Secrets In The Night, Pt. 1

As the group continued their way back into the city, Kiato couldn't shake the strange feeling that had settled in his gut. Ryoku's words echoed in his mind, but what bothered him most was the symbol on the man's robes—the Phoenix, emblazoned boldly in silver against the dark fabric. Kiato had seen it on banners before, floating high above the coliseum, marking the presence of the Tsubasa Clan.But something about it was... familiar. It was not a memory but more like a feeling.

He cast a glance at Juro, who walked beside him, silent and tense. Ever since the surge of mana, Juro had been on edge, though he was doing his best to hide it. Kiato had a feeling that whatever had happened to him was tied to something far bigger than he understood.

Velis, trailing just behind, let out a low hum of amusement, his eyes sharp as they flicked between Juro and Kiato. "The Tsubasa Clan, hmm? Quite the coincidence, don't you think? Their emblem just happens to be the Phoenix. The most unstable wild card of the mythical chaos spirit. And now here we are, with Kiato unleashing enough power that rivals the Phoenix in comparison."

Juro's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Kiato frowned, his confusion deepening. "What are you talking about? What does the Phoenix have to do with me?"

Velis's grin widened. "Oh, nothing. It's just a fascinating little detail, isn't it, Takahashi? A boy with raw, uncontrollable power, and a clan whose symbol is the very creature he seems to be emulating. Makes one wonder."

Kiato's pulse quickened, the memory of the surge of mana flashing through his mind. It had felt like something inside him had broken free, something wild and dangerous. But it wasn't just power. It had felt… alive.

Juro's voice cut through the tension, sharp and cold. "Velis."

Velis chuckled darkly. "Still playing the protector, I see. But for how long?"

Juro shot Velis a warning look but didn't respond. Instead, he turned to Kiato, his voice softer. "We need to focus on the tournament. Whatever happened back there, we'll deal with it later."

But Kiato wasn't satisfied with that answer. He could sense that Juro was hiding something, and Velis's constant smirking wasn't helping. There was more to this than anyone was letting on, and Kiato was determined to find out what.

BACK IN THE CITY

The streets of Raizen were alive with activity as the group entered the city once more. Warriors moved through the streets, some practicing their techniques in open courtyards, others boasting of their victories or preparing for the tournament. The air was thick with anticipation.

But Kiato's mind was elsewhere. The offer from the Tsubasa Clan lingered in his thoughts, along with the unsettling connection between their Phoenix symbol and the power that had surged through him. He could feel eyes on him now—warriors, merchants, even the city guards seemed to regard him with newfound curiosity. Word of his trial must have spread fast.

As they moved through the crowded marketplace, Kiato noticed the girl walking a few steps ahead, her presence quiet but commanding. He still didn't know who she was or why she had been helping him. But something about her seemed different now—her movements were more purposeful, her gaze more focused, as though she was preparing for something.

Velis, ever observant, seemed to notice it too. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the girl from the corner of his eye. "Our mysterious friend has been awfully quiet," he said casually, though his tone was laced with suspicion. "I wonder why."

Juro stiffened, his eyes darting toward the girl. "Leave her alone."

Velis raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "Why so protective, Takahashi? Do you know something we don't?"

Kiato glanced between them, confusion gnawing at him. "What are you talking about? Who is she?"

The girl stopped walking abruptly, her back still turned to them. For a moment, there was silence, the air thick with tension. Then, slowly, she turned to face them, her eyes cold and unreadable.

"You really don't know?" she asked quietly, her voice calm but laced with a dangerous edge. "You've been traveling with me all this time, and you haven't figured it out yet?"

Kiato blinked, caught off guard by the intensity in her gaze. "I… no. I just thought—"

The girl stepped closer, her movements slow and deliberate. The crowd around them began to part, whispers rippling through the marketplace as warriors and merchants alike stopped to watch.

Juro's posture tensed, and Velis's grin widened as if he already knew what was coming.

"You've heard the name before," the girl continued, her eyes never leaving Kiato. "Everyone in Raizen has. But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Most people never expect to meet me face-to-face."

She paused, letting her words sink in before speaking again, her voice carrying just loud enough for the onlookers to hear.

"My name is Kiyomi Yukimura."

