The cool and cold afternoon breeze rustled through the trees as two young and energetic children ran on the soft snow, their small hands carrying piles of wood.
The sun hung low in the sky, illuminating a golden ray over the trees.
"Come on, Yoko! They are waiting for us!" Tsukishiro called out, a smile plastered on his lips. His silver, white hair gleamed under the golden sunlight, and his black eyes shone with excitement.
"I know! Don't rush me!" Yoko replied, heaving as she struggled to carry the pile of wood on her arms. Her short black hair swayed with each step as she carefully walked, cautious not to stumble. Her golden, yellow eyes showed anxiety.
"Did you know? My Dad told me. The more wood we get, the better the trade gets!" Tsukishiro exclaimed, hopping with ease. "Oh! And, at night, I wanna show you something."
Yoko squinted her eyes as she looked at him doubtfully. "You're not planning any tricks, aren't you?"
"Of course not! It's something really, really cool!"
Still doubtful, Yoko can't help but let out a sigh. "Going out at night is too dangerous. Besides, didn't your Dad already scold you for going out at night?"
"He won't know! Trust me."
"That's much dangerous, you know."
"It'll be just a quick, little peek!" Tsukishiro insisted with a grin on his face.
"Fine, sure."
...
Tsukishiro and Yoko managed to bring home the piles of wood they were carrying. As night fell, they ate their dinner, and it was time for them to sleep. However, as they talked earlier, Tsukishiro wanted to show her something.
And so their "escape" started. Pretending to be asleep, Tsukishiro carefully peeked his eyes, looking out if his parents are now asleep. And when he sensed that the time was finally right, he slowly opened his eyes and turned around, still pretending to be asleep.
They only have one bedroom, and so, although on a different bed, his parents sleep in the same room, just across his bed.
He slowly sat up, careful as to not even make the slightest rustling noise. And, when he saw that across him, his parents was already fast asleep.
With extreme carefulness, he got out of bed, even going as far as tiptoeing on the wooden floor. After what seemed like an eternity, he was able to arrive at the living room. He quietly grabbed his jacket and scarf and made his way outside.
He closed the door behind him and turned to run towards Yoko's house. There, just outside the wooden house, was Yoko, waiting, bundled in winter clothes and a scarf.
Tsukishiro energetically waved his hand. Yoko notices and slightly waves her hand. Tsukishiro pointed in the direction of the woods, leading to a special place. Yoko nodded, and the both of them slowly walked in that direction.
Their place was a small village in the snowy mountains, with wooden houses. The woods aren't so unfamiliar to them; that is their home.
Led by Tsukishiro, they traversed through the dark path, only guided by the dim light of the bright moon. However, it was not the direction that was hard, it was the path itself. The path was rocky and uphill.
"Are we almost there yet?" Yoko asked, clearly catching her breath from walking on the rigorous path.
"A-Almost."
They continued on, although struggling. At last, they arrived at the place that Tsukishiro had mentioned. They finally reached the top of a hill, overlooking everything beyond. They carefully walked towards the near-edge of the cliff. Yoko gasped as she saw what was beyond.
Below them, and in the far-away places, was a vast land. And in the middle was like a giant sea of stars, brightly shining. Explosions in the sky filled the dark night sky, resembling colorful fireworks.
"W-What is that?... It's so... beautiful." Yoko uttered, her eyes fixated on the beauty of the night.
"My Mom told me that it's called 'The City Of Saintellia.'" Tsukishiro proudly replied as he looked at the colorful scenery.
"The City Of... Saintellia?"
"Yeah! She also told me that that is the city that we trade wood with for coins, since the woods in these mountains are pretty rare, they say. And also, that's where we buy everything we have!"
"T-That's amazing," Yoko replied, still astonished by the sight in front of her.
"I want to live in the city, too. But, they say it's too expensive..."
"I want to live there too. Why don't my parents tell me about these types of things?" Yoko muttered in disappointment.
"Well now, at least you know. One day, we'll go there together! And in that city, there is a school for magic! You want to improve your magic too, right?!"
"Really?! I want to become a magician!"
"Let's make a promise to each other. An Oath."
Tsukishiro walked slightly further and stood up.
"C-Careful! You might fall off!" Yoko yelled out, but Tsukishiro ignored it. He stood at the edge and raised his right hand.
"I am Tsukishiro Kato, and I will become an accomplished magician in the city of Saintellia!" He yelled out, his voice determined and full of hope.
Yoko was astonished by his determination. She then followed, stood up, and walked beside Tsukishiro. She raised her right hand in the same manner as Tsukishiro and took a deep breath.
"I am Yoko Shimizu, and I will also become a strong magician in the city!" She also yelled out.
Their voices were filled with resolve and resolution.
"Let's make our dreams come true, okay?" Tsukishiro asked, a radiant smile plastered on his face.
Yoko nodded gleefully.
And in that night, an Oath was made—The start of everything.