Crest Of Aurora: Ankoku no fenikkusu no Taitou (Dark Pheonix)

A voice rose from the abyss of darkness, the words a whisper, heavy with the weight of lost memories.

 "They say you can bring someone back just by remembering them…"

Light slowly begun to filter. Fire fell from the heavens, slow and unrelenting, consuming the earth below in a relentless dance of destruction. Soot blackened the sky, and ash smothered the air, transforming the night into a choking abyss.

 In the midst of a burning village, a figure with skin pale as ash tore a child from her protector's arms with an effortless, cruel grace. The boy who held her strained against the force, his grip slipping. Fear carved deep lines into his young face, his amber eyes reflecting the inferno that consumed the world around him. With the child's disappearance into the flames, the light in his eyes seemed to vanish as well.

 The voice snarled, thick with bitterness.

"They forgot to mention one crucial thing… It was all a damn lie!"

EIGHT YEARS LATER:

 My name is Kiato Nakamura, so remember it. And remember this too... Nothing or no one will stop me from finding my little sister, bet on it!

 The early morning sun cast its golden glow upon the land, illuminating the world with a brilliance that seemed to promise new beginnings. The air, infused with the fragrances of spring blossoms, danced with the gentle caress of the wind.

Dew adorned every surface, glistening like diamonds in the light, and brushed against young Kiato Nakamura's face with a tender touch. Kiato inhaled deeply, savoring the scents of spring blossoms carried by the breeze. For a brief moment, everything felt… peaceful. Almost normal.

 But then, the nagging feeling returned. Was this a sign? Was his destiny about to unfold? His thoughts drifted, and a familiar ache settled in his chest. I have to find her… I have to.

The road stretched before Kiato, a narrow path barely seven meters wide, winding its way through towering trees that stood sentinel on either side. Their massive green and purple leaves formed a lush canopy, providing shelter for the creatures that made their homes among the branches high above.

 To the east, beyond the dense wall of trees, a large river flowed parallel to the road, its clear waters shimmering with a bright blue hue under the warm sun.

The gentle twist and turns of the river mirrored the winding path of the road, adding to the tranquil atmosphere that enveloped the surroundings.

 Lost in thought, Kiato stumbled over a large boulder, completely losing his balance.

 "THUMP!"

 "Gaaah!" Kiato yelped, his hand shooting up to his forehead. "What the hell? Where did this planet-sized rock come from?"

 ".... Maybe it fell from the sky!" a voice behind him quipped.

 Kiato turned to see a traveler leaning against a tree with a wry grin on his face. Who is this guy?

 "Very funny," Kiato muttered, rubbing his throbbing forehead. He dropped his belongings to the ground with a frustrated sigh. "Just two hours into my journey and I'm already being attacked by inanimate objects. This sucks!"

 The traveler chuckled. "Well, at least it's not a dragon."

 Kiato shot him a glare. "Thanks for the reassurance?"

 But before either could speak further, a loud growl echoed through the forest.

 "...."

 Kiato froze, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword. Was that… an - an actual dragon?

 Time rushed to a stop. Tension was grew thick. That is, until his stomach rumbled loudly again.

No longer able to control his composure, the traveler burst Into laughter. "Sounds like someone forgot to pack breakfast!"

 Kiato cheeks flushed. "Ah, man. I was so excited about becoming a champion, I forgot to eat last night."

 The traveler clapped him on the shoulder, still recovering from his laughter. "Champion, huh? Well, future champion, no time like the present to remedy that. Let's find some food before your stomach declares war on us all."

 Kiato didn't trust this stranger, but the man's calm demeanor was oddly disarming. As they walked, Kiato kept his hand on his katana. Just in case.

 The traveler pointed casually to a bush shaking in the distance. A brief moment of silence passed before a small ball of fur emerged from the foliage.

 Upon a closer inspection…

 "A HARE!!" Kiato exclaimed, his voice ringing through the forest so loudly that the startled rabbit leaped nearly three meters into the air.

 The hare fixed him with a wary gaze, sensing the danger in Kiato's intent.

 "Well, so much for a surprise attack," the traveler remarked.

 "Yeah, well, I won't need one for some weak little bunny," Kiato retorted before lunging towards the hare.

