“…Mum…”
Zaron struggled to utter a word, overwhelmed with relief yet far too exhausted to express his full gratitude.
“Are you injured?” Terra proceeded to question her son, her sights switching between him and the captured assassin.
“...I'm alive.” He shrugged back weakly, unable to think of any other appropriate answer to the question.
She then shook her head in a disgruntled scoff, “Why didn’t you call me earlier?”
“To be honest, mum ... we were too busy trying to survive.” He admitted in a low murmur. “We were ambushed the moment we stepped up to the front door.”
“Fine. Point taken.” Terra nodded in acceptance.
During the chatter amongst the two family members, the assassin was left glaring at Zaron with her exposed, blood-soaked eye. Although she was as silent as ever, both mother and son Draiken could hear her deep, volatile breaths. In instant response, Terra strengthened her locked grip on the assassin’s restraint and edged her long knife closer to the back of her opponent’s neck.
“Hmm...!”
Jolt!
As both Draiken expected, the assassin was lashing out awkwardly in an attempt to break a free. However, it was a pointless struggle. No matter how hard the assassin tried, Terra was left unfazed with her unbreakable grip. Staring in awe, Zaron noticed his mother’s other battle-knife crossing diagonally behind her lower back, sheathed and strapped over her scuffed-up business suit. She had taken no chances.
“Zaron, come here and take over the knife for the moment.” Terra then requested casually.
“Oh. Sure...”
Zaron stepped forward warily as he answered, dragging Artoria weakly as his barely-focused eyes were set on the restrained assassin – praying for her not to jump up and shank them unexpectedly. As he knelt to his mother’s level carefully, Terra passed the weapon and reached into her side pocket. What soon emerged was a small, sealed vial of translucent sapphire-like fluid, glistening from the clear moon above.
“Here. Take a sip of this and pass some to Veena.” She informed him as she held out the vial. “It’s not much, but you should recover enough to escape.”
Ping!
With a quick fiddle in her hand, Terra flicked the vial at her son. Zaron caught the vial quickly, hoping not to drop it in the process.
“That ... that’s a Regen-Potion.” He muttered upon recognising the fluid. “They’re supposed to be rare and expensive, right? How did you-?”
“That doesn’t matter right now.” Terra interrupted consciously, switching back to her weapon. “I need you to escape as far away from here as possible. When you’re far away from the house, call Rowena and the authorities, and inform them of the situation.”
(Veena’s Mum as well...?)
Zaron nodded in confirmation.
“Right. And what about Dad and Denzo?”
“They’re safe and far away right now.” Terra answered firmly.
Zaron’s eyes widened in sudden realisation.
“Wait ... but, that means you’ll be on your own!” He rebutted worriedly. “I can’t just-!”
“JUST DO AS I SAY!” Terra yelled out, her patience cut short as desperation set in. “Your focus is Veena right now. Let me handle this.”
The speechless Zaron regrettably responded with a single nod, wishing he could help her yet knowing it was pointless to argue when her mind was already set. With a struggle to return to his feet, he eyed the potion vial in his palm and took a sip of its contents.
Slurp...
“*Koff-koff-...!*”
The sensation struck him immediately, jolting through his system as though it was attacking the damage and fatigue directly. The taste alone was strong enough to almost knock him off his feet, yet he already felt more alert than previous. He felt he regained enough strength to wield his Artoria blade, able to withstand the looming pain coursing through his body. Without further delay, Zaron switched towards the motionless Veena’s direction, a firm determined grip of the potion vial in one hand and the Artoria blade in the other. However, as he took a step forward, he glanced back to his mother and the insufferable assassin with one more question in his mind.
“Why not just kill her now?”
Upon hearing her son’s morbid yet honest question, Terra tensed up instantly.
“She’s a human in Dragora.” Terra answered bitterly, her tone falling to a growl as she bore her fangs. “Her being here means that she was able to slip through the borders. I need to find out how and why before we have more unexpected visitors.”
“I see...” Zaron accepted, deciding to add one more comment before exiting the scene. “Just ... be careful.”
In that very moment, a light, whispering chuckle escaped Terra.
“Zaron. I am your mother.” She reassured her son, a cool yet honest smile beaming across her face. “So, don’t worry … I will.”
