eclipsed Fate

Kaito's lungs burned as he sprinted through the village, his heartbeat drumming in his ears. The screams of the villagers erupted around him, a chaotic symphony of terror and desperation. He forced himself to move faster, pushing through the crowd toward the trapped girl.

He reached her just as the obsidian-armored soldier raised his blade.

Not this time.

With every ounce of strength he had, Kaito threw himself forward, crashing into the soldier before the blade could fall. The impact sent them both sprawling into the dirt. Pain shot through his body, but he gritted his teeth and rolled to his feet.

The soldier was already rising, his helmeted gaze locking onto Kaito. A growl of annoyance rumbled from behind the metal mask as he advanced, sword glinting in the sunlight.

Kaito had no weapon. No training. No real chance.

But he had something else.

He had knowledge.

The soldier swung, but Kaito had already seen this attack before. He ducked, barely avoiding the lethal arc, and threw a handful of dirt into the soldier's visor. The man recoiled, momentarily blinded.

Kaito turned toward the girl. She was still pinned beneath the cart, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.

"Hold on!" he said, planting his hands on the wooden frame. He pushed with everything he had, ignoring the burning in his muscles. The cart shifted slightly—just enough for her to crawl free.

A sharp pain erupted in Kaito's side as something cold and metallic sliced into him. He gasped, staggering forward, his vision blurring. Blood seeped into his shirt.

No… not again…

The soldier had recovered, his blade now coated in Kaito's blood. He stepped forward, ready to finish the job.

But the girl was free.

Kaito collapsed to his knees, his strength failing. The last thing he saw was the girl's face—determined, resolute—as she reached for something behind her.

Then, darkness.

———

Gasping, Kaito jerked awake.

Neon lights. Plastic bag. Convenience store.

He was back.

Again.

His fingers curled into a fist as realization settled over him. He had changed something. The girl had escaped. That was new.

It wasn't perfect. It wasn't enough.

But it was proof.

He could fight this.

He could defy fate.