 The rabbit darted away with lightning speed, zigzagging through the underbrush with agility that surprised Kiato.

 "Quick little bugger, isn't he?" the traveler commented, amusement dancing in his eyes.

 Kiato scrambled after the hare, determination etched on his face. "Yeah, but not quick enough for me!"

 As he watched Kiato scramble through the underbrush in pursuit of his elusive dinner, the traveler couldn't help but poke fun at the situation. "You know, there's quite an exceptional gap between your nonexistent hunting skills and those of a true champion."

 Kiato shot him a glare over his shoulder. "Oh, shut up, will you! I'll catch it, just you wait!"

The hare darted and dodged with nimble grace, staying just out of Kiato's reach despite his determined efforts.

 The traveler chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "At this rate, the hare might end up catching you instead!"

 Kiato gritted his teeth, redoubling his efforts to outmaneuver the elusive creature. "I didn't come all this way to be outsmarted by dumb a rabbit!"

 The chase continued, the forest echoing with the sounds of rustling leaves and Kiato's determined shouts.

 "...…."

 Eventually, the hare emerged victorious, standing triumphantly atop its worn-out adversary, Kiato, who was left grumbling his defeated protests.

 I - I LOST?

 Just when the battle seemed to be lost, the whisper of an arrow cut through the air, striking with ungodly precision and pinning the hare to a tree several meters away.

A single moment past.

Only then did a powerful gust of wind followed, shaking the very foundation of the forest for miles around.

 As the final winds calmed and the dust settled, Kiato eyes widened in surprise when the source of the attack was finally revealed. It was the traveler, standing with his nefercite bow drawn and a satisfied smirk on his face.

 "Well, looks like dinner's served after all," the traveler quipped, walking over to retrieve the now motionless hare.

 Kiato stared at him in disbelief. "You… you shot it!"

 The traveler shrugged nonchalantly. "Survival of the fittest, my friend."

 With curiosity lingering in his eyes, Kiato approached the traveler as he prepared to cook a hard-earned meal. "Hey, I never caught your name," he started, trying to sound casual.

 The traveler glanced up from his task, his eyes gleaming. "Names are fleeting things, my friend... Call me Wanderer, for that is what I am."

 "Wanderer, huh?" Kiato repeated, his eyes narrow. "And what about your wares? You seem well-equipped for someone just passing through."

 The Wanderer chuckled. "Oh, I have my ways of acquiring what I need. Let's just say I'm resourceful."

 Kiato frowned. "You're not one for straight talk, are you?"

 The Wanderer's grin widened. "Straight talk can be overrated, don't you think? Life is more interesting when there's a bit of mystery."

 Kiato didn't press further, but a chill crept down his spine. He knew there was much more to this Wanderer than met the eye. And as the night wore on, Kiato felt the weight of unseen forces closing in. His journey was only just beginning.

 The crackling fire cast dancing shadows around the campsite as Kiato and the Wanderer sat across from each other, their conversation tinged with an unspoken tension.

 "So…" the Wanderer began, his tone casual yet probing. "Tell me about this journey of yours. Your journey to become a champion. What does it mean to you, exactly?"

 Kiato shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the Wanderer's gaze. "It's… it's about fulfilling my destiny," he replied slowly, choosing his words carefully. "We've all heard of the prophecy. One will rise and bring peace back to our land. As the story goes…"

 "The Yoki King, once a minor spirit in the underworld, became consumed by an insatiable hunger for power. Ages ago, he discovered the forbidden art of devouring reikon—human souls—gaining unimaginable strength with each one he consumed. Over centuries, he clawed his way to the throne of the spirit realm, his demonic form warping into something monstrous, twisted by the countless souls he devoured.

 "Fueled by his ambition to surpass even the gods, the Yoki King now seeks to tear down the barrier between the spirit world and the human realm. His armies of dark spirits and monstrous creatures cripple the human world, harvesting innocent souls to feed his endless hunger. Legend has it that the more reikon he consumes, the closer he comes to challenging the gods themselves, threatening the very fabric of existence. With each passing day, his power grows, and those who fall in his path are left soulless, mere husks of their former selves."

