The blade cuts both ways

Episode X: The Blade That Cuts Both Ways

The training room smelled of sweat and metal. The dim light flickered above, casting long shadows as Alexier stood in front of Kenji, fists clenched. His body ached from the relentless drills, bruises forming under his clothes.

Kenji leaned against the wall, arms crossed, smirking. “You’re standing like a corpse, kid. If you don’t fix your posture, I won’t even have to kill you—someone else will.”

Alexier wiped the sweat from his brow. "I thought you were supposed to train me, not insult me.”

Kenji rolled his eyes. “Oh, I am training you. This is tough love, baby.” He straightened, tossing a wooden practice knife toward Alexier. “Come at me.”

Alexier caught the knife, gripping it tightly. He hesitated for only a second before lunging forward.

Big mistake.

Kenji sidestepped easily, grabbing Alexier’s wrist and twisting it behind his back in a painful lock.

“Too predictable,” Kenji whispered in his ear before kicking Alexier’s legs out from under him. He crashed onto the mat with a grunt.

Kenji didn’t let go. He pressed Alexier’s arm harder, enough to make the younger man grit his teeth in pain. There was something in Kenji’s grip—something too aggressive, too intense.

Alexier felt it. This wasn’t just training. This was something else.

Kenji’s expression had darkened, his eyes distant. He wasn’t looking at Alexier anymore. He was somewhere else, lost in something only he could see.

Alexier took a shaky breath. “Kenji… You good?”

Kenji blinked. The haze in his gaze vanished, and he quickly released Alexier’s arm, stepping back. He forced a grin, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Damn, kid. You’re softer than I thought.” He kicked Alexier’s side lightly, trying to play it off. “Get up.”

Alexier sat up slowly, watching Kenji carefully. He knew that look—he’d seen it in the mirror before. The look of someone haunted.

He didn’t press further. Not yet. Instead, he smirked and rolled his shoulders. “Tch. That was a cheap shot.”

Kenji laughed. “Oh, sweetheart, I haven’t even started.”

---

Later That Night

Kenji sat alone on the balcony, cigarette in hand, staring out into the city lights.

He should have held back more. He let too much slip today.

Training Alexier wasn’t just about teaching him to fight. It was about making sure the kid never ended up like him.

Weak. Used. Broken.

Kenji exhaled, gripping the edge of the railing. He didn’t have time for ghosts. He had a job to do.

Behind him, Alexier watched silently from the doorway. Kenji never let his guard down. But right now… he looked almost human.

Alexier didn’t say anything. He just turned and walked away.

For now, he’d let Kenji keep his secrets.

But one day, he’d find out the truth.

Episode X+1: A Lesson in Blood

Morning – The Warehouse Gym

Alexier stood in the middle of the training mat, panting heavily. Everything hurt. His muscles burned, his lip was split, and his arms trembled from blocking Kenji’s relentless attacks.

Kenji circled him, twirling a wooden practice knife in his fingers. “If this is all you got, we’re wasting time.”

Alexier scowled. “I’m not giving up.”

Kenji’s smirk widened. “Good. Then stop holding back.”

With no warning, Kenji lunged, his strikes a blur. Alexier barely had time to react, dodging the first swipe but failing to block the next. The wooden blade struck his ribs—hard.

Alexier gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain. He wouldn’t fall again.

Kenji moved to strike once more, but this time, Alexier stepped in—not back. He used Kenji’s momentum against him, knocking his arm aside and elbowing him in the stomach.

For the first time, Kenji stumbled back.

Alexier smirked. "Got you.”

Kenji chuckled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. His eyes gleamed. “Not bad, kid.” Then, faster than Alexier could react, Kenji swept his legs out from under him and pinned him to the mat with a knee to his chest.

Kenji leaned in, his voice low. “But you’re still too soft.”

Alexier struggled but couldn’t move. Kenji had him trapped,

Kenji smirk let's go kid were going to taste some aroma

Akexier glare at him I'm doubting

Just when they reached the near bar

and Ghosts

Evening – Dragged into Trouble

"You owe me a drink, brat."

Alexier groaned as Kenji dragged him by the collar through the neon-lit streets. He was sore all over from training, but Kenji didn’t give a damn.

"I never agreed to that!" Alexier protested, struggling against Kenji’s iron grip.

Kenji just grinned, throwing an arm around Alexier’s shoulder like they were best friends. "You survive my training, you get a reward. And that reward is watching me drink."

"That’s not a reward, that’s suffering."

Kenji laughed, tightening his arm around Alexier’s neck in a mock headlock. "Exactly. Builds character, kid."

By the time they reached the bar, Alexier was already regretting his life choices.

The place was dimly lit, full of cigarette smoke and the scent of cheap alcohol. Kenji shoved him onto a stool, ordering himself a drink while Alexier reluctantly sat beside him.

"You’re gonna drink or just sit there looking pretty?" Kenji teased, nudging Alexier’s shoulder.

Alexier scoffed, "I’d rather die."

Kenji smirked. "Good, 'cause that’s how I felt watching you train today."

Alexier glared. "I almost beat you."

"Pffft. ‘Almost’ isn’t winning, kid." Kenji leaned in, voice low. "Try harder next time."

Alexier was about to retort when he felt something.

Someone watching them.

A Familiar Face from Hell

Kenji’s casual demeanor shifted. His grip on his glass tightened, knuckles going white.

Alexier followed his gaze—and saw him.

A man sat at the far end of the bar, grinning. He was older, well-dressed, but there was something off about him. The way his eyes gleamed with recognition, with possession.

And then, he looked at Alexier.

And smirked.

Kenji snapped.

Before Alexier could react, Kenji was on his feet, crossing the bar in a second.

The next thing Alexier knew, Kenji had slammed the man against the wall, knife pressed to his throat.

The entire bar fell silent.

"Didn’t think I’d see you again, bastard," Kenji spat, his voice low, dangerous.

The man chuckled, unfazed. "Still fiery, huh?" His eyes flicked to Alexier. "Who’s the boy? A replacement?"

Kenji’s entire body tensed.

Alexier’s stomach twisted.

He had no idea what this was about—but from the way Kenji’s hands shook against the man’s throat, it was bad.

Really bad.