This Too Shall Pass

"Why are you leaving, Teacher?" Sun's voice trembled with a mixture of confusion and longing, his eyes pleading for answers.

Draydon met Sun's gaze, a solemn expression shadowing his face.

"I have something I have to do on my own, Sun. It's for your own sake as well," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness, the subtext revealing a selfless act driven by a deeper purpose.

Sun's heart ached, a torrent of emotions swirling within him.

"But..." he began, his words trailing off, unable to articulate the longing he felt for his teacher's presence.

"No, I have to go," Draydon interrupted gently but firmly, his voice carrying a weight of finality.

He understood the profound impact his departure would have on Sun, and yet he believed it to be necessary for their growth.

Silence settled between them, Sun's unspoken plea hanging heavy in the air.

His body tensed, muscles coiling like a tightly wound spring, a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Draydon's mouth, recognizing the challenge hidden within Sun's stance.

"Oh, you want one last fight, huh?" he remarked, his voice laced with a mixture of fondness and amusement.

Without hesitation, Sun launched himself forward, a flurry of punches aimed at his teacher. Each strike was met with deft evasion, Draydon gracefully sidestepping Sun's onslaught.

With lightning speed, he caught Sun's punch, redirecting his momentum and sending him sprawling through the air.

Sun's body contorted mid-flight, his instincts and training kicking in.

He balanced himself on a single hand and then a foot, regaining his footing with grace and determination.

As his eyes locked onto Draydon, a mixture of determination and respect burned within him.

A low, nostalgic voice escaped Draydon's lips.

"Ah, Sun, your eyes..." he murmured, his voice carrying a whisper of nostalgia, reminiscent of the day he first discovered Sun and brought him to the serene lakeside.

As memories flooded his mind, Sun propelled himself forward, utilizing the full range of his limbs, his speed and agility propelling him in a whirlwind of motion.

He circled around his teacher, maintaining a calculated distance before charging forward once more, landing a punch square on Draydon's face as he leapt through the air.

Draydon found himself sprawled on the ground, his gaze fixed upon Sun, pride and admiration mingling within his eyes.

"You have found something, Sun. It doesn't look like before anymore," he remarked, his voice carrying a mixture of awe and acceptance.

A triumphant smile graced Sun's face, a testament to his growth under Draydon's tutelage.

"Ah, yes, I have found it because of you," he declared, his words filled with gratitude and reverence.

Draydon's smile widened, his heart swelling with pride.

"So, why am I leaving? I have something important to attend to, but don't worry, I have someone in mind,"he explained, his voice holding a sense of reassurance.

With those final words, Draydon rose to his feet, his gaze lingering upon Sun. He retrieved his bag, shouldering it with purpose, his departure imminent.

A lingering moment of connection passed between them, unspoken gratitude and understanding flowing in the air.

As Draydon turned to leave, a mix of emotions churned within Sun's chest.

Gratitude, longing, and a tinge of sadness intermingled, the realization that their paths would now diverge.

With a final nod, Draydon walked away, his footsteps fading into the distance as the weight of his absence settled upon Sun's shoulders, leaving behind a bittersweet emptiness that echoed through the surrounding landscape.

The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the remnants of their shared moments and the echoes of Draydon's teachings.

Sun stood there, a solitary figure at the crossroads of his journey, the sun casting long shadows across his determined face.

A flicker of determination ignited within him, fueled by the indomitable spirit instilled by his departed teacher.

Sun's gaze lingered on the spot where Draydon had disappeared into the distance, his eyes fixated on the vanishing figure until he could no longer discern his teacher's form.

The weight of his departure settled upon Sun's shoulders, a heavy ache nestled deep within his chest.

A rush of memories flooded his mind, intertwining with the present moment.

The recollection of a distant past emerged, where a genius had once walked alongside him, a former classmate during his school days.

Though their connection was not one of friendship, they had shared a parallel path, both heading in the same direction.

As they walked, Sun found himself trailing behind, his steps slower, burdened by doubt and uncertainty.

In contrast, the genius strode ahead with purpose, his pace quickening with each determined stride.

The gap between them widened with each passing moment, until Sun could no longer catch even a glimpse of his companion.

Sun's voice resonated softly, his words laden with introspection.