 "So many lives shattered, so many hearts torn asunder by his savagery," Kiato spoke, his voice tinged with sorrow. A single tear escaped, tracing a path down his cheek, a heavy testament to the pain he carried.

 "That's why I must be the one to end his reign of terror," Kiato declared, his gaze filled with resolve. "Because he took her from me. My little sister... Ayumi. I will end this war and find her... even if it kills me. Bet on it!"

 The Wanderer arched an eyebrow. "End the war, huh? That's a lofty goal. Do you truly believe that you can do what the twelve legendary champions whom come before you could not?"

 Kiato hesitated, his thoughts turning inward. "I… I want to believe. No, I have to believe," he affirmed, his voice gaining strength. "For my sister's sake. It's what gives me purpose, what drives me to reach beyond my limits."

 A spark of curiosity flickered in the Wanderer's eyes. "And if this prophecy fails to unfold? What then? What becomes of your sister?"

 Doubt briefly clouded Kiato's features before he squared his shoulders. "It won't.. fail. I won't allow it to. My life's purpose is bound to this quest. Failure is not an option."

 The Wanderer nodded. "I see."

 The tension between them simmered beneath the surface, unspoken questions lingering in the air. Kiato sensed something. He knew the Wanderer's interest in him and his quest went far beyond casual curiosity.

 The Wanderer sighed. "You're not the One of the prophecy, yet you're determined to bring it about."

This kid… he is no doubt naive, but…

 The Wanderer stood with his wares collected and his hand extended over the flames, "I'm sure you'll see it to the end. There's no doubt in my mind… Kiato."

 The Wanderer bid farewell and disappeared into the village down the road. As his slim figure vanished behind a passing crowd of villagers, a thought sent waves of shock to Kiato's spine. Eh! Wait, I never… how did he know my name?

 The village was quiet now, the campfire reduced to embers casting long, flickering shadows across the ground. Kiato couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had taken root in his chest since the Wanderer's departure. His muscles were tense, his heart pounding in his ears. His hand rested on the hilt of his katana, the smooth handle comforting yet cold under his fingers.

 Who was that guy?

 The thought gnawed at him, a thousand possibilities running through his mind. His amber eyes scanned the dimly lit road where the Wanderer had disappeared. But something else—something darker—caught his attention.

 Movement. Just beyond the village.The figure moved with a predatory grace, slipping past the guards like a shadow. It was barely visible at first, blending into the darkness, but the moonlight finally revealed a glimpse of its form.

A cloak of swirling gray seemed to absorb the light, the figure's skin pale and ashen, almost matching the mist that clung to the ground.

 A chill ran down Kiato's spine, every instinct screaming that this was no ordinary person.

 Could it be… a spy sent by the Yoki King? A demon?

 His grip tightened on his sword. Just hours into his journey and he was already confronted with his first real obstacle. His eyes narrowed, burning with mana as his pulse quickened.

 I have to stop him. For Ayumi. For everything that's been taken from me.

 Kiato silently rose from his seat, his movements careful and deliberate.

The embers hissed behind him as he stepped forward, his gaze never leaving the figure. He could feel the tension in his muscles, the slight tremor of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

Each breath was steady but shallow, his focus sharpening.

 As he moved closer, the figure stopped abruptly, as if sensing Kiato's approach. It turned slowly, and Kiato caught sight of its face—if it could even be called that.

The demon's eyes were a dull gray, its features unnervingly smooth, devoid of any expression, save for a small, almost mocking smile. Its skin seemed to ripple like smoke, shifting with every movement.

 The air between them grew thick with tension.

 "Who are you?" Kiato demanded, his voice low and dangerous. He kept his sword partially drawn, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

 The demon tilted its head slightly, the smile never fading.

  "A traveler," it rasped, its voice soft but eerie, like wind passing through an ancient tomb. "Much like yourself."

 Kiato's jaw tightened. "Don't play games with me. You're no traveler. You work for the Yoki King, don't you? Spying on this dairy village, trying to scout their defenses."

 The demon's grin widened, but it didn't respond immediately. It took a step forward, slow and deliberate, its eyes locking onto Kiato's with an intensity that sent another wave of unease through him.

