Chapter 5 :-
Keedo's eyes shot open, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His clothes were drenched in sweat, and his heartbeat pounded in his ears. He gasped for breath as if emerging from a dark sea of terror.
Around him, Taihei Sati Village burned in flames. The crackling sound of fire echoed in the night as screams filled the air. The lifeless body of Ryuu lay in front of him—eyes wide, blood pooling around his head. Standing above the corpse was Azal, smiling like a demon, his eyes glowing red in the flickering firelight.
"No... no! Ryuu-sa !" Keedo shouted, his voice cracking as he reached out.
A sharp jolt brought him back to reality. He sat upright on his futon, disoriented and panting heavily.
"It was... just a dream…" he whispered to himself, trying to calm his racing heart.
The door burst open.
"Keedo! What happened?" Hana asked, rushing in with Kahori right behind her. Her face was pale with concern.
Keedo ran a hand through his damp hair. "I saw a horrible dream. The village... it was on fire. Ryuu was dead. Azal was there, laughing. I couldn't do anything... I was helpless."
Hana walked over and sat beside him. She gently cupped his cheek. "It's alright. You're safe now. It was just a nightmare."
Keedo nodded slowly, trying to steady his breath.
"I'm okay now. Really. Thanks, Hana," he said softly, taking her hand.
Just then, Takeo barged in with a huge grin on his face.
"Look at this! You both are already acting like lovers! Don't mind me!"
Keedo groaned. "Takeo, why do you always ruin the moment?"
He stood up and playfully tried to grab him, but Takeo dodged and ran out, laughing loudly.
The mood lightened a bit, but something in Keedo's heart remained unsettled. He walked over to the window, glancing out at the forest that surrounded the village.
That's when he heard it again.
A soft, eerie rustling… almost like whispers carried by the wind.
His expression turned serious.
Takeo, noticing his change in demeanor, walked up beside him.
"What is it, bro?"
"I heard that same sound again… from the forest," Keedo muttered.
Before they could react further, Kahori's voice called out from the hallway. "Come on, everyone! It's almost time for the morning prayers."
"We're coming," Keedo replied, eyes still fixed outside.
As they climbed the narrow trail to Megun-Ji temple, the morning sun cast a golden glow over the dew-covered leaves. Hana walked slowly, favoring her injured leg.
Kahori turned to her. "Are you okay? You shouldn't be walking so much."
"I'm alright," Hana replied. "But if I stumble, can I lean on you?"
"Of course," Kahori smiled.
"Thank you," Hana whispered, grateful.
After the morning prayers, they returned to the house. The day passed peacefully—filled with conversation, shared meals, and laughter that warmed the heart.
But when the clock struck midnight, that peace shattered once more.
The sound returned.
Soft. Unnatural. Unmistakable.
Hana's eyes fluttered open. A strange unease wrapped around her like a cold blanket. She sat up slowly and looked toward the window. Her breath caught in her throat.
A tall, dark figure stood just beyond the edge of the trees.
"Who's there…?" she whispered.
Before she could rise, Keedo entered the room and quickly pulled her away from the window.
"Stay quiet," he whispered. "I saw him too."
"That's the same shadow from last night…" Hana murmured, her voice trembling.
Keedo nodded grimly. "He's watching us. Again."
They quickly called the others. Takeo, Kahori and hanako came into the main room.
Keedo explained what they saw.
Takeo's brows furrowed. "Could it be... Tarumaki?"
"It's likely," Keedo replied. "He always moves in the dark. And he never leaves a trace."
They all went to the window, but the shadow had already vanished into the forest.
"Damn it! He slipped away again," Takeo growled, slamming his fist into his palm.
"We can't just wait around anymore," Keedo said. "We're the upcoming samurais of Taihei Sati. We don't hide—we fight. Come on, Takeo-sa. Let's go."
Takeo gave a sharp nod, and the two rushed out into the forest. The night was cold, and every rustle of leaves made them tense.
They searched the trails, the stream, and the edges of the shrine path, but found nothing.
Keedo finally stopped, catching his breath. "He's gone. He knew we'd come after him."
Takeo nodded. "He might come back tomorrow. We should set a trap."
Keedo agreed. "Yeah. We'll be ready."
The two returned, their minds heavy but determined.
Later that night, long after everyone had returned to their beds, Hana walked silently into Keedo's room. She stood in the doorway, eyes downcast.
"Keedo… I'm scared."
He looked up from his seat, surprised. "Hana? You should be sleeping."
She walked over and sat beside him, her voice barely a whisper.
"Who was that outside? What does he want? I'm afraid. What if he hurts you?"
Keedo gently took her hand. "Don't worry. He won't touch a hair on your head. I promise you, Hana—I won't let anything happen to us."
Her eyes welled with tears, but she nodded. For now, his words were enough.
The forest outside remained silent, but danger still lingered—waiting, watching.
End of chapter 5