Night Falls Quietly
No wind.
No movement.
Just stillness.
Hiroto Lies Awake
Flat on his back.
Eyes open.
Bandages Across His Body
Pain still there—
Sharp.
Real.
But That's Not What's Keeping Him Awake
His Hand Rests on the Blade
He Doesn't Move
Just… feeling it.
A Long Silence
Then—
…
Hiroto's Eyes Narrow Slightly
"…Again…"
No sound
But something is there
Not words
Not thoughts—
Presence
Hiroto Sits Up Slowly
The Blade Shifts Slightly in His Hand
His breathing steadies
"…What do you want…?"
Still no answer
But the feeling grows clearer
It's not random
It's reacting
To him.
Outside—Footsteps
Kenzaku Appears at the Entrance
"…You're not sleeping."
Hiroto doesn't look back
"…Can't."
Kenzaku steps in slowly
He notices the blade immediately
"…It's happening again."
Hiroto nods slightly
"…It's stronger now."
A pause
Kenzaku's voice lowers
"…What does it feel like?"
Hiroto thinks for a moment
"…Not like power…"
A pause.
"…Like something is trying to reach me."
Kenzaku's expression shifts slightly
"…Reach you…?"
Hiroto looks at the blade
"…Yeah."
Silence fills the room
Then—
A faint pulse
Stronger than before
Hiroto's grip tightens slightly
"…There—"
Kenzaku feels it too this time
His eyes narrow
"…I felt that…"
That confirms it
Hiroto exhales slowly
"…It's not just me anymore…"
A long pause
Then—
Kenzaku speaks quietly
"…Be careful."
Hiroto glances at him
"…You think it's dangerous?"
Kenzaku answers honestly
"…I think it's unknown."
That's worse
Outside—
The wind picks up slightly.
Back inside—
Hiroto closes his eyes briefly
This time—
He doesn't resist it
He listens
The presence responds
Not louder—
But clearer.
A single sensation forms
Not words—
But meaning
…Grow…
Hiroto's eyes snap open
Breathing sharp
"…Did you hear that…?"
Kenzaku frowns slightly
"…Hear what?"
Silence
Hiroto looks back at the blade
The presence fades again
Like it was never there
But he knows—
It was real
Far beyond the settlement—
In the darkness where no one stands—
A quiet voice echoes.
Not loud.
Not clear.
But certain.
"…It's awakening."
To be continued…