The little bird fluttered weakly in Kuri's hands. She cradled it gently, her pale fingers trembling slightly as she placed it on the windowsill. The sunlit garden outside seemed like another world—peaceful, untouchable.
"Come on, little bird," Kuri whispered, her voice soft but firm. "Today's the day. I'm sure of it. Today, you'll fly home to your family."
If only I could go home to mine, Kuri thought, closing her eyes. For a fleeting moment, she clung to the dream she'd had the night before: a vast boat on shimmering waters, laughter, and a sense of belonging that felt more like a memory than fantasy.
The sound of footsteps pulled her back to reality. Reiko, her elder sister, stepped in from the garden, her tanned skin glowing under the light. Her red hair caught the sun like flames, her green eyes sparkling as they fell on Kuri. Everyone said Reiko looked like one of her roses—elegant and vibrant. By contrast, Kuri always felt like a forgotten hydrangea, her pale skin and blue eyes lost in the shadow of her sister's radiance.
"Kuri, you've been talking to that bird all morning," Reiko teased gently. "If it wanted to fly, don't you think it would've done it by now?"
"It can do it," Kuri shot back, determination shining in her eyes. "I believe in Nio."
Reiko's lips curved into a soft laugh that blended with the melody of the garden wind chimes. "Nio? You named it? You're ridiculous."
Before Kuri could respond, a searing pain ripped through her head. She screamed, clutching her face as blood streamed from her eyes. Her vision turned red, then white-hot.
"Kuri!" Reiko's voice was panicked as she dropped the strawberry she'd been holding and rushed toward her sister. But before she could reach her, Kuri's hand shot out, her fingers trembling as they grazed Reiko's forehead.
Reiko's body jerked violently, her green eyes going blank as she slumped to the ground.
"No," Kuri gasped, her voice breaking as she stumbled backward. She clutched her chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
The world around her began to spin. Without warning, Kuri felt herself lifted into the air, as if an unseen force had taken hold of her. Her blue eyes, now glowing faintly, opened wide as a wave of emotions not her own crashed over her. She could see everything—auras swirling around every living thing. Colors danced and shifted, each one tied to a feeling: fear, pain, love, yearning.
And then she saw Reiko. Her sister's aura was a blazing storm of courage and protectiveness, but also fear.
This is my fault, Kuri thought as tears pricked her eyes, freezing on her cheeks from the biting cold.
Below, Reiko's body began to change. Her once graceful form twisted, ears sprouting atop her head, a long tail unfurling behind her. The garden around her erupted as vines shot skyward, whipping through the air like wild snakes.
"Imouto!" Reiko's voice was raw with pain as she curled in on herself, trembling. Blood trickled from her new ears, mingling with her tears.
Kuri's heart clenched. She didn't understand what was happening, but she knew one thing: I have to protect her.
Drawing on the strange power coursing through her, Kuri reached out with her mind. She imagined calm—peace—and blanketed the chaos with it. Slowly, the vines stilled, sinking back to the earth.
Reiko collapsed, unconscious but unharmed.
Xxx
Far away, Deno, a Finder on assignment, watched the swirling storm over the small farmhouse. His eyes narrowed as he spotted the Akuma heading for the source of the disturbance.
"Headquarters!" he barked into his Golem. "We've got a situation—at least one Innocence, and the Earl's forces are already here!"
Komui's voice came through, calm but urgent. "Allen and Kanda are en route. Hold your position until they arrive."
xxx
Allen Walker adjusted his coat as the icy wind bit through the fabric.
"Che. Hurry up, Moyashi," Kanda muttered, his tone as sharp as ever.
"It's Allen!"
"Whatever." Kanda's gaze locked onto the farmhouse in the distance. "The Akuma are after the Innocence. Let's go."
As they reached the edge of the storm, lightning crackled, striking dangerously close. Allen's eyes widened as he spotted a girl hovering above the chaos, her body limp as lightning arced from her fingertips.
"That must be her!" Allen shouted, activating his left arm.
"You take her," Kanda ordered, already sprinting toward the forest where another presence flickered faintly.
Allen leapt into action, dodging the wild bolts of energy. As he closed in, the girl suddenly screamed, her voice raw and desperate. "Nee-san!"
She shot toward the forest faster than Allen could follow.
Xxx
Kanda found the other girl trapped in a whirlwind of vines. Her fox-like ears twitched in distress, her tail curling protectively around her.
"Tch," Kanda muttered, slicing through the vines with Mugen.
The girl looked up at him, her green eyes wide with fear and gratitude. "You…came for me?"
"Stay still," Kanda commanded, his tone gruff. But when she clung to him weakly, trembling, something softened in his gaze.
"You're safe now," he murmured.
Xxx
The storm was relentless. Allen Walker squinted through the gale as lightning cracked overhead, the chaotic energy making the air hum. His left arm twitched, claw-like Innocence itching to activate. The epicenter of the chaos was unmistakable: a young girl with long dark hair floated at the heart of the storm, her unconscious body emanating power.
