The Moonlight Swordsman



Under the cover of night, the trio stood on the edge of a towering cliff, gazing out at the dark expanse before them. 

Aizel's mind buzzed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, the teachings of the grandmaster echoing within him. 

His mind was a whirl of ideas, all waiting to be realized in the days ahead.

"I think we should head back Grandmaster. The princess might come back anytime." Aizel said.

But right now, they needed to get back to the cave, where it was safe, while they waited for Princess and Soren to return with further details. 

"Oh, I forgot about that. It was really nice to meet you both. 

"I hope we can meet again," Gogo said with a smile.

"Of course, Grandmaster," Aizel replied with a little bow. 

"Do you know how to get back?" 

"Yes, I remember the way,"

"Okay good,"

In the wake of their encounter with the grandmaster, Aizel and Daisy departed from his abode.

"You can come out now," Gogo said.

A figure, whose identity was covered by a dark and enigmatic hood, stepped out of the shadows and appeared near the grandmaster. 

"That girl was only a Grade II mage, or else she might have sensed you."

"I am sorry," the person replied.

"Are you going to follow him?" Gogo asked.

"Yes,"

"You know Rayla, if you protect that kid everywhere from harm, how will he grow?

"Or are you going to be there for him everywhere? You are not even past Grade V."

Rayla's lips remained sealed, her silence speaking volumes as she absorbed Gogo's words. 

"But he is my Lord, my savior. 

"I can't leave him like this when he is suffering from memory loss," Rayla replied.

"You don't have to do anything for now. Just let him grow on his own.

"He might treat you the same as the rest of them if you go now. Is that what you want?"

"No," she said.

"Your time will come. In the meantime, tell me everything that is going on in the Northern Kingdom."

*****

As Aizel and Daisy made their way back to the cave, the echoes of their footsteps resonated in the silence.

The sounds of Raven and Edumont's talk gradually reached their ears, luring them closer. In a quiet nook of the cave, the two were deep in conversation, the warmth of their friendship evident in their voices.

"So they still haven't returned yet," Aizel said.

"No, but they have found the followers. Right now, followers are looking for them in the town. 

"They are going to lure them to our next meeting point," Raven replied.

Aizel nodded and then asked, "So are they going to do it tonight or tomorrow?"

"Princess said she would notify us."

"Okay,"

"Where did you both go?" Edumont asked.

Instead of responding, Aizel went over to the corner and laid down for a nap.

"We were just walking around the forest nearby," Daisy said with a weak smile.

"Yes, but he could have answered that. I don't know why he acts like that." Raven said.

"He is going to become a part of the royal family in the future. This attitude of his won't do any good for him then." She further said.

"What do you mean by being part of the royal family?" Daisy asked.

"He is the student of the 'War Goddess'. So he is going to serve the royals as well, just like her." Edumont replied.

In the midst of the calm atmosphere, a subtle buzz resonated through the air, capturing Raven's attention.

With swift and practiced movements, she retrieved her crystal ball.

"They are following us; meet me where I told you before." That was the only message that echoed in the air from the crystal.

"OYE AIZEL WAKE UP, ITS TIME," Raven yelled.

"Finally!" Aizel said, standing up and stretching his body a little.

"You will be at the back, protecting Daisy, while I and Edumont will lead the way."

"Daisy, keep your senses alert every time." 

Daisy nodded.

The group erupted into action as though awakened by some unseen power, their awareness sharpening and their adrenaline pumping.

With unwavering determination, they swiftly departed from the shelter of the cave, their footsteps echoing in harmony as they accelerated towards their destination. 

Through the dense undergrowth and towering trees, Edumont and Raven charged ahead, their movements swift and agile.

Aizel and Daisy were following close behind, the sound of their footfall reverberating off the ground.

After several hours of relentless sprinting, the group finally reached their designated meeting point. 

The area surrounding them became a murky swamp, the thick mud of which threatened to entangle them at every turn. Huge trees hung overhead, their lengthy shadows skittering across the surface of the murky lake.

Thick bushes encircled the area, creating a natural barrier that concealed their presence from prying eyes.

Surrounded by the eerie beauty of the swamp, they took a moment to catch their breath and gather their thoughts.

Their senses became more sensitive, and every nerve was ready to react to even the smallest change, which could signal the coming of their allies or the approach of a threat.

"They are not here yet. We should hide and wait for the right time," Raven said.

Raven and Edumont retreated discretely, seeking cover in a quiet nook.

Meanwhile, Aizel and Daisy ventured in the opposite direction, weaving through the dense vegetation to find their own hiding place.

They hid behind the tall trees and thick clumps of plants, their bodies blending in with their surroundings.

Aizel crouched behind a twisted tree trunk, and his keen senses detected a slight shaking in Daisy's hands.

The tremor, though barely noticeable, betrayed the nerves that coursed through her veins.

Aizel's eyes traveled to her face, and he saw the fear hiding behind her brave expression.

With a quiet reassurance, Aizel reached out, gently clasping Daisy's trembling hand in his own.

"You don't have to worry. Nothing would happen to you. I am here with you," he said.

Daisy glanced at him for a second and nodded.

"It seems I am still a little afraid to fight someone," she said.

"Don't worry, you will get there."