The eerie hum of Trion energy resonated through the darkened alleyways of the Forbidden Zone. For months, rumors had been circulating among Border agents about a mysterious force, a rogue agent who walked the thin line between friend and foe. The Brimstone Shogun, they called him, his Trion signature burning like brimstone, an enigma on the battlefield.
As the night hung over the city, Hoshizora moved silently within the Forbidden Zone. His feet barely making a sound on the cracked asphalt. His hooded figure blended with the shadows, and his piercing red eyes scanned the surroundings. In the distance, he sensed an abnormal amount of Trion energy approaching his area. Hoshizora's brow furrowed in concentration as he pondered the anomaly. "Another Gate? At this time? Border's sensors won't pick it up on time." With caution, he made his way towards one of the abandoned houses nearby.
Peering through a dusty window, he caught sight of the shimmering portal in the distance, its ethereal glow casting an eerie light on the deserted streets. "There's the Gate... but why here, and now?" he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the hum of Trion energy.
His mind raced with possibilities, each scenario more ominous than the last. Was it a new Neighbor incursion, or something even more sinister? Regardless, he knew he had to act swiftly.
His hand moved to his side, gripping a Trion device that had once belonged to a Border agent. With a flick of his wrist, it transformed into a unique Kotetsu, the color of fiery brimstone, crackling with energy. He knows how dangerous gates could be, hell he even came from one to escape the fall of his homeworld. "It better not be invaders," he started to say, then stopped himself. Since he's been in the area, all the gates have been nothing but invaders from other countries of the neighborhood.
As if in response to his silent concerns, figures began to emerge from the Gate, some of their forms massive and menacing in the flickering light. Hoshizora's heart clenched, not with fear or compassion, but with a sense of pity that these Neighbors had stumbled upon where he was. "Hmph, they still haven't found a way to get closer to Border HQ," Hoshizora began to say, then stopped himself. He realized it was unwise to vocalize his observations aloud. Instead, he pondered their approach, considering the possibility that the country that deployed the Neighbors had stealth technology. If so, their decision to appear this far in the Forbidden Zone was indeed strategic.
"But no need to worry about that."
With a fluid motion, he lunged into action. As the Neighbors emerged from the Gate, Hoshizora leaped from the second floor of the abandoned building, his blade gleaming in the dim light. In a swift and decisive strike, he landed amidst the Neighbors, his blade plummeting into the toughest of the Neighbors, the Marmod. Its Trion body disintegrating under the blade. The remaining group of five Idras turned their attention to Hoshizora, their forms bristling with hostility.
Undeterred, Hoshizora faced them head-on, his crimson eyes burning with passion. With a defiant roar, he prepared to meet their onslaught, his blade poised to defend against their collective attack.
Hoshizora Kurenai had become a staple in the war against the Neighbors, but he was no Border agent. His origins remained shrouded in mystery, and some speculated he was a vigilante, a solitary warrior taking on Neighbor incursions on his own terms.
Rumors about him had reached the highest echelons of Border HQ. The elite A-Rank agents had radioed in the command center, their voices hushed as they discussed the enigmatic figure. His presence had become a growing concern for Border, and Director Kido had finally decided to take action.
"Send a team to investigate The Brimstone Shogun," he instructed a high-ranking agent. "We need to know his true motives and whether he's a threat or an ally." Agents from multiple squads were assembled for the mission, their Triggers at the ready. They departed in a rush, eager to find the vigilante who had become a legend in the Forbidden Zone. The abandoned streets were filled with agents combing through the alleys and buildings where he had last been spotted.
Hours turned into a day, and the day into a restless night. The agents' search yielded no sign of The Brimstone Shogun. It was as if he had vanished into thin air, leaving nothing but a trail of scorched earth and a sense of mystery that only deepened. As the agents reported back to Border HQ with empty-handed frustration, they were left with more questions than answers. Hoshizora had slipped through their fingers, and the mystery of his origins and motives remained unresolved.
