haven - zb1

7

Like lost ducklings, the group followed Jiwoong, simply because he was the oldest (he confirmed so) and he was the only one who stepped up to lead. They needed to know each other's strengths and skills, and how those skills could complement one another.

"Well, we won't get to know what challenge we'll face. But no matter what, we'll have to prepare ourselves for it," Jiwoong said gravely, eyes sweeping the seated crowd to meet all their gazes. "So for this short period of time, let's try to quickly get to understand each other's abilities and work together well."

With choruses of cheers and agreement, they started to first present their weapons.

The House of Air was known for their mildness and dislike for aggression. Hence, all their members channelled their powers with light and graceful fans that did minimal damage and could be used from a distance.

Interestingly, the two heirs had vastly different fans, Gyuvin with a stiff fan as dark as coal and completely plain, Yujin bearing a pure white fan with dangling silver tassels. After the beauty of the white fan was admired, they moved on to the House of Water.

To facilitate the control and movement of water, the House of Water specialised in the art of swordplay. As seen previously, Zhang Hao owned a thin light sword, upon closer inspection reveals a dark blue sapphire embedded in the hilt. His two relatives too owned swords of similar length and make, however different shades of blue sapphires were stuck in their hilts. While they looked simple, it was hard to forget that the top three rankings were filled by the heirs from the House of water.

The House of fire, inspired by the characteristics of spontaneous, explosive fire, were fond of spears. The movement required to manipulate one was jerky and forceful, pairing well with the rough nature of fire. Quanrui, matching the lethal energy he possessed, grasped a single hook spear of red metal, a thing no one wanted to touch. Jiwoong, on the other hand, held a three-pronged spear, slightly less intimidating but dangerous nonetheless.

Finally, the House of earth. This one was a perplexing one, as the bows of the House of earth didn't really do much in directing one's ability, especially since earth was expected to rise from, well, the earth. Despite everyone's doubts, it was hard to say the bows were not beautiful. Gunwook's was of a lovely glowing green jade, with tendrils of foliage twisted with gold running down the length. Taerae, on the other hand, had a mellow sage green bow, with the tiniest of silvery details swirling at the tips.

All very different weapons. Everyone could see the gears in Jiwoong's head turning furiously as he studied the strange mixture that had to go together.

To cut the awkward silence, Taerae cleared his throat and asked, "Since we're still not familiar with one another, why don't we spar? That would be fun."

There were a mixture of responses. Quanrui's blank expression hardly flinched. Zhang Hao shifted his weight, in nervousness or anticipation, it was hard to tell. Gyuvin paled, his hand tightening on his fan.

Jiwoong shrugged, "Why not?" He cast a look at Quanrui, who was leaning against a tree, his attention fixated on studying the bows of the House of earth. "Any volunteers?" The eldest asked after tearing his eyes from his cousin.

Gunwook eagerly shot his hand up, earning a nod from Taerae, "Then who'd love to go against our lovely Gunwook?"

"Me," Quanrui piped up, pushing himself from the tree. His eyes gleamed with a ring of amber, at first glance seemingly like sunlight caught in his pupil.

"I do hope I don't burn your bow," Quanrui taunted, as the observers cleared a large ring of space for them.

Gunwook scoffed, "I'd like to see you try." The two stood ten metres apart, both staring their opponent down fiercely.

Quanrui readied himself, hands firmly gripping the shaft of his spear.

Then he propelled forward, lightening fast, fire dancing by his side. Jiwoong with arms tightly crossed, furrowed his brows as he watched.

Dropping his calm and cool demeanour, Gunwook swiftly raised his bow, aimed at the charging Quanrui. Quick slender fingers were dragged across the bowstring, as if nocking an arrow. Then, out of nowhere, appeared a long thin needle of twisted vine, hurtling towards Quanrui.

A stream of blazing fire incinerated the twig to ashes, Quanrui scoffing at what hardly seemed as a challenge. Mere seconds later, the earth below him rumbled slightly, while Quanrui's vision was momentarily obstructed by the jet of fire he released, Gunwook had sent a stream of small, sharpened rocks to him, making the ground uneven at the same time.

Quanrui stumbled initially, struggling to make sense of the situation, but soon he recovered, willing his fire to aid his speed as he narrowly dodged the rapid attacks fired by his opponent. He had closed the distance between them, forcing Gunwook to abandon his bow, useless for close combat.

The House of fire's heir darted about, stabbing at Gunwook who did everything he could to avoid the spear. Gunwook stayed light on his feet, able to keep up with the other's erratic movements.

Quanrui swept his spear at Gunwook's legs, causing the poor boy to lose his balance, only able to force a small mound of dirt to mould gently into a depression to soften his fall. The shining tip of his spear was pointed below his chin, Quanrui's eyes burning with unspoken triumph. Then he extended his hand to help Gunwook to his feet.

As Quanrui wiped the sheen of sweat from his temple and Gunwook dusted himself off, Quanrui quirked his eyebrow and remarked, "You fight like one of us."

"Is that a bad thing?" Gunwook shot back, his chest heaving slightly.

In response, Quanrui only lowered his spear. "We'll see."