Paras City Outskirts – Mountain Edge, Pre-Dawn
The sky clung to the last remnants of night, a deep indigo streaked with the faintest threads of rose and gold along the eastern horizon. A sharp, cold wind sliced across the exposed mountain ledge, carrying the crisp scent of pine needles and the distant promise of rain. Blu stood motionless at the very brink, arms folded tightly across his chest, cape snapping behind him in rhythmic gusts like a banner refusing to surrender. His blue skin seemed to drink in the dim light, making him appear carved from the stone itself—solid, unmovable, eternal.
Beside him, Astra rubbed his silver eyes with the heels of his small hands, black hair a wild mess from the hasty wake-up. He wore only a thin hoodie and shorts, shivering visibly in the pre-dawn chill that bit at exposed skin.
"Sensei..." Astra whined, voice thick with leftover sleep and a touch of petulance. "It's just morning... Why did you call me this early for training!? The sun isn't even up yet!"
Blu did not turn, his gaze fixed on the endless drop below where mist curled like ghosts among the pines. His voice came low and measured, carrying the quiet authority of someone who had greeted too many dawns exactly like this.
"Doing training in the morning is good for focus, kid. The world is still quiet. Your mind is clear. No distractions have woken up to pull you away."
Astra pouted, hugging himself tighter against the wind. "But I'm still sleepy... my eyes hurt..."
Blu finally glanced sideways at him. The corner of his mouth twitched—just the barest hint of amusement beneath the stern mask.
"Your first lesson is flying."
Astra's pout vanished instantly. Sleepiness evaporated like mist in sunlight. His silver eyes widened, sparkling with sudden excitement.
"Oh! The technique that lets you fly? Like how you do it? Without flapping or anything?"
"Exactly." Blu gave a single, firm nod. "But it takes hard focus. Since you're a dragon, I hoped it would come easier for you. Wings are a crutch—something that can be cut away. Real flight... comes from within."
Astra squeezed his eyes shut in concentration. A low, resonant hum filled the air. The wind stilled for a heartbeat.
Then—massive silver wings erupted from his back.
They unfurled with a sound like silk tearing, gleaming metallic and ethereal, each feather-edge catching the first true rays of dawn like liquid starlight. The wings flexed once, twice—sending a powerful gust that rustled the pines and lifted loose pebbles into the air.
Astra grinned wide, flapping once experimentally. He rose a few inches off the ground, laughing in pure delight. "I can fly with them! See? Easy!"
Blu's expression remained completely deadpan.
"I am not talking about flight by wings."
Astra's grin faltered, wings drooping slightly. "Huh...?"
Blu stepped closer. His large hand settled firmly on Astra's shoulder—steady, grounding.
"What if an enemy cuts your wings mid-flight?" he asked quietly, voice carrying the weight of battles Astra had only heard about in stories. "What then? You fall. You die. No. Real flight doesn't rely on anything that can be taken from you."
Astra swallowed hard, the joy draining from his face. His wings shimmered and dissolved into drifting silver motes that scattered on the wind like dying fireflies.
"Yes... but without wings... it's really hard," he whispered, voice small.
Blu squeezed his shoulder once—reassuring, but unyielding.
"If you learn this, you won't need wings ever again. And it's far easier to control once you understand the principle. Alright. Watch me."
He walked to the absolute edge of the drop, boots scraping against loose stone. Without hesitation, without a single glance back—he stepped forward.
And slipped.
Astra's heart slammed into his ribs. "Sensei Blu!"
But Blu did not fall.
He floated—perfectly still, cape fluttering gently in the updraft like dark wings of defiance. Gravity bent around him, powerless, irrelevant.
"That's the power of real flight," Blu said calmly, hovering there as though standing on invisible glass. "Not wings. Not brute power. Control."
Astra stared, mouth open, awe washing over his features like sunrise. "Umm... you're right."
Before he could say more, Blu's hand snapped out—fingers closing around the collar of Astra's hoodie in an iron grip.
"Without hardness, you won't learn."
And he threw him.
Astra ragdolled into open sky—arms windmilling, black hair whipping wildly, hoodie flapping like a broken sail. The mountain ledge shrank beneath him in heart-stopping slow motion. Wind roared in his ears, deafening. Tears streamed backward from the sheer force, blurring the world into streaks of color.
"Uwaaaaahhhhhh!"
**Astra's POV**
The world spun violently—sky and earth trading places in dizzying loops. The ground rushed up—jagged rocks, spear-like trees, unforgiving stone. Pressure crushed his chest, forcing his eyes half-shut against the wind. His stomach lurched into his throat.
"Helppp me!!" he screamed, voice cracking with raw terror. "Sensei Sai wasn't this hard! He isn't like him! He always caught me!"
He squeezed his eyes shut tight, bracing for impact.
The wind howled louder.
The ground was seconds away.
Then—something deep inside snapped awake.
His eyes flew open.
