Unspoken Grief

Upon hearing the news of her father's death, Sheu is speechless, her breath caught in her throat as tears fill her eyes. The weight of the moment suffocates her, drowning out the voices in the room.

Moto breaks the silence, his voice calm but firm. "What was the cause of death?"

The guard responds without hesitation. "The house he was using burned down. With no evidence of a culprit, it's suspected suicide."

Sheu's tears halt abruptly at the mention of self-harm. Her father was a cautious man, one who understood the dangers of his work. He had told her himself—he would never take his own life.

She swallows, her voice barely above a whisper. "When will we be able to bury him?"

Drake's mother recoils at the question, narrowing her eyes. "Why are you trying to bury him so quickly?"

The guard sighs. "Everything was burned down. There's nothing to bury."

The words slice through her like a blade. Without another thought, Sheu runs out.

Moto moves to follow her, but Drake stops him with a hand on his shoulder. "Give her space to think," he says.

Moto pauses, understanding the suggestion. He watches the door for a moment before nodding.

Meanwhile, Drake's mother nudges her husband, who jolts upright and nervously asks if Shelton had left a will.

The guard replies, "Everything he owned now belongs to his daughter."

Moto glances at Drake. "How are your parents related to Sheu?"

Drake answers without hesitation. "My father is Uncle Shelton's brother."

Drake's parents rise to their feet. "The girl left, so we'll be going too. It's late anyway. Let's go, Drake."

Drake refuses. "I won't leave until I know she's okay."

His parents begrudgingly leave. It seems they were only here to profit from the situation.

Aritri turns to Moto. "I need to leave as well. Make sure Sheu receives the King's sincere condolences."

She pauses, then adds, "And don't miss tomorrow's assembly."

By the River

Sheu runs to the river, her chest tightening with every step. She struggles to believe her father is gone, but she can't think clearly. The grief is suffocating.

She kneels beside the water, splashing it over her face as if to erase her tears. But they won't stop. They spill over, uncontrollable, until she lets go and sobs into the stillness.

Her father was everything to her—strong, quiet, loving in ways that didn't need words. He showed his care more than he spoke it, but she had understood him. They understood each other.

She remembers the good times—how, on her first day of school, when the other kids laughed at her hair, he went to everyone he knew to learn how to style it properly. How, despite not having a mother, she never felt her absence because her father was there. He taught her to bake, to defend herself, to navigate the world with quiet confidence. There was no one she loved or cherished more. He had even been the reason she and Moto became so close.

The memories bring more tears.

She weeps until Moto finds her.

She doesn't look at him. Instead, she whispers, "Don't speak to me. Not for a while."

It's a vow of silence.

She feels her father's nature was taken advantage of. He wasn't supposed to go on such a short-notice mission. Something isn't right. She pulls out the last picture they took together—her father wearing his favorite blue poncho. She smiles briefly, remembering how she hated it and told him to throw it away. So, he only wore it when he went on missions.

But the memory only deepens her sorrow. Her father wouldn't have done this to himself.

Moto doesn't say a word, but he stays by her side.

A New Day, A New Challenge

Najo excuses himself. He returns to the Lightning Village, where Ginimbi's guards are waiting to escort him back and ensure he rests for training. Najo promises to grow stronger—to make up for leaving at such a time.

The next morning, Moto prepares for school. Today's assembly will reveal the King's candidates for the Succession Trials.

Before leaving, he sees Sheu trying to wash away her tears. He steps forward and embraces her.

"I know how you feel," he says softly. "It'll be okay, I promise."

For a while, they stay in her old home—the place she shared with her father.

The next morning, Sheu wakes Moto up early. He asks if she's okay. She shakes her head.

"I need more time," she admits. "But you shouldn't miss the assembly."

Moto nods, understanding.

She stays behind while Najo prepares for the next phase of his training, determined to work hard and finish early so he can rejoin Moto and Sheu.

The Assembly Begins

When Moto arrives at school, some of his usual bullies approach him, but Mukai signals for them to leave him alone. He doesn't say anything to Moto.

The royal trumpet blows, calling everyone to the assembly. The students divide themselves by their elements—fire and water at the front, earth and wind at the rear. The lightning students are separate, training to join Ginimbi's army.

The teachers stand proudly, facing the students.

The trumpet blows again. King Douglas steps onto the podium with his guards. Other instruments join in, playing the tune of the national anthem.

The Master of Earth, Zed, steps forward, raising his powerful fist into the air. The earth students raise the platform they stand on, displaying their mastery and strength. Zed roars proudly before taking his position.

The Master of Wind goes next. At his signal, the wind students create a towering tornado.

The Master of Water directs his clansmen, their presence calm but commanding.

Lastly, Gwen, the Master of Fire, steps up with an annoyed expression, dressed more like a sports coach than a traditional master. He blows a whistle, and the fire students chant as they scorch the air.

Aritri stays by the King's side, then steps back as he approaches the podium.

The students bow unanimously.

King Douglas: "Greetings, children. You may rise. I wish I could give my usual speech, but I have another pressing matter to attend to, so I shall get straight to the point."

He pauses, surveying the sea of expectant faces.

King Douglas: "The principal, Mr. Jumbo, submitted candidates for consideration. After much deliberation, the students who will participate in this year's Succession Trials are Mukai, Albert, Hawa, Moto, and Sheu."

A murmur spreads through the crowd.

King Douglas: "That is all. Take this time to prepare. I will see you at the arena next week."