The night sky stretched endlessly above us, a canvas of deep blues and purples littered with shimmering stars. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the faint scent of pine and the distant hum of crickets. Sitting on the roof of my house, legs dangling over the edge, I let out a slow breath, feeling the weight of the day slowly slip away.
"Man, I'd kill for some food right now," Kendra groaned beside me, stretching her arms behind her head. "Sparring with you took way more out of me than I expected."
"You always say that," Jasper chuckled, lying flat on his back, hands folded behind his head as he stared up at the stars. "And yet, you still challenge Kin every time."
"Yeah, well, one of these days, I'm gonna actually win," she huffed, nudging me with her elbow. "I can feel it."
I smirked. "You sure? Because last time, you were the one on the ground gasping for air."
"Oh, shut up," she muttered, but there was no real heat behind her words.
Jasper let out a small laugh before pointing up at the sky. "You ever just… stare at the stars and wonder how small we actually are? Like, think about it—there are thousands, maybe even millions of them up there, and we're just sitting here, on this tiny little roof, worrying about dumb stuff like sparring."
Kendra raised an eyebrow. "Alright, philosopher, calm down."
I tilted my head slightly, looking up at the vast sky. "I mean… he's got a point."
Jasper turned his head to look at me. "See? Kin gets it."
Kendra rolled her eyes. "Whatever. All I know is, I'd rather not get all existential right now. I'd rather be eating something."
"Then go get food," I said.
She huffed. "Too lazy."
Jasper smirked. "You could always just climb through Kin's window and raid his kitchen."
Kendra gasped dramatically. "Now that… is a fantastic idea."
I shot her a look. "You do that, and I'm kicking you off the roof."
She snickered. "I'd land on my feet."
The three of us fell into a comfortable silence after that, just enjoying the night. It wasn't often we got to just sit around like this—no training, no stress, no expectations. Just the three of us, like it had always been.
I glanced over at them, at the way Kendra's fiery energy dimmed slightly under the quiet peace of the night, and the way Jasper's usual laid-back nature seemed even more at ease.
The silence stretched between us, the three of us sitting on my rooftop, gazing at the vast night sky. The stars blinked like tiny embers scattered across a deep, dark ocean, and the wind carried the scent of pine and distant firewood.
I let out a slow breath, feeling the cool night air against my skin. It was peaceful—almost enough to make me forget about everything that was coming. Almost.
Kendra sat beside me, cross-legged, her fingers absentmindedly fidgeting with one of her bracelets. Jasper was lying flat on his back, his arms folded behind his head as he stared up at the sky like he could read something in it.
I glanced at them both before finally speaking.
"So…" I said, breaking the silence. "Why are you two even here this late?"
Kendra didn't miss a beat. "What? Can't we just visit you?"
I shot her a look. "At this hour?"
She smirked. "Oh, I'm sorry, does the great Kin Noro need his beauty sleep?"
Jasper snorted. "Yeah, we should probably let him get his rest. Wouldn't want him to miss his bed time."
I rolled my eyes. "That's not what I meant."
Kendra waved a hand dismissively. "We just figured we'd check in on you, since you've been sulking all day."
I frowned. "I wasn't sulking."
"Oh, you totally were," she shot back. "Brooding. Moping, even."
Jasper grinned. "Yeah, you had that whole 'staring into the distance dramatically' thing going on."
"You guys are so full of it," I muttered.
Kendra smirked. "Hey, we're just calling it like we see it."
For a second, it felt like just another normal night—just the three of us messing around like always.
But then Jasper exhaled, the playfulness in his expression fading. "Truth is, Kin…" He hesitated before continuing. "We came because this is probably one of the last times we'll see you for a while."
His words hung in the air like a weight pressing down on us.
Kendra tensed beside me, then scoffed, crossing her arms. "Tch. You make it sound like he's dying or something. He's just going to the Trials. It's not that big of a deal."
Jasper glanced at her but didn't argue.
I stayed quiet, gripping the edge of the roof.
I knew I wouldn't be gone forever. I'd see them again. But there was no telling when. The Trials weren't just some simple test—they would change everything.
Kendra let out a sharp breath through her nose. "Whatever. You better not go and embarrass us while you're there," she muttered, forcing a smirk onto her face. "I mean, you are the strongest one here, right? It'd be a shame if you lost."
Her teasing felt… different this time. Forced. Like she was trying to mask something else beneath it.
I glanced at her, noticing the way her hands clenched against her arms, the tension in her jaw.
She hated stuff like this—goodbyes, serious talks. So instead, she just acted tough, pretended like she didn't care.
