Makoto trudged along the dirt road, his bag slung over his shoulder and Timcampy perched on his head like a golden crown. The sun was high in the sky, its warmth cutting through the cool breeze that rustled the trees lining the path.
"I'm not sure what Master was thinking," Makoto murmured, staring down at his scuffed shoes. "Sending me out here all alone... What if I mess up?"
Timcampy chirped in response, nuzzling against his hair. Makoto smiled faintly, reaching up to pat the golem. "Thanks, Tim. I'm glad I've got you."
The cursed eye beneath his bangs tingled faintly, a low thrum that he'd come to associate with nearby Akuma. Makoto paused, glancing around the empty path. The forest was quiet—too quiet. He tightened his grip on his bag and quickened his pace.
The town came into view as the sun dipped lower in the sky, its cobbled streets and quaint wooden houses bathed in golden light. Despite its picturesque appearance, Makoto couldn't shake the sense of unease that lingered in the air.
"This feels... wrong," he muttered. His cursed eye glowed faintly, confirming his suspicions. Akuma were here.
Timcampy flitted off his head and darted toward the center of town, chirping insistently. Makoto hurried after it, nearly colliding with a man carrying a bundle of firewood.
"Whoa! Sorry!" Makoto stammered, bowing apologetically.
The man's eyes widened as he took in Makoto's Exorcist coat and the faint glow of his cursed eye. "You're... you're here to help, aren't you?"
Makoto blinked. "Yes. What's going on here?"
The man glanced nervously around, lowering his voice. "It's the Akuma. They come at night—always disguised, always watching. We've lost five people already."
Makoto swallowed hard, his grip tightening on his bag. "I'll do what I can."
The man nodded, his relief palpable. "Thank you. If you need anything, please let me know."
As night fell, Makoto stationed himself in the town square. His Innocence hovered in front of him, its glowing wheel spinning slowly. Timcampy sat on his shoulder, its wings folded neatly.
"Okay," Makoto muttered, his breath visible in the cool night air. "I've got this. Just stay calm and—"
A loud crash interrupted his thoughts, and he turned to see a flowerpot shattering against the ground. A stray cat darted across the square, yowling as it knocked over a lantern. The flame sputtered, casting long shadows over the cobblestones.
Makoto groaned. "Seriously? Even now?"
Timcampy chirped in what sounded like laughter, and Makoto shot it a withering glare. "Not funny, Tim."
The cursed eye's burning sensation flared suddenly, and Makoto turned just in time to see three figures emerging from the shadows. Their human disguises melted away, revealing insectoid forms with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp claws.
"Here we go," Makoto muttered, summoning his wheel. The green light from his Innocence illuminated the square as the Akuma charged.
The first Akuma lunged, its claws swiping at Makoto's chest. He stumbled backward, narrowly avoiding the attack—and tripping over a loose cobblestone in the process.
"Not again!" Makoto yelped, sprawling onto the ground.
The Akuma's claws sliced through empty air, missing Makoto's face by inches. Before it could recover, Makoto sent his wheel spinning toward it, the glowing blade cutting cleanly through its chest. The creature screeched as it dissolved into ash.
Makoto scrambled to his feet, panting. "Okay, that wasn't skill. That was definitely luck."
The second Akuma circled him, its movements faster and more deliberate. Makoto's cursed eye burned, showing him the soul trapped inside—a man, his face twisted with anguish.
"I'll free you," Makoto whispered, his voice steady. "I promise."
The Akuma lunged, and Makoto dodged to the side, sending his wheel spinning toward it. The attack struck its arm, severing the limb, but the creature didn't slow down. It swiped at Makoto with its remaining claw, forcing him to retreat.
Timcampy darted forward, chirping loudly as it buzzed around the Akuma's head. The creature snarled, swiping at the golem, but its attacks missed every time.
"Thanks, Tim!" Makoto called, using the distraction to land a finishing blow. The wheel pierced the Akuma's chest, reducing it to ash.
The final Akuma was larger and more aggressive than the others, its movements erratic as it charged at Makoto. His cursed eye glowed brightly, allowing him to anticipate its attacks, but the strain of using both his eye and his Innocence was beginning to take its toll.
Makoto's breathing grew labored, and his arms trembled as he held his wheel steady. "Come on," he muttered, his voice filled with determination. "Just a little more..."
The Akuma lunged, and Makoto dodged, his movements slower than before. He poured the last of his energy into his wheel, sending it spinning toward the creature with devastating speed. The glowing blade struck true, shattering the Akuma into ash.
Makoto collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving. His Innocence flickered before fading, and his cursed eye dimmed. Timcampy landed on his shoulder, nuzzling against his cheek in a gesture of comfort.
"Thanks, Tim," Makoto said weakly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I couldn't have done it without you."
The next morning, Makoto stood at the edge of town, ready to continue his journey. The townspeople had thanked him profusely, offering him food and supplies for the road.
"You're a good kid," an elderly woman said, pressing a small loaf of bread into his hands. "Keep that kind heart of yours."
Makoto nodded, his cheeks reddening. "Thank you. I'll do my best."
As he walked down the road, Timcampy perched on his shoulder, chirping softly. Despite his exhaustion, Makoto felt a renewed sense of determination.
"One step closer," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I'll keep going. No matter what."
To Be Continued...