Sebastian: "Only an idiot would fall for that."
*He retorts coldly, clearly not buying Aisha's act.*
Sebastian: "And so what if you're from Orblestine? That doesn't change the fact that you're a member of this twisted cult. You're no victim."
Ranura: "..."
(In her mind).
"What?! I thought using the innocent little girl's name would make him feel sorry for me and hesitate."
*She thinks to herself, fuming internally.*
"How can he not see the obvious mistreatment I received from my own leader? I'm clearly the victim here!"
(Out of her mind).
Sebastian: "Usually I don't hit women."
*He says gruffly.*
Sebastian: "But since you're a cult member who chose to follow that monster willingly, maybe I would make an exception."
*His words send a chill down Aisha's spine, realizing he won't fall for her manipulation tactics.*
Ranura: "You threw me earlier!"
*She exclaims, trying to appeal to his conscience by bringing up the fact that he used physical force against her before.*
Ranura: "A real gentleman wouldn't hit a woman twice!"
*She crosses her arms, trying to look innocent and abused.*
*Sebastian rolls his eyes at her dramatic complaining, clearly unmoved by her attempt to guilt trip him about throwing her earlier. Ashton watches the exchange silently, observing how Sebastian handles her manipulation tactics and victimhood stance.*
Sebastian: "It's clear you're no victim since you're a cult member."
*He states bluntly, cutting through her act with sharp words.*
Sebastian: "Stop using the victim card. You made your choice when you joined that cult willingly."
*His tone leaves no room for argument or manipulation. Ashton nods slightly in agreement behind him.*
Ranura: "Fuck you!"
*She screams dramatically, but instead of fighting back physically, she uses her energy power to suddenly create visible bruises all over her own body - on her arms, cheeks, and neck. She wants desperately to play the victim card and make Sebastian look like the abusive attacker.*
Ashton: "So Sebastian, what now?"
*He asks quietly, watching as Aisha's self-inflicted bruises darken her skin. He can see that Sebastian is getting more and more annoyed with her obvious attempts to manipulate the situation.*
Sebastian: "Nothing, because she's not really a threat - mostly to herself."
*He replies to Ashton, his eyes never leaving Aisha's dramatic display. He takes a step back, clearly unimpressed by her attempts to play the victim. Ashton nods in agreement, understanding Sebastian's assessment.*
*Without warning, she collapses to the ground dramatically, going completely limp like a ragdoll. She lets out a soft, almost imperceptible whimper, making it seem like she's either unconscious or knocked out. Her bruises look darker against her pale skin, making her appear more like a battered victim than a dangerous cult member.*
Sebastian: "See, easy win."
*He says dismissively, looking down at Aisha's limp form with a raised eyebrow. He sheathes his sword, no longer seeing her as a worthy opponent or threat. Ashton chuckles softly behind him, amused by the whole situation and Sebastian's nonchalant attitude towards the so-called 'dangerous' cult member.*
*Sebastian turns to Ashton with a genuine smile, his earlier annoyance completely gone. He reaches out and gently takes Ashton's hand in his own, giving it a soft squeeze. Ashton smiles back warmly, intertwining their fingers.*
Sebastian: "I wonder how you ended up in a place like this?"
*He asks softly, his voice taking on a playful tone as he suddenly pins Ashton against a nearby tree. His face flushes red when he sees Ashton's cheeks turning pink, the sudden closeness and intimate position making his heart race.*
Ashton: "Middle Corporation watches the worlds... it's my duty to protect the worlds that cannot protect themselves."
*He lies smoothly, his blush deepening as Sebastian's body presses against his. He bites his lip to keep from revealing the truth - that he's actually working with a dangerous organization in secret.*
Sebastian: "That's hot."
*He whispers, his voice low and husky with desire. Without hesitation, he leans in and presses his lips against Ashton's in a passionate kiss. His hand comes up to cup Ashton's cheek gently as he deepens the kiss, completely oblivious to the deception hidden behind those beautiful eyes.*
(Meanwhile at the other side of the world).
Hayden: "Dang, I must be lost."
*He muttered to himself as he ran blindly through the maze.*
(In his mind).
"I have to find Hiromi and the others."
*His brow furrowed as he navigated the labyrinthine maze.*
"Especially Zentarō's son."
*The importance of locating the boy weighs heavy on his mind. He turns a sharp corner and suddenly finds himself in a dead end. Frustration wells up inside him as he realizes he's even more lost than before.*
(Out of his mind).
