[LITERATURE] Diluculum Star

From dirt ascends a
flaming scorpion; the
diluculum star.

          In the yellowed fields of an autumn Anstar, daybreak sunrays poke holes of warmth into the evanescent dark, filtering between the leaves of ochre and scarlet. Wind croaks old bark raised from up a time long forgotten; tangling between trees and fur alike with stardust, as two luminites step out onto a flat, loosely fenced-in section of the field. 

          “Nice sunrise this morning, isn’t it?” A gentle, nonchalant voice spoke behind the strong body of the lead warrior, who returned the sentiment with a smile.
          “It is pretty nice, huh? There’s something about training in the morning that really vitalizes the spirit.”
          Jiahao made his way to the other end of the fenced field, training dummies made from sacks of straw and leaves tied up against wooden stakes scattered across the enclosure. They looked a bit crooked and lazily made at first, but upon closer examination, were actually quite sturdy and secure.
          “I want you to practice the method of your swing.” Using stardust with a cool yet leisurely expression, Jiahao handed a standard, typical trainee sword to his disciple. Santoku took the hilt in his fangs, before flipping it over into his own stardust grip. “Start with a forward lunge.”

          Stepping over to a dummy, blade in stardust, Santoku prepared himself. Then, exerting both physical and celestial energy, he jumped forth, curving the blade along his stars. The dummy ripped with a decently sized slit within its torso, though still held strong by the sturdy stalks of straw stuffed beneath the casing. 
          “I’d say that's pretty good for a first swing!” He chuckled, followed by an admirable nod from Jiahao. 
          “You definitely have determination. It’s noticeable in the confidence of your stardust manipulation; it's a good trait to have.” 
          Encouraged by his passive praise, Santoku took another forward lunge. The blade chews into the straw of the previous slice, as well as placing a new hole just a bit above it. Repeating this process once more, he then stepped back at Jiahao’s command.
          “You learn very quick,” The lead warrior admired, tilting his head with interest. “Once you get these next few techniques down, I’m sure we’ll share a good spar!” 

          The two hit it off quite well as the sun rose higher; sharing idle yet vibrant conversation as the air pulled leaves, scattering more and more onto the field as the time passed. Santoku held the trainee sword confidently in front of him as he learned to guard, when Jiahao asked a sudden question.
          “Santoku, right? I’ve been curious; what inspired you to become a warrior?”
          His student paused for a minute, his eyes still focused on his blade. “Ah, I guess I’m not really sure.” He chuckled awkwardly.
          “Watch your footwork,” The lead warrior called. “Right,” Santoku adjusted his paws into a stronger, more defensive posture. 
          “I’m sure there was something that inspired you. Most lumins don’t just choose to be a warrior overnight… Though, I have taken on an influx of apprentices lately…” Jiahao returned to the topic, giving a silly grin as he spoke.
          Santoku thought for a moment. Then, with a gentle sort of light in his eyes, he answered. “I suppose… I just wanted to protect the ones I care about. I think that’s a common reason, wouldn’t you agree?” The two shared a pause, before he continued, 
          “I own a… well, I wouldn't want to call it a struggling business,” he laughed sheepishly, still practicing his defensive and offensive stances as Jiahao quietly guided him, still listening intently, “but I only get a good influx of customers around event seasons, like Stellaestum. When I cook for those passing by in Dioscenus, I can’t help feeling that I owe it to them for keeping me afloat. I value all those faces I may or may not see again… Even if I don’t know them personally. I think… I greatly value everyone as a community, and if I could pay that forward somehow…” Santoku trailed off, still with a firm, yet vulnerably heartfelt expression on his face. 

          The wind swirled the leaves around them, carrying them in gentle loops and twines as they lifted from the grass. Combined with the sky, which was set ablaze by morning orange and pink; cirrus clouds kissing farewells to the fading stars… It really was a beautiful morning.
          Jiahao gave an expression of thought as the flowing air played with both of their hair. “I think you’ll make a fine warrior. Your heart matches your effort, you know. You really did do awesome today!” Giving a swift thumbs up with his spear held firm in his stardust, Jiahao circled back around Santoku, standing beside him, if not just a bit in front. The two shared pleased expressions.
          “In this lighting, you look just like the epitome of embers. If you make it up the ranks, I’d love to greet you once more with a strong title to suit you. Something like… well, your tail reminds me of mirakrils…” The two had an awkward laugh, both knowing how quite small and puny they are.
          “Hm… something else with a plated-looking exterior… How about a scorpion? I think it’d suit your swift and strong attack style.” 
          Santoku seemed happy with the idea. “I really do appreciate it, general sir… I’m looking forward to it!”
          Beaming, Jiahao shot back, “No need to be so formal! I’ll be waiting for the day we can schedule a spar! I’m really interested in your upcoming improvement. Feel free to come back here any time to hone your skills. You can keep the sword, too!” 

          Ending dawn had fallen upon the two; blue hues crawling in through the fading warmth of a sunrise now risen. The two luminites began preparing to head their separate ways for the day, when Jiahao called out behind him.
          “Oh, before you disappear, mind letting me know where you set up? I’d like to try your cooking sometime! Judging by how you handled that sword, I’m sure you're great with a frying pan!”
          Santoku turned back, giving him a surprised, yet joyous look. Exchanging the location and one last farewell, the two went their separate ways, with the younger lumi now filled with a new sense of confidence and duty. From dirt will ascend… 

A flaming scorpion.