The crowd around them gasped, and Kiato's eyes widened in shock. He had heard the name. Everyone in Raizen knew the name. Kiyomi Yukimura—the undefeated warrior, the Champion of Raizen, revered by all, feared by many. Stories of her victories in the tournament were legendary, her skills unmatched by anyone who had ever stepped into the arena.

But here she was, standing right in front of him.

Velis let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. "Well, well. This is certainly a turn in events."

Juro's expression remained impassive, though his eyes flickered with unease.

Kiato's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to process the revelation. Kiyomi Yukimura—the Kiyomi Yukimura—had been following along with him, helping him? Why?

Before he could ask, Kiyomi stepped even closer, her voice lowering so only he could hear. "You're not ready for what's come with surviving this tournament, Kiato. But I'm going to make sure you survive long enough so that we may finally have our fight in the arena."

Kiato swallowed hard, his thoughts racing. "Why me? Why do you wanna fight me?"

Kiyomi's expression was unreadable, though there was a flicker of something deeper in her eyes.

Velis, who had been quietly observing, took a step forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. "So the great Kiyomi Yukimura takes an interest in Kiato. How fascinating. Tell me, Kiyomi, what do you know about his power? The one that I know you felt back at the trial grounds."

Kiyomi's gaze hardened as she turned to face Velis. "Enough to know that it's dangerous. And enough to know that you can't be trusted with it."

Velis's smile widened, though it was laced with menace. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that."

The tension between them crackled in the air, but Juro quickly stepped between them, his voice firm. "Will you ever give it a rest, Velis. And you too, Kiyomi. We don't have time for this."

Kiyomi nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at Kiato once more. "Just remember to whatch your back, Kiato. The Tsubasa Clan's interest in you isn't just about sponsorship. They know more about your power than they're letting on. And if you're not careful, they'll use you for their own purposes."

Kiato's heart raced, the weight of her words settling over him like a heavy cloak. The Tsubasa Clan, the Phoenix emblem, his uncontrollable mana—it was all connected.

Juro, sensing the growing danger, placed a hand on Kiato's shoulder. "We need to regroup. There's a lot we don't know yet, but we'll figure it out. Together."

As they moved through the marketplace, Kiato couldn't shake the feeling that something far bigger was at play. Kiyomi's words echoed in his mind, the weight of her reputation only adding to the pressure he felt. And now, with the Tsubasa Clan's interest looming over him, the path ahead seemed more dangerous than ever. His mind was foggy and it was only getting thicker.

Rest. He needed rest.

The streets of Raizen were silent under the weight of the moonlight. In the stillness, Kiato lay restless, his mind a swirl of thoughts. The day had been overwhelming—too many revelations, too much power he still didn't understand. He was still trying to make sense of the Phoenix emblem, of Kiyomi's watchful presence, and the surge of mana that had nearly consumed him.

He wasn't sure who to trust—Juro, Velis, even Kiyomi—each of them had their own secrets, and he felt caught in the middle of forces he couldn't control.

From his window, Kiato caught a glimpse of Kiyomi sitting on a nearby rooftop, her figure bathed in the soft glow of the moon. She seemed deep in thought, her usual confidence softened by something more vulnerable. Kiato couldn't shake the feeling that there was something she wasn't telling him—something more personal.

His heart quickened as he watched her. The bond between them had grown in ways he hadn't expected, but there was a distance too—a distance that made him wonder what Kiyomi was hiding.

Suddenly, the air shifted, and Kiato felt a presence nearby. He tensed, his hand instinctively moving to his sword. A shadow moved from the corner of his vision, and Kiato turned to see Velis leaning casually against the doorway, his eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"Can't sleep?" Velis's voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it, something darker lurking beneath the surface.

Kiato frowned. "What do you want?"

Velis chuckled softly, stepping further into the room. "Relax, I'm not here to cause trouble. I just find it interesting… you, staring out the window like that."

Kiato shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flicking back to Kiyomi. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Velis's smirk widened. "You've noticed, haven't you? The way she looks at you. The way she stays close but never says too much. Kiyomi Yukimura, the most revered warrior in Raizen, and yet… there's something different about the way she watches you."

Kiato's chest tightened. "You're just trying to mess with me."

