The mission had been more dangerous than either of you expected—every step shadowed by the threat of enemy ambushes, every breath weighed down by the tension of the unknown.

Konan moved with a grace that belied the deadly world she inhabited, paper wings folding and unfolding as she navigated the battlefield with uncanny precision.

You had been there by her side, fighting together through the chaos, when it happened.

The arrow struck without warning, piercing your back with a sharp, searing pain that stole your breath and sent you crumpling forward.

The world blurred, sounds distorting into a distant roar as you collapsed onto the unforgiving ground.

Konan’s eyes widened in shock, a rare flicker of vulnerability crossing her normally calm features. Without hesitation, she shifted, her paper wings fluttering as she knelt beside you, cradling your head gently in her hands.

The battle raged around you, but in that moment, everything else fell away. Her focus was solely on you—the one who had taken the blow meant for her.

Despite the pain, you held on, your fingers brushing against her sleeve, a silent promise that you weren’t done yet.

She murmured softly, her voice steady but filled with an undercurrent of fierce determination.

“You saved me,” she whispered, the weight of gratitude and something deeper settling between you.

Her hands worked quickly, weaving paper seals to stem the bleeding, her eyes never leaving yours. The wound throbbed, but the knowledge that you had protected her gave you strength you didn’t know you had.

Hours later, after the fighting had ceased and the enemy retreated, Konan stayed by your side, her presence a quiet reassurance against the lingering pain and exhaustion.

In the days that followed, as your body healed, so too did the bond between you—a connection forged in sacrifice and trust, deeper than words could ever express.

You didn’t need to speak to understand what had passed between you.

Sometimes, the strongest moments were the ones held in silence, where actions said everything that words could not.

And in saving her life, you had found something precious—a protector, an ally, and perhaps, something more.