Osaka, Japan
???
April 8th, 2023
"So, what is it like? Your team, I mean," Rika asked Iris as they both traversed the barren streets of the city.
"The crusade? It's great, I think. I mean, we get to have a roof over our heads and food to fill our stomachs. It's manageable," Iris replied.
Rika could see the sadness in her eyes. Although they had been fine, the comfort that this new apocalyptic world provided couldn't compare to the leisure of the old world.
As Rika and Iris continued their journey through the desolate city, time seemed to slow down, matching the pace of their footsteps on the barren streets. The world around them was silent and still, and the weight of their surroundings seemed to hang heavy in the air.
With each step they took, they carefully scanned their surroundings, searching for any signs of life or hope in the desolate landscape. The scarce resources forced them to move deliberately, conserving their energy as they navigated through the debris and remnants of the once vibrant city.
The absence of any human presence made the silence even more profound. The emptiness seemed to echo the memories of the old world that they held onto dearly. They spoke in hushed tones, as if trying not to disturb the tranquility that had settled over the city like a thick fog.
Despite the hardships, Rika and Iris found solace in each other's company. They took the time to share stories of the past, reminiscing about the simple joys and leisure they once knew. These shared memories became an anchor that held them together, comforting them in the face of the unknown future.
As they moved forward, they noticed nature slowly reclaiming the city. The sight of a lone flower pushing through a crack in the pavement brought a moment of wonder amidst the desolation. It reminded them that even in the darkest times, there was still beauty and resilience to be found.
Their journey was not rushed; it allowed them to observe the smallest details in their surroundings. They noticed the patterns in the graffiti on the walls, the way the sunlight filtered through the broken windows, and the intricate architecture of the abandoned buildings.
In the evenings, they would find a safe place to rest, sitting together in silence, gazing at the stars that shone brightly in the unblemished sky. The vastness of the universe reminded them of how small and insignificant their struggles were in the grand scheme of things.
"I'm sure we can find Karin. You don't have to torture yourself with the thought of not being able to defend her anymore. You did what you could, what's important is how we move forward," Iris said as she touched Rika's shoulders.
Rika looked at her in silence and just nodded. As they watched the blinking of the stars, awaiting sleep to visit them, Rika heard a rustling from a nearby tree.
Rika rose gracefully from the soft grass, Iris at her side, her mystic sword held firmly in her grip. As they approached the rustling tree, Rika's eyes glowed with curiosity and concern. With a wave of her hand, she used her plant abilities to gently clear the branches, revealing a wingless bird.
The poor creature was covered in injuries, and a dark, ominous aura surrounded it. Rika sensed the malevolent energy that had harmed the bird, emanating from some sinister source nearby. She summoned a slender branch, which coiled up tenderly around the wounded bird, and with a gentle motion, she brought the branch down, cradling the creature in her hands.
Iris watched in awe as Rika's deep connection with nature allowed her to sense the mystical energies in the air. "What happened to it, Rika?" Iris asked, concern evident in her voice.
"It's been harmed by a damned's energy," Rika replied, her expression grave. "The air around us has been slowly contaminated by their malevolent mystic power, and it's slowly killing the living beings around us."
A sense of urgency gripped them both. Rika knew they had to find the source of this dark energy and put a stop to it before it claimed more innocent lives. She gently placed her hands on the bird, letting her healing powers flow through her, trying to mend its wounds and counteract the sinister energy.
As she concentrated, a faint green glow enveloped the wingless bird. Iris could feel the raw power that flowed through Rika, channeling the life force of nature to aid the injured creature. The air around them seemed to shimmer with magic, a testament to Rika's incredible abilities.
After what felt like an eternity, Rika withdrew her hands, and they both watched as the wingless bird stirred. Its once feeble movements gained strength, and the dark aura slowly dissipated. The bird chirped softly, a glimmer of hope returning to its eyes.
"Thank you, Rika," Iris said, admiration and gratitude in her voice. "You have a truly remarkable gift."
Rika smiled humbly, her connection with nature grounding her. "We must be vigilant," she said, her voice firm. "This darkness is spreading, and we can't allow it to consume-"
Before Rika could finish her sentence, the ground beneath them rumbled intensely, and they struggled to maintain their balance. Startled by the sudden disturbance, their eyes darted around, scanning their surroundings for the source of the commotion.
In the distance, they witnessed a horrifying sight. Several damned creatures, quadrupedal and menacing, with bulky statures and giant horns, were racing through the streets. The grotesque beings were relentlessly pursuing multiple civilians, crushing them to their demise with each heart-stopping step.
"We need to go," Iris declared, her mystic sword vanishing in an instant as she grabbed Rika's hand.
"But we have to help-" Rika protested, her heart torn between aiding the innocent and fleeing to safety.
"No! They're already gone, Rika. We can't waste any more time," Iris urged, her voice filled with urgency and concern for Rika's safety.
Reluctantly, Rika tore her gaze away from the tragic scene and followed Iris, their steps hastening as they fled through the concrete jungle of the city.
In the midst of their hurried escape, Rika accidentally dropped the wingless bird onto the ground. She instinctively moved to retrieve it, but Iris' grip on her hand tightened, pulling her along. Rika's heart ached with the desire to help the injured creature, but she knew that they needed to prioritize their own safety in the face of such overwhelming danger.
Their desperate escape led them through narrow alleys, over crumbling buildings, and around obstacles as they evaded the relentless pursuit of the damned creatures. With every breath, they could feel the malevolent energy that permeated the air, making it clear that the darkness was spreading, threatening to engulf everything in its path.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of navigating the treacherous cityscape, they found themselves standing before a tall building. Its exterior stood in stark contrast to the surrounding ruins, appearing surprisingly untouched by the devastation that had befallen the rest of the city. A flickering neon sign above the entrance proudly displayed the words 'Sakura Co.'
Rika looked at Iris with a mix of surprise and realization. "Wait, this is your team's headquarters, isn't it?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Iris smiled, nodding in confirmation. "Yes, it is. Sakura Co. is the name of our base, but our team is called the Cat Crusade. We are a group of survivors with mystic abilities, and we've been fighting to protect the city from the darkness that threatens us."
Iris pushed the ornate doors open, and they were greeted by the grandeur of the interior. The place exuded elegance and opulence, a stark contrast to the desolation outside. As they walked through the halls, they arrived in a vast open space, resembling a living room of sorts. The room's air was filled with an atmosphere of camaraderie and determination.
There, they were warmly greeted by a diverse group of people. Rika glanced around, taking in the sight of individuals from different walks of life. Among them were kids, elders, men, and women, all engaged in various activities, from training to engaging in lively conversations.
Iris's eyes lit up as she spotted some familiar faces, and she led Rika through the crowd toward a middle-aged woman with striking black hair, elegantly adorned in a vibrant red kimono. A katana was gracefully sheathed on her back, a testament to her strength and experience.
"Tsumi! I missed you so much!" Iris exclaimed, wrapping her arms tightly around her teammate. Tsumi returned the embrace, a warm smile spreading across her face.
"Iris, you're back! And it seems you've brought a new friend along," Tsumi replied as they retracted their embrace. Her eyes then fell on Rika, and she offered a friendly smile.
"I'm Rika," Rika introduced herself, feeling a sense of belonging in the midst of the Cat Crusade members.
Tsumi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Nice to meet you, Rika," she said, extending her hand for a handshake. Rika gladly received it, shaking her hand back.
"Welcome to the Cat Crusade!"