Nathan stormed into the Stargent facility, his footsteps echoing in the eerily silent ruins. The air was heavy with the scent of burning metal and scorched earth. The hallway lights flickered erratically, casting long, ominous shadows over the unconscious bodies of Stargent agents lying on the floor. He clenched his fists tightly, his orange aura igniting around him like a wildfire. It flickered and danced, a stark contrast to the oppressive crimson light that spilled from the room ahead.
As he rounded the corner, Nathan's eyes locked onto Tazer, who stood at the epicenter of the destruction. His arms were crossed, his posture casual, as though he was waiting. Crimson eyes gleamed with predatory amusement, reflecting the chaos he had caused. The air around him seemed to ripple with an otherworldly heat, his aura pulsating in rhythmic waves that exuded dominance.
Nathan stopped a few feet away, his glowing orange eyes narrowed. "Tazer!" he bellowed, his voice reverberating through the wrecked facility. "Your fight is with me! "
Tazer uncrossed his arms and turned his gaze toward Nathan, an almost lazy smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Nathan," he drawled, as if greeting an old friend. "I was wondering when you'd show up."
Nathan's teeth clenched. "Enough with the games, Tazer. You wanted me? Here I am."
Tazer chuckled, his voice low and menacing. "Oh, you still don't get it, do you? This isn't a game. This is life or death situation."
The tension in the air became suffocating, both men standing in silence as their auras clashed. The orange flames surrounding Nathan crackled and flared, while Tazer's crimson energy burned like a malevolent inferno. For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of their energies colliding, the faint hum of power growing louder with every second.
Then, with a sudden burst of speed, Nathan lunged forward, his fist aimed directly at Tazer's face. The impact shook the air around them, but Tazer sidestepped effortlessly, his smirk never fading. Nathan spun, aiming a roundhouse kick, but Tazer ducked under it, grabbing Nathan's ankle mid-spin and slamming him to the ground with brutal force.
Nathan winced but quickly rolled to his feet, refusing to give Tazer the satisfaction of seeing him down. He lunged again, this time feinting a punch before twisting into an elbow strike aimed at Tazer's ribs. The blow connected, forcing Tazer to stagger slightly. Nathan followed up with a knee to the stomach and a hook to the jaw, sending Tazer stumbling back.
For a brief moment, Nathan felt a surge of confidence. He pressed forward, landing a series of punches and kicks that forced Tazer to go on the defensive. His movements were sharp and relentless, each strike fueled by the memory of his fallen comrades, the chaos Tazer had caused, and the responsibility he bore as Stargent's strongest.
But Tazer's smirk never faltered. Even as Nathan's strikes landed, his expression was one of amusement, as though he were toying with a child. "Not bad," Tazer said, catching Nathan's wrist mid-punch. His grip tightened like a vice, and Nathan's eyes widened as he felt the sheer strength behind it. "But not good enough."
With a twist of his wrist, Tazer sent Nathan flying into a nearby wall. The impact cracked the concrete, and Nathan slumped to the ground, gasping for air. Tazer advanced, his footsteps slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey. "You've got potential," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But you're out of your league."
Nathan forced himself to his feet, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. His orange aura flared brighter, its heat distorting the air around him. "I'm not done yet," he growled, his voice defiant. "You haven't seen what I'm capable of."
Tazer tilted his head, his grin widening. " Show me."
Nathan charged again, his movements fueled by desperation and determination. He ducked under Tazer's swipe, delivering a hard punch to his gut followed by an uppercut that snapped Tazer's head back. Taking advantage of the moment, Nathan grabbed Tazer by the collar and drove his knee into his opponent's stomach, forcing the air out of him.
But Tazer recovered quickly, his grin returning as he grabbed Nathan's wrist and twisted it, forcing him to release his hold. Tazer delivered a devastating punch to Nathan's chest, the force of it sending him skidding across the floor. Nathan coughed, struggling to breathe as pain radiated through his body.
"Is that all you've got?" Tazer taunted, his voice filled with mock disappointment. "I expected more from you."
Nathan gritted his teeth, pushing himself up despite the searing pain in his ribs. "You haven't won yet," he spat, his orange aura flaring once more.
Tazer laughed, the sound cold and devoid of any real amusement. "You're persistent. I'll give you that. But persistence without power is meaningless."
Nathan launched himself forward again, his movements faster and more aggressive. He managed to land a flurry of blows, each one driving Tazer back a step. But no matter how hard he hit, it never seemed to faze Tazer for long.
Then, Tazer's demeanor changed. His grin faded, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "Enough," he said, his voice low and menacing.
Before Nathan could react, Tazer's movements became a blur. He ducked under Nathan's punch, slamming his elbow into his ribs with bone-crushing force. Nathan staggered, gasping in pain, but Tazer didn't stop. He delivered a spinning kick to Nathan's chest, sending him crashing into another wall.
Nathan tried to stand, but his body refused to obey. Blood dripped from his mouth, his aura flickering weakly as exhaustion began to take its toll. Tazer stood over him, his crimson eyes glowing with malice.
