La Prima Luna (The First Moon)

Chapter 8 : The Beginning of an End

Ever since G agreed to assist Giotto in his 'crazy' trainings, the blond had been trying to climb a cliff chosen by G, which was not too huge and pretty safe. It was located near the hills, their favorite spot. From there, they could watch over the entire town and the vast ocean. At the bottom of the cliff was a river connected to the sea. The four others would always wait there by the river to watch over him.

As expected, it was not easy. However, it was also surprisingly smooth. Because Giotto calculated his energy perfectly, he had never fallen without being in his Hyper Mode. Should he exhaust all his energy in climbing and got out of his Hyper Mode before reaching the top, then he would fall in his normal condition. And in his normal condition, he wouldn't have survived the fall. Even though G and Knuckle stayed on guard to catch him, he was just that cautious.

Some weeks later, Giotto finally reached the top of the cliff and the others joined him through another route. G was the first to arrive and to see Giotto lying down to catch his breath.

"Hey."

"Ah… Hey G," Giotto panted as he spoke, "I told you I could do it."

G chuckled while approaching the blond to help him stand. The panting started to slow down to a steady breathing.

"True. But I wonder if it makes any difference."

"It does. I feel more power within me," he replied, pausing to look at his hands. "In fact, I think I can enter Hyper Mode once again."

"Seriously?"

Suddenly a flame appeared on Giotto's forehead and before G knew it, Giotto was already in front of him; his fist about to hit G. But it was missed as G evaded quickly. "Right, you're faster than ever. This should be interesting."

The two continued to fight just like how they used to train. But Giotto's capability in entering the Hyper Mode within a short time was surprising. All they expected was for Giotto to have extra stamina when he could no longer stay in Hyper Mode. Yet the outcome was even more than that.

By the time the others had arrived, G was knocked to the ground as the flames on Giotto's forehead started to disappear. It wasn't the first time Giotto defeated G, but it was the first time he made G fall to the ground. Such ridiculous method totally worked out after all.

"Giotto... You've done it!" Val exclaimed and hugged him by reflect. Faint pink tinge appeared on his cheeks as a response.

"Tch. You're not even worried about your brother falling down?" The protest came from G made the others laugh. Celia, who carried an average-sized pot with a delicious smell, suggested a break.

"C'mon, it's time to have lunch!" she said, opening the pot lid to show a stew cooked by Val and herself.

As they were eating, the boys kept discussing things. There was still one more thing bothered Giotto's minds. The flames from his hands weren't solid enough to be used as a weapon. He was already satisfied with his improvements, but it didn't affect his curiosity towards Cozarto's explanation.

"G. You remember when Cozarto said we can use these flames as a weapon, don't you?"

"Yes, why?"

"I can't figure out how."

Just before G could answer, someone came from behind them, answering Giotto with heavy but hoarse voice.

"Then your friend must have forgotten to tell you, that you need something as a conductor to enhance your flames. I must say, your accomplishment today was remarkable." The man was peculiar, with a black piece of cloth covering his eyes, a weird-looking staff, ragged clothes, and Mohawk hairstyle. There were sheep following him as well.