The city was wrapped in silence.
Cobblestone streets, well-kept wooden and brick houses, but empty.
No sound, except for the steady steps of a boy walking through the night.
Kevin walked alone, his eyes fixed on the ground, until he reached a cozy house.
Crossing the corridors, he entered the living room, where his aunt was waiting.
— You're back already, Kevin? — asked Mariana, with a warm smile.
— I'm back… but nothing new. — he replied calmly.
— Well… I have to go out to take care of something very important. Can you stay home alone? — she asked.
— Of course, Aunt Mariana. I'm 13, I know how to take care of myself.
— Alright, dear. Then I'll be going. — she said, smiling before leaving.
Kevin watched the door close and, on impulse, went out to the backyard.
He sat on the small wall, staring at the garden.
— Am I really weak? — he murmured to himself. — When I was a kid, I couldn't even train properly at school… all because of my essence.
Suddenly, two figures appeared behind him. A man spoke firmly:
— Yes, indeed, you are weak. But are you going to sit there crying, or do something to change it?
The woman beside him added, her tone provocative:
— You haven't changed at all, have you? Still crying… my little brother.
Kevin turned, and when he recognized their faces, a wave of relief washed over him.
He stood up and hugged them quickly.
— It's been so long, Ryane… Luis! But why are you here?
— You'll find out soon enough — answered Luis with an enigmatic smile. — Do you want to come with us, Kevin?
Excitement filled Kevin, his eyes gleaming.
— Let's go! It doesn't matter where… let's just go!
The full moon lit up the open field.
Scattered trees surrounded the place, and the three walked side by side: Luis on the right, Kevin in the center, and Ryane on the left.
Luis broke the silence, looking up:
— Beautiful, isn't it? The full moon… going out at night feels so…
— So amazing, right? — Ryane completed with a smile. — There's almost no one here. It's like you can do whatever you want.
Kevin let out a deep sigh, lifting his face to the silver glow.
— It's comforting… just feeling the moonlight on my skin. Walking without being judged, without carrying this weight…
The three exchanged glances. And in perfect sync, they spoke firmly:
— It's the embrace of the night!
Suddenly, Luis stopped and fixed his eyes on his cousin.
— Come on, Kevin. Want to fight me?
The boy looked around, nervous.
— Me? Well… alright. But I don't have a sword, or a spear like you two… I don't think it'll work.
Ryane let out a soft laugh, teasing:
— Then let's make it hand-to-hand combat! I want to see what you're capable of.
Kevin took a deep breath, feeling a spark of excitement.
— Alright… but I need to make something clear.
— What is it? — Luis asked, curious.
Kevin stepped back a few paces, taking a fighting stance.
— I never had the chance to train at school like you did… because of my essence.
Ryane watched him closely, serious:
— I see…
Kevin clenched his fists.
— But I don't want you to hold back on me, Luis. I've already learned to control my essence… so come at me!
Luis raised an eyebrow.
— Your essence is the healer one, right?
— That's right. Any problem?
Luis picked up a stone from the ground, tossing it from one hand to the other.
— Perfect. I won't show off. You can have the first move.
Kevin dashed toward him at full speed. He leapt into the air, aiming a punch straight at his cousin.
But Luis dodged easily, catching his arm midair.
— Too predictable. — he muttered. And landed a sharp blow to Kevin's stomach.
The boy dropped to his knees, gasping for air.
— C… can't breathe…
Luis crossed his arms, looking down at him.
— Already tired? Get up, man.
— I… won't… — Kevin wheezed, struggling to rise to his feet.
Ryane watched from a distance, uneasy.
— Guys… I'm not feeling well. I'll go to the bathroom.
— Cousin… — Luis chuckled. — We're in the middle of nowhere. Do you really think you'll find a bathroom?
Ryane made an annoyed face but kept her seriousness.
— I said I need to go. I'll be right back. — And she vanished into the trees.
While Kevin was still struggling to stand, Luis grabbed his arm, helping him up.
— You have talent. You control your essence well… but I'm stronger. You didn't stand a chance.
Kevin clenched his fists tighter, staring at the ground.
