Chereads / KISEKI / Chapter 2 - The Lamb, Hath It Cain.

Chapter 2 - The Lamb, Hath It Cain.

As Eldoria's citizens scattered in fear, Kyotani and Jinghai stood at opposite ends of the dimly lit streets, their gazes locked in a silent challenge. The air crackled with tension as the remaining warriors watched with bated breath, knowing they were about to witness a clash of titans.

With a sudden surge of movement, Kyotani exploded into action, his muscles coiling like springs as he launched a blistering assault. His strikes were a blur of motion, each punch and kick executed with the precision of a master. His martial arts expertise was on full display as he weaved through the empty streets, his attacks relentless and ferocious.

Jinghai, draped in his resplendent gold and white hanfu, met Kyotani's onslaught with the grace and skill of a seasoned swordsman. His blade moved with a fluid elegance, deflecting Kyotani's strikes with effortless ease. Each movement was calculated and deliberate, a testament to years of disciplined training and unwavering focus.

The clash of their combat echoed off the ancient walls, the sound reverberating through the deserted city like a thunderous roar. Kyotani's relentless assault pushed Jinghai to the brink, his defenses tested to their limits by the sheer ferocity of Kyotani's attacks. But Jinghai remained calm and composed, his focus unwavering as he sought out openings in Kyotani's defense.

Despite the intensity of their battle, neither warrior showed any signs of relenting. Kyotani's fists blazed with an inner fire as he continued to press the attack, his determination unyielding. Jinghai, undeterred by Kyotani's aggression, remained rooted in his stance, his movements fluid and controlled as he weathered the storm of Kyotani's blows.

Suddenly, with a flourish of his hand, Jinghai unleashed a devastating binding attack, the energy swirling around his blade like a tempest. Kyotani, ever the agile combatant, narrowly evaded the attack, his senses heightened as he prepared to launch a counterattack of his own.

In a burst of speed and power, Kyotani lunged forward, his fists crackling with energy as he unleashed a barrage of strikes aimed at Jinghai's defenses. Jinghai, unfazed by Kyotani's onslaught, met each blow with a calm resolve, his sword flashing in the dim light as he deflected Kyotani's attacks with practiced precision.

Their clash sent shockwaves through the ancient city, the ground trembling beneath their feet as they fought with an intensity that bordered on the supernatural. For those watching, it was a sight to behold—a battle between two titans, each determined to emerge victorious no matter the cost.

In the spire of Eldoria, amidst the ruins of a forgotten civilization, Kyotani and Jinghai's epic struggle raged on, their fates intertwined in a duel that would echo through the canals of history.

CRASH!  

" Your Strength Is Admirable, But You Lack Intelligence. "

As the anticipation reached its zenith, Jinghai and Kyotani locked eyes in a silent exchange of resolve. With a sudden surge of determination, Jinghai began to channel his energy, drawing upon the depths of his strength to initiate the ultimate attack. The air crackled with anticipation as Jinghai's movements became fluid and purposeful, his entire being focused on the impending onslaught. Around them, the very essence of Eldoria seemed to pulse with energy, as if the ancient city itself recognized the significance of this pivotal moment. The warriors who bore witness to the spectacle felt a shiver of awe as they watched Jinghai prepare to unleash his most devastating technique yet. With a deafening roar, Jinghai unleashed his ultimate attack, the sheer force of it rippling through the fabric of reality as he launched a massive tiger-like ghastly beast towards Kyotani with unbridled ferocity. 

" SHIT! "

As the tension reached its zenith, a charged silence enveloped the deserted streets of Eldoria. Jinghai and Kyotani stood locked in a primal dance of adversaries, their gazes locked in a silent exchange of resolve. With a sudden surge of determination, Jinghai began to channel his energy, drawing upon the depths of his strength to initiate the ultimate attack, his movements becoming a fluid manifestation of power and purpose. The air crackled with anticipation, charged with the energy of impending conflict. Every subtle shift in Jinghai's stance sent tremors through the very ground beneath their feet, as if Eldoria itself recognized the significance of this pivotal moment in its storied history. The warriors who bore witness to the spectacle felt a shiver of awe as they watched Jinghai prepare to unleash his most devastating technique yet. With a deafening roar, Jinghai unleashed his ultimate attack, the sheer force of it rippling through the fabric of reality as he launched himself towards Kyotani with unbridled ferocity. Kyotani, caught off guard by the ferocity of Jinghai's assault, barely had time to react as the blow connected with devastating impact, sending him reeling backwards with a thunderous crash. 

" Biāojì de yěshòu. "

Kyotani staggered to regain his footing, Jinghai stood poised and triumphant, his victory seemingly assured as the echoes of their clash reverberated through the ancient city.  -

"...."

