Chapter 4: Promises and Power
Yun Na's Return to the Academy
Yun Na stepped through the towering gates of the Academy, her golden locket glinting faintly under the sunlight. As she entered, her best friend Rico spotted her and rushed over, enveloping her in a fierce hug.
"Yun Na, are you okay?" Rico's voice trembled with concern. "I heard some thugs were after you! You're not hurt, right?" She pulled back, checking Yun Na for any signs of injury, her eyes darting over her arms and face.
Yun Na smiled, gently pushing Rico's hands away. "Rico, I'm absolutely fine. Nothing happened to me, I promise."
Rico, whose full name was Rico, frowned, unconvinced. "Fine? You've been missing since morning! I thought you were out fighting again, getting into trouble." She grinned mischievously, teasing now. "Wait a second… I get it. Your prince charming must've swooped in and saved you, didn't he?"
Yun Na rolled her eyes, swatting at Rico playfully. "Don't let your silly brain run wild. Come on, let's go inside the Academy, and I'll tell you everything."
The two friends walked into the administrative building and sat before their teacher, who leaned forward, her expression a mix of worry and authority.
"Yun Na, what happened?" the teacher demanded. "You've been gone all morning. I heard thugs attacked you. Are you alright?"
"Yes, teacher, I'm completely fine," Yun Na replied confidently. "No injuries, nothing."
The teacher's eyes narrowed. "But why were those thugs after you?"
Yun Na touched her locket, her fingers tracing its edges. "They were after my golden locket. I don't know why they're so obsessed with it."
The teacher stared at the locket, her gaze intense, then nodded. "Alright, we'll handle those thugs. But tell me, you don't have a single scratch or bruise. You were in a fight, weren't you? Even a small fight leaves some mark."
Yun Na froze, her mind racing. She didn't know how to explain her lack of injuries—she didn't understand it herself. She opened her mouth but found no words.
Sensing her discomfort, the teacher changed the topic. "Forget that. Let's talk about something else." Her tone softened slightly. "Yun Na, what's the status of your team? Have you found any members yet?"
Yun Na hesitated, then nodded. "I haven't finalized anything, but I think I've found at least two members. I'm planning to add them to my team."
The teacher turned to Rico. "And you, Rico? What about your team?"
Rico squirmed, trying to dodge the question with a nervous laugh. "Uh, well, you know, teacher… I'm still looking…"
The teacher sighed, shaking her head. "Alright, I get it. Neither of you has a team yet. Rico, you better find members soon. Take some time, but don't delay too long."
A Walk and a Tease
After class, Yun Na and Rico stepped outside, strolling through the Academy grounds, the breeze carrying their laughter.
Rico nudged Yun Na, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Hey, what was that about two members? Where'd you find them?"
Yun Na shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "I just met them. I don't know if they'll join my team yet. I don't even know their powers—how strong or weak they are. But I'll figure it out."
Rico grinned, leaning closer. "Wait a sec. Are these the same people who saved your life today?" She winked, teasing again. "Your heroes, huh?"
Yun Na rolled her eyes, ignoring the jab and walking ahead. "Whatever, Rico."
Rico jogged to catch up, laughing. "Oh, come on, Yun Na! I'm just joking. Don't be mad!"
Kaito's Haunting Dream
Back at their small village home, Kaito lay in bed, tossing in a restless sleep. A vivid dream pulled him into the past.
"Papa, where are you going?" young Kaito asked, his voice trembling. "Mama, Papa, what are you doing? Why aren't you taking us with you?"
His father knelt down, his face serious but kind. "Listen, my dear Kaito. Your mama and I are going far away for a little while. Until we return, take care of your little sister, Rin. Don't go too far into this world—it's very dangerous. Be a good boy, stay safe, and always protect Rin. We'll be back soon."
Kaito's eyes welled up. "But why can't we come with you? Don't leave us alone!"
His mother stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. "Because where we're going, it's a bit risky. We don't want anything to happen to you or Rin."
Kaito shook his head, desperate. "I don't want anything to happen to Rin!"
"That's why we're leaving you both here," his mother said, stroking his hair. "Always look after Rin, keep her safe. We'll be watching you from afar, so stay happy. And until you're grown, don't wander too far from home. This world is dangerous."
Kaito watched as his parents walked away, their figures fading into the distance. His heart ached as the memory replayed.
With a gasp, Kaito jolted awake, his chest heaving. He climbed out of bed, splashing cold water on his face, then started his morning routine—bathing, dressing, and getting ready. As he moved, his mind wandered.