Back in Border HQ, Director Kido leaned against his desk, deep in thought. The reports from the agents who had scoured the city painted a perplexing picture. It seemed he had a knack for vanishing when under the spotlight. "Keep an eye on his activities," Kido instructed. "We need to learn more about him, and in the meantime, continue our investigations into his origins. It's not often we encounter a vigilante with such ability." As the days passed, the reports of his activities grew sporadic. He would surface briefly, thwarting Neighbor incursions with his unmatched prowess, only to disappear again.
Meanwhile, Hoshizora moved with purpose. He knew he was being watched, and he was no stranger to the art of evasion. His self-modified Trigger was a symbol of his determination to protect the city, but the circumstances of his arrival on Meeden and his origins weighed on his mind.
He was a survivor of a Neighbor attack back in his home world, Azafure. The memories of that fateful day haunted him like persistent shadows. The devastation he witnessed, the lives lost, and the helplessness he felt had left an indelible mark on his soul. It was a tragedy that fueled his unwavering resolve to protect Meeden, to ensure that no other place suffered the same fate as Azafure.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the city skyline, Hoshizora sought refuge in a quiet cafe. He had just received a tip about a potential Neighbor hideout, and he needed a moment to plan his next move. The cafe's dimly lit interior provided the perfect cover as he sat in a corner, deep in thought on a public desktop.
"Another hideout," he murmured to himself, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he accessed encrypted files. 'They never learn.' Despite the urgency of the situation, he remained calm and focused, his mind already formulating strategies to tackle the impending threat
As he scoured Border's private databases and combed through unreleased captured Neighbor technology, his internal monologue echoed with purpose. "The Neighbors hide their true intentions," he thought. "But do they truly understand the consequences of their actions? Born from the same origins as them, I know the depths of their ambitions and the turmoil they bring. If I can decipher their motives and uncover their hidden agenda, perhaps I can prevent further destruction and find a path to peace in this world."
His self-imposed mission had become not only a quest to protect Mikado City but also a personal crusade to understand and outmaneuver the hostile Neighbors. However, as fate would have it, the door chimed, and two individuals entered the cafe. Osamu Mikumo and Yuma Kuga, both in their Border uniforms, had decided to grab a bite to eat. His heart quickened, and his senses went on high alert. He knew that Border agents were always on the lookout for him.
Hoshizora's grip tightened on the keyboard, his eyes darting between the screen and the newcomers. He forced himself to maintain a calm facade, though his heart raced with the possibility of being discovered. "Keep your cool," he reminded himself silently, resisting the urge to glance over his shoulder at the Border agents. Instead, he kept his focus on the screen, his fingers moving with purpose as he continued his research.
Osamu and Yuma, unaware of Hoshizora's presence, made their way to a nearby table, their conversation hushed but intense. Hoshizora couldn't help but overhear snippets of their discussion, his senses on high alert for any mention of his name or the Brimstone Shogun.
As the Border agents settled into their seats, Hoshizora's mind raced with possibilities. Would they recognize him? Would they confront him? "I have to get out of here without drawing their attention. I can't afford to engage with Border agents right now."
Osamu, while sipping his coffee, observed him from a distance. He couldn't help but notice the man's guarded demeanor and calculated movements. There was something about him that piqued Osamu's curiosity, but he didn't make a move just yet. He watched Hoshizora, silently pondering the suspicious figure.
Osamu leaned closer to Yuma and whispered, "Yuma, I've got a feeling about that guy in the corner. Something's not right. Keep an eye on him, but don't make it obvious." Yuma nodded. They both watched him, silently acknowledging the sense of mystery that surrounded him.
As Hoshizora kept a watchful eye on the cafe's entrance, he noticed the perfect moment to slip away. He slowly rose from his seat and made his way to the exit. He moved quietly, blending into the flow of patrons. Outside the cafe, the evening air offered a fleeting sense of freedom. His instincts led him down a narrow alley adjacent to the bustling main street. He kept to the shadows, unknowing that his pursuers were close behind.
Osamu and Yuma exchanged a silent nod of understanding. They paid the bill and rose from their seats, ready to discreetly follow him. They had no answers yet, but he had piqued their curiosity. Osamu and Yuma trailed him through the dimly lit alleyways of Mikado City, each step taken with caution. The balance between secrecy and discovery was a fine line they had to tread, and the truth seemed to grow more elusive with every passing moment.
