*************************
Japan, Ozunu Orphanage: Sky
Up in the clouds, Jang Man Wol and Lee Yeon were fighting desperately, their attacks powerful but ineffective against Areum.
To Areum, it was more like sparring than a fight, like a dance. She deflected punches with ease, dodging with specific swift movements.
Areum took hold of Jang Man Wol's arm, pulling her as she spun. She then kicked Lee Yeon in the chest, boosting her black flip as her palm connected with Jang Man Wol's forehead. With the inertia of the spin, she pulled Jang Man Wol down, causing her to land hard on the cloud.
'Isn't the gap a bit too much? She's basically playing with us,' Jang Man Wol thought, a sense of depression washing over her. She looked up at the stars, her gaze distant, her thoughts filled with a mixture of frustration and despair.
Lee Yeon sat up straight with a sigh. He knew they couldn't beat her, not even together.
Areum clapped her hands, her grin widening.
"Are you done playing? Now I gotta watch my son. Is that okay?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement. She turned, walking towards the edge of the cloud when she felt something.
Her hand shot out, clutching something from the air.
"I thought you were smarter than your brother." she said, her voice tinged with disappointment, her head shaking feeling her amusement gone.
The air rippled, and Lee Rang materialized, his face contorted with pain, his breathing labored. "Ahjumma… you always underestimated me." he whispered with difficulty.
A claw, sharp and deadly, appeared out of nowhere, striking with force aiming for Areum's neck. She dodged, her head tilting slightly. The claw grazed her cheek a small wound appearing.
She raised her knee, striking at the air but her knee impacted something.
The air rippled, and Kim Yoo-ri appeared, coughing, her hands clutching her stomach.
Areum used her thumb to feel the wound on her cheek. She felt the blood. Her grin widened. She wasn't angry, but more amused.
"It looks like you're more teachable than your brother." she said, letting go of Lee Rang.
"I'll play with you guys later, after this." She started walking again but then Lee Rang's voice filled with anger and sadness, stopped her.
"Your son is dying, ahjumma. When are you going to stop this farce?!" he shouted, his voice raw, his emotions spilling over.
Jang Man Wol's eyes widened as she hurried towards the edge of the cloud, seeing the desperate fight going on below.
She then turned to look at Areum with a sad expression with a heavy heart.
Lee Yeon frowned, his brow furrowing, his gaze fixed on the battle below. His frown deepened. He couldn't understand why Areum was doing this to her son.
Areum stopped walking.
Her eyes flickered, a hint of worry flashing across her face. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and then opened them.
Her gaze was filled with resolve. "Then so be it." she said, her voice firm, her determination clear. She walked towards the edge of the cloud.
Lee Yeon's eyes burned with anger. He couldn't understand why Areum wouldn't show any real motherly affection for her son.
Jang Man Wol's eyes were filled with sadness. She understood Areum's plans, her expectations for her son.
"I always thought there would be a day you would care for your son like a real mother would, but looks like I'm thinking too much. You will always be a cruel monster." Jang Man Wol said, her voice filled with disappointment.
She looked at Areum a mixture of sadness and anger in her eyes. She prepared to attack, her muscle flexing ready to fight.
"I'll distract her. You just go and jump," she said to Lee Yeon, who nodded.
Areum heard Jang Man Wol's words, her body trembling slightly but then she became quiet again.
A white aura appeared from her again but it was different as it surrounded her. It expanded, growing larger taking shape, transforming.
Everyone on the cloud's eyes widened. They watched as the aura became a giant ten-tailed fox, its eyes fixed on the battle below its very gigantic presence was too powerful and imposing.
"Whether he dies or he pushes through this trouble making him stronger or perishing because he's weak, that should be his destiny and you guys can't stop it." Areum whispered her voice carrying an undeniable power, echoing across the clouds.
She looked at them, her eyes glowing white, her gaze was full of warning.
Even the giant aura a manifestation of her power, looked at them, its presence completely overwhelming.
"Can you do this?" Jang Man Wol asked Lee Yeon, her voice a whisper, her eyes filled with shock and concern.
"What do you think?" Lee Yeon said sarcastically, his eyes fixed on the aura in shock.
