A light breeze blew through the trees, creating a calm melody. Green leaves had shades of red, yellow, brown, and orange that fell like gentle rain fall

  There were quiet footsteps.

  A grey squirrel poked its head out from a tree hole. Skittish sniffs followed with each turn of its head as it slowly dared to leave the safety of its home and walked onto the branch, exposed to the dangers that waited.

  Those steps grew slightly.

  Sniffing the air, it grew bolder, its caution slowly started to wane, and it stepped out further. It looked around with its black eyes until it caught sight of an acorn.

  They grew louder and closer with each passing second.

  The slight rumble of its stomach caused it to venture out along the branch; the drive to end its hunger was a common one shared by all. Moving along the wood, it got closer. Reaching out to the nut…

  A blur of blue and yellow rushed out from below in a panicked dash, causing the leaves that littered the floor to be blown into the air. Golden blades of light chased her and hit the ground with enough force to shape the trees.

  … The squirrel abandoned the nut and scurried back to the safety its hole-shaped home provided.

  Each golden dagger seemed to chase her, like it had a mind of its own. No matter how fast she ran, the blades were on her tail.

  “With flames a–

  She was cut off when twin blades flew in from both sides.

  Rolling out of the way as they pierced the ground, the elf could only try to run and dodge. Running deeper into the woods, she didn't bother to look back. Moving between trees in a serpentine pattern. The sound of those golden blades stabbing living wood echoes with each step.

  “With flame–

  Another golden blade appeared from above and came flying down. Her chat came to an end and smashed the light blade to pieces with Eden’s Dawn.

  ‘How can this be happening? I can't even complete a sentence before one of those blades forms.’

  Another took its place and came at her. The wooden blade smashed the follow-up and she took off running again.

  Sunlight came in from the gaps, but that light was overshadowed by those very same blades. Stuck in a cycle of running, dodging, striking, chanting, and even sliding, the focus on her surroundings started to become lax.

  Each time a new word of the chant was uttered, another blade appeared.

  Sliding under a fallen tree, three blades landed where she once was.

  “With flames as numerous as stars in the night sky, I call on…

  Slashing at a pair of flying blades, she struck them down and continued to run on shaken legs.

  …thee to light the path to victory. No matter—

  But with her focus divided, the moment she rushed through the brush, her foot was caught on an uprooted root. Tripping as if Mother Nature herself had set up a painful joke, the young elf fell to the ground and started rolling an incline.

  Passing by trees and bushes, the incline came to an end ,and rolling petered out.

  Azure blue eyes opened up to the blue sky. ‘I feel like I’m still spinning.’

  It took a moment for everything to calm down and stabilize, but getting back on to her feet wasn’t a simple task. Four golden blades appeared and fell from above. Shooting off the ground, the moment fell, watching them land around her, they exploded in a flash of golden light.

  After the light vanished, her gaze reopened. Looking around, she found herself surrounded by golden blades. Hovering in the sky, no matter where she looked there were golden blades. Endless like the leaves on a tree.

  ‘There’s no point in running. No matter how much distance I try to make, she always finds me.’

  Her eyes fell closed. Cool air was sucked in and became warm when released. Her sword rose, and her eyes opened.

  “With flames as numerous…

  The blades flew, blue flames started forming around her.

  …as stars in the night sky…

  Slashing at three, she deflected them into the ground. Moving to her right, she watched two blades fly by.

  …I call on thee…

  Falling from above, she leaped out of their way. Out of the corner of her eye, another wave came. Six blades came flying at her, slashing at them with Eden’s Dawn; she batted them back. Moving like a dancer with each step.

  …to light the path to victory.”

  The further she got into the chant, the faster the blades got and the number of them flying increased. Slowly, orbs of blue fire formed around her, following her every movement.

  “No matter what odds stand in my way…

  Arms and legs came sore and heavy, but still she pushed forward. Constantly on the move, her blade too was engulfed in blue flames as she deflected each weapon that came flying at her.

  …these flames shall light the way forward.”

  All the blades from above fell on her in a final attack.

  “Each flame gives light to a star that will reduce those obstacles to ash.”

  Eight flames solidified…

  “Flare Storm!”

  Her eyes caught fire for a single moment, the burning orbs took shape and flew in every direction.

  Blue flames and golden blades collided, canceling each other out in a brilliant display of clashing lights.

  Heavily panting, she traced the area. Looking for any blade that might form, she remained on edge. That was…

  “Well done.”

  Until a voice, accompanied by a clapping echo, came from behind. Turning behind her, watching a silver-haired half-elf emerge from the tree line. “That was better, you managed to get the spell off. Although you could have been a little quicker.”

