Chapter Text

Warm orange hue envelops the land, as the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore soothed the ear. The call of the seagulls blends with the whispers of the winds, weaving a gentle harmony across the coast. The sea blended seamlessly with the town, like one giant painting. As children played in the Sailume bay, their cheering lightened the mood of the hard-working adults nearby; their tiny footsteps etched fleeting stories into the sand. Sea vessels glided across the horizon, their engines loud at first, but as the ears grew accustomed to the noise, it began to sound like a form of hum; they were like a pack of giant sea creatures migrating in the sea, all bound by the same instinctive goal: to return home.

The Waifei Peninsula was but a humble town, and afternoons such as these—unhurried, peaceful, and warm—were more than enough to leave its people content.

Somewhere in the town near the temple, two close friends are walking around until they stumble upon an orange kitten stuck in a tree.

"▉▋▋█, Look! There's a kitten stuck in the tree!"

The little thiren girl chirped, her fluffy ears tensed, and her soft and fluffy tail wiggled anxiously on her back. With a worried expression, she looked at the little boy beside her with a concerned look in her eyes, urging him to act. 

"Oh, that's not good. We have to get it down somehow; we don't want the kitty to be hurt."

The little boy rubbed his chin as he made a thinking expression.

The little girl's eyes grew more worried, and her amber-red colored pupils began to shake. Her concern for the kitty became more imminent. Then she made a realization, she shook her head and raised her arms with her fists curled, ready to share her idea.

"I know, we can get my big brother Shiyuan to climb the tree, he is very tall, I am sure he can get to the little kitty."

The boy let out a nervous chuckle, tapping a finger against his cheek.

"hehe... didn't you say your brother went to the market with the seniors, so he is not in the temple right now. Besides, if we do look for him in the market, there's a chance that the kitty might fall off as it struggles to hold on to the tree branch."

“Wait—you’re right!”

Her ears twitched in alarm. “Oh no… I can’t believe I forgot about that. ▉▋▋█, what should we do then? We can’t just leave the kitty all alone.”

Her worry spilled over; her eyes shimmered with tears as she looked up at the boy, silently pleading for an answer. She sniffled, her walnut-brown, fluffy ears drooping low and her soft, silky tail sagging behind her, drained of its usual energy. The boy analyzed her gaze, taking in the pitiful sight. He lasted only a moment before sighing.

"Alright, alright, I will climb the tree." He said quickly. "Just.. stop crying, okay? I don't want to see you cry, but you have to help me, I am kinda too short to reach the branch."

"Yay~ Alright, what can I do to help?" The girl beamed with joy. “Do you want me to grab a stick? Or maybe call somebody? Oh—or maybe—”

The boy let out a small smile. He was relieved to see his thiren friend brimming with life again. Her tail wagged eagerly, and her ears flicked with every thought of the sight, which was a sight he was very familiar with.

"Alright, here is the plan." The boy wore a confident expression as he explained his solution. "First of all, I will need you to carry me."

"Ca.. carry you?"  The girl froze, stunned by the bold request. "Carry him? What does he mean? I remember my dad carrying mom before, are we... already that close?

Heat rushed to her face as the realization flustered her—had her friend grown comfortable enough with her to ask for such a request?

The boy noticed the reddening of his friend's cheeks; he must have said something that caused a misunderstanding. He always had this problem when talking to girls close to his age range. As he looked at her, his own cheeks began to warm. Not wanting the misunderstanding to spiral any further, he quickly clarified.

"Ehem, I need you to carry me so I can reach the kitten stuck in the tree." He explained. "As I said before, I'm too short, and I’m not very strong… I don’t go outside much either."

The tension melted expression as the girl's face calmed down, when understanding dawned.

"Ohhh~! So that's why you want me to carry you."  She let out a little sigh of relief. "No problem, when do we go?"  

The boy relaxed, as the awkward moment was safely defused.

“R-right. And, um… sorry,”  He added, rubbing the back of his neck. "I am not that strong enough to carry you. I heard that you're doing sword practices and all kinds of training in Suiban Temple. So… I figured you’re much fitter than I am. It’s embarrassing to admit."  The boy sulked at the thought of his weakness.

"He complimented me! I am so happy!

Joy sparkled in the girl’s mind. "I always train every day so one day I can wield the Qingming sword. Hard work does pay off.

"That's right!" she declared proudly. "I am very strong. One day, I’ll become even stronger and protect the people of New Eridu. Carrying you to save a kitten? 

She grinned, exuding confidence.

"Is no problem for me."

  Ye Shunguang approached the boy. She knelt in front of him and firmly grasped his legs to steady him. Then she looked at the boy, her fluffy ears twitched in anticipation, and her long tail swayed on her rear. With the right leverage achieved and a firm grip on him, she was ready to stand. All she needs is permission from him to proceed.

