(Darkness… fragmented, fleeting glimpses… Yukiko catches a dreadful vision… his mother, hands trembling, hoisting him and his brother from the cold earth. Her steps are unsteady as she staggers toward the river, each movement desperate, strained. In a final, agonized motion, she throws them into the water. But in the next heartbeat, an arrow pierces her chest, a dark blossom of red spreading as she crumples soundlessly.)
(Yukiko jolts awake, gasping for air, his body slick with sweat, heart pounding as if it's trying to escape his chest. Disoriented, he blinks, taking in his surroundings—a warm, unfamiliar room bathed in soft light. The place feels oddly welcoming, stirring a faint sense of nostalgia he can't place. The gentle aroma of baked goods hangs in the air, soft and comforting, a stark contrast to the terror in his dreams.)
(His limbs feel heavy, as though bound by unseen chains, yet he pushes himself up. His movements are slow, almost mechanical, as he drifts forward, his steps unsteady, like a sleepwalker pulled along by a force beyond his control.)
(At the end of a dim hallway, he stops in front of a mirror. His own reflection stares back, his face pale and haunted. His jaw is wrapped in a cast, a reminder of the brutal events that brought him here.)
(A voice, gentle yet carrying an edge, breaks through his fog.)
??? : You're awake! Come, come.
(Yukiko turns, senses sharpening as he takes in the figure before him. He's in a house he's never seen, yet the hand extended toward him is steady and familiar, like an anchor. His own hand trembles as he reaches out, allowing himself to be guided, almost as if he has no choice.)
??? : Take a seat, little one. What's your name?
(Lifting his gaze, Yukiko finds himself looking into the eyes of a man whose face is both foreign and familiar. The man appears in his late twenties, with orange hair that catches the light, adding warmth to his serious expression.)
Yukiko, voice barely a whisper, responds hesitantly: Yukiko.
??? : Hmm… an unusual name. You seem a bit lost. Let me introduce myself. I'm Dojima. Pleased to meet you, Yukiko.
Yukiko: Where… am I?
Dojima: Oh, you're in my humble home…
(A surge of urgency rushes through Yukiko as fragments of memory snap back into place. He cuts Dojima off, his voice trembling with confusion and alarm.)
Yukiko: What happened? There were… people… there was…
Dojima: Ah, you must mean your homeland. I'm sorry to say this, but it no longer exists.
(Yukiko's heart drops, his pulse roaring in his ears as he stares at Dojima, his mind grappling with the man's words.)
Yukiko: You… what do you mean?
Dojima: It's hard to explain. No one knows for sure, but… it's as though it was wiped off the map, as if your village was never there in the first place.
Yukiko: No… that can't be true… it's a lie.
(Dojima's expression softens, and his gaze grows heavy with sympathy): I'm sorry, kid.
Yukiko: Tell me you're lying. Please…
(The silence that follows is louder than words, Dojima's solemn expression confirming the truth Yukiko doesn't want to face.)
Yukiko: Where are my clothes?
Dojima: Why?
Yukiko: That's none of your business. Just tell me where they are.
Dojima: You won't be needing them.
Yukiko: What do you mean? I have to leave.
(Dojima's sigh is long and weary, as though he's seen this stubbornness before): You're a fool, kid. Right now, you're in no state to go back. You're being hunted by someone far beyond you. Someone like you… wouldn't survive alone.
Yukiko: What are you saying?
Dojima: It's not my job to explain everything to you. Think of this as a warning… to keep you from making a fatal mistake.
Yukiko: What are you talking about?! And who are you to tell me what to do?! I don't even know you, and suddenly you're standing in my way! Move, or I'll make you!
Dojima: Quiet down, kid. You're really starting to get on my nerves. I just don't want your blood on my hands.
(A heavy silence fills the room, the air thick with tension. Yukiko, his emotions a storm within him, surges forward, fury and desperation blinding him.)
(With a swift, practiced motion, Dojima brings him down, pinning him to the ground, his knee pressing into Yukiko's back with undeniable force.)
Dojima: You're weak. Or maybe… just foolish.
Yukiko: Because you're bigger than me, you ba—
(Dojima's voice, thunderous and cutting, interrupts him): That's not it, you fool!
