Kenzo: Never Give Up
Chapter 11
A cold wind swept across the battlefield, carrying the scent of dust and destruction. Kiyomi Takane stood with her body trembling-not from fear, but from exhaustion. Her eyes locked onto her opponent: another Xal'Zorr, a hulking monster radiating an ominous presence.
It didn't waste a second, charging at her with heavy steps that shook the ground.
"So, you idiot monster... ready to become trash?" Kiyomi muttered, her eyes narrowing.
The beast lunged at her, its claws slicing through the air. Kiyomi spun to the side, barely dodging in time. Her fingers flickered with dark energy.
"Ether Zone-Shadow Magic: Black Beam!"
A stream of black light shot from her palm, slamming into Xal'Zorr's chest. For a moment, it staggered, but then-
"It's healing...?" Kiyomi's eyes widened in disbelief as Xal'Zorr's wounds began closing slowly.
Panting, she clenched her fists. "I can't keep using magic... My Ether reserves are already running low."
Xal'Zorr grinned and slammed its fists into the ground, creating a massive Ether-imbued square that hovered above her, crackling with energy.My body's too tired to move..." Kiyomi thought, her knees nearly buckling under her own weight. "Is this really how it ends...?"
Suddenly, her vision blurred, and a familiar memory flashed before her eyes.
[Flashback - Sora Village]
The village of Sora was once a place of beauty. The skies were always clear, and the laughter of children echoed through the streets.
Inside a small house, a woman lay on a futon, screaming in pain as she prepared to give birth. Outside, her husband knelt in prayer.
"Please, God... This time, give me a son. I already have five daughters," he pleaded desperately.
Moments later, a midwife emerged with a gentle smile.
"Congratulations, Mr. Takane. It's a healthy baby girl."
The man's face darkened. "Another... daughter?" he muttered.
Inside, the mother cradled her newborn, smiling weakly. "I'ו name you Kiyomi... Kiyomi Takane. It's perfect."
But the joy was short-lived. An explosion rocked the village. The sky turned black as Raijin's army attacked-just as it did in Chapter 1.Kiyomi's mother ran outside, only to be cut down by a Black Knight.
"I am Kiyo Takane!" her father roared, his hands crackling with dark energy. "Don't underestimate me!"
He fought valiantly, taking down knight after knight, but the damage had been done. Years passed, and the once-thriving village crumbled into poverty.
[Five Years Later]
By the time Kiyomi turned five, her father had changed completely. He spent his days drowning in alcohol, often venting his frustrations by beating Kiyomi.
Her sisters worked in the nearby city, selling themselves to survive, while Kiyomi did household chores to earn a few yen. But no matter how hard she worked, her father always took her earnings to buy more alcohol.
"Why... Why does it have to be like this...?" Kiyomi often cried at night.
One day, a strange man knocked on their door.
"Who are you?" Kiyo growled.
"Who I am isn't important," the man said with a sly smile.
"What matters is my job. I buy girls and servants. Your daughter seems talented. I'll buy her for one million yen."Kiyo didn't hesitate. "Deal."
The man grabbed Kiyomi's hand and dragged her out of the house.
[In the Forest]
As they walked toward the Kingdom of Zephyros, Kiyomi's mind raced.
"I have to escape..."
"Sir, I need to use the restroom," she said timidly.
"Fine. Be quick," the man replied.
The moment he let go, Kiyomi bolted into the forest.
"Get back here!" the man roared, chasing after her.
Kiyomi ran deeper into the woods until she stumbled upon a clearing where a boy was training. He stood shirtless, his body covered in dirt and sweat.
"It's my fault..." he muttered, his fist slamming into a tree.
"We'll lose the king because of me."
Kiyomi's breath caught in her throat. "Who is he...?"
Suddenly, the man's voice echoed behind her. "So, this is your restroom?"The boy's head snapped up. His sharp eyes scanned the area, but before he could react, the man grabbed Kiyomi and pulled her into the tall grass.
The boy climbed a tree and leapt from branch to branch, but lost his balance and fell-right on top of them.
"You brat!" the man snarled, throwing a punch.
The boy dodged with ease and grabbed Kiyomi's hand.
"Are you with this guy?"
"No! No!" Kiyomi shook her head frantically.
"Good." He grinned. "Then hold on tight."
Before she could protest, the boy scooped her up in a bridal carry and took off, leaping from tree to tree.
"W-Wait! I'm scared!" Kiyomi clung to him tightly.
"Don't worry. I've got you."
For the first time in her life, Kiyomi felt safe. "This... This is the first time I've felt happy," she thought, tears welling up in her eyes.
But their escape was short-lived. The man caught up, blocking their path. The boy refused to give up. He grabbed a stone and hurled it with all his strength, knocking the man into the river.
Blood dripped from the boy's mouth as he stumbled to his feet, covered in dirt.Are you okay?" Kiyomi asked, her voice trembling.
"Yeah... Just a scratch." He smiled weakly. "What's your name?"
"Kiyomi Takane. And you?"
"Kenzo. Never give up... And your future mighty hero."
Kiyomi blushed. "Kenzo..."
[Back to the Present]
Kiyomi clenched her fists, determination burning in her eyes.
"Just like Kenzo... I will never give up!"
"Ether Zone-Shadow Magic: Nightmare Grasp!"
Darkness burst from her hands, snaking toward Xal'Zorr's feet like creeping vines. The moment it touched his shadow, his body froze.
In the distance, an unknown figure watched from the shadows.