Elderquest: Book 2 (2021 Rewrite)

Chapter 9 - The Purity of the Heart

I awoke at the crack of dawn to prepare for my journey back. Sitting on the front step of our little hut was a pack with all the things I needed. Master Haji was standing down by the beach, watching the sun rise over the cliffs above the hut.

"Thank you, Master. For everything," I said, standing next to him. There was a soft wind blowing through the valley carrying flower petals and a sweet scent in its path.

Without looking towards me, Master Haji grinned, "You are most welcome, Treyan. You are, by far, my best student. I am honored to be your Master and your friend," he said. 

I picked up my pack and started down the path. The world around me seemed to fly by, and soon I found myself looking up towards the staircase that led to the dojo's front door. I climbed the stone steps and pushed the great wooden doors open, stepping into the tranquility of the courtyard.

"Kitt? Kay? Hello?" I asked through the empty halls. My voice echoed off the walls, and then I heard footsteps running on the floor.

"Tre!" Kitt squealed, running into my arms, "I love you, I love you, I love you!!"

Kitt went wild as I dropped my bag and picked her up off her feet, spinning her around. She kissed me with tears in her eyes as we embraced.

"I'm back. I'm ok," I said, overjoyed. The others appeared behind us and greeted me. Drake shook my hand proudly and brought me into a manly hug.

"So, how'd training go, man?" Drake asked, "You feeling better than ever?"

I stretched my arms out and flexed my muscles, feeling the newfound sinewed tightness, "Yeah. I must admit I feel like a total beefcake now that you mention it."

"It's great to have you back, buddy," Drake replied happily, "but I think there's someone here who really wants to see you." The group wandered off, leaving me and one other person standing in the doorway.

"Phoebe? Is that you?" I said to the small figure in the hallway.

"Yeah. I'm really glad to see you!" Phoebe chirped. She had cut her hair and lost her glasses. I ran and wrapped my arms around my little sister as tightly as I could. She laughed as I twirled her hair between my fingers.

"Look at you! All grown up and pretty!" I said. She looked up at me and gave me another one of her big smiles.

"It hasn't been that long, dummy! Hey, I cut my hair! You like it?" she played. When she was young, her hair was always in pigtails down to her waist, but now it only came down to her shoulders and was brushed neatly.

"Yeah. Looks good on you," I replied.

We walked through the halls of the dojo, Phoebe explaining to me the different cultures in the carvings and paintings hanging on the walls. She also told me about the different plants growing in the sand garden in the center of the building, and how she cared for them every day. It felt good, catching up with my little sister. I never knew much about her personal life since the attack on the city, so I listened intently to her stories.