Kushino's grip tightened around Kiseki's neck.
"Kushino," a strangely familiar voice interrupted.
Kushino looked left, and it appeared to be Nethercrimson.
Nethercrimson approached Kushino, stopping exactly a kilometer away. "Let go of the kid, we don't have time for this," Nethercrimson said.
"This is pathetic," he whispered, looking away from Kushino.
Kushino's rage melted into a playful grin. "Crimson. What a surprise," Kushino replied.
Kushino released Kiseki, who crashed to the ground, gasping for air. "I'm assuming Father sent you back?" Kushino asked.
Nethercrimson folded his arms. "For good reason. Look at yourself. You lost your cool against a kid... Pathetic," Nethercrimson responded.
Kushino skeptically went, "You're a child as well, Crimson." He smiled, "But this child reminded me of you. He is rather promising, don't you think?"
Kiseki, for a brief moment, made out Nethercrimson's appearance amidst his blurring vision and became wide-eyed.
Nethercrimson emotionlessly went, "I don't care. We've acquired what we came for. Let's go."
His gaze shifted to Kiseki's surprise-ridden face.
Kiseki's gaze locked onto Nethercrimson's eyes. A spark of recognition ignited within him.
"Te... Tenjin?" Kiseki's mind whispered, his voice trapped in his throat.
The familiarity was undeniable, yet impossible.
As Nethercrimson turned to walk away with Kushino, Kiseki's vision began to blur. His thoughts fragmented, his body weakened.
The darkness closed in, consuming his consciousness. Kiseki's world went black.
The last image etched in his mind was Nethercrimson's profile. A mix of emotions swirled, unanswered questions lingering.
Was it really Tenjin? Or just a cruel coincidence? The silence enveloped Kiseki, leaving only the shadows.
The flashback unfolded, a poignant reminder of that fateful evening.
Seven-year-old Kiseki and Tenjin, full of life, dined with their parents, Akira and Martha. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they raced to empty their plates.
"Done!" they exclaimed simultaneously. Kiseki's eager "Let's go rematch!" followed.
Their father's caution fell on deaf ears. "Boys! Not right after—" Akira attempted to intervene.
But the siblings' excitement was unstoppable.
As they rushed out, Martha suggested calling them in. "We should really call them in before they catch a cold, honey," Martha said.
Akira reluctantly rose, "You stay inside, honey. I'll go get them."
In the front yard, Kiseki and Tenjin prepared to engage in a friendly duel. Kiseki picked up his wooden elbow blades, and Tenjin grasped a wooden katana.
Their laughter ceased as they noticed strange noises in the bushes. "What's making the bushes shake?" Tenjin asked.
Kiseki's thoughtful expression preceded his reply. "Maybe it's a rabbit. We should go help it out."
Tenjin nodded, determination etched on his face.
As they approached the bush, an unknown hand emerged, threatening to snatch them. Akira's timely intervention saved his sons.
A black kitsune-masked figure emerged, its presence ominous. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the yard.
Kiseki and Tenjin stood behind their father, sensing tension.
The Masked One's words sent shivers down Akira's spine, "You're that Akira Indomu, I presume?"
Akira's eyes narrowed, "Who are you?" he demanded.
The masked figure stood unmoving, "Me?" it replied, his voice devoid of emotion.
"I am a nobody... in a Black Kitsune Mask." The Masked One raised his hand, touching the mask, "You may call me... the Masked One."
Kiseki's Father's grip on his sword tightened, "What do you want?" he pressed.
The Masked One's expression twisted into a sinister grin, "Your children..." it whispered, "Yes... Give me your children, and no one will have to suffer."
Kiseki's Father's eyes flashed with determination, "You'll never take them. Leave now," he growled.
The Masked One's grin widened, "If I defeat you, they're mine."
Akira's determination hardened, "I'd never agree to that."
The Masked One snarled, revealing a tiny retractable blade.
As tension escalated, Martha's concerned voice pierced the evening air, "Who's there?"
The Masked One's gaze flicked toward the house, "Time's running out," he replied. With a swift motion, the Masked One struck Akira across the neck.
Kiseki's father tried to defend himself, but the attack was too sudden.
The Masked One then focused on Tenjin, grabbing him with urgency. Tenjin desperately held on to Kiseki's hand.
Kiseki's scream was drowned out by Tenjin's terrified wail, "Kiseki!" Tenjin cried.
Their hands, once clasped, were torn apart as the Masked One dragged Tenjin into the darkness.
Martha rushed out, finding Kiseki shattered and alone, "Kiseki, what happened? Where's your brother? Where's your father?"
Kiseki's tears fell, his small body trembling.
"Kiseki!" Martha exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes.
Kiseki's gaze focused on his worried mother.
He was home, safe in his bed in the present.
Martha's hug enveloped him, "Kiseki... You're awake."
"Mom," Kiseki replied, his voice weak.
Martha's tears flowed freely, "Don't you ever go to a place with terrorists. I've already lost your father and brother. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you."
Kiseki's surprise turned to relief, "I'm sorry I made you worry, Mom."
Martha's grip tightened.
"Uh, Mom?" Kiseki ventured.
"Huh?" Martha replied.
"You're squeezing me."
Martha released him, "Oh, my bad. Does your neck hurt?"
Kiseki nodded, "A little."
Martha's expression saddened.
Kiseki's memories replayed the palace events, with Nethercrimson's image now vivid.
"Tenjin!" Kiseki exclaimed, anxiety lacing his voice.
Martha's confusion deepened.
"What, sweetie?" she asked.
Kiseki grasped her hand, his eyes ablaze.
"Mom, I saw Tenjin!"
Martha's expression shifted from concern to shock.
Kiseki's words spilled out, but Martha's expression shifted from shock to concern.
"You saw him?" she asked gently.
"I really did see Tenjin!" Kiseki's anxiety intensified.
Martha's voice remained calm. "Kiseki-"
"At the palace, in gold-plated armor!" Kiseki interrupted.
Martha tried again, "Kiseki-"
"He saved me from the terrorist!" Kiseki pressed on.
Martha's voice rose. "Kiseki!"
The sudden shout silenced Kiseki.
Martha composed herself, tears welling up. "Two members of the king's army chased off the terrorist and brought you home. Otherwise..."
Her voice cracked.
Kiseki's mind replayed Aka and Kaito's cowardly faces.
Those cowards lied to Mom.
His thoughts seethed. "They'll do anything to maintain a good name. Soldiers never change, do they?"
Martha's words cut deep. "I love you and your brother more than anything, but he's gone... Whether or not we see him again depends on the soldiers, not us."
The pain struck Kiseki like a steel blade.
Martha stood, her voice softening. "I'll bring lunch to your room. Don't move a muscle."
She wheeled away, leaving Kiseki with turmoil.