The air was alive with the aftershocks of their clash, the remnants of Kiseki and Tenjin's relentless exchange lingering as shimmering afterimages. Their blades, once mere extensions of their arms, now seemed to be wings of destruction, carving paths of devastation through the surrounding landscape.

As they paused, their chests heaving in unison, the silence was oppressive, heavy with anticipation.

Kiseki's eyes locked onto Tenjin's, his gaze pleading. "Tenjin, stop this. You don't have to keep on doing this."

Tenjin's expression remained unreadable, his voice cold. "You're just an obstacle, Kiseki Indomu. Nothing more."

Kiseki's face contorted in anguish. "You truly don't remember, do you? We're brothers, Ten. We swore to protect each other... I swore to protect you"

Tenjin snorted. "Lies. You will not distract me."

Kiseki's shoulders slumped, the weight of his exhaustion and despair evident. "I...I won't be able to withstand his next attack."

Tenjin's eyes narrowed, a hint of disappointment flickering across his face. "Already?"

He took a step closer, his voice laced with disdain. "This is your limit? You're no brother of mine."

Kiseki's grip on his elbow blades tightened, his arm trembling. "I was going to use...my ultimate...but..."

His body betrayed him, his muscles screaming in protest. Kiseki stumbled, his vision blurring.

Tenjin's gaze never wavered, his expression unyielding. "You're weak. Your words are meaningless."

With a swift motion, Tenjin assumed his final stance, sword at the ready. Kiseki, with a pained expression, mirrored him, though his arms shook uncontrollably.

Kiseki and Tenjin clashed blades. The aftershocks of their exchange lingered, shimmering afterimages that refused to fade.

At the point where the blades struck one another, they became wooden blades. The air was filled with nostalgia. Kiseki and Tenjin were brothers honing their skills together on their front yard.

They stood in their front yard, wooden elbow blades in Kiseki's hands and a wooden Katana in Tenjin's hand, their faces alight with laughter.

"You're getting faster, Kiseki! But I'm still the best!" Tenjin exclaimed, his seven-year-old voice full of excitement. "I'll beat you soon!" Kiseki retorted, his seven-year-old face set in determination.

Their joyful battle continued until their father's voice interrupted. "Lunchtime, boys! Come inside!" Kiseki and Tenjin sheathed their wooden blades, grinning at each other.

"Rematch after lunch?" Kiseki promised. "Rematch after lunch!" Tenjin chirped.

That Evening

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the yard. Kiseki and Tenjin stood behind their father, sensing the tension.

A Masked figure in all black stood in front of them, "You're Akira Indomu, I presume?"

Kiseki's Father's eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively reaching for the sword at his side. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice firm but wary.

The masked figure stood unmoving, his gaze piercing through the shadows. "Me?" he replied, his voice devoid of emotion. "I am nobody, emptiness... in a Black Kitsune Mask."

The Masked One raised his hand, touching the mask as if ensuring it remained securely in place. The gesture sent a shiver down Kiseki's Father's spine.

"You may call me... the Masked One," he declared, his tone dripping with an air of mystery.

Kiseki's Father's grip on his sword tightened. "What do you want?" he pressed, his senses on high alert.

The Masked One's expression twisted into a sinister grin hidden by his mask. "Your children..." he whispered, the words hanging in the air like a specter of doom. "Yes... Give me your children, and no one will have to suffer."

Kiseki's Father's eyes flashed with determination. "As if I would let you take them. Leave now," he growled, his sword at the ready.

The Masked One's grin widened, his eyes glinting with malevolence. "If I defeat you, they're mine." Kiseki's Father's eyes continued to flash with determination. "I'd never agree to that," he growled, his sword at the ready

The Masked One snarled, revealing a tiny retractable blade.

As the tension between Akira and the Masked One escalated, a gentle voice pierced the evening air.

"Who's there?" Kiseki's Mother called out from within the house, her tone laced with concern.

The Masked One's gaze flicked toward the house, his expression unchanging. "Time's running out," he replied, his voice low and ominous.

With a swift motion, the Masked One struck him across the neck. Kiseki's father tried to defend himself, but the attack was too sudden. Kiseki's scream was drowned out by Tenjin's terrified wail, "Tenjin!"

Their hands, once clasped together, were now torn apart. The Masked One dragged Tenjin into the darkness, leaving Kiseki shattered and alone.