Shadows of the Weeping Coast

Night draped the Weeping Coast in shadows. The ruins were silent save for the hiss of the tide against broken piers. Hidden among alleys, rooftops, and crates, the Ashen Vow lay in wait. Each of them had their position, eyes trained on the water's edge.

At first, only three men appeared, dragging along a terrified boy — the captain's son. Cedric staggered forward, fists trembling, but Alvis held him back with a firm grip. "Wait," the mage whispered.

Then from the darkness, more figures emerged — two dozen men, grim and armed, hauling chains that clinked with the cries of children. Boys and girls, no older than ten or twelve, shackled together like cattle.

Slavers.

The sight sent a shudder of rage through the group. But none more so than Vada. Her body trembled, her breath harsh. And before anyone could stop her, she burst from the shadows with a scream, wind swirling violently at her heels. Her blades flashed as she cut straight into their ranks.

"Vada!" Verena shouted, and then the campfire calm shattered into chaos.

The Ashen Vow threw themselves into the fray. Alvis summoned whips of flame, fending off four enemies at once. Ardent's sword clashed against steel, each strike backed by water-magic precision. Zephyr fought desperately, light runes sparking at her fingertips, but the kidnappers were skilled — no common thugs, but seasoned fighters, skilled with their affinities.

Children wailed in terror, the clang of chains and steel echoing through the ruined harbor.

Then the ground trembled. One of the slavers raised his arms, magic searing the air, and a hulking stone golem erupted from the earth, towering above the docks.

Ardent stepped forward, calm despite the chaos. "Leave him to me."

Water streamed up his blade in a liquid shine, encasing the steel. His movements grew sharp; each strike carving sparks from the golem's body.

Around him, the others strained to hold the line. Kazuki, locked in combat with a tough slaver, fought with raw determination. But when his eyes caught Zephyr surrounded and the twins — Verena shielding Vada, both trembling and bloodied — something inside him snapped.

His eyes bled red.

The crown of the Sovereign Authority flared above his head, his armor forming in black steel, a blade of nightmare solid in his hand.

The slaver before him fell in a single stroke.

In the blink of an eye, Kazuki crossed the battlefield, cutting down the man poised to strike Zephyr from behind. Another heartbeat, and he was at the twins' side, his blade sweeping in a dark arc. Their attackers crumpled in an instant, swallowed by his shadow-power. Then he too disappeared in the shadow.

The kidnappers' leader roared in panic. "What is that thing?! Where did it go?!"

From the leader's shadow, Kazuki rose like a phantom, seizing the man by the throat. They levitated above the battlefield, children and slavers alike staring in horror.

The leader clawed at his hand, gasping. "Let me go! I'll give you anything! Just let me live!"

Kazuki's voice was cold, monotone. "And how many children begged the same of you? Did you listen to them?"

The man's pleas ended in a choked scream as shadows drained the life of him and his men away, his body collapsing limp before Kazuki released him to the dirt.

With a single breath, the Sovereign's form flickered — crown, and armor dissolving into nothing. Kazuki fell to one knee, chest heaving, before scrambling toward the twins. They clung to him instantly, one of them sobbing quietly against his chest.

"…Thank you," Verena whispered, tears in her eyes.

Kazuki pulled them close, his hand steady on their heads. "You're safe now."

When he looked up, his eyes met Ardent's — the swordsman's blade now slicing effortlessly through the golem's limbs. With one final slash, the creature shattered into rubble.

"What was that technique?" Kazuki asked, still rubbing the twin's head.

Ardent flicked water from his blade, his voice calm. "Tōgi, my special affinity power. When I sheath my sword in water, each strike sharpens it further. With enough cuts, even stone and iron yields like silk."

Kazuki managed a small, breathless smile. "That's pretty cool."

Then Cedric appeared, his son clutched tight against his shoulder. His eyes were wet, his voice trembling with gratitude. "You saved him. My boy, little Bill—my treasure. Thank you."

The boy waved his hand at them.

Alvis, sweat still dripping down his head, pushed forward, his voice rough. "Then it's time. Will you prepare our ship?"