Jasper sighed, looking back up at the sky. "I just figured we should have one last normal night before everything changes."
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
The truth was, I didn't know what was going to happen next.
But for now—just for tonight—I let myself sit there with them, under the stars, like nothing was going to change
I stood up, stretching my arms above my head, letting out a satisfied sigh as the cool night breeze swept over me. My body was still sore from earlier, but the quiet night air felt refreshing.
Glancing down, I saw Kendra and Jasper still sitting, both watching the stars. A small grin tugged at my lips. "You know," I said, cracking my neck, "since this is one of our last nights together for a while, we should go do something fun."
Jasper arched a brow. "Like what?"
I shrugged. "I've got an idea."
Kendra scoffed, sitting up and narrowing her eyes. "Oh no. Your ideas never lead to anything good."
I smirked. "You'll like this one. Trust me."
Kendra folded her arms. "Not a chance. I know that look."
I shook my head and started climbing down from the roof. "Suit yourself. You can stay here and be boring while Jasper and I have fun."
She let out a loud groan before hopping down after me. "Fine, but if we end up in some creepy abandoned house, I'm punching you."
Jasper chuckled, following after us. "This is already entertaining."
**
We made our way through the outskirts of Wellwood, the night much darker here without the lanterns of the town to light the way. The only sounds were the rustling of trees in the breeze and the occasional chirp of crickets.
Kendra clung closer to me with each passing minute, her arms nearly locked around one of mine. "Uh… Kin? Where exactly are we going?" Her voice was quieter than usual, almost hesitant.
I glanced back at her. "Relax. It's not far."
He let out a nervous laugh. "Yeah, okay, but why does it feel like something's watching us?"
Jasper stifled a laugh. "Are you scared?"
Kendra scoffed, but her grip on my arm tightened. "Pfft, no! I just… don't like how dark it is. And quiet. And, you know… open."
I smirked. "You hear too many scary stories growing up?"
She huffed. "Okay, yes, but you weren't raised on stories about shadow beasts lurking in the trees, waiting to drag kids away, were you?!"
Jasper snorted. "Wow. That explains so much."
I shook my head, amused, but didn't tease her further. Instead, I focused on leading them forward, the cool water of the stream finally touching my boots as we entered the shallows.
Kendra yelped and clung tighter. "Why is there water?! Kin, are we walking into a swamp?!"
I bit back a chuckle. "It's just a stream. And we're almost there."
She muttered something about murdering me if I was lying, but as we took a few more steps forward, she suddenly went quiet.
Then she saw it.
The lake stretched out before us, calm and vast, reflecting the moon and stars like a perfect mirror. The surrounding trees framed the water beautifully, their leaves swaying softly in the wind. Fireflies drifted lazily through the air, their faint glow adding to the dreamlike atmosphere.
Kendra's grip on my arm loosened as her eyes widened in awe. "Whoa…"
Jasper let out a low whistle. "Okay… gotta admit, this is actually nice."
I smirked. "Told you it'd be worth it."
Kendra finally let go of me, staring at the lake in stunned silence. Then she shot me a quick glare, crossing her arms. "I still hate you for making me walk through the dark."
I chuckled. "Noted."
Before Jasper or I could say anything, there was a loud splash.
Kendra had bolted forward and thrown herself into the lake headfirst, vanishing beneath the water in an instant.
Jasper and I just stood there, watching the ripples spread across the surface.
I blinked. "Did… did she just—?"
Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose. "Unbelievable."
A few seconds later, Kendra's head popped back up from the water, her drenched hair sticking to her face as she grinned up at us. "Oh, come on! The water's amazing!" She spread her arms out, floating on her back. "You two are so boring. Lighten up!"
I crossed my arms, still processing how fast she had gone from clinging to me like a scared child to happily swimming in the lake. "You literally almost had a breakdown about walking in the dark five minutes ago."
Jasper nodded, unimpressed. "Yeah. What happened to all that fear of shadow beasts?"
Kendra scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "Well, I did think we were walking into a swamp or something, but now that I can actually see, this place is incredible!" She splashed some water toward us. "Come on, get in already!"
I took a slow breath, "You're exhausting."
Jasper shook his head. "She really is."
Kendra just grinned. "And yet, you both love me."
**
The three of us sat on the smooth rocks near the water's edge, our clothes completely drenched from our earlier antics. The cool night breeze brushed against our skin, making the damp fabric cling uncomfortably. The lake behind us shimmered under the moonlight, small ripples still spreading across its surface from when Kendra had decided to dive in headfirst.
