"I didn`t think it would be like this, Brother." Zelek`s shoulders rose and fell with each haggard breath. He thanked Heaven for not having to worry about maintaining his breathing pattern. His left eye was swollen shut, a bruised and bloody left arm held firm on his katana, and an awkward swell grew in the center of his left thigh.

　　Enril held his hanbos in front of him. They shook with each passing second. His right eye was swollen shut, and both hands were bruised. His shoes had worn off, leaving his feet bloodied and blistered. "We can`t lose, Brother. We just can`t. When we combine our strengths we`re supposed to be greater than anyone else." Tears stung Enril`s eyes. "Why are we so weak."

　　"I don`t think we are weak, Brother. It might just be that he`s exceptionally strong." Zelek paused and sheathed his katana. "I need you to capitalize on what I`m about to do."

　　"I won`t fail you." Enril swatted the hanbos together and the loud crack drew Brogle`s attention.

　　"Ready for the next round, are we boys?" He raised his knuckles and licked a stray speck of blood from them. "Why is the taste of desperation so delicious?" Zelek advanced and drew his katana, slashing at Brogle. A metallic clang rang out as knuckles met the blade. Brogle chuckled, relishing the memory of their last clash. Both boys had received a strike to the head. Brogle launched another fist. Something stopped it mid-air. He saw nothing that would offer resistance. "Clever technique you`ve got. Let`s see how long you`ll last." Brogle flurried right jabs at Zelek, whose sword was still tangled with the left hand`s knuckles. Zelek braced himself, channeling more riken. Sparks flew each time a strike landed near him.

　　Enril watched and waited, having envisioned the entire plan before Zelek had started. The ThreadRipper Stance would block Brogle`s attacks, and with each strike, he could siphon a small bit of riken using his Rebound Repository Technique. If Zelek could last long enough, Brogle wouldn`t understand what was going on until it was too late.

　　After two minutes of relentless punches, Brogle admitted, "I underestimated you, boy. After all that, you don`t seem any worse for wear. Tell you what, how about you come and be my student? With strength like ours, we could conquer many clans. You might even be stronger than me one day."

　　"Who wants to learn from a washed-up old man like you?" Zelek flashed a bloodstained grin.

　　"Still got some spunk in ya, hey? I can appreciate that. Time for you to say goodbye, though." Brogle`s knuckles changed in hue from green to orange. Enril Maneuvered forward and pinched Brogle`s fist between his hanbos, twisting the arm backward. "Now the other brat steps in? I`m real sick of you two." The heat faded from his fist. His body took on a reddened tone.

　　The accumulated riken exploded.

　　As Zelek hurtled backward, he dug his katana into the soil. He looked up just in time to see Enril crash through a nearby shed. Metal tools clanged in tune with Enril`s cry of pain. Zelek rose on wobbling legs, his katana a crutch.

　　Brogle glanced at Zelek, a deranged smirk playing across his face. He laughed before sauntering over to the broken shed while whistling a tune. He fished through the debris and pulled Enril out. Brogle hoisted him off his feet by the collar. "I suppose you brats did alright. That was a good enough warm-up to test my new strength. Accept death knowing the Brutal Bruiser Brogle will slaughter your clan." Brogle charged a fist with fiery fury once again.

　　Enril regained enough of his senses to hear the fist slicing through the air but was unable to muster any strength to defend. He said a silent prayer in his heart for Zelek to grow strong without him. A wet splatter graced his face a second later. He forced his eyes open, immediately wishing he hadn`t.

　　Winryu had intercepted the fist with his body. Brogle`s arm shot straight through, from front to back, and his bloodied fist stuck out of Winryu`s back. "If I was going to kill you I wanted to savor it, old man." Brogle tried to jerk his fist free, but Winryu held on, clasping his hands behind Brogle`s elbow, he laced his fingers together. A mouthful of blood escaped his lips as he said, "You will not touch these boys again while I draw breath." He coughed more blood. "I can only blame myself for being born unlucky. They were not, and I will not allow you to rob them of their potential." With a hoarse shout, "Boys, I can only hold down this single arm of his. You must find victory. I will not release him, even if I should die." Winryu gave a wry smile to the grimacing Brogle.

　　"If you wish to die just say so," Brogle grunted, as he tried to rotate, twist, and wiggle his arm free. Winryu grimaced with each motion but maintained his lock.

　　Zelek had wobbled his way behind Brogle. Hot tears cascaded down his cheeks. "How dare you do this to Elder Winryu." His Filter popped above his head and spun, an instant later his forty face appeared, and riken surged through him. He sheathed his katana and focused the fresh riken into it. Zelek unleashed his attack before Brogle could turn to face him. The katana flashed from the sheath with an impossible speed, slicing the vest Brogle wore. It split the garment open from shoulder to shoulder and left a small scratch on the surface of the skin. No blood was drawn.

　　Zelek collapsed to his knees.

　　Brogle didn`t turn to face Zelek. "All that talk and you barely pierced my clothes? Pathet-" A fierce crescent of wind tore into Brogle, slicing through skin, shredding muscle, and revealing bare bone. Brogle`s grasp on Enril was released.