"Am I?" Velis's tone turned mockingly innocent. "Look at her, Kiato. Do you think she's sitting up there, lost in thought, because of an unmerited dual to come? Or... because of you?"

Kiato looked out at Kiyomi again, uncertainty gnawing at him. There had been moments, quiet ones, where he had sensed something between them—something unspoken. But it seemed impossible. Kiyomi was leagues beyond him in skill and reputation. Why would she—

Velis's voice cut through his thoughts. "People like Kiyomi don't show interest in someone without a reason. She sees something in you, Kiato. And whether it's admiration, attraction, or… something else, it's up to you to figure out."

Kiato shook his head, trying to clear the confusion swirling in his mind. "You're just stirring things up, like you always do."

Velis's smirk softened, and for a moment, his eyes seemed almost sympathetic. "Maybe. But you'd be wise to think about it. Kiyomi's not the only one who's drawn to you. You're attracting attention from all sides—and not all of it is friendly."

Kiato didn't respond, his mind too tangled in the implications of Velis's words. Velis, however, didn't press further. He simply shrugged and turned toward the window.

"You remind me of someone, you know." Velis's voice was quieter now, almost distant. "Someone who thought they could stay out of the games being played around them. But the truth is, you can't. You're already a part of this, Kiato. You've been a part of it since the moment you unleashed that power."

Kiato frowned, turning to face him. "What are you talking about?"

Velis's expression shifted, his eyes darkening as he looked out over the city. "You're not the only one with power, boy. And you're not the only one being watched."

FLASHBACK: THE YOKI KING'S SERVANT

Velis's mind wandered to a time long before he had crossed paths with Kiato and Juro. The Spirit Realm had once been his home, a place where power flowed freely, and the Yoki King ruled supreme. Velis had been the Yoki King's most loyal servant, executing his will without question.

But loyalty had come with a price—one that Velis had paid dearly.

In the Yoki King's court, Velis had been nothing more than a tool, a pawn to be used for the king's grand ambitions. He had believed that by serving faithfully, he would one day rise to a position of power beside the Yoki King. But the king had never seen him as anything more than a servant.

The day the Yoki King chose another—granted power to a lesser being —had shattered Velis's illusions. His loyalty had been repaid with betrayal, and jealousy had burned in his chest like a wildfire. He had abandoned the Yoki King, vowing never to serve anyone again.

But the hunger for power, for revenge, had never left him.

BACK IN THE PRESENT

Velis's eyes narrowed as the memory faded, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "I've seen what happens to people who believe they can rise above it all. The Yoki King taught me that lesson."

Kiato's heart pounded in his chest, the weight of Velis's words pressing down on him. "You… you did served the Yoki King?"

Velis turned, his smirk returning, though there was no humor in his eyes. "A long time ago. Before I learned the truth."

Kiato took a step back,"What truth?"

Velis's smile faded, replaced by something darker. "That loyalty is a lie. The only thing that matters is power. And you, Kiato… you have more of it than you know. Don't waste it."

Before Kiato could respond, Velis turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving him alone with the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind.

ON THE ROOFTOP: KIYOMI'S SECRET

Kiyomi sat on the rooftop, her gaze drifting over the city. Her mind was as restless as the wind that tugged at her cloak. She had known Kiato for three days now, watching him, anticipating their big match. But there was something more—something she hadn't anticipated.

She had seen something in him—a strength, a vulnerability—that drew her closer. At first, it had been out of pride. She had abandoned her training and traveled a long distance just to defeat this so call Kiato Nakamura. But now… now it was something deeper. Something more personal.

Kiyomi's hand tightened around the hilt of her sword as she closed her eyes, trying to push the thoughts away. This wasn't part of the plan. She was supposed to be a warrior, not someone who let emotions cloud her judgment.

But every time she saw Kiato—every time he looked at her—those emotions threatened to break through.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft sound behind her. She didn't need to turn to know it was Juro. He had a way of moving quietly, even when his presence was heavy with unspoken tension.

"You're getting too close to him," Juro said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kiyomi didn't respond at first, keeping her gaze on the distant horizon. "It's not what you think."

Juro's voice was tight. "Isn't it?"