 "You assume much, child," the demon finally said, its tone almost amused. "Then again, isn't that what your kind do? You look at what you don't understand, and the fear pours from your very existence."

 Kiato's heart pounded harder. The demon wasn't denying his accusation. In fact, it seemed to revel in his suspicions, feeding off his anger and doubt. He could feel his pulse in his ears now, the tension building inside him, demanding action.

 "I don't need your lies," Kiato snapped, fully drawing his sword now, the blade catching the light of the moon. "I've seen what your kind can do. How you and your master devour souls, leaving nothing but husks behind. I won't let you ignite a spacial slpit so that you and the evil spirits that pours through can ravage this peaceful village. That's why I'm here. To stop the likes of you."

 The demon chuckled softly, a hollow, mocking sound that only served to irritate Kiato further. It didn't move to defend itself, didn't even flinch at the sight of the weapon. Instead, it watched him, its unreadable face holding the same eerie smile.

 "Your blade is sharp, but your childish mind is clouded," the demon said. "You see me as an enemy because it's easier to hate what you do not know. Perhaps that's what will lead you to your sister… or perhaps it will be your undoing."

 The mention of his sister hit Kiato like a physical blow. His grip on the sword wavered for a split second, and doubt crept in, mingling with his fury. How does it know about Ayumi? Is it taunting me?

 "What did you say," Kiato spat, though his voice wasn't as firm as before. His mind raced, replaying the demon's words. "How did you - tell me what you know about my sister!"

 The demon's eyes flashed, just for a moment, with something that almost resembled sympathy—if that were possible for a creature so devoid of emotion. But it said nothing, merely watching Kiato as if waiting for something.

 Silence passed over the chilling air, nearly suffocating them. The suspense grew unbearable, stretching taut like a wire ready to snap. Kiato's knuckles whitened around the hilt of his sword, his body coiled, ready to strike.

 And then, with an almost dismissive gesture, the demon turned its back to him.

 Rage flared in Kiato's chest. The demon was walking away as if nothing had happened, as if he posed no threat. How dare it mock him!

 "Don't you walk away from me!" he shouted, his voice breaking with frustration.

He lunged forward, sword raised high. But before his blade could meet its mark, the demon vanished into the shadows, dissolving like smoke into the night.

 Kiato stood there, sword still poised in the air, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His heart was racing, his mind spinning with unanswered questions.

 What just happened? Was that demon toying with me?

 His fingers loosened on the sword hilt, and for the first time, he felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him, suffocating his earlier resolve.

 Was I wrong? Could it have been telling the truth?

 The village behind him remained eerily silent, except for the distant rustle of the wind through the trees. Kiato's chest tightened as he sheathed his sword, his gaze fixed on the spot where the demon had stood moments before.

 "Hours into my journey, and already I'm questioning everything," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

 He turned back toward the village, but the unease lingered in the pit of his stomach, gnawing at him like a shadow that wouldn't fade.

The silence of the village felt heavier than before, the stillness pressing down on Kiato's shoulders as he walked back toward the campfire. His mind raced with the encounter he had with the demon—its cryptic words still echoing in his ears.

Your blade is sharp, but your mind is clouded.

 He clenched his fists, trying to shake off the unease. The demon's disappearance had left too many questions unanswered. Could it truly know something about Ayumi? Or was it merely toying with him? His instincts told him not to trust the creature, but something in its voice had sounded… sincere.

 A gust of wind stirred the dying embers of the fire, casting faint, glowing trails into the night air. Kiato's eyes flicked up, scanning the edge of the village. Something was wrong—he could feel it.

The weight of the night, the darkness in the corners of the street—it was almost as if the village itself was holding its breath.

 Where was the Wanderer headed? He thought, his pulse quickening.

The Wanderer had been too calm, too focused when he'd left, heading into town without a second glance. Was he hiding something as well?

The Wanderer's sudden disappearance felt more deliberate now. A cold shiver passed down Kiato's spine as the pieces slowly began to fall into place.

He's... after the demon!

 Kiato took off at a sprint, his heart thundering in his chest. If the Wanderer is hunting the demon, there's no telling what might happen next. I need answers!

 He gritted his teeth at the thought. If the demon knew anything about Ayumi, he couldn't let it be slain before he found out.

