The Wind Changes
Subtle.
But wrong.
Hiroto Feels It First
"…Something's off."
Kenzaku Immediately Agrees
"…Yeah."
A pause.
"…We're not alone anymore."
Akari Turns Slightly
Eyes scanning.
"…I thought this place was empty."
Tamagichi Doesn't Look Surprised
"…It was."
A beat.
"…Until you arrived."
That Lands Fast
Yui Steps Closer to Akari
"…You mean—"
Tamagichi Cuts In Calmly
"…We've been noticed."
Silence Drops
Goro Steps Forward Slightly
"…From where?"
Tamagichi's Answer is Immediate
"…Above."
No One Likes That Answer
Then—
A Sound
Soft.
Almost like fabric shifting in the wind.
Hiroto Turns Instantly
A Figure Stands on a Rooftop
Still.
Watching.
Completely Silent Until Now
Akari Tenses
"…How long were they there…?"
Kenzaku's Eyes Narrow
"…Long enough."
The Figure Steps Forward Slightly
Face partially covered
Clothing unfamiliar
Not like anything they've seen before.
Presence—
Controlled.
But sharp.
Tamagichi Speaks Quietly
"…So they sent one this early…"
Hiroto Glances at Him
"…You know them?"
Tamagichi Doesn't Look Away
"…Not personally."
A pause.
"…But I know what they represent."
The Figure Finally Speaks
Voice calm.
Cold.
"…You weren't supposed to interfere."
Silence
Goro Steps Forward
"…Interfere with what?"
The Figure Responds
"…With something beyond you."
Akari Scoffs Slightly
"…Everyone keeps saying that."
The Figure Ignores Her
Eyes locked on Tamagichi now.
"…You should've stayed hidden."
Tamagichi Replies Calmly
"…I tried."
A pause.
"…You came anyway."
That Exchange Says Everything
Hiroto Steps Forward Slightly
"…Who are you?"
The Figure's Gaze Shifts to Him
A Brief Pause
Then—
"…Irrelevant."
A beat.
"…You won't live long enough for it to matter."
That Triggers the Shift
Akari Moves First
"…We'll see about that—"
Tamagichi Raises His Hand
"…Don't."
She Stops
But barely.
Tamagichi Steps Forward Instead
His presence changes instantly
Heavier.
Sharper.
The Figure Watches Carefully Now
Not dismissive anymore.
Tamagichi Speaks
"…You're not here to fight."
The Figure Tilts Their Head Slightly
"…No."
A pause.
"…Just to confirm."
That's worse
Kenzaku's Voice Lowers
"…Confirm what…?"
The Figure Answers Without hesitation
"…That something has begun."
Silence Hits Hard
Tamagichi's Eyes Narrow Slightly
"…And?"
The Figure Turns Away Slightly
Then says—
"…It has."
A Pause
Then—
They vanish
No sound.
No trace.
Gone
Everyone Reacts Instantly
Looking around—
But nothing.
Akari clenches her fist
"…That's it?!"
Kenzaku's Voice is serious now
"…No."
A pause.
"…That was just the beginning."
Hiroto Looks at Tamagichi
"…What did they mean?"
Tamagichi Doesn't Answer Immediately
Then—
He turns slightly.
Eyes landing on Hiroto's blade again.
A small pause
Then he says—
"…It means…"
His voice lowers—
more serious than ever before.
"…They've already started paying attention to you."
To be continued…