Phantom Awakening

Niko Saga: Chapter 5

Kujo moved carefully through the Academy halls, Niko trailing a few steps behind him. He'd grown used to the boy's silent presence over the past few days, his small frame slipping in and out of shadows, almost invisible. Kujo had taught him how to avoid patrols and sneak through the quieter parts of the Academy. For someone without any abilities, Niko was surprisingly good at keeping himself hidden.

But one afternoon, while Kujo and Niko were on their way back from a supply run to the Academy's storage room, they rounded a corner and found Mira standing in their path, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised. Her emerald-green eyes, sharp and curious, darted between Kujo and Niko with a mixture of confusion and intrigue.

"Kujo, who's the kid?" she asked, folding her arms tighter.

Kujo tensed for a moment, considering his options. He'd wanted to keep Niko hidden, especially from his team, but it was clear Mira wasn't going to let this slide. And of all people, he knew Mira would probably listen if he explained.

"This is Niko," Kujo said simply. "He's... with me."

Niko looked up at Mira, his expression a mix of worry and defiance. Mira's expression softened as she crouched to his level, her gaze warm but questioning.

"Niko, huh?" She smiled faintly. "What're you doing here in the Academy?"

Niko shot Kujo a glance, seeking permission, and Kujo gave a slight nod.

"He found me in the village," Niko said softly, clutching his bag closer. "I didn't have anywhere else to go, so... he let me stay with him."

Mira's eyes shifted back to Kujo, her curiosity replaced with something that looked like surprise. "You... took him in?"

Kujo shrugged, trying to seem indifferent. "He needed somewhere safe. I have the space, so it made sense."

A small smile tugged at Mira's lips as she studied him, clearly not buying his casual dismissal. She took a step closer, her voice dropping so only he could hear. "Didn't think you were the type to, you know, care."

"It's not about caring," Kujo replied evenly, but the slight hesitation in his voice betrayed him. "I just knew he didn't deserve to be out there, alone."

Mira straightened, glancing at Niko again before giving Kujo a knowing smile. "Well, keeping a civilian hidden here is risky. If anyone finds out..."

"We'll make sure they don't," Kujo interrupted, his tone firm. "And that's where you come in."

"Oh, so now you need me?" Mira teased, her eyes glinting with amusement. "And what exactly would I be helping with?"

"Just... don't let anyone see him. Keep him hidden if you notice someone coming our way," Kujo replied, a touch of reluctance in his voice. "You're good with illusions, and you know this place better than most."

Mira crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips. "Fine. But if I'm going to help, I want something in return."

Kujo raised an eyebrow, his expression wary. "Like what?"

She leaned in, her voice soft but insistent. "You tell me why you did this. Why risk it? It's not like you to break the rules, especially for someone you don't even know."

Kujo met her gaze, his usual stoicism faltering just slightly. He glanced down at Niko, who was watching the exchange with a mixture of hope and apprehension, then back at Mira. "I did it because... I understand what it's like to have nothing and no one," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know that feeling. And maybe I can't feel things the way others do, but I can recognize what's right. That's all."

Mira's expression softened, her teasing smile fading. She nodded slowly, seeming to grasp the weight of his words. "Alright, Kujo. I'll keep Niko safe. But I'll hold you to that explanation when the time comes."

Relief washed over Kujo, though he didn't let it show. "Thank you," he said simply, his tone as flat as ever, but Mira seemed to understand.

"Come on, Niko," Mira said, holding out a hand to him. "I'll show you the hidden passages that'll keep you out of sight. You'll be safer if you know where to go."

Niko hesitated, glancing at Kujo, who gave him a slight nod. With a small, trusting smile, Niko took Mira's hand, and she led him down a side corridor, Kujo following close behind.

They reached a quiet hallway, where Mira paused and knelt beside Niko, pointing out a small, barely noticeable door behind a curtain. "This passage will take you almost anywhere in the Academy without being seen. It's hidden behind walls and lockers, and only a few people know about it. If you ever need to hide, come here."

Niko's eyes widened, awe replacing his earlier apprehension. "Thank you," he whispered, looking up at Mira.

Mira ruffled his hair gently, her usual confidence softened by genuine warmth. "You're welcome, Niko. Just remember to stay out of sight, alright?"

Niko nodded, his grip tightening on the bag slung over his shoulder. Kujo watched the interaction, noticing how easily Mira connected with others. She made it look so natural, something he'd never been able to manage.

As they started back toward Kujo's dorm, Mira walked beside him, casting a sidelong glance his way. "You know," she murmured, her voice teasing again, "you're not as cold as you pretend to be."

Kujo glanced at her, his expression guarded. "I'm just doing what needs to be done."

Mira smiled knowingly. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."

They reached Kujo's dorm, and Niko slipped inside, settling into his makeshift bed in the corner. Mira lingered at the door, leaning against the frame as she looked between Kujo and Niko.

"If you ever need any help keeping him out of sight, just let me know," she said softly. "I don't mind bending the rules every once in a while."

Kujo nodded, a faint hint of gratitude flickering in his gaze. "Thank you, Mira."

She gave him a small, genuine smile. "Anytime."

With that, she slipped out, leaving Kujo alone with Niko, the weight of their shared secret settling comfortably around them. For once, Kujo felt a strange sense of connection—not only with Niko, but with Mira too. He'd always kept his walls high, his heart protected, but now, for the first time, he felt those walls beginning to soften, if only a little.

As he watched Niko drift off to sleep, Kujo couldn't help but wonder what other changes this unexpected alliance might bring. And though he'd never admit it, he was almost... hopeful.