Rise of the Darkblade

Rantaro lay on his back, eyes staring at the ceiling, the darkness of the room pressing in on him. His body ached from the fight, but sleep wouldn't come. Every time he closed his eyes, his mind replayed the horrors of the dark wolf's attack.

Dreams... nightmares... they're all blending together now.

His thoughts drifted to the past—the nightmare from earlier, where his parents disappeared into the void, leaving him and Xiyau behind. He hadn't been able to stop them then. But this time, he couldn't let the same thing happen. Not with Xiyau.

As his mind spun, a familiar pull took him under. The line between dreams and reality blurred. He found himself standing in a vast, endless void. A cold wind cut through him, whispering his name.

"Rantaro..."

A figure appeared ahead. His parents, standing just out of reach. They were facing away from him, their forms shrouded in shadows.

"Don't leave us..." Rantaro whispered, reaching out to them.

His heart pounded. He ran toward them, but the faster he moved, the further they seemed to get. The void around him twisted and warped, pulling at his limbs, dragging him down.

Then, a voice—Xiyau's voice—cut through the darkness.

"Brother, don't give up! You promised me you'd protect me!"

He spun around, desperate to find her, but only saw a flicker of light in the distance.

No... I can't lose her.

He forced his legs to move, breaking free from the pull of the void. His heart thudded harder with each step. As the light grew brighter, he felt his strength returning, the fear melting away. But just as he reached it, the light flickered and went out.

Rantaro jolted awake, gasping for breath. The room was still dark, the moon casting pale light through the window. His heart still raced from the dream, but something felt different this time.

I'm not powerless anymore. He clenched his fists. I can change the outcome.