The Tale of Hera Hikaru

|Chapter Six| |The Return to Takamoto Village|

The journey back to Takamoto Village was quieter than Hera and Suki had anticipated. The mountains behind them faded into the distance, leaving only memories of their intense training with Hikari. Now, with the Heartstone shard glowing softly in Hera's pouch and a deeper bond with their powers, the two girls walked with a sense of purpose. But their minds were already swirling with thoughts of the next adventure that awaited them.

The path was rugged but familiar. The crisp mountain air began to blend with the earthy scent of the valleys as they descended from the highlands. They planned to return to the Arimoto Dojo, their training ground in Takamoto Village, where they first started this long journey. But before they reached the village, they decided to take a break, enjoying the solitude and peace of the wilderness.

"We've been walking for hours," Suki finally said, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "I think it's time we stop for a while and eat. I don't know about you, but I'm starving!"

Hera smiled, her own stomach growling in agreement. "Sounds good to me. Let's find a good spot by the river."

It didn't take long for them to find the perfect place—a quiet, shaded bend in the river where the water was clear and gentle. The trees provided just enough cover to shield them from the sun, and the calming sound of the flowing water brought a peaceful stillness to the air.

Hera unslung her pack and stretched, her muscles aching from the journey. "I'll catch some fish," she said, already eyeing the movement of shadows under the water. "I've gotten pretty good at this."

Suki chuckled as she started gathering herbs from the surrounding area. "Yeah, you have. I'll see what I can find to add to the meal. Maybe I'll pick up some wild thyme and mint—make it taste even better."

They fell into an easy rhythm, each focused on their tasks. Hera waded into the cool river, her scythe propped nearby as she used a long stick she'd found to spear fish. The first one wriggled in her grasp, its silvery scales glinting in the sunlight as she pulled it from the water. She tossed it onto the bank and quickly went for another.

Suki, meanwhile, had gathered a small pouch of herbs. She laid them out carefully, her pink sapphire pendant shimmering in the daylight. "This place is so serene," she said, glancing over at Hera. "I almost don't want to leave."

Hera, finishing up with the third fish, nodded. "I know what you mean. It feels like we've been on the move for so long... but part of me is excited to see what's next."

Suki grinned as she spread the herbs over the fish, using a sharp rock to cut some fresh leaves. "Me too. But we've earned this break. We'll have a feast before heading back."

The smell of the grilled fish soon filled the air, mixing with the scent of the wild thyme and mint that Suki had picked. They sat on a fallen log, using their scythes and weapons to carefully tend to the fire. As the fish cooked, they sat back, enjoying the quiet of the forest.

"So," Suki said between bites of the savory fish, "where do you want to go next?"

Hera paused, considering. "I've been thinking about Firelight Valley—the land of fire. I've heard stories about it. The warriors there are some of the strongest in the five nations. Imagine the training we could get there."

Suki nodded enthusiastically. "I've heard about them too! The land of fire... it's so different from everything we've seen so far. I've always wondered what it would be like to master the fire element."

Hera took a bite of the fish, savoring the flavor. "It would be intense, that's for sure. But I think we're ready for it. After everything we've learned from Hikari, we can handle anything."