Koi Ren ran through the quiet trees, heart pounding. Smoke rose in thick columns, flames dancing across the night sky.
He reached the house and skidded to a stop. His eyes widened.
Watashi lay on the ground, motionless, a deep wound carved across his chest. Something with claws had attacked him. Blood pooled beneath him, the smell sharp and metallic.
"W-Watashi!" Koi screamed, rushing forward, falling to his knees beside him.
Watashi coughed, weakly lifting his head. A faint smile appeared on his face despite the blood staining his clothes.
"Koi… don't… cry," Watashi whispered.
Koi shook his head violently. "Why are you still talking?! You should have stopped! You could've—"
Watashi reached out, placing a trembling hand on Koi's shoulder.
"Koi… when I first saw you… crying under the tree… I knew you were strong. I didn't love you… like a teacher. I loved you… like a father. Sorry… for what I'm doing to you right now."
Koi felt tears stinging his eyes. "No… don't… stop talking… stay with me!"
Watashi coughed again. His voice faint, but unwavering.
"I know… it's hard… but many… challenges will come in your life… you must be like iron… like stone… never break. Be strong, Koi. Even without me… continue training… achieve your dreams… soon… this world… will not be peaceful… be ready,… be strong, boy…"
Koi grabbed his shoulders, shaking him. "Stay! Please! Don't leave me!"
Watashi gave a faint laugh, lips trembling. His hand moved to Koi's chest, pressing lightly.
"This… is for you… a gift…"
Koi's vision blurred. He didn't understand.
Watashi's eyes closed slowly. His hand fell from Koi's chest.
The house was silent except for Koi's screams, piercing through the night.
"W-Watashi! Someone… help! Please!"
No one answered. Only the crackling of fire and the cold wind.
Koi's cries echoed endlessly into the darkness, leaving the world around him silent, broken, and filled with loss.