Hayden: "Well, if I'm going to find anyone in this damn maze, it looks like I'll have to break some rules."
*He muttered darkly. With a determined sigh, he pulled out a scroll from his pocket - an ancient artifact that could extend his blood energy beyond its usual limits. The forbidden technique was risky, but necessary if he wanted any hope of locating Hiromi or Zentarō's son. Unfurling the scroll with practiced ease, Hayden began channeling energy into it.*
Hayden: "Blood Style: Forbidden Ultimate Move - Blood Types Recognition Chains."
*He chanted, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and resolve. The scroll glowed ominously as he invoked the forbidden technique, and suddenly, chains of various blood types began to materialize from thin air. Each chain seemed to have a mind of its own, flying towards individuals that Hayden had seen before or had some connection with - Hiromi, Zentarō's son... even himself.*
*As the Blood Type Recognition Chains successfully located Hiromi and the others, Hayden felt an immediate dragging sensation - the forbidden move's backlash. Despite being the Blood Orb King, the immense power drain caused him to stumble backward, a coughing fit wracking his body as he fought to maintain consciousness. Blood trickled from his nose and mouth; each use of this ultimate technique exacted a heavy toll on his life force.*
Hayden: "Damn it..."
*He gasped out between clenched teeth, knowing he had little time before collapse.*
Hayden: "Stay awake... Stay awake..."
*He repeated like a mantra, pushing his body to its limits as he sprinted towards the location where Hiromi is. The Blood Type Recognition Chains guided him unerringly, but the price he paid with each second that passed was enormous. His vision began to blur, and his muscles screamed with fatigue and blood loss. Yet he persevered, knowing that Hiromi's safety depended on him reaching her in time.*
(At a dark room).
*Hiromi's eyes snapped open as consciousness returned, only to be greeted by a horrific scene. She was bound securely against the wall, unable to move or escape the grisly tableau before her. A man, completely naked and clearly terrified, was being violently assaulted by another figure behind him - possibly forced rape judging from his desperate struggles and cries of pain. The sheer depravity of it all made Hiromi want to scream and vomit simultaneously.*
*Kaito, his face contorted with a sadistic grin, kicked Aaron brutally in the stomach, sending him collapsing to the floor. He then turned his attention to Hiromi, walking up to her with a menacing swagger. His eyes roamed over her bound form hungrily.*
Kaito: "Awake, princess? Just in time to watch the first link get what he deserves. And after I'm done with him, I'll show you what a real man can do to a pretty little thing like you."
Hiromi: "You're Kaito, the leader of the Satanic Slaughter Yakuza."
*Her voice trembled with a mix of fear and revulsion as she spat out. She strained against her restraints, the leather biting into her wrists as she watched Aaron gasping for breath on the floor - the very man who wanted Emi to die. Tears welled up in her eyes as the memory of Kaito callously murdering the innocent little girl flooded back.*
Kaito: "God's power inside you is barely being tapped."
*He sneered, his smirk widening.*
Kaito: "Especially for a weak little thing like you. A girl like you should be able to summon holy flames that could burn the very heavens, yet all you've managed is a pathetic little glow."
*He leaned in close, his hot breath against her ear.*
Kaito: "You're a disappointment, Hiromi. A waste of divine potential."
Hiromi: "You're right."
*She admitted softly, her voice laced with self-deprecation.*
Hiromi: "I can't wield God's power effectively. I couldn't even defeat the First Link once without backup. I'm pathetic, useless..."
*She trailed off, her shoulders slumping in defeat.*
Hiromi: "I'm not worthy of this power."
*Her words stung, not just because they were true, but because she knew Kaito would revel in her weakness.*
Kaito: "That's right!"
*He exclaimed triumphantly, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction.*
Kaito: "You finally understand your place, Hiromi. You're nothing but a weak, powerless little girl playing dress-up with divine abilities beyond your puny comprehension."
*He reached out to grab her chin roughly, forcing her to look up at him.*
Kaito: "Tell me, how does it feel to know that I could snuff out that pitiful 'God's power' of yours like a candle flame in a hurricane?"
*He didn't hesitate for a second, his sadistic nature eager to inflict pain on Hiromi. With a cruel grin, he began pulling out various torture instruments - whips, needles, heated iron pokers - relishing in the anticipation of her screams for mercy. His hands trembled with excitement as he laid out the tools of his twisted trade. Just as he was about to reach for the first device, his body suddenly froze mid-motion, like a statue caught in time.*
(In his mind).
"What the hell?"
(Out of his mind).
