On a cold, rainy night at the end of winter—
A woman went into labor as the sky roared along with the storm.
When the couple's first baby was born that night, the rain stopped, and the clouds began to part.
Moments later, when the second child was born, there were almost no clouds left in the night sky, which chose to reveal its stars to the newborns.
As soon as the children were placed in their mother's arms, still lying in bed, the waning moon appeared, casting its light over their faces.
Siblings. Twins who shared the same moon, yet stood on opposite sides of it—one in the light, the other in shadow.
A few months after their birth, in a small city southwest of Kirden—
A couple wandered the streets of Venia as if searching for something… or someone.
They stopped in front of a modest house.
And knocked.
I'm coming! Who is it?
The couple didn't respond. They knocked again.
Hold on, damn it.
A third knock came, more urgent this time.
Suspicious, the person inside grabbed a training staff—the heaviest one—and stood behind the door, opening it carefully.
Look, if this is about yesterday's drinks, I'll pay—
The door opened.
A man and a woman stood there, their heads covered with blue cloth and cloaked in mantles.
Who are you? — the resident asked, gripping the staff tightly.
The couple removed the cloth from their faces.
The woman inside froze, caught between a smile and shock.
It's been a while… my sister.
Maria… is that really you?
Maria nodded.
Please, come in.
You can hang your cloaks there.
As they removed them, their Order uniforms were revealed. Each carried a baby in their arms beneath the cloaks.
Sit down, I'll get you something to drink.
Alright, sister. — Maria.
From the living room, a tatami training space could be seen.
You still train? — Maria.
I never stopped. You never know when something like that day might happen again.
Maria looked down, thoughtful.
Here. A drink with ice, lemon, and sugar. Our favorite.
It's been so long… maybe it's not even my favorite anymore. — Maria.
Her sister didn't know how to react, so she stayed serious.
Maria's husband nudged her foot under the table.
Let me introduce my family. — Maria.
This is my husband, Phelipe. Phelipe, this is my older sister, Miah.
And these are our children, Luan and Luna.
The babies were only a few months old, already showing their mother's light brown hair and their father's honey-colored eyes.
They're twins too. — Maria.
Miah said nothing, just smiled softly.
I chose their names because they were born under the moon… so they'd always remember how beautiful their birth was. — Maria.
I'm really happy for you. — Miah.
Are you married? Do you have kids? — Phelipe.
I don't like men. And I don't want kids. Not in this messed-up world. And honestly, I doubt I'd be good with them anyway. — Miah.
An awkward silence followed.
That might complicate things… — Phelipe.
We want to ask you a favor. — Maria.
Miah sighed.
I figured. You wouldn't come visit me… not after what I did.
What do you want?
We want you to take care of the twins… until we come back.
What? No. Absolutely not.
Please, sister.
Ask someone else. Your husband's family. The Order—
I'm an orphan. We can't trust just anyone. Please. — Phelipe.
Miah hesitated.
…Fine. But where are you going? And how long?
About… eight months. Maybe.
Where?
Verka. In Tarskavia.
Miah's eyes widened.
That cursed country? It's a nest of blood and bodies—demons, angels… who knows what else!
It's just a reconnaissance mission. We'll retreat if necessary. — Maria.
They placed the babies gently on the table.
There's about three thousand pieces here. — Phelipe said, dropping a heavy bag beside them.
When we come back… we'll talk about everything. — Maria.
They stood to leave.
Promise me you'll come back. — Miah.
I… I promise. For my children.
They left as suddenly as they had arrived.
Don't die… please. — Miah whispered.
Days later—
Before their departure to Tarskavia—
Ma'am… Representative…
Maria dismissed the others and turned.
A young boy handed her a small box.
The Order leader sent this.
More communication candles? Thanks.
He'll contact you daily.
Understood. And you don't need to call me "Representative." Maria is fine.
That would be disrespectful.
I give you permission.
What's your name?
Matteo F. Mouro. Eight years old.
Can you use Righteous Wrath?
I reached the Dark-White stage before turning eight.
Maria thought:
"A prodigy…"
Why haven't you joined a House?
I want to create my own.
"Ambitious too…"
Maria, we're ready to depart. — Phelipe.
Everyone onboard in ten minutes!
Stay safe, Matteo.
Months passed.
Miah struggled with raising two babies.
Luan cried all night.
Luna caused chaos all day.
One night—
Hey, beautiful, want to go out?
Not today. The little ones won't sleep.
Five months later—
The Order lost contact with Maria's team.
At Miah's home—
The twins were almost three.
Ma… ma… — Luan
Sorry, I'm not your mom. — Miah.
Still… she trained them.
Five years later—
They were eight, sparring.
Why did you teach us different styles? — Luan.
So you never know what to expect. Fighting means embracing the unexpected. — Miah.
If you want to find your parents, you must become strong.
Eight years later—
They were sixteen.
Packing their bags.
You've grown strong. — Miah.
You'll finally learn the truth. — Sisty.
The Order vehicles are arriving.
Thank you… Mom. — Luan.
We're grateful. — Luna.
Miah couldn't hold back her tears.
I love you both. Don't forget what I taught you.
They hugged.
Goodbye.
She watched them leave.
Why didn't you tell them you're their aunt? — Sisty.
They don't need that weight.
Back to the present—
Luan and Luna were still kneeling on the arena floor…
After striking each other at the same time.