  “Mo… Morgen.” Lucina could barely get her name out. Her legs gave out and knelt on the grass.

  “Still, it was quite the show Lucina, and talk about improvement. It's hard to believe it's only been a few days shy of two weeks since we started.”

  “Easy for you to say, you didn’t throw up the first day.”

  A sly snicker came from the half-elf. “I did warn you not eat too much that first day. I can't be held responsible for you not heeding my warning.”

  “Come on, I can go again.” Lucina called, getting back on her feet. Readying herself for another round.

  If anything, Morgen found her resilience amusing. But instead of giving in to her junior’s eagerness, she claimed a spot on the ground and set down her bag. Reaching in, she pulled out two small black boxes with eating utensils set out alongside two cups and a thermos.

  “Progress is progress no matter how you look at it, but sometimes it's best to let your body rest. It isn't wise to force a spell when you’re on the verge of suffering a drain.”

  Removing the cover, the steam came off and carried an intoxicating smell. Lucina’s nose twitched, trying to ignore the divine smell, but when her eyes shifted to the box, it was over. Seared vegetables sat atop white rice with pieces of pineapple hidden within. Several small slices of cooked pork lined the box’s walls.

  The thermos’ cap came off and apple cider was poured into a cup.

  Grabbing a spork, scooping a spoonful of rice and pineapple. The prongs stabbed a slice of pork. The warm stream carried a smell that Lucina was quick to pick up on. It was mouthwatering. Everything was brought to Morgen’s mouth in a simple bite-sized portion, a drink of cider was quick to follow.

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  ‘I wish I had breakfast this morning.’

  For the past few days, with their training from sunup to sundown, Lucina chose to forgo breakfast. Some days were easier than others, but today she found herself focused more on the second black box Morgen had. Following Morgen's arm as she offered it to her, she was greeted by a calming smile.

  “Go ahead. I didn’t pack this just for myself. Enjoy while it’s still warm.”

  Embarrassment grew with the growl of her stomach. Quick to accept the box, pulling off the lid, she was quick to eat.

  They were the exact opposites. While Morgen calmly took her time to eat, reflecting her royal lineage. Lucina ate quicker, like a starved beast.

  “It’s not going anywhere; there’s no need to give yourself an upset stomach.” Morgen spoke between bites.

  Slowing down, Lucina started to eat at Morgen’s pace. “It’s good.”

  “Happy to hear.”

  They continued to eat quietly.

  ‘This is a nice break from Morgen’s beat… I mean training.’ Shaking her head, trying to remove that thought, she went back to eating. ‘I can’t think like that! This is so I can get stronger, so next time I’ll be the one—

  “Lucina, you truly are making progress.” Turning away from the food, she now watched Morgen speak in between bites. “When it comes to moving chants, I dare say my work is almost done.”

  “Wait! I thought you were—

  “And time to move on to the next step.” Her protest ended before it began. “I think after we spend the rest of the day with concurrent chanting, then we'll start the foundation for the continuous part of continuous magic.”

  There was a slight pause, a small smile turned to a large grin on the younger elf.

  “But maybe it would be better if we took tomorrow off, I think you’ve earned a day off.”

  “No, I mean. I don’t need a break; I can keep going.”

  A small laugh came from Morgen. “Alright, after we rest and eat. We'll have a few rounds of combat, and if you impress me, we won’t have a break day, sound fair?”

  “Deal.”

  —

  A wooden blade clashed with twin golden swords.

  “With flames as numerous as stars in the night sky.”

  Morgen kept the pressure on, forcing Lucina on the defense as she chanted.

  “I call on thee to light the path to—

  A strong push, followed by a roundhouse kick to the gut.

  The blow has enough force to knock the wind out of her and send Lucina flying back.

  “Lucina, you were focusing more on the chant and less on your defense.” She didn't get a response. “Lucina?”

  Taking a step forward, the young elf still didn’t move.

  Looking over Lucina, Morgen couldn't help but let out a reserved, almost embarrassed laugh.

  Lucina was knocked out cold.

  “Guess I still have to work on holding back with stuff like this.”

  —

  A low came from the darkness; there was an odd touch atop her head. Slowly, light started to sneak its way in and grow larger.

  “Ah… What happened?” Lucina groaned as her eyes opened up only to find the sun glaring down on her. “How did I end up like this?”

  “Sorry, that's my fault.”

  Looking up, watching Morgen lean her head over with a smile. Shifting from side to side she found herself between Morgen’s thighs.

