The waterfall roared endlessly, mist drifting into the vast open plains where the moonlight painted the ground silver.
Kyota sat alone near a crackling campfire, his sword laid carefully across his knees.
His breathing was slow and steady—his body worn and battered from a day's brutal training.
The air was cold against his skin, but the fire warmed his hands and heart.
He lay back on the grass, gazing at the endless sky above.
The waterfall's mist brushed across his face.
Suddenly—
A sharp snap of twigs.
A rustling.
Kyota sat up sharply, every sense on edge.
And then—
A scream, long and desperate, tore through the night.
"KYOTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
His heart dropped.
Without thinking, he seized his sword and sprinted toward the sound.
The ground blurred beneath his feet as he raced through the mist, the firelight behind him vanishing into darkness.
When he broke through the trees, he saw her—
Yuki.
Pinned against a rocky ledge, trembling.
Towering over her was a monstrous creature, made of shadows and bone, its mouth gaping wide, dripping venom.
"RUN, Yuki!" Kyota shouted desperately. "RUN!!"
But she didn't move.
Frozen in fear, her legs refused to listen.
Kyota gritted his teeth—and charged.
The monster turned its hideous eyes toward him and roared.
Kyota didn't hesitate.
He slashed across its arm, the blade cutting shallowly, barely enough to hurt it.
Before he could react, a claw smashed into his ribs, sending him crashing into the dirt.
Pain exploded in his side.
He coughed violently—blood staining his lips.
It hurt just to breathe.
Still, he stood up, legs trembling.
I have to protect her... even if it kills me!
He pulled every drop of mana he could gather—not by chanting, but from instinct alone.
A small ball of fire flared in his hand.
Without hesitation, Kyota hurled the fireball at the monster.
The explosion rocked the plains, flames engulfing part of the beast's body.
The monster howled, reeling back, charred and wounded.
But it wasn't dead.
It roared in fury and lunged again.
Kyota tried to lift his sword—but his strength gave out.
The monster's claw slammed him down.
He cried out, blood splashing across the grass.
His vision dimmed.
Am I going to die...?
Through blurred eyes, he saw Yuki, standing paralyzed, tears streaming down her cheeks.
No... I can't die here.
I have to protect her... I have to become strong... to protect the weak!
That was the moment the thought burned itself into his soul.
Not just a dream. Not a fantasy.
A decision.
Just as the monster raised its claw again—
Roots erupted from the earth, binding its limbs.
The wizard strode out of the mist, eyes sharp as knives.
"You reckless fool," the old man muttered.
The roots tightened, squeezing the monster until it disintegrated into black dust.
The wizard rushed to Kyota's side, kneeling.
"This boy... why do you throw your life away so easily?" he muttered, lifting Kyota carefully.
Yuki ran forward, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Is he...!?"
"He's alive," the wizard said grimly. "But barely."
Tears streamed down Yuki's face as she followed them back toward the house.
Four days later—
Kyota's eyes fluttered open.
Soft, warm sunlight streamed through a small window.
The scent of wood and herbs filled the room.
He was lying on a simple bed inside the cabin, wrapped in warm blankets.
His body still ached terribly, but at least he was breathing without drowning in pain.
He shifted slightly—and was instantly pulled into a tight, trembling hug.
Yuki clung to him, crying openly.
"You idiot!" she sobbed. "You stupid idiot! You could've died!"
Kyota smiled weakly, raising a shaky hand to pat her head.
"I had to... protect you," he whispered hoarsely. "Protect the weak..."
Her sobs grew louder.
"You dummy... don't ever do that again... don't leave me alone...!" she said through tears.
For a long moment, neither of them moved.
They stayed there, by the small window, wrapped in sunlight and tears.
Not just warrior and mage.
But something deeper. Something fragile and precious.
A few days later—
Kyota stood outside the cabin near the waterfall, testing his recovery.
He swung his sword carefully—slow, measured movements—each breath burning in his lungs.
Yuki sat on a smooth rock nearby, watching him quietly, hands clasped in her lap.
"You're stubborn," she teased gently.
He smiled faintly. "Guess I have to be."
They built a small shelter together near the fire.
Collected fresh water. Gathered firewood.
Spent quiet evenings talking about small things—the stars, the trees, dreams they didn't know how to chase yet.
As night fell, Kyota sat near the campfire once again, his body exhausted but his heart strangely full.
The mist drifted lazily around him, soft as a dream.
Just as his eyelids began to drift closed, he heard her voice:
"Kyota... are you okay...?"
It was soft, almost shy.
He opened one eye to see her sitting closer than usual, her cheeks faintly red in the firelight.
He smiled sleepily.
"Yeah. Thanks to you."
Yuki smiled back—and this time, she didn't look away.
...Kyota smiled back faintly, but his thoughts wandered, uninvited, to Rin.
Her gentle laughter echoed in his mind, the way her eyes always sparkled when she spoke of dreams they shared — the days they spent walking through vibrant forests, watching sunsets from the hilltop, and the cozy cafes they'd visit. Her kindness was never demanding, always soft, always comforting. He could still remember how she'd place her hand on his shoulder, reassuring him that everything would be fine, even on the worst of days.
He recalled the promises they made — how they'd stay together forever, no matter the trials life threw their way.
But now, as the fire crackled between him and Yuki, something different stirred inside him. The feeling wasn't just about duty anymore. It was more than friendship. He felt a warmth, a connection that made his heart beat a little faster. He felt Rin's presence.
He glanced over at Yuki — her smile soft yet unwavering, her presence soothing like the cool breeze at twilight. With her, Kyota felt a sense of closeness that he hadn't felt with anyone for a long time.
I feel like you're closer to me Rin,when I'm with Yuki... he thought quietly, unsure of where this feeling would lead.
The night stretched on, calm and warm, carrying the promise of new strength—and something even more powerful blooming quietly between them.