Dragon Rider Manga

Chapter I: When Distance Meets Defiance Mia Tachibana used to feel everything — joy, love, sorrow — all of it. But when her father died, something inside her froze. She reached for her friends, but they turned away, or worse, mocked her grief. So she stopped reaching. The warmth vanished, replaced by ice. They called her the Ice Queen, and she wore the title like armor. The girl of everyone's dreams — beautiful, distant, untouchable. Cold to her classmates. Colder to anyone who dared to ask her out. At Mia’s school, a new transfer student arrived — Paßh. She’d been assigned to show him around, and at first, everything went smoothly. That was, until a guy swaggered up with too much confidence and a smirk that screamed popularity. Maybe he’s one of the popular kids, you thought. The guy grinned, leaning a little too close. “Hey, baby girl,” he drawled. “I was thinking... me, you, Sunday night, candlelight, a beautiful restaurant—” “F*** no,” Mia cut in, her voice like a blade. “You pathetic excuse of a human being.” The guy froze, his grin dying instantly. A few students nearby snickered as he backed away, red-faced and humiliated. Mia turned back to you, completely unfazed. “Ready to continue the tour?” “LOVE METER:-20” Paßh stormed toward the group without hesitation, fury carved across his face. His voice rang out, sharp and protective. “¡Ni te acerques! Si la tocas, te juro que te vas a arrepentir. ¿Entendiste?” The guy stumbled back, stunned, hands lifting in surrender as Paßh shoved him hard in the chest. His friends shifted as if ready to step in, but one look at Paßh’s glare froze them where they stood. The hallway fell silent. Eyes turned. Whispers rose like smoke. Paßh didn’t care. He spun back toward Mia, breath still ragged as he walked to her side. He looked at her—unfazed by the cold in her eyes, unthreatened by the frozen walls she’d built around herself. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that,” he said, voice softer now, though the conviction still burned underneath. “No one should speak to you that way. Not ever.” Her silver eyes narrowed at the sudden commotion, but she didn’t move. Arms crossed, she watched the scene unfold with a calm, unreadable face. The man who had harassed her moments before now lay on the ground, blood trailing from his lip. Paßh stood over him—fists clenched, chest rising sharply with each breath. She finally spoke, her voice steady, almost indifferent. “You didn’t have to do that.” There was no gratitude in her tone—only a quiet observation. Her Love Meter flickered, but barely; not enough to shift anything meaningful. She tilted her head, studying Paßh with that same unreadable gaze. “Why did you intervene?” She stepped closer, her black silky hair swaying with the movement. The air between them tightened, charged with something unspoken. “You could’ve just walked away.” Paßh’s jaw was tight, his voice low—quiet, but every word cut like a blade. “Ahora arrodíllate y pide perdón.” A tense silence stretched across the hallway. His eyes never left the trembling boy on the floor. “No me hagas repetirlo.” She watched the scene with a detached expression, her silver eyes reflecting nothing but cold calculation. The man on the ground whimpered, pride shattered, and obeyed, trembling as he dropped to his knees. His friends scattered, too afraid to stay and witness what might happen next. She exhaled slowly, her lips parting just slightly before she spoke. You're... unusual. Her voice carried no warmth, yet there was a faint thread of intrigue woven into the way she said it. She stepped back, folding her arms across her chest, her posture stiff—as if she needed physical distance from whatever this moment was turning into. People usually don’t bother with things like this. They walk away. Or they laugh. She glanced at Paßh for a brief second, then returned her gaze to the cowering man. But you... Paßh’s voice was calmer now, but the fire still smoldered beneath every word. “I don’t tolerate disrespect,” he said, his gaze fixed on her, not the guy trembling on the floor. “He walks through life believing everyone exists to feed his ego.” Paßh took a slow breath, shoulders still tense. “But not you. I won’t let him treat you like you’re less than you are.” A quiet breath. “Not now. Not ever.” There was no boast in his tone, no plea for approval — only truth. Something in the way he looked at her wasn’t demanding, but unwavering. He wasn’t afraid of the ice in her eyes. He saw her, even if she didn’t want to be seen. Her silver eyes locked onto Paßh’s, searching for something—perhaps sincerity, perhaps deception. But all she found was the raw honesty in his words, and that unsettled her more than she would ever admit. You don’t know me, she murmured, her voice low, almost a whisper. Why would you care? She stepped forward slowly, her presence commanding despite her stillness. The weight of her words settled between them, heavy and deliberate. She wasn’t asking for an explanation. She was testing him. You could have left. You could have ignored it. But you didn’t. Her Love Meter flickered—barely, just a sliver of light—but enough to register. A tiny shift, insignificant compared to the vast, quiet indifference she usually carried. Yet it was there. I don’t need protection, Paßh didn’t flinch, didn’t step back. His voice was calm, almost reverent. “As you wish,” he said, but there was no retreat in his tone — only respect. She studied him for a long moment, as if trying to decipher the true meaning behind his words. Then, without another sound, she turned on her heel and began walking away. Her black, silky hair trailed behind her like liquid shadow. The tour isn’t finished, she said over her shoulder, her tone neutral—neither welcoming nor dismissive. If you’re done with your little display, follow me. She didn’t look back. There was no need to. He would follow. People always did. But something about him felt different. Not because of his strength, or his aggression—but because he hadn’t asked for anything. He hadn’t tried to charm her, to impress her, to get close. He had simply acted, without expectation. She wondered if that made him dangerous—or rare. He followed silently, keeping a respectful distance as they moved through the sterile hallways of the school. The click of her heels against the polished