Sibling Disagreement

The train was bustling with passengers, each person absorbed in their own thoughts as they moved between the wagons. As Kei and Chrome made their way through the carriages, the front most wagon came into view, an elegant space that seemed almost luxurious compared to the rest of the train. Inside, they were greeted by a spacious interior adorned with delicate furniture and crates of supplies, neatly organized in compartmentalized sections.

Unlike the crowded corridors outside, this wagon was relatively empty. The few occupants were individuals of high standing, closely connected to Raizo's cohort—families with influence and power. Among them sat Ayumi, her presence marked by an air of distinction, though she was separated from the others, seated quietly with her handmaiden at her side.

As Kei and Chrome settled into their booth, they couldn't help but glance out the window, where a scene unfolded that quickly captured their attention. Outside, Yuna Wildheart stood facing her brother, Donnes, her expression a mix of defiance and determination. The two were locked in a heated argument, their voices barely audible over the rumble of the train.

Donnes, with his playful yet eccentric demeanor, gestured animatedly, a hint of sorrow and worry lurking beneath his teasing tone. "Come on, Yuna! You really think you can just waltz into danger? You know I can't let you do that!"

Yuna's response was sharp, her words coming out in clipped phrases. "I can fight! Let me prove it!"

Kei and Chrome leaned closer to the window, curiosity piqued as the tension between the siblings escalated. In a heartbeat, the atmosphere shifted. Donnes's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a sudden intensity. With a flourish, he channeled his mana, an overwhelming aura radiating from him as he augmented his body.

In an instant, he flashed forward, a blur of motion, delivering a swift strike to the back of Yuna's neck. The impact was decisive, and she crumpled to the ground, caught off guard and unable to react.

Kei's eyes widened, the reality of the situation sinking in. "He's a Sentinel rank, and she's just a Dormant" he muttered, a mix of disbelief and sympathy in his voice. The outcome had been inevitable from the start, and yet witnessing it felt like a punch to the gut.

Chrome shook his head, concern etched on his face. "That was too easy. Does he not realize how serious this is?"

As Yuna fell, the playful façade of Donnes slipped away, revealing a glimmer of worry in his eyes. He stood over her, the weight of his responsibility pressing down on him. "I'm sorry, Yuna," he whispered, his voice barely audible, tinged with regret. "But I can't let you get hurt."

Back inside the wagon, Kei and Chrome exchanged glances, the gravity of the moment settling heavily between them. They had witnessed a sibling dispute take a stark turn, a reminder of the harsh realities that lay beyond the safety of their compartment.

Donnes gently lifted Yuna's unconscious form, cradling her in his arms as he made his way back into the wagon. The elegant interior felt a world away from the confrontation outside. He laid her down carefully on a plush seat, his face a mask of concern.

As he straightened up, he caught sight of his two disciples, Kei and Chrome, who were still processing the earlier events. Donnes offered them a warm smile, though the worry in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Hey, you two," he greeted, his tone light despite the weight of the situation. "I need you to look after her for a bit, alright?" He gestured toward Yuna, his voice taking on a serious note. "Keep her safe. She's... well, she can be stubborn, but she's family."

Kei nodded, rushing to Yuna's side.

Meanwhile Chrome said "Of course, Sir. We'll make sure she's okay."

Donnes looked at Yuna and sighed, running a hand through his hair, a hint of sorrow creeping into his demeanor. "Just a little sibling disagreement," he said, though the tension in his voice suggested there was more to it. "She thinks she can handle herself in a fight. I had to remind her of the reality."

Kei exchanged a glance with Chrome, understanding the unspoken bond between siblings all too well. "She'll need time to recover," Kei said, glancing at Yuna's peaceful face. "But we'll be here for her."

"Thanks, guys," Donnes replied, his smile returning, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I appreciate it." He stepped back, allowing them space, but his gaze lingered on his sister, a mixture of pride and worry etched into his features.

Kei's gaze lingered on Donnes, a thought bubbling on the tip of his tongue. The moment was interrupted when Donnes, ever perceptive, caught the look in his eyes. With a playful grin, he leaned in slightly. "Oh, do you want to fight too? If you land a hit on me, I'll let you join me in the battle. Don't worry, I'll go easy!"

Kei's flustered response came quickly, his cheeks warming as he shook his head. "No, no, it's not that!" He hesitated, trying to organize his thoughts. "I'm just... confused. I don't know how to process this feeling. Am I even supposed to be a hunter? I'm nothing like you guys."

Donnes erupted into laughter, the sound lightening the mood. "Hahaha! What's my favorite student always saying? Of course you're not meant to be like us! You're supposed to be better! You're my favorite disciple after all!" His teasing tone filled the wagon with warmth, but Kei felt a knot in his stomach.

In that moment, a realization struck Kei. They had only been master and disciple for a couple of days, yet it felt like a lifetime. The thought of their imminent separation weighed heavily on him. He glanced at Donnes, who, despite his playful demeanor, seemed to carry a hint of sadness in his eyes. Donnes hadn't had the chance to teach him as much as he had hoped.

Kei felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. "But I wish I had learned more from you before—"

"Before we part ways?" Donnes interrupted, his voice softening. He stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Kei's shoulder. "Listen, you've already learned more than you realize, Kei. It's not about how much time we have; it's about what you choose to do with what you've learned."

Kei looked up, meeting Donnes' gaze, searching for reassurance. "Even though i spent most of my time being hospitalized?"

"Eh, Don't worry about that" Donnes replied, a sage smile on his face. "What matters is your heart and your determination. You have the potential to carve your own path, and I'll be rooting for you every step of the way. Just remember, you're not alone in this."

Kei nodded slowly, the weight of Donnes' words sinking in. "Thanks, I'll try to keep that in mind," he said, a flicker of determination igniting within him.

Donnes chuckled lightly, the sadness in his eyes momentarily replaced with pride. "That's the spirit! Now, let's make sure Yuna wakes up to find her favorite brother is still here, ready to annoy her."

As they shared a lighthearted moment amidst the tension, and they parted ways, saying their goodbyes, hoping to meet again in the future.