The serene atmosphere enveloped them as they emerged from the forest, leaves rustling, birds chirping, and footsteps slapping the water.
Mizuki's voice broke the calm. "Well, that was a fun encounter..."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Describe fun?"
Mizuki chuckled. "At least we're finally back home?"
She turned to Kaito, her smile radiant. "Right?"
Kaito's gaze locked onto hers, a warm smile spreading across his face. "You're a character..."
Mizuki's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You know that, right?"
Her voice dropped to a flirtatious whisper. "And what are you gonna do about it, huh?"
Kaito's smile grew, his eyes crinkling. "Is that how it's gonna be, huh..."
The playful banter hung in the air, leaving Yukiko to trail behind, her expression dimmed.
Her thoughts swirled in self-doubt. 'I couldn't do anything...'
'Kaito was in trouble, and I was helpless...'
'He had to save me! Again! Just like that time...'
She flashed back,
'Maybe if I can...' she thought. Kenshiro appeared in front of her, his rod poised to strike, the metal tip inches from her throat.
'No, I can't...' she thought, her mind frozen in terror.
'He's right in front of me...'
I'm going to...'
'On...on...'
A massive explosion rocked the room, and Kaito emerged from the smoke,
Yukiko cradled in his arms, a small gash on his cheek bleeding profusely.
Flashback ended,
Yukiko's thoughts swirled, her inner turmoil evident on her face. 'Why am I so...?'
A faint whisper echoed in her mind, 'Switch with me, and you'd be alright...'
Her eyes widened, alarm and fear flashing across her face.
"No..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
The voice persisted, its tone smooth and persuasive. 'Don't you trust me, Yukiko, after all we've been through together...'
Yukiko's grip on her emotions faltered. The voice was familiar, yet terrifying.
"I won't let you," Yukiko muttered, her resolve strengthening.
The voice chuckled, its amusement sending shivers down Yukiko's spine.
'You're holding back, Yukiko. Embrace me, and I'll show you true power...'
Yukiko's eyes darted around, ensuring no one noticed her internal struggle.
Mizuki and Kaito continued their banter, oblivious to Yukiko's turmoil.
The voice goaded, 'They'll never understand you as I do... Trust me, and together we'll surpass them all...'
Yukiko clenched her fists, determination etched on her face.
"I won't give in," she whispered, steeling herself against the voice's insidious influence.
The voice fell silent, and Yukiko sighed.
Kaito's gaze locked onto Yukiko's troubled expression. "Yukiko? Is anything wrong?"
Yukiko blinked, attempting to mask her inner turmoil. "Oh, nothing, nothing..."
Kaito's eyes narrowed. "You're lying..."
He darted to her back at lightning speed. "Are you okay?"
Yukiko's eyes widened, startled.
Kaito reappeared at her side, concern etched on his face. "You couldn't breathe back there."
He swept her into his arms. "Should we take you to the hospital?"
Yukiko's shock gave way to laughter, her cheeks flushing.
Kaito smiled, relief washing over him. "Glad to see you're okay."
He gently set her down, and they continued toward the base.
Mizuki sidled up to Yukiko, whispering, "I wasn't going to take him, don't worry."
Yukiko's face turned crimson. "Huh? What are you talking about?"
Mizuki's sly smile hinted at her earlier flirtation with Kaito.
Yukiko's eyes widened, realization dawning.
Mizuki chuckled, patting Yukiko's shoulder before sauntering away.
Yukiko watched her go, embarrassment and confusion swirling within.
Kaito, oblivious to the exchange, walked beside Yukiko, his gaze scanning the surroundings.
As they approached the back of the base, Ryujin's thunderous voice boomed.
"Climatic state: 20%..."
Kaito's eyes widened in shock. "Did he just say 20%?"
"Crimson Sun!" Ryujin roared, unleashing a blazing trail of fire toward Kaito and the girls.
"Whoa!" Kaito exclaimed, grabbing the girls' hands and dashing away from the inferno.
The fireball exploded, sending debris flying and scorching the terrain.
Kaito halted behind Ryujin, his expression stern. "Okay, I know you wanted to show off, but you have to be serious."
"A 20% blast toward me? Are you trying to kill me?"
Ryujin's reply was nonchalant. "Probably."
He walked away, leaving Kaito bewildered.
"Hmm?!" Kaito wondered, turning to the girls. "What did I do?"
Mizuki and Yukiko exchanged knowing glances and walked away, their silence speaking volumes.
"Hey!" Kaito yelled after them, his frustration growing.
Lightning crackled around his body as he charged toward Yukiko.
Yukiko spun around, her eyes flashing with warning. With a swift gesture, she froze the ground beneath Kaito's feet.
Kaito's momentum halted abruptly, his legs trapped in the icy grip.
He looked down, incredulous. "What?"
Yukiko's smile was sweet but deadly. "You shouldn't have said that."
Mizuki reappeared, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're in trouble now."
Kaito's face darkened, realization dawning. "I'm in trouble..."
Yukiko's smile turned devious. "Anti-Kaito attack!"
Kaito's eyes widened. "Anti-Kaito?"
Mizuki chimed in, her voice dripping with mischief. "My turn."
Eight water tendrils erupted from her back, slapping Kaito with one.
He soared backward, landing with a thud on the ground.
Kaito groaned, rubbing his sore head.
Meanwhile, Akari stood atop the base, watching the commotion with a warm smile.
She faced the sun, her eyes brimming with anticipation. "They're coming."
Her expression turned resolute. "I have to get them ready."
The trio remained oblivious to the impending arrival, lost in their playful battle.
Yukiko summoned ice shards, encasing Kaito's legs.
Mizuki's water tendrils danced around him, taunting.
Kaito's face contorted, struggling against the restraints, he moved his left leg and the ice broke, but immediately, Mizuki unleashed a barrage of water blasts.
Yukiko joined, summoning icy gusts to bolster Mizuki's assault.
Kaito stumbled, his defenses wavering.
Kaito's body froze, encased in ice up to his chin.
Yukiko sauntered toward him, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.
"Is that the best you can do?" she teased, her finger tracing the edge of his frozen prison.
Kaito's eyes blazed with frustration, his teeth clenched.
Akari's voice echoed through the base, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
"These five...," she began.
Ryujin meditated, his eyes closed, energy building within.
Kuro pumped out push-ups, his muscles rippling.
Mizuki and Yukiko continued their playful torment of Kaito.
"...They are our key points in this battle," Akari concluded.
Kaito's frozen prison cracked, shards flying everywhere.
Yukiko's eyes widened. "Huh?"
Mizuki's voice cut through the air. "Yukiko, run!"
Kaito burst free, dashing toward Yukiko.
He materialized behind her, his hot breath on her neck.
"Best I can do?" Kaito whispered, his eyes gleaming.
Yukiko's heart skipped a beat.
Akari's voice continued, her tone grave.
"I just hope... they are enough."
Meanwhile, In the house of a civilian,
The TV in the background flickered to life.
"This is the Daily Report News," the anchor announced.
"Three students have been found dead."
Gruesome images flashed on the screen.
"Authorities are baffled, unable to determine the cause of death."
The reporter's voice trembled.
"The victims' blood was drained from their bodies, with no visible openings."
"We urge citizens to stay indoors and remain safe."
The news broadcast cut to a graphic: "Mysterious Murders Spread Fear."