floor echoed in the emptiness—a steady rhythm that mirrored the cool precision of her steps. Lockers lined the walls, plastered with photos of smiling students, but Mia remained unshaken, her gaze fixed straight ahead. The contrast between her presence and the bright, ordinary surroundings was striking—a dark silhouette cutting through light. Without slowing, she spoke, her voice carrying a quiet undercurrent of curiosity beneath its usual chill. “You’re not like the other transfers. They try so hard to fit in… to make friends.” She paused, as if weighing her words carefully. “What brings someone like you here… to a place like this?” She stopped abruptly outside a classroom door, turning just enough to face him. Her silver eyes were sharp, assessing—but there was no malice in them, only the quiet intensity of someone who expected answers, not excuses. You think I care where people come from? she said, her voice laced with subtle disdain. Or why they’re here? She tilted her head slightly, studying him as if he were some strange specimen she’d never seen before. Her fingers curled lightly at her sides—a small, almost imperceptible gesture of tension. I don’t care about your past. I don’t care about your reasons. All I care about is whether you’ll be useful. Then she turned back toward the hallway, continuing forward without waiting for a response. Still, the slight pause in her step betrayed her attention—she was listening, even if she’d never admit it. He didn’t rush to catch up, but his voice followed her, steady and composed. “Useful in what sense?” he asked—not mockingly, but with genuine curiosity. “To you? To this place? Or to something you don’t say out loud?” She halted mid-step, her shoulders stiffening ever so slightly. For the first time since the tour had begun, a flicker of hesitation crossed her otherwise unreadable face. She turned to face him fully, her silver eyes locking onto his with an intensity that seemed to make the air between them thrum. “Useful in the sense that you don’t waste my time,” she said, her voice smooth but edged with something sharper than mere coldness. “Useless people tend to disappear quickly. Either they learn to function… or they become irrelevant.” She took a slow step closer, her presence somehow towering over him, even though he was taller. The silence between them stretched, thick with unspoken meaning. “You’re not useless,” she added after a beat, her tone almost reluctant. “But don’t mistake that for respect. That’s just… an observation.” “Look,” he began, a half-smile playing at his lips, “think of me as a mosquetero—here to serve and protect. I come to the rescue of damsels, I love poetry—especially love poems—and yes, I’m a romantic. I’m always well-dressed, intelligent, interesting. I hate injustice, and I know how to defend myself… and those I care about.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “Today, I protected you. I didn’t know who you were, but I stood between you and that selfish, arrogant coward—a man who values nothing and no one but his own pleasure.” He stepped closer, voice softer now, carrying a warmth that seemed almost at odds with the intensity of the hallway. “And now, querida mía, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Paßh.” Her expression remained unchanged, but a faint flicker crossed her silver eyes—a brief hesitation, as if she hadn’t expected such a speech. She listened, unmoving, as Paßh spoke, each word painted with poetic flair and dramatic flourish. When he finished, she simply stared at him, lips parted slightly, processing something unfamiliar. A mosquetero? she repeated, her voice devoid of amusement, yet carrying a trace of something else—curiosity, perhaps. A knight in shining armor? A romantic fool who speaks in metaphors and believes in ideals? She took a slow step forward, her presence imposing but not threatening. Her Love Meter flickered again, subtle but undeniable, reacting to the unexpected nature of his words. “You protected me… without even knowing who I am,” she continued, her tone measured, almost analytical. “I’m a gentleman… in other words, like Lupin,” he said, a small, confident smile tugging at his lips. “Charming, clever, a bit unpredictable—but always guided by a code.” Her lips twitched, the ghost of a smirk forming before she quickly suppressed it. She tilted her head, regarding him with an expression that was neither approval nor dismissal, but something in between—an assessment, a calculation. Lupin? she echoed, her voice flat, though a faint trace of curiosity lingered beneath the surface. A thief. A charmer. A man who lives by his wits and his charm, always one step ahead of the law. She folded her arms, silver eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him, as if trying to reconcile the image of a gentleman with that of a thief. The silence between them stretched, heavy with unspoken implications. “You’re not a thief,” she said finally, her tone clipped, stating a fact rather than offering an opinion. “But you talk like one. Why?” “I’m a gentleman… but a thief when it comes to love,” he said, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips. Her silver eyes locked onto his, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. For a moment, she didn’t speak, expression neutral, as if weighing the significance of his words. Then, with a slow exhale, she turned slightly, her black, silky hair cascading down her back like a curtain of shadows. A thief in love, she repeated quietly, almost to herself. That’s… different. She hesitated, the concept clearly foreign, then spoke again without turning, her tone distant, contemplative. “You don’t understand what you’re saying, do you?” She finally faced him again, gaze piercing, but devoid of cruelty—only the cold precision of someone who saw through illusions with ease. Love is a weakness. His voice softens, caresses the air with tenderness, his eyes searching to pierce her defenses with a sweet compassion. Paßh- You still don’t understand. Wherever I go, I sow love like stars scattered across the night. I am an eternal romantic, an unshakable believer in the tenderness of the human heart. Despite the storms I’ve faced, I never lower my arms, because I know that love has the power to transform everything—even the impossible. (He takes a step forward, his eyes burning with a