He didn't know what to do. The aura locked them in place, making them unable to leave.
He turned to look at Areum, his gaze filled with a mixture of anger and confusion. Then he looked at the cloud beneath their feet. 'Looks like she still has emotions for her son,' he thought, seeing that the clouds were starting to rain.
Thunder kept appearing even though Areum wanted to be cruel, she couldn't control her emotions entirely.
•-----•-----•-----•-----•
Japan, Ozunu Orphanage: Forest
What they didn't know was that Areum's aura was visible even on the ground.
"What the actual fuck is that?" Lucian thought, his eyes fixed on the sky, his breath catching in his throat.
The thunder flashed, illuminating the cloud above and he saw it as a giant fox, its eyes glowing white, its presence radiating an overwhelming power.
He started coughing, the shock and disbelief momentarily paralyzing him.
He wanted to know what it was, what it meant but time was of the essence.
He heard the clash of blades, the screams of the children. The older kids were struggling as they fought before getting knocked out one by one, the younger kids separated, crying, reaching out, their pleas for help echoing through the forest.
He saw the young girl, her face filled with fear and despair, reaching out towards Julianne, her hand outstretched but unable to reach her. As the older kids were surrounded, they were overwhelmed by the Kuroko as their resistance started crumbling.
He wanted to help but he was tired, his body battered and his strength was waning.
He had to live, he had to survive. He had a promise to keep. He clenched his fists, his hands digging into the ground, the feeling of helplessness overwhelming him. Tears welled up in his eyes, the injustice of it all burning inside him. He knew he had failed, that this was all for nothing.
He looked up at the sky, the rain cascading down, numbing him, his body trembling as his hope continued to fade.
He closed his eyes, trying to shut out the world, to escape the pain to forget. But then, Cortana appeared before him, her form shimmering as ever, her eyes filled with sadness but also a fierce pride in him.
She smiled a smile that was bittersweet, a combination of sorrow and hope.
She kissed him on the forehead, her touch was gentle and her warmth comforts Lucian.
"Go. I love you." she whispered. Then she vanished leaving him to face the storm, so he could focus on his goal.
Lucian bit his lip, fighting back tears.
"I'm Sorry." he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
He opened his eyes, his determination returning. He forced himself to sit up straight, using all his strength to correct his dislocated leg.
It cracked with a sickening sound as he shouted,
"AHHH!"
He then pushed himself up, his body aching, his movements clumsy, but his resolve was unwavering.
He walked towards a tree, his hands gripping the bark, his body trembled but he gritted as his mind focused on the task at hand.
He banged his shoulders and arms, correcting the dislocated joints, the roars hoping to dull the pain.
"Aarghh, fuck!" he hissed, his body screaming in protest but he ignored the pain. He focused all his senses and strength on one goal, one purpose.
He reached for the kusarigama on his waist, his last remaining weapon.
He looked at the Kuroko, a smirk playing on his lips and started spinning the chain, the metal swings and makes a final sound of defiance.
What Lucian didn't know was that everyone in the forest had their attention drawn to him.
Kuroko One's eyes narrowed as he saw Lucian fixing his leg. 'I should have killed this kid.' he thought now considering Lucian to be a nuisance an obstacle to their mission.
Seung-Jo's eyes widened in surprise. "This guy is crazier than me." he whispered. But despite his astonishment, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of admiration for Lucian.
Noshiko's eyes narrowed, a mixture of surprise and sadness filling her gaze.
She knew how tired Lucian was, how much pain he was in, but he was still fighting, his resolve unwavering. 'What kind of will does that kid have?' she thought, her mind kept thinking about how much Lucian did when he could just escape by himself.
She then focused on her opponent, her gaze meeting Kuroko One's. Whose eyes were narrowed, his expression focused.
She scoffed in disdain before blocking his line of sight, pointing her katana towards him.
Satomi, her eyes glowing intensely with a mixture of sadness, anger, and primal rage, looked in Lucian's direction.
'You pushed this kid into this situation. You should all die,' she thought, her anger directed at Kuroko Three, a deep-seated rage simmering within her that she didn't even know. as she started shape shifting her teeth started to transform as sharp points appeared, as she rushed towards Kuroko Three.
