“Thanks a bunch!”
“Not a problem, come back anytime.”
Finally satisfied with her sampling the digital camera, Veena set off to rendezvous with Zaron and Tobi. Although she was saddened to leave the camera behind, her brief experience with its mechanics – along with the enjoyable conversation she had with the stall owner – made it all worthwhile. Circling around Ferradon Square, she passed numerous stalls in hopes to spot at least one of her two companions.
(Where are they…?)
She switched from one direction to the other constantly, searching for any hint of the surfer-like blond hair or the jet black-jacket. Veena’s eyesight was strong for a Draiken, easily able to spot her friends in a crowd on a busy day back in Dragora – particularly Nai. All she required was a single hint and she would find them in a split-second. Just then, she noticed Tobi break away from a crowd in the nearby distance – much to her relief.
“All set to go?” She asked as she approached him casually, noticing the small bag in his hand. “What did you buy in the end?”
“Heh...! Nothing major, just a … magazine that’s been on my radar for a while.” Tobi shrugged carelessly in response.
Veena gave a small nod in intrigue.
“Do you ... mind if I take a look?”
“Ah! I – err … I would let you, but … it’s still in its packaging.” He then claimed hastily, attempting to avoid the question. “And besides, it’s … probably not to your taste.”
Noticing the hesitation in his tone, Veena narrowed her gaze with increased curiosity.
“Oh? Why would that be?”
“Trust me ... it’s for the best.” Tobi murmured cautiously, letting out an awkward, distant chuckle. “A-anyway, have you seen Zaron?”
Like a coin, Veena’s expression flipped from casual to serious the instant she heard the question.
“Wait. He’s not with you?”
Tobi shook his head, “Nope. The last I saw him was when he was browsing the blacksmith stall. But, after that ... he vanished.”
Her gaze switched away from Tobi in search of the blacksmith stall, locating it in an instant.
“Did you ask the stall about him?” She then questioned, her piercing gaze analysing the stall.
“I did.” Tobi answered in truth. “They weren’t much help, though. All they told me was that he was acting odd after he browsed their stall. They said he ‘looked like he’d seen a ghost’.”
Just then, Veena tensed up in alert. The sudden surge of anxiety set her mind in a spiral, her eyes darting frantically as she intensified her search for Zaron. Noticing the sudden shift in her reaction, a mixture of concern and confusion consumed Tobi.
“He’s not here.” Veena muttered severely, a sense of dread entering her mind.
“Maybe … maybe he’s just using the restroom?” Tobi suggested awkwardly, eyeing the various crowds. “We’ve been out for most of the day, so I wouldn’t be surprised...”
Veena shook her head sternly.
“No, he would’ve at least let one of us-...”
She then halted her words abruptly, her gaze locked onto a peculiar group close to the blacksmith stall. The group had just finished watching a rock band performing their music, preparing to head home and recover from the long tiring day. However, they all acted bewildered and confused, their sights concentrated on a singular street branching off ahead of them. Without warning, Veena pursued with a swift stride, leaving no time for Tobi to react.
“Huh-?! Veena, where are you-?!” He called to her in haste, racing to catch up with her.
In mere moments, she approached a member of the group acting dazed.
“Hi! Sorry to intrude, but did you happen to see a young man pass through here?” Veena asked the woman pleasantly, showing an approachable attitude. “He's around my age, has black hair, a black jacket, and a-!”
“Y-yeah! He ran over there a few moments ago!” The woman answered immediately in a stutter, pointing towards the direction of the nearby street as she interrupted Veena. “He rushed right through us! I think he was chasing someone.”
Veena froze.
“What do you mean by, ‘chasing someone’?” Tobi requested as he stepped up.
(No…!)
Veena’s mind echoed as the dread consumed her entirely, her eyes widened with horror as her breaths grew heavy.
(No, it can’t be...!)
As though motivated by instinct, Veena bolted towards the nearby street, slipping through the bewildered crowd without second thought. Her expression was wild, her feet were swift, and her determination unbreakable: nothing could stop her as she tracked down Zaron.
“VEENA! WAIT!” Tobi yelled out to her desperately, caught in her dust. However, Veena was focused solely on the task at hand, wiping out any distraction in the process.
(Please be safe! Please be safe! PLEASE BE SAFE!!!)
