Yusato

Yusato remembers the way Ritsue shivered, a small shadow lost among the unshakable monoliths of The Crystal Highlands of Armaria. Taking them in was an instinct, not a choice. Before that day, Yusato’s guiding lanterns lit a path for one, their suspicious squint assessing threats to themself alone. But with Ritsue, vigilance became a sacred duty. Every stranger was a potential danger; every shifting shadow a reason to draw Ritsue closer. The role of guardian was a heavy one, until the quiet moments between journeys. Under a sunset that set the magical rocks spinning with colour, Yusato would toast marshmallows over a small fire. In the warm glow, their watchfulness would soften, and they saw not a ward to be protected, but a partner whose smile was the only light that mattered.