It's been years since that day, he thought. I'm seventeen now. Rin's birthday is coming—she'll be fourteen. Mama, Papa, why haven't you come back? I'm still waiting for you.
His thoughts were interrupted by a loud bang on the door. Rin burst in, shouting, "Big brother, are you still sleeping? Get up already!" But her eyes widened when she saw Kaito already awake, bathed, dressed, and ready.
Rin blinked, stunned. "What? You're up, bathed, and dressed? Usually, I have to yell to get you out of bed!" She paused, then grinned. "Oh, right. School's on break, isn't it?"
She muttered to herself, I don't get it. When school's on, he's a lazy sloth, sleeping in forever. But during breaks, he's up at dawn, sneaking off somewhere. What does he even do?
Kaito grabbed his things, heading for the door. "Alright, Rin, I'm off. I'll be back later."
Rin crossed her arms, suspicious. "Wait a sec, big brother. Where do you go every morning? You're always saying the outside world is dangerous, but you sneak off alone and never tell me where!"
Kaito smirked, dodging the question. "I go meet my animal friends in the jungle. They're my buddies."
Rin scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Animal friends? Come on, at least make up a better lie! The way you act, I doubt even trees would befriend you, let alone animals or people." She muttered under her breath, What a lame excuse.
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Did you say something?"
Rin waved him off, smirking. "Nope, nothing! Go on, have fun. No problem at all."
Kaito nodded. "Fine, I'm going. Take care of yourself and the house. If any stranger shows up, kick them out!"
Rin laughed. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. Just go already, you talk too much!"
Kaito grinned. "You never listen to my good advice. Alright, bye!" With that, he stepped out of the house and disappeared into the distance.
Rin's Secret Mission
Once Kaito was gone, Rin's expression shifted to a sly grin. "Alright, big brother's out. Time to get to work."
She pulled out a drawer and gazed at a photo of their parents, smiling softly before tucking it away. She changed into comfortable training clothes, locked the house, and glanced around to ensure Kaito wasn't nearby. Satisfied, she darted off toward a distant field.
Unseen, the mysterious blue barrier flickered to life, its invisible eyes watching Kaito and Rin. It smiled faintly before fading back into nothingness. No one yet knew what this barrier truly was.
In the open field, Rin began her training. With her wind manipulation powers, she lifted massive rocks into the air, controlling fierce gusts with precision. She soared into the sky, mastering the winds, her movements swift and powerful. As she trained, she whispered to herself, "See, Mama? I'm using my powers like you said. I'll protect big brother and become strong, just like you wanted."
Her mind drifted to a childhood memory—a flashback.
Rin's Promise
Little Rin sat on her mother's lap, playing happily. Her mother's voice was gentle but serious. "Listen, my sweet Rin. Soon, your papa and I have to go far away for work. Can you promise me something? Will you take care of your big brother? He's a bit of a donkey, too lazy to look after himself. Will you keep him safe?"
Rin nodded, her innocent eyes wide. "Okay, Mama, I promise. I'll protect big brother until you come back."
She tilted her head, curious. "But where are you going? Will you come back soon?"
Her mother smiled, though her eyes were sad. "You're so smart, my little doll, understanding everything even at this age. Your big brother just whines about coming with us, but where we're going, it's too dangerous for you both."
Rin puffed out her chest. "Don't worry, Mama. I'll protect big brother and myself! Go save the world. I'm smart, right?"
Her mother hugged her tightly, tears hidden behind her smile. "You're the smartest, my darling." Inside, her heart ached at leaving her children, but duty called.
After their parents left, Rin sat alone in a corner, crying. Though she acted strong, she was still a child. Kaito found her, his own eyes red. "Rin, Mama and Papa are gone."
Rin wiped her tears, hiding her pain. "So what? I'm here, big brother. I'll take care of you like Mama did and protect you like Papa. We'll stick together, okay? Don't cry."
Back to the Present
Tears welled in Rin's eyes as she trained, her winds growing fiercer. "Mama, when are you coming back? I'm waiting for you. You promised you'd return. When you do, I'll give you double the love. If you come back after six years, I'll give you twelve years of love. If it's seven, I'll give fourteen. I'll wait as long as it takes."
Her emotions fueled her powers, creating deadly wind blades that sliced through trees. She pushed herself harder, training with relentless focus.
Kaito's Hidden Strength
Meanwhile, Kaito was secretly training in a secluded part of the jungle. His water manipulation powers surged as he hurled massive boulders and shattered them with precise, razor-sharp water streams. He cut through trees with ease, enhancing his abilities with every move. As he trained, a flashback gripped him.
