The morning mist had lifted entirely, leaving the floating platforms bathed in a soft, silvery light that reflected off the glimmering drones scattered across the training field. Lyria's arms ached from the previous day's exercises, her muscles tight with lingering tension. The golden glow of her spark pulsed faintly beneath her collarbone, responding nervously to the rhythm of her heartbeat.
"Today," Kairo said, his tone calm but deliberate, "we test more than control. We test teamwork. Coordination. Awareness."
Lyria's stomach twisted at the words. Teamwork? With Kairo? He's precise, unyielding… how can I possibly match him?
Two larger drones floated in front of them, glowing silver with faint runes etched along their surfaces. Kairo's Sky Blades hummed softly, reflecting off the drones' polished exteriors. "One drone is yours. One is mine. Move them together. One mistake and they fall. One mistake and… well," he said dryly, "you might too."
Her chest tightened. One mistake? One mistake and— She swallowed hard. Her palms were sweaty and sticky, fingers trembling as her spark flickered nervously. The weight of the exercise pressed down on her, heavier than the platforms beneath her feet.
"Count with me," Kairo said, crouching slightly. "One… two… three…"
She mimicked him, inhaling deeply. Her spark surged, golden arcs dancing along her fingertips. For a moment, chaos threatened. A drone wobbled dangerously, teetering on the edge of the platform.
"Focus," Kairo instructed softly. His presence beside her grounded her, subtle yet undeniable. Trust him. Trust the spark. Trust myself.
Her pulse slowed, syncing with the hum beneath her collarbone. She guided her drone, letting the energy flow naturally rather than forcing it. Slowly, the two drones moved in perfect harmony. Her chest swelled with triumph, quickly followed by a flinch of doubt. Did I really do it, or was it just luck?
Kairo's eyes met hers briefly. A faint nod, almost imperceptible, but enough. I'm not alone. We're doing this together.
The next trial was more c omplex. Three drones formed a triangle, moving in unpredictable patterns that required absolute precision. Lyria's spark surged uncontrollably. One drone spun toward the platform's edge. Her stomach dropped.
"Lyria!" Kairo shouted, leaping toward the drone. His blade flared, nudging it back into formation.
Her chest hammered, sweat prickling her spine. I almost ruined it. I almost ruined everything.
"Breathe," Kairo said, his voice calm but urgent. "Let it flow. Don't fight it."
She closed her eyes, focusing on the rhythm of her own heartbeat, the warmth in her chest, and the gentle pulsing of her spark. Slowly, the drone steadied, responding to the careful modulation of her energy.
By the end of the exercise, Lyria's arms trembled, muscles screaming in protest. Her hair clung to her forehead, damp with sweat. Her spark glowed faintly, exhaustion and exhilaration mingling in equal measure.
"I… did it," she whispered, voice barely audible.
"You did," Kairo replied softly, crouching beside her. "Not alone. That's what matters."
Her chest tightened again, a warmth that had nothing to do with exertion. She glanced at him, seeing not just the precise, disciplined instructor, but a human presence beside her, steady, attentive, and… comforting.
The final test combined all elements of previous exercises: multiple drones, intricate patterns, and exact timing. Lyria's palms sweated, spark flickering erratically. She hesitated, fear gnawing at her confidence.
Kairo placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. "Trust yourself. Trust me. One, two, three — now."
Their movements synced perfectly. Lyria felt it — a pulse of shared rhythm flowing between them. Her spark resonated in harmony with Kairo's blades, energy intertwining, flowing as one. Every twitch, every flare, every minor adjustment happened in sync. For the first time, she experienced the Starlight Bond she had read about in legends: not just magic, but connection, trust, understanding.
Exhausted, breath coming fast, she let out a shaky laugh. "We… actually did it."
"Yes," Kairo said quietly, watching her with rare softness. "Not just success, but trust. That's what this is about."
Lyria's chest swelled with a mix of pride, relief, and something else she couldn't name. A subtle warmth spread through her, pulsing with her spark — a reminder that she wasn't alone, that she could rely on someone else, and that the spark wasn't just a force of chaos, but part of a shared rhythm.
The wind carried the faint hum of energy across the platforms. Lyria inhaled, tasting the crisp air and the metallic tang of the drones' energy. The city below remained distant and quiet, unaware of the small miracle unfolding above it.
For the first time, she allowed herself to feel calm — not just successful, but capable, connected, and seen.
Kairo glanced at her again, a fleeting expression in his eyes, as if acknowledging the bond forming between them. She met his gaze and felt the pulse of energy between them, subtle but undeniable.
Somewhere deep inside, the spark flickered brighter, not chaotic, not threatening — alive, responsive, and somehow… hopeful.
Lyria exhaled slowly, a quiet laugh escaping. "I… I think I'm ready for the next challenge."
Kairo's lips curved ever so slightly. "Good. Because this is only the beginning."
Above them, the sky stretched endlessly, the morning light reflecting off the drones and platforms, glinting off her golden spark. And in that vast expanse, Lyria felt small but infinite — terrified, exhilarated, and ready for the journey ahead.