Kiichi: "Focus, Adachi. You need to be able to maintain this permanently."

Including the combat training, Kiichi has been teaching me to alter my appearance using midst control. A simple technique called guise can change the color of my hair and eyes. Other methods can alter face shape and other aspects of one's appearance, but they are infinitely more complicated than the one I'm using. Because it's a technique that requires focus, I'm having trouble maintaining it while in combat or while sleeping. Kiichi says that If I maintain it permanently, it will become second nature to me.

Kiichi and I are doing combat training, but I must maintain my guise throughout the session. It's been two months since we cleared out the grove. I've grown considerably stronger in this time, but I'm still a novice. Winter is just around the corner, and I plan to set out before It's upon us. I wonder if I'm ready...

Kiichi: "Adachi! Your alteration faded away again. I can see your true colors. Focus!"

Adachi: "Sorry!"

It's imperative that I learn how to maintain my alteration. Failing to do so may end up in execution.

A couple of weeks go by, and I've managed to maintain my alteration the entire time. Finally, Kiichi says I'm ready to set out, but it doesn't feel like I am. While training in combat, Kiichi motions for me to end the exercise.

Kiichi: "You'll leave tomorrow, Adachi. There's nothing more I can do for you here, but you're still not strong enough to handle everything this world will throw at you. I know where you must go. My old master, who taught me everything I know, lives in my hometown."

I look at Kiichi, who is old enough to have gray hair and a few wrinkles. Is his master even still alive?

Kiichi: "You're probably wondering if my master is still alive, aren't you?"

How did he know what I was thinking? Creepy.

Kiichi: "Don't worry, Adachi. Though he was my superior, he was only around a decade older than me. He was a true prodigy in our field and advanced in rank faster than anyone else. However, he didn't rise in the ranks that quickly for nothing. I learned incredible amounts from him in such a brief period. He can train you far better than I can, I guarantee it."

Kiichi's knowledge of midst is indeed limited. Unfortunately, he stopped training before he could get a chance to learn more about it. I wonder what his master can teach me that he can't.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Adachi: "Kiichi, I'm nervous."

Kiichi's brow furrows, and he looks at me with stern eyes.

Kiichi: "It's only a week's journey from here to my hometown. I've trained you well enough that you can certainly handle the midstless that come at you. You've become a lot stronger than you realize, Adachi. You'll make me proud. I know it."

Kiichi's words of encouragement fail to strike a chord. I still feel anxious about my journey, but I think I can make it a week on my own.

Kiichi and I go to bed for the night, but I cannot sleep. Though I've been training for this moment physically, it seems that I'm entirely mentally unprepared. I stare at the fire crackling across the cabin. I've never been off this mountain in all my 12 years of living. Come to think of it, tomorrow is the day I turn 13.

Minutes pass, then hours. Finally, the sun looms over the horizon, and I sit up out of bed.

Kiichi: "Couldn't sleep?"

I almost jump out of my skin at the sound of Kiichi's voice. He's usually dead asleep still at this hour.

Adachi: "Yeah... I guess I still am nervous about this whole thing."

Kiichi sits up and stretches his arms.

Kiichi: "I couldn't sleep either."

Adachi: "Nervous, Kiichi? I thought you had faith in me."

Kiichi: "I do. I'm just anxious about how it'll be to have nobody to talk to."

Adachi: "You can still come with me, Kiichi. There's still a place for you in the world, and it doesn't have to be here."

Kiichi chuckles and rubs the back of his head. His smile fades as he looks out the window.

Kiichi: "Maybe one day I'll leave this mountain, but first I must repopulate the Dodona's. Who knows how long it'll be?"

I stare at the ground in disappointment. I had held on to hope that Kiichi could come back to face the world as he once did. I suppose it's still possible, but it won't be anytime soon.

Adachi: "Well, Kiichi, if you get too lonely by yourself, you still know where to find me!"

I show Kiichi a smiling face and give him a thumbs up.

Adachi: "I'll be with your old master, training to be the strongest in the world!"

Kiichi's face lightens up, and he bursts out in laughter.

Kiichi: "Pah! The entire world? That's quite the goal to set for yourself, young man. Do you even know how big the world is?"

Adachi: "Come to think of it, I have no idea!"

Kiichi and I laugh together just like always. This might be one of the final ordinary moments in my life.

A couple of hours pass, and Kiichi's packed me a bag full of stuff. I guess it's finally time to go.

Kiichi: "Here's your bag, Adachi. I've packed in a few surprises for your birthday, but don't open them until you've already left!"

Kiichi winks at me and kneels to my height.

Putting one hand on my head, he looks me in the eyes and says, "You know, you're the closest thing to family I have now. Don't go getting yourself killed. When you die, I'll die as well. Keep that in mind, and if for nothing else, live for my sake."

Adachi: "See? You are nervous!"

Before I know it, tears are streaming down both my cheeks, and I begin sobbing. I can't stop the tears, and I throw myself into Kiichi's embrace.

Kiichi: "That I am, Adachi. That I am."

After a few moments had passed, I set forth down the path. When I look back towards the cabin, I can still see Kiichi standing and waving. I wave back as the tears return to my eyes. I've never experienced having to say goodbye, but now I know.

I don't like goodbyes.