Bonds Forged in Fire
Training at Hogwarts was not for the faint of heart. Under the combined guidance of Clow Reed, Yue, and the Four Founders, the days were grueling—filled with magic, swordplay, strategy, and history. Each session pushed Reiko, Syaoran, and Tranquility beyond their limits, and every evening left them collapsing into their beds, exhausted but stronger.
It was during one of their sparring sessions in the castle courtyard that Tranquility found himself once again facing Reiko, the wooden practice swords clashing with sharp, ringing echoes.
“You’re holding back,” Reiko accused, her stance unwavering.
Tranquility smirked. “Am I?” He lunged forward, feinting left before twisting his blade toward her side.
She dodged with effortless grace, countering with a sweeping strike that nearly knocked his sword from his hands. “You are,” she insisted. “I know you, Tranquility. You’re too careful with me.”
Tranquility hesitated for a fraction of a second, and in that moment, Reiko seized her advantage. Twisting on her heel, she knocked his legs from under him, sending him sprawling onto his back. In a blink, her wooden sword was at his throat.
“I win,” she said triumphantly, offering him her hand.
Tranquility stared up at her, his golden eyes searching hers. A slow smile formed as he took her hand, letting her pull him to his feet. “Alright, you got me,” he admitted. “But one of these days, I’ll win.”
Reiko scoffed. “Doubtful.”
Nearby, Syaoran watched their exchange with a raised eyebrow. Yue, standing beside him, observed quietly.
“You’re staring,” Yue remarked, his voice even but knowing.
Syaoran blinked, tearing his gaze from his sister and Tranquility. “I just don’t trust him,” he muttered, crossing his arms.
Yue tilted his head slightly. “Because he likes Reiko?”
Syaoran scowled. “Because he’s not admitting it.”
Yue chuckled, his silver hair catching the soft glow of the afternoon light. “You’re one to talk.”
Syaoran glanced at him, startled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Yue simply gave him a long look before turning away. “Come. We have more training to do.”
Syaoran opened his mouth to argue, then sighed in frustration. “Fine.”
A Test of Magic and Will
Later that evening, Clow gathered the students inside the castle’s great hall. The four founders—Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Helga Hufflepuff—stood at his side.
“You’ve all made great progress,” Clow began, his wise gaze sweeping across them. “But it is time for something more... challenging.”
Salazar stepped forward, his dark eyes gleaming. “Your training thus far has been structured. Controlled. Tonight, we remove those constraints. You will be tested on instinct, strategy, and adaptability.”
Reiko, Syaoran, Tranquility, and Endymion exchanged glances.
Rowena flicked her wand, and the room shimmered—transforming into a dense, enchanted forest. The temperature dropped, mist curling at their feet. Shadows stretched unnaturally, as if something lurked just beyond their sight.
“The rules are simple,” Godric said, his voice firm. “Work together. Survive until sunrise.”
Helga smiled warmly, though her eyes held a knowing glint. “And remember, the greatest enemy is often the one you do not expect.”
With that, the founders and Clow disappeared, leaving the four alone in the shifting, whispering forest.
Tranquility exhaled. “Well… this should be fun.”
Reiko smirked, gripping her sword. “Let’s see what you’ve got, Sun Prince.”
Syaoran cracked his knuckles, dark energy flickering at his fingertips. Yue was watching. He couldn’t afford to lose.
Endymion sighed. “Why do I feel like we’re going to regret this?”
And with that, the challenge began.