Kiyomi finally turned to face him, her expression hard but laced with something softer beneath the surface. "Your tongue has the taste of accusation. I'm here doing what I said I would… and that's beating the so-called legendary Kiato Nakamura in a warrior's dual."

Juro's eyes darkened, and for a moment, the weight of his own past flickered across his face. "You're doing more than that. And it's dangerous—for both of you. I might not know what you're hiding, but Kiato is smart enough to figure it out eventually."

Kiyomi's jaw tightened, but she didn't argue. She knew Juro was right. She had let herself get too close. But how could she not? Kiato had something inside him—something powerful and dangerous. And yet, he had a kindness, a vulnerability that made her want to see him in ways she hadn't anticipated.

But Juro's next words hit harder than any accusation.

"You're going to hurt him, Kiyomi. Just like I hurt... her."

The silence that followed was thick, filled with the weight of unspoken memories. Kiyomi looked at Juro, searching his face for answers, but he had already turned away, retreating into the shadows of his past.

Kiato insisted on taking a night stroll against Juro's advice, only to find that the streets of Raizen had grown quiet, but there was an ominous undercurrent to the night. Kiato could feel it—the weight of unseen eyes watching him from the shadows. Kiyomi and Juro were still nearby, but the uneasy tension that had settled between them since Velis's revelation earlier lingered like a heavy fog.

Velis, ever the unpredictable presence, had disappeared shortly after their conversation. He claimed he had business in the city, but Kiato wasn't sure what that meant. The silence of his absence was unnerving.

The moon hung high above the rooftops, casting eerie shadows across the marketplace as Kiato wandered, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. His mind kept drifting back to Kiyomi—her quiet presence, her unspoken mission, and the way she watched him with those deep, searching eyes.

But as Kiato's thoughts drifted, the shadows around him seemed to thicken, the air growing colder. A shiver ran down his spine, and he stopped in his tracks, suddenly aware of how quiet the city had become.

Kiyomi and Juro had been close by, but the silence between them had become unnerving. There was something else in the shadows now, something Kiato couldn't quite place. He cast a glance around the market, his hand resting uneasily on the hilt of his sword.

Suddenly, Velis appeared at his side, as if emerging from the darkness itself. His smirk was faint, but his eyes gleamed with amusement.

"You're starting to feel it, aren't you?" Velis said, his voice low and smooth.

Kiato frowned, trying to shake off the tension in his chest. "Feel what?"

Velis chuckled softly, glancing around at the empty streets. "The attention you're attracting."

Kiato's grip on his sword tightened. "What do you mean?"

Velis's gaze darkened slightly, his usual playful tone taking on a more serious edge. "There are forces in Raizen that have been watching you closely. Not all of them mean you well. I'd say you've piqued the interest of the wrong crowd."

Kiato's pulse quickened. He thought back to what Velis had said earlier—about Kiyomi, about his own power. It felt like everything had been spiraling out of control ever since the surge of mana in the trial grounds.

Before Kiato could ask more, a soft rustling came from the shadows behind them. He turned, expecting to see Juro or Kiyomi, but there was nothing.

Velis's smirk faded slightly, his eyes scanning the darkness. "It's starting."

Kiato glanced at him, confused. "What's starting?"

But Velis didn't answer. Instead, he straightened, his gaze hardening as the air around them seemed to shift. There was movement in the distance, but it was too quick, too subtle for Kiato to track. His heart pounded in his chest as he drew his sword, feeling the tension rise.

"Kiyomi? Juro?" Kiato called out, but the only response was silence.

Velis's expression turned cold.

Kiato turned to face him, confusion clouding his thoughts. "What happening?"

Velis glanced at him, his eyes narrowing.

Before Kiato could press him for answers, the night exploded into chaos.

Without warning, shadows leaped from the darkness, robed figures lunging at them with lightning speed. Kiato barely had time to react, his sword flashing in the moonlight as he parried the first attack. The robed figure was fast—unnaturally so—its movements erratic and unpredictable.

Kiato swung his blade with precision, but the figure dodged easily, countering with a strike that forced him back. He gritted his teeth, his muscles straining as he blocked another blow. There was something wrong about these attackers—something off about the way they moved.

