Child of Thorns || Nobara Kugisaki x KNY (english)

🥀Third Thorn🥀

The predawn stillness hung heavy as Giyuu and Sabito stealthily moved through the quiet quarters, their intention to embark on an early morning training session etched in their determined expressions. The air was charged with the promise of rigorous practice, but the tranquility was soon disrupted.

Approaching Nobara's sleeping form, Giyuu gently nudged Sabito, gesturing to the deep slumber she was ensconced in. A shared nod communicated the necessity of waking her for their training regimen.

"Nobara, it's time to wake up," Sabito whispered, nudging her gently. Yet, the ginger-haired girl remained lost in the embrace of her dreams, a realm far removed from the waking world.

As their attempts persisted, the peaceful atmosphere took an ominous turn. Nobara's features twisted with distress, her sleeping mind haunted by the echoes of a chilling nightmare. Whispers of Mahito's malevolence invaded her dreams, causing an unsettling reaction.

Giyuu and Sabito paused, exchanging concerned glances as Nobara's murmurs grew more desperate, mirroring the struggles within her dream. The shadows of Mahito's presence lingered, threatening her even in the realm of sleep.

"Nobara, wake up," Giyuu urged gently, sensing the turmoil in her dream world. As she startled awake, breathless and disoriented, the residue of the nightmare clung to her eyes.

"What... what happened?" Nobara stammered, her voice laced with the lingering fear from her dream.

"You were having a nightmare. Are you okay?" Sabito asked, genuine concern etched on his face.

Nobara, still catching her breath, nodded hesitantly. The shared understanding between the trio unfolded as Giyuu and Sabito, recognizing the gravity of her dream, opted to set aside their early morning training. Instead, they offered silent support, acknowledging the unseen battles that lingered within the depths of their friend's restless dreams.

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The early morning air hung crisp as Giyuu and Sabito, having successfully roused Nobara from her deep sleep, gathered in the yard. The muted hues of dawn painted the surroundings, and the trio assembled in the quiet anticipation of their morning training routine.

Nobara, still shaking off the remnants of sleep, arrived a tad late, prompting a fleeting moment of worry from her comrades. Relief washed over Giyuu and Sabito as she joined them, a bit disheveled but awake.

"Finally decided to join the land of the living, Nobara?" Sabito teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Nobara shot him a mock glare, "Well, unlike you morning birds, some of us appreciate our beauty sleep."

Without further delay, they set off towards the looming mountain, a familiar destination for their early morning training. Giyuu and Sabito led the way, their strides marked by a sense of purpose, while Nobara trudged behind with visible reluctance.

The path up the mountain unfolded before them, each step a testament to their commitment to strengthening their skills. As they ascended, Nobara's discontent became increasingly apparent.

"Why does it have to be this stupid mountain every morning?" she complained, her tone a mix of annoyance and genuine distaste for the rigorous routine.

Giyuu, walking beside her, responded in his usual calm demeanor, "It's part of our training. Builds endurance and stamina."

Nobara sighed dramatically, "Can't we build endurance by doing something less... uphill?"

Sabito chuckled, "Come on, Nobara, the mountain is good for the soul."