"BAM!" Klause kicked open Luna's former room door, his sharp gaze sweeping over the nearly empty space. He strode toward the wardrobe and yanked it open. At the bottom shelf, something whitish caught his eye.
Kneeling down, he pulled out a black rectangular box tied with a gold ribbon and a white scroll bound with a red ribbon.
"What the hell are these?" he muttered.
Sitting on the soft rug, he untied the gold ribbon and lifted the lid. His breath hitched slightly.
"You've got to be kidding me," he whispered.
Inside lay a sleek black Iaido katana, its polished red and black coloured hilt felt smooth beneath his fingers. He unsheathed the blade, watching in silent awe as its razor-sharp edge glistened under the dim light. A sinister grin crept across his lips.
After a moment of admiration, he carefully sheathed the katana and picked up the scroll. Untying the red ribbon, he unrolled it, his brows rising with intrigue.
A deep, menacing chuckle rumbled from his chest.
"Very good," he murmured. "With this, I'll escape the old man's ridiculous game and carve through those corrupt bastards. I'll channel all my anger, all my frustration—into the edge of this blade."
---
The Next Morning – 6:00 AM
At the break of dawn, Klause summoned his faction to the top-floor living room. As his subordinates gathered, he spread a detailed map of the boarding world across the table, his fingers tracing over a marked location—the small woods.
"Now that we have a base, heist operations will commence." His voice was sharp, unwavering. "We start with the small woods—a known hideout and perfect for setting up camp. After that, we hit Dionysus' Hall. Tonight, after sundown, you move out. Return before the great clock sounds. Understood?"
"Yeah!" they chorused.
Klause's gaze landed on Veda, a 17-year-old member.
"You're staying behind with me."
Veda hesitated. "Al-Alright."
---
The Small Woods – The Next Morning
The first rays of sunlight pierced through the thick canopy of broad leaves, casting golden God-rays upon Emrys' face. Stirring awake, he stretched, blinking sleep from his eyes. His gaze landed on Luna, the only one around, rummaging frantically through the bag filled with her swords.
Rubbing his eyes, he asked, "Morning. What're you looking for? Where's everyone?"
Without pausing, Luna replied, "Good morning. They've gone hunting. Emrys, did you see a small rectangular box and a scroll while packing my stuff?"
Frowning, Emrys scratched his chin. "Hmm… No, didn't see anything like that. What's in them? How important are they?"
Letting out a heavy sigh, "Damn it." She stopped searching the bag and sat down.
"What? What is it?" Emrys asked, sensing the frustration in her tone.
Disbelief in her eyes, she replied, "It was an Iaido katana, similar to the one my forefather wielded. And the scroll contained the secret techniques of the quick-draw style of kenjutsu. If they get their hands on it, they'll become even more formidable."
Emrys crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. "Not necessarily. I packed up the rest of your swords, so they don't have anything to practice with. It'll just be one guy wielding it. There's still hope."
"That's true… but still," Luna murmured, disheartened at the thought of an enemy wielding one of her finest works.
Emrys stood, dusting himself off. "I plan to fight him eventually. When I win, I'll take the sword and the scroll back. So don't worry."
Luna blushed slightly, tucking her face into her arms.
Emrys grabbed his black leather boots and shrugged into his gray jean jacket. "I'm off to join the others. Which way did they go?"
Luna pointed ahead. "Straight through there."
"See ya! Tch, they're having fun without me." Emrys took off jugging.
Watching him disappear into the trees, Luna sighed to herself. He always helps in any way he can. I really want to be like him.
She looked down, feeling self-doubt creep in. No… I could never—
But suddenly, an idea struck her. Her eyes shone sharply, and as she looked up, the morning light illuminated her silver hair. A warm smile spread across her face.
---
Three Hours Later
The hunting party returned with bountiful game.
They had caught 24 double-striped squirrels and 9 ox rabbits, with Emrys carrying the rabbits on his shoulders. The younger kids, who were six in number and no older than 6, each held a squirrel, their faces beaming with pride. Aeron, Hector, and Corsair carried three squirrels each, while the girls had gathered herbs, vegetables, and fresh water from the nearby stream.
By the time they returned, Luna had prepared a hearty meal of cereal from her supplies.
They spent the day eating, sharing stories, and laughing together. Despite the dangers surrounding them, they had carved out a small pocket of happiness—resonating warmth in a world filled with shadows.
---
That Night – 9:26 PM
The bonfire crackled softly, sending flickering embers into the dark sky. Emrys sat before the flames, deep in thought.
He pictured his future battle with Klause—the way he would move, the way he would strike.
But his focus was shattered by an abrupt, pungent scent.
His nose twitched.
He inhaled sharply.
"Fuel."
His eyes widened. A chill ran down his spine.
Turning his head, he spotted an eerie orange glow in the distance.
"WHOOSH!"
A sudden, explosive ignition burst from the west, flames roaring to life.
Stunned, Emrys fell backward.
His body moved on instinct.
"EVERYONE, WAKE UP!" he shouted, scrambling to his feet.
In the frenzy, they grabbed their belongings and made a run for it, heading east toward Dionysus' Hall.
The younger kids—ranging from four to six—clung to the older ones, their tiny faces streaked with tears. Some cried outright, while others sniffled, trying to be brave.
Luna scanned the group. Something felt off.
She counted the youngsters. Once.
Then again.
Her breath hitched.
"Two kids are missing!"
Everyone froze.
Emrys' expression turned grim. Without hesitation, he thrust his bags into Aeron's hands. "Take them to Dionysus Hall—I'll catch up."
And with that, he turned and ran—straight back towards the creeping flames.
—
Emrys leapt over roots and trunks, dodging low branches as he sprinted toward the bonfire site.
The flames behind him stretched into the sky, licking at the dry canopy, devouring everything in sight.
"Lysia! Han!" he shouted.
But to no avail.
Then—
"We're here!"
Emrys' eyes snapped toward the voice. He dashed in their direction, sliding down a sloping terrain—only to find Han's ankle trapped between two tree trunks, Lysia desperately trying to free him.
"How did you guys end up here?!"
"Han dropped his toy truck and slid down to get it, but got stuck. I was the only one who heard him scream," Lysia explained.
"Why didn't you call the others?!"
"I did, but no one came."
A sinking feeling hit Emrys. Damn it. The rustling leaves beneath our feets made it hard to hear.
Without hesitation, he wrenched Han's ankle free. The boy cried out in pain, his ankle red and swollen.
No time to waste.
Lifting Han onto his shoulder, Emrys took Lysia's hand and ran.
But the fire was faster.
A sudden CLUMP!
Lysia disappeared—falling into a hidden mud pit camouflaged by dry leaves.
Emrys' heart stopped.
"SHIT!"
Her desperate eyes met his.
And then—
The flames consumed her.
He could only run and watch as the blazing flames swallowed her up. After a long run, he reached the end of the small woods before the flames caught up with him. Breathing heavily, he put Han down, various thoughts flooding his mind.
'Since she fell into water, she should be safe. Yes, I'm sure of it. She must have submerged reflexively. I'll come look for her tomorrow when the flames have died down,' he told himself, instinctively searching for solace. He picked Han up again and walked away from the burning woods.