"It reminded me of the past, a genius that I had as a classmate. We walked together, yet apart. He moved swiftly ahead while I lagged behind, struggling to keep pace. And with every step he took, our distance grew, until he vanished from my sight entirely."

A surge of determination surged within him, coursing through his veins like a wildfire.

The tightening of his fist spoke volumes, a physical manifestation of his unwavering resolve. His eyes gleamed with a newfound strength, a testament to the lessons he had learned from Draydon.

"No more," Sun vowed with unwavering conviction. "I will not allow history to repeat itself. Not this time."

His voice carried a resolute tone, brimming with a fierce determination to transcend his past experiences.

The image of the disappearing genius lingered in his mind, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of his goals.

As the wind rustled through the surrounding foliage, Sun internalized the lessons learned from both his past and his departed teacher.

He understood that in order to forge his own destiny, he must defy the limitations that had held him back before. No longer would he allow himself to be overshadowed or left behind. This time, he would walk his own path, guided by the unwavering belief in his own potential.

With his resolve fortified, Sun released the tension in his fist, his fingers unfurling one by one.

The radiant sun cast a warm glow upon his determined countenance, as if bestowing a blessing upon his renewed commitment.

He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of possibility that lingered in the air.

The echoes of Draydon's teachings reverberated within him, pushing him forward with renewed vigor.

Sun embraced the challenges that lay ahead, ready to rise above his previous limitations and carve his own destiny.

For in that moment, as the weight of the past fused with his present determination, Sun vowed to never again be a mere spectator of someone else's success.

He would no longer content to watch as others disappeared into the distance.

As Draydon continued on his path, he caught sight of the elder figure standing before him.

The elder's presence emanated wisdom and compassion, a pillar of strength amidst the tumultuous circumstances.

"Are you really going?" the elder inquired, his voice carrying a tinge of sadness.

Draydon nodded, his gaze heavy with the weight of his decision.

"Yes, I am. And thank you for everything," he replied, his words laced with a mix of gratitude and sorrow.

The elder gently placed a hand on Draydon's shoulder, his touch offering solace and understanding.

"Draydon, it really wasn't your fault. Don't burden yourself with the weight of it all."

A flicker of anguish crossed Draydon's face as he lowered his gaze.

"When I witnessed their pain, the anguish in their eyes, and saw the anguish in the eyes of their parents who entrusted me with their well-being... I... I felt a deep despair within me. It was as if a part of me wanted to perish right there."

A somber expression settled on the elder's face as he listened intently.

"What hurts me the most," he began softly, "is knowing that there are people who speak of wanting to die when all they truly yearn for is the chance to live."

The elder's hand remained on Draydon's shoulder, offering both physical and emotional support.

"We often judge others by their actions, yet we judge ourselves by our intentions," he imparted gently.

"Your intentions were pure, Draydon. It was never a matter of ill intent."

Elder eyes met the draydon, the weight of his past and present struggles etched upon his features.

"You see, after losing my mother, I lost everything. I met my wife, and after the birth of our child, she too passed away. And then... my son... he too was taken from me," Elder revealed, his voice trembling with the pain of profound loss.

The elder continue, his empathetic gaze a balm.

"In the midst of utter darkness, where sight was stripped away from me, I found a way forward. Three guiding principles carried me through: good thoughts, good words, and good deeds."

Draydon absorbed the elder's words, a glimmer of hope stirring within him.

"I know, Draydon, that you will overcome this darkness that surrounds you," the elder reassured, his voice filled with unwavering faith in Draydon's resilience.

As the conversation drew to a close, Draydon prepared to resume his journey. However, he paused, his gaze lingering on the elder for a fleeting moment.

"Elder, I have someone in mind who can help those students grow stronger. I will send him here," Draydon declared.

A spark of curiosity illuminated the elder's eyes.

"If you send him here, could you ask him to meet me first?" the elder requested, his voice holding a hint of anticipation.

Draydon nodded, acknowledging the elder's request.

"I will," he affirmed, before resuming his departure. The elder watched him go, his gaze filled with a mixture of hope and contemplation.

"This too shall pass," the elder murmured to himself, his words carrying the wisdom of ages.

And as Draydon disappeared from view, the elder stood there, a steady presence amidst the ever-changing tides of life, embracing the belief in the transient nature of all things.