The streets of Elystria Prime were quiet in the early evening, bathed in the glow of neon lights and floating lanterns. Kiyoto Mushu Justin walked beside Mitsui Tachaina, who carried herself with the quiet confidence of someone used to surviving on the fringes of the city.
> "So… you really don't have anyone helping you?" Kiyoto asked, curious but keeping his usual childish grin.
> Mitsui shook her head. "I manage. It's simpler that way."
Kiyoto smirked. "Simpler, huh? Sounds like an adventure waiting to happen."
---
The Incident
A sudden tremor shook the cobblestone streets. Shadows curled unnaturally from alleyways, moving with intent. Mitsui froze, eyes narrowing.
> "Stay behind me," she whispered instinctively.
Kiyoto tilted his head, surprised by her sudden protective instinct. "Whoa… you're actually serious about this."
From the shadows emerged a group of Shadow Wraiths — creatures born from corrupted Voidstream energy. They hissed, their forms shifting and flickering like broken holograms.
Kiyoto's childlike excitement bubbled.
> "Ooh, a fight! Finally!"
Mitsui's eyes glowed faintly, her hidden ability awakening.
> "Shadowstep."
In an instant, she blurred through the dark, striking one of the wraiths with precision, her movements faster than the eye could follow.
Kiyoto's grin widened. "Not bad… but let me show you something."
He raised his hand, summoning a blade of golden-white energy — a fragment of his Infinity Crown power. The air around him rippled as reality itself bent to his presence.
> Chrono Slash.
The wraiths were cut down effortlessly, but Kiyoto laughed like a child. "See? This is why being distracted is fun!"
Mitsui blinked, trying not to smile. Despite his arrogance, his power was undeniable — and strangely… comforting.
---
Aftermath & Bonding
With the Shadow Wraiths gone, Kiyoto and Mitsui walked in silence.
> "You… you're strong," Mitsui admitted quietly.
> "And you're not just street-smart," Kiyoto replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You've got hidden strength, like me… maybe even more than me if you learn to control it."
> Mitsui looked down, fidgeting. "Maybe… but I'm not used to… all this."
> "Don't worry," Kiyoto said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'll help you. We'll make sure you're ready for anything."
In that moment, the spark of their partnership was sealed — a bond forged not only by chance, but by shared growth, adventure, and unspoken potential.
---