 Kiato found the Wanderer in a narrow alleyway at the outskirts of the village, his nefercite bow drawn, the air around him thick with tension.

The silver moonlight gleamed off his arrow, casting long shadows across the cobblestone street. His gaze was fixed ahead, where the gray demon stood, its back to the wall of an old, abandoned house. The demon's mocking smile was gone, replaced by a look of quiet calculation. Its eyes flicked from the Wanderer to Kiato as if measuring the distance between them all.

 The Wanderer's voice was cold, detached. "You thought you could hide from me? I've been tracking you for days."

 The demon's lips curled into a sneer. "Hide? From you? If I wanted to disappear, you'd never have seen me coming. But if you must know, I was… curious."

 The Wanderer's eyes narrowed. "Curious? Is that what you were when you eavesdropped on our conversation earlier? I know you were listening."

 The demon chuckled, low and dark. "And what of it? You mortals and your quests. Always searching, always hoping for something more. You think you're hunting me, Wanderer? I've been waiting for this."

The Wanderer's grip tightened on his bow. "Then I'll reward your patience... with your death."

 Kiato stood frozen, watching the scene unfold. His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, but he hesitated.

The demon's eyes flickered toward him, almost daring him to intervene. It knows about Ayumi, he reminded himself, the thought pounding in his mind. He couldn't just stand by.

 "What do you know about my sister?" Kiato demanded, stepping forward, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Tell me now!"

 The Wanderer's gaze snapped toward Kiato, his voice harsh. "You don't believe this thing, do you? It's a goddamn demon. It lies, it deceives. Don't let it manipulate you. It heard our conversation earlier."

 But the demon merely smiled, its eyes gleaming with a cold, knowing light. "Ah. Your sister… Ayumi… What would you give to see her again? To know the truth?"

 Kiato's heart raced, his mind spinning. "I said... tell me!"

 The Wanderer didn't wait. With a swift motion, he released the arrow, its deadly point aimed straight for the demon's heart. But the demon moved just as fast, dodging the arrow with a blur of movement, its form twisting in the moonlight.

 Kiato's breath caught in his throat as the scene exploded into motion. The demon lunged toward the Wanderer, its claws gleaming in the pale light. The Wanderer leaped back, drawing another arrow, his movements fluid and precise.

The two clashed in a flurry of attacks, the air thick with the sound of steel and sharp breaths.

 But Kiato couldn't focus on the fight. His mind was clouded with thoughts of Ayumi—What if the demon knew something? What if the Wanderer was wrong?

  "Stop!" Kiato shouted, stepping between them, his sword raised. His voice shook with frustration. "Stop this, both of you!"

 The Wanderer glared at him, his bow still drawn. "What are you doing? This thing is a servant of the Yoki King. It's manipulating you, Kiato!"

 The demon's breath came in ragged gasps, but its eyes gleamed with victory. "Think, boy. Who's really helping you? A stranger who hides secrets darker than mine? You can feel it, can't you? Or is it me, someone who's been watching, listening, waiting for the right moment?"

 Kiato's sword wavered. He looked between the two, the Wanderer's stern gaze boring into him, and the demon's cold, calculating eyes holding a promise of answers.

 "I… I need to find Ayumi," Kiato whispered, almost to himself. "If there's a chance…"

 "This demon will destroy you." The Wanderer's voice was firm. "Don't be a fool."

 The demon took a slow step forward, its eyes fixed on Kiato. "Your sister's fate lies with me. I can lead you to her, Kiato. Help me, and you'll get the answers you seek."

 Kiato felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him, the decision tearing at his heart. He could feel the Wanderer's judgment, the demon's temptation, and his own doubts swirling together. His muscles tensed, his grip tightening on his sword.

 "I don't know what to believe," Kiato said, his voice hoarse. "But if there's even a chance he knows where she is…" He turned to the Wanderer, eyes pleading. "I have to find out. I can't lose her again."

 The Wanderer's jaw clenched, but before he could respond, the demon took advantage of the moment. With a burst of speed, it darted behind Kiato, its movements fluid and inhuman. Kiato's heart raced, and before he could react, the demon whispered in his ear.

 "You've chosen well."