I ran a hand through my soaked white hair, trying to shake out some of the water, but it just drooped over my forehead, sticking stubbornly to my skin. My dark tunic, usually light and comfortable, felt heavier with moisture, the simple silver-threaded designs along the sleeves now barely visible. My trousers, made from a sturdy yet flexible fabric, were clinging to my legs, and my boots let out an awful squelching sound every time I moved.
To my left, Jasper sat hunched forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he let out a long, exhausted sigh. His short black hair was a mess, strands sticking to his forehead. His deep green tunic, which normally had a bit of a fitted look, now clung to him like a second skin, making him look more annoyed than usual. His brown trousers were completely soaked, and his boots—normally polished and well-kept—looked about ready to fall apart.
Then there was Kendra, grinning like an idiot, completely unbothered by the fact that we were all soaked. Her short brown hair, which she usually kept tied back, now hung loose around her face, strands sticking to her cheeks. Her burnt orange tunic was clinging to her, the damp fabric darkening the shade slightly.
She had rolled up the sleeves earlier, but they had long since fallen back down, sticking awkwardly to her arms. Her dark leggings were just as drenched as the rest of her clothing, but unlike Jasper and me, she didn't even seem to care. She had kicked off her shoes completely, letting her bare feet dangle over the rock as she absentmindedly kicked at the water.
"This was so worth it," Kendra said, stretching her arms above her head with a satisfied sigh.
Jasper let out a groan, rubbing a hand down his face. "Yeah, for you maybe."
I shook my head, trying once again to wring some of the water out of my tunic. "I don't get how you have this much energy. Weren't you terrified like ten minutes ago?"
Kendra scoffed, flicking some water at me. "That was then. This is now."
Jasper and I exchanged a look, silently agreeing that she was absolutely impossible.
Kendra just grinned wider. "You two are so dramatic."
Kendra leaned back on her hands, tilting her head up to the sky. The moonlight cast a soft glow over her face, making her eyes seem lighter than usual. She was quiet for a moment, just watching the stars twinkle above. Then, out of nowhere, she let out a sigh.
"You know… I'm really glad I met you two."
Jasper raised an eyebrow. "What's with you all of a sudden?"
Kendra kicked a small splash of water at his foot. "What? Can't I be sentimental?"
Jasper smirked. "It's just weird hearing you be all emotional."
I chuckled, wringing out the sleeve of my shirt. "Yeah, this is a rare sight."
She huffed, crossing her arms. "Well, get used to it. I mean what I said. Especially about you, Jasper. You were my first real friend."
Jasper blinked, the teasing look on his face fading slightly. "…Huh."
Kendra continued, tapping her fingers idly against the rock she sat on. "Before I met you, it was just me and my uncle. I didn't have anyone my age to talk to. And then one day, bam! This quiet, awkward kid shows up suddenly and I finally had someone to annoy."
Jasper rolled his eyes. "You didn't just annoy me. You latched onto me."
Kendra groaned. "You make it sound so dramatic."
"You were dramatic. You followed me around for weeks."
I grinned. "I wish I could've seen that."
Jasper smirked. "She literally refused to leave my side one time because she said I was her 'official best friend for life.'"
I laughed. "No way."
Kendra groaned again, burying her face in her hands. "Okay, okay, we get it! I was clingy, whatever. That's not the point."
Jasper crossed his arms. "Then what is the point?"
Kendra hesitated for a moment before looking at me. "The point is, if I hadn't met Jasper, I probably wouldn't have met you."
I tilted my head slightly. "Because I showed up when I was nine?"
She nodded. "Yeah. You were just this weird, quiet kid who didn't talk to anyone."
I sighed. "Why does everyone keep saying that?"
Jasper snorted. "Because it's true."
Kendra grinned. "You barely talked, you barely smiled, and you acted like you didn't need anyone."
I shrugged. "I wasn't used to Wellwood yet."
Kendra leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Well, I'm glad you got used to it. And I'm glad you stopped being so moody. You ended up being one of my best friends."
I blinked at her, caught off guard by how sincere she sounded.
Jasper nudged me. "Better take that as a compliment. She doesn't say stuff like that often."
Kendra scoffed and turned her face away. "Pfft, whatever. It's just the atmosphere, okay?"
I smirked. "Sure, Kendra. Whatever you say."
She didn't respond right away, just kept staring up at the stars with a small, almost wistful smile.
I let out a small chuckle, shaking my head as I looked down at my hands. "I appreciate it, Kendra… but to be honest, I don't really remember much from before I moved to Wellwood."
Jasper and Kendra both turned their heads toward me.
"What do you mean?" Jasper asked.
I shrugged. "I mean… it's like a blur. I remember living in the capital of Rivenden, and I know I had friends there, but… I can't really remember them. Not fully."
