The forest was finally quiet.
Not tense.
Not suffocating.
Just… still.
Ren walked ahead of the group.
Aikari in his arms.
She hadn't said much since the fight.
Her breathing was steady now—but weak.
Her body still recovering from Gorvath's grip.
"…You know," Daiki said from behind, stretching his arms, "if you wanted to carry her, you could've just asked."
Ren didn't respond.
Aikari rolled her eyes slightly, her voice soft.
"…Shut up, Daiki…"
He smirked.
"Hey, I'm just saying. Dude's been quiet this whole time, then suddenly—hero carry."
"…You're annoying," she muttered.
Shin adjusted his glasses, walking calmly beside them.
"She's injured," he said. "This is the most efficient way to move."
Daiki snorted.
"Yeah, yeah. 'Efficient.' Sure."
Kuroha walked silently behind them, her eyes scanning the forest.
"…We shouldn't stay out here much longer," she said quietly.
"…There's a village ahead."
Ren nodded slightly.
"I know."
Aikari blinked faintly.
"…You've been here before?"
"…Once," he replied.
That was all he gave.
The trees began to thin.
The air shifted.
Warmer.
And then—
They saw it.
A small village, tucked between the forest and a gentle river.
Smoke curled from chimneys.
Lights flickered in windows.
Peaceful.
"…Damn," Daiki said under his breath. "Didn't think we'd see something normal after that fight."
"Don't get used to it," Shin replied.
As they entered, a few villagers looked up, cautious at first.
Then concerned.
"…You're hurt," one older man said, stepping forward.
Ren didn't stop walking.
"We just need a place to rest."
The man studied them for a moment.
Then nodded.
"…There's a house near the river. Empty. You can stay there."
"…Thanks," Aikari said softly.
Ren carried her inside without another word.
Later That Night
The room was quiet.
Dimly lit by a small lantern.
Aikari sat on the edge of a bed, her hands resting lightly over her ribs.
Water gathered slowly around her fingers.
Soft.
Glowing.
She winced slightly—
Then exhaled.
The water sank into her skin.
Healing.
Across the room, Daiki leaned against the wall.
"…That's still wild to watch," he said. "You just… fix yourself like that."
Aikari smiled faintly.
"…Not instantly."
Shin crossed his arms.
"How long until you can move normally?"
"…By morning," she said.
"…I think."
Kuroha stood near the window, watching outside.
"…You should save some strength."
Aikari shook her head slightly.
"No. Not yet."
She stood slowly.
"…Come here," she said.
Daiki blinked.
"…Wait—what?"
She raised her hand.
Water formed again—stronger this time.
"…You're all hurt too."
Shin sighed.
"…This isn't necessary—"
"Shin."
He stopped.
Aikari's expression softened.
"…Let me help."
Silence.
Then—
One by one—
They stepped forward.
Water flowed over their wounds.
Cuts closed.
Bruises faded.
Muscles eased.
Daiki flexed his arm, surprised.
"…Okay… yeah, that's actually insane."
Shin adjusted his sleeve.
"…Efficient."
Kuroha didn't say anything.
But her gaze lingered on Aikari a moment longer than usual.
"…Thank you," she said quietly.
Aikari smiled softly.
Then—
She turned.
Ren stood near the door.
Watching.
"…You're not coming over here?" she asked.
"…I'm fine," he said.
She frowned slightly.
"…You're not."
Silence.
"…I said I'm fine."
Aikari stepped closer anyway.
"…Ren."
He didn't move.
"…Just let me check," she said softly.
A pause.
Then—
He sighed.
"…Do what you want."
She raised her hand.
Water formed again—
Gentler this time.
It touched his arm.
For a second—
Nothing happened.
Then—
The water trembled.
Aikari's eyes widened slightly.
"…Your body…"
Ren pulled away.
"…It's not something you can fix."
That hurt more than he probably meant it to.
Aikari lowered her hand slowly.
"…I wasn't trying to fix everything."
Silence.
"…Just help."
Ren didn't answer.
🌄 The Next Day
The village was alive.
Children running through the streets.
Villagers working.
The sound of water flowing nearby.
For the first time—
Things felt… normal.
"…So what now?" Daiki asked, stretching.
Shin adjusted his glasses.
"We recover. Then we move."
"…Boring," Daiki muttered.
A small voice cut in.
"Excuse me…"
They turned.
A young girl stood there, holding a small bucket.
"…Our water wheel broke," she said nervously.
"…We can't move water from the river…"
Aikari blinked.
"…You need help?"
The girl nodded.
Daiki smirked.
"…Well look at that. Guess we've got something to do after all."
🌊 By the River
The water wheel sat still.
Broken.
Aikari stepped forward.
"…I can fix this."
She raised her hand.
Water lifted from the river—flowing, twisting, bending at her command.
The wheel turned.
Slowly.
Then faster.
The river responded.
The villagers stared in awe.
"…Whoa…" Daiki muttered.
Shin nodded slightly.
"…Control has improved."
Kuroha watched quietly.
The young girl smiled brightly.
"…Thank you!"
Aikari smiled back.
Behind her—
Ren watched.
Silent.
Not distant.
Just… thinking.