— Then help me! Help me get as strong as you. I want to fight by your side… like Ryane! I don't want to be the family outcast anymore. You, her, even my aunt… all of you are recognized. And me? I'm just some boy with nothing special!
Luis turned his gaze away, staring up at the night sky.
— I see… You want to meet expectations. But… have you ever thought that maybe you'll never reach me? Never surpass me?
Kevin's eyes widened in surprise.
Luis continued:
— You're not my copy, Kevin. Never try to be. Be yourself. Create your own style. That's what will truly make you strong.
Kevin smiled, determined.
— You got it! So… what's the next step?
Luis let out a small laugh.
— Already recovered? That healer essence of yours really is incredible…
He paused.
— But I won't be the one to train you. The one who'll train you… is your sister.
— Ryane?! — Kevin's eyes went wide.
— Exactly. I have my missions, my duty is to protect the kingdom. — Luis answered with a faint smile.
Kevin's smile grew, excitement returning.
But Luis frowned again.
— Now that I think about it… strange. Where's Aunt Mariana? I thought she'd have noticed you left by now.
— She said she had something important to do… but I don't know what it was. — Kevin explained.
Luis glanced at the trees, thoughtful.
— Hm… and where's Ryane? She went "to the bathroom"… but she's completely gone.
The wind blew strong. The night, once comforting, now seemed to be hiding something.
Kevin clenched his fists and fixed his eyes on his cousin.
— Ryane knows where we are. Come on, Luis… fight me again! This time, I'll do better.
Luis grinned, excitement flashing across his face.
— Oh, that's what I like to hear! How about this: I'll only defend, and you attack me with everything you've got. Deal?
Kevin took a deep breath, rushed forward, and aimed a straight punch. But mid-movement… his hand simply froze in the air, as if it had slammed into an invisible wall.
— What?! — Kevin stumbled back, shocked. — My strength… it vanished?!
Luis raised his hand, his voice firm and confident:
— That's right, cousin. This is my special ability. It repels any physical attack… and it even restores my Aura with every hit I take.
He flashed a proud, subtle smile.
— I call it the Mantle of Light.
Kevin's eyes widened, nervous.
— So… physical attacks don't work on you?! But… wait… what exactly is this Aura you're talking about?
Luis sighed, crossing his arms.
— You don't know what Aura is? Kevin… you can't fight without at least understanding the basics. — He shook his head. — Let's find your sister and get out of here.
At that moment, Ryane calmly appeared from between the trees. Her steps were steady, her gaze serene, as if she had been watching from a distance all along.
Kevin stared at her in silence, his heartbeat quickening.
"This feeling… why do I sense fear, yet safety, when my sister is around?"
As she approached, Ryane gave a faint smile.
— Sorry for the delay, guys… some setbacks happened. Luis… remind me never to eat cheese again.
— I warned you! — Luis replied, laughing. — But you never believe me. Anyway… let's go. I'm already sleepy.
Kevin lowered his gaze, uneasy.
— I'm sure my aunt will ground me… I left the house without permission.
Ryane gently ruffled her brother's hair, smiling protectively.
— Don't worry, little one. I'll talk to her. When we get back, you'll pack your things… after all, Luis already said I'll be the one training you, right?
— He did say that… — Kevin muttered, a little annoyed.
Suddenly, Luis grew serious, almost indignant.
— I can't believe it… tomorrow's Monday already! How could I forget?! I've got that boring mission!
— And what are you going to do? — Ryane asked, frowning.
— What mission is that? — Kevin added, curious.
Luis let out a mocking laugh.
— I'm going… to disappear! — and with a swift leap, he vanished into the darkness.
— EVEN IF YOU RUN AWAY, YOU'LL STILL HAVE TO DO THAT MISSION! — Ryane shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth.
From far away, Luis's mocking voice echoed back:
— NO WAY, COUSIN! FORGET ABOUT IT!
Ryane sighed, puffing in frustration, and took Kevin by the hand.
— Let's go home.
— But… what mission is it? — the boy insisted.
Ryane's expression turned more serious, her voice firm as she pulled him across the field.
— There are things you don't need to know. And starting today… you're my student. Get used to it: you won't always get answers.
Kevin simply stared at her in silence, feeling his life was about to change.