Kendra tilted her head. "Like, you forgot their faces?"
"Not just their faces," I said, my brows furrowing. "I forgot their names, too. It's like there are pieces missing. I remember small things—like playing with someone, or talking to them about something—but it's all just… hazy."
Jasper hummed. "That's kinda weird."
Kendra nudged me lightly. "Maybe you just hit your head too many times."
I let out a laugh. "That might be it."
Jasper suddenly perked up, his expression shifting like he'd just remembered something important. "Oh, right!"
He reached into his pocket and tossed me a small crimson ring. I caught it effortlessly and turned it over in my fingers, inspecting the smooth surface.
Then, with a completely straight face, I glanced up at him. "Jasper… I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm just not looking for a relationship right now."
Kendra froze for a second before bursting out laughing, doubling over so hard she nearly fell off the rock she was sitting on. "Oh—oh my gods—!" She gasped between wheezes. "Jasper, is this—are you proposing?!"
Jasper's expression immediately twisted into pure exasperation. "Kin. Don't start."
I tilted my head, keeping my expression innocent. "I mean, a ring is a pretty bold move. Are you sure about this? I don't want to break your heart or anything."
Kendra was fully on the ground now, pounding her fist into the dirt as she wheezed.
Jasper ran a hand down his face, groaning. "You're actually insufferable."
I smirked, twirling the ring between my fingers. "Alright, alright, what's the real reason?"
Jasper shot me a glare before grumbling, "It's from Xaviar, you idiot. He told me to give it to you."
I blinked. "Oh."
Kendra was still laughing.
Jasper sighed. "I hate both of you."
Jasper shook his head, crossing his arms. "Xaviar said you should have it for when you take the Ascension Trials. He didn't really explain why, just that it'd be important."
I turned the ring over in my fingers, studying its deep crimson hue. It looked simple enough—no markings, no engravings, just a smooth band. Yet, as I held it, something about it felt different. Almost like it was pulsing, faintly resonating with something inside me.
Kendra, finally catching her breath from laughing, leaned in. "So, what? Is it magical or something?"
Jasper shrugged. "Xaviar didn't say. Just that Kin should wear it during the Trials."
I raised an eyebrow. "And you didn't think to ask?"
Jasper rolled his eyes. "Oh, I did. He just smiled and told me, 'Kin will understand when the time comes.'"
I groaned. "Of course, he did."
I sighed and slipped the ring onto my right hand. The metal was cool against my skin, but the moment it settled around my finger, a sudden shift coursed through my body. A strange sensation, like a weight lifting off my chest—a pressure that had always been there but never acknowledged. The constant energy buzzing inside me, the untamed force that I struggled to control, suddenly dulled.
I inhaled sharply. It was subtle, but I felt it. My body wasn't struggling to contain my power anymore. It was… contained.
Kendra tilted her head. "Well? Do you feel different? Stronger? Smarter?"
I flexed my fingers, testing the sensation. "Not stronger… but different."
Jasper narrowed his eyes. "Different how?"
I hesitated before shaking my head. "I don't know yet."
Kendra waved a hand in front of my face. "Oh no. Don't get all mysterious on us now, Kin."
I smirked. "Still as devastatingly handsome as ever, though."
Jasper groaned.
Kendra scoffed. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't go losing it before the Trials. If Xaviar thinks it's important, then it probably is."
I nodded, glancing at the ring once more. I didn't know what Xaviar had given me, but one thing was certain—this wasn't just any ordinary ring.
**
I gripped the edge of my bedroom window and pulled myself up, swinging one leg over the frame before slipping inside. The room was dark, just how I left it, and I landed softly on the floor without making a sound.
Perfect. Mom and Yui wouldn't even know I was gone.
I exhaled in relief, shutting the window behind me. As I turned toward my bed, a shadow moved in the darkness.
Before I could react, a strong force slammed into me, knocking me backward. My back hit the floor hard, my arms pinned above my head in an instant.
My instincts kicked in, and I struggled, but the grip was firm—too firm. My vision adjusted to the dim moonlight slipping through the window, revealing the long brown hair cascading down and the sharp brown eyes glaring into mine.
My breath caught in my throat.
No way.
"Aiken?!"
My sister smirked, her hold on me unrelenting. "Took you long enough."
I blinked, my brain scrambling to process what was happening. "You—you're supposed to be in Rivenden!"
Her smirk didn't waver. "Not anymore."
My heart pounded in my chest. "What—why—when did you—"
Aiken's face broke into a teasing smile as she leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Did you miss your big sis?" she asked, her voice light and playful.