Kaito opened his eyes again to the sterile light of the infirmary. The air smelled faintly of herbs, disinfectant, and iron—reminders of how close he had come to death.
His body ached from head to toe. Every breath sent sharp reminders of the courtyard fight. Even moving his fingers caused small shocks of pain, and his legs felt like lead.
Dex lay curled beside him, ears twitching occasionally, alert despite the quiet. Kaito reached a trembling hand toward him, and the husky nuzzled it gently, offering a comfort that words could not.
Aria was seated nearby, quietly keeping watch. She flinched every time Kaito's eyes twitched or his hand moved, unsure whether he would stir violently or collapse. "Don't rush," she said softly. "You have to heal first."
Kaito tried to sit up, ignoring the throbbing in his chest and sides. Pain shot through his ribs and shoulders like lightning. He groaned. "I… can't…"
"You can't push yourself yet," Aria corrected firmly. "Every movement risks reopening the wounds. You almost didn't make it last time. You're not going to do that again, not for me, not for anyone."
He clenched his jaw. "I… I can't just… lie here," he muttered. "I have to…" His voice faltered as a wave of weakness washed over him. He slumped back against the pillows.
Dex whined softly, pressing closer. Kaito's hand brushed the husky's fur. That small warmth grounded him. He let out a shaky breath.
Aria leaned closer, placing her hand over his. "Strength isn't just rushing back into battle. Healing is part of it. You can't protect everyone if you destroy yourself."
Kaito closed his eyes, feeling the dull ache in every muscle, every burn of fatigue in his lungs. The memory of the courtyard, of his friends lying injured and bleeding, pressed on him. The faint flicker of blue energy in his chest stirred, but he pushed it down. Not yet. Not until he was stronger.
Hours passed. Medics checked vitals, adjusted bandages, and administered healing salves. Kaito drifted in and out of awareness, still haunted by the edge of death, still aware of how fragile he had been.
When he finally woke fully, it was late at night. The courtyard below was quiet. The city lights flickered in the distance. Dex padded to the edge of the bed and barked softly, as if reminding Kaito that the world was still moving, still dangerous, and still waiting.
Aria sat in the chair, her head resting against her hand, eyes red but alert. "You're alive. That's what matters," she whispered.
Kaito nodded slowly, swallowing against the pain. His voice was barely audible. "I know… I have to get stronger. I can't let this happen again."
Aria's fingers brushed his arm. "And you will. Slowly. But right now, you heal. That's the first battle."
Dex nudged him again, as if agreeing. Kaito let himself relax, just a little, and felt the first tiny flicker of hope for tomorrow.