Shawn stood in the clearing, his body tense, his breath steady as he faced Rian. The air was thick with anticipation, the rustling of leaves barely audible over the tension crackling between them. The two boys stood apart, their gazes locked like warriors preparing for battle. Rian, a year older and already adept at wielding fire, smirked confidently. Flames flickered at his fingertips, casting a warm glow in the dim light of the forest.
"Are you sure about this?" Rian asked, tilting his head slightly. "You barely know how to use your wind abilities."
Shawn clenched his fists. He had trained with the Captain , learned the fundamentals of sensing his environment, but true combat was another matter. Still, he refused to back down.
"I need to learn," Shawn replied, his voice firm. "And the best way is through experience."
Rian's smirk widened. "Alright then, but don't hold it against me when you lose."
With that, he moved. Fire erupted from his palm, streaking toward Shawn in a fast-moving arc. Shawn reacted on instinct, the wind around him responding to his desperation. A powerful gust deflected the flames, but the sheer force sent him stumbling backward.
Rian didn't give him time to recover. He dashed forward, his movements swift and controlled. Shawn tried to sense his opponent, using the echoing wind technique Captain Alric had taught him. The currents of air around him shifted, whispering of Rian's movements. But he was still too slow.
A flaming fist slammed into his shoulder, sending pain searing through his body. He gritted his teeth, rolling with the impact to lessen the damage. His tunic was scorched where the flames had licked his skin. He had barely gotten to his feet before another attack came, forcing him to dive to the side.
Shawn focused, inhaling deeply. The wind was his ally, and he had to trust it. Instead of dodging blindly, he let his senses guide him. When Rian lunged again, Shawn spun with the air, a sudden gust pushing him just out of reach. For a brief moment, he felt the exhilaration of control—but it didn't last.
Rian twisted mid-strike, a ball of fire igniting in his other hand. The flames crashed against Shawn's hastily raised defense of swirling wind. The collision sent him skidding across the ground, coughing as he tried to rise.
"You're too reactive," Rian commented, watching him with calculating eyes. "You let the wind carry you, but you're not using it to fight back."
Shawn exhaled sharply, frustration boiling in his chest. Rian was right. He was dodging, deflecting, but he wasn't attacking. Wind was not just a tool of evasion—it could cut, it could strike. He needed to take control.
Drawing upon his reserves, Shawn willed the air around him to sharpen, compressing it into a force he could use. He felt the wind stir, responding to his command. As Rian charged again, Shawn swung his arm outward, and a sharp gale lashed forward. It wasn't strong, but it was enough to throw off Rian's balance.
Seizing the opportunity, Shawn lunged, the wind propelling him forward. He struck out with a palm, sending a burst of air into Rian's chest. The older boy stumbled, eyes widening in surprise. But he recovered quickly, rolling back onto his feet.
"Better," Rian admitted. Then he grinned. "But not enough."
Before Shawn could react, flames burst from Rian's feet, launching him forward at an unnatural speed. The next blow was brutal. A direct hit to Shawn's stomach sent him sprawling. The wind in his lungs was knocked out, leaving him gasping.
"Alright, that's enough," Rian said, stepping back. "You put up a good fight."
Shawn groaned, lying on his back, staring up at the sky. His body ached, his pride stung, but deep down, he felt exhilarated. This was just the beginning.
A hand appeared in his vision. He looked up to see Rian offering to help him up. Shawn hesitated for only a moment before grasping it, pulling himself to his feet.
"We should do this again," Shawn said, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Rian laughed. "Definitely. But next time, try not to get knocked down so easily."
They exchanged grins, the foundation of a new friendship forming in the aftermath of battle.
As they walked back toward the settlement, still catching their breath, something caught Rian's eye. He bent down, picking up a small, weathered envelope partially hidden beneath the roots of an old tree.
"What's this?" he muttered, brushing off the dirt.
Shawn peered over his shoulder as Rian carefully opened the letter. The parchment was aged, the ink slightly faded, but the words were still legible. As they read, a sense of intrigue settled over them. It spoke of a place deep within the forest, a hidden location where something of great importance lay forgotten.
Shawn and Rian exchanged a glance.
"An adventure?" Rian asked, a smirk forming.
Shawn grinned, despite his exhaustion. "Looks like it."
Little did they know, their actions were being watched. Hidden among the trees, a hooded figure observed them with keen interest. The figure's presence was shrouded, concealed even from the sharpest of senses. Just as they turned to leave, another shadow emerged behind the watcher. A hand shot out, grasping the figure's neck, pulling them into the darkness.
A hushed whisper echoed through the woods. "You're not the only one interested in the boy."
" I want us to venture into the place stated by the map in two days. Ensure that you will be prepared and let no one else know about it. It should be a fun experience but you must not inform anyone. Promise me that." said Rian, as a handshake to seal the deal was made.
" Lets head back as it is late. I do not want my dad to worry about my whereabouts nor does your mother." he said as they returned to the city , but luckily, they made it in time.
Shawn and his mom headed back at home, tired, but each one of them with a good mood.