His father's voice echoed. "Kaito, do you know what this world is like?"
"No, Papa, tell me," young Kaito replied.
"This world is beautiful, full of wonders and good people. There are secrets and vast mysteries we don't yet understand. But as lovely as it is, it's also cruel. The strong can protect themselves, but the weak can't survive long. Your mama and I are going on a mission. Until you're strong enough, don't venture far into this world—it's dangerous. Always protect yourself and Rin, especially Rin."
Kaito emerged from the memory, his resolve burning. "Papa, I'll become strong. When you return, I'll be stronger than you. I'll never let anything happen to Rin. That's my promise."
A Shared Vow
In their separate training grounds, Kaito and Rin both whispered, "When you come back, Mama and Papa, we'll be stronger than you."
An Unexpected Reunion
A small bird, Rin's lookout, swooped down, chirping urgently—an unspoken signal that Kaito was heading home early. Rin's eyes widened. "What? He's back already?" Panicking, she flew toward home at top speed.
In her haste, she collided mid-air with another girl near their house. Both crashed to the ground with a thud.
"Hey, who's this?" Rin groaned, rubbing her head.
Kaito appeared, frowning. "Rin, what are you doing? Where were you? And… this girl again?"
Rin looked up and gasped. "Yun Na? What are you doing here?"
Yun Na smiled sheepishly, brushing dirt off her clothes. "You guys saved my life, and I never thanked you properly. I thought I'd visit."
Kaito crossed his arms, suspicious. "Forget that. Rin, where were you coming from?"
Rin shot back, "And where do you sneak off to every morning, big brother?"
Kaito stammered, caught off guard. "Uh, well, you know…"
Rin smirked. "Let's go inside, Yun Na. We'll talk there."
A Sweet Misunderstanding
The three sat in Kaito and Rin's cozy home, a plate of cake on the table. Yun Na beamed. "I brought this for you guys. You saved my life, after all."
Rin's eyes lit up. "Cake! My favorite! Thank you, big sister!"
Yun Na chuckled. "No problem. By the way, do you two live here alone? Where are your parents?"
Kaito and Rin froze, their faces falling. They exchanged a glance, unsure how to respond.
Yun Na's eyes widened, misreading their silence. "Oh no, I'm so sorry! May their souls rest in peace."
Both siblings shouted at once, "They're not dead! They're just… away somewhere!"
Yun Na flushed, mortified. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I totally misunderstood. Please forgive me!"
Trying to recover, she changed the subject. "So, Rin, how's the cake? Tasty, right?"
Rin grinned, taking a big bite. "Super tasty, big sister!"
Yun Na leaned in, her tone playful but curious. "One more thing. What powers do you two have? Are you Wonderers too?"
Kaito's eyes narrowed, his guard up. Rin laughed nervously. "Powers? Us? Nah, we're just normal kids. My brother's too lazy to have any powers."
Yun Na smirked, not buying it. "Don't lie. I saw you fight to save me. You've got powers, don't you?"
Kaito sighed, relenting. "Fine, yeah, we have powers. We're pretty strong, I guess."
Yun Na's face lit up. "Awesome! Can you do me a small favor then?"
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "What? Why should we?"
Yun Na waved her hands quickly. "No, no, just a tiny request! I want to spar with you—a friendly fight, that's all."
Kaito scoffed. "No way. I'm not interested in fighting."
Yun Na turned to Rin, her voice sweet. "Rin, you liked the cake, right? I'll bring more, throw you a party even! Just agree to a quick spar, please?"
Rin grinned. "You want to fight me? Sure, I'm in!"
Kaito and Yun Na both gasped, shocked. "What? Seriously?"
Kaito shook his head. "No way, Rin. You'll get hurt."
Rin crossed her arms, confident. "Big brother, relax. It's just a friendly fight. You know how strong I am. No one's beating me!"
Kaito hesitated, then smirked to himself. She's right. Rin's tough. This girl doesn't stand a chance. Plus, it'll show me how strong Rin really is. "Alright, fine. Go for it."
The Stage is Set
The three headed to an open field, the air buzzing with excitement. Yun Na and Rin faced each other, ready for battle. Yun Na, with her metal manipulation powers, stood poised. Rin, her wind manipulation abilities crackling, grinned with confidence.
Who will win this clash of Wonderers? Will Yun Na's metal blades outmatch Rin's fierce winds? How strong are these two, and what secrets will their fight reveal? Find out in Chapter ,5 coming tomorrow or the day after!