A week goes by, but it feels like an eternity of torment. Sheu excels in written tests, learning more about the history of Nyika, but in terms of power, she is still dwarfed by her group mates.

Their teacher speaks with conviction, "We wind users are the least valued in the military. Everyone can manipulate it to some extent, so we have a lot to prove. Let the winds of your rage move the tides and uproot trees. It's not enough to move wind; ours must destroy everything in its path."

Sheu's output simply isn't there yet.

Moto briefly meets Najo, who has bags under his eyes, and his face appears wrinkled as if he has aged years in the week that has passed.

Najo, hunched over: "I'm sorry I've been so scarce, guys. My grandpa has been working me to the bone. Crazy thing is, he said this is only preparation for his training."

Moto: "Hope you've been keeping up, at least."

Najo: "Barely, but I've grown a lot stronger, I'll tell you that. In fact, I don't think you can catch up to me anymore. Some rival you are."

Moto: "I know. Nowadays I spend half my time training and the other avoiding Mukai."

Najo: "You mean the king's kid?"

Moto: "Yeah, that dude never liked Sheu and me."

Najo looks at Sheu, who nods in agreement.

Dope & Gango: "Nijo!"

Najo: "Damn it, I gotta go, guys."

Moto: "Your boys giving you pet names now?" he teases.

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

Najo: "Shut up!" he says as he runs back to training.

Moto is left with Sheu. As the boys fade into the crowd, Moto asks Sheu if she noticed something weird about their mother.

Sheu admits it is strange that a woman widowed by her husband's old master would send her sons to serve them too.

Moto: "She still wears all black, the colors of mourning and grief."

Sheu: "Colors of grief?"

Moto: "Yeah, don't you have that in your culture too?"

Sheu: "I mean, we wear it at funerals, but aside from that, it's just fashion."

Moto: "Huh, forget it then." He looks away.

Sheu looks at him and leans forward to meet his eyes. "You've worn those colors since we met. Are you grieving?"

Moto's eyes dodge hers.

Moto, nervous: "I mean, it looks good on me, right?"

Sheu: "😒"

A leaf falls from the tree they are under. Moto catches it with his fingers in front of them both.

Sheu: "You know you're gonna have to let me in someday, right?"

Moto crumples the leaf and puts it next to himself, under his hand where Sheu can't see it. He's quiet for a moment.

Moto: "Enough about me. Have you heard from your dad yet?"

Sheu looks away as well. Her father has not returned yet, even though he told her he would. This has never happened before.

Moto: "He'll come back. He always does."

Sheu: "He'd better bring the best souvenir ever for making me worry."

Moto: "Make that a double."

Meanwhile, in the mysterious cave, the hired assassins gather to discuss their plan. Their leader, Alicia, addresses her team.

Alicia: "We're going to kidnap Sukai and use him as a hostage to get what we actually want—the Earth Ore."

Her right-hand man, Sifiso, interjects, "But are you sure we should take the child of a former client?"

Alicia laughs: "King Douglas is a very cautious man. He won't do anything reckless if his secrets are on the line."

Kangetsu, the new guy, grins: "Man, sounds like we've struck gold with this one, boss. I might never have to work again after this."

Sifiso: "Who gave you permission to speak?"

Kangetsu: "Last time I checked, you're not the one who wears the skirt in this organization."

Sifiso growls at Kangetsu, then turns to Alicia. "It's his first job. If anything, he'll just slow us down."

Alicia: "He's from Gehen. His powers will make up for the inexperience."

Sifiso steps back, surprised.

Kangetsu: "Plus, I've worked in a team before. I might end up being your greatest asset."

Sifiso: "Good. I'll need a meat shield anyway."

Kangetsu: "Good luck with that, buddy."