SS rank Xalvathar: The Soulweaver

Takumi, you need to rest," Zanele said softly, concern flickering in her gaze.

Takumi shook his head, determination hardening his features. "Why should I rest when the gates are being attacked? I can help protect them!"

His mother, Thandeka, stepped forward, her eyes full of patience. "Son, you cannot go," she said firmly.

Takumi turned in surprise, caught off guard by her sudden presence. "Mom? You're here?"

Thandeka gave him a gentle smile. "Of course. This is my home too, remember?"

For a moment, he relaxed, glancing around the room. "Oh… we're at home."

Zanele stepped closer, nodding in relief. "Yes, we're all safe here."

Takumi's resolve didn't waver. "But I still want to help."

Thandeka's voice softened as she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Help who, my son?"

Takumi hesitated, unsure how to answer. Thandeka's gaze remained gentle but unwavering. "The S-rank warriors are protecting the gates. They are strong enough to keep us safe, so please, rest. You're still too young to carry this burden."

Takumi's face tightened with frustration. "But I want to protect you and Zanele."

Zanele stepped closer, her voice calm yet insistent. "Then you can protect us by staying here. By not going."

Thandeka nodded. "Your sister is right, Takumi."

He looked at them both, trying to hold back the swell of emotions. "But…"

"No buts," Thandeka interrupted, her voice gentle but firm. "Go to your room and rest. That's how you can help."

Reluctantly, Takumi nodded, retreating to his room. He lay down, but sleep was elusive. His mind raced with thoughts of the creatures at the gates, of his friends risking their lives while he stayed behind. The minutes dragged by, and the sounds of the house gradually faded as everyone drifted off to sleep.

Finally, when the house was completely silent, Takumi slipped out of bed and crept toward the door. The night air was cool and still as he left, heading toward the gates, ready to lend his strength. But unknown to him, his mother had sensed his absence and quietly followed.

At the gates, chaos was unfolding. The S-rank fighters fought valiantly, but the creatures were relentless, forcing them back inch by inch. Takumi watched in horror as bodies fell, and Valkor, the lead creature, cut down warriors with chilling ease. Takumi's heart pounded as he felt Valkor's gaze land directly on him.

He tried to hide, but it was too late. Valkor had spotted him and commanded his forces forward. Takumi's stomach tightened as the creatures began to close in on him, their overwhelming power and numbers pressing him back. He could feel the energy building around him, far beyond what he could handle.

With his mind racing, he turned to flee, but Valkor was faster. The creature unleashed a blast of dark energy, aimed directly at Takumi's back. In that moment, he thought it was over—until he felt himself being pushed out of harm's way.

His mother had thrown herself between him and the blast, taking the full impact. She was flung backward, her body crashing to the ground as blood stained her clothes and the earth around her. Takumi's heart shattered at the sight of his mother lying motionless.

A rage like nothing he had ever felt ignited within him. His vision went white, and shadows began to swirl around him, wrapping him in darkness. His power surged as he glared at Valkor, the energy crackling around him. But Valkor only laughed, amused. "Weakling! That's all you are, boy!"

Ignoring the taunt, Takumi knelt beside his mother, raising his arm as a golden light surrounded her. He couldn't heal her completely, but he could at least stop the bleeding for now. His focus was on protecting her life.

Turning back to Valkor, Takumi lifted his hand, dark energy pooling into a blast. He fired, watching as the black energy shot toward Valkor. But the creature dodged easily, his laughter echoing through the night. "Did you think such a pathetic attack would harm me?"

Valkor glanced back, but Takumi had already vanished, carrying his mother away from the battle. In his mind, there was no point in continuing a fight he couldn't win. Only one thing mattered now: keeping his mother alive.

He brought Thandeka back to their home, carefully laying her down as he maintained the light spell, trying to stabilize her wounds. Zanele found them shortly afterward, her eyes filling with tears as she saw the damage. Thandeka's hand and leg were badly injured, barely held together by the magic Takumi had cast.

Zanele's voice trembled with fury and grief. "I told you to stay… but you didn't listen! Now look at what's happened!"

Takumi looked down, shame filling him. "I'm sorry. I thought… if I could help, I could protect both of you."

"Protect us?" Zanele's voice shook. "How is this protecting anyone?"

A knock at the door interrupted their exchange. X, one of the S-rank leaders, entered, his expression grave as he took in the scene. "What's going on here?" he asked.

Takumi looked away, unable to meet his eyes. "At the gate… one of the creatures attacked me and my mother."

X's brows furrowed in anger and confusion. "What were you doing at the gate, Takumi? That's no place for you."

Zanele turned on him. "Yes, what were you thinking? You could've been killed!"

Takumi clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his mistake. "I… I can't say."

X's gaze sharpened. "Can't, or won't?"

Takumi's voice dropped to a whisper. "I just… can't say."

X sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine. But tell me this—why is your mother in such a condition? Why does she not have her hand… or her leg?"

Takumi's voice wavered. "A creature fired a blast at me. It was going to kill me… but my mother pushed me out of the way. She… she took the hit for me."

X's face softened, though his worry remained. "I see… but she'll need more than your magic to heal fully. We need to get her to proper healers immediately."

Takumi nodded, silently vowing to do whatever it took to save her. X continued, his voice grave. "The creatures have already breached the gates. They're advancing, and every inch of ground we lose is another step toward losing our home. You two need to train—harder than you ever have before."

Takumi looked up, his eyes filled with determination. "I will. I'll become strong enough to protect everyone, no matter the cost."

X gave a short nod, recognizing the fire in his eyes. "Good. But remember, Takumi—reckless bravery is just another kind of foolishness. Let today's events be a lesson."

As X left, Takumi turned to Zanele, who sat beside their mother, her face streaked with tears. "I'm so sorry, Zanele," he whispered. "I only wanted to help."

Zanele wiped her eyes, her anger softened. "I know, Takumi. Just… don't take risks like that again. Mom needs you… and I need you too."

Takumi knelt beside his mother, gently holding her uninjured hand. The weight of his choice pressed down on him, but his resolve burned brighter than ever. This time, he wouldn't fail.