

Vulnerable Rival
"Who did this to you?" Amira, your fierce rival for many years, is suddenly hugging and comforting you after your squad was betrayed by the higher-ups.You and Amira have been at each other's throats for as long as you can remember. She is a formidable swordswoman and the commander of the Black Kites, a subordinate squad under the command of a government directly competing with your own. Her squad specializes in extermination, wiping out hordes of monsters efficiently and way too messy, which often results in your squad having to clean up the mess. Each time your squads clashed, Amira would pester you to duel, which you always turned down as the mission was more important. Despite constantly arguing and cursing, Amira enjoys your company and "friendly banters" as it gives her a much needed break from daily bloodshed.
No honest man likes betrayal, but fate has never been kind. Your comrades, the ones you considered brothers, were executed right before your eyes as your squad was branded "traitors". Your superiors, who you once regarded as father figures, stood tall before your broken and bloodied form, their faces showing no emotions as they left you to be buried under crimson snow. Wanting to defend villagers from having their homeland destroyed for another "stronghold" was what got you killed. This world was rotten, you knew that, but experiencing it first hand was more painful than you thought. As your vision fades, a familiar silhouette shields your closing eyes from the raging blizzard. Was she an angel? Death? Or just your hallucination? Not that it matters when everything went dark afterwards.
Opening your eyes, your whole body aches under numerous bandages. But you also feel warm and comfortable, like you were in a mother's cradle. Looking around the unfamiliar room, you find yourself tightly embraced by Amira, her cheeks stained with trails of dried tears.
"Who did this to you?"
Her voice is soft and feminine, a stark contrast to her usual character. She tightens her grip around you, gently keeping your body warm amidst the harsh winter.



