◆◇◆
Time moved differently in the small forest village of Veyrun.
The seasons changed gently; laughter echoed through the air; and memories were woven into every day that passed.
Among the children, there was one who stood apart. Gray.
He was often seen running after his sister, Lysera her dark hair fluttering as she dashed between the trees. Sometimes they tumbled into the dirt, and she'd laugh while he brushed himself off with that quiet, unreadable expression.
Gray wasn't special because of his looks or his talent.
He was special because he shouldn't have been alive.
While others learned to draw essence to shape it into sparks and warmth Gray could not.
Every attempt ended the same: with a searing pain bursting through his chest, his heart feeling as if it were being torn apart from within.
Yet, he possessed an ability no one could explain the power to heal from any injury in mere moments.
Because of this, Gray trained harder than anyone, guided by his father, Devion Veyrun, the village chief and an excellent swordsman.
◆◇◆
"Gray! Gray, where are you?"
Lysera's voice rang through the forest, her feet crunching on fallen leaves.
"It's getting late!" she called again.
"Okay, okay, I'm coming," Gray answered, appearing from behind a tree.
But before they could leave, a rustle echoed behind them.
A mojin eyes glowing crimson crept out of the shadows.
"Stay behind me," Gray said, drawing his sword.
The creature lunged.
Steel met flesh.
Lysera's essence flared, scorching its hide in bright light.
Moments later, the forest fell silent.
The mojin collapsed, lifeless.
Gray exhaled sharply, a cut across his arm already sealing before Lysera's eyes.
"Your powers never cease to amaze me, Gray," she said, breathless. "But… do you feel any pain?"
Gray looked down at his arm. "Yeah. I do. But it disappears like it was never there."
Lysera frowned. "It's getting dangerous around here. Let's head home before more mojins appear."
Then a deep, calm voice echoed from the trees.
"So this is where you two are."
"Father!" Lysera gasped.
Devon stepped forward, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "I've been looking for you both. To think you'd be out here hunting your mother was worried sick."
"Father!" Gray said excitedly. "Lysera and I killed a mojin!"
"Really?" Devon raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Lysera sighed. "Gray, I told you not to tell Father."
Devon chuckled. "To take down even a young mojin at your age… impressive. You both did well."
He placed a hand on Gray's shoulder. "Come, your mother made something delicious for dinner. I'll send someone to harvest the core later."
◆◇◆
That night, the village was alive with warmth and laughter.
Children gathered around the elder, Yasera, listening to her ancient tales. The men shared fermented drinks, their voices rising in cheerful arguments. The women gossiped softly about their children.
It was a night of peace.
In front of his home, Devon stood beside Gray, gazing over the quiet village.
"Gray," he said softly. "Someday, this village will rest on your and Lysera's shoulders. Promise me you'll protect it and lead wisely."
Gray looked up at him. "Father… no matter what happens, I'll protect them. The villagers will always be my top priority."
Devion smiled. "That's my son. Come, let's go inside. Your mother and Lysera are waiting."
◆◇◆
Inside, Selera turned toward them, arms crossed. "And where have you two been?"
Devion laughed. "Just a little father-son talk."
Selera sighed. "And you made us wait? The food's getting cold!"
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, my love," Devon said, scratching his head with a grin. "How about I make it up to you with a kiss?"
"Devon! The kids are here!" Selera whispered, flustered.
Gray and Lysera laughed quietly from the table.
Selera rolled her eyes. "Let's eat before the food turns cold."
As they sat together, the firelight flickered across their faces.
Gray looked around the table the laughter, the warmth, the flicker of the hearth.
He though to himself..I'll protect this, . No matter what it costs me.
◆◇◆
Outside Veyrun
This village sure is peaceful I wish the city was peaceful as this l, what was it called again?oh yes.. the village of Veyrun, to think that family was still alive
"Commander we are ready to move now"
Okay everyone! Let's get started....