Along a narrow trampled path, lost somewhere in the forest south of the village, walked two boys. The chirping of birds echoed through the trees, leaves whispered quietly to each other, and rare sunbeams broke through the dense canopy. The air carried the smell of damp earth and fresh wood, a sign that it had recently rained. Perfect harmony of nature, disturbed only by the light conversation of two children.
The first had black, tousled hair and golden eyes. He looked about six years old. He wore a black tunic and shorts with brown boots. Beside him walked a blond boy with emerald eyes, about five years old, a little shorter. He wore a white shirt-like top and gray knee-length shorts with black sandals.
From Makoto's perspective:
"We're almost there," I said calmly, glancing at Rey, who was staring at the ground and kicking a pebble.
The sound of water grew louder with every step. Soon, through the sunlit trees, I spotted the wooden pier I had always loved for its beauty. Fresh air always cleared my thoughts, especially when my head was heavy, and here no one would disturb us.
"Beautiful..." Rey said with awe, his wide eyes fixed on the scenery, tall trees all around, green mountains in the distance, and in the middle, a lake of crystal-clear water.
"This is my favorite place," I said, sitting at the end of the pier and dangling my legs toward the water.
"How did you find it? No matter how much I walked around, I never saw anything like this," Rey asked curiously, sitting down beside me.
"Well, it was thanks to my dad. We used to fish here," I answered, gazing into the water.
"And how do you fish? I'd like to try too," Rey asked, splashing the water with his feet.
"I think we'll fish with Dad again someday. Rey, do you have friends?" I asked.
He was silent for a moment, then replied, "Except for you, not really. Why?"
"You also can't make friends in the village?" I asked.
"They're the ones who don't want to be friends with me," he said with a trace of sadness.
"Why?" I asked.
"I don't know. They just say they don't want me to play with them," Rey admitted, looking away.
"Forget them. You've got me, if you want to play," I said, looking at him.
Rey smiled faintly and answered, "Thanks," meeting my gaze.
"By the way, Rey, what do you want to be when you grow up?" I asked, getting up from the pier.
"I always wanted to be an adventurer or a knight, to protect others," he said shyly.
"And you?" he asked, following me along the path.
"I'd like to be a teacher," I replied, slowing down a little so he could catch up.
"Why a teacher?" Rey asked in surprise.
"Well, to teach kids and watch who they'll grow up to be. Isn't that interesting?"
"I don't understand," he muttered, looking down.
"You don't need to," I added.
We walked in silence until the village appeared ahead. Suddenly Rey asked,
"When will I have to leave you?" he said sadly.
"What do you mean, leave?" I asked.
"Aren't I living with you only temporarily?" he asked again.
"Nope. Now you're my little brother and you live with us," I said with a smile.
Rey stopped, staring at me with shock and disbelief. Then he smiled, ran up, and hugged me.
"Let's go home, brother!" he said with a joy I had never heard from him before.
Warmth filled my heart. I wanted this boy, so much like me, to live happily, and I was ready to do anything to make it happen.
"Rey, do you want to train with the sword with me and Dad?" I asked.
"Very much!" he answered with sparks in his eyes.
We entered the house, took off our shoes, and said,
"We're home."
Mom peeked out from the kitchen. "Are you hungry?"
"We are," we answered.
After dinner and washing the dishes, we went up to the room. We spent the whole day talking, and I told Rey about vis and swordsmanship. Time flew by until Father returned from his mission.
"Dad, Rey also wants to learn fencing," I said as he read some papers.
"Alright, I don't mind. Rey, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to learn swordsmanship?" Father asked with a smile.
Rey looked a little embarrassed but answered, "I want to be an adventurer or a knight. I want to help and fight monsters."
Father nodded slightly and said in a calm voice, "Alright. We'll start tomorrow evening."
Rey's happiness was clear on his face. We went back to the room and soon fell asleep.
The next day, toward evening, Father called us:
"Makoto, Rey, meet me in the backyard!"
We quickly changed into training clothes and ran outside. Father pointed to the wooden rack with swords.
"We'll start from the very beginning," he said.
"A stance should be individual, but only after the basic forms are mastered. The more it fits you, the easier and more effective swordsmanship will be," Father explained, extending his sword forward so the tip pointed at the opponent's throat, placing one leg ahead and slightly bending the other.
"I know many martial arts and stances. I'll teach you the one I use myself," he said calmly.
"Put down your swords and face each other. First you'll learn hand-to-hand combat," Father commanded.
We did as he said.
"Begin!" he shouted.