After breakfast and a bit more training, Kite, Sylvana, and he went to see Ludo, Cassia, and Elian. Tomas stayed with Skyla to play together. Sylvana looked like she wanted to join them, but in the end, she chose to accompany Kite.
The six of them then headed to the forest for some fun and games. As they were walking, a strange fog swept across the forest. When it finally vanished, Kite found himself alone.
He gasped and looked around. Where did they go? He hadn't fallen asleep back in the house, had he? It certainly felt like a nightmare.
Kite gasped as he realized it wasn't his friends who got swept away, but him. The trees weren't the same as before. Or could they all have gotten separated? Regardless, he had to find them!
Kite's heart pounded in his chest as he scanned the unfamiliar forest. The trees around him were dense and twisted, their branches reaching out like gnarled fingers. The air was thick with an eerie silence, and he felt a chill run down his spine. He had to find his friends; they could be in danger.
He called out, "Sylvana! Ludo! Cassia! Elian!" His voice echoed through the forest, but there was no response. The oppressive silence pressed in on him, heightening his sense of urgency.
Determined, Kite began to move through the forest, his eyes darting around for any sign of his friends. He carefully navigated the uneven terrain, his mind racing with possibilities. Had they been separated by the fog, or had something more sinister occurred?
After what felt like an eternity of searching, Kite stumbled upon a clearing. In the center stood a mysterious white-haired boy and girl he had encountered earlier in the village. Their presence seemed to command the space, and Kite felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
The boy stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Kite's. "Hey, you. You're that boy from another world, correct?"
Kite blinked. How did this boy know that?
"Do I know you?" he asked.
"Just answer the question,: the girl said, folding her arms.
Kite blinked. "Uh, well, I am."
The boy stepped back and pulled out a glistening white claymore. He rushed straight at Kite.
He jumped back and pulled Lumina out and blocked the mysterious boy's sword.
"Hey! What's the deal!" Kite yelled.
The boy stared back at him with his steely blue eyes. "You must be eliminated, for the sake of the universal order," the girl said as she picked up a flower from the ground.
Kite made a face. For the sake of the universal order? How was he a threat to it?
He winced at the boy unleashed a wave of ice magic against him.
Kite's heart raced as the wave of ice magic rushed toward him, the cold seeping into his bones. He tightened his grip on Lumina, the golden broadsword, and summoned the fire magic within him. The warmth of the flames surged through his veins, battling against the encroaching chill.
With a swift motion, Kite raised his free hand and released a burst of fire to counter the ice. The two elements collided in mid-air, sending a shower of steam and sparks across the clearing. The white-haired boy's eyes narrowed as he assessed Kite's newfound power.
"You're stronger than I anticipated," the boy remarked, his voice tinged with grudging respect.
Kite didn't waste time responding. He launched forward, Lumina ablaze with fiery energy. The boy parried the attack with his claymore, the clash of their swords ringing out through the forest. Sparks flew as their blades met again and again, each strike more powerful than the last.
The girl watched from the sidelines, her expression calm and unreadable as she twirled the flower between her fingers.
He needed to understand why they saw him as a threat and, more importantly, how to find his friends.
Drawing upon his training, Kite unleashed a series of rapid strikes, pushing the boy back. He followed up with a powerful burst of fire, the flames roaring to life as they surged toward his opponent. The boy raised his claymore, creating a barrier of ice to shield himself.
The heat from Kite's fire melted the ice, steam billowing around them. Seizing the opportunity, Kite pressed his advantage, his movements fluid and precise. He needed to end this fight quickly, to find answers and protect his friends.
The boy's defenses began to falter under the relentless assault. Kite's fire magic burned brighter, fueled by his determination. With a final, powerful swing, he disarmed the boy, sending the claymore clattering to the ground.
Breathing heavily, Kite kept Lumina trained on the boy. "Why are you doing this? What makes me a threat to the universal order?"
The boy looked up at him, his steely blue eyes filled with a mix of anger and something else—perhaps regret. "You don't understand. Your presence here disrupts the balance. We were sent to ensure that balance is maintained."
Kite's mind raced. "Who sent you? And why now?"
The girl stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "There are forces at play that you cannot comprehend. We are part of a larger design, one that aims to protect the fabric of reality itself."
Kite's frustration grew. "And attacking me is part of that design? What about my friends? Are they in danger because of me?"
The girl shook her head. "Your friends are safe, for now. But your existence here creates ripple effects, disturbances that must be corrected."
Kite lowered Lumina slightly, his thoughts churning. "What if we work together? There must be another way to maintain this balance without resorting to violence."
The boy and girl exchanged a glance, a silent communication passing between them. After a moment, the boy nodded. "Perhaps there is another way. But it will not be easy. You must prove your commitment to preserving the balance."
Kite's resolve hardened. "I'll do whatever it takes. Just tell me what I need to do."
The girl sighed. "Someone from beyond the universal firmament is prophecized to bring about the ruin of all of Uto."
Kite blinked. Uto? Was that the name of this universe?
The boy nodded as he walked over to pick up his sword.
"And what makes you think it's me? Did it mention something about a golden sword?"
"No, but your scent is like that of the people in my dream who bring Uto to ruin."
Kite frowned. Why would that be the case?
Kite's mind raced as he tried to process the information. The prophecy, the threat to Uto, and the mysterious duo's determination to eliminate him all swirled in his thoughts. Why did they believe he was the one to bring about ruin? And what was this about his scent?
The boy sheathed his claymore, his steely blue eyes still locked on Kite. "For now, we will spare you. But know that we will be watching. Any sign that you are the threat we fear, and we will take action."
The girl nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Consider this a reprieve. Prove to us that you are not the harbinger of destruction, and perhaps we can find another way to maintain the balance."
Kite took a deep breath, his grip on Lumina relaxing. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes to prove that I'm not the one you're looking for. But I need your help to understand this world and the prophecy. We can work together to prevent any disaster."
The boy and girl exchanged another glance, their silent communication palpable. After a moment, the boy spoke. "Very well. We will remain in the shadows, observing your actions. If you truly seek to protect Uto, then you will have our tentative support."
Kite nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and determination. "Thank you. I promise I won't let you down."
The girl stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Your friends are safe, but they remain unaware of the larger forces at play. It is better they do not know for now. Focus on your journey, and we will guide you when necessary."
With that, the duo turned and began to fade into the forest, their forms blending seamlessly with the mist and shadows. Kite watched them go, a new sense of purpose settling over him. He had to find his friends and ensure their safety, but he also needed to uncover the truth about the prophecy and his role in this world.
Just then, the rolling mist returned and Kite found himself back where he was. His friends laughed and joked as if he had never been split off from them.
Kite rubbed his head.
"Remember, we are watching," the girl's voice echoed in his head.
"Kite? You okay?" Sylvana asked, eyes furrowed.
Kite forced a smile and nodded. Had he fallen captive to that strange girl's magic earlier? He still didn't know who they were.