Bonds Forged in Battle
After the intense trial set by the Founders, the students were given a rare afternoon of rest. The group gathered in one of Hogwarts’ many hidden courtyards, a secluded place Clow had warded for their private use. The golden afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows over the training dummies and sparring rings.
Tranquility sat on the grass, catching his breath. “So, do all your lessons nearly kill you, or was today special?”
Reiko smirked. “You get used to it.”
Syaoran chuckled as he tested the edge of his sword. “No, you don’t.”
Endymion stretched, his four guardians standing at a respectful distance. “It was a good challenge. I could feel the difference in our teamwork compared to when we first started training together.”
Reiko glanced at Tranquility. “You didn’t tell me you were that skilled with a sword.”
Tranquility shrugged, a playful smirk on his lips. “I didn’t tell you a lot of things.”
Reiko rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched in amusement.
A Duel Between Syaoran and Yue
While the group relaxed, Syaoran and Yue moved toward the sparring ring. There was an unspoken challenge between them, something that had been building over time.
Syaoran twirled his sword, his amber eyes locked onto Yue’s silver gaze. “Care for a match?”
Yue’s expression remained unreadable, but a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. “You think you’re ready?”
“I guess we’ll find out.”
The moment Clow nodded to signal the start, Syaoran lunged. His blade moved swiftly, infused with moon magic, but Yue sidestepped gracefully. With a flick of his wings, Yue soared upward before diving down, his own magic crackling like frost in the air.
The battle was a dance of precision—Syaoran’s raw determination against Yue’s fluid expertise. Every time Yue evaded, Syaoran adjusted, pushing himself further.
Reiko and Tranquility watched from the sidelines.
“He’s getting stronger,” Tranquility noted.
Reiko nodded. “And closer to Yue.”
Tranquility side-eyed her. “And you?”
“What about me?”
His gaze softened. “Do you ever think about us? About what we were, and what we could be?”
Reiko inhaled sharply, caught off guard. “Tranquility—”
A sudden impact drew their attention. Syaoran had nearly disarmed Yue, forcing him to take the fight more seriously. Yue’s usually passive expression showed surprise and something else—approval.
Yue nodded. “You’ve improved.”
Syaoran smirked, lowering his sword. “You don’t have to sound so surprised.”
Yue tilted his head, a faint smile on his lips. “Perhaps I’ll have to start seeing you as more than just a student.”
Syaoran flushed slightly but didn’t look away.
Tranquility leaned closer to Reiko and whispered, “Looks like I’m not the only one thinking about their relationship.”
Reiko sighed, shaking her head. “You’re insufferable.”
Tranquility just grinned.
A Quiet Moment Between Reiko and Tranquility
That evening, as the castle settled into a quiet hum, Reiko found herself on one of the high balconies overlooking the Forbidden Forest. The stars above shimmered like scattered diamonds.
She wasn’t surprised when Tranquility joined her.
“You always did like the night sky,” he murmured.
Reiko smiled softly. “It reminds me of home.”
Tranquility leaned against the railing beside her, his golden eyes reflecting the moonlight. “I meant what I said earlier, you know. About us.”
Reiko hesitated. “I know.”
He exhaled slowly. “We’ve been through a lot. But when I saw you today—fighting, leading—I realized something.” He turned to her fully. “I don’t want to just be your childhood friend. I want to be by your side, always.”
Reiko’s breath caught. He wasn’t teasing this time. His voice held the weight of sincerity.
“Tranquility…”
Before she could finish, he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to answer now,” he said softly. “Just… think about it.”
Reiko swallowed hard, her heart pounding. “Okay.”
And under the watchful gaze of the stars, the bond between them grew stronger.