The Weight of a Blade
Claire remembered it vividly, as if it had just happened yesterday. It was September 2nd, 958 S.E., strolling along the pavement of Luminucia, the bustling city just hours away from the Celestial Sword Academy, where she had recently passed their entrance exam along with Rose. To celebrate, she and Rose had devised a plan to enjoy the remaining days before entering the academy. It marked nine days before their anticipated journey to the academy—a day like any other, yet a lingering sense of foreboding gnawed at the edges of her consciousness.
She hummed softly as she strolled along the breezy sidewalk, her long blonde hair fluttering in the early autumn air. Though her voice was barely audible amidst the crowd of pedestrians passing by, she didn't mind. Carrying her black kitten, Maomao, in her arms, she passed buildings of various shapes and sizes, all while wearing a brown cloak and a hood over her head, a detail that shielded her shyness but went largely unmentioned.
"H-Hmm... Hmm... C-Can you believe it, Maomao?" Claire stammered softly, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and shyness as she glanced down at the kitten nestled in her arms. "I... I still can't believe I actually passed the academy's entrance exam!"
Maomao responded with a soft, contented meow, pressing closer to her as if offering reassurance. The kitten, named for the delicate sound she often made, exuded an air of elegance that Claire couldn't help but admire. Her cheeks flushed faintly as she continued, her tone growing quieter. "It's... It's truly unbelievable, c-capisce?"
Claire's words came out hesitant, almost as though she was trying to convince herself. She glanced around nervously, her gaze flickering between the lively crowd that surrounded her and the ground beneath her feet. Elves, humans, dwarves, and other races filled the streets, their chatter blending into a vibrant symphony of life. Overhead, dragons and gryphons soared gracefully, their majestic forms casting shadows over the bustling city. Claire's heart raced slightly, the overwhelming sights and sounds making her grip Maomao a little tighter.
Her yellow hair, forever unruly, occasionally fell into her face, and she awkwardly brushed it aside with her free hand. She kept walking, her steps light but slightly hesitant, as though unsure if she was heading in the right direction. Her outfit—a baggy sky-blue shirt and beige pants paired with well-worn brown shoes—added to her unassuming presence.
"I-I wonder where Rose meant for us to meet..." she murmured under her breath, her gaze darting around the unfamiliar street. Her voice trailed off into a timid hum as she adjusted Maomao in her arms, finding comfort in the kitten's warmth. "She... she did say it was somewhere on this street, but knowing her... um... well, she might've gotten lost herself..."
Claire scanned her surroundings, her lips pressing together in uncertainty. Spotting a street bench nearby, she let out a small, relieved sigh. She hesitated for a moment before shuffling toward it, her steps careful and slightly awkward, as though she worried about drawing attention.
She sat on the bench, her slender fingers clutching Maomao close as she glanced around nervously. The bustling city unfolded in all its vibrant chaos, but Claire's shy demeanor kept her gaze low, her shoulders slightly hunched as if trying to make herself smaller. Maomao, oblivious to Claire's social unease, meowed softly and nuzzled her lap. The kitten's black fur shimmered in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the light blue of Claire's oversized shirt.
Claire brushed a strand of hair from her face, her movements hesitant and slow. The breezy wind toyed with her golden locks, giving her an excuse to avoid eye contact with the crowd passing by. She drew in a small breath, her eyes flickering toward the street.
The city's energy was overwhelming. Elves, humans, dwarves, and other creatures moved through the streets in a chaotic harmony, their voices blending into a hum of life. Dragons and gryphons soared overhead, their majestic forms awe-inspiring yet slightly intimidating. Claire hugged Maomao a little tighter, grounding herself in the comfort of the kitten's warmth.
Across the road, her attention was drawn to a group of people—a mix of elves and humans—showing off their magical abilities. Flames danced from their palms as they competed to outshine each other, their shouts drawing attention from all directions. The sight made Claire shrink slightly, her discomfort at their boldness evident in the way her grip on Maomao tightened.
"Y-you know..." Claire murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she glanced down at the kitten, "I c-can't help but feel like they're imitating that show... um, you know, the one with those... uh... giant abs and... corny lines..." Her words trailed off, her awkward phrasing almost causing her to trip over her own thoughts.