***
(Dammit! Dammit! DAMMIT!!!)
Zaron raced through the low-bearing rooftops of Ferradon, his body fuelled with adrenaline as he leaped from building to building. Fury clouded his mind, refusing to stop his feet regardless of what stood in his way. He refused to even consider slowing down out of sheer caution of his wellbeing. All that mattered to him was his sole target: the Crimson Mantis.
DASH!
Ahead of him, Mantis was in full sprint. She was swift on her feet, her pace incredibly agile as she increased her momentum and seamlessly leaping over one building to another. Zaron felt that he was at a clear disadvantage to her, his lack of wings proving to be a nuisance for his balance as he desperately matched her pace – even losing his footing on the rare occasion. And yet, his mind was furiously racing.
The fact that Mantis was still alive and in Humesa enraged Zaron beyond imagination, unable to fathom the possibility that the assassin defeated his mother. Questions of the fated battle re-emerged in his mind, desperate to find the answers whilst dreading the reality of the outcome.
Skid! Whoosh...!
Just then, Mantis veered to the left in a swift, curving motion, losing no speed whatsoever as she executed the manoeuvre. Zaron followed suit, using the additional distance he had to his advantage as he avoided the sharp turn and directed his feet. He then watched as Mantis launched herself across another gap of the roof-tops, soaring from one to the other in on flawless leap. Noticing the elevated roof closing in, Zaron prepared his jump accordingly as he lengthened his stride and powered his muscles. He accepted the risk, prepared both mentally and physically to take on the consequences if he botched the landing.
With the wind brushing against him and the muscles in his legs powering through, he counted down.
(Three … Two … One...!)
The edge of the building approached his steps.
(NOW!!!)
As the tip of his foot connected with the edge, Zaron launched himself up in the air with an almighty leap.
Fwoosh…!
Zaron watched as his body left the roof, feeling a sense of serenity as he crossed the gap in graceful motion. If not for his lack of wings, he believed he was in the perfect position to finally break the limit and fly on his own. And then, reality struck.
“Oh ... SHIT!”
He realised he made a crucial error.
WHAM!!!
Zaron had missed the timing of his jump by a narrow margin, slamming his ribcage into the edge of the roof before him. He scrambled to find a viable hook on the roof, fearing the impending damage from the drop below. As he grasped for the inner ledge, a surge of fresh pain buzzed throughout his chest, causing him to wince out in agony.
“Grgh…! That hurt!”
The young Draiken grumbled as his breaths grew heavy, struggling to hoist himself onto the ledge and return to his feet. Clutching his chest, Zaron proceeded to search for any sign of Mantis.
“Goddammit...!” He murmured furiously, cursing at himself for wasting time over his own screw up.
With the raised roof, Zaron was able to view the entirety of Ferradon. It was a serene view: from the ever so lively Ferradon Square far off behind him; the forestry outskirts of town leading to lake Ayra on his left; and a large sports complex – shaped like a tropical wave – directly in front of him. From what Zaron assumed, there was still a lot to discover in Ferradon. Returning to reality, the young Draiken searched frantically for the missing Mantis, praying she had not slipped through his fingers. And then, he spotted a shift from the corner of his eye.
Swipe…! SLICE!
“AAAAGH!!!”
He reacted too late.
Splatter...!
Zaron roared out in agony, stumbling back as his left shoulder ripped open abruptly. The swift blade struck directly through the material of his jacket and shirt, slicing into his shoulder without remorse. Zaron rushed to recover his stance, grasping hastily for his wooden katana. However, he was met immediately with a flurry of succeeding strikes.
Swoop...! Swing-swing-swing-swing! SLICE!!!
The young Draiken evaded the blades in desperate haste, his mind on high alert as the opposing weapons aimed for his vital areas.
Leap!
As an arm-blade executed high-arced swipe, Zaron throw himself into an evasive roll, separating himself from the relentless Mantis before she could land another fatal strike. The two combatants stood on opposite ends of the expanded roof, staring at the other with a battle-hardened stance. With blood seeping from the newly opened incision in his shoulder, Zaron proceeded to place significant pressure with his free hand. As he had no access to the Artoria blade, he was at a disadvantage against the assassin once again.
“Tsk...!”