As Kyotani staggered from the force of Jinghai's blow, his mind was suddenly consumed by a tumultuous whirlwind of memories. In a cruel twist of fate, the traumatic specter of his childhood abuse surged to the forefront of his consciousness, flooding his senses with vivid, agonizing recollections. 

He was once again a helpless child, his innocence shattered by the relentless cruelty of those who should have protected him. The echoes of their harsh words and violent actions reverberated through his mind, each memory a jagged shard of pain that threatened to engulf him.

In that moment of vulnerability, as the weight of his past bore down upon him like a crushing weight, Kyotani found himself paralyzed by the suffocating grip of his own trauma. The cacophony of his past echoed in his ears, drowning out the sounds of the present as he struggled to reconcile the grotesque pile of his childhood. He Began To Mindlessly Cramp, Within The Confines Of His Own Mind While Also Fighting.

" Thats Kyotani.... "

" What A Freak…"

At home, Kyotani trudged wearily up the worn steps to the front door of his home, his small frame weighed down by the burden of anticipation. With each step, his heart grew heavier, the dread of what awaited him inside gnawing at his insides like a hungry beast. As he pushed open the creaking door and stepped into the dimly lit foyer, the familiar scent of stale cigarettes and alcohol assaulted his senses, a grim reminder of the chaos that awaited him within. His parents sat slouched on the threadbare couch, their eyes glazed over from the effects of their latest bill.

"Where have you been, sack'a'shit?" 

his father slurred, his words laced with venom as he glared at Kyotani with bloodshot eyes. Kyotani's mother remained silent, her gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the crumbling walls of their home. 

"I-I was with the others…"

Kyotani replied meekly, his voice barely above a whisper as he braced himself for the inevitable onslaught of anger. 

"The Commoners?"

 His father scoffed, his voice rising to a menacing growl as he lurched forward, his breath hot against Kyotani's face.  

 "You think you're too good for us, is that it? Too good for your own family?"  

Before Kyotani could respond, his father's hand lashed out, the force of the blow sending him sprawling to the ground with a cry of pain. Tears stung Kyotani's eyes as he struggled to push himself up, the sting of his father's words and the ache of his blows burning deep into his soul. In that moment, as he lay battered and broken on the floor of his own home, Kyotani felt the crushing weight of his isolation bear down upon him like a suffocating blanket.

In the quiet of the early morning, Kyotani found himself drawn to the tranquility of the nearby riverbank. With each step he took along the winding path, the oppressive weight of his home life seemed to lift ever so slightly, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soothing rush of flowing water. As he reached the edge of the river, Kyotani's gaze was drawn to the sun rising slowly on the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the tranquil waters below. For a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to bask in the warmth of its rays, the first glimmers of hope stirring within his heart. With a deep breath, Kyotani closed his eyes and let the sounds of nature wash over him, the chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves a soothing balm for his troubled soul. In that moment of quiet reflection, he felt a palm grasp over his shoulder, and once he flickered his eyes back open, it was as dull as the life he lived. He was back at his home, just to be recycled. -

Kyotani awoke with a start, the fleeting peace of his dream shattered as reality crashed back in. The dim, oppressive confines of his home surrounded him, a stark contrast to the tranquil riverbank that had offered him solace in his mind. His heart sank as he registered the muffled sounds of chaos emanating from the other room.

The unsettling silence was broken by a sudden crash, followed by the hysterical screams of his mother. She was in one of her psychotic episodes, and Kyotani knew that these nights were the most unpredictable and dangerous.

He cautiously crept out of his small room, his body tense with anxiety. In the flickering light of the single, bare bulb in the living room, he saw his mother pacing frantically, her eyes wild and unfocused. She was muttering incoherently, her hands gesticulating wildly as if fighting off invisible demons.

"Where are you, you little brat?!"

she screamed, her voice a piercing wail that sent a shiver down Kyotani's spine.

"Why do you always hide from me? Come out here and face me!"

Kyotani took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He knew he had no choice but to face her, to try and defuse the situation before it spiraled further out of control. He stepped into the living room, his movements slow and deliberate.

"I'm here, mother." he said softly, his voice trembling despite his best efforts to remain calm. "I'm only here."

His mother's eyes snapped to him, and for a moment, there was a glimmer of recognition. But it was quickly replaced by a look of pure rage. She lunged at him, her hands clawing at the air as she screamed incomprehensibly.

Kyotani stood his ground, his body bracing for the impact. As her hands connected with his shoulders, he gently but firmly grabbed her wrists, trying to hold her steady.

" Just..... "

" Go! "

Snap.