"Alright—tell me when you’re ready, then I will stand."  Her eyes glimmered with confidence. 

The boy looked back in her eyes, reassured by the confident look his friend was giving him. He steels himself and gives her the signal.

"Okay then.. let's go."

The girl tightened her grip, "mmhmm," then nodded at his consent.

"3... 2.. 1, go."  She rose smoothly to her feet,  lifting the boy into the air.

"Whoa!" The boy gasped at the change in altitude. "Alright~! Surely we can reach the kitty now,"  he smiled.

"Hooray~"  the girl bubbled in excitement, "now, just tell me when you're ready to head to that tree."

The kitten stuck in the branch noticed the commotion happening on the ground. It seems to have realized that the duo is trying to help them. In response to their goodwill, it peered towards them, letting out soft meows to get their attention.

The boy noticed its cries, "Aww~ don't worry, little kitty, we'll come to get you,"  he reassured the kitten with a smile.

With resolve, he gave the signal, "Shunguang, let's head for that tree." 

Shunguang took her first careful steps forward, each movement deliberate. The boy instinctively tightened his grip around her shoulders as the ground shifted beneath them. As they approached the tree, the surroundings felt unsteady from his elevated view.

Her pace was a bit fast for the boy. “W-wait… slow down a bit,”  he murmured, trying to steady his breathing.

“Mmhmm,”  Shunguang replied softly, adjusting her footing. Her tail lowered and stiffened slightly, counterbalancing his weight as she moved. “I’ve got you. Just hold on.”

Step by step, they continued toward the tree. The closer they got, the louder the kitten’s mews became, urging them onward. The branch creaked faintly above, reminding them both that time—and balance—were not on their side.

The boy reached out toward the orange kitten. “Hey there, little guy… come on,”  he said softly. “We’re here to rescue you.”

The boy conversed with the kitty in a soft and friendly tone to avoid agitating it. But the kitty seems hesitant, it started looking around observing its surroundings, then it noticed that there is still a significant gap between it and the boy. Letting out a small, anxious meow, it protested, as if urging the boy to come closer.

He noticed the kitty's worries, and he then straightened his posture to gain more height, rising as high as he could. He starts stretching his arms farther.

"Looks like this is trickier than I thought the boy said to himself.

Below him, Ye Shunguang notices the boy's sudden movements.

"Hey, are you okay? Is everything alright up there?"  she asked, concern slipping into her voice.

"Yup, everything is fine,"  he replied quickly, though his muscles trembled. "It's... just that, the gap between the kitty. I think it’s scaring it." 

She immediately understood, "Okay, I'll move closer, so you can reach better." 

Carefully, Ye Shunguang took another step forward. She doesn't want to admit it, but the sudden movement is adding extra weight, straining her legs, and working her muscles. Nonetheless, she grits her teeth, refusing to give in; her desire to save the kitty triumphs over the pain building up inside her body.

Steadying herself, she pressed on—ears pinned in focus, tail stiff for balance—determined to hold just a little longer.

Then suddenly, the branch creaked.

The kitten let out a frightened cry, its claws digging deeper into the bark as it shifted its weight. The movement sent a tremor through the branch—and straight through the boy’s heart.

“Easy… easy… and...” he whispered, breath held tight.

Below him, Ye Shunguang felt the sudden change. Her legs trembled,  she tightened her grip, and leaned forward just a fraction more.

“I’ve got you,” she said firmly. “Now—reach.”

The boy stretched his arms towards the kitty, it meowed again, louder this time, panic sharp in its cries. With all his might, the boy reached out his arms one more time. 

His fingers touched fur. Warm. Soft.

The boy let out a chuckle of relief, pant* pant* "heh, ha ha! I've got you now."

He stroked the kitten's soft fur, calming it down. "You're safe now, buddy."  The boy looked at the kitty with his gentle eyes.

But below, Ye Shunguang was struggling. The sudden added weight sent a sharp jolt through her muscles. Pain surged through her legs, and before she could steady herself, her grip weakened.

The boy felt his footing slip. He prepared for the gradual fall he tightly hugged the kitten as he slipped to the ground.

Reacting instantly, Ye Shunguang reached out. She caught the boy by the waist, twisting her body as they both tumbled backward. They hit the ground together in a soft, clumsy heap—her arms cushioning his fall, his arms shielding the kitten. For a moment, everything went still. For a brief moment, none of them moves.

Then—

“Ow… that hurt a little,”  the boy groaned softly, blinking at the sky. “…Are we alive? Shunguang, are you... okay?”

Ye Shunguang let out a breathy laugh from beneath him. “Y-you landed on me,”  she said, ears twitching weakly. 

