The Demons of Shadow Moon

Part 49 - Stay Strong

[warning: mention of smoking in the scene between Aki and Galaxy]

Luna ventured into the forest, following the path that led to Yurio's training spot. The lush greenery enveloped her as she approached, and soon enough, she spotted Yurio in the distance. He was diving about the trees, throwing punches and kicks, and practising his speed of attacks, but without using magic since he was drained of it.

"Uh..." Luna hesitated, unsure of how to approach him. Anger was emanating from him... she couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive.

"Ah!!" Yurio suddenly dropped to his knees, clutching his side in pain.

"Uh!! Yurio, are you ok?!" Luna rushed towards him, her concern overriding any fear she had.

"Don't touch me!!" Yurio snapped, his sharp words freezing Luna in her tracks, her hand hovering uncertainly.

Yurio swiftly recognized Luna and gathered himself, his anger momentarily subsiding. He awkwardly looked away, seeming somewhat distant.

"Sorry- I... I didn't mean that. Are you ok?" he asked from the ground, still avoiding eye contact, making his apology feel a little insincere.

"Uh... yeah. But are you? You look hurt. You really shouldn't be--" Luna tried to warn him.

"I'm fine!" Yurio detested in an aggravated tone, forcing himself to his feet.

"Echo said you stormed off. What happened?" Luna asked with worry, a little uneasy from Yurio's clear irritation.

"Nothing, I just wanted to train for a bit. It's so dark in the underworld, I needed some light," Yurio excused with a defensive tone.

"But wouldn't it be better to wait until you've recovered?" Luna suggested.

"I have recovered. You're up and about, so why can't I be?" Yurio argued, still avoiding eye contact as if he was in his own world. He was even facing away from Luna, practising his punches as they spoke.

"Erm, well, my injuries have healed now since..." Luna tried to say gently, feeling nervous from Yurio's short tone.

"... you're a demon?" Yurio finished with resentment in his eyes.

"Well, I'm fine too, so there's nothing to worry about," Yurio assured her, though Luna could sense the underlying tension.

"Well, you have always been incredibly strong. Thank you for protecting me back there. It's good to know you have my back," Luna tried to lighten the mood, her words filled with sincerity.

"Yeah, well... I didn't do much. You have Yukine to thank for saving you, right?" Yurio interjected, his words tinged with self-doubt.

"Well, yeah, but still, you protected me back there. You can't just focus on the negatives, right?" Luna smiled nervously, hoping to alleviate some of the tension.

Yurio seemed reluctant to answer.

"Erm, anyway, I think we've both got a long way to go, you know? I've been thinking maybe I could learn to use Akira's power in small doses so I don't faint straight after. I could make like really sharp darts of water to attack! Or maybe little spikes of branches up from the ground to--" Luna's words were abruptly interrupted.

"I don't wanna train you, Luna!" Yurio suddenly yelled.

"Uh... what do you mean...?" Luna asked with a shakey voice, not expecting Yurio's harsh tone.

"Look, I failed to protect you in the underworld; I need to get stronger. You're a demon, Luna. You have sharp claws, physical strength, wings!! I need to train a hell of a lot more than you do. I train every day just to keep up, and I still couldn't do a thing!! I don't have time to train you; I'm sure you can figure something out," Yurio told her coldly, his back turned from her.