Eclipsed

Chapter 4

A year had passed, and the village of Harakori was abuzz with excitement. Word spread quickly that Miyako, the village’s pride, would be returning today. Ren, now nearly fifteen, had grown significantly. His frame had filled out, standing around 6 feet tall with a muscular, lean physique and broad shoulders that gave him a commanding presence. His face, once soft and boyish, had sharpened with a chiseled jawline and defined features. Yet despite his physical transformation, Ren remained quiet and respectful, content to observe and keep his thoughts to himself.

Ren stood with Master Jiro near the monastery’s garden, listening as the villagers shared stories about Miyako and prepared for her arrival. Though he didn’t openly express his emotions, a flicker of relief crossed Ren’s face.

“What a relief,” he muttered, looking out at the dusty path that led from the nearby mountains.

Master Jiro chuckled, clapping Ren on the shoulder. “Well, you’ll get to see your sister again.”

A faint smile appeared on Ren’s face. “She won’t be staying long, though, will she?”

Jiro shook his head. “No, but her duties have changed. She’ll be coming back every month now that her training is finished. But…”

Ren glanced over, sensing the hesitation in Jiro’s tone. “But what?”

Jiro’s face softened, a hint of worry in his eyes. “Soldiers often forget where they came from, Ren. They become fixated on duty, on discipline. Knowing Miyako as I do, I wouldn’t be surprised if she… well, if she’s a bit distant.”

Ren’s gaze turned thoughtful. “There’s nothing wrong with that, Master. If she chose this path, then it’s up to all of us to support her. We’ll miss her, sure, but she’s coming back today. Let’s just stay positive.”

Jiro smiled, nodding. “You two… you’ve both grown so much. I still remember when you were just small children, full of mischief.”

Ren chuckled, a soft, distant laugh. “Well, that’s what happens with time.”

A horn sounded in the distance, signaling Miyako’s approach. Villagers gathered along the main path as dust rose from the hillside. She appeared over the crest, her figure outlined by the setting sun. Dressed in polished armor that gleamed with an otherworldly shine, Miyako rode with confidence, her posture graceful yet fierce. Her face held an elegance that had only intensified over the years, and her beauty was striking. As she made her way down the path, the boys in the village whispered excitedly, some blushing as they caught glimpses of her.

Ren waited quietly from a distance, leaning against a tree, his silver hair falling over his eyes, the cloak he wore casting shadows across his face. He watched her, waiting for the right moment. As Miyako reached the village center, she dismounted and was met by Master Jiro, who stepped forward to greet her.

Miyako’s eyes scanned the crowd, searching. She looked to Jiro, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. “Where’s Ren?”

Jiro raised an eyebrow. “He was here a minute ago.”

Just as Miyako turned away, Ren slipped behind her and, with a mischievous grin, leaned close. “Boo!”

Miyako jumped, startled, before spinning around to see him. She blinked, taking in his transformed appearance—Ren stood nearly a foot taller than her, his frame broader, his face sharper, almost unrecognizable from the boy she’d last seen.

Her eyes widened. “Ren… you’ve grown so much!”

He chuckled, pulling her into a hug. “I missed you, too.”

She hugged him tightly, then leaned back, ruffling his silver hair. “Don’t scare me like that again, you giant!”

Ren laughed, gently brushing her hand away. After the reunion, the villagers clapped and cheered, welcoming Miyako home. Once the greetings settled, Ren and Miyako found a quiet spot under a nearby cherry tree, their conversation flowing easily, though there was an edge of curiosity in Miyako’s gaze.