Kenzo: Never Give Up
Chapter 12
"Ether Zone—Shadow Magic: Nightmare Grasp!"
Kiyomi's voice echoed through the battlefield. Darkness burst from her hands like serpents, slithering toward Xal'Zorr's feet. The black tendrils wrapped around his shadow, freezing him in place.
For a moment, silence lingered in the air. Victory seemed within reach.
Suddenly, Xal'Zorr's body flickered like a mirage, and he broke free from the magic's hold. His crimson eyes glowed ominously as he readied his next attack.
Kiyomi (gasping): "He escaped?! How?"
Xal'Zorr raised his arm, preparing a devastating blow. Kiyomi quickly dodged to the side, her feet skidding across the rocky ground.
Kiyomi: "I've got to think fast…!"
She fired a black beam of energy at him, but he deflected it with ease.
Kiyomi (thinking): There's got to be a weak spot…
Her eyes darted around his body, searching for a vulnerability. Then, she saw it—a faint, star-shaped mark glowing on his chest.
Kiyomi: "There it is! If I hit that, I can win!"
Determination surged through her veins. Ether Zone—Shadow Magic flared around her, and her shadow began to shift and rise, wrapping around her body like armor.
Kiyomi's Shadow: "Let's finish this!"
Kiyomi smirked. "You're not getting away this time, Xal'Zorr!"
Kiyomi and her shadow charged forward in perfect synchronization. Each punch and kick hit with the force of a hurricane, overwhelming Xal'Zorr. Blow after blow pushed him back until they stood face-to-face with the glowing mark on his chest.
Kiyomi: "This is the end!"
With one final strike, Kiyomi and her shadow drove their fists into the star-shaped mark. Xal'Zorr's body disintegrated into shards of darkness, vanishing into the wind.
As her shadow faded, Kiyomi collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.
Kiyomi: "I… I'm so tired…"
But just as she started to relax, a shadowy figure appeared behind her and struck her down. Her eyes widened in shock before everything went black. The unknown attacker disappeared into the darkness, leaving no trace behind.
(Flashback)
Kenzo: "So… where's your house, Kiyomi?"
Kiyomi lowered her gaze, her voice barely a whisper.
Kiyomi: "I don't… have a house."
Kenzo frowned but said nothing. After a moment, he patted her shoulder.
Kenzo: "Don't worry. We'll figure something out."
They continued walking until they came across an elderly woman standing by the roadside.
Old Woman: "Excuse me, are you looking for a job? We can offer you a room to stay for free."
Kenzo's eyes lit up. "That's perfect! Kiyomi, you should go!"
Kiyomi: "But… I can't just leave you."
Kenzo: "It's fine. You'll be safe there. Go on!"
The old woman smiled gently. "Come with me, dear."
Kiyomi hesitated but eventually nodded. "Okay…"
Kenzo: "See you later, Kiyomi."
The old woman led Kiyomi to a church where children were playing in the courtyard.
Old Woman: "Don't worry, dear. You won't have to work. You'll be enrolled in the academy."
Kiyomi: "Really? Thank you!"
For the first time in a while, Kiyomi felt a spark of happiness. She joined the other children and played until nightfall. Later, she ate dinner and went to bed, her heart lighter than it had been in days.
The next morning, she entered the academy, hopeful for a fresh start. But things didn't go as planned.
The other students mocked her relentlessly, whispering cruel words and laughing behind her back. Kiyomi clenched her fists, trying to ignore them. Suddenly, a confident voice cut through the noise.
"Enough! Leave her alone!"
A girl with long silver hair and a commanding presence stood before the bullies, glaring at them until they scattered.
Ayame: "What's your name?"
Kiyomi: "Kiyomi Takane… And you?"
Ayame: "I'm Ayame Mizushima. But you can call me Ayame."
Kiyomi's eyes widened in surprise.
Kiyomi: "Ayame… You're the princess, right?" She quickly bowed.
Ayame: "Please, don't call me 'Princess.' Just Ayame is fine."
Kiyomi hesitated, then spoke softly. "Ayame… I don't have a best friend. Would you… be my best friend?"
Ayame paused, her expression unreadable.
Kiyomi (worried): "Sorry! I shouldn't have asked for something so big!"
Ayame: "No, no! I didn't mean it like that! I've never had a best friend either… But if you want, I'll be your best friend!"
She extended her hand, smiling warmly.
Kiyomi blinked, then smiled back. "Really?"
They clasped hands.
Both: "We're best friends now!"
[Back to the Present]
Ayame walked through the town, helping those in need. Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of Kiyomi lying on the ground, unconscious. Panic surged through her as she rushed to her side.
Ayame: "Kiyomi! What happened?"
Kiyomi's eyes fluttered open. "Someone… attacked me from behind…"
Ayame: "Who could have done this?"
Her eyes scanned the area, and in the distance, perched on a tree branch, was the same shadowy figure. He watched them with a sinister grin before disappearing once again.
[Meanwhile, in a UFO …]
Yuto and Voidron stood face to face, their gazes locked in a silent challenge.
Yuto: "So, Iron Ball, are you ready to go to hell?"
Voidron: "Talk about yourself, kid."
The tension between them was palpable. They readied their stances, prepared for battle.
To be continued…