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Leo,Kenji, Rae and Vincent had gathered at the clearing once more, in order to help him better himself. The moonlight lit the clearing and their figures, as Fireflies danced around the area. Crickets chirped, along with the sound of hooting and squeaks from nocturnal creatures. "What's it going to be today, guys?", Leo inquired. Kenji folded his arms over his chest and spoke up," Can you uproot that tree, Leo?" "W-what?" "You heard me-" "Ofcourse not! That's impossible...." "Not quite..." Vincent cut down a wide tree log and an place it before Leo. He continued to cut down more, about 2 more, tying them together with a rope. "There is a strange phenomenon that occurs in humans.....It's called Hysterical strength. When humans witness any moments of extreme stress, their primal instincts are activated, and they experience a rush that makes them achieve great feats." "What does that have to do with me?" "In order for you to fight...to get stronger....You're going to have to picture it. The thing you want to protect." "What?" "In every man's mind, the is something he must die for, something he wants to defend. In times of desperation, even with the littlest of strength, he will stand as a barricade to protect what he values." Leo paused and looked down for a minute before asking,"What is it for you,Kenji?....The thing...you want to protect?"
"The thing I want to protect?",Kenji folded his arms over and sighed,"I couldn't protect my brother Denji from my father, and when he died, I was filled with a sense of incompetence, for years... I was tormented by it, not until I joined you,Pierson and Asahi. You gave me something to protect. If everything we've planned goes smoothly, we will make new comrades, and also new foes. This time I'll see it through, I will protect..." Leo expression was grieved, he suddenly looked disheartened. He fell to his knees abruptly and his eyes flooded suddenly.
Leo sat on the cold, damp ground, his knees pulled up to his chest. The moonlight filtering through the trees cast shadows on his tear-streaked face. His shoulders trembled as he struggled to contain his sobs. Across from him, Kenji waited patiently, his expression one of concern.
"Leo," Kenji began softly, "what is it that you want to protect?"
Leo looked up, his eyes red and swollen. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words seemed to get stuck in his throat. He glanced away, ashamed, the weight of the question pressing down on him.
"I… I don't know," Leo finally managed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, everyone talks about protecting others, about fighting for something greater. But… but I can't do that. I'm not strong like the rest of you."
Kenji's brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Leo?"
Leo wiped his tears with the back of his hand, taking a shaky breath. "I only want to protect myself. It sounds so selfish, I know. But it's the truth. I'm weak compared to all of you. Every time I step into a fight, I feel like I'm just trying to survive, just trying to make it out alive. I can't think about anyone else when I can barely keep myself safe."
Kenji's expression softened as he took a step closer, kneeling down to Leo's level. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to protect yourself, Leo. It doesn't make you selfish. It makes you human. Everyone has their own struggles, their own fears. Admitting that you're scared, that you feel weak, takes a lot of courage."Leo sniffled, looking up at Kenji with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "But how can I be part of the team if I can't even protect myself?"Kenji placed a reassuring hand on Leo's shoulder. "You're stronger than you think, Leo. Strength isn't just about physical power. It's about facing your fears, admitting your weaknesses, and still pushing forward. You're here, aren't you? That means you haven't given up. And that, in itself, is a kind of strength."Leo stifled his sobs as he heard this.
"However.....Leo...." "What is it?" "I won't judge you for desiring such a thing....But..." He leaned in closer and whispered in his ear,"If Asahi chose you....As the white Horseman....You're going to shoulder responsibility....And in the time of need...I hope Asahi will have a valiant man to rely on, Nota man filled with cowardice and seeks to save himself alone" Kenji pulled away from his and stared at him momentarily. Leo was puzzled and hurt by Kenji's words. "Vincent, Rae....I'd like us to leave Leo here...Let's return-" "But-" "Now!" Rae tried to protest but Kenji cut her off. They made their way our of the clearing, as Leo looked, distraught.
"What am I.....going to do?"