Demons and Dragons vol 1

I'm fourteen years old today.My name is Kaito Saito, and if I'm being honest, my birthday feels like any other day—quiet, heavy, and full of questions I don't yet have answers to. Somewhere at home, my big sister Kiyomi is probably preparing another surprise. Knowing her, it's not the kind most people would want.Right now, I sit in my middle school classroom, staring out the window. Cherry blossom petals drift lazily through the air, carried by a gentle breeze before settling on the earth below. The sky is clear, painted in soft blues and whites, and the warmth of the sun tells me that summer break is close. It's beautiful—almost painfully so.The bell finally rings, snapping me out of my thoughts.The hallway fills instantly with noise. Students laugh, shout, and chatter excitedly about summer plans, trips, and freedom. Lockers slam, footsteps echo, and everything feels alive. Everyone seems happy.Everyone except me.While others dream of rest, I know what awaits me every afternoon: endless training. Bruising workouts. Sword practice until my arms tremble. All because of my sister's favorite words:"You have to get stronger—no matter what."Stronger for what?I'm just a middle school student. Why do I need to swing a sword? Why do I need to fight?Before I can sink deeper into my thoughts, someone crashes into my personal space."Heyyyyy Kaito!!!"I turn to see Ayomi, my friend, grinning brightly as she throws her arms over my shoulders. Her energy is overwhelming as always—warm, loud, impossible to ignore. Her brown hair sways as she leans close, eyes sparkling with mischief."What do you want?" I ask, my voice sharper than I intend."Well, well, well," she laughs. "No need to be mean, you meanie." She tilts her head, studying me. "So? Any plans for summer break?"I look away. "I'll be busy. My big sister, Kiyomi… we've got a lot of things to do."It's only half the truth."Ohhh, right!" Ayomi suddenly steps closer—too close. Before I can react, I feel something warm and soft against my left cheek.I jump back immediately. "W-Wh-Wh-What was that?!"She just smiles, brushing her hair back casually. "Happy birthday, Kaito."Then, as if nothing happened, she skips ahead and disappears down the road, leaving me frozen in place.I walk home in silence.When I reach the front steps, the massive gates loom above me. Calling it a house would be an understatement—it's a mansion. As soon as I open the door, rows of maids bow deeply."Welcome home, Master."I sigh and wave them off.And then—"Kaitooo!!"Kiyomi comes flying toward me, wrapping me in a tight hug. Tears stream down her face, her long crimson hair catching the sunlight pouring through the windows. Her red irises glow vividly, sharp yet strangely gentle."I missed you so much!" she cries."I just went to school," I reply flatly."It still gets lonely in this house," she mutters."You're weird, Kiyomi."She pulls back and glares at me. "That's rude. I practically raised you, you know."Then her expression softens."Anyway," she says, turning toward the table, "I have something for you."She picks up an old, dirt-stained cloth and places it in my hands."What is this, Kyo?" I ask.Her smile fades."Fourteen years ago," she says quietly, "those two swords came with you. You were holding them tightly when your mother made me promise something."My hands tremble as I unwrap the cloth.Two swords lie beneath it.The first blade is black, its surface shimmering faintly with a purple glow. A gemstone embedded in the hilt shines bright violet, pulsing like a living heart.A cursed blade…The moment I lift it, my strength drains away. My knees buckle, my breath grows heavy, and the sword slips from my grasp, clattering against the floor. My sister watches silently.I reach for the second sword.This one glows dark red, its gemstone blazing like fire. As my fingers wrap around the handle, visions flood my mind.Blood.So much blood.My hands—soaked. The ground—covered. Screams echo in my ears."Did… did I kill someone?"I stare at my palms, shaking, as if I've returned from a battlefield.Kiyomi places a firm hand on my shoulder.Her voice is steady, but heavy with truth."Kaito… it's time I tell you everything."