CHAPTER 5: SHADOWS BENEATH THE SURFACE
The first rays of dawn filtered through the sheer curtains in Myura’s room, casting a soft golden glow over her small, cozy space. She stirred beneath her blanket, her crimson eyes fluttering open as the world slowly came into focus. Myura stretched, the motion causing her hair to cascade messily over her face.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” a familiar, cheerful voice chimed in her head.
“Zenko?” Myura murmured groggily, turning her head. Sure enough, the silver-furred fox was perched on the edge of her desk, his golden eyes gleaming mischievously as his tail flicked lazily.
“You’ve got training today,” Zenko said, his voice ringing inside her thoughts. “Shouldn’t you be up by now?”
Myura groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. “It’s too early. Five more minutes.”
Zenko leapt from the desk to the edge of her bed, leaning close with an amused grin. “Oh no you don’t. Your mom’s already awake, and I can smell breakfast. Come on, Myura. You’ll want to eat before your father drags you outside.”
Her stomach growled in response, betraying her reluctance. Myura sighed, tossing the blanket aside and sitting up. “Fine, I’m up. But don’t expect me to move fast.”
Zenko chuckled. “I’ll consider this a win.”
Still too sleepy to care, Myura shuffled out of bed in her soft blue pajamas, her bare feet brushing against the cool floor. She yawned, rubbing her eyes as she opened her door and padded down the stairs.
A WARM MORNING
The scent of fresh bread and sizzling bacon wafted through the air as Myura entered the kitchen. The sunlight streaming through the windows bathed the room in a golden glow. Her mother, Alice, was seated at the wooden table with a steaming mug of tea, her auburn hair glinting in the light. Across from her sat Takeshi, already finishing a plate piled high with food.
“Good morning, Myura,” Alice greeted warmly, her kind eyes lighting up as she smiled. “You’re up earlier than usual.”
“Morning,” Myura mumbled, stifling a yawn. She shuffled over to the table and slumped into a chair.
“Rough night?” Takeshi asked, his rugged face breaking into a teasing grin. “Or is getting out of bed just that difficult?”
“Both,” Myura replied flatly, reaching for a slice of bread from the plate her mother had prepared. “Zenko wouldn’t stop nagging me to get up.”
Alice raised an eyebrow, but Myura quickly stuffed the bread into her mouth to avoid elaborating. She knew her family couldn’t see Zenko—or even sense him—and she didn’t want to seem strange by talking too much about her invisible companion.
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“Come on, eat up,” Takeshi said, gesturing to the food. “You’ll need your strength today.”
Alice chuckled, sipping her tea. “You sound like you’re planning to work her to the bone.”
“Not the bone,” Takeshi replied with a smirk. “But close enough. It’s time she started taking training more seriously.”
Myura rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. As much as she pretended to grumble, she enjoyed these moments with her parents. They grounded her in a way that nothing else could.
Once her plate was clean, Myura leaned back with a contented sigh. Before she could relax too much, Takeshi stood and crossed the room, ruffling her hair.
“Time to get moving,” he said. “You’ve got some work to do today.”
Myura grinned, her tiredness forgotten in an instant. “Okay! Give me a minute to change.”
She bolted up the stairs, Zenko floating beside her. “You’re excited,” he said, his voice tinged with approval.
“Of course I am,” Myura replied as she rummaged through her wardrobe. “I’m going to show him how much I’ve improved.”
TRAINING BEGINS
The sun climbed higher into the sky as Myura stepped onto the training field behind their home. The soft grass glistened with dew, and the gentle rustling of the trees created a serene backdrop. Takeshi stood in the center of the field, his wooden practice sword resting on his shoulder.
“Ready?” he asked, his voice calm but commanding.
Myura nodded, gripping her own wooden blade. “Always.”
“Good. Let’s see how much you’ve improved.” Takeshi gestured for her to take her stance. “Remember—focus, balance, and precision. Show me your resolve.”
Their blades clashed with a sharp crack, the sound ringing out across the field. Takeshi moved with fluid ease, testing Myura’s defenses with quick, calculated strikes. She parried each one, her movements deliberate but still lacking the speed and grace of her father’s.
“You’re hesitating,” Takeshi said, stepping back to give her room. “Stop thinking about what you’re going to do and just do it. Trust your instincts.”
Myura frowned, adjusting her grip. Her crimson eyes burned with determination as she lunged forward, feinting to the right before sweeping her blade toward Takeshi’s left. He blocked her strike, his expression softening with a nod of approval.
“Better,” he said. “You’re starting to think ahead. Keep it up.”
They continued sparring, the session growing more intense as Takeshi pushed her to her limits. Myura’s muscles ached, sweat dripping down her brow, but she refused to give up. She wanted to prove to him—and to herself—that she was capable.
Finally, Takeshi stepped back, lowering his sword. “That’s enough for today.”
Myura sank to her knees, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. She looked up at her father, her pride shining through the exhaustion. “Did I… do okay?”
Takeshi crouched beside her, resting a hand on her shoulder. “You did more than okay. You’ve got the heart of a fighter, Myura. But remember, strength isn’t just about skill. It’s about knowing what you’re fighting for.”
Myura nodded, her resolve hardening. “I’ll keep working hard. I’ll make you proud.”
Takeshi smiled, ruffling her hair. “You already do.”
From the edge of the field, Zenko watched quietly, his golden eyes glinting with pride. “You’re stronger than you know, Myura,” he whispered, his voice just for her.