Chapter 12: A Mysterious Guardian
It was late afternoon when Kaito decided to step out for a walk. The streets were bustling with life—children playing, vendors calling out their wares, and couples enjoying the sunny day. Despite the cheerful atmosphere, Kaito couldn't shake the strange feeling that something was watching him.
Miya had stayed home, busy with chores and training, and Kaito found himself wandering aimlessly through the city. He wanted to clear his mind, but it wasn't long before he sensed a disturbance.
A loud crash echoed from a nearby alleyway. Kaito rushed toward the sound, finding a hulking Class D monster snarling and thrashing about. Its insect-like body gleamed under the light, and its multiple eyes glowed with malice.
"Alright, I can handle this," Kaito muttered, summoning the energy Miya had taught him to control.
The fight began, Kaito weaving through the monster's attacks with growing confidence. With a powerful strike, he managed to injure it, but the creature retaliated with a sharp claw that sent him stumbling back.
Before the monster could land another blow, a gust of wind surged through the alley, pushing the creature back. Kaito looked around, bewildered. "What was that?"
The monster roared again, but another wind blast sent it crashing into a wall, shattering bricks on impact. Kaito used the opportunity to strike, finally defeating it. As the creature dissolved into ash, Kaito stood there, panting.
"Someone's helping me," he murmured, glancing around, but the street was empty.
A Guardian from the Shadows
Over the next few days, Kaito found himself encountering more monsters. Some were Class E, others Class D. While he could handle the weaker ones, the stronger ones pushed him to his limits.
Each time he struggled, the wind would rise, coming to his aid. Gusts deflected attacks, pushed monsters away, or even knocked them out entirely.
"What's going on?" Kaito wondered aloud after one particularly difficult battle. "It's like someone's protecting me."
Unbeknownst to him, Kazehana watched from the rooftops, her heart aching with longing. She had waited lifetimes to see her King again, and now that he was here, she couldn't bear to see him in danger.
"He's as brave as ever," she murmured, a smile playing on her lips. "But still so naive."
Their bond grew stronger with each encounter, though Kaito remained unaware of his silent protector.
The Encounter
One evening, Kaito faced a Class D monster in a deserted park. He was tired, his energy waning as the creature pressed its attack. Just as it prepared to deliver a devastating blow, a powerful windstorm erupted, slamming the monster into the ground.
Kaito stared in shock as a woman descended gracefully from the sky, her long hair flowing like a river in the breeze.
"It's you," Kaito said, recognizing her as the woman who had saved him at school.
Kazehana smiled softly, her eyes filled with warmth. "You've grown stronger, Kaito. But you're still reckless."
Kaito blinked. "How do you know my name? Who are you?"
Kazehana stepped closer, her expression serious yet tender. "My name is Kazehana. I'm one of your Queens. I've waited lifetimes for this moment—to meet you again, to stand by your side as your Queen."
Kaito's heart raced as her words sank in. "You're… one of my Queens?"
Kazehana nodded. "I've loved you for countless lifetimes, Kaito. Each time we've been separated, I've waited for you, hoping we'd meet again. And now that we have, I don't want to wait any longer."
Tears glistened in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around him. "I love you, my King. Please let me protect you, fight with you, and stand by your side."
Kaito, overwhelmed by her sincerity, hesitated before returning her embrace. "I… I don't know what to say. But… thank you for saving me. And for waiting for me."
Kazehana smiled, her heart swelling with joy. "Then let's make it official."