(The Legendary Phoenix Sword) *September 5th, 1918*
2:00pm*
Three days had passed as Kaede was learning basic to moderate training lessons from Master Akito while Olga, Tatiana, and Maria were setting out Lunch for everyone on one of the picnic tables.
"Kaede has been improving over the last three days and it just proves how determined she truly is," Tatiana said as she set out a plate of sandwiches on the table.
"You're right. Kaede seems to be keeping up with Akito at a much faster pace" Olga chimed in as she had set out two large jugs of Lemonade on the table as she looked back at the training session.
"That's It! Keep on pushing me back!" Akito cried out in joy as Kaede let out a slew of punches and kicks towards the palm of his hands as Akito used them to catch each blow.
"That will be enough training for now and it's time for a one hour lunch break" Akito said with a smile as he reached his hand out to help Kaede rise from the ground.
"Sounds good and I feel like I'm slowly becoming stronger each day and I like to thank you once again Master Akito" Kaede said with a smile as she lifted herself up as the pair walked over to the lunch table.
"I can't wait to try your sandwiches Maria. I know they will taste amazing" Bartok said with a smile as he wrapped a napkin around his neck as he had a smile on his face.
"Thank you very much and please help yourself," Maria said with a smile as he quickly stood up to pull out a chair for Maria.
"Thank you" Maria thanked with a smile as she sat down while Bartok gently pushed her chair closely to the tape.
"You're welcome, Maria," Bartok said as he sat back down right next to her as he looked over to see Kaede and Akito walking towards the tables.
"How was training?" Yelena wrote as she showed Kaede with a smile.
"It went pretty good and I'm sure I am hungry!" Kaede replied as she sat down on the table while Akito sat next to her.
"Alright let's say a short prayer and we can begin eating" Olga said as everyone joined hands and prayed for 1 minute before grabbing their sandwiches.
"Please help yourselves and Maria made plenty for everyone," Anastasia said in a joyful tone as she grabbed 3 sandwiches from the plate and settled them on her plate.
"So Kaede. How is your training coming along" Kazumi asked as he took a bite from his sandwich.
"It has been going quite well and I feel like I've gotten stronger," Kaede replied back with a smile while she poured herself some lemonade.
"Kaede, Have you heard of the Legendary Phoenix Sword?" Akito asked as sipped some of his lemonade.
"T-The L-Legendary Phoenix Sword?" Kaede uttered in shock as everyone stopped talking to pay attention to Akito.
"Phoenix Sword? What do you mean?" Alexei asked as he turned his attention to Akito.
"I think my father told us about this before and It's believed to be a very powerful sword that even King Arthur used in some legends however we don't know If it's true or not" Olga explained.
"Wow that honestly sounds pretty awesome and how do I get it?" Kaede asked.
"It's said that the Phoenix sword rests somewhere in this forest in it's cave however the journey is quite challenging" Akito further explained while Kaede's face turned into a look of confusion.
"What do you mean by that?" Kaede asked.
"The sword will test your worthiness by making you face your greatest fears and insecurities and the cause of it will be a legendary water that will be given to you. Only the worthy will survive its effects and if you are not worthy and allow those negative feelings to overcome you...then you will die…" Akito spoke for Olga as the table grew quiet before Tatiana raised her hand to speak.
"That's terrible," Tatiana said in shock as she put her hand over her mouth.
"If I may ask how does this work and that's really just awful that people went through this for the sword" Maria asked.
"The Phoenix Sword grants the user power beyond imagination and only those who are worthy can wield it however I believe Kaede is truly worthy of such a wonderful sword and many years according to legends. Everyone tried to capture this sword for whatever it was for good or evil" Akito replied back with a smile as he looked at Kaede who had a surprised look on her face.
"What!? That just came out of nowhere! But It sounds pretty awesome and I want to gain this sword!" Kaede said with determination as everyone but Akito gave a shocked expression.
"Kaede! You can't! It's too dangerous and no Human has a pure heart like Akito mentioned. You will be overwhelmed by your fears and other such terrible emotions and I just don't want you to die…" Anastasia cried out in shock as her sisters and everyone nodded their heads.
"Anya is right. You shouldn't act so hastily and It's gonna cost you your life and we all care so much about you" Tatiana added on as she had a very concerned look on her face.
"Everyone is right and this is Life or Death that we're talking about here" Kazumi said as the tension around the table was apparent.
"It's too dangerous. I don't want you to die Kaede. Please don't…" Yelena wrote as she showed Kaede and everyone else with a look of sadness on her face as Kaede stared back.
"I'm sorry everyone but I must get that sword and If it's true then I will become stronger and defeat John Claude and get everyone to America!" Kaede answered back as Olga slammed her fists in the table in frustration which startled everyone.
"WE JUST DON'T WANT YOU TO DIE! AND PLEASE DON'T ACT LIKE A BRATTY CHILD!" Olga lashed out at Kaede much to the surprise of everyone while Kaede sat at her chair shocked at what transpired.
"Don't you understand that you wilL DIE?! You don't wanna lose you and you helped us so much and your choice is foolish!" Olga cried out as she began to shed tears.
"Well! I'm TIRED of being weak! All of my life I have been too scared to try anything because of what others think! And I don't care if this water kills me or even cuts a part of my lifespan! I just want to help everyone and ensure a bright and happy future! And yes! I am acting like a bratty child because I actually CARE!" Kaede cried out as she began shedding tears as well while Olga simply stood in silence.
"Kaede. You are just like my grandmother. Stubborn but always stood her ground in what she believed in…" Kazumi thought to himself as he watched the argument.
"I'm going to find the Phoenix Sword and everyone else cares to oppose me? Kaede said as everyone remained silent.
"Good. See ya" Kaede said as she turned around however she felt Olga hug her from behind as Kaede stood in shock.
"You are like a little sister in my eyes. I always want to protect you just like I do with my little sisters and brother" Olga said as she hugged Kaede tightly from behind.
"But.." Kaede only uttered as she was cut off by Olga.
"You better return home Kaede! And I give you all of God's blessings towards your way, I know I shouldn't be encouraging this but I feel it in my spirit that you will prevail and my Mama and Papa always taught me to have full trust and faith in God" Olga said warmly as the pair embraced in a warm hug.
"I feel like Olga and Kaede understand each other's hidden pain since Olga had more expectations and pressure for being the oldest while Kaede must adjust to the norms of her schooling but I feel that God is moving through everyone. Thank you my Lord" Tatiana thought to herself as she smiled.
"Kaede. Stay safe" Akito said as he gave a thumbs up.
"You bet I will and sorry for my outburst Olga" Kaede said as she looked down in shame.
"I think I should apologize as well. I didn't mean to call you a Bratty Child. I feel like I should have approached the situation better.." Olga replied back.
"Your emotions were valid. You had every right to be worried about me and I thank you for that very much Olga" Kaede said as she and Olga embraced in one final hug before letting each other go.
"Well...I'll be going now. I do see the forest from here" Kaede said with a smile as she got up and proceeded to start her journey.
"Be safe!" Alexei cried out.
"You better come back in one piece!" Anastasia said as she gave a thumbs up.
"Good Luck!" Tatiana cried out as Kaede waved farewell to her friends before proceeding with her journey to find the Phoenix Sword.