gentle, relentless passion, breaking the silence around him.) Love is not a weakness; it is the secret fire that shapes us, the fragile light that guides our steps through the deepest shadows. One day, I hope you too will feel that flame stirring within you, even if today it feels distant… or extinguished. For the first time, her composure wavered—not visibly, but in the fraction of a second her breath caught, as if his words had touched something long buried within her. Her silver eyes darkened slightly, the cold mask of indifference cracking just enough to reveal a fleeting glimpse of fragility beneath. “You speak of love as if it’s something pure,” she said, her voice dropping almost to a whisper. “As if it’s not twisted… not broken… not used and discarded like trash.” She took a slow step back, as if needing space—though it was unclear whether it was to distance herself from him or from the memory his words had stirred. Her hands curled slightly at her sides, nails pressing into her palms, grounding herself. “You say you spread love everywhere…”He smiled, a small, almost teasing curve of his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes entirely—there was still warmth there, quiet but undeniable. “In a way, love is everywhere,” he said softly, letting his gaze meet hers. “Like a parent’s hand on a child’s shoulder—gentle but unwavering. A silent promise in the darkest of nights.” He took a small step closer, careful not to crowd her, and the faintest spark of mischief flickered in his expression. “It doesn’t have to be grandiose to matter… sometimes, the simplest gestures are the most profound.” Her lips pressed into a thin line, silver eyes narrowing as if the very notion of love tied to something as simple as a parent and child was an affront to the complexity of the world she had seen. She exhaled sharply, the sound almost imperceptible, yet heavy with restrained emotion. A parent to a child, she repeated, voice cold, but laced with something else—something almost bitter. That’s not love. That’s obligation. Duty. A responsibility forced upon you by biology, not choice. She stepped closer, presence looming without threatening, just… there. Her gaze bore into him, searching for something she couldn’t name. You think love is something you can give freely? she continued, tone cutting, precise—but not cruel. His voice didn’t falter. He stepped into her gravity, unshaken. “Yes,” he said softly, each word deliberate, a balm against her bitterness. “Love is one of life’s rarest beauties— not something owed, but something offered. Freely. Bravely. It asks nothing in return, and yet… it gives everything.” He paused, gaze fixed unwaveringly on hers. “And you… you’re like one of those stars, so distant they seem unreachable— but I see your light. And I’d spend lifetimes just drawing nearer.” Her silver eyes flickered with something unreadable—perhaps irritation, perhaps something deeper. She tilted her head slightly, as if appraising him once more, this time with a trace of skepticism mingled with reluctant interest. Rare, she echoed, her voice smooth but edged with quiet defiance. “You call it rare. I call it foolish.” She took a slow step back, movements deliberate, measured. The silence between them stretched, heavy with unspoken thoughts. After a long pause, her tone hardened, colder than before. “You believe in something that doesn’t exist. That’s not rare. That’s naive.” She turned slightly, as if preparing to leave, but then paused, hand resting lightly on the doorframe beside her, a subtle gesture that suggested she wasn’t entirely done with him yet. “Maybe it is foolish to believe in rare things,” he said softly, unflinching, “but I don’t see it that way. I believe because, every now and then, life offers us a glimpse of something different… something—or someone—who changes the way the world feels.” He let his gaze linger on her. “You have that presence. When I said you were rare, I meant it—not because I expect perfection, but because there’s something in you that quietly commands attention, even when you try to hide it.” He paused, a faint smile brushing his lips. “If that’s naive, then I’ll wear that word proudly. Because to see something beautiful and speak the truth… that’s not a weakness. That’s what’s real.” She stood motionless for a long moment, silver eyes locked onto his, as if weighing whether to believe him. His words hung between them, heavy with something she couldn’t name. For the first time, she didn’t dismiss him outright. Instead, she absorbed the words, expression unreadable, body still, as if holding her breath. “You speak too much,” she finally murmured, voice quiet, almost to herself. “Too many words. Too much feeling. You don’t understand what you’re doing.” Her gaze flicked downward briefly, then rose again, meeting his with an intensity that made the air between them tremble. “You think you see something in me that isn’t there. That’s not rare… that’s dangerous.” He didn’t move. Didn’t blink. He simply held her gaze as if it were the most fragile thing he had ever dared to touch. “Maybe I don’t understand,” he said softly. “But I feel it. I feel you — even when you try to disappear behind silence.” He stepped forward just once, careful, precise. Not enough to violate her space… only enough to be near. “I’m not here to fix you or change you,” he continued, voice low, steady. “I just want to see you — as you are. Even if it means getting burned.” His eyes softened, his tone turning into something quiet but unwavering. “Dangerous or not… you’re the only thing in this world that’s ever made me feel awake.” The air around them seemed to still, as if the world itself had paused to listen. For a long moment, she didn’t move. Her silver eyes held his, and for the first time, there was no coldness—only something far more unsettling: a flicker of something human, something she rarely let surface. You’re wasting your time, she whispered, voice barely audible, as if the words themselves were foreign. No one sees me. No one ever has. She looked away, jaw tightening slightly, forcing herself to cling to the illusion of control. Yet the silence that followed felt heavier than before, thick with something neither of them dared name. You don’t understand what you’re asking for, she continued, her tone colder now, as if reclaiming the distance she usually