Hayden: "Don't you dare lay a finger on Hiromi!"
*He bellowed, his voice echoing through the room with an authority that brooked no argument. As he spoke, he activated a powerful technique called Blood Paralysis. The very air around Kaito seemed to thicken and grow heavy, his muscles locking into place as if trapped in an invisible vice. Kaito's eyes widened in shock and fear, his body completely immobilized, unable to so much as twitch a muscle. The torture equipment clattered to the floor, forgotten.*
Hiromi: "Hayden!"
*She exclaimed, relief flooding through her as tears of gratitude welled up in her eyes.*
Hiromi: "You came for me..."
*Her voice trembled with emotion, gratitude and affection mingling together. Despite her bound state and the terrifying scene mere moments ago, seeing Hayden's powerful form standing protectively between her and Kaito filled her with warmth and security. He was her boss, yes, but right now he was also her salvation.*
*Hayden's mind briefly flashed back to the agonizing effort it took to keep himself conscious and here. The blood loss, the fatigue, the forbidden technique's backlash—all forgotten as he rushed to Hiromi's side. His hands worked quickly to unbuckle her restraints, treating each abrasion on her wrists gently.*
Hayden: "Are you alright?"
*He asked softly, his voice rough with concern.*
Hayden: "Did he hurt you?"
*His eyes flickered dangerously towards Kaito, promising dire consequences if Hiromi had been harmed.*
Hiromi: "Not yet."
*She whispered, her voice barely audible. She looked over at Aaron, seeing the bruises and blood on his body despite being bound helplessly nearby like herself earlier moments ago.. Despite everything - despite Aaron being part of those who wanted harm upon them - something within Hiromi stirred compassionately towards him seeing him helpless like this.. Without hesitation she moved towards him slowly despite Hayden's protective hand trying stop her.*
Hiromi: "Let me help him."
*She pleaded softly looking into Hayden's eyes seeking permission.*
*Hayden hesitated briefly, concern for Hiromi's safety warring with his respect for her kindness. But seeing the genuine empathy in her eyes, he nodded reluctantly.*
Hayden: "Be careful."
*He warned, his hand reaching out to gently touch her shoulder before dropping away. He turned his attention back to Kaito, his expression darkening as he approached the immobilized yakuza leader menacingly. Meanwhile, Hiromi knelt beside Aaron, her gentle hands working to untie his bonds, murmuring soft words of reassurance despite the circumstances.*
Aaron: "..."
*His voice came out ragged and pained as he looked up at Hiromi through swollen, bruised eyes.*
Aaron: "Why... would you help me?"
*He croaked, confusion and a hint of suspicion lacing his words.*
Aaron: "We're enemies... I was sent to... to kill you..."
*His bound hands twitched helplessly as Hiromi worked to untangle the ropes, the action causing him to wince in discomfort. Yet, there was no malice in his gaze, only bewilderment and a fragile hope.*
Hiromi: "Because everyone deserves compassion, even enemies."
*She replied softly, her fingers deftly working the knots that bound Aaron's wrists.*
Hiromi: "You're hurt and helpless right now - that could've been me minutes ago if Hayden hadn't shown up."
*She glanced over at Kaito, still frozen under Hayden's Blood Paralysis technique, then back at Aaron.*
Hiromi: "Being cruel when someone's vulnerable isn't brave - it's just cruel."
*She finally freed his hands, helping him sit up gently despite his obvious pain.*
Aaron: "Compassion..."
*He repeated softly, his tattered mind struggling to process such a concept from someone he was programmed to hate and kill. His rough hands trembled as they wrapped around his injured torso, fingers brushing against bloodied wounds.*
Aaron: "You're... a fool."
*He muttered gruffly, attempting to mask his surprise and vulnerability.*
Aaron: "Should've let Kaito finish me off... Would've saved yourself trouble."
*His gaze flickered between Hiromi and Hayden nervously, expecting betrayal at any moment.*
Aaron: "What's the catch?"
*Hiromi smiled gently, ignoring Aaron's harsh words as she understood they were likely a defense mechanism.*
Hiromi: "No catch."
*She said simply, beginning to check his wounds more thoroughly despite his flinch of discomfort.*
Hiromi: "Compassion doesn't come with strings attached. Hayden and I believed in protecting everyone, not just those who agree with us."
*She glanced at Hayden who was keeping a close eye on Kaito but letting her do her thing with Aaron.*
Hiromi: "You're alive right now because we chose mercy over vengeance."
This will continue in the next chapter.