CHAPTER 3: A DAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS
The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the windows of Myura’s home, casting a golden glow across her room. Myura jumped out of bed, excitement bubbling in her chest. She quickly dressed, smoothing her tunic and tying her hair back, before darting downstairs where her parents were having breakfast.
“Good morning, Myura,” her mother said with a smile. “You’re up early.”
“I’m going to the market to play with Kazuki!” Myura announced, practically bouncing on her heels.
Her father, Takeshi, looked up from his plate, his expression softening. “Be careful, okay? Don’t wander too far.”
“I’ll be fine, Dad! Kazuki’s with me,” Myura said confidently, grabbing a slice of bread from the table before running out the door.
SEARCHING THE MARKET
The market was already bustling with life when Myura arrived. Merchants called out their wares, and the scent of fresh pastries and ripe fruit filled the air. Myura weaved through the crowd, scanning the faces around her.
“Kazuki?” she called out, standing on her toes to look over the stalls. “Where are you?”
She wandered further, pausing by a cart filled with colorful fabrics, when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Startled, she spun around, her heart racing, only to find Kazuki standing there with a sheepish grin.
“Kazuki!” Myura exclaimed, clutching her chest. “You scared me! How did you sneak up on me like that? I didn’t even sense you!”
Kazuki chuckled softly, scratching the back of his head. “I guess I’m just quiet. Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Myura narrowed her eyes playfully, then grinned. “You’re lucky I didn’t use my magic on you. Come on, let’s go!”
A MORNING OF FUN
The two spent the morning exploring the market, their laughter blending with the lively sounds around them. Myura dragged Kazuki to a street performer juggling flaming torches, and they clapped enthusiastically when the man bowed with a flourish. They bought a small bag of sweet pastries to share, the sugary treats leaving crumbs on their hands as they devoured them.
At one point, they stopped by a stall selling small trinkets. Myura picked up a polished stone necklace and held it up to Kazuki. “Look! Doesn’t this look like something a hero would wear?”
Kazuki tilted his head, his cheeks pink. “I don’t know about a hero, but it suits you.”
Myura laughed and set the necklace down, nudging him playfully. “You’re so shy! We’ll work on that.”
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As the sun climbed higher, they ran through the fields outside the town, chasing each other and pretending to be knights battling imaginary foes. Myura swung a stick like a sword, her red eyes sparkling with joy. “You’ll never defeat me, Kazuki! I’m the strongest knight in all of Ezakar!”
Kazuki, holding his own stick, laughed nervously. “Maybe, but I’m faster!” He darted away, and Myura gave chase, her laughter ringing out.
THE BIG TREE
By midday, the two friends reached a massive tree standing alone in a meadow, its thick branches spreading wide. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze, and the shade beneath it offered a cool respite from the sun.
“Race you to the top!” Myura declared, running to the tree and grabbing the lowest branch.
“Wait, what?” Kazuki called, watching as she started to climb. “Are you sure this is safe?”
“Of course it is!” Myura said, already pulling herself higher. “Come on, keep up!”
Kazuki hesitated before grabbing a branch and starting after her. “I’m not as fast as you!”
Myura laughed as she climbed, her movements quick and confident. She looked down at Kazuki struggling below her. “Come on, you’re almost there!”
She climbed higher, caught up in the excitement, when her foot slipped on a mossy branch. Time seemed to slow as she lost her grip, her arms flailing. “Kazuki!” she cried out as she fell.
Kazuki reached out, his fingers just brushing hers, but it was too late. Myura hit the ground with a thud, the world spinning before everything went black.
KAZUKI’S POWER
When Myura’s senses returned, she felt a strange warmth spreading through her body but also her dark magic fading. It wasn’t the sun or the ground beneath her but something deeper, soothing and comforting. Slowly, she opened her eyes.
Kazuki was kneeling beside her, his hands glowing with a soft, golden light. His face was pale and filled with determination. “Come on, Myura… stay with me,” he murmured.
“Kazuki…” Myura said weakly, her voice barely a whisper. “What… what are you doing?”
Kazuki leaned closer, relief washing over his face as he saw her awake. “You’re okay!” he exclaimed, the glow fading as he pulled his hands back. “I healed you.”
Myura blinked, her crimson eyes wide. “You… healed me? With magic?”
Kazuki nodded hesitantly, holding up his hands as a faint glow returned. “It’s light magic. I… I don’t have much power, but I had to try.”
SHADOWS AND LIGHT
Fascinated, Myura sat up, her strength returning. “That’s incredible, Kazuki! Light magic… it’s so rare. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Kazuki smiled shyly, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s not much. Just enough to help.”
Myura’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Wanna see something cool?” she asked, unable to contain herself.
Before Kazuki could answer, Myura held out her hand. Shadows coiled around her fingers, forming a small orb of darkness. She waved her hand, and the orb floated through the air before dissipating into tendrils of shadow.
Kazuki stared, startled. “That’s… dark magic. Isn’t it dangerous?”
Myura shook her head quickly. “Not the way I use it. It’s just another kind of magic, like yours. It’s not bad—it depends on the person using it.”
Kazuki looked at her thoughtfully, his initial fear easing. “You’re not bad, so I guess it’s okay.”
Myura grinned. “See? Told you it’s cool and not dangerous. I wield it for good and not evil.”
The two sat under the tree, sharing their magic and stories until the sun began to set. As they walked back to town, their bond grew even stronger, their friendship now tied by the light and shadows they both carried.