░『Zephyr』░(KNY OC STORY/ KNY OC X KNY-OLD/DISCONTINUED)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟾: 𝙼𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚕

Fukurō looks up at the beautiful wisteria trees as she slowly steps down the sames steps she took in the beginning of the trail. She just wants to bask in the glorious sun under those wisteria trees, without a care in the world. The sun's rays turned the purple flowers blue, which made it look even more heavenly.

Walking alongside Minorikoji, she sighs deeply. Genya had taken the other staircase, so he wasn't found near them. 

Fukurō's eyes go wide as she counts those already gathered in the clearing; One, two, three... Now four when Genya would join, and six when Minorikoji and herself would eventually arrive as well. Fukurō's speed quickened when she found a familiar face, expression brightened.

"Kanao-san!"

Fukurō rushes over to her hakama-wearing friend, surprisingly not scaring away the butterfly that was perched on Kanao's finger. "How did you— When did you—" She had so many questions, but couldn't even speak. Why was Kanao here? Did she really attend Final Selection?

Minorikoji observes the scene, chuckling to himself as he smiles. 'So Fukurō-san really does have friends.' He stands by the group, silently glaring at Genya from behind.

Kanao continues to look admiringly at the butterfly, nodding in acknowledgment at Fukurō when she goes silent. This was a time to stay quiet, after all. So, Fukurō composed herself.

Fukurō then stands beside Kanao, looking at the red haired boy in front of her. She recognized him; he was the guy with the fox mask and earrings. But, his mask was gone. Did it break during the seven days? She could see him glancing around, and she knew what he was thinking; where was everyone else? Then he began to mutter about some other boy, probably one that he couldn't save.

The lemon-haired boy began to speak, and Fukurō admitted that she had recognized him as well. Well, not really speak, more so a worried mumble. "I'm gonna die. I'm a goner." He says, "Even if I survive now, I'm gonna die in the end anyway."

"Welcome back." The guides' voices greet, still looking the same as they did seven days ago; clean and unscathed. Meanwhile, the survivors were covered in injuries, dirt, and blood. Fukurō had many herself.

"Congratulations." The white-haired guide says blankly,"We're pleased to see that you're safe." The black-haired twin states.

"So? What am I supposed to do now?" 

Fukurō whips her head at Genya, clearly surprised by his rude behaviour. How dare he speak so disrespectfully?! She ought to grab his shoulder right then and there, and shut him up for good.

"Where's my sword?"

Fukurō's eyes blink rapidly, thumb clenching over her fingers. Thankfully, before Fukurō was about to confront her uncivil acquaintance, the guides speak once more;

"First, we shall issue you wall with uniforms."

"We will take your measurements, after which your rank will be engraved."

Fukurō tilts her head in interest. 'Uniforms, measurements, and engravements! So many things happening!'

"There are ten ranks in all..."

 Kinoe , Kinoto , Hinoe , Hinoto , Tsuchinoe , Tsuchinoto , Kanoe , Kanoto , Mizunoe..

... and Mizunoto."

"Currently, you are at the lowest rank, Mizunoto."

Yes, those titles were familiar to Fukurō, and she had no trouble listening to them again. Genya decides to speak out once more. "And our swords?" Fukurō grumbles under her breath, eye twitching. 'Damn it, this guy only cared about the swords!'