Maomao, ever the composed companion, remained indifferent, her elegance contrasting sharply with Claire's timid awkwardness.
Just then, the group's boisterous display was interrupted by an officer who scolded them for their reckless behavior. Claire's lips twitched, trying to suppress a laugh. She quickly brought her hand to her mouth, pretending to cough, though the corners of her eyes betrayed her amusement.
"Th-that's what they get," she mumbled softly, her voice tinged with a mixture of shyness and satisfaction.
However, the brief moment of humor was cut short. In her distraction, Claire had loosened her hold on Maomao, and the kitten suddenly leaped from her lap.
"Ah! Maomao!" Claire gasped, her eyes widening in panic as she scrambled to her feet. Her movements were awkward, almost clumsy, as she stumbled after the sleek black kitten darting through the crowd.
"Um, hey! P-please, come back!" Claire's voice cracked, the urgency in her tone causing some passersby to glance at her disapprovingly. Her face burned with embarrassment, but she pushed forward, her concern for Maomao outweighing her discomfort.
Maomao, ever graceful, slipped through the throng of people with ease. Claire's heart pounded as she spotted the kitten near the crosswalk, sitting obediently as though waiting for the light to change.
"Th-thank goodness," Claire muttered, relief washing over her as she approached. She smiled softly at Maomao, who looked back at her with an innocent meow.
The green light flashed, and Maomao leaped forward across the crosswalk. Claire hurried after her, but the sound of a vehicle approaching fast behind her made her freeze. Her breath caught in her throat as she turned, her eyes widening at the sight of a speeding car swerving recklessly.
"Maomao! N-no, wait! Get out of there!" Claire's voice broke, her fear and desperation spilling into the air as she sprinted after the kitten. Tears welled in her eyes as she watched Maomao pause mid-crosswalk, distracted by a tiny bug.
Claire's legs moved before her mind could process, her timid nature replaced by a surge of panic.
While most could only witness such scenes in movies or shows, for Claire, it was terrifyingly real. People on both sides of the sidewalk stood frozen in shock, their collective gasps fading into the background as Claire's focus honed in on one thing: Maomao. Her heart pounded in her chest, the rest of the world falling away as she ran toward her kitten, her steps frantic and uncoordinated.
"Maomao!" Claire cried, her voice cracking with desperation, her timid nature abandoned in the face of overwhelming fear.
Then she saw it—the sleek black car hurtling toward them. Its freshly polished surface glinted under the sun, and atop its hood sat a small, statue-like ornament, gleaming like a cruel warning. Yet none of those details mattered. Claire's only thought was to reach Maomao.
With a final, desperate leap, Claire extended her arms and swept Maomao into her embrace. The kitten meowed in alarm, her tiny body trembling in Claire's tight hold. Claire pressed Maomao against her chest, shielding her from the oncoming danger as she closed her eyes, her trembling lips whispering silent prayers.
"Darn it... I can't lose her, not again," Claire's thoughts raced, her mind a whirlwind of panic and determination.
Time seemed to collapse around her, the world fading into an overwhelming darkness. Within this void, vague memories surfaced—fragmented but vivid. A woman with an aura of warmth cradled her in her arms, her soft voice humming a familiar melody that wrapped around Claire like a soothing lullaby. The woman's features were obscured by shadow, her eyes hidden, but her smile remained—a beacon of comfort in the suffocating blackness.
"No..." Claire's voice escaped her lips as a faint whisper, tinged with longing and sorrow.
The darkness deepened, consuming the melody until only silence remained. It was an eerie void, like static on an old television screen or the textured grain of worn paper. Claire drifted in the oppressive blackness, lost in her subconscious, expecting nothing but the cold finality of death.
Yet, instead of death, she felt movement—a sudden jolt that snapped her back into her body. She realized she was rolling across the crosswalk, clutching Maomao tightly to her chest. The rugged surface of the road scraped against her, but she was alive.
As the rolling ceased, Claire slowly opened her eyes, her breath hitching as she took in the scene before her. The black car that had been racing toward her now lay wrecked against a streetlamp, its hood crumpled, smoke billowing from the engine.
