Soul of the Dynasty: Rebirth

TRUTH

In the darkness, Shizui stood atop a mound of lifeless bodies, their eyes staring blankly at him. Blood seeped from his hand as he clutched a flute, and he held his other hand to his chest, where a wound throbbed. As consciousness faded, he felt himself being dragged by a man in a black robe. The man's heavy breathing filled the air, and he whispered urgently, 'Stay awake, stay awake.' Struggling to remain conscious, Shizui felt himself being gently lowered to the ground. Lifting his eyes, he was greeted by hazel irises sprinkled with gold.

Shizui's eyes flew open, the soft pre-dawn light a harsh slap against his eyelids. His breath hitched, a series of choked gasps escaping his lips as his heart hammered a frantic tattoo against his ribs. The vivid nightmare, a relentless torment for the fifth night in a row, clung to him like a shroud. What is this? Why won't it stop? Is it because of...? The wooden beams of the cabin creaked in a slow, mournful rhythm that echoed the snores rumbling from Elven's bunk. Haruto, a tangled mess of limbs beneath his blanket, mumbled incoherent words, while Yuno's silhouette remained hidden behind the curtain that separated their chambers.

Shizui pressed a hand to his chest, willing the frantic drumbeat of his heart to slow. Focus, Shizui. You can't wake them. The scent of pine and damp earth, fresh and familiar, filled the air. He rolled over, staring blankly at the ceiling for what felt like an eternity, sleep a distant memory. Silently, he slipped out of bed, the cool floorboards sending a jolt through his bare feet. He tiptoed his way outside, the crisp morning air filling his lungs with a much-needed breath of life.

Bending down, he examined his reflection in the still water of the small koi pond outside his cabin. His face was a canvas of exhaustion, pale and drawn. Bloodshot eyes, rimmed with dark circles, stared back at him, a testament to the sleep stolen by the relentless nightmares. A sigh escaped his lips, heavy with the weight of his anxieties. Maybe some cool water will help. Maybe... He splashed the cool water onto his face, futilely attempting to wash away the lingering dread. Yearning for Kenzo's calming presence, a pang of frustration shot through him. The young master seemed to have vanished after their last conversation, leaving Shizui adrift in a sea of unanswered questions.

Shizui's frown deepened as he recalled the strained exchange with Master Oden from the day before.

"Master Oden," Shizui had begun, his voice laced with a barely contained urgency, "I need to see Master Kenzo."

Oden, his face etched with an unsettling calm, replied, "Kenzo is away on a mission, Shizui, and will not be back until the spirit ceremony."

"That's almost two weeks!" Shizui nearly shouted, frustration bubbling within him like a pot about to boil over.

"Well, if you need anything, I can assist you," Oden offered, his voice devoid of any real warmth.

Shizui hesitated. "Umm, no, Master Oden," he mumbled, unable to reveal the turmoil churning within him. "Thank you for your time," he added, bowing slightly before turning on his heel.

"Is everything okay?" a voice inquired from behind him. Shizui spun around to find Haruto standing there, his hair a mess and eyes still bleary from sleep.

"You're awake?" Shizui asked, surprised.

"Yes," Haruto yawned, then added, "Are you okay? You look like you and Goddess Nidra are at war with each other" (Goddess Nidra is the goddess of sleep in Indian mythology Haruto means that Shizui looks like he hasn't slept for a while)

Shizui forced a smile, the gesture feeling brittle on his lips. "I'm fine," he lied. "Just... restless."

"The literature test is in three days. Are you prepared?" Haruto asked, trying to lighten the mood.