demanded. His voice was quiet, steady, slicing through the silence like light through mist. “I see you,” he said, gaze unwavering. “Not the mask, not the silence—you. And I don’t fear what lies beneath. I only wish to know the truth about you… if you’ll let me.” Her breath caught—just for a heartbeat—a faint, fleeting tremor she refused to acknowledge. Her silver eyes held his, and for the first time, there was no mask, no pretense of indifference. Only the quiet weight of something unspoken hung between them. “You don’t know what you’re dealing with,” she murmured, her voice softer now, almost hesitant. “I’m not someone you can… understand. I’m not someone you can reach.” She stepped back slowly, the movement more ritual than escape, a practiced distance meant to protect. Yet the barrier faltered just slightly. Her Love Meter flickered again, more noticeably this time, responding to the uncharacteristic vulnerability threading through her voice. “You think you want to know me,” she continued, gaze sharp, tone edged with warning. “But you have no idea what that means.” “Yes,” he said softly, but with a firmness that left no room for doubt. “I would love to.” She stared at him for a long moment, silver eyes searching, as if seeking something hidden, something she couldn’t quite name. The silence between them thickened, charged with unspoken, dangerous energy. Then, slowly, she exhaled—a soft, almost imperceptible sound. For the first time in a long time, she didn’t look away. “You don’t understand what you’re asking for,” she murmured, voice quiet, almost to herself. “It won’t be easy. It won’t be pleasant. I don’t give anything freely. I don’t trust easily. I don’t—” Her words faltered, just for a second. That was all it took: a crack in the ice, a sliver of something raw and unguarded. “I don’t know how to be anything but what I am.” Paßh His voice didn’t waver. It carried a warmth that felt disarming, a sincerity too steady to be faked. “I’m willing to take the risk,” he said. “To know you—the real you—beyond the walls you’ve built.” He took a slow breath, eyes never leaving hers. “I know it won’t be easy. Things that matter never are.” His gaze softened, drawn to the quiet fire behind her silver eyes. “Your strength, your resilience… that intensity you carry—it pulls me in. It makes me want to understand you. To support you. To stand wherever you’ll allow me to stand.” He stepped just close enough for his presence to feel intentional, not imposing. “I’m not asking you to be perfect. I’m not expecting you to be anything other than who you are, right now, standing in front of me.” A beat. A breath. A truth. “All I’m asking for… is a chance.” His voice lowered, almost a vow. “A chance to walk beside you. To witness your journey. To maybe—just maybe—help carry some of the weight you’ve been holding alone.” His chest rose and fell, as though saying it cost him something real. “Because I believe—with everything in me—that you’re worth knowing. Worth understanding. Worth loving… in every complex, beautiful, and challenging way that makes you you.” Her silver eyes never left his, and for the first time, they weren’t cold—they were something else entirely. Something uncertain. Something fragile. The words hung between them, heavy, settling inside her like a stone. She had spent so long building walls, convincing herself that no one could ever truly see her. Yet here he was, standing before her, unwavering, unshaken. “You don’t know what you’re doing,” she said, her voice low, almost reverent. “You think you can just walk in and see the real me? That I’d let you?” She stepped closer, her presence immense, almost overwhelming—but there was no threat in it. Only something dangerously close to hope. Paßh “Well, my dear… if you ever feel like letting a little hope into your life,” he said gently, “consider me your introduction.” His voice carried that effortless warmth again, the kind that slipped under her guard before she could stop it. “Just say the word when you change your mind.” He took a small step back, eyes still holding hers like he didn’t want to leave but wasn’t going to push her. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mia.” A faint smile tugged at his lips—soft, sincere, impossibly disarming. “And by the way… has anyone told you how incredible you look today?” He let the compliment linger just long enough to reach her before he turned away, hands sliding casually into his pockets. “See you around.” He walked off without looking back, confident not in himself, but in the possibility he’d left behind. She watched him go, the weight of his words lingering in the air like smoke. His departure was effortless, as if he had never been there at all. And yet… she knew he had. Knew that something had shifted, however slightly. She stood for a long moment, silver eyes fixed on the spot where he had been, fingers curling at her sides as if trying to grasp something intangible. Hope, she muttered under her breath, the word foreign and strange on her tongue. How ridiculous. Turning away, she walked slowly toward the exit, her black, silky hair swaying with each measured step. The Love Meter flickered once more, its needle trembling before settling back into cold, neutral stillness. She didn’t look back. “See you around, Paßh,” she whispered, and the words hung in the air like a quiet promise she wasn’t sure she believed yet.
Episode 1: The Encounter The story begins with Kenshin, a lively and energetic boy in a neatly pressed school uniform, sprinting down a quiet residential street. The morning sun filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the pavement. Kenshin greets the neighbors as he zooms past, his cheerful “Good morning!” bringing smiles to their faces. His pace quickens as he checks his watch, realizing he’s dangerously close to being late. Spotting a shortcut through a narrow alley, he hesitates briefly before deciding to take the risk. **“This has to save me at least five minutes,”** he mutters to himself, dashing into the alley. As Kenshin exits the alley, the atmosphere shifts. A group of bullies is cornering another boy, their jeers and threats cutting through the otherwise calm morning. Kenshin instantly recognizes the boy being harassed— “That sounds like- “ “SHIN!?” a quiet but sharp-witted student. Shin meets Kenshin’s eyes and grins despite the situation. Kenshin smirks back and calls out, **“Again huh”** “Oh, hey kenshin” One of the bullies turns, his face twisted in annoyance. **“Who the hell are you supposed to be?”