Morning, Canteen – Eclipse Academy
The canteen was packed. Students chatted, laughed, and enjoyed breakfast. Tara sat at a corner table with Nadia, Rose, and Jisa.
Nadia:
"When are you going to meet Mr. Rayan?"
Tara:
"In the afternoon."
Jisa (raising an eyebrow):
"Are you sure?"
Tara:
"Yeah."
They finished their meals and started heading to class. On the way, they ran into Principal Z.
Principal Z (to Tara):
"Tara, how are things going for you?"
Jisa (smiling):
"You finish talking, we'll join you in the classroom."
Tara:
"Everything's okay, sir."
Principal Z (nodding):
"I heard about you from Jisa. What about your parents? Are they alright?"
Tara (pausing, then softly):
"Yeah, sir."
Principal Z:
"If there's ever a problem, feel free to come to me."
Tara nodded respectfully and moved toward class.
Scene: Training Room
Miss Lipy stood at the front, arms crossed. Tara entered.
Miss Lipy (coldly):
"Late again? Do you think training is optional? This is survival, not a hobby."
Nadia (intervening):
"Principal Z called her, ma'am."
Miss Lipy (ignoring the excuse):
"Come here. Go meet Mr. Rayan. I've spoken to him about your training."
Tara sighed and left, with no choice.
Scene: Training Yard
Mr. Rayan greeted Tara warmly.
Mr. Rayan:
"Hi, Tara."
Tara looked at him curiously.
Mr. Rayan:
"See that guy? His name is Neyon. He'll help you train."
Tara walked up to Neyon.
Tara:
"Hi."
Neyon (examining her):
"So it's you."
Neyon:
"I'll attack. You try to defend. Ready?"
They started training. Tara struggled with the sword.
Tara (frustrated):
"It's so heavy. My own sword's not that heavy."
Neyon:
"Just follow my instructions, girl."
Tara:
"I have a name, you know."
Neyon extended his hand.
Neyon:
"Neyon."
Tara (shaking it):
"Tara."
Neyon (grinning):
"Listen, girl—try to move the sword."
Tara (smiling):
"Again? And what was that handshake for?"
From a distance, Arib watched. His eyes darkened. Tara noticed.
Neyon:
"Boyfriend?"
Tara (glancing at Arib, who turned away):
"No."
Tara:
"Let's just start from the top. Defense."
They trained hard until lunch break.
Neyon:
"Let's end here for today."
Scene: On the Way to Her Room
Tara walked alone, thinking.
Tara (to herself):
"Was he… jealous? I can't figure him out. Does he actually like me? No... I shouldn't think about this. I need to focus."
Suddenly, Arib appeared.
Arib:
"Let's have lunch together."
Tara (surprised):
"Okay. Let's go to the canteen."
Arib:
"Not the canteen. Somewhere else."
Scene: Small Restaurant in Town
Tara noticed Arib's cool bike. They arrived at a cozy little eatery. An old man stood behind the counter.
Arib:
"Grandpa, bring what I usually have. Make it two."
Old Man:
"Alright!"
Arib (smiling at Tara):
"You'll love this dish. It's amazing."
Tara (grinning):
"Let's see."
Old Man (placing the dishes):
"Who's this, Arib? First time seeing you with a girl."
Arib (a bit shy):
"Just a friend."
Old Man (chuckling):
"Oooo..."
Tara:
"Feels like you two know each other well."
Old Man:
"Of course. It's been over ten years. Enjoy your meal!"
Arib (softly):
"Mom and I used to come here. She's not around anymore. When I miss her, I come here."
Tara (quietly, touched):
"Okay… let's try this."
They started eating.
Arib (serious):
"Tara, please decline the deal."
Tara:
"You'll be with me, right?"
Arib:
"What?"
Tara (clears throat):
"I mean… when I try to release the stone."
Arib:
"Of course. But think again."
Tara:
"I already did. Now let me eat peacefully."
Arib (smirking):
"From tomorrow, train with me—not Neyon."
Tara (teasing):
"Are you jealous?"
Arib:
"It's not funny, okay?"
Tara laughed. Arib saw her laugh for the first time. He smiled.
Evening – Mr. Rayan's Backyard
Mr. Rayan led Tara and the girls to a secret door, his expression unreadable.
Mr. Rayan:
"Go inside. You'll find a stone. Bring it to me."
He didn't elaborate further, and his tone was almost too calm for such a serious task. Tara exchanged a glance with the others, but there was no turning back.
The space was too narrow for all of them. Only Jisa entered with Tara.
Inside, they found the stone—smooth, black, and almost alive in the way it absorbed the faint light. The air was damp, thick with the smell of earth, and the quiet buzzing of insects filled the air.
Tara (nervously):
"Don't come near. Something feels wrong."
Jisa:
"Let me help you."
Tara (firmly):
"You could burn. I'm the Fireborn."
The stone seemed to pulse in the quiet cave. Tara couldn't explain it, but something was off.
Suddenly—
Outside: A terrifying scream echoed through the area.
Jisa Stabbed Tara with a knife. Lots of blood flowing.
Tara : Why? ( pain in her eyes)