Chapter 38: A Connection Deeper Than Spilt Blood
The names echoed across the Emberlight assembly hall, each one received with cheers, groans, or stunned silence.
"…Jeno of the Ironflow Lineage!"
"…Myla, ranked second among Outer Initiates!"
"…Hinara of the Inner Wellspring!"
A hush fell before the final name.
"…Ren, disciple of Instructor Vale."
Silence broke into murmurs — not from doubt, but recognition. He hadn't just survived the trials. He'd earned his place.
Ren stood quietly near the edge of the chamber. He felt Hinara's presence beside him, her posture as still and composed as always. She didn't react to the announcement — didn't cheer or even smile — but her eyes slid sideways to meet his.
"Looks like we're both going," she said.
Ren nodded. "Would've been strange without you."
"Mm. And more boring."
A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. It made his heart thud a little harder.
Vale stepped forward on the council platform, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Those chosen will represent more than strength. You carry Emberlight's will into the tournament. Walk with honor — and return with growth."
She looked straight at Ren as she spoke the last word.
⸻
Later That Day
Preparations were immediate.
The chosen were given two days to ready themselves. Supplies, scrolls, extra robes, and most importantly — clarity. Some used the time to refine their techniques. Others sparred endlessly, desperate to edge out some last-minute improvement.
Ren found himself somewhere between.
He trained. He meditated. But he also… talked. Walked.
With her.
Hinara wasn't like the other disciples. She didn't talk about her lineage or her KI pool or her former ranking. She spoke of things outside the ring — the texture of morning dew on sparring mats, the way the wind felt different at night than in battle, the silence of an empty dojo.
They walked the Emberlight outer trails, and sometimes she'd ask him about Kai.
"Is he why you fight?" she asked once, casually, as they passed under a grove of wind-leaf trees.
Ren took a breath. "He was. At first. Now… I don't know. I think it's bigger than that."
Hinara nodded. "Good. Otherwise, you'd always be chasing his shadow."
He looked at her, surprised. "And you? Why do you fight?"
She didn't answer immediately.
Then — "Because when I was younger, no one would stand up for me. So now, I fight to be someone others can stand behind."
It wasn't bravado. It was truth. And it pulled something quiet and deep in him.
⸻
Departure
On the dawn of the third day, the gates of Emberlight opened wide.
Caravans lined the stone path, shimmering with banners from various sects. Dozens of disciples climbed aboard, laughter and nerves mixing in the chilled air.
Ren adjusted his gear, stepping into one of the transport carriages. He paused only when he saw her — already seated at the far end, black hair loose for once, catching the morning light.
"Saved you a spot," she said without looking up from the scroll in her hands.
Ren blinked, then smiled faintly and sat beside her.
The caravan began to move.
As Emberlight slowly vanished behind them, Ren felt a strange emotion rise — not fear, not doubt, but anticipation.
Not just for the battles to come…
…but for the moments between them.