Chapter 11 – Scars That Don’t Fade

The sound of rain tapping on the roof echoed through the dim room.

Kijotsu’s breathing was uneven—sharp, panicked gasps as his eyes flew open. His chest burned with pain, and his vision blurred. For a moment, he didn’t know where he was.

Then came a voice.

> “You’re awake,”

Kinata’s gentle tone reached him through the haze. She sat beside him, her purple hair tied loosely, eyes full of worry. A soft light glowed from her palm — the last traces of healing energy fading away.

Kijotsu tried to sit up but winced. His body felt like stone, heavy and unresponsive.

> “Wh… where am I?” he managed to whisper.

> “My house,” Kinata replied softly. “You nearly died, Kijotsu.”

Memories flooded back — the shadows, the blood, Benma’s merciless eyes, the explosion of pain.

And then... a stranger carrying him through the dark.

> “Where’s the man?” he asked suddenly, forcing himself upright. “The one who saved me—Kenhjo…”

Kinata blinked, slightly surprised.

> “He left before you woke up. Didn’t say much. Just told me to keep you safe.”

Kijotsu’s fists clenched around the bedsheet.

Why… would he help me? He didn’t even know who I was.

He looked down — his diamond glowed faintly under his skin, a soft, pulsing blue.

> “My power… it’s still unstable,” he muttered. “Every time I use it, it drains more of me.”

Kinata looked away, her voice trembling slightly.

> “You shouldn’t push yourself like that again. If Kenhjo hadn’t found you… you’d be gone.”

The silence that followed was heavy. Only the sound of rain filled the room.

---

Later that evening, Kijotsu sat outside under the porch, watching droplets slide down the wood. His gray eyes were hollow — tired, distant.

His thoughts wandered back to Benma’s expression — those innocent eyes twisted by fury and darkness.

Why her? Why did she attack me like that… she didn’t even hesitate.

His heart raced, and his hands started trembling. He could still feel her power crashing against his own. The fear crept in again — like poison.

Then he heard it.

A soft, calm voice — inside his mind.

> “Don’t worry… I’ll protect you.”

Kijotsu froze.

> “Who’s there?!” he shouted, eyes darting around.

The voice giggled softly — like a gentle echo of a girl.

> “I am the spirit within your diamond. You’ve ignored me for so long, Kijotsu.”

His pulse quickened.

> “You… you can talk?”

> “Only when you’re ready to listen,” she replied. “But remember this… power comes at a cost. And yours is heavier than most.”

The glow in his chest brightened briefly — then dimmed again, leaving only silence.

---

Kinata stepped outside, carrying a small cup of tea.

> “You’re talking to yourself again,” she teased softly, though her voice was edged with concern.

Kijotsu gave a weak smile.

> “Yeah… maybe I am.”

But in his heart, he knew he wasn’t.

As the rain finally stopped, a distant rumble echoed across Fenralis — a deep, unnatural sound that made the air tremble.

Kijotsu’s gaze hardened.

He could feel it — something dark was moving again.

And this time, running wouldn’t save him.