Echoes of the Cursed

Kazu walked through the corridors of Yankai, a smile on his face and laughter in the air, projecting an aura of positivity. Despite the physical pain from an injury sustained during a recent mission, it was the emotional turmoil in his heart that weighed heavily on him. He maintained his cheerful demeanor, using humor as a shield against his inner struggles. Yet, in solitude, his sister's critical words echoed in his mind, a reminder of his perceived shortcomings and her dissatisfaction.

Throughout his life, Kazu had often found himself compared to his sister, Kaku. She was the disciplined achiever, a brilliant leader respected by all. While their parents lauded Kaku for her maturity and intellect, Kazu's easygoing nature attracted their reprimands. Despite this dynamic, he managed to avoid resentment; instead, he admired Kaku for her strength and intelligence, allowing his admiration to eclipse feelings of jealousy.

In contrast, the person who truly understood Kazu was his older sister, Kami. She shone like a beacon in his life, recognizing his worth and appreciating him unconditionally. To Kazu, Kami was a guardian, a confidante, and the one person who made him feel valued in a family that often viewed him as a disappointment.

As children, Kazu and Kami shared countless cherished memories. She stood by him during their parents' scoldings, laughing off his mischief and reminding him of his unique qualities. Kami believed in him fervently, nurturing his dreams with stories and encouragement, providing a safe haven from their family's cold judgments.

But one day, everything shifted.

Kami disappeared without warning. Days turned into weeks, and soon, the heartbreaking assumption emerged: she was presumed dead. Kazu was devastated, grappling with the loss of the one person who had ever truly loved him. As he mourned, a heavy wave of guilt washed over him. His parents blamed him for Kami's fate, accusing him of distraction and carelessness, insisting that he had failed to protect her.

Their harsh judgments left deep scars on Kazu's heart—wounds that never really healed. The grief over his sister's loss was profound, but the guilt and shame imposed by their parents cut even deeper. The most painful aspect was witnessing Kaku, who had once been his closest ally, withdraw from him.

At an impressionable age, Kaku was deeply affected by their parents' accusations, forming a narrative that placed blame on Kazu for Kami's disappearance. Unbeknownst to him, Kaku internalized this narrative, fostering resentment toward him that he struggled to comprehend. As time went on, Kaku's emotional distance grew. She interacted with him with a cool politeness, and at times, harsh critiques. Kazu felt confusion and heartbreak as he watched his beloved sister transform into a stranger. He sensed her disappointment, yet he never grasped its origin. Nevertheless, his love for her remained steadfast, as he hoped that one day she would recognize the true Kazu, not the flawed version painted by their parents.

Now, as he navigated the headquarters, Kazu felt the weight of it all pressing down on him. The reopening of old wounds, triggered by his sister's words, prompted painful memories he had tried to bury. He recalled Kami's encouraging smile and her gentle voice affirming his worth just as he was. The ache of longing for her support was palpable.

Over the following days, Kazu sought solace in solitude, often sitting on the balcony beneath the night sky, lost in memories of his sisters. He wished fervently that Kaku could remember the joyful times they had shared before loss overshadowed their relationship.

In moments of quiet reflection, he would softly speak to the stars, hoping Kami could hear him and feel his enduring love. He envisioned a future where Kaku would one day come to understand that he wasn't responsible for the past, and that his love for her remained just as strong as it had been for Kami.

For now, Kazu resolved to continue forward, embracing the strength he had cultivated and putting forth a smile for those around him, all while holding onto the hope for healing and reconciliation.