Maomao meowed loudly, drawing Claire's attention to a figure standing nearby. The person, holding a gray and silver one-handed blade, radiated an air of resilience. Their slightly long but neatly groomed black hair framed their face as they turned slightly toward the wrecked vehicle, seemingly unshaken by what had just transpired.
Claire sat frozen in shock, watching as the mysterious figure strode toward the smoldering car. Their steps were deliberate, their focus fixed entirely on the vehicle and its occupants.
The car door swung open with a metallic groan, and four figures in gray suits and dark shades stepped out. Leading them was a man with disheveled gray hair, wearing a long black coat with gray-accented sleeves. In one hand, he gripped a cane, and in the other, a revolver. His expression radiated arrogance, his posture exuding the confidence of someone accustomed to commanding attention.
"Well, if it isn't the man in black himself. What's up?" the gray-haired man sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "Haven't your constant meddling bored you yet?"
The black-haired figure remained silent, their stance steady and unyielding.
The man smirked as he cocked his revolver. "Must be exhausting, swinging that thing around all day. Lucky for you, today's the day—your swift end will finally come, by my hand... or rather, by my bullets."
Claire's heart seized in her chest as the man aimed his gun. Without thinking, she shouted, "Hey, watch out!" Her voice cracked with fear, her hands trembling as she instinctively reached forward, though she was too far away to help.
Before the revolver's shot echoed through the street, the mysterious figure moved with breathtaking speed, slicing the bullet in half midair. The blade glinted under the sun as the split bullet fell harmlessly to the ground.
It was in that moment Claire caught a glimpse of their face. Dark gray eyes, devoid of emotion, stared forward with an intensity that sent chills down her spine.
Claire's heart seized in her chest as the man aimed his gun. Without thinking, she shouted, "Hey, watch out!" Her voice cracked with fear, her hands trembling as she instinctively reached forward, though she was too far away to help.
Before the revolver's shot echoed through the street, the mysterious figure moved with breathtaking speed, slicing the bullet in half midair. The blade glinted under the sun as the split bullet fell harmlessly to the ground.
It was in that moment Claire caught a glimpse of their face. Dark gray eyes, devoid of emotion, stared forward with an intensity that sent chills down her spine.
She sank to her knees, overwhelmed by the surreal turn of events, as the figure advanced toward the gray-haired man and his group. There was no hesitation in their steps, the blade in their hand gleaming as if it carried a purpose Claire couldn't yet comprehend.
"Claire? Claire!" Rose's voice rang out, each repetition growing louder, her tone laced with worry.
A light pat on Claire's shoulder made her flinch slightly. She stiffened, her mind hesitating to let go of the memories swirling within her, but Rose's touch pulled her back. Blinking rapidly, Claire shifted her gaze from the rolling green mountains outside the airship's window to Rose's concerned face.
"Claire, um... what's up? You alright?" Rose asked gently, her voice soft but underpinned with unease.
Claire opened her mouth to respond but faltered, her words catching in her throat. She swallowed, glancing down and fidgeting with her fingers before mumbling, "Y-Yeah, um, why wouldn't I be?" Her voice trembled slightly, the attempted casualness failing to convince even herself.
Rose's brows furrowed, her worry deepening. "Are you sure? You've been staring out that window for, like, twenty minutes. I even called your name a bunch of times."
Claire's cheeks flushed faintly as she offered a hesitant smile. "Oh, I-I guess I, um... zoned out a little. C-Capisce?" Her attempt at levity came out awkward, her voice nearly cracking on the last word. She tugged at the hem of her sleeve, avoiding Rose's piercing gaze.
Rose tilted her head, giving Claire a soft, understanding smile, though her concern lingered. "Well, I mean, it is a pretty fascinating window, I'll give you that," she said lightly, trying to lift the mood. Her tone grew softer as she added, "But... are you still thinking about that day?"
Claire stiffened. Her hands clenched in her lap, trembling slightly, and her breath hitched. The weight of the memories pressed down on her chest like a boulder, rendering her speechless. Rose leaned closer, her worry palpable, but Claire could only stare at the floor, her vision beginning to blur. The black static of her thoughts threatened to pull her under again, an overwhelming cascade of fragmented images and emotions.
