As Kanji made his departure, Kyuren stood motionless, his frame frozen in place, as if he was a stone statue. Despite his stillness, a whirlwind of emotions was raging within him, visible in the trembling of his hands and in the anguish etched on his face.
Rin, her body still frozen in the doorway, felt the air leave her lungs, as if the magnitude of what had just happened was crushing her. Her eyes were wide, and tears streamed down her face, witnessing the unraveling of their family torn apart.
As Kanji proceeded alone through the city, its desolate atmosphere mirrored his inner solitude. The intensity of the rain seemed to echo his tumultuous emotions, as if the very heavens itself wept for the tragedy that had unfolded. The deserted streets, devoid of life, added weight to the silence that surrounded him, leaving Kanji drowning in his thoughts and the overwhelming solitude he now faced.
Kanji's gesture, his hand placed over his chest, betrayed his internal struggle. The coldness he felt was not merely physical, but a profound sense of emotional anguish and overwhelming responsibility. It was as if the coldness had seeped into his very essence, consuming him from within. The pain thataccompanied this coldness was excruciating, gnawing at his soul and leaving him feeling empty.
Kanji stumbled upon a secluded corner in the back of an alleyway, seeking respite from the pouring rain. The narrow and darkened space provided a temporary haven, the shadows offering him a sense of solitude. He leaned against the wall, closing his eyes, as he took a moment to collect his thoughts and find some inner tranquility amidst the raging turmoil within his heart.
Kanji, witnessing the harassment of the little girl, could not stand idly by. He quickly stepped out of the shadows, approaching the bullies from behind. With a swift and precise move, he eliminated the bullies one by one, his actions both deliberate and resolute. The rain continued to fall, as if the heavens themselves mourned the unjust treatment of the defenseless girl.
Kanji, moved by empathy, approached the young girl and knelt down to her level, the concern in his eyes evident. In a tender tone, he inquired, "Can you tell me your name ?.
The little girl, perhaps around 5 years old, looked up at Kanji in surprise, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of fear and hope. In a timid voice, she replied, "My name is
..I don't have one." Her small frame shivered slightly, still wet from the rain and the earlier encounters with the bullies.
Kanji, his eyes still fixed on the little girl, began to discern her situation even further. Taking a brief pause, he posed the question, "May I give you a name?" The air hung heavy with care and the desire to offer the nameless girl an identity.
The little girl's gaze met Kanji's, a sense of vulnerability mingling with a flicker of hope. She silently nodded, a hint of eagerness in her eyes. The sound of the rain continued to fall around them, as if the heavens themselves were holding their breath, awaiting her newfound name.
Kanji looked down at the little girl, his voice gentle as he announced, "Then, your name shall be Zyqnax." He tested the name on his tongue, the word carrying a sense of strength and purpose. "Zyqnax," he repeated, his eyes meeting hers.
As the little girl's eyes widened in realization, a flicker of relief and happiness spread across her delicate features. For the first time, she had been granted a name, a word that belonged solely to her. In a soft whisper, she repeated the name given to her, "Zyqnax." The air around them seemed to take on a new quality, as if her newfound identity itself could make the raindrops less cold.
The years had been kind to Kanji and Zyqnax, their daily lives intertwined in a routine of growth and learning. Throughout their journeys, Kanji had not only nursed Zyqnax but also trained her to the best of his abilities. In the six years since their first meeting, the little girl had not only grown in size, she had also honed her magical and martial arts skills. With a small frame contrasting her sheer determination, she had excelled in close combat, showcasing an inner toughness and resilience that often mirrored her mentor's.
Kanji, the corners of his mouth curling up into a fond smile, reached out to ruffle Zyqnax's hair in a gesture of deep affection. He had witnessed her transformation from a timid child into a fiercely determined and adept warrior. The proud affection he held for her only grew stronger with each passing day.
"You've grown so much," Kanji said admiringly, his voice filled with genuine pride. He observed how she had developed not just physically but also mentally, displaying increased maturity and control over her emotions.
She met his gaze with an expression that was a mix of gratitude and shyness. "It's all thanks to you," she said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of bashfulness. She was fully aware of how Kanji's guidance and tutelage had played a pivotal role in shaping the person she was today.
She then spoke her mind, "You know, Master, I've been thinking..." Her voice trailed off momentarily, as she gathered her thoughts. Her young face lifted to look at him, a mixture of hopefulness and determination in her gaze. "I really want to continue traveling with you," she confessed.
Her words hung in the air, a quiet plea that echoed her desire to remain by his side.
Her voice held a tinge of vulnerability as she admitted, "I don't want to part ways with you yet." The thought of being separated from Kanji, her mentor and guardian, filled her with a sense of unease. Her small frame seemed to shrink even more, as if the very idea of their separation weighed heavily on her heart.
Kanji's expression softened as he listened to her words, his heart filled with a complex mixture of emotions. While he knew the importance of her growth and independence, the thought of being separated from her tugged at his heartstrings. Yet, he also understood her wishes.
He knelt down so that he was eye level with her and spoke, his voice tinged with a hint of seriousness and concern. "Zyqnax," he began, a soft touch of his hand on her small shoulder, "Are you sure about this?"
He spoke with a stern tone, his eyes searching her face for a sign that she understood the gravity of the situation. "The path ahead won't be easy, Zyqnax," he began, his voice carrying a hint of concern. He placed his hand on her shoulder, a gesture of support and seriousness. "I need to know that you're up for this, that you're strong enough to face what's coming. It's a dangerous journey ahead."
He wanted to ensure that she fully grasped the challenges they might face. He had always tried to protect her as best he could, but he knew that she needed to be strong. The world outside was not a kind place, and she'd need to be able to take care of herself. He didn't want her to get hurt or into danger, especially not when he wasn't there to protect her.
She looked up at him, her eyes determined and unflinching. "I'm tougher than I look," she replied, her voice firm. "I've learned so much from you, Master. I won't let you down." Her small hands clenched into fists, an expression of determination on her face that reflected her desire to prove herself.
He chuckled lightly as he placed a gentle hand on her head, ruffling her hair affectionately. As he walked toward the door, he turned to face her, his eyes holding a look of anticipation mixed with slight worry. "Alright then, Zyqnax," he said firmly. "From now on, you'll stay close to me. No matter what happens, you stick to my side, got it?"
Her small face lit up with a warm, genuine smile. The sight of his words filled her with a sense of security and anticipation. She nodded eagerly, her eyes meeting his with a clear sign of understanding. "I got it, Master," she replied, her voice filled with a mixture of determination and excitement. "I'll stay right by your side, no matter what."
Next chapter "A Invincible dragon"