Zaron tutted out in bitter frustration, removing his hand from the blood-soaked wound voluntarily and reinforced his grasp on the wooden katana. He refused to yield, regardless of the inconvenient setback. Mantis held a braced yet aggressive stance in response, observing Zaron behind her helmet’s obscured black visor.
In that moment, Zaron noticed Mantis’ attire was altered since their previous fight: her helmet’s visor was now an entire dome instead of the typical circular lens, allowing seamless morphing into the incurved antennas and ventilated jawline of her previous helmet; her overall suit – which was once a combination of black and grey – was updated to include a crimson-styled padding around her shoulders, arms, and abdomen; finally, at the centre of her torso was a ruby-like jewel, further emphasising the ‘Crimson Mantis’ name.
As his bloodied shoulder turned numb, Zaron doubled-down his focus on his opponent – as though his was ignorant of his injury. He furrowed his brow as gaze sharpened, his overwhelming fury edging over his sense of reason. The image of his mother emerged in his mind as he strengthened his battle stance, desperate for his numerous questions to be answered.
Hop! Swish-swish...!
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Just then, Mantis leapt towards Zaron with arm-blades swung towards his exposed neck. With his thought-process racing, Zaron ducked automatically to evade the attack, before lunging back with a swift strike of his wooden blade.
Whack!
The tip of the blade struck her visor directly, causing the assassin to stagger back. Using the opportunity, Zaron followed up immediately with a series of successive blows, swinging and stabbing without a hint of hesitation. Although his weapon was far from lethal, he was adamant to strike down his opponent before she had the chance to deliver the fatal blow. However, Mantis was swift to recover, narrowly dodging the assault whilst attempting to counter at every opening.
Swing-swing-swing! Swoop! Whoosh...!
As the two continued to strike and evade relentlessly, Zaron came to a sudden realisation: Mantis had planned the entire encounter. She expected him to find her, she wanted him to chase her down, and she hoped he would face her alone – isolated from his companions and separated from public eye. Zaron cursed at his own ignorance, feeling foolish for allowing himself to be baited by her – all because he allowed his emotions to take control.
Swipe!
Noticing an oncoming downward slice, he attempted to parry instinctively only to redact it in haste as he remembered the type of weapon he held.
“Crap!”
Zaron grounded his teeth as he twisted and avoided the passing arm-blade narrowly. If the young Draiken had used the wooden katana to parry, he could only imagine the blade sliced clean off its hilt – ending any possibility of success in their bout. He was at a severe disadvantage with the wooden katana and his injured shoulder, yet he was adamant that he would end the fight victorious.
Swoosh-swoosh...! Whack! Bang! Swipe...! Swing-swing-swing-swing!
The fight raged on, increasing in velocity by the second. Mantis resorted to aggressive flips and spins throughout her assault, impatience breaking through her emotionless shell. In response, Zaron avoid the attacks as swiftly as possible, struggling to find an ideal opening. However, with every chance to retaliate, his injured shoulder reacted in agony. The entirety of his left arm was uncomfortably numb, limiting the tension of his swings significantly whilst also burdening him with looming pain during the constant evasions. He was desperate to find an ultimatum.
In that moment, Mantis utilised the entire rooftop to her disposal, darting from one section of the arena to the other without hesitation. She avoided any telegraphing in her abrupt movements, ensuring the young Draiken was unable to predict the next attack.
Swoop! Swipe-swipe! WHAM! Swing-swing-swing…! SLASH! BANG...! Whack! BOOM!!!
Eventually, their conflict evolved to a rate that almost defied the human eye. Every strike, jump, dodge, and counter were at perfect rhythm, their techniques so erratic and fluid that any spectator would wonder how their nerves were sustainable. Both combatants spent barely a second on a singular place on the arena, executing several swings and strikes with each leap to the next position. It was a matter of whom would choke first.
Skid...! Fwoosh!
And then, Mantis abruptly switched her tactics. With one swift motion, she launched herself up above Zaron as he lunged forward with his wooden katana.
“What the-?!”
Zaron gasped out in shock as he missed the assassin entirely, his forward momentum causing Jim to lose control temporarily. He then realised his back was completely exposed. As she soared over him, Mantis shifted the momentum of her body and swung her leading arm-blade down immediately – aiming directly for Zaron's exposed blind spot. Falling into a sudden panic, Zaron attempted to twist his body in a desperate attempt to regain control.