"You've got heart, Nathan," Tazer said, his voice almost admiring. "But heart alone won't save you."
He raised his hand, his aura flaring again. This time, it was darker, more menacing, the crimson light swallowing the room in its intensity. A faint red glow began to form around his palm, radiating a terrifying, oppressive heat.
Nathan forced himself to his knees, his orange aura sparking faintly. His eyes locked onto Tazer's hand, his jaw tightening as he prepared for one last stand. "Not… yet," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with defiance.
Meanwhile, the streets illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights. Lucias stepped out of his house, slipping his phone into his pocket as he finished a call. His face was a mix of determination and calm, his eyes gazing ahead as if he were already planning his next move. The chilly evening air brushed against him, but he didn't flinch. His mind was too preoccupied to notice.
As he took a few steps forward, the faint sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears. Turning his head slightly, he saw Mia standing at the bottom of his driveway, her face tense with concern. Her breaths were uneven, as though she'd run to catch him.
"Lucias," Mia called out, her voice trembling with a mix of frustration and worry. She stood there, unsure whether to move closer or keep her distance. "I need to know—what's going on with you?
Lucias stopped in his tracks, turning fully to face her. For a moment, he was silent, his expression unreadable. Then, a faint smile appeared on his lips—not the forced, pained smile of someone hiding the truth, but a genuine one, filled with an unshakable serenity.
"Mia," he said softly, his voice calm and steady, "there's something I have to do. Something I need to fulfill. A gamble I need to take."
Mia's brows furrowed in confusion. "A gamble? What are you talking about? What's this all about, Lucias? Please, don't shut me out."
He chuckled lightly, the sound almost nostalgic. "You've always been so curious," he said, his tone affectionate. "But this… this is something I can't fully explain, not yet."
Mia took a step closer, desperation creeping into her voice. "Then help me understand. You've changed so much. First, you were different because of… because of that thing—your Alter. Now, you're back, but you're still distant, like you're carrying some kind of burden. What is it, Lucias? Why won't you tell me ? "
Lucias looked down for a moment, as if contemplating her words. When he looked back up, his eyes carried a spark of excitement, an almost childlike wonder. "You know," he began, "I've always had this dream. A dream to experience the strange and unexplainable, to dive headfirst into the mysteries of the world. It's what's driven me for so long. And now, Mia… now I've found it."
"What do you mean?" Mia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I've found the answer," Lucias said simply. His smile grew wider, his face radiating a calmness that seemed to put even the chaotic world around him at ease. "The answer to all of this. To who I am. To what I'm meant to do."
Mia shook her head, her confusion deepening. "What answer? Lucias, please—"
He cut her off gently, raising a hand. "Mia, you've always been there for me. And I can't thank you enough for that. But this… this is something I have to do on my own. I'm not the same Lucias nor The Alter you knew before. I've got a bigger role to play now."
Mia's lips parted, her voice faltering as she tried to respond. But before she could say anything, Lucias spoke again, his tone light but resolute. "You've seen it, haven't you? Those strange phenomena. The things most people can't even begin to comprehend. It's terrifying, yes, but it's also… exhilarating. It's what I've always wanted—to be a part of something greater, something extraordinary. And now, I finally have that chance."
Mia stepped closer, her voice firm. "Lucias, I don't care about your role or whatever answers you think you've found. What if this 'bigger role' costs you everything?"
He turned his head slightly, his smile never fading. "Mia, I appreciate that you care. Truly, I do. But this is something I can't walk away from. Not now. Not when I'm so close."
"Close to what?" she asked, tears glistening in her eyes.
Lucias hesitated for a brief moment, then said, "Close to understanding. To making sense of all of this."
Before Mia could respond, he stepped back, his movements calm and deliberate. "See you later, Mia," he said, raising a hand in farewell. "And don't worry. I'll be fine."
"Lucias, wait—" she called out, but her voice faltered as he turned and began walking away, his figure retreating into the shadows of the night. She watched him go, her hands trembling at her sides. Part of her wanted to chase after him, to demand answers, to stop him from leaving. But another part—a deeper, quieter part—felt an odd sense of relief. Despite her worry, there was something about the calmness on his face, the unwavering resolve in his voice, that told her he was at peace with his decision.
"Come back safe," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She stood there for a while, her gaze fixed on the spot where he had disappeared, until the stillness of the night finally wrapped around her.
The sterile halls of Stargent headquarters remained tense as the Director ended his phone call, his eyes reflecting both urgency and a spark of hope. He pressed his earpiece, connecting directly to Nathan, who was still engaged in the relentless confrontation with Tazer. The sounds of a fierce battle—explosions, crashes, and Nathan's labored breathing—echoed through the line.
"Nathan," the Director's voice came through, steady but filled with urgency. "Listen to me. I need you to hold on. Just a little longer."
Nathan's voice crackled back, breathless yet still carrying his unshakable determination. "Hold on? I'm not just holding on, Director—I'm still in this. He may be stronger, but I'm not going down without giving him hell."
