Chapter 9 (Preparations)

The next two days were a blur of mental preparation and adjustment for Ethan. He settled into his new environment, each day bringing new experiences and knowledge. He often found himself reminiscing about his mother, Mariah, and her gentle smile. He thought of Sarah and his friends, and the normal life he had left behind. The decision to become a Nightwarden weighed heavily on his mind, but he knew it was the right one.

Every morning, he would wake up early and wander around the base, observing the Nightwardens as they trained. The training grounds were always bustling with activity. The sword fencing area was alive with the sound of clashing steel. He watched as the Nightwardens moved with unparalleled skill, their blades a blur of precision and power. Each strike was executed with flawless technique, their movements a dance of lethal grace. One Nightwarden performed a breathtaking maneuver, leaping into the air and executing a mid-air spin before landing gracefully, his sword cutting through the air with deadly accuracy.

In the martial arts training area, Ethan observed incredible displays of agility and strength. Nightwardens sparred with one another, their movements a blend of fluidity and power. He saw one Nightwarden deliver a series of rapid kicks, each one landing with pinpoint precision, sending his opponent sprawling to the ground. Another performed a series of acrobatic flips and spins, dodging and countering attacks with astonishing speed. The intensity of their training was palpable, and Ethan could feel the sweat and determination in the air.

He often ran into familiar faces and spotted new ones. On one such occasion, he encountered Felix, the talkative boy he had met on his first day. Felix greeted him with a wide grin, clearly excited to see Ethan again.

"Ethan! How are you settling in?" Felix asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"I'm doing okay," Ethan replied, smiling back. "It's a lot to take in, but I'm getting used to it."

Felix nodded enthusiastically. "You'll get the hang of it in no time. Just wait until you start training. It's tough, but it's worth it."

As they talked, Ethan noticed the girl he had accidentally seen nude in the water. She was practicing archery, her form flawless as she released arrow after arrow with deadly accuracy. Feeling a pang of embarrassment, he approached her cautiously.

"Hey," he said, scratching the back of his head. "About the other day... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."

The girl looked at him, her expression softening. "It's okay," she said with a small smile. "It was an accident. I'm Lyra, by the way."

"Ethan," he replied, relieved that she wasn't holding a grudge. "Nice to meet you."

They talked for a while, Lyra sharing her experiences as a Nightwarden recruit and offering him advice on what to expect during training. Her presence was calming, and Ethan found himself feeling more at ease.

"So, how did you end up here?" Lyra asked, her eyes curious.

Ethan hesitated for a moment, then decided to share. "I lost my mom to a shadow attack. I guess I just wanted to make sure no one else has to go through that."

Lyra's expression softened with understanding. "I'm sorry about your mom. But you're here now, and you'll get stronger. We'll all help each other."

That evening, as the sky darkened and the stars began to twinkle, Ethan found a quiet spot by a crackling campfire. He stared up at the stars, lost in thought. The warmth of the fire and the beauty of the night sky brought him a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time. He remembered sitting on the porch with his mother, looking up at the stars and talking about his father. The nights when his father would read him bedtime stories, his deep voice was a comforting presence. The laughter he shared with Sarah during lunch breaks at school, the secret jokes he had with jake that no one else understood. He missed it all.

His solitude was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Kael appeared, his presence as silent and enigmatic as ever. He sat down beside Ethan, both of them looking out over the cliff at the stars.

"You seem troubled," Kael said, his voice low and steady.

Ethan nodded. "Just thinking about everything. My mom, my friends, my old life... And what lies ahead."

Kael remained silent for a moment before speaking. "It's natural to feel that way. You're about to embark on a difficult journey. But remember, you're not alone. We are all here to support you."

Ethan turned to Kael, curiosity burning in his eyes. "Kael, can you tell me more about Hikari Energy ? And the shadows?"

"Ethan," Kael began, his voice steady yet filled with a weight of knowledge. "The Hikari Energy is ancient, older than our understanding of time itself. It's a force that flows through all living things, connecting us to the essence of the universe."

Ethan leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "But how does it work? And why do some of us have it while others don't?"

Kael nodded thoughtfully, adjusting the brim of his hat. "Long ago, when the world was young, there were those who sought to harness the power of Hikari for good. They formed the first night wardens, guardians who used their connection to Hikari to to protect humanity from the shadows that lurked in the darkness."

He paused, letting the significance of his words sink in. "But like all powers, Hikari can can be both a blessing and a curse. It amplifies the strengths and weaknesses of those who wield it. For some, it grants incredible abilities—enhanced strength, agility, and even the power to manipulate elements. For others, it can lead to corruption if they succumb to its allure."

Ethan furrowed his brow, absorbing Kael's words. "So, the night wardens... we're chosen because we have this Hikari Energy?"

Kael nodded solemnly. "Yes, Ethan. You were chosen because Hikari Flows within you just like all of us. It's a gift that sets you apart but also comes with great responsibility."

Ethan nodded, absorbing Kael's words. "And the shadows? Where do they come from?"

Kael's expression darkened. "The shadows are ancient, born from the very essence of darkness. They are led by a being known as Kurogami, the Shadow King. He is powerful beyond measure, capable of feats that defy human comprehension."

Ethan's eyes widened in awe and fear. "What kind of feats?"

Kael hesitated before answering. "He can control the very fabric of darkness, bending it to his will. He has created entire armies of shadows, capable of decimating entire cities. He is a force to be reckoned with, and defeating him will be our greatest challenge."

Ethan looked down at his hands, feeling the weight of his newfound knowledge. "So does Kurogami use Hikari Too?"

Kael's expression darkened. "No, Kurogami is different. He draws power from the shadows themselves, twisting their dark energy to his will. His power is a corruption of Hikari, a perversion that seeks to dominate rather than protect."

The weight of Kael's words settled heavily on Ethan. The enormity of the task ahead was daunting, but he felt a newfound resolve growing within him. The memories of his mother and the people he had met that day fueled his determination.