before speaking.

Melodía froze. Then, slowly, she turned her head toward me as though I had just committed a great heresy.

—What did you say? —she asked, her voice so cold it sent a shiver down my spine.

—Uh… I meant that… —I tried to backtrack, but it was already too late.

She let out an indignant scoff and turned her back to me, raising a thumb toward Yuna as she spoke with disdain.

—Is he always this ignorant? Honestly, Yuna, your human could use a little more education.

Yuna covered her mouth, clearly trying to stifle her laughter.

—Don't be like that, Melodía. Remember, he's only been here a week. Cut him some slack.

Melodía spun around sharply, her eyes glinting with a mix of wounded pride and indignation.

—Listen closely! Light elves are not bards. We are real musicians—celestial musicians! Our magic rivals a divine symphony, capable of moving mountains and healing souls —she declared, emphasizing each word with a majestic tone—. Comparing us to a bard is like comparing a puddle to the ocean.

I nodded repeatedly, feeling like a student being scolded by their teacher.

—Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you —I said, raising my hands in a gesture of surrender.

Melodía let out a deep sigh, closing her eyes as if trying to regain her composure.

—Humph! I suppose I can forgive you… this time. But you'd better remember my words, human —she finally said, lifting her chin as if she'd just won a great battle.

Yuna, meanwhile, couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. Seeing her laugh so freely made all the tension melt away. For some reason, at that moment, even Melodía seemed more approachable—though I would never admit it out loud.

Her majestic tone made me smile, and to lighten the mood, I gave her a slight bow in a show of respect.

—My apologies, your majesty. I didn't mean any offense. I was just excited at the thought of musical magic.

Melodía let out a light laugh, carrying that air of superiority that seemed to come so naturally to her.

—Don't be so formal. I wouldn't get mad over something so trivial… but you should have seen your face! —she said, letting out a genuine smile that, for a moment, softened her haughty demeanor.

At that instant, the air in the forest seemed to shift. I heard firm footsteps approaching behind us. Turning around, I saw Yuna's father accompanied by two escorts. One of them had an imposing presence and carried himself with an air of arrogance—there was no doubt he must be Hayate.

—Daddy! —Yuna exclaimed, running toward him with an energy that left no doubt about her happiness. She embraced him warmly, as though they hadn't seen each other in years.

—Yes, sweetie, Daddy's here —Mr. Kazeharu replied, returning the hug with the tenderness of a proud father.

The scene had such a surreal quality that I couldn't help but feel a little out of place, as though I were watching an intimate moment from the shadows.

—I see you still greet each other the same way —Melodía remarked, her smile a mixture of nostalgia and affection. There was something in her tone that hinted at a special bond with Yuna and her father.

Before I could process that connection, Hayate stepped forward, interrupting the scene with a comment that sent a chill down my spine.

—But if it isn't the two most beautiful elves in all of Mythara… —Hayate said, casting an admiring glance toward Yuna and Melodía.

Yuna's discomfort was immediately evident as she averted her gaze, looking as though she wished to be anywhere else. Melodía, on the other hand, responded with a flash of genuine disdain in her eyes.

—That is hardly the behavior of a gentleman, especially when addressing the daughters of leaders. You disgust me —she replied, her words as sharp as a blade.

Her patience with Hayate seemed to be hanging by a thread.

The young elf, however, completely ignored their reactions and positioned himself in front of me, fixing me with a gaze that exuded anything but kindness.

He was taller than me, and his demeanor was that of someone who was used to winning any confrontation with sheer presence alone.

—So, you're the weakling who calls himself Yuna's friend… —he said, letting out a mocking smile that reminded me of the bullies in the stories I used to read.

—Haruto. Haruto Kibou —I replied, inclining my head slightly, keeping calm despite the tension building around us.

—Don't think you're special, human. I'd love to cross swords with you right now —he added, resting a hand on the hilt of his sword as if calculating the perfect moment to strike.