"Che. Focus, Moyashi," Kanda barked, his grip tightening on Mugen as he scanned the perimeter. "The Akuma are closing in. I'll secure whatever's inside the barrier."
Allen ignored the insult, his gaze fixed on the girl. "She's not doing this on purpose… It's her Innocence."
"Doesn't matter." Kanda's voice was cold. "If we don't stop her, she'll destroy everything. Get her under control. Now." Without another word, Kanda disappeared into the forest, leaving Allen to face the storm alone.
Allen stepped forward cautiously, his boots sinking into the churned-up earth. "Innocence, activate!" he commanded, his left arm transforming into a grotesque claw, ready to shield him from the whips of energy flying around the girl.
Lightning shot toward him, sharp and precise. Allen deflected the bolt with his claw, the impact shaking his arm. "She's got no control," he muttered, leaping to dodge another strike. "But this isn't random… She's targeting me."
As he approached, the girl's head tilted slightly, her glowing blue eyes cracking open. She didn't look fully awake, but there was a flicker of awareness. Her lips moved, her voice carried on the wind:
"Leave us alone."
Allen froze. "I'm not here to hurt you!" he shouted.
Another bolt of lightning answered, forcing him to dive to the ground. The girl raised a hand, and the storm intensified, a roaring vortex of wind and energy surrounding her.
Xxx
Meanwhile, Kanda refocused on Reiko.
"Tch," Kanda muttered, kneeling beside her. Her aura was faint but steady—proof she was alive. "You're linked to this storm, aren't you?"
Her eyes fluttered open, dazed. "Nee-san… Please don't hurt her," she whispered.
"Your sister's Innocence is out of control," Kanda said bluntly, shaking her shoulder. "If you don't wake up and help deactivate it, she'll destroy this entire area."
The girl—Reiko—winced, her hands curling into fists. "I… I can't… It's too much…"
Kanda frowned. "Your sister's going to get herself killed."
Reiko's body trembled, but her gaze hardened. She struggled to sit up, her breath shallow but determined. "Nee-san… needs me."
Xxx
Back in the storm, Allen circled the floating girl, dodging arcs of lightning as her Innocence lashed out again and again. His heart pounded as he tried to close the distance.
"Listen to me!" he shouted, blocking another bolt. His Innocence absorbed the energy, glowing brighter. "You don't have to fight! I'm here to help you!"
Kuri's eyes locked onto him, finally fully opening. Her voice was clearer now, sharper: "Help me? You're trying to take us away!"
Her words hit him like a blow. Allen stumbled back, raising his claw defensively. "No! That's not—"
Kuri extended her hand, and a blade of lightning formed in her palm. She lunged at him, moving faster than he expected. He barely managed to parry with his claw, the impact sending a jolt through his body.
"You'll hurt people if you keep this up!" Allen pleaded, his voice desperate. "There's a town nearby—you'll destroy it!"
Kuri hesitated, her blade faltering. But her voice was still laced with anger and fear. "You're lying. You'll take us to the Black Order. You'll separate me from my sister!"
Allen's heart sank. "Is that what you're afraid of?" he asked softly.
Her blade reformed, and she charged again, this time aiming for his chest. Allen gritted his teeth, sidestepping and grabbing her wrist with his claw. "I won't let that happen," he said firmly, holding her gaze.
"Why should I believe you?" she spat, struggling against his grip.
"Because I've seen what happens when people are left alone to fight this war!" Allen's voice cracked with emotion, raw and pleading. "I know what it's like to lose everyone you care about! I won't let that happen to you!"
For a moment, the storm quieted, the wind dying down. Kuri's blue eyes softened, her body trembling.
"You… promise?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"I swear it." Allen loosened his grip, his claw deactivating. "You and your sister will stay together. I'll make sure of it."
Kuri's hand dropped, the blade of lightning dissipating. Her body sagged as exhaustion finally overtook her.
Xxx
Kanda arrived just as the storm began to subside. He carried Reiko in his arms, her head resting weakly against his shoulder. "You've got her under control?" he called to Allen.
Allen glanced up, his eyes meeting Kanda's. "She's calmed down."
"Good," Kanda said curtly. "But if her Innocence flares up again, we'll be back where we started. Get her moving."
Kuri stirred weakly, her eyes flickering open. She looked at Allen, her voice faint. "You… didn't have to spare me."
Allen smiled softly. "I don't hurt people I'm trying to protect."
Kanda snorted as he passed. "Che. Don't get yourself killed next time, Moyashi."
"It's Allen!"
Reiko stirred in Kanda's arms, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you… Yu…"
Kanda froze, his jaw tightening. "You shouldn't be thanking me," he muttered, his tone softening despite himself. "Just make sure your sister doesn't burn the whole place down next time."
Reiko managed a faint smile before slipping back into unconsciousness.
As the group made their way toward the town, Allen glanced at Kuri, who leaned heavily on him for support.
"We'll keep our promise," he said quietly.
Kuri's lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "I'll hold you to that, Allen Walker."