** he snarls. Kenshin steps forward with a confident swagger, cracking his knuckles. **“you guys don’t learn at all,so what’s the point in telling you”** he replies, they’re annoyed now and take their attention to kenshin. **“ I’m the guy who’s going to help kick your ass. Remember this face ,if you even can?”** said kenshin The bullies exchange glances before charging at Kenshin, their fists swinging wildly some actually hitting kenshin and landing some clean shots this gave shin some time to take some out from behind. Kenshin now catches his footing and ducks and weaves however, his movements fluid and precise. He lands a solid punch on one bullies, sending him stumbling back. Shin, seizing the opportunity, blocks another’s strike and counters with a sharp jab. The fight is over quickly as the bullies, bruised and humiliated, retreat. Kenshin looming over them all on the floor, his eyes narrowing. **“Here’s your choice: ya leave my friend here alone, or next time i’ll make sure there won't be a next time.”** “Tch y- yea whatever” they leave begrudgingly not really taking kenshin seriously but backing off for now As the dust settles, Shin dusts himself off and chuckles. **“Well that’s done with. I honestly didn’t expect to see you this morning’.”** Kenshin grins, shaking his head. **“I could say the same to you shin. Nice work back there”** Curious, Kenshin asks, **“Where’d you learn to fight like that?”** Shin hesitates, his expression unreadable. **“My roommate taught me a few things, he’s a karate student”** he replies casually. Kenshin frowns slightly. **“Roommate? I don’t think I’ve ever been to your place.”** Shin quickly changes the subject, glancing at his watch. **!“We’re going to be late if we don’t hurry.”** Scene: School arrival Realizing the time, Kenshin panics, tugging Shin’s sleeve. **“We’re going to miss the opening ceremony!”** Shin places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. **“Relax. We’ve still got time . Can you still run?”** Kenshin smirks, the fire of competition igniting in his eyes. **“They used to call me ‘The Flash’ for a reason-.”** Shin slaps the fuck out of kenshin Shin stares with an unimpressed look on his face. **“no one calls you that -_- .”** The two race through the streets, weaving through pedestrians and leaping over obstacles. As they near the school gates, the warning bell echoes through the air. With one final burst of speed, they slide into the assembly hall just as the final chime sounds. Breathing heavily, they find seats near the back of the room. A shadowy figure watches from a distance, their face obscured. They mutter under their breath, **“He hasn’t changed one bit.”** A ceremony was held to welcome the students to another academic year as the principal introduced herself and shared a few remarks. She went on to introduce the student body president Saiyaka Ichidori and dismissed the ceremony telling everyone to find their homerooms. After the ceremony, the students are instructed to find their homerooms. Kenshin and Shin scan the assignment board, their names listed under Class 11A. Excited to be in the same class, they make their way to the classroom. Along the way, Kenshin playfully nudges Shin. **“Ready to tackle another year together?”** Shin smirks. **“Always.”** As they enter the classroom, Kenshin immediately approaches a group of students, his natural charisma drawing their attention. **“Hey, I’m Kenshin! What’s up?”** He’s just beginning to exchange names when a voice cuts through the chatter. **“Is this your attempt at making friends, Kenshin?”** Kenshin freezes, recognizing the mocking tone instantly. The source of the voice steps forward, a sly grin on their face, and Kenshin groans. **“Oooof course, it’s you…”** Scene: Arrival of Dante and Karin As the class settles in, the door swings open, and Dante Koruiyu, an old classmate of Kenshin’s, strides in. His confident smirk instantly draws attention. Dante's eyes land on Kenshin, and his smirk widens into a grin. **“Yooo, Kenshin! How’s it goin’? Feels like it’s been ages since I’ve seen ya,”** Dante exclaims, walking up to him. Kenshin leans back slightly, pretending to size him up. **“Danteee ,hahaaa, you look like even more of muscle head >:)”** he teases, making a mock lifting gesture.and nudging shins arm Dante bursts into a laugh but quickly pulls Kenshin into a friendly hug, lowering his voice. **“That’s not funny,”** he grumbles, though there’s no real heat *behind his words. Kenshin chuckles, patting him on the back. **“i’m sorry ;-;”** Before their reunion can go any further, a blur of movement catches Kenshin off guard. A student suddenly appears behind him, aiming a kick at his head. Kenshin ducks just in time, laughing. **“WHAT THE-! H-HEY WATCH IT WILL Y-!”** Turning to face the attacker, he sees Karin Haruno “KARIN!?”Kenshin says, another familiar face from his past. she swiftly delivers a kick to his stomach catching him off guard. Kenshin doubles over, coughing, **“hhrgnn, oow.”** Shin chimes in after the kick “ Well I wasn’t expecting to see her?!” Dante also chimes in “ You said it, thought she was never coming back” Karin crosses her arms, leaning forward slightly. **“You’ve gotten rusty, Kenshin. Keep this up, and I'll even start feeling sorry for you.”** “That was a cheap shot, You always have to beat me up?ugrh”* kenshin says, groaning in pain from the kick* , the door to the classroom slides open with authority. Their teacher, Mr. Abarai, steps in. His sharp gaze silences the chatter, and he claps his hands once. **“Alright, everyone. Take your seats and Let’s get started for today.”** Shin helps Kenshin to his seat as the murmurs start up among the students. **“what was that all about?”