It was a dark and stormy night, a woman ran through the dark long hallway, lightning sparked through the windows, thunder rumbled making the baby in her arms cry in fear. Its cries echoed through the hallway; masked enemies pursued them from the darkness.
She was safe; hiding in a corner of the wall. A sword thrusted through her chest; blood dripped from the tip of the blade, slowly fell to the ground. In a horrifying tone, the dark figure looked at the baby, "You— are next!" reaching out its hand when a young teenage boy woke up gasping in horror.
Breathing heavily, he felt a sudden sharp pain in his head. He couldn't recognize where he was or who he was, yet he slowly stood up from the ground of a dark alley when he noticed something dangling around his neck, "What is this thing?"
Inspecting the pendant closely, a wolf's face hanged on it. Illuminating a dim emerald light from its eyes, depicting a its fierce visage, yet couldn't recall how he came to possess it. The boy's curiosity grew and decided to keep the pendant with him, hoping it would unveil some answers for the truth.
Driven by a strange intuition, the boy began to wander through the dimly lit alleyway, his steps cautious and unsure. The sound of distant footsteps and the occasional flickering streetlight added to the eerie atmosphere. He could feel a sense of urgency building within him, like time was running out. The pain in his head intensified, trying to pull him deeper into his forgotten past when a name echoed in his thoughts, "Ethan Harper."
"Ethan…Harper," It resonated with a profound significance. A car quickly rushed by, taking his focus immediately noticing an old newspaper on the corner when the headline caught his eye: "Mysterious Disappearances Plagues City."
Intrigued, he picked up the newspaper and read the article, discovering that several people especially kids, had gone missing recently, leaving the city in a state of unease. Delving deeper into the newspaper, his gaze shifted back to the pendant hanging around his neck.
Something clicked in his mind. He couldn't explain it, but he felt an undeniable connection between the pendant, the terrifying dream he had, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the city.
Thinking about the situation, he heard noises from a small alley way, echoing higher and higher as he got closer. Hiding in the shadows, he saw an eight-year-old girl being intimidated by a thug with a knife on her throat.
"You're coming with me little girl!" the thug shouted with a grim look in his eyes, yet the little girl cried in desperation, "I —I don't want to, p— please let me go," she pleaded.
Seeing such a sight, he wanted to ignore her plea, thinking he was powerless, yet something sparked from within him and began running, shouting to let the girl go.
Arriving to the scene, the thug skilfully aimed for his throat, yet he luckily dodged, but filled with doubt and fear he lost focus and got a cut on his right arm.
Like a trigger, he stood back up, like some kind of muscle memory, Ethan aimed for his jaw with an unusual uppercut. The thug putting some distance immediately whistled for help when a dozen more arrived.
The rush of adrenaline coursed through his veins and took his stance once again, performing a set of dodges and attacks which precisely delt with his adversaries, leaving them lying unconscious. The thug still confident, charged him, but passed out from the earlier impact. Ethan—took a moment, "What did I just do?" looking at his hands in disbelief.
He couldn't understand how he reacted so swiftly and instinctively. Confusion and questions flooded his mind, who was he, and how did he possess such combat skills.
The adrenaline rush from the encounter slowly faded, leaving him feeling drained and disoriented. Leaning against the wall, he took a moment to collect his thoughts, trying to make sense of the series of events that had unfolded.
Taking a deep breath, he knelt down beside the unconscious thug and reached into its pocket retrieving a small envelope. Opening it cautiously, he found a folded piece of paper inside.
Unfolding it, revealed a handwritten message, "Meet me at the abandoned warehouse by the docks. Time is running out." The note provided no context or explanation, but something inside him urged him to follow its instructions. It was a faint whisper, a glimmer of intuition guiding him forward. He tucked the note safely into his pocket and turned his attention back to the little girl.
Slowly opening her eyes, she was shocked by Ethan and quickly moved away, "Are you okay…?" he asked, his voice slightly trembling.
The girl still confused she nodded, unable to find her words. He quickly glanced around to make sure there were no immediate threats and took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
Feeling a bit insecure; tears streaming down her face. "Th-thank you," she spoke, "You saved me," she assured him with gratitude.
Trying to reassure her, he gave a weak smile; his mind still racing to comprehend what had just happened. "You're welcome," he purred.
"What's your name?" he asked, trying to break the silence. The girl looked up at him, yet feeling a bit hesitant, "I'm—I'm Lily," she replied softly, "thank you for helping me, mister, You're really kind."
He looked at her and stretched out his hands, "My name is Ethan, it's nice to meet you, Lily," Lily still sceptical, "Let me escort you back home, okay?"
Reluctantly she agreed to show him the way and grabbed his hand. He nodded; his gaze focused on their surroundings. The city seemed different at night, quieter and somewhat… eerie.
Walking past closed shops and empty alleys, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Ethan decided to break the continued silence, "Why were you out alone?" he inquired gently, careful not to pry too much.
