Rosario + Vampire: Yokai Legacy

33. Back To Basics

Kenji's eyes narrowed, his tone unyielding. "You're the one who attacked the school, who brought chaos."

Akira's translucent form shifted slightly, his presence ethereal. "Indeed. But enjoy this time of peace while it lasts, Kenji. Unfortunately for me, my power is weakened right now. I am unable to come to end you as I intended."

Kenji's heart raced as he absorbed Akira's words. The realization that Akira's power was limited in this moment filled him with a mix of relief and wariness. "You should have ended me when you had the chance, back when we fought."

Akira's flickering form seemed to waver, a hint of frustration seeping through his otherwise detached demeanor. "Perhaps. But rest assured, our paths will cross again. And when they do, there will be no escape."

As the day continued to unfold, the events of the encounter with Akira remained a heavy presence in Kenji's mind. The weight of the ominous prophecy and the uncertainty it held loomed over him, but he drew strength from the unwavering support of his friends.

Classes progressed, and the students eventually began to disperse, heading to their respective dorms or other activities. Kenji felt a need for some solitude, a moment of quiet reflection to process his thoughts and emotions. With a nod to his friends, he excused himself and made his way back to his dorm room.

Inside the familiar space, Kenji closed the door behind him, letting out a sigh as he leaned against it. The room was a haven of solitude, a place where he could let his guard down and truly be himself. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, his mind replaying the encounter with Akira.

The words, the atmosphere, the haunting presence—they all played on a loop in his mind. Kenji knew that he couldn't let fear or doubt consume him. He had faced challenges before and had always come out stronger, with his friends by his side.

He sat down on his bed, the weight of the world momentarily lifted by the comforting familiarity of his surroundings. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to center himself. He thought about Moka, Kurumu, Yukari, Mizore, and the countless other friends who had become his support system.

As the minutes passed, a sense of determination settled within him. Akira's words might have been meant to unsettle him, but they also ignited a fire within him—an unyielding resolve to protect what was important to him and to stand strong against any challenge that came his way.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Kenji stood up and walked over to the small desk in his room. He opened his laptop, intending to do some research or maybe even catch up on his studies. Distraction was welcome, a way to temporarily shift his focus away from the weighty thoughts that had been pressing on him.

Hours passed, the room's soft lighting casting a warm glow as evening approached. Kenji's concentration was broken by a soft knock on his door. He looked up, his thoughts momentarily interrupted, and he called out, "Come in."

The door opened, revealing the familiar figure of Moka. She stepped inside, her presence calming and comforting. "Hey," she said with a gentle smile.

Kenji returned the smile, appreciating her understanding. "Hey, Moka. How's it going?"

Moka walked closer, her eyes filled with empathy. "I wanted to check on you. I know today must have been... intense."

Kenji nodded, grateful for her concern. "Yeah, it was. But I'm okay. Talking to you all and being in this room helps."

Moka took a seat beside him on the bed, their shoulders almost touching. "You don't have to carry everything on your own, Kenji. We're here for you, through the challenges and the uncertainties."