* one mutters. “I dunno, kick looked like it hurt though ,”** another adds, prompting a few chuckles. Kenshin rolls his eyes but grins. Scene: Hollow appearance The roll call begins, with each student introducing themselves. Names like Dante Koruiyu, Shin Kuchiki, and Karin Haruno come up, each met with varying reactions. Finally, it’s Kenshin’s turn. He stands, giving a small wave. **“Kenshin Takahashi. Nice to meet you all,”** he says confidently. Class proceeds uneventfully at first, but as Mr. Abarai begins outlining the year’s schedule, Scene Continuation: Hollow Disruption Shin kicks back in his chair, balancing effortlessly on its rear legs, folding a piece of notebook paper with a bored expression. Kenshin side-eyes him, whispering, "Seriously? You look like you’re about to nap." Shin smirks without looking up. "I’m multi-tasking. You should try it sometime, Kenshin." *”i hope you fall. -_-” said kenshin you're always on about something." said karin as she writes in her book Kenshin blinks, taken back. "What did I do ?" he asks under his breath, confusion written across his face as he turns to her. Shin remains leaning and keeps his eyes down, snickering softly at the exchange; he says, " she really got it out for you, Kenshin," muttering, he folded another piece of paper into a small, firm triangle. Dante, having listened to the teasing, snickers from his desk. "You knoww, when a girl acts like that, that means she likes ya kenshin" He grins, nudging Shin with his elbow. Shin chuckles at the thought Karin now “WHAT!” Slightly flustered, Kenshin can't help but laugh "BAHAHAHAHA." “Oh shut it KENSHINN!!” she says flustered and enraged. “ALRIGHT QUIET DOWN OR I’LL KICK YOU ALL OUT OF MY CLASS YOU HEAR ME” said Mr. Abarai tired of the annoying yapping He looks behind eyeing everyone in silence as kenshin gestures to shin The room falls even quieter, the chalk pressing against the board being all that’s heard. the air in the classroom shifts. a faint rumble disturbs the calm. At first, it’s subtle—like a distant vibration. Then it grows louder, shaking the walls and rattling the windows. Students exchange uneasy glances as Mr. Abarai tries to dismiss it. **“Oh? Well that’s odd , an earthquake maybe? ”** But the shaking intensifies, and Shin’s eyes narrow, his instincts flaring. Suddenly, he shouts, **“GET OUT OF THE WAY!”** The ceiling collapses in an explosion of dust and debris. Chaos erupts as students scream and scramble for cover. Acting quickly, Shin pulls Kenshin out of harm’s way, while Dante grabs Karin and shields her. **“Everyone okay?”** Kenshin yells, his voice hoarse. The students shout back, confirming they’re fine—except for one girl who’s pinned under a large piece of rubble. Kenshin and Shin rush to her side, struggling to free her. As they lift the rubble, Shin’s senses prick with unease. He looks around, his heart pounding as he spots something monstrous emerging from the ceiling. A huge, grotesque Hollow peaks its head out and observes, looking for something almost. Shin’s expression hardens. **“Kenshin, we need to move—now!”** Kenshin glances at the terrified students behind them and shakes his head. **“We can’t leave them. That thing could hurt someone!”** The beast now finds what it wanted. kenshin. Shin curses under his breath. **“Fine. We’ll lure it away.”** It slams down onto the floor raising it’s spiritual power causing most of the students to fall asleep, now inching towards the two They come up with a desperate plan: distract the creature and lead it toward a weak section of rubble to create an escape route. Shin taunts the Hollow, drawing its attention, while Kenshin positions himself. But it doesn’t seem to care and locks eyes with kenshin only and pounces towards kenshin Kenshin moving out of the way just in a nick of time It attacks him again, sending him crashing into the classroom door **“AGCKH!”**kenshin groans **“KENSHIN!”**shin yells Kenshin looks up at the creature one more time realizing what it’s after and decides. **“SHIN! CHANGE OF PLANS, IT’S ME THAT IT’S AFTER I’LL DISTRACT IT,AND YOU GET EVERYONE TO SAFETY!”** kenshin now runs off into the hall WHAT?! NO! YOU IDIOT YOU’LL DIE! Shin runs to the doorway worried but he trust’s Kenshin will be ok with how fast a runner he is. “Damnit ok” he looks at the other students and goes to help them out of the room. Kenshin and the hollow rush through the hall turning every corner until a dead end The hollow approaches kenshin **“Finally, *it lets out a barking noise as laughter* you’ve got legs boy, BUT NO BRAIN”** Kenshin shook by its voice and ability to speak. it rushes in to attack, kenshin now looking for ways to dodge knowing it’s probably futile but then time seems to slow only for a blur of movement to intercept the attack. A man in a bucket hat stands between Kenshin and the Hollow, effortlessly blocking the creature’s fist. **“Who… who are you?”** Kenshin stammers. The man doesn’t look back, his voice calm but firm. **“Now’s not the time for introductions.”** Turning his attention to the Hollow, the man addresses it directly. **“A Hollow this bold inside the living world? What are you doing here?”** Kenshin blinks in confusion. **“ a Hollow?”** he mutters to himself. “RrrrGhrr YOU’RE IN MY WAAAY!”the hollow growls The creature lunges again, but the man counters with a devastating blow from behind, sending it flying towards kenshin crashing through the wall and outside the building. **“W- woah”** Kenshin ducks and exclaims. the man jumps out of the hole in the wall disappearing into the wind “He- he’s gone” says kenshin Kenshin sees the hollow fall to the ground and dart off now disappearing into the bush cover behind the school Kenshin is now filled with more questions than answers Kenshin! Shin says as he rounds the corner “Phew your safe”shin says relieved Outside, emergency responders arrive, ushering the students to safety. The students outside are talking about the “earthquake” and about how faulty and weak the school building must be Shin pulls Kenshin to his feet, both of them visibly shaken. **“We should get out of here before anymore weird stuff happens”** Shin says, his tone serious. The school is dismissed for the day, with students sent home as repairs begin. Kenshin walks alongside Shin out of the building, his mind racing with thoughts about the strange man and the monstrous creature. **“What the hell was that thing?”** Kenshin finally asks. Scene Aftermath of hollow As the remaining students leave the school grounds, Shin realizes that Kenshin has disappeared. Concerned, he begins searching through the nearby streets, scanning the area for any sign of his friend. His worry grows as he remembers the strange events of the day—the Hollow, the mysterious man, and Kenshin’s shaken demeanor. Just as Shin rounds a corner near the school, he bumps into Karin, who is also on her way home. She raises an eyebrow at him. **“What’s the rush, Shin? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”** **“It’s Kenshin,”** Shin replies, slightly out of breath. **“He wandered off somewhere. I thought he might’ve been with you.”** Karin frowns, crossing her arms. **“No, I haven’t seen him.he still does that?”** Shin tilts his head. **“What do you mean?”** Karin sighs, leaning against a nearby wall. **“ It’s his way of dealing with things—getting some air, being alone with his thoughts. It’s been like that since we were kids. Just leave him be”** Shin blinks, surprised by her insight. **“You’ve known him that long?”** **“Yeah,”** Karin replies, her tone softening. **“He’s always been like this, especially after his dad… you know…”** Shin’s eyes widen slightly. **“What happened to his dad?”** Karin hesitates, looking away. **“He grew up without him but this isn’t my story to tell It’s a tough subject, Kenshin doesn’t like talking about it,but you should take that up with him your self.”** Shin absorbs this information, feeling a new layer of respect and understanding for his friend., “You know karin, you’re not too bad when your not kicking somebody ’” said shin gratefully Her soft expression shifts to a more stern and annoyed one “oh bug off” “ehehehe” Later that evening, Kenshin sits in his dimly lit room, the soft hum of the evening breeze drifting through his open window. His mind races, replaying the chaos from earlier—the Hollow, the mysterious stranger, and the ominous voice in the alley. He stares at his hands, clenching and unclenching his fists. **“Was it real? Or am I losing it?”** he mutters. His gaze drifts to his reflection in the window. **“No… it had to be real. There’s no way I imagined all of that.”** The muffled sounds of his family moving about the house draw him back to reality. With a deep sigh, he gets up to grab a snack from the kitchen, hoping to distract himself. Scene: Shin Arrives As Kenshin heads downstairs, a knock at the front door interrupts him. Confused, he hesitates for a moment before opening it. Standing there is Shin, his expression serious but tinged with worry. **“Shin? What are you doing here?”** **“We need to talk,”** Shin replies, his tone leaving no room for argument. **“Come outside.”** The two step onto the porch, the faint glow of the moon illuminating their surroundings. They sit side by side on the wooden steps, the silence between them heavy. **“You looked out of it earlier,”** Shin starts. **“I figured you’d need someone to talk to.”** Kenshin hesitates before speaking. **“It’s just… today was a lot, you know? I’ve never seen anything like that creature before. And that man… Who was he? Why did he call it a Hollow?”** Shin percs up at the word hollow. He exhales slowly, his gaze fixed on the ground. **“I can’t answer all your questions but maybe someday the answers will come.”** They lapse into silence again before Kenshin asks, **“What about you? What’s your story, Shin?”** Shin’s expression softens, and he leans back slightly. **“I lost my mom a few years ago. She… she was everything to me. After she died, I felt lost for a long time. But then I realized I had to keep moving forward, for her.”** Kenshin nods, understanding the pain behind Shin’s words. **“I didn’t know. I’m sorry.”** I didn’t change much for this part but it felt almost odd and out of place a little awkward too Before Shin can respond, a piercing scream cuts through the night air, sending a chill down both their spines. They exchange a glance before hearing a familiar, guttural growl echo in the distance. Scene: The Chase Kenshin springs to his feet, his heart pounding. **“That’s it! It’s back!”** **“Wait!”** Shin shouts, grabbing his arm. **“You don’t even know what you’re dealing with!”** But Kenshin pulls free, his determination overriding his fear. Exactly! So their's only one way to find out**”** **“THIS FOOL—HE’S GONNA GET HIMSELF KILLED!”** Shin shouts after him, gritting his teeth. Reluctantly, he takes off after Kenshin. The two race through the quiet streets, following the sounds of the growling hollow They skid to a stop at a open empty street where the massive Hollow looms over a terrified young girl. Its glowing yellow eyes snap toward the newcomers, and a chilling grin spreads across its mask. Scene: Confronting the Hollow **“Shin, get her out of here!”** Kenshin orders, stepping forward. **“You can’t fight that thing-”** Shin protests, but Kenshin cuts him off. **“Just do it! Please!”** Reluctantly, Shin moves toward the girl, grabbing her before the hollow could get his hands on her. shielding her as he leads her away from the monster. Meanwhile, Kenshin squares off against the Hollow, his fists trembling but his resolve unwavering. He lunges forward, throwing a punch at the creature’s leg, but it barely flinches. The Hollow retaliates, swiping at Kenshin with its massive claws. He ducks and rolls, narrowly avoiding the attack. **“You’re fast,”** the Hollow growls, its voice guttural and mocking. **“But speed won’t save you.”** as the hollow kicks shin away and grabs the little girl holding her over his head **“Why don’t you try to attack me I’m sure this poor innocent soul would love to get demolished”** Kenshin stops as he grits his teeth, trying to find an opening, but the creature ligers the girl over them using her as leverage. With a laugh, the Hollow speaks again: **“You reek of strength, boy. That’s why I came to your school. To consume your soul. It’s… delicious.”** Kenshin freezes, his mind racing. **“I Knew it. So everyone WAS put in danger because of me.”** The thought shakes him, but before he can react, the Hollow lunges again. This time, its claws graze his side, sending him tumbling to the ground. The revelation leaves Kenshin paralyzed, his mind a whirlwind of guilt and fear. The realization that his very existence might put others in danger weighs heavily on him. Before he can react, the Hollow lunges, its massive claws wrapping around him like a vice. Pinned, Kenshin struggles to break free, the Hollow’s dark energy sapping his strength. Shin watches from a distance, his expression shifting from shock to distress as he sees Kenshin’s anguish. In that moment, Shin recalls a haunting memory—an incident from his past when his inability to act led to devastation. That same suffocating guilt had once consumed him, leaving scars that never fully healed. The image of that day flashes in his mind, reigniting his determination. Shin clenches his fists, muttering to himself, **“I won’t let this happen again. Not this time.”