It was early morning and John and his gang were making their way towards the Giant Colosseum, aptly named Colosseum City. The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the bustling city. As they walked, John noticed a raggedly dressed woman or more like a child? She was leaning against a wall. She seemed weak and frail, and as John approached her, she stumbled and fell into his embrace.

John peeked towards Isabella who immediately offered her healing powers, whilst Ozlo rummaged through his bag to try finding the right potion. As they were tending to the woman, a lanky man with combed-back blond hair approached them. He was wearing a suit with an emblem of stars sewn into its chest area, and his face was gentle and amiable behind his sleek, and shaved glasses.

John couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about this man, as he shielded the woman and Isabella from the man who inched closer to them. The man gave a hearty laugh, which sounded like the laughter of spring, but John could not help but feel malice and murderous intent hidden deep within his gentle, beast-like eyes.

The man introduced himself as Sebastian Hollow, the father of the woman they had found, Anna Crest. John noticed that Anna was wearing ragged clothes like a beggar, and he couldn't help but feel anger towards her “father” for letting her roam the streets in such a state while he wore fine clothing.

John: “Who lets their children walk around in rags, while they themselves wear fine cloth?”

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

John’s remark caused Sebastian's eyes, which were wide and round like a full moon to suddenly be narrowed into thin slits as he gave a cold and calculating gaze towards Anna

Sebastian Hollow: ”Oh, you see” Sebastian chuckled once again in a over exaggerated manner “Children should not be spoiled at such a young age. It's very bad for their development.”

Sebastian turned his cruel and calculating gaze towards Anna “Right Anna? Don't you want to come home with me, your papa?” His words laced with poison “You are fine, right? Tell these people that you are okay.”

John could not help but feel his words getting stuck in his throat as the world seemed to turn gray. Isabella and Ozlo stood ready to engage, but Anna's small voice quivered and spoke up as it broke up the tension which had almost appeared.

Anna Crest: “Yes, papa. I have been a very bad girl. Sorry”

Anna walked away from Isabella soft and warm hands, causing Isabella to be left feeling empty and weak for some reason as if she was back at the situation where her brother was being held captive by Savon forced to listen to his each and every order.

Anna turned her head towards John, Isabella, and Ozlo as small tears formed in her eyes.

Anna Crest: “I'm okay, thank you. Goodbye.”

Anna gave a small smile, while she made a small bow with her small, broken body. Afterwards she held onto the hand of the tall, lanky gentleman, who was know to be one of the leaders of the Shadow Syndicate known as “The Viper.”

As they walked away from John and the group, the group just stared in a daze. John turned his head mechanically, his eyes pleading and his voice sounding empty and confused as he stared at Isabella.

John: “What?”

..