Through Innocent Eyes

[THWACK - THWACK - THWACK]

Two kids clashed wooden swords under the midday sun. The training area, built of white stone and polished marble, reflected the light as gusts of wind swept through, scattering flower petals into the air.

The two stood opposite each other, their breaths uneven but their resolve unshaken. Fire burned in their eyes—not the fire of hate, but the pure determination to win.

As the wind gusted once more, they charged.

"Hwwwwaaaaaaa!"

"Yaaaaahhhhhhh!"

Their battle cries echoed across the courtyard.

[THWACK!]

Wooden blades collided with force, locking together as both refused to back down. Their eyes met, fierce and unwavering. They pushed against each other with all their strength, their muscles trembling from the strain, until—

[CRACK - THUD]

Both stumbled back, panting hard.

"Huff... Wai—wait. Just give me a second!"

A boy, no older than ten, knelt on one knee, planting his wooden sword into the ground to steady himself. His golden hair, messy with dust and sweat, glinted faintly under the sun, while his golden eyes—so full of innocence—pleaded for mercy. His white shirt, dirtied and scuffed, bore a boot-shaped imprint on his stomach, a clear sign of the intensity of their duel.

"Sister... please... just one second," he huffed, barely catching his breath.

"Come on, Dominus. We've just started."

The voice came from a tall, muscular girl, her navy blue hair shimmering as it cascaded over one side of her face. She casually swept it aside, revealing sharp, golden eyes that gleamed with a competitive edge. Her tone carried no malice, only a teasing impatience. Her toned physique hinted at years of rigorous training, yet her beauty remained striking—a perfect balance of strength and elegance.

"But we've been dueling for an hour!" Dominus complained between gasps. "Without resting! Aren't we supposed to train smarter, not harder?"

"Smarter?" She scoffed, crossing her arms. "Dominus, stamina is as important as strength. You need to build yours up."

"I ...have...stamina!" Dominus puffed his chest in defiance, though his trembling legs betrayed him. "I bet I could outlast most kids my age. Hmph!"

Her playful smirk faded, replaced by a cold, serious expression.

"Stand up. Pick up your sword," she ordered, her tone sharp and commanding.

"Huh? But I—"

"I said, NOW!"

The weight of her authority silenced him. Reluctantly, Dominus scrambled to his feet, clutching his wooden sword once more. His exhaustion was evident, but so was his pride. He raised the sword, pointing it toward her.

"Come on then, Sister," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. His voice dripped with arrogance, though his knees wobbled beneath him.

Her jaw tightened. For a moment, her grip on her sword slackened. Then, without warning, she let it fall to the ground.

Dominus blinked. "Wait, you're giving up alrea—"

[WHOOOOOSH!]

Her fist clenched, glowing with a faint purple aura. Before Dominus could react, she disappeared from her spot, reappearing an instant later in front of him. Her aura-covered fist struck his stomach with precision.

[THUD]

Dominus's breath left him in one painful gasp as his vision blurred.

"This arrogance doesn't suit someone as weak as you," she muttered, her voice calm and steady, the anger fading as quickly as it had come.

Dominus flew backward, skidding across the ground before collapsing in a heap and then darkness claimed him.

*****

"Sigh..."

A deep sigh echoed through the opulent captain's quarters. Dominus stirred from his restless sleep, the nightmare's grip slowly fading though exhaustion still clung to him. His eyes drifted to his right palm, tracing the familiar pattern of scars—each one a memory, each one a story.

Standing, he crossed the room, grabbing his white cape from the wooden stand. The golden lion emblem embroidered on its fabric caught the morning light. As he draped it over his shoulders, his gaze landed on a letter resting on his desk—the one he had written in response to recent events, mentioning the discovery of the Artifact.

He'd intended to send it, but now... Without hesitation, he tore the paper to pieces as he strode from his quarters. 

His footsteps echoed as he made his way toward the meeting area, his eyes blazing with determination. The decision was made

***

The Great Meltana Ocean stretched endlessly in every direction, its waters glittering under the bright midday sun. The ship had been sailing since their departure from Zenora, finally entering these legendary waters during the night.

"Woah..."

Sol stood at the rail, mesmerized by the endless expanse of blue. For the first time since joining the crew, genuine wonder softened his features, bringing back a glimpse of the innocence he'd buried long ago. His eyes darted everywhere, drinking in the magnificent sight.

"Oi, kid. Move your hands faster. Clean over there next. I'm almost done here," Jack called out, leaning on his own broom. Now that Sol had joined as crew, Jack had found ways to lighten his own workload.

"Okay!" Sol's enthusiastic response brought a small, relieved smirk to Jack's face. The boy was finally letting his guard down, understanding that these people meant him no harm.

This world... it's actually huge. I knew it was big, but this... this is really really big. Maybe this. This is freedom!

Sol's excitement was palpable as his gaze bounced between the horizon, the clouds, and the waves, unable to settle on just one marvel.

"Having fun?"

A light voice carried on the breeze, accompanied by a sweet fragrance Sol instantly recognized. He spun around, a slight blush colouring his cheeks.

"Ah... ye-yes."

The unfamiliar flutter in his chest whenever Jaz appeared still caught him off guard. Her gentle smile only deepened his blush.

Suddenly, her wrist device began to pulse with neon light. Jaz's expression shifted to concern as she glanced toward the stairs. She hesitated, torn between her duty and leaving Sol just as he was beginning to open up.

Sensing her dilemma, Sol quickly grabbed his broom. "Oh! I forgot about that spot. Better hurry!"

He dashed off to another section of the deck, giving her an easy exit. Relief crossed her face.

"Sol, I'm heading below. When you're done here, return to your cabin, okay?"

"Okay!"

Phew...

Jaz's footsteps echoed in the narrow corridor as she approached the meeting room, the tension draining from her shoulders. Murmured voices leaked through the door.

Looks like I'm late. They've already started.

She reached for the door handle, pulling it halfway open when—

"WHAT?"

A shocked voice cut through the air, freezing her in place.