The quiet hum of the Sanctum of Restoration was a stark contrast to the roar of the arena from earlier. Sensei Kitana walked alongside Sensei Yoshi, their footsteps echoing softly down the dimly lit corridor. The battles had ended hours ago, but the weight of what had transpired still lingered heavily in the air.
“That was getting out of hand, Kitana,” Yoshi said, breaking the silence. His tone was measured, but concern laced his words. “But I’m glad you stepped in when you did.”
Kitana gave a small nod, her expression thoughtful. “I have to admit, I was a bit worried. They were pushing each other to the brink.” She paused, then added with a slight smirk, “But I had it under control.”
They turned a corner, approaching one of the treatment rooms. Inside, the faint glow of healing energy illuminated two figures lying on adjacent futons—Kai and Takeshi. Both boys had been pushed to their limits, their bodies now resting as healers worked quietly around them.
Yoshi nodded toward the room. “Those two... they’ve reached new heights today. I’ve never seen them push themselves so far.”
Kitana’s gaze lingered on Takeshi. She stood still for a moment, watching as the healers tended to him. “Speaking of those two boys...” Her voice dropped slightly, her eyes narrowing as they focused on Takeshi. “How is the report on him coming along?”
Yoshi followed her gaze, his expression hardening. “It's complete. We’ve gathered everything we need to move forward. Now, we just wait for the mid-year trials to conclude.”
Kitana’s eyes flickered, betraying a hint of something—concern, or perhaps anticipation. “Good. Let's hope the timing is right.”
For a moment, neither of them spoke, their attention fixed solely on Takeshi, while Kai rested quietly beside him, unaware of the conversation that lingered around them.
*******
Takeshi shifted slightly on his futon, glancing over at Kai, a smirk curling on his lips. “If it wasn’t for Sensei Kitana stepping in, I would’ve won, you know.”
He waited for the usual retort, expecting Kai to rise to the bait. But instead, Kai turned his head slowly toward him, his gaze calm and thoughtful.
“You really don’t get it, do you, Takeshi?” Kai’s voice was steady, but there was a quiet intensity behind his words. “These battles weren’t about proving who’s the strongest. They were meant to foster teamwork, to help us grow together. But you…” He paused, holding Takeshi’s gaze. “You were too obsessed with defeating me. That’s why, in the end, you didn’t win.”
Takeshi blinked, stunned by Kai’s response. His mind raced, replaying the words over and over. How could Kai—of all people—say something so… wise? It was a truth Takeshi didn’t want to face, but deep down, he knew it stung because it was undeniable. Kai’s growth wasn’t just in power, but in understanding, in wisdom. And somehow, Takeshi had missed it.
His lips parted, but no words came. The usual sharp retort he could always fire back seemed frozen, buried beneath the weight of Kai’s revelation.
Before the silence could stretch too long, a loud voice broke through the stillness of the Sanctum.
“Ow! It hurts!” Sora’s voice rang out from across the hall, followed by a healer shouting in exasperation. “Hey! Get back here, you’re not fully healed!”
Kitana and Yoshi exchanged glances, a small chuckle escaping them both. The tension in the air dissipated, and for the first time since the battle, a sense of calm washed over the room.
YOU ARE READING
LIFE FORCE
FantasyIn the mystical world of Eiryu, Kai Akimoto uncovers his rare dual gifts and is whisked away to the Sanctuary to hone his powers. But as a dark force stirs, threatening the delicate balance, Kai must race against time to master his abilities. Can he...
