Chapter 2: Shattered Bonds
We begin with a flashback painting a serene picture of Ryuzaki's early days at the orphanage he was no older then 10, wandering the outskirts of sumine. The sun is setting painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, and the air is quiet except for the distant sound of birds.
Young Ryuzaki often ventured alone, seeking solace in the woods just beyond the town. It was his escape-a way to process the loneliness of losing parents he barely remembered.
He crouched near a small creek, tossing rocks into the water, when a voice pierced the silence.
Adam (calm and commanding): is this where you find peace, little one?
Ryuzaki jumped, spinning around. Standing just a few feet away was a man unlike anyone he'd ever seen. Dressed in a flawless white suit that didn't belong to the mundane world, his sharp features and piercing golden eyes seem to radiate otherworldly authority.
Young Ryuzaki (nervously): Who… are you?
Adam (smiling faintly): A friend Call me Adam.
Though apprehensive, Ryuzaki was too curious to run.
Young Ryuzaki: Why are you out here Nobody comes this far into the woods.
Adam (Kneeling): I've been watching you Ryuzaki. You're…. different. Special.
The word special made something flicker in Ryuzaki's chest.
Young Ryuzaki (hesitant): I'm not special. I'm just… me.
Adam chuckled softly, standing upright.
Adam: You'll understand one day When that day comes I'll be watching. Waiting.
Before Ryuzaki could ask more, Adam
turned and began to walk away vanishing into the shadows as if he'd never been there. Young Ryuzaki stood frozen, the encounter etched into his mind.
The flashback shifts forward to the present, where Ryuzaki and Mimi are perched on the roof of the orphanage under the cover of the night. the stars twinkled overhead as a soft hum of crickets filled the air.
Mimi leaned her head on Ryuzaki's shoulder, her cheeks faintly flushed.
Mimi (teasing): You're terrible at keeping secrets, you know. Kya almost caught us last week.
Ryuzaki (grinning): not my fault she has a sixth sense for getting in the way.
Mimi giggled, but her smile faded as she looked at Ryuzaki.
Mimi (softly): Do you ever wonder what the future holds for us?
Ryuzaki glanced at her, his usual carefree expression softening.
Ryuzaki: I don't know. but as long as you're in it, I'll figure it out
Mimi's face turned crimson, and she lightly smacked his arm.
Mimi: Idoit.
The moment lingered, and Ryuzaki took are hand, intertwining there fingers.
Ryuzaki Goes in for a kiss As his lips touch hers she blushes briefly before kissing back
Ryuzaki: No matter what happens, Mimi, I'll protect you. I promise.
The Day Everything Changed
The Children Had Just Returned from school Ryuzaki Planned to have a chill day and stay in his room after a while he notices the orphanage seemed quiet a little to quiet.
As he entered the common room his blood ran cold.
Kenji stood in the center of the room holding Mimi and Daiki at gunpoint. His expression was blank, devoid of any emotion. Mimi was trembling, shielding Daiki behind her.
Ryuzaki (Panicking): Kenji What the hell are you doing?!!
Kenji's hand twitched, his finger tightening on the trigger.
Kenji (monotone): I… can't… stop….
Before Ryuzaki Could rush forward, the gun went off. The sound echoed through the room as Mimi Collapsed, blood pooling her.
Ryuzaki (Screaming): MIMI
Another shot. Daiki crumbled beside Mimi.
Ryuzaki froze, his body trembling as his mind struggled to process what was happening.
Big brother ryu was all Ryuzaki heard as he was shot next.
Kenji, still holding the gun began to shake violently. his eyes flickered with recognition as tears streamed down his face.
Kenji (choking): R-Ryuzaki…. I didn't…. I couldn't stop him….
Before Ryuzaki could respond Kenji turned the gun on himself realizing the effect of which he'd done with his own hands a final shot rang out, and Kenji fell to the floor.
Ryuzaki staggered forward, collapsing beside the lifeless bodies of his family. blood coated his hands as he reached for Mimi's face
Ryuzaki (whispering): No…no, no, no
His vision blurred from tears and blood his body weakening as the shot to his side starts making him lose a lot of blood.
Ryuzaki opened his eyes, his body aching the ground beneath him was cold and unfamiliar. He sat up slowly his surroundings blurry.
The it hit him.
He remembered the blood. the screams. The lifeless faces of the people he loved most.
A guttural sob escaped him as he pounded his fist into the ground
Ryuzaki (screaming): Why?! Why did it have to happen?
He continued to scream and cry his fist raw from the impact. His dispair consumed him, leaving him vulnerable and exposed.
The ground began to tremble beneath him, a massive bear-like creature emerged from the shadows. It's fur shimmered with a metallic sheen, and its eyes glowed with predatory intent.
Ryuzaki barely registered the threat.
Ryuzaki (hoarse): Come on, then! Kill me to!
The beast charged, and something inside Ryuzaki snapped. He grabbed a nearby branch and fought with fury he didn't know he possessed.
The battle was brutal, leaving Ryuzaki bloodied and broken, but he managed to kill the beast. He collapsed to the ground, gasping for air, his vision fading.
As he looked up, he saw a familiar figure standing before him
Ryuzaki (weakly): Renji…?
He stood up and rushed to hug his brother, but his hands passed though him. Startled, he looked back, but Renji was gone.
A soft voice whispered in his ear making them hurt almost to the point of bursting
Mimi (Gently): I love you
Ryuzaki spun around, searching for her, but saw nothing
But then he spotted Daiki in the distance standing quietly.
The ran toward him, but tripped and fell. As he struggled to get up, he heard the sound of bone snapping pierce the air.
He looked up, his blood ran cold as he saw Adam holding Daiki by the arm bending it at an unnatural but shockingly It seemed to have no effect on Daiki's calm face
Ryuzaki (screaming): Stop it! Leave him alone!
Adam smiled coldly and snapped Daiki's neck.
Ryuzaki (pleading): no…. please he's…. all I have left
Adam's voice boomed a single word that sent shivers down Ryuzaki's spine.
Adam: Look
Ryuzaki turned, but there was nothing there. When he turned back to Adam, he was gone.
Ryuzaki's body gave out, and he collapsed Adam watching this unfold says
Adam: should have just came willingly my son
When Ryuzaki Awoke, he was in an unfamiliar village, his body aching and his mind reeling. He sat up slowly, the memories of what happened flooding back.
Ryuzaki (whispering): where….. am I?
End Of Chapter 2