Blind Master couldn't help but nod in approval.
He admired Lucian's perseverance, his determination to save the children. 'If he wasn't an Ozunu clan ninja,' he thought his gaze was filled with admiration.
Jinx looked at Lucian with surprise and admiration.
"Ain't he supposed to be a kid? How can he do this?" she whispered, knowing that she even in her prime, couldn't have done what Lucian had done.
"Because he's prepared to die," Blind Master said, his voice calm, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Attacking with an exhausted body will only kill you."
Jinx's eyes widened. She turned towards Blind Master, her voice filled with surprise. "What?!"
Even Kuroko Two his focus on the Arashikage ninjas couldn't help but stop and look in Lucian's direction, his expression a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.
The children, their reactions differing from the adults felt only worry, sadness, curiosity and anger.
"Why is he doing this?" Violet whispered, her eyes filled with tears.
"We're fine. We don't need help he shouldn't stand up. he should have rested." She whispered but the other children heard her.
They looked at Lucian as their hearts were heavy.
Garrett answered her, his voice small as his heart fragile. "Because we're too weak to do anything."
"And that's why we won't give up escaping! So fight harder!" Julianne shouted, her voice ringing with determination, her eyes fixed on the younger kids.
The other children bit their lips, using all their strength to defend themselves against the Kurokos, who wanted to take them.
The young kids, who had been screaming, suddenly quieted down, their gazes fixed on Lucian.
The young girl spoke, her voice choked with emotion,
"Don't come, brother. Just rest. Don't stand up anymore. Just stay there." Her voice broke, her tears flowing freely.
"Don't stand up, brother, please."
"We're okay. Please don't come here."
The young kids, their hearts filled with pure, unadulterated emotion, couldn't help but worry for the person who had always protected them.
A person who would forever remain in their hearts and minds.
Lucian couldn't help but smile. 'Looks like these kids could be cute, too, don't they, Cortana?' he said mentally while he was starting to walk, each step on his right leg causing a sharp pain but he endured it.
He walked faster and faster.
'Yes, they are,' Cortana answered, her voice a gentle whisper in his mind. She smiled mentally.
'Is it worth it?' Lucian asked, his voice filled with a mixture of doubt and determination.
"If you don't regret it, it will always be worth it for me." Cortana replied, expressing her unwavering love for him.
Lucian smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile, as he rushed toward the Kuroko. He became more calm his spins and swings were calculated, each move deliberate, each strike was more deadly.
Every time he swung his kusarigama, it reaped the life of a Kuroko.
When the Kuroko got close, he pulled the chain back, ducked, dodging their axe swings.
He then held the kusarigama like a small scythe, cutting the necks and heads of the Kuroko, one by one.
His body was still tired, his injuries still aching but he kept going.
He was bleeding from the back from the chest and his movements were becoming slower. Finally with a powerful wave of his scythe, he cut down the last Kuroko standing between him and the children.
"Let's go, shall we?" Lucian asked, his body covered in blood. He smiled a smile tinged with fatigue but full of determination.
The young kids weren't afraid of him even with the blood staining his clothes.
They held back their tears, nodding their heads.
"Uhm, mmh," they said, agreeing to Lucian.
Lucian smiled tiredly a smile that was the purest he had ever known.
He led them toward the older children his movements slow but deliberate. He spun the kusarigama, throwing it towards a Kuroko near them.
The chain wrapped around the Kuroko's neck and with a powerful spin, Lucian launched the Kuroko into the group of Kuroko who were running towards them, creating a distraction.
Kuroko One frowned. He saw what Lucian had done and he started to formulate a plan. He noticed a katana on the ground and started running towards it.
Noshiko frowned, seeing him going in a different direction.
She had been watching him, She knew what he was planning.
She saw him pick up Lucian's dropped katana and attack her.
They clashed, their blades meeting with a resounding clang. Lightning crackled on Noshiko's katana, giving her an advantage. 'I need to end this and help the kid.' Noshiko thought, her eyes glowed and the purple lightning on her katana intensified.
