Haruto and Kaito sat inside a horse-drawn carriage moving through a narrow path relentlessly beaten by rain. Every time the wooden wheels sank into the mud, a heavy creaking sound echoed like the only rhythm of the night. The sky had turned into a sheet of lead, occasionally torn apart by distant flashes of lightning that briefly illuminated the world in fragments.
Haruto stared down at the child in his arms. The faint light inside the boy—once barely noticeable but still present—was now fading even further. It felt as if someone was slowly pulling the thread of his life away.
Haruto (thoughtfully):
"It's definitely part of a ritual… that much is clear. But why choose a child like this? What could they possibly gain from it?"
Without taking his eyes off the boy, he continued, his tone sharpening.
Haruto:
"Hey Kaito… who do you think did this?"
Kaito shrugged slightly as the carriage rocked with every bump. Exhaustion weighed down his voice.
Kaito:
"I don't know, Haruto. Who did it, why they did it… I have no idea. But I did find something—a necklace."
He paused, irritation building in his expression.
Kaito:
"And this kid… damn it… when we bring him back to headquarters, what are we supposed to do? What are we going to tell Lady Akira? You're thinking about that too, right?"
Haruto stayed silent for a moment, then slowly lifted his head.
Haruto:
"A necklace?"
Kaito:
"Yes. It looked extremely valuable. But that's not the point right now. The point is how we explain this situation."
Haruto leaned slightly toward Kaito, a faint teasing smile forming on his lips.
Haruto:
"What? Why me? The necklace is with you right now. Besides, you're the one who can explain this mess better than anyone, Mr. Kaito."
Kaito rolled his eyes, clearly losing patience.
Kaito:
"Haruto… seriously? You're trying to push this onto me? Why did we even take this kid with us in the first place?"
The air inside the carriage grew heavier. The sound of rain outside intensified.
The child shifted slightly in Haruto's arms. His breathing was uneven. Unclear words slipped from his lips.
Child (weak whisper):
"I… no… please… don't… I…"
Haruto's gaze hardened as he looked down at him more carefully.
Haruto:
"Why do you think we did this, Kaito? You know our past. You know mine as well… Would we really let the same thing happen to him?"
Kaito remained silent for a moment. Only the sound of rain filled the space between them.
Kaito (after a deep breath):
"Do whatever you want, Haruto."
For a brief moment, something shadowed Haruto's expression. Then he murmured quietly to himself.
Haruto (inner voice):
"I know you still haven't forgotten…"
After a long and exhausting journey, the carriage finally arrived at the West Sakura Kuri Hunting Center. It was a place surrounded by cherry blossom trees gently swaying in the wind—beautiful and calm at first glance, yet tightly secured beneath its peaceful appearance.
At the gate, Kenji and Doctor Mitsuni greeted them. Both tried to look casual, as usual.
Kenji approached the carriage and immediately fixed his gaze on the child, his expression tightening.
Kenji:
"This child… who is he? And what are those black veins on his body? Doctor, you need to take a look at this."
Doctor Mitsuni stepped forward at once. Though he initially looked surprised, a strange excitement quickly replaced it.
Doctor Mitsuni:
"Hmmm… interesting. Let's see those veins…"
He examined the child's arm carefully.
Doctor Mitsuni:
"Wow… this is far more fascinating than I expected."
Child (weakly):
"Ah… please… stop…"
Kenji cut in impatiently.
Kaito:
"Is Lady Akira here? We need to speak with her. It's urgent."
The doctor replied without looking up.
Doctor Mitsuni:
"I'm not sure. I haven't seen her since this morning."
Kenji ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply.
Kenji:
"This is not good… this definitely sounds serious."
At that moment, the atmosphere shifted. The sound of high heels echoed in the distance. Everyone turned toward the source.
Sora appeared, walking gracefully in her mini feathered dress. She smiled faintly at Kenji as she approached.
Sora:
"Honestly… none of you know how to take care of a child. Especially you, Doctor Mitsuni. Standing there in the rain interrogating him like that—and you too, Kenji."
Kenji smirked slightly.
Kenji:
"She speaks again… the heartbreak queen."
As the brief exchange continued, a deep thunder rumbled across the sky.
And at that exact moment… the child slowly opened his eyes in Haruto's arms.