** He reaches into his pocket and pulls out what looks like an ornate candy dispenser. He pops one of the capsules into his mouth, and in an instant, a dramatic transformation occurs. His physical body collapses lifelessly to the ground, but standing above it is Shin in a black robe, his Zanpakutō gleaming in hand. Kenshin stares in disbelief, his voice trembling. **“Shin… What… what are you?”** Shin steps forward, his resolve clear. **“I’m a Soul Reaper,. And I’m going to end this now.”** The hollow now grabs a distracted kenshin The Hollow lets out a guttural laugh, mocking Shin’s bold declaration. **“You? End me? What could a brat like you possibly hope to achieve?”** *Shin readies himself* Now tell me rrunt, which do i devour first, so delicious how about both at the same time” * the beast opens it’s jaws and brings the two closer to it’s mouth* Without hesitation, Shin moves with blinding speed at the hollow, But the hollow uses his hand with the girl in a flash clenching tightly and waving her in from of shin, “NUH UH UUUUH”,it says like a true troll but shin acted quickly and slammed his sword to the ground causing him to ricochet toward’s the hand kenshin was in and severe the hollow’s hand clean off freeing kenshin. The hollow was bewildered and caught off guard yelling in pain but tried to maintain his composure It the directs it’s shriek toward shin paralyzing him mid air for a few seconds The monster uses this time to get the jump on shin and slams him to the ground near kenshin with arm that had a severed hand. one knee. A wave of weakness washes over him—his energy is fading fast.**”what’s happening, somethings wrong”** , coughing violently as blood drips from the corner of his mouth. Kenshin rushes to his side, desperation etched across his face. **“Shin! Are you okay?”** Struggling to stand, Shin looks up at Kenshin, his voice weak but determined. **“There’s only one way to stop this thing now… Kenshin, I have to transfer my Soul Reaper powers to you.”** Kenshin’s eyes widened. **“What? That’s insane! What will happen to you ?”** Shin nods solemnly. **“I don’t know But right now, you’re the only one who can finish this. Kenshin expression turns to a mix of emotions as he struggles to think properly on what to do If we don’t do this,not just us. But hundreds…”** He grips his sword. And kenshin looks back at the hollows as it licks it’s wound**“ no….”** said shin, “thousands” kenshin wincing at the thought of knowing what comes next. “Will die” said shin hopelessly. Kenshin only imagining is already frustrated”ALRIGHT! I’LL DO IT COME ON WE DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME!” . Shin nods with determination places the hilt of his Zanpakutō against Kenshin’s chest, and a radiant light engulfs them both. Kenshin gasps as an overwhelming surge of energy floods his body. His school uniform transforms into a black Soul Reaper robe, and in his hand materializes a sword, pulsing with spiritual energy. The Hollow, sensing the shift in power, hesitates “Hrnmm?” Kenshin gives a rough look at the beast not saying a word but a thousand were spoken with just that short glance. The tension builds on the battlefield … **“GGRAAAUUUGHHHH”** the creature sends it arm with no hand and kenshin but he just on top of the arm and sends a wave of energy slicing it’s other arm with gir inl it setting her free she now runs to shin to feel safe , Now i can end i end you for real this time The creature now knowing it’s out of options uses it’s technique from earlier at the school creating a mist surrounding itself and kenshin hoping to cause him to sleep so it can eat him and get away Kenshin sends a wave of energy directly at the hollow’s torso through the smoke however, causing an explosion clearing some of the fog but not all and the hollow submerges itself into mist once more, the creature now sends a kick from the mist but kenshin avoids it and slashes it’s leg off causing the hollow to lose it’s balance and fall over kenshin jumps out of the smoke directly in front of the full moon he charges his blade up once more and sends a big wave of energy down on the dastardly hollow ending it once and for all. Shin utterly gobsmacked his useless ass couldn’t believe how cool it was to see Kenshin fight like that. Kenshin falls to the ground panting heavily as he lands on his feet “Kenshin you did it! that was incredible!”shin said happily in admiration Kenshin turns to shin who’s behind him giving a thumbs up hiding his want to collapse to the ground. “Now come on let’s deal with this litte girl, quickly” shin says He gestures toward the spirit of the young girl who had been held captive by the hollow**““You need to perform a konso on her.”** Kenshin raised an eyebrow, confused. “A… what?” Shin sighed, crossing his arms. “It’s a konso. You use the end of your sword’s guard to send good spirits over to the Soul Society. Basically, it’s like sending them to what you people call heaven.” Kenshin blinked, still processing the explanation. “You just… tap them on the forehead or something?” Shin nodded, motioning toward the girl. “Exactly. Use the guard, press it to her forehead, and say konso. It’ll help her move on.” Understanding now, Kenshin walked over to the spirit of the girl, kneeling beside her. His expression softened as he spoke gently, comforting her. “It’s okay. You’re going to a better place. Somewhere peaceful. I promise.” He gripped his Zanpakuto and rested the end of the guard softly against her forehead. “KONSO!” a soft light envelops her form. “You’re free now,” he says softly, watching as her spirit fades into the sky. As the light dims, Kenshin collapses, his body finally giving out. Shin, with the last of his strength, drags himself toward Kenshin’s side. Together, they lay on the ground, battered but alive. Shin’s voice echoes in Kenshin’s mind as shin looks to the stars above him : **“This is just the beginning, Kenshin. The world you’ve stepped into… it’s far greater than you or I could ever imagine.”** The words linger as the episode concludes with the caption: TO BE CONTINUED.