You think you're strong just because you're angry? When you let stubbornness cloud your mind, you're weak! A hard-headed fool like you will never grow strong! Seeking revenge, knowing it'll lead to your death—that's weak! A fool who knows he'll die avenges nothing! If you're ruled by anger, you're weak! Grudges will only drag you down! How will you face them if you're dead? Will you say, "I tried"? Will you say, "I did all I could"? That's what the weak say.
(Yukiko grits his teeth, fury simmering beneath his frustration, his pride stinging from Dojima's words.)
Dojima: Strength isn't just brute force; it's learning from every mistake. (His voice softens, almost gentle) That's why I'll let this go… just this once, on one condition.
Don't repeat what you just did. (Dojima gives a faint, tired smile.)
(Yukiko feels the weight of those words pressing into him, the gravity of them almost suffocating. Darkness edges his vision as he fights to stay conscious under Dojima's knee.)
Dojima: Oh… my bad.
---
{After some time.}
(Yukiko heads toward the door, each step filled with tension.)
Dojima: Where are you off to?
Yukiko: Just… looking around.
Dojima: Fine, fine. But try anything reckless, and I'll drag you back here myself.
(Yukiko ignores him, the door shutting with a sharp click behind him.)
(Stepping outside, he's momentarily blinded as sunlight floods his vision. He stands atop a steep slope, overlooking a sprawling village that cascades down the mountainside, each level like a terrace. The sight is breathtaking, but a heavy feeling clings to his heart.)
Yukiko: "The markets…"
Yukiko: "That's right."
(He brushes a tear from his cheek, feeling the sting.)
Yukiko: "Hold on… I'm coming."
Yukiko: "I have to keep going."
(A voice calls out from a distance, jolting him from his thoughts.)
??????: Hey! You over there!
Yukiko: Hm?
(He turns to see a girl about his age waving cheerfully, her golden hair glinting in the sun, blue eyes sparkling with innocence. She wears a carefree smile, as though she's untouched by worry.)
??????: You look lost. You're not from here, are you?
(He keeps walking, his gaze blank, his heart weighed down by a hollowness.)
Why won't you answer? You look so sad. What happened to your jaw? Are you hurt? Your clothes… you look like you're from somewhere else. Where did you come from?
Yukiko: "Annoying."
(She moves to block his path, a bright, persistent energy radiating from her.)
??????: Hey, what's your name?
Yukiko: Yukiko.
Mirai: I'm Mirai. Nice to meet you, Yukiko!
Yukiko: ...
(He keeps moving, her presence little more than an echo in the background.)
Mirai: So, Yukiko, why do you have a girl's name? Did your parents choose that? And why are you out here by yourself at this age?
Yukiko: ...
Mirai: In case you're wondering, we're the same age. I live with my older brother, so I go out alone sometimes. Wait… do you live alone? Where's your family?
(He quickens his pace, her probing questions scraping against old wounds.)
Mirai: Can I call you "Ko for short?"
Yukiko: No.
Mirai: Alright then.
(Just as Yukiko tries to lose her, he walks right into something solid. Looking up, he finds himself staring at a tall figure, his path now blocked.)
(The man, bald and rugged, likely in his forties, adjusts his sunglasses, a sneer curling his lips as he looks down.)
Man (A): Who are you, kid?
Yukiko: Yu… Yukiko.
Man (A): Well, Yukiko—(he emphasizes every syllable, a mocking tone)—is that some kind of death wish?
(Yukiko tries to ignore him, but the man grabs him by the collar, pulling him closer until Yukiko can feel his breath.)
Man (A): Didn't your mother teach you respect, kid?
(Another figure steps forward, pale-skinned with lifeless black eyes and neatly combed black hair. He looks calm, almost bored, and wears a heavy coat that gives him an imposing presence.)
Man (B): Enough. He's just a kid… and seems to have a little sister tagging along. (He glances briefly at Mirai.)
Man (A): Fine. But next time, kid, you'd better turn around if you see me. I won't guarantee you'll walk away.
(With a last, threatening glance, the two men walk off, their presence lingering like a dark shadow.)
Mirai: Ko, why didn't you stand up for yourself?
(Yukiko keeps walking, saying nothing.)
Mirai: You're really quiet, huh? How about I give you a tour?