"Phew, I almost lost you there for a second."  Shunguang lets out a sigh of relief. “But… yeah. I think we’re okay.”

The boy shifted, realizing their position a little too late. His face flushed red. "S-sorry! I didn’t mean to—!”

Before either of them could scramble apart, a rough, warm sensation brushed across the boy’s cheek. The kitten wriggled free from his arms and climbed onto his chest, tail flicking happily. It leaned forward and gave his face a series of enthusiastic licks.

“H-hey—!” he laughed, squirming. “That tickles!”

The kitten meowed brightly, then turned its attention to Ye Shunguang. It padded over her shoulder and licked her cheek as well.

“Ah—!” she yelped, then froze. Her ears shot straight up. "…It’s licking me.”  Her tail began to wag uncontrollably.

“I think that means it likes you.” The boy burst out laughing. "Hehehe, you're amazing, Shunguang. You were a hero out there!"

The girl blushed at the boy's flattery. "Aww~ It was a joint effort."  She paused for a second, "You were... pretty amazing yourself too."

"Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without you."  The boy heartily replied.

The kitten purred loudly, nuzzling between them as if thanking them both. Then— suddenly.

“Mrrrow.”

A familiar voice called out from nearby. The kitten’s ears perked up. It lifted its head and looked past them. From behind the tree, a larger cat emerged, eyes wide with concern. The moment the kitten saw her, it let out a joyful cry.

“Mew!”

Ye Shunguang watched with sparkling eyes. “…They’re reunited.”

The boy smiled, relief softening his expression. “Guess our job’s done.”

The mother cat glanced back at them once—then dipped her head, as if in thanks. With her kitten close at her side, she turned and disappeared into the brush, and silence returned.

Then Ye Shunguang finally realized something. “…You’re still on me.”

The boy froze. “…Oh.”

They separated instantly, both flustered and red-faced. But despite the embarrassment, they were still smiling. They continued laughing to themselves until Shunguang noticed something. 

She noticed a thick, faint-red liquid dripped slowly from his fingers, dark against the sand. Terror seized her chest before she finally dared to speak.

"▉▋▋█?"  She gasped, "What is that dripping from your hand?"  Her voice trembled in concern. "A-are you... hurt?"

The girl's eyes watered as her amber-red pupils widened, her fluffy ears twitched erratically, and the gentle sway of her tail stilled, weighed down by fear.

"We—we have to get you to the temple!" She cried, panic breaking through, "My seniors—definitely know how to patch it up!"

"Wait, Shunguang—no, seriously I'm fin-"  She didn't let him protest.

Grabbing his arm, Shunguang bolted toward the temple, feet pounding against the ground as she dragged him along. Her grip was tight—desperate—as if letting go for even a moment would make things worse.

The boy looked at Ye Shunguang as they sprinted, a tangle of unfamiliar emotions stirring in his chest. His injury wasn't serious—just a shallow scrape wound he got from his skin brushing against the tree.

Yet the way she looked at him… it was as if he had lost a limb. To him, the light scratch wasn't actually painful, but the distress etched across her face weighed on him far more heavily.

They reached Suibian Temple before long. The run hadn’t been far, and Shunguang’s hurried steps carried them swiftly through the gates. She cried out for help, and the seniors training nearby immediately noticed her. They quickly tend to the boy. After a brief inspection, they exchanged glances and released a collective sigh of relief. They fetched a medical kit and cleaned the wound with practiced ease, and it wasn't long till the swelling stopped.

The boy’s hand was neatly wrapped, and they were ready to strike up a conversation.

"Um.. hehe,  I told you, didn't I?"  The boy nervously chuckled, “I said we could’ve just waited.”

Ye Shunguang’s composure crumbled. Tears spilled freely as her ears twitched helplessly and her tail drooped,

"H-hey—!" The boy waves his hands in a panic, "Didn't they just tell you it was just a minor scratch?"

*sniff* *sobs* "Uwahh, I'm so sorry ▉▋▋█,"  The girl sniffled. "You got hurt, because... of me." 

"Oh, come on, that wasn't your fault,"  the boy let out a long sigh.

He looked at her—really looked at her—and softened his voice. “We saved the kitten, remember? If anything, I’m glad you were there.”

"Yes... But, if I were strong enough, I could have lifted you longer."  Shunguang cries, “My arms… sniff they wouldn’t have… given out.”

“Hey, hey,”  the boy said gently. “Anyone’s arms would’ve given out in that situation. And being able to lift me for that long?”  He smiled reassuringly. “That’s actually really impressive.”

“But in the end, I still let you go,”  she said, her voice wavering. She paused, then whispered, “Because I let go... You got hurt.”