And yet, he was too late.
SLASH!!!
Zaron’s eyes shot open, his breath halted as an agonizing sensation overwhelmingly shot through his entire body. His body lurched forward, causing him to lose his remaining balance and fall. The arm-blade had struck its target successfully. The assassin inflicted a deep, blood-soaked laceration down the lower-central section of the young Draiken’s back. With no strength remaining, Zaron sprawled across the rooftop, his body shaking and tensed completely as the unfathomable pain surged through his back.
Fwip! Tap!
After the successful attack, Mantis immediately landed on her feet. She glared at her downed opponent in eerie silence, approaching him with arm-blades set to inflict the fatal blow. She showed no evidence of fatigue in her body whatsoever, acting as though she ascended far beyond human limitations. As she closed in on him, Zaron attempted to force his body back into action, squirming and pushing to return to his feet. However, with every attempt, he was met with the unfathomable pain combined from his shoulder and back.
Stomp!
“AGH-!!!”
The surge of unbearable pain increased as Zaron was pinned against the floor abruptly, feeling Mantis’ boot pressing against his fresh wound. As he struggled to fight back, Zaron noticed Mantis’ legs emitting a neon-blue glow from the corner of his eye. As she increased the force against him, the glow was pulsing as though it was reacting to her power over him.
“Hn-NNGH!!!”
Mantis leaned forward, digging her heel into his wounded back as though she was mocking the young Draiken for succumbing to her arm-blades yet again. Feeling her insufferable glare loom over him in triumph. Watching her mock him like a worthless insect, it infuriated him.
“Haagh...!”
Zaron eyes then proceeded to burn, sparks of heightened adrenaline erupting through his bloodstream as he pressured his hands instinctively against the roof surface below him. Using whatever ounce of strength left in his body, the young Draiken gradually counteracted the unbearable force pinned down against him with immense pressure.
Crack…! Crack-crack...!
The two conflicting forces resulted in cracks forming on the surface beneath Zaron’s palms, crushing down as it struggled to support the colossal weight. Noticing the cracks forming underneath Zaron’s palms, Mantis struck down on her opponent reactively with both arm-blades.
Whoosh!
Just as the arm-blades were millimetres away from Zaron's neck, Mantis switched abruptly as an unexpected silhouette intercepted her fatal assault. The silhouette struck forward without hesitation, forced the assassin to retreat from her position.
Hop...!
Swing! CLASH!!!
Just as he heard the conflict erupt above him, Zaron felt the agonizing pressure dissipate from his back. Without delay, the young Draiken scrambled frantically to his feet, wincing and gritted his teeth as he rushed to return to the battle raging before him. As he found his feet and witnessed the fight ahead, he spotted the identity of the interceptor.
“Veena...!”
With her own wooden katana in hand, Veena entered the battle at a relentless charge. Her gaze was beyond alert as she focused primarily on the assassin, adamant to end the conflict before further bloodshed was spilt.
Swipe! Swoosh! Whack-Whack! SWING!!!
The two swung and lunged their weapons at momentous speeds, neither side allowing the other to recover or escape amongst the flurry of blades. Veena span and twisted in a seamless flow as she evaded every incoming attack, using whatever opportunity available to disorientate her opponent and drive her back. On the other hand, Mantis held her pace, her approach changed after caught off-guard initially.
However, with the combination of her initial conflict with Zaron and Veena's current onslaught of attacks, the assassin grew impatient. Her responding attacks were frantic and rushed, acting increasingly frustrated as though she was wasting her time. And then, as Mantis dodged Veena's low horizontal slice narrowly, she reacted with a swift arching counterstrike. Veena was prepared to retaliate, only to here Zaron bellow at the top of his lungs.
“VEENA! EVADE!”
With her body reacting on command, Veena leapt to the side with an unexpected smirk across her face. At the same time, Zaron shot passed her with an almighty swing of his weapon.
SMASH!!!
...Splinter!
Zaron’s wooden katana shattered upon impact against the assassin’s chest, feeling his muscles shudder and eyes burn as the weapon collided.
Boom! Boom! Crash! BANG!
The surprise attack sent Mantis flying across the rooftop, unable to control her momentum as she tumbled and slammed against the solid surface. As he watched his opponent hurtle back, Zaron swerved and stumbled woozily. He lost balance and fell to his hands and knees in looming pain. Noticing his collapse, the concerned Veena raced to his aid.