Noticing the shift in Claire's demeanor, Rose quickly pivoted, her voice lifting in forced cheerfulness. "Hey, you know... your dad would be so proud of you, getting into Celestial Sword Academy! Geez, even saying that name feels like a whole workout," she joked, grinning.
Claire blinked, her focus returning slightly as Rose gestured to the wide window. "Look at that view. Don't you think this would make, like, the perfect selfie moment?" Rose added with an exaggerated grin, fishing her phone out of her pocket.
"Wait, what are you—" Claire barely had time to react before Rose grabbed her shoulder and snapped a selfie.
"Got it!" Rose exclaimed triumphantly, holding up her phone to inspect the photo.
Claire recoiled, her face turning crimson. "Ow, what the heck, Rose?! Y-You could've warned me!" she sputtered, her voice rising in embarrassment.
Rose smirked, shrugging nonchalantly. "And I did, but I guess staring into nothingness was more of a priority!" she teased, flashing Claire the picture of her own startled expression next to Rose's radiant smile.
Claire stared at the photo, her lips twitching upward despite herself. She let out a small, reluctant laugh, her shoulders relaxing just a bit. Rose grinned wider, relieved to see some of the tension easing from her friend's posture. "See? You're smiling already. Told you a selfie would help."
"Y-Yeah, I guess," Claire murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She still felt the weight of her thoughts, but Rose's warmth was enough to hold the shadows at bay, at least for now.
Claire stood in stunned realization, a moment of clarity washing over her before erupting into giggles, with Rose soon joining in. Their laughter echoed through the airship's cabin, a welcome release of tension after the emotional rollercoaster they had just experienced.
As they wiped away tears of laughter, Claire and Rose turned their attention back to the large window, joining the other students in marveling at the breathtaking sight before them. Situated just before an impressive cliff's edge, the Celestial Sword Academy sprawled out majestically, commanding attention with its several gray towers and blue roofs of varying sizes.
Amidst the various buildings, the towering structure known as the Tower of Celestials stood proudly at the center, while a large dome in front, named the blade of heavens, served as the venue for duels and training. Surrounding the entire academy were formidable walls, with a grand main doorway as well as smaller entrances on the sides, providing access to the bustling grounds within.
At the top edge of the cliffside, several large, circular aerial docking bays awaited, ready to accommodate airships and other aerial vehicles. Below, a docking bay nestled beneath the cliff's edge catered to ships and boats, completing the academy's accessibility from both land and air.
From a distance, the Celestial Sword Academy resembled a grand fortress or a castle, its imposing presence evoking a sense of awe and excitement in all who beheld it.
Claire and Rose stood in awe inside the airship, their eyes fixed on the breathtaking view outside the windows. As they pressed their palms against the glass, marveling at the sight, their reverie was interrupted by the presence of an orange-haired male student.
"Oww, I think I'm gonna puke..." he groaned, his words tinged with discomfort as he searched for a place to relieve his airsickness. Dizzy and pale, the student staggered around the airship, his vision swimming with nausea.
Claire and Rose exchanged amused glances before erupting into giggles, watching as the unfortunate student was forced to endure his ordeal in front of the other passengers. With a mixture of sympathy and amusement, they couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle unfolding before them.
As the male student collapsed to the ground, overcome by airsickness and the aftermath of his vomit, Rose hurried to his side. "Hey, you good? Looks like you puked your insides out..." she joked, her concern masked by a playful tone as she knelt beside him. Turning to the other passengers, she called out for assistance, urging them to summon personnel to help the ailing student.
Meanwhile, Claire took out her journal, eager and excited to document her experiences on the airship and her anticipation before arriving at Celestial Sword Academy. As she retrieved her pen, which was tucked inside the diary, she carefully wrote in her flower-filled journal, all the while narrating her thoughts silently in her head.
"Mom, hi again. It's September 11, 958 S.E., about six in the morning, I think. Still excited, yet I must have patience. After all, it's been years of waiting for this chance to be a student, and now I finally have it. I'll just call it The Academy, because Celestial Sword Academy is a mouthful, like Rose said. Oh, wait a minute, I just realized that I still wrote the whole name even after talking about how long it is. I should just scribble it out, but hey, no one's gonna read this, so what the hell... But anyway, it's exciting! We're landing soon, a student puked, and Rose and I are excited. That's all for now!"
