The garden still carried the memory of last night's storm.
Drops clung to the tall walls like crystal threads, and the trimmed bushes glittered with morning dew. The grass felt soft underfoot, damp but clean, and the scent of wet earth and leaves filled the air. Sunlight hadn't yet reached the ground. Birds chirped hesitantly in the trees.
In the middle of the garden, Navi stood—her red hair matted with sweat, strands sticking to her flushed cheeks. Her breath came in short puffs, chest rising and falling quickly as she tried to steady herself.
Sei stood in front of her, arms crossed, expression focused.
"Alright, just focus again," he said calmly. "Try to channel them separately."
Navi nodded silently and raised her hands once more. Her eyes shut tight in concentration.
From her left palm, a flicker of fire emerged—dancing. From her right, a gentle swirl of water began to form. For a moment, they both held steady, glowing with faint energy.
But then—SWOSH!
