malereader x hells paradise

Chapter 10: The Weight of Memories

POV:   Nurugai

The soft crackle of the campfire was the only sound that pierced the stillness of the night. The group had found temporary refuge in a small clearing, sheltered by a dense canopy of ancient trees. The events of the day weighed heavily on Nurugai’s mind as she stared into the flames, lost in thought.

The encounter with the Lord Tensen had been a harsh reminder of the dangers they faced on this cursed island. No matter how strong they were, the island always seemed one step ahead, ready to crush their hopes with its overwhelming power. Nurugai clenched her fists, the memories of their struggle against Zhu Jin and Ju Fa replaying in her mind.

Across the fire, Y/N was quietly sharpening their blade, their expression calm but focused. Sagiri was beside them, tending to a minor wound she had sustained in the battle. Yuzuriha leaned against a tree, her eyes half-closed but still alert, while Isuzu kept watch from a nearby outcrop, her gaze sweeping the darkened forest.

Nurugai’s eyes shifted to Y/N, observing the way they moved with purpose, every action deliberate and controlled. She admired their strength, their unwavering resolve, and the way they seemed to carry the weight of the group’s survival on their shoulders. Yet, despite their outer calm, she could sense the burden they bore, the constant pressure to protect and lead.

She stood up, the sudden movement drawing the attention of the others. “I’m going to check the perimeter,” Nurugai announced, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Y/N looked up, their eyes meeting hers. “I’ll join you,” they said, their tone leaving no room for argument.

Nurugai nodded, grateful for their company. Together, they moved away from the warmth of the fire, stepping into the shadows that surrounded their temporary haven. The cool night air brushed against Nurugai’s skin, a stark contrast to the oppressive heat of the battle earlier.

As they walked in silence, Nurugai felt a growing urge to speak, to voice the thoughts that had been gnawing at her since their encounter with the Lord Tensen. Finally, she found the courage to break the silence.

“Y/N,” she began hesitantly, “do you ever feel… overwhelmed by all this? Like no matter how hard we fight, the island just keeps throwing more at us?”

Y/N paused, considering her words before responding. “Yes,” they admitted, their voice soft but firm. “There are times when it feels like we’re fighting a losing battle. But that’s why we can’t afford to let our guard down. We have to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult it gets.”

Nurugai frowned, frustration bubbling up inside her. “But how do you keep going? How do you stay so calm when everything seems so… hopeless?”

Y/N stopped walking and turned to face her, their expression gentle but serious. “It’s not about never feeling fear or doubt. Those feelings are natural, especially in a place like this. But I’ve learned to focus on what’s in front of me, to take things one step at a time. We’re not alone in this, Nurugai. We have each other, and that’s what gives me the strength to keep going.”

Nurugai looked down, her thoughts swirling with a mixture of emotions. She respected Y/N deeply, not just for their skills, but for their ability to inspire and lead others even in the darkest of times. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was somehow failing, that she wasn’t strong enough to carry her own weight in this fight.

Sensing her inner turmoil, Y/N placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Nurugai, you’re stronger than you think. We wouldn’t have made it this far without you. Don’t doubt yourself.”

The sincerity in Y/N’s voice brought a lump to Nurugai’s throat. She looked up, meeting their gaze, and found a warmth there that eased the tension in her chest. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N gave her a small, encouraging smile before continuing their patrol. Nurugai followed, her heart a little lighter than before. As they moved through the forest, she tried to focus on the sounds of the night, the rustling of leaves, the distant calls of unseen creatures. The island was alive with its own rhythms, its own heartbeat that pulsed beneath the surface.

After a while, they returned to the camp, where the others were waiting. The fire had died down to embers, casting a dim glow over the clearing. Sagiri looked up as they approached, her expression a mix of concern and relief.

“Everything clear?” she asked, her voice quiet.

Y/N nodded. “No sign of anything unusual. We should be safe here for the night.”

Sagiri relaxed slightly, though the tension in her shoulders remained. Nurugai could see that she, too, was struggling with the weight of their situation. But despite her exhaustion, Sagiri still managed to offer Nurugai a small, reassuring smile, one that Nurugai returned with genuine gratitude.

The group settled in for the night, each finding their own space to rest. Nurugai lay down on the soft earth, her mind still buzzing with thoughts but her body weary from the day’s exertions. As she stared up at the canopy above, she found herself thinking of her past, of the village she had left behind, and of the people she had lost.

Those memories were a source of both pain and strength, reminders of why she fought, why she couldn’t afford to give up. She thought of her grandfather, of his teachings and the wisdom he had passed on to her. He had always told her that strength wasn’t just about physical power, but about the will to keep going, no matter how many times you were knocked down.

She closed her eyes, letting those memories guide her into sleep, the distant murmur of the forest lulling her into a state of uneasy rest.

In the darkness, as the night deepened, the island seemed to breathe around them, its presence a constant reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. But within their small circle of light, surrounded by her companions, Nurugai found a sense of peace, however fleeting.

The weight of memories was heavy, but it was also what kept her grounded, what kept her fighting. And as long as they had each other, she knew they had a chance, however slim, of making it through this ordeal.