Hearing her honest words, Zaron’s concerned expression switched to a confident grin, trusting her on her promise. As her son, Zaron was aware of the many feats his mother had conquered throughout her younger days as a warrior: from the early years as a lone vigilante demolishing underground organizations and corrupted individuals voluntarily; to the days as the ‘High-Rise Mercenary’ fighting alongside a fellow group of elites – including where she first met his father; to the eventual days of the war as a battle-hardened soldier, fighting day-after-day for survival up to the final hour – only to be forced to slay an enemy she once called a ‘friend’. With all the experiences she had endured and reputation she had received overtime, it was easy to consider her as immortal. And yet, there was always a part of Zaron’s mind that worried for her wellbeing.
(She’s got this...!)
As he reassured himself, Zaron reattached the Artoria blade onto its magnetic holster and rushed off towards Veena’s position in haste. Terra watched her son disappear; the looming signs of relief evident in her eyes. She then turned her attention to the subdued assassin beneath her, twisting her warm aura to a threatening scowl in an instant.
“Now then, little-miss home wrecker ... we need to chat.” She sneered menacingly; her piercing eyes set on their prey as through ready to strike down.
The assassin held her silence, refusing to acknowledge to Draiken restraining her.
Terra then groaned out in rising frustration, “You’re not much of a talker, huh...?”
However, a thought crossed her mind, causing the corner of her lips to curl sadistically.
“Maybe we should start by removing your helmet.”
Jolt!
“Ooh-hoo! Jackpot!” Terra laughed out joyfully, revelling in the reaction she expected. “Now, why don’t you want your identity revealed?”
Unable to resist the temptation, she adjusted the hold on her weapon and reached into the back of the helmet. “Let’s ... find ... out.”
Click.
“Wha-?”
FLASH!
Her murmurs of anticipation were cut short as she was blinded by a sudden flash of light from the corner of her eye.
Swoosh!
Losing her grip on the assassin’s restraint, Terra leapt off her opponent instinctively and retreated to gain a safe distance. Although she was unable to visualise the situation, she knew the assassin would retaliate and strike at the first chance of release.
Shiing...!
As she allowed her eyes to readjust, Terra unsheathed her second battle-knife in took a cautious stance. With her eyes focused once more, she found the assassin returned to her feet, taking up a battle stance with the two arm-blades aimed towards her new opponent. Through the opened gash of her opponent’s helmet, Terra determined that the assassin was beyond exhausted. Her heavy breaths and wild red eye burning, the assassin was at the breaking point for frustration and rage. The helmet-clad assassin lost any intention to focus solely on her intended target, instead desiring nothing more than to slaughter whoever stood in her way.
“Well ... aren’t you brave.” Terra murmured with an amused chuckle.
With one blade held behind her back and the other placed firmly in front of her, the unwavering Terra switched into an aggressive battle-stance. Her piercing glare narrowed and breath almost non-existent, she had no intention for playing around. The assassin hesitated in wary response, as though realising the risk she was up against.
Terra imagined two reasons as to why her opponent reacted with unexpected hesitancy: the first was the assassin’s possible uncertainty in facing a new enemy in her current fatigued position; the second – and more plausible possibility – was that she knew of Terra’s previous notoriety as the ‘High-Rise Mercenary’.
Although she was curious for the answer, Terra expressed little care in the outcome. The human who stood before her attempted to murder her child – that truth alone was enough to quash any room for negotiation or sympathy. Unless the assassin gave her the required information, death was a certainty.
In that moment, Terra leapt forward into a ferocious charge, her feet almost lifted off the ground entirely as she boosted her wings in additional velocity.
FWOOSH! Swing-CLASH!!!
Within nanoseconds of her charge, the mercenary clashed blades with the assassin with relentless fury.
***
With his mother’s words forged deep in his mind, Zaron hobbled over to Veena without delay. Ignoring the sharp aches and pains that still loomed within his body, he was determined to fulfil his mother’s demand and escape with Veena safely by just side. After a few huffs and wheezes, he eventually reached her location – the regen vial locked tight in his grasp as he hoped she was still conscious. He took no time to kneel beside her, holding back his agonizing yelps on descent. He then hoisted her up carefully and cradled in support so that he could apply the potion efficiently.
“… Za … Zaron…?” Veena murmured faintly; her half-open gaze barely focused as she struggled to breathe. “I-I’m ... I’m sor-...!”
“Drink this.” Zaron hushed her hastily before she could say another word, presenting her with the potion vial.
Sip...
With his assistance, Veena sipped down the remaining contents in the vial, ensuring not to leave a single drop. Zaron felt his body tense, refusing to distract himself with any echoing background noise and focusing solely on Veena’s recovery – even though he was desperate to know what was occurring behind him. Everything was running smoothly – until he heard the first sounds of blades colliding.