The Director allowed a small smile to form. "That's what I like to hear, Nathan. But remember, your objective right now is to buy time. Keep him distracted and don't take unnecessary risks. Reinforcements are on their way."
Nathan paused briefly, gritting his teeth as another thunderous crash rang out on his end. "Reinforcements?" he asked, his tone tinged with curiosity. "What kind of reinforcements? Because right now, unless it's a miracle, I'm not sure it'll matter."
The Director hesitated for a moment before responding, his voice resolute. "It'll matter. Trust me. For now, focus on the fight. I trust you, Nathan. You've got this."
On the other end, Nathan exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on his fists as his orange aura flared around him once more. "You can count on me, Director. I'll hold him. Just don't leave me hanging."
The Director nodded, even though Nathan couldn't see him. "We won't. Keep pushing. Play it smart."
As the line disconnected, Nathan wiped the blood from his mouth, his confidence unwavering despite the overwhelming odds. Across from him, Tazer stood tall, his crimson aura pulsating ominously, but Nathan's eyes never wavered. His body ached, his energy reserves were waning, but the fire within him still burned fiercely.
"This isn't over," Nathan muttered under his breath, squaring his stance and channeling what energy he had left into his aura. "I'm not done yet."
Tazer smirked, clearly amused by Nathan's resilience. "Still standing? Admirable, but ultimately pointless. You're delaying the inevitable."
Nathan clenched his fists, the orange energy around him sparking brighter. "You talk too much," he shot back, his tone sharp. "Why don't we skip the lecture and see how much you can really take?"
Without hesitation, Nathan surged forward, his aura blazing as he closed the distance between them. He delivered a rapid series of punches, each one aimed with precision at Tazer's vital points. Tazer blocked and parried effortlessly at first, but Nathan's speed and unpredictability began to force him to move defensively.
"You're faster than I thought," Tazer admitted, his tone laced with a hint of respect. "But speed alone won't save you."
Nathan smirked, sweat dripping down his face as he pivoted on his heel and delivered a powerful spinning kick aimed at Tazer's head. Tazer ducked, but Nathan used the momentum to follow up with an uppercut, his aura flaring as he made contact with Tazer's jaw. The force of the blow sent Tazer stumbling back slightly—a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
"hahaha," Tazer said, wiping a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth. His grin widened, and his crimson eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I was starting to get bored. Show me what else you've got."
Nathan didn't need an invitation. He pressed the attack, unleashing a flurry of strikes that forced Tazer to stay on the defensive. He mixed in feints and unpredictable movements, his fighting style honed by years of experience. For a moment, it seemed as though Nathan might have gained the upper hand.
But Tazer's smirk never faltered. "You're persistent, I'll give you that," he said, his aura flaring brighter. "But persistence without power is meaningless."
With a sudden burst of speed, Tazer countered, catching Nathan off guard. His palm struck Nathan's chest with an explosive force, sending him skidding backward across the rubble-strewn floor. Nathan coughed violent, his orange aura flickering but not extinguishing.
"I've faced worse than you," Nathan growled, forcing himself to his feet. His legs wobbled slightly, but his resolve was unshaken. "You think this is enough to stop me?"
Tazer tilted his head, a mocking grin on his face. "No," he said simply. "But I don't need to stop you. You'll wear yourself out eventually."
Nathan gritted his teeth and lunged forward again, his movements fueled by sheer willpower. He threw a powerful punch aimed at Tazer's torso, but Tazer caught it effortlessly, his fingers tightening around Nathan's fist. The red glow of his aura intensified, and Nathan could feel the overwhelming pressure radiating from him.
"You've got heart," Tazer said, almost as if he were genuinely impressed. "But heart won't save you."
Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, Nathan broke free from Tazer's grip and delivered a desperate headbutt. The impact forced Tazer to release him, and Nathan followed up with a series of rapid strikes, each one aimed at exploiting any weakness he could find. Tazer's expression grew serious as he deflected and countered, the two of them locked in a deadly dance of skill and power.
For every strike Nathan landed, Tazer retaliated with twice the force. The factory floor cracked and trembled beneath them as their auras clashed, the orange and crimson energy lighting up the battlefield like a storm.
Nathan refused to back down, even as his body screamed in protest. His vision blurred, and his breathing grew labored, but he stood his ground. "I'm not done yet," he said through gritted teeth, his aura flaring brighter as he prepared for another attack.
Tazer's aura flared again, darker and more menacing than before. He raised his hand, a faint red glow forming around it. Nathan braced himself, his orange aura sparking faintly as he prepared for one last stand.
The Director's eyes lingered on the screen, his hand resting on the edge of the console. "We're running out of time," he murmured to himself. Then, louder, to Kara: "Prepare the team. If this goes south, we'll need to be ready to step in."
Kara nodded and quickly left the room, leaving the Director alone with his thoughts. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to glance at the phone on his desk, the memory of the call replaying in his mind. " The rest is up to you now. "