Shared Burdens

The dim glow of the orange sunset reflected off the ground, painting the world in soft, fading light. As I drifted back into consciousness, fragments of my defeat floated through my mind like a hazy dream.

It didn't take long to figure out what had happened—I was being carried on Shibahime's back. Again.

"Seriously? I'm getting carried... again," I muttered, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, you woke up sooner this time," Shibahime remarked, her voice calm and composed. She came to a stop and crouched down, clearly indicating I should get off. With a reluctant sigh, I slid off her back, my feet landing on the path next to the training hall.

"I was going to take you to the infirmary, but if you're already back on your feet, I guess it wasn't that serious after all."

"Yeah, I'm fine now. Thanks for worrying about me," I replied, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly.