The night was quiet.
The stars above shimmered dimly as Sahiru sat alone beneath a twisted old tree, the same riverside now silent—only the rustling of the wind kept him company.
His sword lay across his lap.
His hands trembled.
"I couldn't protect them…" he whispered, voice breaking. "Not my parents… not Suzune…"
His scarlet and violet eyes clouded with tears.
"I swore I'd be strong. But I was always too late."
Tears fell freely now, his shoulders heavy with grief. His breath shook.
And then—
The wind shifted.
Soft. Familiar. Warm.
The blade in his lap pulsed faintly.
His eyes widened as a faint glow enveloped the edge of the sword. From that light—
She appeared.
Suzune.
Her spirit form stood beside him, soft pink light surrounding her. Her long brown hair flowed as though caught in a breeze. She smiled gently.
"Sahiru," she said, kneeling in front of him.
He looked up, stunned.
"I… I failed, Suzune…"
"No," she whispered, placing a ghostly hand over his. "You lived. You kept your promise."
He clenched his fists. "But I couldn't save you."
"You're still saving others," she said with warmth. "You still make me proud… every day."
He closed his eyes as tears streamed down his face.
She leaned forward and touched her forehead to his.
"Live for them. Win for them. And when this is all over… smile for me."
Her light began to fade.
"Suzune…"
"I'm always with you, Sahiru."
He opened his eyes. The night returned to stillness.
But his tears had stopped.
And in their place—
A small, broken, but real smile.
He stood slowly, gripping his blade tighter than ever.
"I will win. For my family… and more than anyone… for you."