Kozuna
I feel the curse energy coursing through me. But why? I thought the fields down here did the opposite?
Over a dozen men were assigned to stand watch over us. But ever since the alarm blared, the guards went on high alert and practically didn't take their eyes away from us. Nikai's tube rumbled uncontrollably, and shadows enveloped his skin. The fluid may have been holding him in place before, but it could do so no longer. And my situation was similar. Electricity escaped from my seal, flowing through the fluid.
Guess it doesn't matter. We've got a chance to escape. We're taking it!
Momentarily, our containment tubes burst open. Nikai underwent curse transformation and my electricity blasted glass everywhere. Liquid spilled across the floor as Nikai and I broke free, without even trying.
I dropped to one knee as I fell from the tube, squeezing my left wrist. Much more electricity than usual was shooting out of the black mark, though it was still controllable. The curse seal glowed and grew, forming singular, thin, black rings around each of my fingers and a sizable dot above the crescent. With all the energy rushing through me, I felt invigorated and ready to take on whatever the world could throw at me. But at the same time, I felt like I was being shocked.
This power feels almost too strong, but I think I can handle it.
"Hey, Kozuna." Nikai stared at his hands. "I don't know what's going on, but I feel in control right now. Usually, this shit'd be driving me insane, but… not this time. Whaddya say we rescue Ty and Anari, and then get the hell out of here?"
"I'm with you."
I raised my seal-bearing palm at the enemies and let loose a lightning bolt, far greater than any time before. And to my right was the man covered in shadows. Only that time, in complete control of his actions and of normal human stature.
Bullets flew our way, but my electricity melted the tiny projectiles long before they could reach us. Subsequently, our enemies took a lightning blast to the face. They all went flying off their feet, smashing into the wall, where most of them went unconscious.
"Steer clear, Koz," Nikai ordered, aiming his claws at our immobilized foes.
Nikai manifested an orb of black flames between his claws, lighting my eyes up. I knew what he was about to do. Darting ahead, I kicked several soldiers out of the way, just before Nikai released the attack. His attack blew open the wall, leaving nothing but a searing, smoking hole in its wake. I glared over at him, though he just marched onward.
"You could've left them there, Kozuna. Who cares if they die?" Nikai waved his arm dismissively. "Well, whatever. Let's tear this place apart. I suppose it doesn't matter, so long as they don't interfere."
Why did I even care to save them? What's up with me?
I remained frozen in place momentarily, before shaking myself free. "Yeah. Sure."
How long am I gonna run damage control? And why am I still doing it? This clan hates us. They treat us like we aren't human. Why am I still trying to protect them?
Nikai's blast led us down a long shiny hallway populated with more guards. However, instead of fighting, they took off. Not that I could blame them- they probably witnessed the wall being vaporized and may have nearly been caught in it.
"You'd be smart to run, but even smarter to tell me where my little brother is!"
Many of the guards frantically turned their heads while Nikai shadow-stepped in front of one. The guard didn't even catch a glimpse of Nikai until he completely turned back around. He fell onto his ass and tried shooting Nikai with a small handgun, but it was ineffective. The bullet bounced off the thickened spikes curving over Nikai's shoulders and protecting his chest.
Nikai snatched the guard off the ground with one hand, digging his claws through the metal armor and drawing red-hot blood. "Didn't you hear me? You'd be smart to tell me where my little brother is! Answer me when I'm speaking to you!"
The guard stuttered and fumbled around with his words, unable to formulate an acceptable response for Nikai. His entirety shook in pure terror- something Nikai knew to take advantage of.
"Well now, can't be of use, can't be allowed to live."
"H-huh? N-No! Wh-wh-"
Not another second was wasted. Nikai ripped his throat open, without batting an eye.
"NIKAI!"
I get that we were locked up. And I understand that he wants to save his brother, but was that really necessary?
Nikai tossed the corpse aside, and the head flopped back and forth as blood oozed out. He turned to the other soldiers and stared into their souls, a second, equally-effective paralysis, as if his merciless kill wasn't already enough to make grown men freeze in horror. Limp and unable to move, their bodies fell to the floor, forced to be held at Nikai's ever-waning mercy.
"I'll obliterate every damn person who works for those good-for-nothing councilors if I have to! Who wants to be useful, and tell me where my brother is? Your reward is living another day!"
I inspected the dying man Nikai threw aside, careful not to touch him.
"Justified or not, this isn't the right way to handle things." If he wants to kill someone, he should go after the councilors. Not people who are just trying to make ends meet. They probably just don't have another choice." I flashed in front of Nikai, holding my arms to the side. "Don't attack, Nikai. Focus on finding the exit from this place; I'll find Tyuyo and Anari."
"The hell're you talking about? He's MY brother! I ain't leavin' without him!"
"You're not! Just locate the exit so we can have a safe getaway! I'll find them, trust me!"
Nikai groaned and slowly began to pace away.
"Before I go, one of you is gonna give us my brother's location. The reward is not being killed!"
"The central command center, I think," squeaked one of the guards. "We were told intruders were there! A girl, a child, and a traitor!"
Nikai briefly stepped onto his stomach, causing the man to retch a bit. "Thanks for your cooperation."
Oh, for fuck's sake.
I took a quick breath and grabbed Nikai's arm. "Head for the exit! Stop worrying about them! They're not important!"
Nikai sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes. "Fine. But you'd better get my brother outta there."
"I'll put my life on the line, make no mistake."