Swoop! Zing! Slash-slash! Shwiip…! CLASH!!!
At the same time, life returned to Veena. The flush in her cheeks were no longer deathly pale and her breathing could be heard stabilizing to a consistent pace. This was swiftly followed by a burst of strength, causing her body to lurch up and cough out spots of blood.
“*Hack!! … Koff-koff-koff…!* Urgh...”
“Whoa...! Are you okay, Veena?” Zaron held out his arms reactively, spotting her in case she lost stability and collapse from the sudden reaction. He thought the potion was rejecting her and causing internal ruptures, sending him into a state of panic. However, Veena grasped his hand immediately, shaking her head to him in reassurance.
“Heh … heh-heh…! D-don’t worry, I’m … fine.” She wheezed out in a light yet pained chuckle. “*Koff…!* Strong stuff, though.”
Zaron gazed at her anxiously, expressing a sense of uncertainty in her words.
Swish-swish-swoosh! Fwoom! Slash-Slash! SCREECH-!!!
Zaron’s head twisted in instant alert, his heart racing as he witnessed the devastating fight before them. The two combatants were clashing at speeds that felt beyond the capabilities of the naked eye.
From whom the two young Draiken could determine, Terra was overwhelming the assassin completely. She was rushing forward with a combination of high and low strikes, pivoting her feet extensively as though she was performing a masterful dance routine. Her combination of speed and forward velocity was otherworldly, causing her overall movements vastly unpredictable amongst the many spins and leaps. At the same time, the assassin was struggling to parry the immense flurry of strikes crucially, being forced back gradually as she failed to find any opportunity to counter. With the fatigue of the previous clash with her opponent’s son, the assassin was on her last legs based on the increasing sloppiness in her retaliating movement.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
The two young Draiken watched on in awe, feeling as though they had no privilege to exist in the same plain as the spectacle before them. It was only after a few minutes of staring at the awesome sight that Zaron remembered his task.
“Come on, Veena. We need to go.”
As he ushered the dazed Veena, Zaron hoisted her carefully as they returned to their feet.
“Nn-Hnngh...!!!”
Both winced during the long rise, Zaron holding his breath sporadically as he hoped to lessen the pain from his damaged ribs, whilst Veena yelped out in agony as she felt every movement forced upon her body. Although the regen-potion had helped lessen her injury to a significant extent, blood continued to seep from her numerous lacerations. Zaron bit the inside of his lip in deep regret upon hearing her unbearable yelps, wishing for nothing more than to soothe her pain. With her arm over his shoulder and his own holding her up from behind, Zaron’s eyes were set for their escape: through the crumbling Nitro household and into the vast Draiken neighbourhood beyond. It was a risky move, yet Zaron believed it was their most viable option. Without delay, he took the lead and hobbled away with the weakened Veena supported by his shoulder.
Cling-cling-cling...! Swoosh! BANG! CLASH-CLASH!! BOOM!!!
As Zaron and Veena battled through towards their destination, the subsequent battle between Terra and the assassin raged on. The explosive sounds from the heat of the battle grew astronomically at every passing second, causing Zaron to imagine the two combatants following them from close behind. He could even feel the ground beneath him rumbling with each clash, sending off miniature quakes that could knock the young Draiken off their feet at any moment.
And then, Zaron caught a glint of sharp metal approach him swiftly from the corner of his right eye. As he turned his head and attempted to reach for the blade on his back, he realised it was already too late for them. The assassin had splintered from her conflict strategically and redirected her intent to killing her original target.
“Where do you think YOU’RE GOING?!”
Vroosh…! BANG!!!
Zaron covered Veena instinctively as the unexpected impact erupted behind them, using his closest wing to shield regardless of his own exposure. A curious eye from Zaron then glanced over towards the scene – only for that eye to widen in shock. Terra had intercepted the assassin rapidly just before the arm-blade could land a mark on its intended prey, fuelled by a mixture of fury and adrenaline as she struck her opponent with a solid knee to the helmet.
WHAM! Bang-bang! Boom! CRASH!!!
The assassin collides with the ground in an instant, tumbling across the ground uncontrollably like a stone skipping across the water. Terra wasted no time to follow up her interception, soaring towards her enemy with anticipation of striking her down before her inevitable recovery. Her mind was on high alert, planning strategies and contingencies constantly to ensure she was always ahead of her opponent throughout the battle. However, the assassin twisted her body purposely and regained control at the last second, planting her feet on the ground and bracing for the next impact.