Claire carefully tucked her pen inside the diary and closed it, a smile gracing her lips as she noticed the airship beginning its descent towards the academy. It was a moment she had eagerly awaited, the anticipation bubbling within her.
Gathering both her and Rose's baggage with her carrying a bow and arrow on her back as well as what seems to be a violin safely tucked on it's case, strapped to her shoulder, Claire made her way towards the opening doorway of the airship alongside the other students. Rose, brimming with excitement, bounded around like an enthusiastic bunny, her energy infectious. As the large gray and red door of the airship slowly opened, revealing a clearer and closer view of the academy, Claire couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
With the door now open, students around them began to exit the airship, each taking their first steps towards the academy in their own way. Some dashed forward eagerly, while others strolled leisurely, taking in the surroundings. Meanwhile, the orange-haired student rushed towards a nearby bush to empty his uneasy stomach.
"Oh gosh... Ugh... Damn it... Finally..." he muttered, his voice filled with relief after his bout of sickness.
Claire and Rose, however, continued on their path, their gazes filled with awe as they took in the magnificent architecture surrounding them. Statues of mythical celestials adorned the grounds, each one holding a different weapon with an air of grandeur. The perfectly manicured hedges and impressive buildings—including classrooms, hallways, and dormitories—were beyond anything they had ever imagined.
"Well then, I guess we're finally here!" Rose exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over as she skipped ahead, her baggage in tow. She spun around to face Claire, hands tucked behind her back, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"I suppose we are," Claire said softly, her voice carrying its usual hint of shyness. She glanced at Rose and added with a small, awkward smile, "But, um... it seems like you're... overdoing it a little? T-Though, I mean, who could blame you, right?"
"Right?! This place is like... a dream!" Rose declared, stretching her arms out dramatically. Her tone turned mischievous as she added, "Oh, and this could also be a chance for you to, you know, make more friends!"
Claire froze mid-step, her eyes widening as she stammered, "W-What? Wait, I-I mean... I already have you! I don't... need new friends, capisce?" Her voice wavered, and she nervously tugged at the hem of her sleeve, feeling her cheeks flush.
Rose stopped and turned back toward her, a knowing smile softening into something more concerned. "Look, I know you're not big on meeting new people... but I just worry, you know?" she said gently, walking closer. "You're often by yourself when I'm not around, and... I don't like seeing you like that."
Claire's fingers fidgeted with a strand of her hair, her gaze dropping to the ground as she murmured, "I don't know... I-I'm not really... good at that kind of thing."
Rose cut her off, her voice filled with sincerity. "Just for me, Claire? Please?" she said, her eyes searching Claire's for a glimmer of agreement.
Claire hesitated, biting her lip nervously. Deep down, she wanted to protest, but Rose's concern tugged at her. Finally, she gave a timid nod, barely looking up.
Rose's face lit up with a radiant smile. "That's my girl!" she exclaimed before dashing off toward the academy gates. "I'll meet you inside! Don't be late!" she called over her shoulder, her energy infectious as she disappeared into the bustling crowd.
Claire stood frozen for a moment, the noise of the crowd washing over her like a tide. Alone now, she moved forward hesitantly, her gaze darting nervously between the faces around her. The throng of students was lively, their laughter and chatter amplifying her sense of isolation. She clutched her bag tightly, feeling small amidst the chaos.
Then, something caught her eye—something familiar. Her breath hitched, and an uneasy feeling settled in her chest. There, just ahead of her, was the black-haired male.
He moved with an air of quiet confidence, his pace steady and his figure unmistakable amidst the crowd. Though his face remained turned away, Claire knew it was him—the one who had saved her that day. The sword, now sheathed in a simple scabbard on his back, was a stark reminder of the moment that had changed everything.
Claire's steps faltered, her pulse quickening. A whirlwind of guilt and self-doubt churned within her, dark tendrils of memory threatening to pull her under. She clutched her chest, her hands trembling.
He didn't glance around, his focus seemingly elsewhere as he walked among the rowdy students. To anyone else, he might have seemed unremarkable, his presence blending into the crowd. But to Claire, his back—his unwavering, distant back—spoke volumes.
Her breath was shallow as she followed from a distance, unsure of whether to approach or retreat.