Lily looked at him hesitantly, "the—the thug you found was after the supplies for our orphanage…" she replied hesitantly.
Curiosity got the better of him; he couldn't help but ask again, "but why did he attack you? Are you sure it's safe for you?"
Ethan asked, "shouldn't someone else be doing this?" with concern in his tone.
The girl looked up at him with a mix of determination and sadness in her eyes, "I—I didn't have a choice…," her voice slightly trembled, "the orphanage is running out of supplies…and nobody else was available to help."
She slightly began to tear up, "I didn't want the other kids to go hungry."
His heart sank at her words, understanding the gravity of the situation, the girl's determination and selflessness deeply touched him.
He turned to her, "Where are your parents?" Ethan asked, her expression sombre.
"I don't have any parents," She looked sadly at Ethan as she recalled their smiling faces "I live in an orphanage nearby," she continued feeling depressed, "But today, I couldn't find anyone to accompany me, and I had to come out to collect these supplies by myself."
Ethan felt uneasy, yet Lily was joyous, "I do have a mother though," she slowly formed a smile, "she's the one who looks after all the kids at our orphanage."
He looked at her with a relieved smile, "Your mother must be proud of you," he said with a hint of admiration in his voice.
Lily smiled, "I hope so," she replied, "she's sick…the orphanage doesn't have enough medicine for everyone. Her smile turning into a frown, "We have to rely on donations…but they've been scarce lately." His concern grew as they continued their journey.
He couldn't help but think, the difficult circumstances Lily and the other children at the orphanage were facing. The weight of their plight pressed on his conscience. Arriving at the orphanage, Lily slowly opened the door, Ethan saw six orphans trying to take care of the care taker. She quickly ran with the medicine towards her. Looking at her left, she immediately asked for water.
In a weaken state, the caretaker slowly opened her eyes and swallowed the medicine and lied down. Ethan asked the kids if there was anything he could do to help when a boy named peter spoke out, "it's pointless… our supplies are running low because of the black dagger."
Hearing the name, he asked the boy to elaborate even more, yet he looked at him in annoyance believing that he couldn't do anything even if he tried.
Coughing filled the room, the caretaker trying her best to wake up, yet Lily ran and told her to go back to rest, "[struggling to get out of the bed] I have to take care of you kids, it's my responsibility," she coughed, still struggling to get up.
Lily and the kids tried to tell her to rest and get better, but she was worried after the black dagger came and stole their supplies and kidnap some of the other orphans when the kids began to cry.
Angered by the sight before him, he walked away when Lily noticed and ran towards him.
"Wait here," he instructed gently, "I'll bring the kids back home. [putting on his hood] Just make sure your mother is safe."
"What exactly can you do!?" Peter lashed out, "do you honestly think you can get the other kids and our—" he hesitated, taken by Ethan's assuring eyes.
Lily still worried, "It is far too dangerous!" she yelled.
He looked back at her, knowing he could aid them in their time of need.
Lily hesitated, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and worry. "But what about you mister?" she asked, worry etched on her face, "You've done so much already. I don't want to burden you further," she spoke in concern.
Patting her head; offering a reassuring smile, "Helping those in need is never a burden."
Letting her go; walking to the door, "besides… seeing your mother and friends relieved will make it all worth it. Just wait here, and I'll be back soon."
The door slowly closed behind him; his expression quickly changed; his eyes filled with rage. Without time to waste, he ran towards the docks near the edge of the city with the thought of Lily and her friends while comprehending his earlier fight.
After a long run, he took a breather, while taking the sight of the docks. Silently walking around, he heard voices from a distance. To his surprise, it was filled with gang members taking more kids into a warehouse at the edge of the dock.
While approaching the designated area, he sneaked past the three guards on the entry way. Arriving, the door slowly opened; scanning the room, but he found nothing, when he noticed something odd in the wall and slowly caressing it. A passage opened, finding a group of kids each tied up, yet he felt that something was off.
While untying the kids, a few thugs entered the room, "hey you!?" one shouted, "what do you think you are doing!?" Ethan slowly stood up; clenching his fist and walked towards them, when they drew out their knives trying to stab him. In a sudden flash, they were easily taken down.
Thinking it was finally over, more and more thugs began to pour in and faced hordes of them, yet his fists and kicks swiftly flew, despite the odds stacked against him, he felt no fear. The sight of their menacing faces only fueled his resolve.
The clash was fierce and chaotic; His movements were fluid and precise, skillfully taking-down each thug one by one. "Stop!" a loud deep voice filled the room and the fight was put in a standstill.
Footsteps echoed throughout the room, a large muscular figure in black jeans, brown boots and a black tank top entered. Swiftly taking a defensive stance, preparing for the fight that was about to ensue.
The figure blew smoke, scanning around finding most of his subordinates knocked out and shifted his gaze towards Ethan. "Hey brat!" looking at Ethan, throwing his cigar away, "you completely took care of my subordinates."