After a beat, Nikai destroyed another wall, aimlessly looking for the way out. He soon dashed out of sight.
I hope that keeps him from murdering everyone, but I doubt it'll work. But the central command center? Knowing where they are helps as much as not knowing, if I don't have a damn clue where I AM.
I leaned over one of the still paralyzed guards and lifted his head slightly. "Wanna be a dear and tell me where exactly I'm currently standing? And how to reach the central command center? Oh- directions to the exit from there, too."
The guard calmed himself down in my face, but still nervously gave me even more directions than needed. It was clear he was trying to act tough, though failing horribly at it.
"Thanks." I patted his head and crouched into a running stance. "Don't do anything stupid. I'm saying that for your own sakes!"
I found myself zipping through the metal corridors following that brief exchange, taking every necessary turn and avoiding soldiers. My speed was enough to leave a strong breeze in my wake, which practically smacked every guard against a wall and out my way.
However, I was conflicted about whether or not leaving the soldiers alive was the right move.
***
In no time, I came upon a set of large double doors, beyond which I heard the sound of rampant gunfire.
Anari and Tyuyo must be in there, along with the traitor. I wonder who that could be.
I took a few steps back, then sprung forward, slamming a speed-boosted kick into the doors. The large doors flew off the hinges, smashing a few nearby people.
Oooh. That has to hurt. Might need to dial my entrances back a bit.
I scanned the dead body-filled battleground and saw plenty of still-alive soldiers who were left staring at me in a mixture of amazement and fear. Beyond them, I gazed up at the center platform of the command center. Anari and Tyuyo were up there, along with Shin.
Shin? He's the traitor? Again? What reason does he have to help us?
Before anyone could snap back into reality, I slammed my and against the steely floor, shooting electricity in all directions. In just a few short moments, I'd managed to zap almost every soldier unconscious. And the rest were too stunned to move.
I took my time walking up to the platform. "You guys miss me?"
Anari smirked and punched me on the shoulder. "Nah, we were fine. Nice of you to show up though, oh-"
"Sorry for interrupting, but I need to ask." I met eyes with Shin. "Why is he here?"
Shin was about to open his mouth, but Anari hushed him with quickness. She slapped her hand over his lips and shook her head.
"You'll say something stupid." Anari cleared her throat. "He's on our side. For real this time."
I glanced between Anari and Shin for a few seconds before I caught on. With that, I placed my hand on my chin, scratching it a little and squinting my eyes.
"Awwww you've got a soft spot for him!" I laughed out loud.
Anari growled and slapped me hard as shit. "It's not like that dammit!"
I rubbed my face, then looked back at her, seeing Anari failing to hide the fact that she was blushing. I couldn't help but smirk.
"If you trust him, and he's already gone this far, then I'll trust your judgment."
Shin glanced over my shoulder, eyes wide. "So, um. Where's Nikai?"
"Hopefully at the entrance by now, waiting for us. I said I'd come find you guys and get out of here, so let's move."
We were just about ready to head out until Shin halted us. "Wait."
Anari turned back to him with a level of concern about her gaze. "What is it?"
"Remember what we talked about? Anari? If they come back in here, they can reset the deactivation fields, and we won't stand a chance of escaping. If that happens before we can all get out of here-"
Anari put her hands to her waist and cocked her head. "So? What are you getting at?"
"Someone needs to stay behind and give the others time to escape. Otherwise, no one will get out of here."
I waved my hands around, taking a deep breath. "Alright. I'll stay back, Shin. You can guide Anari and Tyuyo to the exit. Besides, whatever these guards try to throw at me, I can handle."
"No, you need to get out of here. Anari, Tyuyo, and I don't have enough ammunition for a full-blown escape. Besides, Nikai would probably just murder me, anyway. I can't guard them and hope to escape. You're our only firepower. You need to go, and so does Tyuyo. That leaves only myself and Anari."
Here comes the drama.
"I'll-"
Shin covered Anari's mouth and shook his head slowly.
Is that a curse seal?
"I've already made up my mind, Anari. I'll stay back and hold out as long as I can. They won't have a hope of defeating you guys with all that lightning and kicking, but I still have a few clips and grenades. Should buy you guys enough time if you're fast."
I was about to answer, but then Anari cupped HER hand over my mouth.
"Shin. What was all that about wanting to finally be free? This is your chance for freedom, I've lived life the way I wanted, but you haven't had that chance yet! I'm staying."
"Even if we did escape, the councilors would gun me down much worse than you three. I'm a turncoat. I know too much. And I want you guys to live, especially since I got you all into this situation in the first place. Don't worry though, I don't plan on dying; not today. I said before that I'd experience a free life, and I will. Believe it."
Anari paused. She gazed away, her eyelids twitching. But regardless, she stilled herself and nodded. "You'd better not die, Shin. If things get rough, you make a break for the exit and don't stop for anything, okay? Promise me."
Shin reached around her and gave Anari a deep hug. "I promise."
That has to be the fourth time I've ever seen Anari willingly hug someone. Holy shit.
Watching through my peripheral vision, I saw a single tear fall from Shin's eye. I pretended not to see it.
I don't know what happened between them, but Shin seems different.
"Get going!" Shin soon pushed her away and cocked his gun. "And give Lady Zara my best!"
Holding Tyuyo's hand, Anari nodded and headed for the doorway, just ahead of me. I glanced back and saw Shin sit at the base of the staircase, changing the magazine of his rifle.
No matter what you do, survive, Shin.