The air was thick with tension, each passing second making Lockey’s vision blurrier. He swung his dagger instinctively, cutting through the invisible viral threats as if guided by an unseen force. Each movement was precise yet laborious, his kuudere nature masking the mounting frustration within.
Lockey staggered slightly, his sight now so impaired that Finn’s figure was barely distinguishable in the dim light. His grip tightened on the hilt of his weapon as his thoughts raced.
I know this energy. I’ve felt it before… but where? he mused, his voice low and hoarse. “Who are you, really?” he murmured, too quiet for anyone but himself to hear. His gaze locked onto Dark Fang’s masked silhouette. It’s the mask... It’s throwing me off. Even though your personality seems different, I can’t shake the feeling that I know you.
Dark Fang’s voice carried a dark amusement, his mask hiding the smile Lockey could almost sense. “You’re faltering, Lockey. Soon, even your instincts won’t save you.”
Lockey sighed, his exhaustion starting to seep through. “I can’t fight like this anymore.” His tone was icy yet tinged with reluctant resignation.
Dark Fang tilted his head, his posture smug, knowing he was gaining the upper hand.
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Lockey’s gaze shifted toward Finn, who had been watching the battle with nervous energy. “Make yourself useful,” he ordered brusquely, his voice sharp.
“Uhm… I’m to your left, not your right,” Finn replied, hesitating. Her attempt to correct him came with an edge of defiance.
Lockey clicked his tongue in irritation. “Shut up and just tell me where he’s coming from.”
Finn scowled, crossing her arms. “So I haven’t been useful at all? Is that what you’re saying?”
Lockey’s patience wore thin. “Stop whining and focus. Just do your job and don’t mess this up.”
Finn’s irritation flared briefly, but she bit back a retort, knowing she needed him to get them out of this situation. “Fine,” she muttered under her breath, shifting her focus to the battle. I’ll help… for now.
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Dark Fang moved swiftly, releasing a fresh wave of airborne viruses designed to disorient Lockey further. Finn’s voice cut through the chaos. “Three o’clock, close range—dodge!”
Lockey reacted instantly, pivoting to avoid the attack and slashing cleanly through the unseen threat. He stepped forward, blade slicing again as Finn called out more directions. “Above you! Backstep now!”
With Finn guiding him, Lockey countered and evaded with newfound precision. Dark Fang, visibly annoyed, muttered to himself. “That girl… She’s predicting my every move. It’s like she’s reading my mind.”
His irritation boiled over. “If she’s the problem, then I’ll eliminate her first.”
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As Dark Fang lunged toward Finn with unsettling speed, she shouted in alarm, “He’s coming for me—straight ahead!”
Lockey surged forward without hesitation, his blade flashing as it met Dark Fang’s side. The masked figure grunted, retreating as a fresh wound blossomed across his torso. The wound began to heal almost instantly, the torn skin stitching itself back together.
Lockey’s icy gaze didn’t waver. “Healing won’t save you,” he said coldly, his voice cutting through the air like his blade. This time, his focus shifted entirely to Dark Fang’s mask. I need to see who you really are.
Dark Fang, sensing Lockey’s intent, smirked beneath the mask. “If I can’t eliminate her, I’ll just make you lose more than your sight. Your hearing will go next.”
He removed his second glove, his hand now fully exposed, pulsating with the same eerie purple hue. Finn’s warning came quickly. “Lockey, don’t let him get close!”
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The battle resumed with a tense rhythm, Lockey stepping back to maintain distance while launching precise long-range slashes. Dark Fang grew increasingly aggressive, his movements erratic yet calculated. Finn’s voice never faltered, guiding Lockey through the onslaught.
“There’s an opening—straight ahead!” Finn shouted, her voice sharp with urgency.
Lockey didn’t hesitate. With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, his blade aimed at Dark Fang. As their bodies collided, Lockey grabbed the mask and slammed Dark Fang’s head into the wall with force. The mask began to liquefy, evaporating into a silvery mist that seeped into Dark Fang’s skin.
Finn gasped. “What just happened? That was… weird.”
Lockey panted, exhaustion evident in his expression. “What’s the color of his hair?” he asked, his voice still calm but tinged with suspicion.
Finn tilted her head, inspecting the unconscious figure. “Eggplant.”
“What?” Lockey replied, clearly confused.
“You asked for the color, and I’m telling you. It’s eggplant.”
Lockey let out a heavy sigh, his frustration peeking through. “Be more precise. Something close to eggplant.”
Finn huffed, crossing her arms. “Purple. It’s purple.”
Lockey leaned back against the wall, resting his head as he caught his breath. “We’ll wait for him to wake up.”
Finn nodded, still marveling at Dark Fang’s unmasked appearance. Who is he really? she wondered, glancing between Lockey and the unconscious figure.