TeenSk398

Three brothers, each striving for their own dreams and goals, set out on a journey that will test the strength of their bond. They become Knights, the first step on a path that will lead them to new challenges, unfamiliar faces, and difficult decisions. Along the way, they will meet others, face obstacles, lose some, and even get lost themselves. Their individual strengths are put to the test, each determined to reach their goals. But life is never that simple—abandonment and deceit lurk around every corner. Hidden motives and dark pasts resurface, threatening to tear them apart. Yet, despite it all, they continue to press forward, fueled by their dreams. In the face of betrayal and uncertainty, will their bond persist, or will they be defeated? Comrades are made, friendships are forged, and plans begin to take shape as they move forward. This is a journey of laughs, love, friendship, dark truths, and brotherhood. This is the Journey to Knights Fall.

Knights Fall

We had already subdued the bandits, tying them up at the village's edge. Their defeated groans were barely audible over the crackling fires still raging in the distance. Taka rushed between the burning homes, his silhouette flickering against the orange glow as he fought to smother the flames. Thick, black smoke coiled into the sky, carrying with it the acrid scent of scorched wood and something far worse—burning flesh.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I took in the carnage around me. More bodies. More loss. The village we had fought to protect was now a graveyard. If only we had arrived an hour earlier… or even before the attack had begun. But that was a fool's thought. No amount of regret would change what had happened. We did our best—that was all there was to it.

Taka stood nearby, his shoulders tense, his expression grim. He stared at the lifeless bodies scattered across the ground, his brows furrowed in sorrow. I could tell—we were thinking the same thing. This victory felt hollow.

Then, through the lingering smoke, Yushiro emerged, his usual carefree smile in place, though his eyes carried an unspoken weight. He wasn't alone—villagers followed behind him, some limping, others supporting one another. Their faces were streaked with soot and tears, yet they still clung to the relief of survival. Together, we surveyed the damage. Miraculously, while the village bore scars of battle, most of the homes still stood. The destruction could have been far worse.

The village chief stepped forward, his expression weary yet grateful. His clothes were torn, his face lined with exhaustion, but he straightened his back as he spoke.

"We—we would like to thank you three for your help." His voice wavered, heavy with emotion.

I looked at him, admiration stirring in my chest. This man had stayed behind to defend his people, risking everything. That was admirable. I extended my hand to him, and after a brief hesitation, he grasped it firmly. His grip was strong despite his fatigue, a silent acknowledgment of the battle we had fought together.

Around us, the surviving villagers clung to one another—some laughing weakly, overwhelmed with relief, while others collapsed to their knees, sobbing over the bodies of loved ones lost. Grief and gratitude intertwined in the air, a heavy contrast to the smoldering ruins around us.

Then, just as the dead were being prepared for burial, a sudden, violent gust of wind tore through the village. The sky, once clouded with smoke, darkened further as a powerful force stirred the heavens. The wind howled, sending embers spiraling upward, and for a moment, it felt as though the very air was vibrating.

We shielded our eyes against the onslaught, and as I squinted through the dust and swirling ash, I saw them—shadows cutting through the clouds, their vast forms gliding effortlessly against the night sky.

A slow grin spread across my face as recognition dawned.

Kenji