(With a sigh, Yukiko relents, his voice low): Sure… I've got nothing else to do.
(Before he can finish, Mirai grabs his hand, pulling him along with a burst of energy. They dart through the streets, her enthusiasm relentless.)
Yukiko: "She's fast…"
---
(Mirai guides him through the town, pointing out bustling markets, lush gardens, quiet parks, and winding alleyways. Her excitement is infectious, though Yukiko stays silent, his mind drifting between her voice and memories that rise and fall like waves.)
---
{Some time passes until sunset.}
---
Mirai: See you later, Ko!
Yukiko: Oh… goodbye.
(Yukiko returns to Dojima's house, feeling a strange exhaustion that seeps into his bones.)
Yukiko: I'm back.
Dojima: You're late. Thought you were going to do something stupid.
Yukiko: I was, but… it seems I won't be doing anything tonight. (A hint of sadness seeps into his voice, and he retreats to his room.)
Yukiko: "Maybe it's not so bad here… Dojima doesn't need to know what I'm planning. I'll rest and think of a way to get out."
(With a mix of sorrow and faint hope, he lets his mind drift into sleep, holding tightly to a wish that tomorrow might bring something better.)
---
{The following night.}
---
Dojima: Boy! You've got a guest.
Yukiko: Coming.
(Dojima laughs): It's only been a day, and already you're bringing girls to my house?
(Yukiko steps into the room, eyes widening as he spots Mirai sitting across from Dojima, her grin bright and unapologetic. Confusion rushes through him.)
Yukiko: What are you doing here?
Mirai: What do you mean? You're coming with me.
(Before he can protest, she grabs his hand, pulling him outside with a determined energy.)
Mirai: You don't know how to defend yourself, so I've arranged a little surprise.
Yukiko: What kind of surprise?
Mirai: You'll see.
(Suddenly, everything goes dark as something soft and heavy covers his face, making his breath hitch.)
Mirai: Relax. It'll be over soon.
(Yukiko feels himself lifted, set onto something solid—a cart, maybe—and before he can react, it's hurtling downhill, the wind whipping against him as he clings on.)
Yukiko: Ahhhhhh!!!
(The cart bumps and jerks, avoiding obstacles as it barrels downward. At last, two pairs of hands grab him, bringing him to a chaotic, breathless stop.)
??????: Quick, get him before he realizes what's going on.
---
{After about seven minutes.}
---
(Yukiko's vision clears as the cover is pulled away, revealing a wide clearing surrounded by onlookers. In the center, a boy about his age stands, scars marking his body, his gaze sharp and calculating. Yukiko's pulse quickens, uncertainty twisting in his stomach.)
Yukiko: Where… am I?
??????: You're here to learn what pain really is.
Yukiko: Huh?
??????: Don't worry. It won't take long.
(The boy delivers a brutal punch to Yukiko's stomach, the impact stealing his breath and sending shockwaves through his body.)
Yukiko: Gahhhh!
(The boy grabs him by the hair, yanking him upright.)
??????: Defend yourself.
(He punches Yukiko across the face, splitting his lip and drawing blood. Yukiko's vision blurs as tears prick at his eyes.)
??????: (laughing) Are you crying? Guess you'll be here a while, then.
(Yukiko's eyes, a mix of shock and fear, dart around, searching for a way out. He stumbles, but the boy is already on him, relentless.)
??????: Running away wasn't part of the deal.
(The boy swings a kick toward Yukiko's head. Yukiko trips, accidentally dodging it. The boy's foot lands with a heavy thud, giving Yukiko a chance to roll away.)
(Lying on his back, Yukiko lashes out, his foot catching the boy in the stomach.)
??????: Oh, so you know how to hit… a little. But do you know when to fight?
(The boy rains down a flurry of blows, and Yukiko struggles to block or dodge, each strike feeling heavier than the last.)
(A fierce kick to his side sends Yukiko sprawling, a sharp scream tearing from his throat.)
(Yukiko, breathing hard, spits at his opponent before breaking into a sprint, the taste of blood lingering in his mouth.)
??????: You little—! I'll kill you for that!
(The boy gives chase, his anger burning. Yukiko, in a sudden move, drops to the ground.)