Swoop! Slash-CLASH!!!
The blades ricocheted once again; a bright cast of sparks flew in various directions before the two continued to fight. Zaron was frozen on the spot, his heart racing, and breaths heavy as he stuck watching the fierce battle unfold. After a few seconds of awe, he felt a light nudge in his side, snapping him back to reality instantly.
“What’s the ... hold up?” Veena questioned in her agonized slump, struggling to hold her own weight.
“Sorry. Let’s go.”
Forcing himself to stay focused on the task at hand, Zaron pressed on with the injured Veena secured to his side. The two stepped into the Nitro-family home carefully, avoiding any trip hazards or crumbling infrastructure as they aimed for the front door. As he treaded through the surrounding devastation, Zaron tensed up irritably. He tried his best to pay no mind in the battered condition of his home and the erupting sounds behind them, yet a feeling of disgust brewed deep within him. He then decided to switch and check on Veena’s wellbeing, avoiding any further thought on the issue adamantly. However, as he turned to her, he realised Veena was staring back at him with a disheartened expression. She saw through his tensed-up frown, knowing he was haunted by the grief of the entire incident alongside the fear for his mother’s safety.
“We’ll ... get through this, Zaron.” She assured him in a soothing yet weak tone. “You, me … and Terra.”
“Y-yeah ... thanks, Veena.” He responded in gratitude, feeling a spark of confidence upon hearing her words.
They passed through the once organised kitchen and dining room – now ripped apart and demolished completely from the earlier clash. Both Zaron and Veena observed the extent of the damage briefly, identifying the crumbled walls caused by the assassin from when she threw Zaron through the entire length of the building unexpectedly. The two then proceeded through the hallway, eyeing the entrance with determined expressions.
During this time, Zaron kept his eyes forward adamantly, ignoring the large hole in the right wall he created in his struggle against the assassin. After what felt like an eternity, the two young Draiken exited the house and stepped into the open neighbourhood.
“Ngh...!”
Zaron halted his step to catch his breath, the constant aches and pains throughout his body almost overwhelming him. However, as he breathed out in pain, he heard Veena comment in sudden realisation.
“Where is ... everyone?”
Zaron observed his surroundings, facing the same realisation as Veena in an instant. The neighbourhood was completely vacant. From the overall view of the street to the various windows of the neighbouring houses: Zaron found no evidence of life whatsoever. He expected at least a few neighbours to emerge in curiosity of the situation or preoccupied with informing the authorities, yet he felt as though they stepped into a ghost town.
“We can’t stay here.” He murmured to Veena in immense caution, expecting another surprise attack at any moment.
Forcing himself to proceed, Zaron stepped towards to rising lane of the neighbourhood, hoping to gain a vantage point for they call backup.
BOOM! Whoosh...!
However, as he focused on the road ahead, Veena glanced back in curiosity of the situation behind them. She then halted her own steps immediately, her eyes widened in bafflement as she gasped out.
“No way...!”
Wondering why she stopped unexpectedly, Zaron followed her gaze. He then stood frozen in place, falling pale and eyes widened in bewilderment as he shifted his sights high above their heads. The two observed as an odd movement soared up to the blackened sky above, noticing a distinct silhouette gaining distance from the ground in unexpected haste. The silhouette lacked wings, yet their legs were glowing with a faint blue filter, acting as the primary catalyst to their ability of temporary flight.
Flap-flap! FWOOSH!!!
And then, another – winged – silhouette shot up towards their airborne opponent rapidly, their wings flapping at a ferocious speed as they shot up like a speeding bullet.
Fwoom...! Clink-clink-CLASH!!!
It was a few seconds before the two silhouettes collided with a plethora of sparks, the second overpowering the first upon immediate contact.
Swing-swing-swing! Swoop! Bang! Slice!
Blades ricocheted against one another as though by routine, the continuous sparks allowing a small glow to reveal the identities of both combatants briefly. Although difficult to determine from their position, the two young Draiken noticed that Terra’s silhouette was consumed with a perfect blend of fury and adrenaline. She was immersed in the battle entirely, using the skies to her advantage as she stopped at nothing to force the assassin into a state of panic. On the other hand, the assassin realised she had made a grave error upon becoming airborne, struggling to retaliate due to the lack of control and desperation to retreat from the battle. From the perspective of all three Draiken, the battle was all but won.
