[h2]Naganeru Aryū, Trainee Onmyouji[/h2][hr]
[i]Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Down.[/i]

These two words resounded in Aryū's mind at a rhythmic pace. For the past 20 minutes, Aryū had been lifting up her wooden sword and swinging it down at the ground. In her eyes, it was a way to get stronger.  At least, that's what she thought. She had only heard of this method on the internet, but it seemed to work for her to get more used to the weight of her wooden blade. After taking a deep breath, Aryū swung her weapon one last time, stopping it right before it hit the grassy ground of a yard.

She had to get stronger. According to her parents, the night was coming. She needed to prepare if she wanted to survive and find someone who would teach her. She was nervous. Even thinking of the night made her arms tremble. Anyone who had not already steeled their nerves for the White Night would be as nervous, if not more, as Aryū. The shaking wouldn't stop. She was truly afraid of her decision to fight in the White Night. Slowly, she walked towards the large tree in the middle of the yard. She placed the blade so it would rest against the tree. She then placed her head against the tree. Ever since she was a child, she would come to the tree. Whenever she was near the tree, she would feel as if she was safe.

Aryū backed off from the tree and grabbed her sword once more. She clenched her fist. There was no more shaking. She was prepared. She was ready for the night. She took one last deep breathe before she prepared her things. Her ofuda (both prepared and unprepared), her pen, her ink, various first aid supplies which she barely understood how to use, and a few snacks. All of them were organized into a single messenger bag.

One shower later, Aryū was ready. She left the safe confines of her home, determined to find someone who she could learn from.