The captain gave a slow nod. He reached into his coat again, pulling out the miniature ship. With reverence, he tossed it into sea.

The toy hit the waves — and in a flash of silver light, it swelled, stretching taller, wider, grander, until before them loomed a magnificent galleon. Its sails shimmered with faint glyphs of divine blue, its prow carved in the likeness of a woman's face — serene, but unyielding. The sea itself seemed to part for its arrival, waves lapping at its hull in worship.

Cedric spread his arms, his voice booming with pride. "This… this is my beauty. My beloved Anahita, Goddess of the Sea!"

Gasps spread through the group. Maeryn pressed a hand to her lips, wide-eyed. "That little trinket was a ship?"

The captain roared with laughter. "I'll gather my crew, my stores, and by tomorrow noon — we sail!"

Alvis looked at others and asked them to return to the tavern till he deals with these bodies and children.

They returned to the tavern where the blacktide was. The tavern owner welcomed them. "Baths are in the back. You'll find hot water waiting."

They washed the dirt and blood of battle away, and when they returned, steaming bowls of stew and fresh bread awaited them.

But when it came time to settle in for the night, the owner scratched his head. "Rooms are scarce here. We only have four. Two with twin beds… and two with couple's beds."

An awkward silence fell across the table.

Ardent was the first to break it, clearing his throat. "Alvis and I still need to discuss something. We'll share one."

Gorran chuckled, throwing a heavy arm around Maeryn. "And I'll be with my wife, of course. And the twins will get one together."

Gorran's grin spread wide as he leaned back in his chair. "Which means… the last room goes to the new couple." His laugh was booming, and Kazuki and Zephyr both flushed red.

Gorran caught Kazuki's eye and gave a subtle nod toward the twins.

Kazuki understood and walked over, kneeling before them. "Gorran told me your birthday's coming up soon. Fourteen years, right?" He held out the delicate leaf-shaped hairpins Gorran had given him earlier. "These are for you. Happy birthday, Vada. Verena."

The twins' eyes lit up, their usual guarded expressions softening into pure joy. Kazuki gently set the pins in their blonde hair, and in perfect unison, they leaned forward and kissed his cheeks from either side.

"Thank you…. big brother Kazuki," they chimed together, voices bright.

Kazuki felt something warm bloom in his chest, the simple words piercing deeper than he expected. Zephyr, watching, felt her own heart stir. "Very cute," she murmured, smiling faintly.

Keys were handed out by Gorran, and as Maeryn passed Zephyr, she gave Zephyr a playful elbow. "Don't forget what I taught you earlier," she teased, winking.

Zephyr's ears turned scarlet. "We are not going to do anything!" she blurted, her voice cracking.

When Kazuki and Zephyr opened their door, they froze. A single bed filled the center of the room — wide and soft, draped with a thick quilt. A couple's bed.

Kazuki's gaze flicked back to the hall. Gorran was standing there, grinning like a fool. He flashed a thumbs-up before disappearing into his own room.

Inside, Kazuki collapsed onto the mattress with a sigh. Zephyr sat at the small vanity by the window, brushing her long hair in silence. The firelight caught strands of it, glinting like copper against her brown eyes.

She broke the quiet first. "That was thoughtful of you, giving them a present."

Kazuki sat up. "It was Gorran's idea. He guided me."

"Oh, really?" Zephyr arched an eyebrow, though her brush slowed. "And what else has he been teaching you?"

Kazuki's lips curved faintly. He stood, moving behind her without a word. Zephyr stiffened slightly when he reached past her shoulders — only to feel something cool and delicate settle against her skin.

Her breath caught when his fingers fastened the clasp at her nape.

Kazuki leaned closer, his voice soft. "I chose it because it reminded me of your eyes. I thought it would look good on you."

Zephyr touched the pendant with her fingertips, her reflection in the mirror showing wide, surprised eyes.

"…It does," she whispered. Then, with a sudden boldness, she leaned in and kissed him and they both fell onto the bed.

The world outside, the looming sea, the dangers ahead — for that one fleeting moment, none of it mattered.