***
Terra felt as though she was in complete control of the entire battle, searching for every opportunity to dominate her opponent and end the conflict definitively. In her mind, it was only a matter of time before she could finally claim victory. At the same time, hints of fatigue were forming within her muscles, causing Terra to brush aside the inconvenience as she expected to finish the fight the fatigue could set in completely.
Whoosh! Cling-cling! Shiing...! SLASH!
She swung in rapid and constant succession at her enemy, the blades of her battle-knives slicing through with such fluidity that they were cutting the air in half with a clean swing.
Swipe...! BOOM!
“!?”
In a sudden twist of events, Terra locked her right forearm against the assassin's throat whilst her left fist was locked against the other's abdomen. With a firm thrust of her wings, she forced both herself and her opponent higher towards the dark skies above. The assassin was blindsided by the sheer force placed against her, unable to retaliate as she was rendered immobilized. From kicking to slicing at the arms: she attempted any form of backlash desperately to break Terra’s hold on her – yet nothing was successful. Terra responded at the attempts with a snarky grin, knowing she had the perfect opportunity to inflict the killing strike. And yet, a small voice in her mind desired more.
WHOOSH!!!
Terra continued her ascension towards the night sky, beating her powerful wings as she increased the pressure exponentially. She had every intention of pushing the limit, even when the assassin in her clutches was cutting into her arms with the arm-blades. Eventually, she was high enough in the sky that Zaron and Veena were like mere insects observing the events from below. Finally, as Terra felt satisfied with the height, she executed her concluding strike.
“...Heh.”
Swoop…! Slash-slash!
Splatter!
“Mngh!!”
With a low chuckle, Terra unleashed her deadly blades immediately. The velocity and devastation of the attack sent the assassin skyward, blood spluttering from the two fresh wounds formed through the rips of her battle-attire: one spanning across her collar area just underneath her neck, whilst the other crossed deep through the width of her abdomen.
Fwoosh...!
Consequently, the assassin hurtled into an uncontrollable descent, her limbs and body motionless as she dropped towards the distant ground below. Hovering in place, Terra watched the assassin’s descent with a narrowed, condescending glare. Even though she had every intention to end the battle, she felt a sense of curiosity over the assassin’s unique battle-suit. From what she had observed and experienced throughout the fight, she suspected the suit was enhanced technologically to assist the assassin in strength and mobility. With the constant clash of blades between the two combatants, Terra felt as though the assassin was far too strong for her overall slim size. Her looming suspicions were then confirmed quickly from the moment the assassin leapt up high into the sky, noticing the blue aura engulfing her legs as she ascended. She had a single in mind, feeling the desire to investigate the source.
(Who supplied her suit...?)
The assassin continued her tumbling descent, void of reaction upon falling to her inevitable doom. Terra’s eyes followed her fall, a dominating smirk curling through her otherwise severe expression. She was consumed with unwavering pride, feeling she was still in her prime.
Swoosh...! Stab!
“AH!”
After a single blink, Terra gasped out in abrupt pain as her body lurched downwards against her will, her right wing struck with an abrupt and unfathomable stabbing pain.
FWOOSH!!!
Blindsided by the sudden turn of events entirely, she used her unscathed left wing to stabilise her forced descent, feeling her right wing being pulled by a weighted force against her own will. As she gained a clear visual of her situation, Terra noticed a chained barbed weapon had pierced through her scaled right wing immediately, tearing through the underside skin of the limb and latched itself to the bone and muscle.
“HNGH!”
As the piercing weapon continued to tear into her wing and pull her down, the furious Terra switched to the perpetrator below her desperately. The assassin was holding onto the other end of the barbed weapon, its chain attached firmly to a hidden section of her left arm-blade. Even as she descended towards death’s abyss, she had every intention of taking her winged opponent with her to the grave. Terra’s expression twisted into a distraught sneer, tensing up her grip on her two battle-knives as her sights locked on her target.
(Dammit! Why was I so careless?!)
Her mind had devolved into a frenzy, cursing and swearing over her needless rookie error. She then chased her falling adversary, using the latched chain on her wing to her advantage.
***
“No!”
Upon witnessing the dramatic events unfold far above the two young Draiken, the horrified Zaron lurched towards the action in subconscious retaliation.
“Zaron! Don’t!” Veena yelled hastily in immense worry, knowing what was racing through his mind.