Upon skidding his side, she noticed the elongated gash running across the lower-back of his jacket surrounded with a large stain of blood. Although she was unaware of the full extent of his injury, Veena determined that Zaron required immediate treatment.
“Don’t worry, Zaron. You've done enough.” She assured him calmly, holding back the increasing panic in her mind. “We need to get you to Lucas.”
Deciding not to waste time, she slung Zaron’s left arm over her shoulder and hoisted him up carefully from the floor.
“Nngh!” Zaron yelped as he rose, the unbearable agony from his lower back spiked upon the forced movement.
“Ah! Sorry...” Veena apologized awkwardly, realising the extent of the discomfort he had to endure.
As he stabilised his feet, Zaron returned focus to Mantis instantly, noticing her struggling as she clutched her chest and coughed out painfully. Zaron had dealt the critical blow he required – and the assassin knew it. As she straightened up, Mantis swivelled and attempted to flee the scene. She hobbled as she reached the edge of the roof, gasping for air with every step.
Zaron's eyes shot open in swift realisation.
“S-she's escaping!” He blurted out, slipping away from Veena’s support as he gave chase.
“Wha-?! Zaron, wait!” Veena gasped in response.
Dash!
Zaron ignored her call, gaining momentum in his stride as he rushed towards the staggering assassin. His lower back was screaming with unfathomable amounts of agony as he ran, yet his burst of adrenaline drowned out any looming setbacks in priority over his fleeing opponent. Power pumping through his legs and eyes burning with unbound hatred, Zaron had no intention of ending the conflict until the assassin answered his questions. As she hobbled to the edge of the rooftop, a blue aura illuminated around Mantis’ legs as she prepared to leap out of sight. However, the second that she leapt into the air, a pair of firm arms latched around her abdomen.
“!?”
Zaron grappled the assassin without hesitation, throwing his entire body weight onto her to prevent her escape.
Fwoosh!
The two were sent hurtling down through the gap between the two buildings, colliding relentlessly against the parallel walls until they hit the floor.
Crack! Whack! ... SLAM!!!
The two combatants separated upon impact with the ground, rolling and tumbling in opposite directions within the narrowed alley. As they slowed to a halt, their bodies were left sprawled across the dusty, unsanitary pavement.
“Haah…! Urk!”
Blood seeped from Zaron's lips, his eyes barely holding consciousness. His entire body screamed to end the elongated torment, attempting to convince him that his pursuit was not worth the pain. And yet, his mind-set refused to budge. His eyes focused only on his opponent, who laid dazed across the alleyway from him.
Whoosh…!
Just then, Veena leapt down from the rooftops, hopping from on wall to the other as she dropped towards the alleyway below. With wooden katana in hand and expression filled with worry, Veena prayed that Zaron was in a stable condition.
Thump!
Her feet hit the concrete floor after her swift yet graceful descent, acting as though the landing was second nature to her. She then straightened up and immediately switched to the downed Zaron, noticing him meet her gaze. In response, he nodded back to her on confirmation, assuring her that he was stable. However, as he struggled to his feet, he hobbled forward in agonizing haste. Veena switched to Mantis upon noticing Zaron’s sudden reaction, sprinting into action immediately as she realised the assassin was attempting to escape into the open street ahead. Within seconds, she chased down and grappled the assassin.
SLAM!
As Mantis was immobilized, Veena threw her to the floor without remorse and pinned the assassin in place. Veena could feel the lack of strength in Mantis, easily overpowering the assassin no matter how desperate she fought back. The barely conscious Zaron arrived soon after, blood continuing to seep from his back and mouth as he limped towards them.
Clump!
He dropped to his knees in a wince, grasping hold on the nearest arm so that Veena could concentrate on the other. He ignored the never-ending agony that erupted throughout his body continuously, prioritizing focused on the dazed opponent before him. And then, he gripped Mantis’ throat abruptly and proceeded to throttle her.
Veena’s eyes widened in horror.
“Zaron! What are you-?!”
However, she was unable to finish, falling silent as she witnessed his expression twist into unyielding resentment. His breaths heavy, his jaw clenched, and his glare consumed with malice: Zaron had no intention of showing mercy.