As he darted through the maze of urban streets, Hoshizora's mind raced with the urgency of his mission and the ever-present danger that lurked around every corner. The city's bustling energy provided cover for his movements, but he knew he couldn't let his guard down. Eventually, after a series of deft maneuvers and quick thinking, Hoshizora emerged into a tranquil park bathed in the soft, warm glow of the setting sun. The transition from the chaotic urban landscape to the serene environment of the park was jarring, yet oddly comforting.
Surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant laughter of children, Hoshizora took a moment to collect his thoughts. He reflected on the purpose that drove him, the journey that had brought him to this world, and the relentless pursuit of understanding the Neighbors.
As he sat on a park bench, the complexities of his situation weighed on him. He couldn't help but wonder if his actions were enough to prevent the looming catastrophe, or if he was merely a fleeting presence in the grander scheme of things. Unknown to him, Osamu and Yuma had discreetly followed his path, hidden in the shadows. They observed him from a distance, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity, and caution. They knew that the man on the bench wasn't from around here. His demeanor, the route he took to get to the park, and his constant glancing around was proof of that.
Osamu and Yuma exchanged a silent agreement, deciding on a careful approach. They walked towards Hoshizora calmly, their expressions open and friendly. Osamu offered a polite smile as they drew near. "Nice evening for a stroll in the park, isn't it?" Osamu began with a casual greeting, his tone warm and non-threatening.
Yuma added, "Yeah, the park's a great place to relax. Mind if we join you for a moment?"
The questions were ordinary, designed not to raise suspicion. Osamu and Yuma were fully aware that his background was shrouded in mystery, and they intended to get to the bottom of it without startling him.
As the duo approached, Hoshizora's initial reaction was one of surprise. He hadn't anticipated being discovered so easily, and his mind raced to assess the situation. He quickly scanned Osamu and Yuma, noting their familiar Border uniforms and the friendly expressions on their faces. Despite his surprise, he maintained a facade of calm, knowing that any sudden movements would only arouse suspicion.
He offered a polite nod, acknowledging their presence. "Yes, it's a beautiful evening," he replied, his voice measured and composed. "Feel free to join me." His words were welcoming, but a keen observer would detect an undercurrent of caution. As Osamu and Yuma settled onto the park bench beside him, he continued to observe them closely, as if gauging the depth of their intentions. He maintained an air of politeness, waiting to see where this conversation would lead.
The conversation started with light, casual topics. Osamu initiated, "It's rare to find someone so relaxed in this park. Are you from around here?" Hoshizora maintained his composed demeanor, giving away nothing. "No, I'm not from Mikado City," he replied, his response carefully vague.
Yuma chimed in, "We're Border agents, by the way. It's our job to keep the city safe from Neighbor threats." He looked at him with a friendly expression. "You must have heard of us, right?" His eyes flickered briefly, a hint of recognition. "I've heard of Border and your efforts," he said, not revealing the extent of his knowledge. "You do important work."
Osamu continued, "That's true, but there are some things about the Neighbors we still don't understand. We've encountered some unique individuals among them. Have you had any experience with Neighbors?" His guarded expression didn't waver. "I've encountered Neighbors before," he admitted, "but my encounters were less than friendly."
As the conversation continued, Osamu couldn't help but bring up a recent topic of discussion. "You know," he began, "there's been a lot of talk about a vigilante who's been taking out Neighbor attacks lately. They call him 'The Brimstone Shogun.' Have you heard anything about this guy?" His expression remained neutral, but his thoughts raced. He had indeed been the one behind those defenses, but he wasn't ready to reveal that just yet. "I've heard the rumors," he replied carefully. "But I don't know much about him."
Yuma, who had been listening, suddenly interjected. "You know, you make up the stupidest lies." Hoshizora's eyes darted between the two agents, his guarded facade slipping for a brief moment. Yuma's Side Effect was picking up on his lie, revealing more than he had intended to share.