Velis, however, moved with ease. His hands crackled with dark energy as he deflected one of the robed figures, his expression calm and almost bored. "They've come for you, Kiato. Try not to die."

Kiato's heart raced as he deflected another attack, his breath coming in short gasps. "Who are they?"

Velis didn't answer immediately, his attention focused on dismantling the attackers with brutal efficiency. His power surged, and with a flick of his wrist, one of the robed figures was sent crashing into the stone wall with a sickening thud.

"If my gut is serving my well," Velis began, his tone casual but his eyes sharp, "they're a cult that's been following you. They want your power."

Kiato felt his blood run cold. He swung his sword again, this time landing a solid hit on one of the attackers, sending them sprawling to the ground. "A cult? What do they want with me?"

Velis dodged another strike, his movements fluid and graceful. "Isn't it obvious?"

Kiato's thoughts raced as he parried another blow. But before he could ask more, the sound of footsteps echoed through the marketplace. He turned, expecting to see Juro or Kiyomi rushing to their aid.

But there was nothing.

"Kiyomi?" he called out again, his voice louder this time. "Juro?"

Velis's smirk widened, though there was a dark edge to it.

Kiato's heart pounded in his chest as he glanced around frantically. "Where are they?"

Velis shrugged, deflecting another attack with ease. "Gone. Taken, maybe. Or worse."

Kiato's mind reeled, panic setting in. How had Juro and Kiyomi disappeared so quickly?

"Stay focused," Velis said sharply, his voice cutting through Kiato's panic. "You can't afford to lose your head right now."

Kiato gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay calm. He swung his sword with renewed determination, cutting down the last of the attackers with a single, powerful strike. The figure collapsed to the ground, unmoving.

But before Kiato could catch his breath, a cold voice echoed from the shadows.

"Well done, Velis."

Kiato froze, his blood turning to ice. From the darkness, a figure emerged—a woman, tall and commanding, draped in dark robes adorned with silver symbols. Her presence was overwhelming, her gaze cold and calculating.

Velis's expression turned grim, his eyes narrowing. "Lady Rei."

Lady Rei smiled, but there was no warmth in her eyes. "I see you've decided to interfere."

Velis's smirk returned, laced with danger. "I couldn't let you have him, could I? Kiato's too valuable to me."

Kiato stared at the woman, confusion and fear swirling in his chest. "Who is she?"

Lady Rei's eyes flicked to Kiato, her smile widening. "You don't know me yet, boy. But you will. Soon."

Velis stepped forward, his hands crackling with dark energy. "I'll give you one chance to leave, Rei. You're not getting him."

Lady Rei's expression darkened, her power radiating through the air. "You're a fool, Velis. The Dark Phoenix is inevitable. And the boy is the key to bringing it back."

Kiato's heart raced. "The Dark Phoenix?"

Velis shot him a glance. "I'll explain later."

Before Kiato could process what was happening, Lady Rei's cultists surged forward, their movements synchronized as they launched another attack. But this time, Velis was ready. With a flash of dark energy, he unleashed his full power, sending shockwaves through the air that tore through the cultists with devastating force.

The ground shook beneath Kiato's feet as Velis's power erupted, his aura blazing with a dark, chaotic energy. Lady Rei staggered back, her eyes wide with shock as she realized the depth of Velis's strength.

"You… you shouldn't have this power," she hissed.

Velis grinned, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Rei. I've grown stronger sense the last time we met in the abyss."

With a final surge of energy, Velis unleashed a devastating attack that obliterated the remaining cultists, leaving only Lady Rei standing. She stumbled back, her composure cracking as Velis loomed over her.

"Your cult is finished," Velis said, his voice low and dangerous. "And you won't be using Kiato for your little resurrection scheme."

Lady Rei's eyes burned with hatred as she glared at him. "You think you've won? The Dark Phoenix will rise. You can't stop it."

Velis's smirk faded, replaced by a cold, deadly expression. "Maybe. But I'll make sure you won't be around to see it."

With a final burst of power, Velis struck Lady Rei down, her body dissolving into nothing as her energy faded into the night.

Well, until...

Lady Rei's voice echoed from every corner Raizen. "Hahaaaah. Lowly demon... You aren't the only one who grow in power."