She wiped away her tears, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "If I can't prevent one person from being hurt... then how am suppose to prevent the people of New Eridu from being hurt?"

The boy blinked, taken aback.

"So that’s what this is about?"  He let out a small, knowing smile. "But Shunguang, you did prevent someone from getting hurt, the kitty we saved, remember?"

“…Yeah,” she murmured. “But you still got scraped in the process.”

"Right!"  The boy grinned, "and I was prepared for it."

"What do you mean?" Shunguang looked at him in surprise.

“When you decide to help someone,”  the boy said gently, “you have to be ready for the consequences that come with it.”

"But I was the one who wanted to help the kitty,"  she replied, meeting his eyes. "So... there was no need for you to be hurt."

The boy smiled, “It wasn’t just the kitty I wanted to help,” he said softly. “I wanted to help you achieve your goal, Shunguang.”

"Help... me?"  She blinked, puzzled by his response.

He tilted his head back and looked up at the sky. "Do you know about the Void Hunter—Joyous?" 

"Joyous? Yeah... he was... the first proxy, right?"  She answered, but was still puzzled

"Correct,"  The boy nodded, "Joyous wasn't your typical hero, he was not a flashy combatant like Sword Master, or Colonel Vike, he was more of a technical guy."

The boy looks back at the girl, "When a hero struggles, who would support them?" 

Proudly, the boy continued, "Joyous is the hero who helps the heroes. He’s the one who guides them safely through the Hollows—and makes sure they come home.”"

A bright smile emanated from the boy, "I want to be just like Joyous, Someone great heroes can rely on."

A sudden breeze swept through the temple grounds, rustling leaves and robes alike—as if the world itself had paused to listen.

Shunguang's eyes fixated on the boy, touched by his words.

"You mean... You want to help people in the background? While... they fight in the frontlines?"  Tears evaporated from her eyes, and excitement filled her heart.

"That... is so, super cool!"  She exclaimed in awe. 

"I know, right?"  the boy laughed, his eyes shining. "I know that one day you will grow up to be an amazing hero, Shunguang."

He hesitated, then added more quietly, "If by any means we meet again in the future... I want to be able to support you. I am not a strong fighter, nor am I athletic."

The boy paused, "That's why I am going to this super awesome school that teaches everything about the Hollows, it was even founded by a void hunter."

Shunguang was quiet for a long moment. The wind brushed past her ears, making them flick as she lowered her gaze to her hands. They were still trembling slightly—not from exhaustion anymore, but from something deeper.

“…Then,”  she said softly, “…I have to become strong enough.” She looked up at him again, her amber-red eyes steady now.

“Strong enough that when you support me,”  she continued, “you won’t have to worry about getting hurt.”

Shunguang clenched her fists, resolve tightening her posture.

“I’ll train harder. I’ll keep pushing myself—no matter how tired I get.”  Her tail swayed slowly behind her, no longer drooping, but firm. “So that one day, when you’re guiding heroes through the Hollows…”

She smiled—bright, earnest, unwavering.

"I... will be worthy of the Qingming sword,"  she declared boldly, “and …I’ll become one of the heroes you can rely on.”

“Heh,”  he said quietly. “Then... will you promise me?”

"Then it’s a promise!” She said loud and clear. “You help me from behind… and I’ll protect the front.”

The boy hesitated only a second before holding out his pinky finger.

“Will you... pinky promise?”

Their fingers interlocked—small, clumsy, and sincere.

Neither of them knew it yet, but that simple promise would echo far into the future—through the Hollows, through battles and losses, through the paths of heroes and those who guide them home.

The temple grounds slowly returned to their usual rhythm. Training resumed, voices echoed in the distance, and the earlier panic faded into memory.

“I should go,” the boy said quietly. “My teacher is probably searching everywhere for me. I also need to get back to my sister.”

Shunguang’s ears twitched. “Ohh… leaving already?”

“Yeah,”  he hesitated, then looked at her properly, "you're not sad about this anymore... are you?”

"Of course not." She responded firmly,  “Then… don’t forget your promise,” she said softly.

“I won’t,” he said without hesitation. “I promise.”

A quiet pause settled between them.

Then, almost without thinking, the boy lifted his hand and gently rested it on top of her head.

Shunguang froze.

His touch was light, careful—more reassuring than playful.

“You did great today,” he said. “You’re already strong. One day… you’ll be amazing!”

Her eyes widened, then softened. Her tail stilled, ears flicking once before settling.

“…Thank you, ▉▋▋█” she whispered.

The boy smiled, gave her head one last gentle pat, and stepped back.

“I’ll see you again,” he said. “I know it.”

"Yup,"  she enthusiastically nodded, "I am sure of it... We will meet again."