The first light of dawn filtered through the small window, casting a warm glow across the modest room. Aayu sat up, lost in thought, replaying the events of the previous night and his father's words in his mind.
The door creaked open, and Kaito stepped in, carrying a plate of steaming ramen.
Kaito: "Good morning. Here, have some breakfast. We need to eat well before continuing our journey."
Aayu took the plate, his gaze lowering slightly. "Thanks for everything, Kaito… and I'm sorry for how I acted before."
Kaito smiled, shaking his head. "It's okay, but I don't think you should feel guilty. You're going through a lot right now. In times like these, you have to be as strong as a rock—unbreakable. That's the only way to move forward."
Aayu nodded, taking a deep breath.
Kaito: "Alright, alright. No more heavy talk. It's getting late—we should leave now."
Aayu: "Yeah… okay."
After finishing their breakfast, they packed up and stepped outside. The dense jungle stretched before them, shrouded in morning mist.
Getsu walked up to a towering tree, placing his hand against its rough bark. Closing his eyes, he murmured an incantation under his breath.
Getsu: "We need your help, my friend."
A sudden gust of wind rustled the leaves as a mystical presence filled the air. From the shadows of the forest, a magnificent creature emerged—a white, winged horse with shimmering blue eyes that sparkled like precious gems. Its ethereal beauty made it look almost unreal, like something out of a legend.
Kaito's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are they… really here?"
Getsu glanced at him in surprise. "You… know about them?"
Kaito hesitated, his expression troubled. "I'm not sure. I only have fragments of childhood memories… I remember my family running from something—some kind of threat. My father called a creature like this to help us escape. My mother and I got away, but after that… I always thought it was just a dream."
He paused, his voice softening. "My father used to say that these creatures choose their riders, and their powers change depending on who rides them. My mother once told me she could summon one too… but I never saw it with my own eyes."
Getsu nodded. "Well, let's not waste time talking about it. Get on first. We can discuss the past later."
One by one, they climbed onto the creature's back. As soon as they were seated, the creature spread its powerful wings and took off into the sky.
The world below shrank as they soared higher, the morning sun casting golden light over the vast jungle. The dense canopy of trees stretched endlessly, bathed in the hues of dawn. Aayu stared in awe—the sight was breathtaking.
For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of freedom.
Getsu: "Do you know what they are called?"
Ayu: "I think… they are called Twilight."
Getsu: "You know well."
Kaito: "What powers does it have?"
Getsu: "Since it chose me, it can only fly and heal us. That is its basic power."
Ayu: "But I heard that they gain powers according to their users and choose only those who already have powers."
Getsu: "You heard it right. As I said, I can't access magical powers due to a curse, but my family was well known for these creatures. All of us have some connection with them. However, it's not true that they only choose those with power—they choose those with a pure heart."
---
Kaito: "So, where are we going?"
Getsu: "To our base. Once we reach there, we'll be safe for some time."
Getsu: "By the way, how did you lose your parents? And who killed them?"
Kaito: "I will tell you later, Sensei. I don't think this is the right time."
Getsu: "Alright. Just tell me your father's name and the name of the sword you have."
Ayu: "My father's name is Hiroshi Kujin."
Getsu (shocked): "What?! What did you just say? Are you the son of that man?"
Ayu: "Do you know my father?"
Getsu: "Yes, he was one of the most legendary ninjas I have ever met. He was my friend... and also my rival."
Kaito: "Is that true?"
Getsu: "Yes. We both met on the battlefield under Shadow Master."
Ayu: "Who is Shadow Master? I've never heard of him."
Getsu: "He was our Sensei and the most powerful ninja in our village. We were good friends, but due to a decision made by the previous Hoshikage, my family and I were exiled from the village. We had to spend our lives in the jungles."
Getsu: "That means… you have that legendary sword?"
Ayu: "Yes."