Chapter 13 : Shattered loyalties part 4

The air inside the warehouse was thick. The faint hum of broken fluorescent lights flickered above, casting eerie shadows across the dusty floor. The metallic scent of blood hung heavy. Sora’s breath hitched as he stood frozen—paralyzed by fear. His hands trembled at his sides, and his heart slammed against his ribs like a drum in a war march.

Mikuya stood ahead of him, her black katana gleaming under the pale light. Her usually pristine appearance was anything but. Blood—some hers, some not—streaked her face and dripped slowly from a wound on her side. Yet, despite the pain twisting across her face, her cold amber eyes remained sharp, unyielding.

And facing them—Renzo.

A devilish smirk curled across his lips, as cruel and unforgiving as the edge of his blade. His silver hair fell messily across his face, and his blood-red coat swayed with his every step. There was no hesitation in his stance—only arrogance.

“Stay back, Sora,” Mikuya warned, her voice cold and calm despite the tremor in her knees.

But Sora couldn’t move. His legs felt heavy—no, useless. A knot of fear twisted tighter in his stomach. He wanted to help, wanted to fight. But Renzo—he wasn’t just anyone.

He was the one Sora had once trusted more than anyone in the world.

And now—he was their enemy.

Renzo tilted his head, eyes glinting with mockery. “What’s wrong, Sora?” His tone was light, playful—dangerous. “Shaking in your boots already? Pathetic.”

Mikuya lunged first. Her blade flashed through the air, aiming straight for his shoulder. But Renzo—faster than a shadow—parried with ease, twisting his body with a fluid grace that sent sparks flying as their blades clashed.

“You always were stubborn,” Renzo mused, pushing her back. “But you’re not enough to stop me.”

Mikuya gritted her teeth, her breath ragged. The wound on her side burned like fire, but she refused to fall. Not while Sora stood frozen. Not while Renzo mocked them.

“Still standing, huh?” Renzo chuckled, feigning boredom as he side-stepped her next strike. “I’ll give you credit—most people wouldn’t last this long. But you? You’re already breaking.”

Sora’s nails dug into his palms as he watched Mikuya struggle. The sound of metal striking metal rang out, echoing through the warehouse like a twisted symphony. She wasn’t going to last much longer—not with that injury.

And still—he couldn’t move.

A memory surfaced—one he had buried deep inside.

---

Years ago—when they were still kids.

Renzo and Sora sat on the rooftop of the orphanage, legs dangling over the edge. The stars twinkled brightly above them, and the wind carried their laughter into the night.

“When we grow up,” Sora said, his voice filled with hope, “let’s join the agency together. We’ll protect people—save everyone we can.”

Renzo grinned and extended his pinky. “Promise?”

Sora linked his finger with his. “Promise.”

They had nothing back then—no family, no future—but they had each other. And that promise had meant the world to Sora.

---

Now, that same promise was nothing but a shattered illusion.

“I trusted you, Renzo…” The words slipped from Sora’s lips, barely above a whisper.

Renzo’s blade scraped against Mikuya’s, forcing her back. His cruel smile never faded. “What trust?” he sneered, amusement flickering in his crimson eyes. “Don’t be an idiot, Sora.”

Sora’s heart cracked under the weight of those words.

“The day you saved my life…” His voice trembled as memories flooded his mind—memories of when Renzo had been his hero. “I thought—for the first time—someone was beside me. I looked up to you, Renzo. Like the big brother I never had. But…you never saw me as a brother, did you?”

Renzo laughed—a sharp, hollow sound. “Of course not, you dumbass.” His words cut deeper than any blade ever could. “Why would I? You were nothing but a stepping stone.”

Mikuya staggered slightly but refused to fall. Even with blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, she slashed again, pushing Renzo back a step. “You’re weak,” she spat, eyes blazing with defiance. “Using people like that—you’re nothing but a coward.”

Renzo’s smile sharpened. “Big words coming from someone who can barely stand.”

Sora clenched his fists tighter, the weight of his helplessness suffocating him. “We made a promise,” he said, his voice raw. “When we joined the agency—to protect innocent people. You’ve forgotten that, haven’t you?”

Renzo didn’t even flinch. “Promises are for fools,” he said coldly. “And you? You were always too soft. Too weak.”

Weak.

That word echoed in Sora’s mind—again and again.

Mikuya slashed wildly, trying to keep him at bay, but her movements were slowing. The pain—she couldn’t hold on much longer. And still—Sora did nothing.

You’re weak, Sora.

Renzo’s words stabbed into his heart like poisoned daggers. His hands trembled. His body refused to move.

Then—he heard their voices.

Mikuya’s voice. Cold but honest.

“You don’t get stronger by standing still.”

Kaito’s voice. Calm but firm.

“Fear doesn’t make you weak—giving in to it does.”

And just like that—something inside Sora snapped.

The fear that had shackled him shattered like glass.

“I’m not weak,” he whispered.

Renzo turned his gaze to Sora, curiosity flashing in his eyes. “What did you say?”

“I’M NOT WEAK!” Sora roared, surging forward. In an instant, he was by Mikuya’s side, his blade clashing against Renzo’s in a burst of sparks. His heart pounded—not with fear—but with determination.

Mikuya blinked in surprise but said nothing. She merely adjusted her grip on her katana and matched his pace. Side by side—they pushed forward.

Renzo’s smirk faltered as their combined assault forced him back, his blade barely keeping up. “Tch…you really grew a spine, huh?”

“You’re not the Renzo I knew,” Sora growled, slashing with renewed fury. “And I’m done being scared of you.”

The fight intensified. The warehouse echoed with the deafening clash of steel against steel. Sparks flew. Blood stained the floor.

And finally—after a fierce exchange—Sora’s blade caught Renzo’s shoulder, drawing a deep gash.

Renzo staggered back, clutching the wound. Yet, even in pain, his smile never fully faded. “Heh…maybe you’re not so useless after all.”

His gaze locked on Sora—sharp, cruel. “But don’t think for a second that I ever cared about you. I used you, Sora. Every step of the way.”

Sora froze, the words driving into his heart like ice.

“I saved you because you were useful,” Renzo continued. “You were nothing more than a tool. And now—you’re nothing to me.”

Without another word, Renzo turned and vanished into the shadows.

The warehouse fell silent.

Sora stood there, chest heaving, heart aching.

“…He’s gone,” Mikuya muttered. She took a step forward—but her knees buckled, and before Sora could react, she collapsed.

“Mikuya!” He rushed to her side, panic flooding his chest.

---

When she opened her eyes, she was lying on a worn-out couch. Bandages wrapped tightly around her wounds. Sora sat nearby, quiet.

“You patched me up?” Mikuya asked, her voice cold but softer than usual.

“Yeah…” Sora rubbed the back of his neck. “I wasn’t gonna let you bleed out.”

She touched the scar on her cheek absently.

“It might not go away,” Sora said hesitantly.

Mikuya shrugged. “I don’t care. It’s just a scar.”

Sora gave a small smile. “Thanks…for having my back.”

Mikuya turned away. “…Don’t make me do it again.”

Yet—despite her cold words—she stayed.

And Sora knew—he wasn’t alone.

Not anymore.