  “Gah!!” A crimson heat spread from her cheeks all the way to the tips of her ears. Like a bowling ball, she took off rolling away from the lab pillow she was provided and shot to her feet. ‘Why are they so soft?’

  “Lucina?”

  “L… Let's just get another match going.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Let's just go already!”

  A slight chuckle followed Morgen while she rose. “Alright then, just don't complain if you end up needing to rest again.”

  Her chant was quick and ended quicker with the arrival of a golden sword and spear in her hand. The day went on at a snail’s crawl.

  Each time their blades crossed the faster Lucina got with her chant. Blue flaming orbs formed and flew at Morgen, but she ran through, avoiding them as she closed the distance.

  But each time they crossed blades, Lucina would be knocked out cold, only to wake up in Morgen’s lap. And every time it happened Lucina panicked and put distance between them, leaving Morgen to laugh and the cycle to repeat again.

  And again.

  And again.

  The cycle of clashing of blades, formation of blue flames and shocking lap pillows continued until the sun left its spot in the middle of the sky to a lower place.

  Heavy, panting breathing filled the field.

  A fatigued Lucina pointed her flame-covered wooden blade at Morgen, golden blades hovering behind her.

  “With flames as–

  “I think that's it for today, Lucina.” Once the golden light that filled Morgen’s eyes vanished, the blades that surrounded her disappeared along with it.

  A small smirk formed on Morgen when Lucina’s fire went out and her sword fell to the ground.

  “I say it's time for us to head back. I would like to get back to Eden Village before dark, I told your mother I’d help with dinner tonight.”

  “But… I can still–

  “After today, it’s safe to say you’re ready to move on to the next step.”

  To Morgen, it was like watching the moon rise as her face slowly lit up into a bright smile and her eyes beamed.

  “Let’s GO!!” Her shout echoed through the plans as she leaped into the air. Her shout even managed to reach all the way to Eden Village before her scream petered out. “One step closer to—

  The moment she landed on the ground, it was like her legs turned to jelly and fell on her butt. Still, she couldn't help but laugh. Falling back her laughter continued while she gazed at the sunset-colored sky. Ignoring Morgen’s approach until the half-elf was looking over her.

  Sending her fist up, her grin didn't falter. “So tomorrow's lesson is going to be continuous right?”

  “The next part of training is…” Her words took their grasp on Lucina, ready to hear the confirmation. “...we’ll be learning how to rest.”

  “What? I don’t need a break, just a good night's rest is all I need.”

  “Trust me.” Her finger swiped Lucina’s hair out of the way before poking and tapping her forehead. “Getting some rest for what's coming is needed.”

  “Alright…” The elf groaned out.

  Reaching out, she took Morgen’s hand and got lifted off the ground before they took off on their walk back to Eden Village.

  —

  Window lights flickered on with the setting sun. Shops remained open while there were still people out and about. Walking out of a small shop, Morgen looked over the small trinket she now wore on her wrist. Dark brown stained wood had silver engravings of a tree surrounded by fallen leaves.

  “It’s easy to see where he got the idea.”

  The Rainbow Tree’s leaves fell like glitter. Each leaf was the size of a small window. Sparking in the moon’s light during their gentle descent as they slowly littered the ground.

  The sight captivated the hazel-eyed elf. Every glance that was sent her way couldn't make her waver away from the falling leaves. Slowly, her gaze locked onto one that almost seemed to float towards her.

  With an outstretched arm, she grabbed it.

  A smile grew while she looked over the color. A purple dominated the body, and the small veins seemed to have a dark red tint to it. Despite having just fallen, the simple, yet oddly colored leaf looked like it was still full of life.

  “I’m quite envious of this, Lucina. I don’t think I would ever get tired of seeing this every night.”

  There wasn’t a response. Turning to find Lucina wasn’t at her side or behind her. Looking around, trying to pick out where she disappeared into the small crowd.

  Hazel green landed and came up to a lit-up display window.

  “What do we have here?”

  Azure blue eyes looked past the glass, scanning three mannequins.

  On the left was a beige cloak with black markings that moved up to a simple hood. On the right was one dominated by yellow and purple. Both were well-made and even shared the same price of 15,000 runix.

  However, neither one had her attention; her gaze was focused on the center.

  Forest green was the primary color that dominated the cloth. Golden silk stitching half an inch wide traveled along the edge of the cloak's body. On the way towards the hood, a golden coin clip kept the cloak connected to two thin metal flames on the right and left that were caught in the stitching. But what set it apart from the other two, the hood. It was a different color. The green base slowly transitioned into a bright blue cloth that took the shape of a flower head with five petals.