Kuroko One saw the katana in his hand crack under the pressure of their clash. His eyes narrowed but he continued to fight.
*Swish* *Clang* Every time their blades clash, another crack appears on the katana.
Then, Noshiko's eyes lit up. She raised her katana, slashing it downwards. The blade cleaved Kuroko One's katana in two but Kuroko One had expected this.
He turned, spinning dodging Noshiko katana while holding the broken katana and then threw it towards Lucian.
Noshiko's eyes widened. She shouted, "NO!" She cut off Kuroko One's arm but it was too late.
She kicked him in anger sending him flying. She then turned her attention to Lucian.
Lucian who was almost at the older kids felt something coming toward their direction. He turned quickly, his eyes scanning the area.
He saw it the broken katana, 'mother fucker' he said to himself as it was not flying towards him but if it is maybe he can hit blocked or deflect it but it was flying towards the young girl almost close enough to hit her but not quite.
He smiled bitterly. He couldn't use the kusarigama as the broken katana has become too short there was only one thing he could do to save the young girl.
He jumped with all his strength his body moving with a surprising burst of energy and blocked the katana with his body, the blade stabbing him from his back, passing through his stomach.
He knelt down as he felt a sharp pain spreading through his body with that moment everything turned silent for him as his eyes met the young girl's eyes. who looked surprised and mixed with fear on her face before morphing to sadness.
Lucian smiled softly. "Run." he whispered, his voice weak but full of love.
He fell to the ground with his eyes open. He saw the older kids open their mouths, but he couldn't hear anything.
With his last bit of strength, he whispered,
"I'm sorry I haven't gotten you a body. I love you, Cortana." He closed his eyes as his body grows stiff.
"Yeah, I know." Cortana's choked voice, full of sadness, appeared in his mind.
Lucian felt the familiar feeling of death. It was peaceful almost welcoming after the chaos and pain of the battle.
"This time. we'll go together." Cortana's gentle loving voice, always with him, whispered in his mind.
Finally, Lucian smiled peacefully.
•-----•-----•-----•-----•
When Lucian opened his eyes. He was standing on a golden ethereal ground, a landscape that shimmered with an otherworldly light.
He looked up and saw a golden tree, its branches reaching towards the sky, its leaves shimmering with a light that was both warm and ethereal.
He knew instantly that it was the branch or perhaps the trunk in his Soul Space. 'Looks like I'm not dead,' he thought, a wave of relief washing over him.
He walked towards the tree, his steps were light and calm.
He reached out when his palm touched the bark a surge of energy flowed into him, a warmth spreading through his body.
"Of course not. The Tree is giving you energy to live but the connection is weak only giving you energy to heal barley as we don't know where the Tree is to begin with." Cortana's voice was gentle and reassuring, echoed in his mind.
Lucian opened his eyes and turned.
There she was Cortana, smiling at him, her form ethereal her eyes sparkling with a light that was as beautiful as the golden tree.
"Miss me?" she asked, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Lucian didn't say anything.
He reached out for her, his arms wrapping around her waist. He closed his eyes, feeling her warmth, her presence and her love.
Cortana hugged his head, running her fingers through his spirit like hair. "Don't worry. We'll always be together." she whispered.
"I love you. You know that, right?" Lucian said, looking into her eyes, his gaze filled with love and adoration.
"I know," she said, a charming smile gracing her lips. "And I love you more than you ever know."
Lucian couldn't help but look at her soft, tempting lips. He felt a sudden surge of desire.
His hand, warm and gentle, cupped her cheek, his thumb caressing her soft skin. Her breath hitched as his gaze, deep and soulful, locked with hers.
Slowly, reverently, he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, a feather light touch that sent shivers down her spine.
The kiss deepened, a slow, sweet kiss a promise whispered between two souls.
Time seemed to stop, the world fading away as they lost themselves in the moment, their hearts beating as one but Cortana stops it as she holds his shoulders before pushing him slowly away yet the love and lust they felt for each other can be seen through their eyes.
Cortana took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "You better assess the situation first. Even though the tree gives you energy, it doesn't mean you're healed in the physical world." She said but her love for him was evident as she held his hand.
