The next morning, I sat cross-legged beneath the old tree outside my home, the Lunar Sage's book open beside me.
I breathed in. And Out. Focused.
But nothing worked. "Years with my sword... grabbed my attention to them... I can't even concentrate," I murmured in frustration. Meditation—true, deep meditation—was foreign to me. I'd trained under generals, fought in blood-soaked fields, bathed in steel and ash. But this?
This stillness? It distracted me.
I sighed and stood, dusting myself off. Maybe the library would distract me.
Inside Baron Alfred's mansion, the scent of parchment and old ink drifted through the air. Edward and I sat in the library, while Alfred droned on about ancient literature and poetic symbolism. I tried to pay attention. I really did. But the slow cadence of Alfred's voice... the warm golden light through the stained glass windows... the utterly lifeless subject matter... I was barely awake.
Finally, Alfred clapped his hands. "Break time, children."
I immediately slumped back on the carpet, arms behind my head, half-dozing—
Until I heard it.
A whisper. So faint I could've mistaken it for a thought.
"Save... Save me!"
I bolted upright.
Edward jumped. "Wha—Elric?! What's going on?" But I didn't answer. My legs moved before my mind caught up. I pushed open the doors and ran straight out of the mansion.
"Wait—Elric!! Where are you going?!" Edward jolted behind me.
I dashed through the village, past the old tree, across the field, and into the Lunaris Forest. The voice had faded, but something in my heart tugged me forward.
Edward trailed behind me, panting and calling out, but I didn't stop. I scanned every bush, every hollow log, every dip in the mossy terrain.
Where are you... where are you...
And then I saw it—just behind a gnarled tree trunk, curled up and trembling:
A cub. No bigger than a housecat. Its fur a mix of silver and deep violet, shimmering faintly under the forest light. Its golden eyes stared at me, wide with fear.
It was injured—cuts along its flank, ribs visibly poking through its fur. Blood matted one leg. It panted, weak and wild. "You called me," I whispered. Edward finally caught up and collapsed beside me, gasping. "Gosh... Elric… don't run so fast…"
Then he saw the cub.
He froze. His eyes widened. His skin went pale.
"E-Elric… drop it!" he yelled. "It's dangerous!!"
I turned, confused. "What are you talking about?"
Edward pointed with a trembling finger. "That's a Leon cub. A mythical beast. They're rare. Powerful. Some legends say they bring disaster wherever they go!"
"Yeah? Then what about dragons?" I asked calmly.
Edward didn't answer.
His silence was louder than words.
I looked at the cub again. It was so thin. So weak.
"You haven't eaten in days," I murmured.
I reached into my pouch and offered some berries from my morning forage.
The cub bared its tiny fangs and swatted them aside at first. But then, hunger overpowered pride. Slowly… reluctantly… it began to eat.
Small, shivering bites.
That's it... good.
We returned to the village.
Edward was still pale. I held the cub in both arms. Its body was warm, heart beating faintly. Its fur trembled with each breath.
As we entered the square, the reaction was immediate.
Screams. Shouts. People backing away.
"Is that—?!"
"A Leon?!"
"Get back!!"
Baron Alfred stepped forward, blade drawn and already glowing with enchantment.
"Don't worry, Elric!" he called. "I'll save you from the Leon!"
He charged.
I stood still.
Then calmly held up one hand.
"Baron, stop. He's not attacking. He's injured."
Alfred skidded to a halt, sword still raised, uncertainty in his eyes.
My father emerged from the crowd. "Elric, do you even understand what that thing is? Leon cubs aren't pets. They're calamities!" "I know what he is," I said. "But look at him. He's a baby. Bleeding. Dying. He called for help."
Gasps murmured through the crowd.
"He spoke to you?" Alfred asked.
I nodded. "In my mind."
Then, from the back, a soft voice chimed in:
"He's not scary."
Luna stepped forward, past the fearful villagers, past the drawn swords, calm as ever. She approached the cub with slow steps and gentle eyes.
She crouched and placed a hand softly on his head.
The cub flinched—then... purred.
Luna giggled. "See? The Leon likes us."
She turned to the adults.
"Please let him stay. Elric saved him. I think... he belongs with us."
There was a long silence.
Finally, the Baron sighed, lowering his sword. "Fine. But if he shows even one sign of danger, I'll be watching."
I nodded.
"That's fair."
I carried the cub home. Laid him gently on my bed, wrapping him in a blanket. He purred again—low, rumbling, almost like a soft thunder. Then he fell asleep. "Your name is Ash.....". You used Telepathy I think. To use that skill is no easy task, you are powerful. For some reason...I feel something in you.....I can't explain it.....but something tells me.....its to help me in mastering the art....that crescent art.....