Amara was carefully pushing her father's new wheelchair down the shelter stairs. Inside the rescue vehicle, her wounds had been treated and bandaged by a nurse, but the pain in her abdomen only worsened with each effort to descend the many flights of stairs with her father and suitcase. There was an elevator, but the guards had purposely forbidden them from using it — so here she was, trying to pretend she didn't feel any pain or dizziness, stepping down backward, eyes fixed on each step.
— The Hinoken group was very kind to give us this new chair — her father said, unaware of her struggle. — Just look at how much stronger it is than my old one.
— And heavier — Amara added.
— My God, dear, you're right! It must be really hard for you to carry me after getting so hurt.
— What matters is that we're already inside the shelter, Dad. We'll be downstairs soon, and we'll be able to rest.
However, Amara's right foot slipped on a step, and she lost her balance. She tried to support herself on the chair, but it slipped too. As she and her father cried out, thinking they were about to tumble down the stairs, someone grabbed her from behind, helping her regain her balance. Amara felt a protective embrace and firm hands holding hers, keeping her from letting go of the wheelchair handles. She didn't have time to look at who it was — but she recognized the voice:
— I'll take him — Ryu said in an authoritative tone.
Stunned, Amara watched as he took control of the chair and began descending quickly and skillfully. Hisakawa looked back and smiled, glowing with joy to see the leader of the Hinoken helping them for the second time that night.
— Well, if it isn't the White Moon Dragon boy! Haha, always helping this old man out, aren't you, lad?
Ryu gave a small smile.
— What are you standing there for, Amara? Come on, and take a picture of me with the warrior!
Amara, still frozen, resumed her descent to follow the two of them. She said nothing and avoided looking at Ryu — the man who had saved her, then claimed he was only doing his duty. She hugged her abdomen and tried not to grimace in pain now that her father could see her face.
— Go on, Amara, take a picture! Take a picture! — Hisakawa asked eagerly.
Who would've thought he'd one day see the famous leader of the Hinoken army up close — and under such circumstances?
Their world, Yami, was inhabited by humans and by a dark race known as the Nefaris. Legends said these creatures had enslaved and hunted humans for ages, until a warrior named Genshiro Aotsuki changed everything. Songs told of how he made a pact with the Blue Fire Dragon, a mythological creature from Aokai, and was blessed with the Cobalt Flame — a fire that never went out and could destroy any Nefari.
The part about Aotsuki was true — he founded the Hinoken army and annihilated thousands of Nefaris. His sword, the legendary Hinoyaiba, still existed, passed down through generations. Now, it was in the hands of the current leader — standing right there in front of her. However, the sword no longer burned with the ancestral flame. Some prophecies said the fire had gone out because it had fallen into unworthy hands, and would only reignite when wielded by someone as worthy as Aotsuki himself.
Amara didn't believe in those dragon-and-eternal-flame legends. Still, she couldn't help a crooked smile as she looked at Ryu. Perhaps the sword stayed extinguished because of him. The Hinoken leader, calmly maneuvering the wheelchair, raised his eyes and met hers — as if he knew what she was thinking. A sharp sting pierced Amara's chest, and she quickly looked away.
If she had to describe Ryu's eyes, Amara wouldn't say they looked like cobalt fire. No. They were sharp as ice. The warrior was like a furious blizzard sweeping through mountains — radiating cold, a son of snow. Within him, there was a frozen ocean — and, at its depths, an iceberg where his heart beat.
─── 🌙 ───
Ryu led them to a room in the shelter, where Lina and Amina were already waiting. Upon seeing her mother, Amara ran to embrace her. Dona Lina — from whom she and her sister had inherited their dark skin and, in Amara's case, her curly hair — seemed well. But Amina, lying on a futon, was covered in bandages and sleeping deeply.
— Mom, I'm so glad to see both of you! What happened to Amina? Was she attacked?
— She was. She told me two Sombros attacked her at the bookstore, but luckily she managed to kill them. She came here with Miyu, who found her on the way. A doctor treated her and gave her something to sleep. — Lina looked Amara over from head to toe, worry painted on her face. — But what about you? You're more hurt than your sister!
— I'm fine now, Mom. What matters is that we're all together, and Amina's alive. — Amara forced a smile, trying to hide the stabs of pain.
Lina smiled back and, seeing her husband and the Hinoken leader behind him, immediately stood up.
— Mr. Tsukishiro, thank you so much for bringing my husband and for allowing us into the shelter.
— He even saved Amara from two Sombros! — Hisakawa added.
— Really? — Lina's eyes widened.
— And he gave me this new chair, look! — Hisakawa said cheerfully.
— The chair was a gift from the Hinoken group. Our mission is to protect this country's citizens and ensure their safety.
Amara crossed her arms upon hearing that. He was just reiterating that everything he had done for her family had been out of duty — not empathy. She suspected that, deep down, Ryu was just another prejudiced citizen of Aokai, hiding behind a hero's mask.
Lina and her husband thanked him again. Amara, sitting on the floor beside her sister, watched, waiting for the warrior to respond to them with the same coldness he showed her. However, he only nodded — a silent "you're welcome" — and left without a word.
— What a kind young man, isn't he? — Lina said, enchanted. — Ryoji, are you okay, dear?
— I am, thanks to our brave daughter. She faced three Sombros today and…
And so, Hisakawa began recounting the events of that day. Amara noticed a bathroom in the room and used the chance to wash up — she couldn't stand the smell of Sombro blood on her any longer. When she returned, her father was already asleep, and her mother had set up four more futons.
— Oh, sweetheart, Miyu's going to stay in this room with us, but she left a while ago and hasn't come back yet.
— Where did she go? — Amara asked, combing her fingers through her hair.
— Said she was going to check if the half-bloods are being treated well. Told me if necessary, she'd use her "lawyer powers."
— Classic crazy Miyu. — Amara laughed, but the pain pulsed, and she subtly placed a hand over her abdomen.
— But with those "lawyer skills" of hers, I'm afraid she might cause trouble…
— Don't worry, Mom. I'll go after her.
— No, you're too injured! You need to lie down and rest, like your sister. — Lina noticed where Amara's hand rested and immediately knew she was in pain.
— I'll be right back. Don't worry. — Amara said quickly, leaving the room and heading into the chaotic corridors of the underground shelter.
Even hurt, she couldn't ignore the feeling that Miyu needed her. As always, Amara was ready to help those she cared about most.