　　"You&" Enril`s Filter erupted out and rolled with the same tenacity as Zelek`s. His thirty-six face appeared and riken swelled inside him. "I won`t let you walk away from this you monster!" He focused the fresh riken into his hanbos. He Maneuvered backward and poised like a sprinter ready to take off. He blinked from existence in a torrential gale of wind.

　　Brogle swiveled his head as he focused riken on his wound. A sharp pain rang from the fresh wound, then a pang from his side, and another from his knee. Each second, a new pain surfaced on his body, accompanied by a fleeting breeze.

　　"Leave it to that boy to transform my simple Maneuver into this. Remarkable," Winryu laughed despite the blood leaking from his lips.

　　Enril had discovered how to manipulate his movements during his Maneuver, but it cost him nearly all the distance he could travel. If he needed to move one meter in five different directions for an attack, he could, and conserve his momentum. This was his original technique: WindChaser Strike.

　　Just before landing a decisive strike, someone grabbed one of Enril`s hanbos, halting his movement. "Winryu, forgive me for asking this, but can you spare these boys?" Xing`s voice was sullen, his eyes dry but reddened.

　　"It would be my honor, Patriarch. Could you lend me your blade?" Winryu released his grip on Brogle and held a hand out. Brogle`s eyes had lost their light. He was no longer conscious.

　　"Don`t worry, Phizen scum, I`ll walk to hell one step behind you." Winryu drug the blade across Brogle`s throat. The Elders, and Jun carrying Heles, arrived a moment later.

　　Brogle`s body collapsed in a slump. Xing retrieved the katana from Winryu and severed the arm that held Winryu captive. Xing propped Winryu into a sitting position. Brogle`s Filter burst from his body and flew into Winryu. A chaotic storm of lightning and flames erupted from Winryu. It ceased seconds later leaving him in tatters.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

　　"What was that?" Enril and Zelek asked.

　　"That was the fate from which he saved both of you. When a Seeker dies as the direct result of another Seeker`s actions, the Filter is transferred, granting the surviving Seeker a curse disguised as a blessing." Xing paused, his pupils shaking as he looked at Winryu. "The cause is unknown, but the result has been studied. Absorbing another Filter will eventually create a dissonance in the Reserve." His voice cracked as he choked out the last four words, "It kills the Seeker."

　　"What? No, that&" Both boys babbled as they looked at Winryu with forlorn sadness.

　　"Don`t be sad, boys. I pass in peace, knowing the clan will survive with stars like you to defend it. I will sip tea and watch as the river flows and the breeze blows. The Foon Clan now has four stars to protect it." Winryu gave a thin smile, his lips bloodied and face paling.

　　"Our sacrifice is not in vain. Good work, Winryu. You`re a true hero." Heles whispered from Jun`s arms.

　　"Seems we will depart for Heaven together, Heles. It`s been an honor." Winryu closed his eyes and his breath came no more.

　　"It was an honor, old friend." Heles` breath ceased a moment later.

　　Their Filters burst from their bodies, hovering over top of them. "What happens now, Patriarch?" Enril asked.

　　"With Brogle dead, he can`t claim Winryu`s Filter. Heles has a peculiar case with Bing. Even though she`s the primary reason he`s in this condition, he died as a result of those injuries, not explicitly from her actions. Their Filters will disappear and become one with the world if no one touches them in the next few moments."

　　"Is it safe to utilize their Filters, or does the same result occur?" Jun asked, his voice shaking.

　　"The same result would occur. Given your young age, it may take years or even decades, but the same fate would befall you." Xing laid Winryu on the ground and closed his eyes. He stood and stared at the sky as a tear dripped down his cheek.

　　A column of light flashed, and the faint sound of a bell rang. "Foon Xing, explain why there are three deaths in your territory," a voice commanded. It originated from a woman with platinum hair clad in royal-purple robes. She stood with a dignity greater than royalty. Her eyes scanned from corpse to corpse as she brushed the platinum hair from her face.

　　"Patriarch Xing greets Madam Yun. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I`m sure someone as wise as yourself understands what happened." Xing`s guttural voice rang low.

　　"Xing, I am a member of the Ten Heavens Council and it is my duty to investigate. Now, report," she snapped. Though she was more than a head shorter than him, Xing felt she stood taller than Mount Churei.

　　With a sigh, "Reporting to Madam Yun, the Phizens sought to take my territory. They launched an assault and were stopped by our newest Expressionists, including my son, Jun." Xing motioned to Jun, who still held Heles. "He ascended a short while ago and came to his father`s aid. He is truly a blessing."

　　"So the Foon clan has two Expressionists again? Perhaps your days as a third-rank clan are numbered. It`s been thirty years since Haoran left. Before that, he was the sole Expressionist. You must be a proud patriarch." Yun placed a finger to her lips, glancing between Xing and Jun. "So your son, Jun, possesses the talent to fend off multiple Expressionists?"

