The wind howled across the barren Martian landscape, a never-ending gust that seemed to mock every effort the settlers made to tame the planet. The red dust swirled like a living thing, creeping into every corner of the colony, its harsh sting a constant reminder that Mars would not be tamed. Yet, for all its cruelty, there was a strange beauty in the emptiness—an allure that drew the settlers into its cold embrace. They were pioneers, building a future on a planet that had never known life before. And yet, with each passing day, they felt the weight of isolation press harder against their spirits.
Manav stood at the edge of the colony, his eyes scanning the dust storm that had once again rolled in. The shadowy figure from days ago was still fresh in his mind. He had not been able to shake the feeling that something was off. It wasn't just Priya's disappearance. No, it was something else, something darker. The figure in the storm had felt… wrong. It had lingered there, just beyond the edge of his vision, as though it had been waiting for something—waiting for him. But when he had called out, it had disappeared into the swirling dust, leaving only a lingering sense of dread.
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind him, calm and measured, but filled with urgency.
"Manav, we've got company."
Manav turned to see Tanish standing at the entrance to the colony, his face set in grim determination. Behind him stood a large figure, someone who had become somewhat of a legend among the settlers—a wrestler by the name of Austin.
Austin was a massive man, his body honed by years of combat. His broad shoulders and thick arms were a testament to his strength, but it was his eyes—eyes that burned with an unshakable resolve—that made him a force to be reckoned with. He had come to Mars to help with the settlement, but he was more than just a laborer; he was a fighter, a man who thrived in battle. And now, he was here for a reason.
"The figure in the storm," Tanish explained, his voice low. "We need to confront it. Austin believes he can defeat it."
Manav's heart skipped a beat. Austin was here to fight the shadowy figure? But why? What was this thing that had haunted them for so long? And could Austin truly defeat it?
Without a word, Austin stepped forward, his gaze steady and unyielding. His massive form seemed to absorb the harsh winds of Mars, unfazed by the storm that whipped around them.
"Stay back, Manav," Tanish said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "This isn't your fight."
But Manav didn't move. He couldn't. He had to know what was happening. Priya had been taken, and the shadowy figure was the key to it all. If Austin could defeat it, maybe they could finally uncover the truth.
The wind howled louder as they ventured toward the northern sector, where the figure had been last seen. The landscape was eerily quiet, save for the sound of their boots crunching on the red dust. The closer they got to the edge of the settlement, the more the air seemed to hum with a strange energy.
And then, there it was.
A silhouette against the storm, just like before. But this time, it was different. The figure stood taller, more solid, its form almost taking shape in the chaotic winds. It was cloaked in darkness, its features hidden beneath the fabric, but there was no mistaking the aura of danger that radiated from it.
Austin stepped forward, his body tense with readiness. He cracked his knuckles, his muscles rippling beneath his skin. "I've fought beasts on Earth. This won't be any different."
The figure didn't move, didn't react. It simply stood there, waiting.
Austin's gaze never left it as he approached, his feet moving with precision, every step calculated. He reached the figure in a matter of seconds, his massive hand outstretched to grab its shoulder, to pull it into the fight. But the moment his fingers brushed against the figure's cloak, it vanished.
Gone. Like a wisp of smoke in the wind.
Austin stumbled forward, confusion flashing across his face. "What—?"
Before he could finish his sentence, the figure reappeared behind him, a shadow materializing out of the air. It was faster than Austin had anticipated, its movements fluid and unnatural, like something that didn't belong to this world.
Austin spun around, his fists flying, but the figure was already gone, a mere blur of motion. It reappeared again, this time behind Manav, its cold presence sending a shiver down his spine. The figure wasn't just toying with them—it was studying them, learning their movements, anticipating their every move.
Manav's heart raced as he watched the two combatants circle each other. Austin swung with all his might, his fists cutting through the air like sledgehammers. But each time, the figure moved, too fast to catch. It was as though the very fabric of space bent around it, allowing it to slip through the attacks effortlessly.
But Austin wasn't giving up. He charged again, this time launching himself at the figure with a powerful grapple. His hands connected, but the figure reacted instantly, twisting out of his grasp and sending Austin crashing to the ground with a brutal kick to the ribs.
Manav winced as he watched the massive wrestler hit the ground with a thud. He was strong, but this figure was something else. It was as though it knew every move before it happened.
Austin slowly got to his feet, blood trickling from his lip. He wiped it away with the back of his hand, his gaze never leaving the figure. "You can't hide forever," he muttered. "I'll break you."
The figure remained silent, its form shifting and blending with the storm. It moved again, faster than Austin could react. The wrestler tried to block the incoming strike, but the figure's hand sliced through the air, catching him off guard. There was a sickening crack as Austin's arm was twisted unnaturally.
Manav's eyes widened in horror as Austin screamed in pain, his body crashing to the ground once again. This time, there was no getting up.
The figure stood over him, its presence dominating the landscape. It was more than just a shadow—it was a force of nature, something that existed beyond the realm of human understanding.
But then, something unexpected happened.
From the shadows of the colony, a faint cry rang out—a voice calling Manav's name. It was a soft, familiar sound.
"Manav…"
It was Priya.
She was alive. She had to be.
With every ounce of strength he could muster, Manav pushed past the fear, ignoring the violent battle happening before him. He rushed toward the sound, his heart pounding in his chest. The figure didn't follow him, its attention still on Austin's fallen form. Manav reached the edge of the storm, his eyes searching frantically.
And there, half-hidden in the shadows of an abandoned structure, stood Priya.
Her clothes were torn, her body bruised and battered, but she was alive.
Manav's breath caught in his throat as he rushed toward her, his arms reaching out to pull her into his embrace. She was trembling, her face pale, but her eyes—those eyes—were filled with relief.
"You're safe," Manav whispered, tears streaming down his face. "We're going to get out of here. Together."
But even as he held her, the battle raged on.