Chapter 46 – Morning Companion
The morning sun crept over the horizon, painting the treetops with a gentle golden hue. Flux stood at the edge of the clearing, gazing into the distance with a faint smile.
"Looks like I'll be training for a while," he murmured, adjusting his robe with a light tug at the waist.
A breeze rustled through the forest, carrying the faint scent of dew and moss. He glanced around lazily, took a long breath, and let it out.
"Wew... I'll just take a break for now."
As he turned toward the cave, his eyes landed on a small figure perched at its entrance—two red eyes blinking at him with quiet curiosity. The horned rabbit sat motionless, ears perked, silently watching him as it had during his training.
Flux walked over at a casual pace. "Hmm, good morning there, little one. You hungry?"
The rabbit didn't move or make a sound. Its small nose twitched, but it simply stared at him.
"Well, I'm hungry. You can join me if you'd like," he offered.
He reached into his pouch and pulled out a round, plump fruit, holding it out. "Here, take this."
The rabbit sniffed it warily at first, then nibbled a small bite. Its ears flicked, and it took another, slower this time.
Flux smiled. "Eat it. I'm sure it'll help with your cultivation."
He took out another fruit for himself, sat down beside the rabbit, and looked around at the aftermath of his all night practice. The clearing was scarred with shallow grooves, scattered debris, and broken branches.
"Hm. It sure looks like a mess."
Letting out a long sigh, he muttered, "Haaa... I'll get the hang of it eventually. Just need to keep practicing."
He took another bite, glanced at the rabbit still munching beside him, and tilted his head thoughtfully. "What do you think, little one?"
The rabbit paused mid-chew and looked up at him.
Flux chuckled softly. "Well, you're not as skittish as yesterday. That's progress."
He turned his gaze toward the cave. "Guess you've decided to stay in this place, huh?"
The rabbit shifted slightly but made no sound.
"I'll take that as a yes, then."
Flux stretched his arms and scanned the surrounding trees. "Hmmm... maybe I should build a house here someday."
He fell silent, closing his eyes and allowing his mind to replay the earlier training session—the movement of his feet, the weight in each step, the rotation of his core, the gentle momentum behind the blade.
After a few minutes, he opened his eyes and stood.
He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. "Alright. Time to continue."
Returning to the center of the clearing, he summoned his focus and began practicing the Twilight Dance once again.
---
His body moved with slow, deliberate grace. Each step was lighter than the last, each movement more refined. The air swirled around him as if responding to his intent. The sword in his hand traced crescent arcs that shimmered faintly in the sunlight, like ripples on a calm lake.
One... two... pivot. Breathe.
He glided across the grass, twisting and stepping as he channeled his Qi into every motion. A faint trail of silver light followed his blade's path.
The rhythm was still imperfect—sometimes his movements turned too sharp, his balance shifted too early, and the rotation was slightly off—but it was improving.
He adjusted his stance, grounded himself, and tried again.
Again.
And again.
Hours slipped past like flowing water. The breeze changed direction. Shadows grew longer.
---
By the time dusk painted the sky with violet clouds, his breath had grown heavy.
"Still can't get it just right," Flux muttered between breaths. "But... it's more balanced than before."
He looked up. The first stars had begun to peek through the twilight. "Didn't even notice the time. Guess I was too focused."
He chuckled lightly and wiped his brow. "Whew... I should take a break."
From the corner of his eye, he spotted the horned rabbit again. It was still there, sitting at the edge of the clearing, watching him in complete silence. There was no fear in its eyes—just a kind of fascinated stillness.
To another's eyes, he probably looked like a painting while he moved. But for Flux, it still wasn't good enough.
He turned and walked back toward the cave.
"Hmm... still watching me?"
The rabbit didn't move, but its ears twitched.
Flux smiled. "Let's go eat. You must be hungry by now."
The rabbit looked at him and raised its head.
"Good. I'll take that as a yes."
Inside the cave, he sat down in the corner and kindled a small flame with a flick of his finger. A soft warmth spread through the space as the fire crackled to life.
The rabbit hopped closer and settled beside him near the fire.
"Hmm. Feeling warm, right?" Flux said, glancing at it.
He pulled out another fruit and handed it over. "Here, take this."
The rabbit accepted it without hesitation this time. Its previous wariness had faded.
Flux smiled and took a bite of his own. As he ate, he noticed a faint glow radiating from the rabbit's body.
He paused mid-bite. "Hmm? Another breakthrough? That's good."
Light shimmered faintly around the rabbit's fur. A few minutes later, the glow faded as the rabbit's aura solidified—it had reached the third level of Qi Refinement.
"Congratulations," Flux said with a calm nod.
The rabbit looked up and let out a tiny sound, somewhere between a squeak and a chirp.
"Pii!"
Flux blinked. "Hmm... finally making a sound. Sure, we'll call that your way of saying thanks."
He reached out his hand. "Come here. I'll help you stabilize it."
As if understanding what Flux was saying, the rabbit stepped forward and rested against his palm.
Flux channeled a thread of gentle Qi into the creature's meridians, guiding the turbulent energy to settle. The rabbit's body warmed under his touch, and its breathing slowed, relaxed.
After about an hour, the glow completely stabilized.
Flux pulled his hand back. "How about it? Feeling better now?"
The rabbit gave a quick nod. "Pii!"
"Good. I've rested enough too. Time to get back to training."
He stood up and made his way to the clearing once more, the rabbit following behind and settling a short distance away.
The stars were out now. A cool breeze danced through the trees.
But none of it mattered.
Flux drew a breath, centered himself, and resumed his practice.
And just like that days past by and the rotation continued.