Bonds Strengthened, Secrets Shared
Later that evening, the group gathered in one of Hogwarts' quieter courtyards, the sky above painted in hues of twilight. The day’s training had been grueling, but the time spent together had only reinforced the bonds they shared.
Tranquility sat beside Reiko near an old stone fountain, the soft trickle of water filling the silence between them. He had been quieter than usual since the training match, and Reiko could sense the thoughts weighing on his mind.
“You’ve been staring at the sky for a while,” she said, nudging him playfully. “Don’t tell me you’re still upset about losing.”
Tranquility huffed, though a small smirk played on his lips. “I’ll get my rematch, don’t worry.” He turned his gaze toward her, more serious now. “But that’s not what’s bothering me.”
Reiko’s expression softened. “Then what is it?”
He hesitated before finally speaking. “I’ve always known my path—my duty to the Sun Kingdom. But being here, with all of you… It makes me wonder if I’m doing enough.”
Reiko studied him carefully. “You’ve always done more than enough, Tranquility. You’re one of the strongest people I know.”
His golden eyes met hers, searching for something—reassurance, perhaps. Then, almost hesitantly, he reached for her hand. “I don’t want to just be a ruler, Reiko. I want to be someone who truly understands the people I protect.”
Reiko felt a warmth spread through her chest, the weight of his words sinking in. “Then we’ll figure it out together.” She squeezed his hand gently. “You don’t have to do it alone.”
Across the courtyard, Syaoran was standing with Yue, the two having wandered off from the rest of the group. Yue had been watching him during their training, his usual stoic expression betraying just the slightest hint of interest.
“You relied more on your magic today,” Yue noted. “Your control is improving.”
Syaoran smirked. “I had a good teacher.” He met Yue’s gaze, something unspoken passing between them. “You were watching me?”
Yue’s lips barely curved into a smile. “Perhaps.”
Before Syaoran could push further, Endymion’s voice rang out, breaking the moment.
“Enough whispering in corners! We should be celebrating our survival today,” he called, grinning. His four guardians stood behind him, already setting up a small fire near the lake.
Helga and Rowena arrived not long after, carrying a tray of food, while Salazar and Godric bickered over who was better at dueling.
The night passed with laughter and warmth, the weight of their responsibilities set aside, if only for a while. The battles ahead would test them all, but for now, they had each other. And that was enough.