Lucian smiled, holding her cheek, caressing it slowly, "So I need to focus on healing while I'm back there?"
"Yes, not only that but you have to do it while fighting. Your enemies won't let you heal. They'll kill you before you're fully recovered." Cortana said, leaning on his hand.
Lucian frowned. 'Ozunu Clan healing isn't meant for fighting,' he thought, troubled as he needs to find a way.
Cortana sensed his struggle and tightened her grip on his hand, trying to soothe him.
"We'll figure it out together," she said, touching her forehead to his.
Lucian sighed, pressing his forehead against hers, before pecking Cortana's lips.
"If we have that time." he whispered.
Then the golden tree glowed, emitting a beam of light that enveloped them both. They felt a surge of surprise but then they relaxed, gazing into each other's eyes.
A familiar feeling washed over them, one they had experienced before in their shared memories, the feeling of their first connection.
Now, they felt more connected that he felt what she felt and she felt what he felt.
The golden light faded, leaving Lucian in an unfamiliar clarity.
His senses sharpened, his body thrumming with an energy he had never known.
Before he opened his eyes in the physical world, a voice, a shout, cut through the air.
It was Ozunu, his voice booming, filling the forest with an undeniable authority.
"You were an orphan like them, yet smarter, a prodigy. You never had a family, but you were different. You were a kid thirsty for power, for strength. I always knew you didn't want to stay in the clan. When you mastered the strength of the Ozunu clan, I always thought you were going to leave, or escape!"
A pause, charged with unspoken implications.
"But you stayed!"
"I observed you. I knew you were worried for the kids. You were always waiting for the right time to let them go!"
Lucian couldn't help but think that he had always been an outsider, an anomaly within the clan.
He craved power, yes, he had strived for strength and he had also cared for the children but he knew he cared for them because he didn't want to have any regrets in this world.
Ozunu's voice continued, relentlessly, a low rumble in the air. "That's when I found out the perfect heir of the Ozunu clan!"
He paused again, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"You cared for them because whether you want it or not, you will always be a part of the Ozunu. You are different from them. You will always pursue strength. And this orphanage, this was the beginning of your story. This clan will always be a part of you. Wherever you are, wherever you may go, whether you use Asura or your given name, you will always be an Ozunu!"
Lucian couldn't help but think about the first time he entered the Ozunu Clan.
From a weakling to someone strong a part of him knew that Ozunu was right, this was the beginning of his story.
From a nobody in his past life, this was the beginning of everything for him.
"You haven't decided on your last name, have you?" Cortana asked, her voice laced with interest, knowing what he was feeling.
"Having an Ozunu as a last name is like having a target on my back, since humans and supernatural creatures hate Ozunu."
"Then are you afraid of being targeted?" Cortana asked, amusement lacing her tone. She knew his answer.
Lucian didn't answer as Ozunu continued, his voice booming, commanding.
"NOW, STAND UP AND FIGHT! YOU ARE NOW THE TŌRYŌ OF OZUNU! YOU SHALL LEAD THEM TO GREATNESS!"
"Looks like you don't have that much of a choice, pfft hahahaha" Cortana said, laughing at him as she felt his helplessness.
Lucian just thought about the little girl and those who had tried to stop him from reaching them so he wouldn't get hurt.
He thought of the older kids who fought with courage without giving up and the kids with pure hearts. Now he wanted to protect them, he wanted to give them a better future.
Lucian also knew that Ozunu's words, his final message had changed him.
He was now the Tōryō of the Ozunu clan. He was the one who would lead them, who would guide them, who would protect them.
In the real world, Lucian was seen laying on the ground when he suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils shining with golden light.
"Lucian Ozunu, an Interesting name, isn't it."
______________________
Next Chapter 46: Birth of a Monster
______________________
Marishadow:
Hello Everyone! 4k words, if you like my story Subscribe on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n on:
https://www.patreon.com/Marishadow
To support me and get access to advanced chapters. Get ahead up to 20 chapters.
~ 5 advanced chapters $5 ~
~ 10 advanced chapters $10 ~
~ 20 advanced chapters $20 ~
Every member helps me creating and sharing more with you all.