Silver light exploded from his pupils—bright, blinding, alive.
Nearby trees tore free from the earth—roots snapping like dry twigs, trunks lifting skyward as gravity reversed. Pebbles rose in a sudden vortex. Dust swirled in glittering spirals.
Astra blinked slowly.
He was... floating.
The fall had stopped.
He hovered—shaky at first, arms out for balance like a child learning to walk—then steadier. A soft silver-white aura pulsed around him, lifting him gently, protectively.
"I... I can fly?" he whispered, voice trembling with wonder and leftover fear.
His focus wavered for a heartbeat.
He dropped—fast.
Blu appeared in a flash of blue light, catching him by the hoodie and setting him gently back on the mountain ledge.
"Good," Blu said simply, voice level. "But you need to learn speed, timing, and real control."
Astra nodded—still trembling, eyes wide with a mix of terror and exhilaration. Blu's presence felt overwhelming now, like standing next to a storm that could break at any moment.
Blu raised his hand. Black nails caught the rising sun in sharp gleams.
"Now—next lesson. Full flight control."
Astra swallowed hard. "I can fly now?"
"Not yet," Blu corrected patiently. "But you will after I explain."
He stepped back, voice calm but commanding.
"Gather your energy inside your soul. Control it—don't let it spread wildly. Release it slowly, without panic."
Blu closed his eyes. A deep, dark green energy leaked from him—rich, alive, coiling like smoke. He jumped.
And floated—effortless, cape fluttering like wings of night.
"Okay?" Blu asked from above. "Now your turn."
Astra nodded, determination hardening his small features.
He closed his eyes.
Inside his soul—visualized in soft silver light—white and silver energy gathered, swirling inward into a tight, brilliant core. No wild flares. Just pure, focused will.
His eyes snapped open.
He pushed upward.
A massive white-silver aura erupted around him—pressure changing the air, pebbles lifting, wind humming with power. He rose—slow at first, wobbly—then steady—hovering beside Blu.
"Is this... my own aura?" Astra asked, voice shaking with excitement.
Blu nodded once. "Yes. You're learning to control your aura and fly at the same time."
Astra's grin broke wide—bright, fearless now. "Then fighting is fun for me now!"
Blu's expression remained serious, though a faint warmth touched his eyes. "Of course. Fighting feels fun... until it gets serious."
He landed lightly. "Next lesson: dodging."
Astra landed too—but his balance slipped. He fell on his butt with a small "oof!"
Blu didn't help him up. "Okay. I will attack. You dodge."
Astra scrambled to his feet, brushing dirt from his shorts. "Understood, master."
Blu charged a small golden ball in his palm—bright, humming with restrained power.
He fired.
Astra panicked—eyes wide—and froze.
The blast hit dead-center.
**BOOOOOOOM!**
Ground erupted. Trees splintered. Smoke billowed thick and acrid.
When it cleared, Astra sat holding his head, wincing hard. "Ahh... it hurts..."
Blu sighed, almost gently. "I told you—dodge."
Astra sniffed, rubbing the sore spot. "It was super strong and fast! How could I dodge something like that!?"
Blu knelt to his level, voice firm but patient. "Fine. Basics first. When an attack comes, don't panic and flail. Use your brain. Calculate the trajectory first—then move accurately. Not randomly like a monkey."
Astra nodded seriously, wiping his nose. "Okay, master."
Blu stood. "Let's start again."
Another golden blast—faster this time.
Astra watched—really watched. He tilted his head at the last possible second.
The blast passed harmlessly, exploding against a distant boulder in a shower of sparks.
Astra smirked, small but proud. "Oh. It was easy."
Blu raised an eyebrow. "Now faster."
The next blast came like lightning.
Astra panicked—dodged wildly. It grazed his sleeve, scorching the fabric and stinging his arm.
"Too fast and strong!" he yelped, clutching the burn.
Blu's voice cut through the pain. "Overconfidence isn't good."
Astra stood straighter, eyes fierce despite the tears. "I will remember it, master."
Blu nodded. "Now—a whole barrage."
Astra's eyes widened in alarm. "A barrage!? But how can I—?"
"Believe in your soul," Blu said quietly. "Not just your power. If I can, you can too."
He charged energy in both palms. "Haaaaa!"
Golden blasts erupted—dozens, a relentless wave of light hurtling toward Astra.
Astra froze for half a heartbeat—then calmed.
He tilted his head. Leaned. Stepped back. Twisted his body faster than he ever had before.
Not a single blast touched him.
Blu finally smiled—small, proud, almost imperceptible. "I must say... that's quite impressive. But still nothing against what comes next."
Astra grinned, breathless and exhilarated. "Yeah... but the training is cool."
Blu raised his palm toward a towering pine. "Now—blasts like mine."
He focused. Golden energy spiraled in his hand—bright, controlled. "Focus on the object you want to destroy. Gather energy in your palm. Shoot."
He fired.
The tree exploded in a shower of splinters and flame.