Cracking his knuckles, "the name's James Dark— that's the last name you're gonna hear." Signaling the remaining thugs, they attack all at once.
Ethan took his stance, with calculated strikes and strategic maneuvering, he incapacitated the supporting members, leaving only the leader standing.
James slowly sized him up for a bit when he immediately charged at him with ferocity and Ethan found himself momentarily overmatched. The blows landed heavily on his body, causing pain to surge through him. However, he refused to succumb to defeat.
In a moment of desperation, Ethan executed a swift and unexpected countermove. He swept James' legs out from under him, causing him to stumble and lose balance, seizing the opportunity, he quickly regained his footing and knocked him out with a powerful strike to the head.
Ethan stood up, James seemed to have been knocked out, yet a grin formed on his lips, "Wow, for a puny kid— you have quite the punch," he spoke in respect.
He stood up, cracking his neck and instantly rushed towards Ethan. Immediately punching his stomach, his ribs cracked in pain; groaning in agony. James gave Ethan no chance to recover and brought a barrage of punches to the point Ethan was too overwhelmed. Kicked to the opposite side of the room, the kids could only cry in sadness. Ethan slowly began to lose consciousness, the voices slowly faded away.
Slowly Opening his eyes, he found himself within a deep void. The only thing he could see, was darkness. Slowly walking in the void, he saw two deep silver eyes with a hint of pale blue irises stared from the deep void. Slowly walking towards the eyes, a wolf's howl echoed within the void and Ethan only looked in fear.
Ethan slowly began to stand up, James immediately rushed at him. His punches flew in unison; the kids screaming and begging him to spare Ethan's life, but to everyone's surprise, Ethan caught one of James's punches.
The full moon illuminated the room, Ethan's eyes glowed; illuminated by the surrounding light. Misdirecting the punch, his gaze looked into James' eyes, "Now it's my turn," spoke Ethan in a silent calm tone.
The glow from his eyes made James shiver in fear, like a hungry wolf stalking its pray. The fight immediately continued, Ethan's senses were more in tuned with his body, his new eyes were a giving him precise vision of his opponent's movements. The kids watched in aww of his moves.
James began to feel overwhelmed, each strike precise; slowly losing his footing. Slowly losing ground, he tried to hold on, Ethan took an unfamiliar stance and uttered an unfamiliar word, "Ryuei!" Immediately, Ethan struck James, forcing him towards the end of the room, destroying the wall; passing out from the shock.
James laid unconscious; Ethan took a moment to catch his breath; kneeling on his knee from exhaustion. His body ached from the brutal beating he had just endured. The adrenaline coursing through his veins kept him going. The silver glow slowly faded; The unfamiliar technique he used surprised even himself.
He didn't have time to dwell on it and limped towards the kids. Slowly untying them despite the pain. Collapsing from the exhaustion, he could hear the fading cries of the kids he saved; lying with a smile on his face.
Slowly opening his eyes, he found himself in a dark bamboo forest and began walking around. Red eyes stared from the shadows, yet one set of eyes were different, they had the silver glow he saw earlier. Growls began to echo through each direction. In rage, they began running towards him, yet the silver eyed leaped in between, it gazed at him, "awaken, young cub…" it whispered.
Gasping in horror, a woman suddenly embraced him. Ethan could feel unease from his right ribcage and pleaded for the woman to stop, and she immediately obliged. She called for the doctor to come in immediately, yet the moment she left, he became unconscious.
After a short while he managed to gained consciousness, yet he remained skeptical. She had an alluring hour glass figure dressed in a white dress filled with blue roses, her height was added by special wooded heals and her long brown hair was in a single braided tail, laid on her right shoulder. Immediately, she introduced herself.
"Hello Ethan," she spoke calmly, "I'm your mother… Mary harper."
Ethan looked at the woman and felt a sense of Déjà vu, yet he still could not remember her. "Sorry… but… I don't even know who you are" he replied looking at her straight, "so please understand."
Her happiness turned to disappointment, feeling a sense of doubt from her son. The doctor immediately arrived a bit later and gave her the diagnosis of Ethan's full state.
"Hello Ethan," the doctor spoke lifting his clipboard, "I'm Dr Kilonzo, it's nice to meet you," he shook his hand and directed to his mother, "the boy suffered internal injuries in his right ribcage and also faces amnesia, so… I highly recommend rehabilitation and rest while at home," he spoke, adjusting his glasses.
Mrs harper thanked Dr Kilonzo for his help and aided Ethan to the car. Both immediately entered the car and drove out. At a distance, a shadowy figure observed from the top of the hospital building, he spoke to a mystery figure.
"The boy has been found—your order will be carried out."
Driving through the city, both silent with the engine humming. Ethan felt uneasy, yet his mother slightly glanced at him with delight. She was relieved to find her son safe and sound. After a while they arrived at a suburb home.
Stepping out of the car she opened the door, "kids!?" she called out, "I'm home! And with your big brother!"