　　"While he is very talented, he is not the sole reason for our victory." Xing motioned to the two boys weeping over Winryu. "These two boys are our current stars. Together, with the help of our late Winryu, they took down Brogle. They`re sixteen years and hold unfathomable talent." Xing beat his chest proudly. Jun shot him a dirty glare. "My clan has received a grand blessing from Heaven, and we qualify to become a second-rank clan," Xing announced.

　　Yun ignored him and asked, "What are their names?"

　　Xing ordered the boys over. Teary-eyed and sniffling, the boys walked over, bowed, and introduced themselves.

　　"So you two are the astounding talents who took down a Third-Step Expressionist? What sect do you belong to?" Yun inspected each boy close, noting every injury.

　　"We are Core Disciples of Boundless Heaven Sect, Madam Yun," Enril answered.

　　"That explains a bit. It`s quite rapid growth, even for disciples of Boundless Heaven Sect. There`s no record of anyone younger than twenty years stepping into the Expression Realm. Did one of you secure the prize in the Boundless Temple this year?" Yun stepped closer, reaching a hand up to each boy and hovering it just above their heads. A small stream of riken flowed from her hands and surrounded the boys.

　　"Madam, may I ask what you`re doing?" Zelek inquired.

　　"Your recovery will be hastened with my technique. Now, answer my question," she demanded.

　　"Yes, we entered the temple and Zelek secured the prize," Enril reported.

　　"Yeah, but the hint didn`t matter for you, Brother," Zelek protested.

　　"What does he mean, Enril?" Yun asked.

　　"Yes, it`s true that I perfected my bre-" Enril began, but Yun covered his mouth.

　　"Stop. You cannot reveal secrets to those beneath the Expression Realm. It would damage their foundation and hinder their potential advancement. Answer in vague terms," she instructed, removing her hand from his mouth.

　　Enril stood and thought for a moment. "I fulfilled the requirements to ascend before the temple. I practiced every day since childhood to master what was required of me. This practice led to an unintentional completion of the requirement. That made sense, I hope." Enril bowed.

　　"He`s a genius alright. My Brother is the fastest Seeker out there." Zelek smacked Enril`s back with a proud smile.

　　"So you`re twins?" She asked.

　　"Well, kind of. Our moms are twins. We were born on the same day, though," Zelek answered.

　　"We call one another brother because of our bond." Enril held a fist out, and Zelek bumped it with his.

　　Yun gave a silent nod, then turned back to Xing. "These deaths, are you satisfied with the result?"

　　"What do you want me to say? I lost two of my precious comrades due to the Phizen`s greed. Yes, they were a lower realm than Brogle, but the wound to my heart is no less. The Foon Clan will reclaim the razed fields. I care not for revenge. They have lost their status as a second-rank clan. They can chew on that for a while." Xing gritted his teeth as he stole a glance at Winryu and Heles.

　　"Yes, I deem that as fair. The Council approves of your terms. The Phizens will be made aware of this. If there is a further grievance, I will personally make an appearance." Yun took four steps and then paused. "Do you need anything else, Xing?"

　　"That is all, thank you, Madam Yun," Xing said as he bowed. Without a word, another ray of light shone, accompanied by the ring of a bell. Yun vanished. "Alright, let`s take care of our dearly departed." Xing`s shoulders quivered.

　　"Patriarch, please, allow me to dig the graves." Zelek jumped in front of Xing, blocking his movements.

　　Enril jumped in front also. "One grave each. It`s our fault we lost them. Let us atone for our sins by putting them to rest." Enril knelt on the ground and pressed his forehead to the soil.

　　Xing stood silent, unable to speak. At last, he turned to Jun, "Please hand Heles to Zelek. Enril, collect Winryu. You two will be in charge of their graves."

　　"Father, please, I fought with Heles allo-" Jun started.

　　"Jun, they requested it first. Please allow them this honor," Xing said.

　　"Y-yes, Father." Jun handed Heles to Zelek but turned his nose up as he walked away. Enril collected Winryu, and together the two set off to the graveyard which housed all deceased Foon members.

　　The northern region of the cemetery was reserved for those who held a high honor in the clan. It was here they would be buried. Under the mid-day sun, the boys began to dig.

　　"We`re weak. We need more power," Zelek said as he scooped a shovel full of dirt. His knuckles tightened around the handle. The injuries that had marred him not even an hour ago had long since faded.

　　 "Yes, they died because we are weak&" Enril choked down a sob.

　　Tears flowed down both boys` cheeks. Zelek started again, "Yes, Brother. We must grow stronger. To find strength, no matter the risk, that is our goal." They continued to dig the graves. By the end, the dirt was damp with their tears. Winryu and Heles were placed inside. Scoop by scoop, the boys buried their elders. Zelek turned to Enril when the last scoop of dirt was patted down. "Pills, Techniques, anything. We must latch onto every opportunity." Zelek speared his shovel into the ground. "When we return to the sect, we need to do everything we can to grow. Take any job, research, train, study, meditate. I don`t care what it is, as long as it helps us grow."

　　The boys wept over the fresh graves for a half-hour before departing.