  The cloak truly looked like a flower.

  ‘It's hard to believe it's still here. I thought it would have been sold by this point.’ Her gaze shifted downward towards a sight that almost made her cringe.

  The price tag.

  ‘65,000 runix… I guess that makes sense, I don’t think just anyone would buy a cloak for that much.’ Her lips cracked into a small smile while she pressed a hand against the glass. ‘But I’ve been saving every coin I get from my own expeditions just to buy this. So now, once I master Flare Storm, I’ll—

  “So this is what grabbed your attention.” Blue eyes shot away from the glass and to her side. Morgen looked over her shoulder and at the cloak. “I know your parents said you needed a new cloak; it looks like you have a good eye.”

  “Morgen, I—

  “It looks a little pricey, but well-made.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been saving. I almost have enough. I would have had enough by now if I went to the guild in Kicon to exchange my stones.”

  The two fell quiet for a moment, giving the cloak a lingering gaze before the display lights turned off. A single to each other to start walking.

  “I assume Kicon is a nearby town?”

  “Yeah, it’s human dominated town about half a day's walk north of here.”

  “I see. So, I guess I know where we'll be going—

  “If you’re looking for an escort, I’ll happily offer you our services.” A new voice called out. While Morgen gave a curious turn, it didn't even take a second for Lucina to give a tired groan.

  “What do you want, Yodei?”

  Standing just a few feet behind them was the black, slick-haired elf and his two-party members, Umbra and Gillian.

  She just went ignored, brushed off like a common fly. A slight chuckle caused her attention to snap towards the rabbit girl. The smug expression on Umbra was almost taunting, begging to take a hit.

  Gillian just stood there calmly.

  “Like I was trying to say, if you’re planning on making a trip to Kicon. I’d recommend us as your guides. We’re vastly qualified, to the point of overqualified.” The black-haired elf tapped his staff against his chest while he spoke.

  “Oh really.”

  “I can assure you; my team and I are more than enough to take there for the right price.” Lucina and Yodei glared at each other for a moment.

  ‘If I could kick that snug look off his face, I would.’

  “You see, we’ve ventured into the third-level chambers of the dungeon just outside Even Village, far deeper than what my friend Lucina here has gone. So, escorting you to Kicon would be a simple task.”

  ‘What?’ Surprise came over the blond elf. ‘I’ve only been allowed to visit the first chambers; I’ve had to sneak into the second.’

  “Yeah, compared to that pyro elf, we’re far more experienced than—

  A low smack echoed.

  “Hey! What was that for?!” The zoophian’s taunting gaze turned sharp. Looking away from Lucina and her gaze changed to the draconian beside her. He didn’t even bother to respond.

  “Please forgive my companion’s outburst. If you’re looking for a guide, we’re more than willing—

  “There’s no need.” Morgen’s tone was calm, yet strong enough to cause the young elf to both shut up and stand up straight.

  “I’ll only be needing one guide.” Steps were taken towards the Starfall home. “Lucina, come now, let’s not make your parents wait too long for us.”

  “Right…”

  Following the silver-haired half-elf, the two made their way back to Lucina’s home. Leaving the two-thirds of the trio annoyed.

  —

  Walking through Eden, the duo slowly left the main part of the village, and her home slowly came into view.

  But Lucina’s gaze wasn’t on the road home and her mind, like her eyes, wandered the stars.

  ‘If that group managed to get that far in a dungeon on their own… then how deep have Red and the other gone?’ Each step was fully on autopilot. Her hand opened and then clenched tight. 'The sooner I master this the—

  “You have some rather interesting friends back there Lucina.” Morgen’s voice brought her out from her thoughts and toward the half-elf.

  “Friends? No, we aren’t friends.”

  “Really? They seemed rather interesting.”

  “Interesting is sure one way to put it. Umbra has a temper with a fuse even shorter than hers. When it comes to Yodei, where do I even start?”

  “Not too fond of them I see.”

  “Gillian is just quiet, so I've never had an issue with him.”

  Their steps soon became quiet until Morgen spoke up again. “When we get back, leave the talking to me alright.”

  “Alright.” Her distracted voice caused Morgen to glare as if saying, “Am I boring you?” “So what makes you think you can convince my father to let me go?”

  Her glare shifted to a smile while she walked ahead. “Just wait to watch and learn.”

  And just like that, the pair continued to walk, but once again, Lucina felt her eyes turn to the slowly appearing stars.

  ‘So what was driving him? And can I find something similar to be my drive?’