"Like that. Okay?"
Astra nodded eagerly. "I got it!"
His aura rose—silver and white swirling violently around him. He targeted a thick oak, palm glowing brighter. The energy spiraled into a white-silver blast—pure, searing.
"Ha!"
He shot.
The blast struck—tree disintegrated into fine dust, consumed by white flames that flickered like living starlight before fading.
Blu watched the ashes drift on the wind. "Your attack doesn't just hit. It burns too."
Astra scratched his head, smiling shyly. "I think I'm powerful..."
Blu's tone sharpened, but not unkindly. "Don't be proud. You have many things left to learn."
Astra tilted his head. "Hm? What now?"
"Next—blocking and countering." Blu's eyes narrowed. "And this time... I'm far more serious. It can hurt. Take it seriously."
Astra gulped, but stood taller. "Alright. Let's start."
Blu vanished—teleport.
Astra spun wildly. "Where is Master Blu!?"
Blu reappeared in front—punch incoming like a comet.
Astra backstepped, twisting smoothly—dodging by a hair.
"Woah... too close."
Kick. Elbow. All in a blur.
Astra dodged, jumped right.
Blu landed a powerful punch.
Astra's eyes widened. "No... this isn't even dodgable..."
He crossed muscular arms over his chest.
The punch landed—but did no damage. Astra slid back only a few inches, feet digging furrows in the dirt.
Blu backed off, snapping his fingers. "Nice. Now—what about this?"
He fired a blast.
Astra raised an arm—reflecting it cleanly, golden energy scattering harmlessly.
Blu fired multiple.
Astra countered—silver-white blasts clashing mid-air, exploding in brilliant light that lit the ledge like daylight.
Blu stopped. "Okay... training ends today."
Astra bowed deeply, chest heaving. "Thanks for the training... Master Blu."
Blu's expression softened—just a fraction. "Looks like Yuki taught you some discipline too."
Astra smiled—bright, genuine, tired but proud. "Now I can go home?"
"Of course." Blu paused. "But before you go... I have something for you."
Astra tilted his head curiously. "What? A chocolate?"
Blu teleported briefly—returned holding a neatly folded bundle.
"Here. Your reward for today."
Astra opened it—eyes widening in pure, childlike shock.
A full set of Blu's signature gi: sleeveless white top that left the arms free and powerful, black undershirt hugging the torso, white baggy pants that flowed with movement, white-and-black boots, black belt, black wristbands. The fabric shimmered faintly—lightweight yet impossibly durable, cut in the iconic style that echoed legends of old warriors.
Astra pulled it out reverently, fingers tracing the clean lines. "Master!? This matches your gi... but no sleeves! Just like... like Goku!"
Blu nodded once. "It's my signature design. Made especially for you. Sleeveless—so your arms stay free for dragon-flame control. No restrictions. Pure movement."
Astra changed instantly—slipping into the outfit with eager hands. The sleeveless white top hugged his small but defined frame perfectly. Muscles on his arms shone faintly beneath the open design—strong, ready. The baggy pants swished with every shift. The black belt cinched tight. Wristbands gleamed.
He stood there—a tiny warrior in full regalia, silver eyes glowing brighter than ever.
"I... I like this gift a lot," Astra whispered, voice thick with emotion. He clenched his fists—feeling the fabric shift, the freedom of bare arms, the weight of belonging. "I will wear this from now on. This gives me power... and cool drip."
Blu allowed a small, genuine smile—the first real one Astra had seen from him. "Sure."
Astra floated upward, aura shimmering silver-white around the new gi. The sleeveless top rippled in the wind like a flag of promise.
"See you later, Master! I'll show the outfit to Yuki and tell her everything I learned today!"
He flew off toward home—wind whipping through bare arms, gi flowing perfectly, a small comet of silver light streaking across the dawn sky.
Blu watched him go until he vanished over the treetops.
Then—quietly—he teleported away for his next duty.
---
**The Sea Area of the Great Jungle – Night**
Far from the mountain training ground, where ancient jungle met the endless black ocean, the water lay unnaturally still under a cold, indifferent moon.
Then—deep beneath the surface—green eyes glowed.
Ancient. Unblinking. Hungry.
The sea trembled.
Waves rose—then parted with violent force.
A colossal shape breached the surface.
Jaws wider than a ship, teeth like shattered obsidian towers—each one long enough to crush steel, bone, hope in a single bite.
**Mighty Megalodon**—the legendary king of sharks—rose like a nightmare given form.
Water cascaded from its scarred, prehistoric hide in roaring waterfalls. Its roar shook the night—deep, primordial, a sound that vibrated through bone and soul, promising destruction older than memory.
The entire ocean bowed before it.
Tsunamis surged toward the distant shore—towering walls of black water that swallowed moonlight.
And in those glowing green eyes burned something far older than hunger.
Rage.
Recognition.
Awakening.
The sea itself seemed to hold its breath.