Ryota lay there, bleeding and dying. He could feel his life slipping away from him, and he knew that he was going to die. But then, something miraculous happened.
A figure appeared in the clearing, his movements quick and precise. It was Takeshi, the village's renowned warrior and his friend. He had come to save him.
Takeshi pulled out sword he stole from the village elders and charged towards the creature, his sword flashing in the moonlight. The creature then turned to face him, its eyes glowing with fury.
The two clashed, making a noise. Takeshi was a skilled fighter, but this was not a human he was fighting. He quickly jumped back realising the creature hardly got any scratches and proceeded to dodge its attacks instead.
Ryota watched in amazement as Takeshi held out with the creature. He had never seen anyone move so quickly, and precisely.
But then, the creature landed a blow on Takeshi sending him flying back.
A wound emerged on Takeshi revealing a blood flowing stain on Takeshi's clothing.
Takeshi fought on, ignoring the pain. He knew that he had to buy enough time for the remaining villagers to escape.
Suddenly a flare was shot up nearby and the creature darted its attention to it.
More flares suddenly appeared nearby and Takeshi seeing the creature distracted, saw this opportunity to escape with Ryota.
Takeshi rushed to Ryota's side, his face etched with concern. He examined the wound and sighed in relief.
"You're going to be okay," Takeshi said, his voice steady and reassuring.
He lifted Ryota onto his back and began to run through the forest. Ryota could feel the wind rushing past him, his body growing colder and weaker with every passing moment.
As they ran, Ryota could feel Takeshi's body growing weaker as well. He stumbled a few times, his breathing becoming more and more ragged.
Finally, they burst out of the forest, and Takeshi collapsed onto the ground. Ryota could see the wound on his chest, the blood flowing freely from it.
Takeshi looked up at Ryota, a faint smile on his lips.
"I'm sorry," he said. "This is the best I could do."
Ryota was in shock. Takeshi, his best friend was dying.
But then, Takeshi's eyes widened in surprise. He looked down at his chest, and Ryota could see the fear in his eyes.
"The creature," Takeshi whispered. "It's venomous. I didn't realize..."
Ryota watched in horror as Takeshi's body went limp, and passed out lifelessly.
He was gone. The village's greatest young warrior had died, trying to save him.
Ryota felt a sense of guilt wash over him. He had never really appreciated Takeshi's sacrifices, his willingness to put his life on the line for the sake of the village.
But now, as he looked down at Takeshi's lifeless body, only tears fell as he slowly layed him down and placed a piece of ripped clothing over his head.