The day Kalesh died, the team broke. It was a harsh blow.
His death left us full of uncertainty. But by completing a mission we were clearly unprepared for, we discovered what we were capable of.
As the days passed, the clan plunged into chaos. And no wonder: a murderous beast, a bloodthirsty bastard, scared the shit out of us.
The world changed for us.
The perspective we once had within the clan... vanished like smoke blown by the wind.
I attended Kalesh's farewell ceremony. I placed my flower with a heaviness impossible to explain.
I had always been by his side. We were friends. We competed. And I have to admit it—he was much better than me at a lot of things.
He outclassed me. But he never stopped looking back. He always turned to those he left behind, helping us improve too.
He was a great guy...
Darel and I always competed. Always pushed each other to get better.
Kalesh, on the other hand, took a different path. He was accepted into a special commando training. That's when we split.
Since then, he followed a different route from everyone else in our year.
He joined the Wind House's espionage unit, one of the clan's most elite branches.
There, they train their disciples to become undetectable, swift. They use the wind as an ally—manipulate it to move in silence, to erase their presence.
I decided to go there. To the Wind House.
I had always trained as an attacker, using wind in a direct, explosive way, driven by my eternal rivalry with Darel.
But here… here the wind is used with more intelligence. More precision.
It's not just about flashy attacks. There are limits to that.
I believe this place can take me further.
—Master Sieg. —I said with a slight bow.— It's been a while. Your health seems unshakable.
—Cut that out, Flumir. You're scarier when you're not trying to blow up one of our dojos with Darel... —he said, crossing his arms with an overly critical look.
—Master, you never let me surprise you, do you? —I answered with a cheeky smile.
He stared at me in silence, as if waiting for the real reason I'd come.
—That look makes me feel harassed... —I said, closing my eyes briefly before opening them again.— But you're right. I want to be part of the Silent Wind House.
—No! —he replied without hesitation.
—But Master… —I replied, feigning surprise.
—Don't give me that now. Last time I asked you to come, you refused. I told you that even if you came begging and kissing my feet, you wouldn't be here. —He turned away.
—I know! But... Kalesh's death made me see the mistake I made. I want to be of use to my teammates. I don't want to lose anyone else like him...
[…]
—I see. You're entering your maturity stage. But my answer is still the same, no matter what you say.
Even so… the dojo and the House's library will be open. Learn on your own. —he said as he walked away elegantly.
His footsteps were imperceptible. More than walking, it looked like the wind was carrying him.
At that moment, I decided to start my training. Luckily, I had many friends inside the Wind House who helped soften my noisy movements and become more organic with the wind. Days passed. Weeks... training nonstop.
At first, I heard that Darel, Aethen, Yeroy, and Keia had gone on a mission together. They were all starting to take steps outside the clan, but I had no time for that. I couldn't fall behind.
—Flumir, you got a message from the Grand Master's House. Sounds like they need you for something… —said one of the Wind House practitioners.
—I see, I'll go after I pack up everything I used here.
When I left, three people were waiting for me outside: Ylwen, Darlon, and Maro.
—Finally out? Think you're important enough to make us wait this long? —said Ylwen, visibly annoyed.
—Sorry, I was just gathering everything I used. But you're not mad because I didn't contact you for so long, are you? —I replied with a cheeky grin.
—Oh! So you do know why I'm mad, you idiot…!
—Hahaha! I'm sorry, I'm sorry… But I couldn't fall behind, everyone else was moving forward and I wanted to focus completely on how to get stronger… Oh! You know what? I developed a new—
—Shut up, you idiot... —Ylwen interrupted.— Let's go, they're waiting for us at the Grand Master's office. You know Darel and Yeroy went to his office before leaving for a mission, right? Seems we've got one just as important...
With those words, she grabbed my hand and dragged me to the Grand Master's office, but I couldn't help taking advantage of the moment. I held her hand tightly, intertwining our fingers slightly.
—Hey! What do you think you're...? —she said, blushing with a tender expression, but I cut her off.
—Does it bother you? I can let go, and you can let go too... —I replied with a mischievous smile.
—Guys… Sorry to interrupt your cozy reunion, but if you don't stop, Maro might die… —Darlon said with a serious expression.
When we looked at Maro, we saw him crying uncontrollably.
—Why won't a beautiful woman fall in love with me too?! —he shouted through sobs, tears streaming down like waterfalls.
We all laughed awkwardly. Maro kept crying. And with how handsome he is, he doesn't have any girls talking to him? I think he's one of those who just doesn't notice anything…
When we reached the office and entered, we greeted the Grand Master, who welcomed us and asked about our feelings, showing he knew Kalesh's death might've affected us too. The old man, always so worried about the young ones…
—Master, I think you should give them the orders now… —said his assistant.
—Sunsel, can you stop interrupting me? Sometimes I think you want to take away the little fun I've got left… —he said, making a funny face.
—S-sorry, Master. It's my duty. —he lowered his head.
—Alright, kids. You're the remaining team that passed the test. The others have already been assigned to missions. You'll now form a new team. Flumir, how was your training? I heard you were at the Wind House.
—Yes, Grand Master. I was there. Using the technique Master Kerl taught us and what I developed during this time, I perfected several techniques: some offensive, others stealth-based. I expanded my arsenal to be more useful on missions.
—Ho ho! Glad to hear it. But wasn't that too little time for so much? —he said, stroking his beard.
—Basically, I reused some moves, but combined them with Master Kerl's technique. I spent most of the time practicing stealth and developing new techniques based on the books.
—I see. I like your enthusiasm. Do you feel ready to lead?
—I'm tactical, Master… but I've never led. I only knew how to break things fighting with Darel. I don't know if I'll be a great leader…
—You know? Leadership qualities show through actions like yours just now. I think you can be a good leader for this team. And we've got a mission to test your talent without risking your teammates' safety.
—It's an honor, Grand Master. I'll do my best to protect those who trust in me. —I said, eyes full of energy.
In that moment I looked forward… but I also glanced back. The changes we've gone through are shaping us.
Kalesh… you didn't die in vain. I'll make sure your sacrifice was the best decision you could've made.