“I have one question I need you to answer.” He growled in a severe tone. “What happened to my mother?”
With her helmet facing the Draiken boy directly, Mantis held her silence. An irritated sigh escaped Zaron before proceeding his interrogation.
“I’ll ask again: What happened to the woman you fought in Dragora?”
Mantis continued to stare at the young male Draiken motionlessly, not uttering a single word. With his patience close to the brink, Zaron’s grip tightened.
“SPEAK!!!”
He bore his fangs, releasing a loud bellow that caught everyone in the surrounding vicinity by surprise – including Veena. And yet, he was met with only silence. At the end of his rope, the furious Zaron was prepared to rip off the helmet and release fury on his silent adversary.
“Heh … Heh-heh…!”
Just then, both Zaron and Veena froze, a shiver running up their spines upon hearing the raspy, toneless voice escape the vents of the helmet.
“I…”
Zaron leaned his ear closer to her helmet cautiously, ensuring she was as clear as possible through her raspy whispers. Watching from her position warily, Veena’s gaze diverted as she noticed an odd movement in the assassin’s hand from Zaron’s side.
“I … slaughtered her.”
Both Zaron and Veena’s eyes shot wide open.
BANG!!!
As the assassin muttered those definitive words, a flash of blinding light erupted from her hand. Zaron lurched back abruptly, releasing his grasp on Mantis’ throat in a rushed attempt to shield his eyes. Veena also attempted to shield herself, throwing her arms in front of her eyes as the blinding light engulfed the three. And yet, the two Draiken were too late to realise their mistake.
Swish...! WHAM! WHAM!
As the two lost their grip on their opponent, as sudden boot slammed into both of their abdomens. Both blinded and disorientated, Zaron felt his entire body hurtling across the alley uncontrollably before striking the ground hard.
Thump! Bang!
“ACK-! OOF!!!”
As Zaron collided, a surge of the familiar, agonizing pain sparked throughout his back and muscles. Both Draiken scraped and rolled to a halt, their eyes dazzled by the flash with no sense of bearings.
Step, slide...! Step, slide...! Step...!
The sound of light footsteps were heard approaching Zaron, signs of pained hobbling hidden amongst the eerie echoes. Zaron attempted to scramble to his feet in desperate haste. However, his legs had no strength left to stand, resulting in him crawling towards the blurred light. On the other hand, Veena shifted towards the nearest wall, hoping to realign her bearings. The two Draiken were panicking, knowing they had no chance to recover in time before – what they assumed was – Mantis would intercept them.
And then, they heard the voice of miracles.
“Ah! Zaron! Veena! There you are!” Tobi's voice called out in sudden echo, entering the scene upon finally finding his two friends. “Man, that’s a relief!”
Step-step-step...!
As the oblivious Tobi approached the two Draiken, the sound of Mantis’ hobbled footsteps halted suddenly – as though she was a deer in the headlights.
After a brief second, she bolted from the scene.
WHOOSH!
“Wait ... what was that?” Tobi questioned cautiously, noticing a silhouette disappear from the alleyway.
However, he then switched back and noticed the two Draiken in dire state.
“Are you two hurt?!”
“I'll live...” Veena waved off in careless response, breathing out heavily as air returned to her lungs. “But ... we need to get Zaron back to Lucas. He’s in bad shape.”
Without hesitation, Tobi approached the collapsed Zaron, crouching by his side as he noticed the severe laceration on his back. Upon regaining her own eyesight and stability, Veena raced joined the two.
“She really did a number on you.” Tobi expressed in disarray, inspecting the damage thoroughly.
“Where did she go...?” Zaron questioned in a low bitter murmur, his absent gaze staring to where his opponent previously stood.
Both Veena and Tobi glanced to each other, uncertain on how to respond.
“She ... escaped.” Veena then admitted in a grave tone, preferring to avoid the humiliating thought over their dismal battle.
Zaron gazed on soullessly, acting as though he was an empty husk of his former self. His mind was blank, repeating the assassin’s haunting words in an endless echo.
(“I ... slaughtered her.”)
Every repeat of the words stabbed into him, ripping through his heart as the image of his beloved mother burned away into the nothingness. Zaron’s eyes lowered, the world around him crumbling into the abyss as he muttered underneath his breath absently.
“...Shit.”