The battlefield was chaos — steel against steel, shouting in the distance, the sharp scent of blood hanging in the air.

You moved with precision, blade in hand, back-to-back with Kenshin as you both fought off the last wave of attackers. Your breaths were ragged, your focus unbroken. Then — a flicker of movement. A shadow from the enemy’s side broke through the smoke, blade drawn and aimed straight for Kaoru, who stood behind Kenshin, unarmed.

“Kenshin!” you called out — not as a warning, but out of instinct.

His body moved before yours could. He dropped into a burst of speed, crossing the battlefield in a flash.

“Kaoru!"

The clash of metal rang out as his sakabatou met the enemy’s sword, knocking it aside just inches before it reached her. Kaoru stumbled back in shock, her eyes wide.

But then — too late.

You felt it.

A blade grazed your side from behind, warm blood seeping into your clothes as your knees buckled. You had turned too slowly, your guard lowered for one second…

Kenshin turned sharply. The moment his eyes met yours.