The two had ascended far up the lane, distancing themselves from the house as per Terra’s command. Veena continued to support herself on Zaron’s shoulder, stumbling on several occasions along the way. With every stumble, she cursed at herself furiously, angry that she had become a burden to Zaron. Although Zaron was happy to be her support, he empathised with her frustration over her lingering injuries. However, switching back to current time, Zaron turned to Veena upon feeling her hand grip his shoulder, his expression tenses up and conflicted immensely. On the one hand, he was desperate to help his mother, beyond fearful that she was in trouble. On the other hand, he was concerned of Veena’s wellbeing along with how long his agonizing ribs could hold out.
“There’s no point, Zaron. We’re both useless as we are now.” Veena wheezed bitterly, reminding him of the reality of their position in self-disdain. “The best thing we can do right now ... is to stay out of her way and call for help.”
“There has to be a way…” Zaron breathed irritably, fighting with himself to find a compromise. “I can’t just … stand in the side-lines like this.”
“...I know.” Veena then murmured in defeat. “It sucks.”
As she finished her comment, Veena proceeded to retrieve her smartphone from her belt pocket. At the same time, she separated herself from Zaron weakly, believing she had enough strength left to stand on her own two feet. Zaron watched her warily as she flicked through her contracts, prepared to catch her if she lost her balance once again. He was also mindful of the conflict above them, praying that his mother would conclude fight unscathed.
As Veena placed the phone against her ear, Zaron glanced up momentarily.
***
The two combatants continued to fall, the speed of their descent building as Terra chased after the assassin below. Through minimising her wingspan and acting like an arrowhead, she was able to reduce the distance between her and her opponent. She was aware that time was against her, noticing her beloved, damaged home swiftly approaching her. She knew she was left with a narrow margin of opportunity to finish her opponent before they become grounded. With her heart racing and pierced wing in unfathomable pain, Terra was beyond energized to finish the fight.
And then, feeling close enough to her motionless enemy, Terra struck forward with her blades.
FwooOOOOSH!!! STAB!
***
The terrified Zaron watched on, his body tensed and sweat forming from his brow as the two combatants closed in above.
“Dammit! No response...” Veena muttered underneath her breath beside him, checking her phone-screen before flicking to another contact. “What’s she ... doing at a time like this? I’ll try the home phone.”
Veena then switched to Zaron with elevated concern, knowing that his fear was consuming him. In her mind, she blamed herself for the entire mess, believing their situation was a result of her incompetence and eventual pathetic state. She believed that had she intercepted before the assassin had struck Zaron through the house walls, the two would be standing victorious over their opponent. After a defeated sigh, she noticed the locked grip she had on her katana, realising her body was also shaking. She placed the phone against her ear and glanced over towards the conflict. Both her and Zaron’s eyes then widened in horror.
WHOOSH…!!! Ka-BOOM!!!
Veena only caught a glimpse of Terra and the assassin clashing blades before they collided into the house below. And then, the entire house exploded on impact, lighting up the entire neighbourhood as a ball of flames engulfed the building. Shockwaves of dust and flame expanded across the area like a miniature nuke, forcing back any object that stood in its wake.
Without hesitation, Zaron kicked up into a full sprint, stumbled over his own feet as he charged towards the house.
“ZARON! NO!!!”
Veena screamed at the top of her lungs as she noticed him racing towards the fiery blaze, almost giving chase immediately before stumbling back by the immense shockwave. Zaron was sweating buckets, his entire body screaming at him as the immense pain erupted through his body with each panicked step. And yet, he ignored his own wellbeing completely as his focus was set only on his mother’s survival.
(Please be alive. Please be alive. Please be alive!)
His mind echoed on constant repeat, dreading the possible outcome that he refused to name. However, he would never reach the door.
Thwip!
“GAH!”
In that moment, a sharp pain struck the back of his neck abruptly, sending him to stumble forward until he lost his balance completely.
Fwip...! Bang-bang! WHACK!
He tripped and fell onto the pavement ground, tumbling down the concrete lane until he slowed to a halt. He clasped the back of his neck as he panted and wheezed breathlessly, wondering what struck him. At the same time, he felt faint, acting as though the entirety of his strength was sapped away in an instant.
“*Wheeze … wheeze...!* Nngh…!”
Lifting his head up with the remainder of his strength woozily, Zaron observed the blazing inferno he once called his home through his blurred vision. He was meters away from the front door, just out of reach. And yet, his body turned numb, lacking any function in his limbs whatsoever. No matter how hard he tried to move, his body refused to comply.
“Zaron…?!”
He could hear a distant, familiar voice yell out to him in horror, closing in on him hastily from far behind.
“ZARON!”
Hearing her voice echo to him, Zaron dropped his head and blacked out in an instant.