(The boy trips, landing face-first, and Yukiko seizes the opportunity, scrambling onto his back and wrapping his arms around the boy's neck, struggling to choke him.)
Yukiko: Finally…
---
(A tense silence fills the clearing as Yukiko feels the boy shift. In a powerful move, the boy pushes himself up, with Yukiko clinging on, and throws himself backward, slamming Yukiko into the ground.)
---
(The world fades to white.)
---
(A different scene materializes—a playground filled with laughter and sunlight.)
??????: Hey, who are you?
Yukiko: My name's Yukiko. Can I play with you?
??????: Yukiko? That's a girl's name! Haha!
(The children's laughter is harsh, cutting through him as they mock his name.)
??????: Go play by yourself. No one wants to play with someone like you.
(A boy steps forward, his expression kind—Daiki): Hey, come over here. Want to help me build a castle?
Yukiko: Uh, sure.
(He moves closer, a warmth spreading through him, a feeling he hasn't known for a long time.)
Daiki: What's your name?
Yukiko: Yu… Yukiko.
Daiki: That's a nice name. Glad to meet you, Yukiko.
---
(The memory dissipates, and Yukiko's senses return. He's lying on the ground, his body aching from the fight.)
??????: Looks like we're done here.
(The boy turns to leave, but freezes as a stifling smell fills the air, thick and suffocating.)
??????: "What is that smell? Something's burning…"
(The boy glances back, his gaze locking onto Yukiko.)
(Yukiko lies motionless, but a dark, oppressive presence seems to envelop him, pressing down on the boy, making it hard to breathe.)
(The boy, sensing danger, instinctively adopts a defensive stance, his eyes widening with an unspoken fear.)
(The smell of smoke intensifies, swirling around them like a warning from something unseen.)
(Yukiko begins to rise, inch by inch, without touching the ground, as if lifted by an invisible force.)
(The boy feels his head spin, his vision hazy from the overpowering smell of smoke.)
(Acting on instinct, the boy lunges for Yukiko's throat, his every nerve screaming at him to stop this unholy presence.)
(As he closes in, he notices something—a dark, twisted shape—forming on Yukiko's chest.)
(Yukiko sidesteps with a sudden, unnatural fluidity, countering with a precise, forceful blow.)
(The boy catches Yukiko's fist, his body straining, and attempts a high kick aimed at Yukiko's jaw.)
(Yukiko catches it, his gaze fierce and unyielding.)
(With a shift of his weight, the boy kicks Yukiko in the face with his other foot, sending him spiraling backward.)
(Before Yukiko hits the ground, the boy darts forward, aiming a kick toward his head. But Yukiko grabs the leg, using the momentum to pull himself upright.)
(With a powerful twist, Yukiko swings the boy by his leg, slamming him into the ground with a force that leaves the crowd breathless.)
(The boy cries out in pain, his voice raw and strained. Yukiko, eyes dark and unwavering, steps forward with a quiet, deliberate intensity, each movement purposeful.)
(The boy, desperation flickering in his eyes, scoops a handful of dirt and throws it toward Yukiko's face, catching him off guard. He lunges, unleashing a torrent of punches, each one landing harder and faster, fueled by panic and fury.)
??????: I told you… you don't know when to strike.
(He drives a fist toward Yukiko's face, but this time, Yukiko catches it mid-air. Their eyes meet, and the boy's defiance falters as he sees Yukiko's gaze—an intensity that feels like it's peering into his very soul.)
Yukiko: I know when to strike.
(With a powerful uppercut, Yukiko slams the boy's head down, driving him toward the ground. The impact echoes through the clearing, silencing the crowd.)
(Yukiko lifts his gaze, taking in the faces around him—the shock, the fear, the awe. He can feel the weight of their stares, a mixture of emotions swirling in the air. But he doesn't care. In this moment, he's beyond them all.)
(With a guttural, primal scream, Yukiko tilts his head back, pouring every ounce of pain, anger, and defiance into the air.)
Yukiko: Aaaahhhhh!!!
(The sound reverberates, a raw and fierce cry that pierces the silence, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who hears it.)
---
(As the echoes fade, Yukiko stands alone, his breath ragged, his body bruised and battered, yet feeling a strange sense of clarity—a release he didn't know he needed.)