---
Cutaway: The Calm Before the Storm
The wind shifted sharply across the ridgeline as Ren leapt from tree to tree, his eyes glowing faintly as he tracked the surging energy through the ether. Each pulse from the battle ahead was like a drumbeat—wild, rhythmic, dangerous.
"He's not ready for Haru," Ren muttered. "Not like this."
Beside him, Himari glided silently, her steps light against the branches. Her expression was unreadable, but her voice was clear.
"If Haru wants to test him, we can't stop it. This is how he prepares people."
Ren gave her a sideways glance. "It's reckless."
"And so is awakening."
They didn't argue further—they both knew the truth. Yuki's power was unstable, but it needed pressure to refine it. Even if it meant danger.
As they neared the cliffside clearing, another presence stirred behind them—unseen but very much watching.
From a distance, nestled in the shadows of a twisted pine, Nogitsune perched effortlessly. Arms folded, expression calm.
"I knew he'd come," he whispered to himself. "But Haru… don't push him too far."
His gaze sharpened, one fang poking through a grin.
"Because if he breaks… I won't be the one to fix him."
---
Back to the Fight: Sparks and Shadows
Yuki's energy crackled like thunder, his feet skidding across the cracked earth. Haru pressed forward, relentless. His movements were precise—measured—but with purpose behind each blow.
Yuki blocked, deflected, then countered with a burst of shimmering silver aura, void energy trailing behind like a comet's tail.
Boom!
The impact shattered the rocks beneath them, dust clouding the air.
From the haze, Haru's voice rang out. "Better."
Yuki breathed hard, arms trembling. "You're seriously trying to kill me?"
Haru emerged, calm and composed. "I'm trying to prepare you. If this is enough to break you, then you'll never survive what's coming."
Yuki gritted his teeth—and then smiled.
"I'm not broken. Not yet."
The void within him twisted—and then opened.
A new pulse of energy surged outward—calm and deadly. Controlled chaos.
Even Haru's eyes widened. "So... you are awakening."
---
---
Scene Shift: Aiko's Vision
In the dimly lit room of the spiritual shrine, Aiko sat cross-legged, surrounded by incense and glowing talismans. Her eyes were closed, her breath steady—until suddenly, everything stopped.
Her heart skipped.
The scent of the air changed, the very fabric of her surroundings trembled.
A surge—no, a breakthrough.
Her eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with spiritual light.
"Yuki…"
She staggered to her feet, gripping the edge of the table as visions crashed into her mind—wind, shattered stone, streaks of void light and silver flame. Haru's aura… and Yuki's presence rising like a wave.
"He's finally doing it," she whispered, awed. "He's fighting back."
Aiko reached for her staff, slinging her satchel across her shoulder. "But if he loses control…"
She didn't finish the thought—she was already moving.
---
Back to the Fight: The First Strike
The dust settled.
Haru raised an arm, preparing his next strike—until he felt it.
The temperature dropped.
The air bent.
And Yuki was gone.
A blink later—
CRACK!
A clean, brutal punch connected with Haru's ribs, sending him flying across the clearing. Stones shattered, a tremor shook the ground.
Haru hit the far cliffside, then tumbled to a stop. He lay there for a moment, then coughed—and smiled.
"Well… damn," he muttered. "You actually got me."
Yuki stood in the center, aura flaring—balanced between silver light and coiling shadow, his eyes bright but calm.
"I told you," Yuki said, panting, "I'm not broken."
Haru sat up, laughing softly. "No… you're finally waking up."
---
"If you're enjoying the ride, don't forget to leave a power stone or a comment—it really helps this grow!"