remember me beyonder oblivion

One Year Earlier – 12:30 AM – Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The sound of wood echoed through the park, accompanied by the rustling of leaves in the wind. The sun was setting, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink as Kairo and Riven sparred with wooden swords.

The blades clashed forcefully, producing a sharp sound. Kairo lunged swiftly, but Riven blocked him with a confident parry and jumped back with an amused smile.

"You're getting soft, Kairo!" he taunted, twirling his sword effortlessly.

"Pff, yeah, right..." Kairo scoffed, moving sideways in search of an opening.

After a few more exchanges, both stopped to catch their breath. Riven let himself fall onto the damp grass, his gaze lost among the branches silhouetted against the evening sky.

"You know, Aenna beat me at cards yesterday… She has a natural talent for cheating."

Kairo chuckled, dropping beside him. "And Lyra? Don't tell me she humiliated you too."

Riven laughed. "Oh, she only plays when she knows she can win. She's craftier than she looks."

Kairo nodded, remaining silent. To him, Aenna and Lyra had always been constants, as if they had always existed by his side. Yet… something felt off.

Thinking about Lyra, a shiver ran down his spine. Those silver eyes of hers… why did he always feel a deep melancholy when he looked into them, as if something was missing—something he couldn't remember?

---

Café Yuro – Tokyo – 11:35 AM – September 14, 2024

Lethe's grip was warm and firm, her enigmatic gaze fixing on him with an almost hypnotic intensity.

The atmosphere was solemn, heavy with something Kairo couldn't quite explain. But the mystical moment was abruptly interrupted by his own voice:

"Uh… so… how do I activate it?"

Lethe stared at him for a long moment. Then, suddenly, she burst into laughter.

Kairo frowned, confused and slightly irritated. "What's so funny?!"

"Ahahah! It's just that… you made this whole tragic hero scene and then… 'How do I activate it?'" Lethe covered her mouth with one hand, trying to stifle her laughter.

Kairo huffed. "Fantastic. First, a mysterious girl appears out of nowhere, stops time, gives me a magic pendant… and then she mocks me too!"

Lethe stopped laughing, but her smile remained. "Don't worry, Kairo. This won't be the last time I tease you."

Kairo stared at her. There was something about her… something familiar. But he couldn't figure out what.

"But you… who are you?"

Lethe tilted her head slightly, her smile turning softer.

"Wrong question. The real question is: why are you here, Kairo? What circumstance led you to me? And more importantly…" she stepped closer, gently brushing his face with her fingertips. "How do you still have this determination after losing everything?"

Kairo remained silent. He didn't know how to answer.

Lethe took his hand, her touch incredibly reassuring.

"Listen to me, Kairo. You don't have to find all the answers now. But you've chosen to take back what's yours. That… is not something everyone can do." Her silver eyes reflected in Kairo's deep dark ones.

Finally, she placed his hand on the Hourglass.

"Now listen to its flow. Let time align with your will."

Kairo nodded, closing his eyes to concentrate.

"Oh, before you go…" Lethe leaned in and traced a finger over the back of his hand.

A soft, ethereal light enveloped Kairo's skin, and with a delicate glow, a rune etched itself onto his hand: a treble clef crossed by a sword.

"This is my final gift," Lethe said gently. "Consider it a little bonus. Your first use of the Hourglass will come without consequences."

Kairo looked at her intensely. "Thank you… I hope to see you again. I want to know you better."

Lethe lowered her gaze, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Then she whispered:

"We already know each other better than you think."

The Hourglass activated.

A blinding light consumed everything.

The last thing Kairo saw was Lethe's enigmatic smile.

---

Café Yuro – Tokyo – 11:25 AM – September 14, 2024

The world reformed around him.

Kairo opened his eyes and found himself back in the moment when the Creature was about to pierce Lyra and Aenna.

But this time, he was ready.

He appeared beside Riven, his gaze resolute.

"Enough."

He dashed forward.

Time froze.

He placed himself between Lyra, Aenna, and the Living Shadow.

Then, with all his strength, he delivered a powerful kick straight to the Creature's face, sending it crashing against the wall with a devastating impact.

The beast let out a furious hiss, writhing in rage.

Aenna and Lyra stared at him in disbelief.

"Wait… but before, no attack seemed to hurt it!" Riven exclaimed.

Kairo lowered his gaze.

The symbol on his hand was glowing with a silver light.

He took a deep breath, then lifted his eyes.

"HEY, YOU, DISGUSTING CREATURE!" he roared, his voice filled with determination.

The Creature let out a guttural growl, the air trembling from the force of its rage.

Kairo smirked confidently, assuming a familiar stance as if holding his shinai.

The symbol on his hand glowed again.

A flash of light.

And in his hands, a magnificent silver katana appeared, its blade shining like the full moon.

A shiver ran through the Creature.

Kairo pointed the weapon at it.

"Now we're talking."

He took a step forward, his eyes burning with fury.

"IF YOU WANT MY FRIENDS, YOU'LL HAVE TO GO THROUGH MY DEAD BODY FIRST!"

The Creature let out an enraged howl, preparing to strike.

Kairo positioned himself for battle.

Revenge had begun.