Hayate was the complete opposite of what I imagined an elf to be—arrogant, aggressive, and, frankly, irritating.

I knew that if things escalated, it could cause trouble for the village—something I wanted to avoid at all costs.

—That's enough, Hayate —interrupted Yuna's father, his tone heavy with authority—. We have more important matters to attend to, and by antagonizing our guest, you only succeed in putting me in a difficult position. Do you understand?

The firmness in his voice was so commanding that even Hayate stepped back. He knelt beside his leader, bowing his head in a show of respect.

—My apologies for my lack of respect, Chief. I let my emotions get the better of me. It won't happen again —he said, though his tone suggested obligation more than genuine remorse.

Kazeharu, as if brushing the incident aside, turned his gaze to Melodía. His expression softened, adopting a polite air.

—Miss Luminis, it is an honor to have you back in our village. I trust you find it to your expectations —he said, offering a slight bow.

Melodía responded with a smile that seemed natural, though she maintained her elegant demeanor.

—Delighted to be here as always, Mr. Kazeharu. Your village is so beautiful and warm… I wish our city had the same charm —she replied, her tone polite yet still carrying a subtle air of superiority.

As the conversation continued, I couldn't help but feel that the balance in Mythara was as fragile as the petals falling from the trees. And somehow, I was caught in the middle of it all.

—And how is old Aurelius Luminis these days? —Kazeharu asked, showing genuine interest as he walked with his usual firm and steady pace.

—My father is in excellent health. He regrets being unable to attend the meeting. He had urgent matters that couldn't be postponed, so he sent me to represent our tribe —she replied, her elegance as impeccable as ever.

—It's always a pleasure to see you here. You know you're always welcome in our home, so stay as long as you'd like —Kazeharu said, with a warm smile that contrasted with his typically serious demeanor.

—Give my regards to your father and remind him that he still owes me a chess match. I've been waiting years for my rematch —he added, with a touch of humor that further lightened the conversation.

—I will pass along your regards, Mr. Kazeharu —she replied, bowing her head slightly in courtesy.

—Well then, let's continue. I'll see you at the meeting later. Hayate, Zelph, let's move —Kazeharu commanded firmly, and both young escorts nodded in unison.

Yuna's father strode decisively toward the great sakura tree while we lingered behind, walking at a more relaxed pace.

The sakura petals began to fall delicately, spinning in the air before settling on the ground like a soft pink carpet.

Kizuna, floating beside me, couldn't take her eyes off the imposing tree towering before us.

—I can see the grand auditorium now —Yuna said, pointing with enthusiasm.

Ahead of us stood a refined open-air theater, built entirely of wood that seemed to merge seamlessly with the forest itself.

Its semi-circular design, with tiered seating, invited the imagination to envision the countless debates and ceremonies that must have taken place there.

In the distance, I could make out figures seated around a large round table, while two others, who appeared to be guards, stood watch behind them.

—If you'll excuse me, I'll go ahead. My assistants and peers are waiting, and I need to catch up on the situation —announced Melodía before striding toward the auditorium with a firm yet graceful gait.

Yuna gave me a warm smile as we watched her friend walk away with confident steps.

—Whatever happens, don't let them intimidate you —she said in a tone that blended kindness and determination, as though her faith in me was unshakable.

—Well, I don't know what to expect… it's normal to be nervous —I admitted, trying to appear calmer than I actually felt.

—But if things don't go well, I want you to know that I'm really glad I met you…

Yuna gently shook her head, her smile becoming a beacon of confidence.

—Don't worry, everything will be fine. Trust yourself —she assured me, her eyes shining with a resolve that dispelled my doubts.

Her faith in me was infectious, and for a moment, I felt like nothing could go wrong as long as she believed in me.

—Thank you for believing in me, Yuna —I said, feeling a newfound determination take hold of me.

She nodded, and together we moved toward the auditorium, ready to face the judgment that awaited us inside.