Part 1: Disaster
A long line formed at a food stall.
The smell of freshly made mochi filled the air.
Among the customers at the front of the line–
Were Hikaru, Mei, and Hikari.
"Can we get three mochis, please?" Mei asked.
The vendor smiled, handing them over.
The trio walked away, happily tasting their treats.
"Mmm! These are so good!" Mei exclaimed.
"They really are." Hikaru agreed, nodding.
Hikari smiled, enjoying her snack.
But then–
Her eyes caught someone in the crowd.
"Teshii!"
She waved excitedly.
Hikaru and Mei turned.
Teshii was approaching them.
But–
His usual grin was missing.
Instead – he looked disappointed.
"Um… what happened, Teshii?" Hikaru asked.
Teshii sighed dramatically. "Oh, Sunshine! It was a total disaster."
"What was?" Hikari asked.
Hikaru and Teshii exchanged glances.
They couldn't tell her about the Elements.
Teshii thought fast.
"U-uh… YES! I tried to get the performer's biggest fan–" he gestured to Hikaru "–an autograph. But he refused."
Mei tilted her head. "Oh, I didn't know you liked magic, Hikaru."
Hikaru forced a smile, glaring at Teshii. "Yeah… I really do."
Teshii ignored him.
"Anyway! Let's continue our date!"
He grabbed Hikari's hand, leading her forward.
As they walked through the festival, Mei chatted with Hikari.
Meanwhile–
Hikaru leaned in to whisper to Teshii.
"So… what actually happened?"
Teshii shrugged. "Well, he was about to join… kind of. Until–"
"Until?"
"Big M showed up."
Hikaru blinked. "Who's Big M?"
"Aqua's older brother."
"And… who's Aqua?"
"Haruto, duh."
Hikaru stared at Teshii in disbelief.
"….Aqua? Really?"
"Yes, like how you're Sunshine. He'll be Aqua."
Hikaru sighed. "You really like nicknaming people, huh."
"Of course! It adds personality!"
Hikaru ignored him. "Anyway, what did his brother do?"
"He said no… and called the Order of the Elements a 'cult.'"
Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "A… cult?"
Teshii nodded. "Yep. Can you believe it? If we were a cult, we'd at least have cool robes."
Hikaru rolled his eyes.
"So what now?"
Teshii grinned. "We go for Plan B."
Hikaru tilted his head. "You have a Plan B?"
"Of course I do!" Teshii said proudly. "I even have Plans C, D, E, and F."
Hikaru stared at him. "…Why?"
Teshii smirked.
"Well, Sunshine… A wise man once said: 'Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.'"
Hikaru sighed. "I can't believe you sometimes."
Then–
"So, guys!" Mei called out.
Hikaru and Teshii turned toward her.
"What do you guys want to do now?"
Hikaru smiled. "Oh, we can–"
Suddenly–
SCREAMS erupted from across the festival.
Everyone whipped their heads around.
Teshii was the first to see it.
Two lifeless bodies.
Their skin pale… as if drained of blood.
Then–
They saw her.
The woman in red.
Blood Mage
Teshii immediately turned to Hikari and Mei.
"Ladies, go! Find somewhere safe!"
"But–" Hikari hesitated.
Teshii smirked. "Remember how I fought those smoke clones?"
Hikari nodded.
"Then you know I can handle myself." He winked.
Hikari still looked worried.
Teshii nudged Hikaru. "Besides, Sunshine here is my backup!"
Hikaru glared. "Backup? Absolutely not."
Teshii ignored him.
"Pleases, Hikari."
Hikari hesitated – but nodded.
She grabbed Mei's wrist. "Let's go, Mei!"
As the girls ran off…
Hikaru and Teshii stepped forward to confront her.
The woman continued her carnage.
More victims collapse, drained of life.
Hikaru and Teshii hid behind a stall, watching.
They spotted her next target.
A man, trembling in fear.
She grinned.
And sank her fangs into his neck.
Hikaru's eyes widened. "She's stealing their blood."
He looked at Teshii.
"Is that… a mutant?"
Teshii nodded. "Definitely. Her ability looks like 'Blood Magic' or 'Vampire'"
Teshii grinned. "Well, Sunshine. You ready?"
Hikaru gulped. "Y-yeah."
They prepared to charge in–
Until–
"HEY!"
Hikaru and Teshii froze.
They ducked back behind the stall.
The woman turned toward the voice.
It was–
Mamoru.
Teshii smirked. "Hey, it's Big M!"
Hikaru nodded. "Haruto's brother…"
Then – Hikaru realized something.
That was the man who bumped into him earlier.
"Who are you?" Mamoru asked.
She grinned.
"Call me… 'Blood Mage.'" She said, bathed in blood
CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Name: Blood Mage
Age: Unknown
Hair Colour: Red
Eye Colour: Red
Height: 5'3
Weight: 129lbs
Occupation: Unknown
Hikaru listening in, whispered. "Blood Mage? That nickname is worse than Big M."
Teshii gasped sarcastically. "How dare you? I think it's a beautiful nickname."
Mamoru stepped forward.
"Look, I don't care who you are. Leave the festival. Now."
Teshii chuckled. "Ha! That's almost exactly what he told me when I tried to recruit Aqua."
The Blood Mage tilted her head.
"Or what?"
Mamoru pointed at himself.
"Or you'll face me."
Hikaru turned to Teshii. "Should we… help him?"
Teshii shrugged. "No."
Hikaru nodded. "Right–"
Then–
POW!
Teshii smacked him. "WHAT THE HELL, SUNSHINE? Of course, we help him! He's a human about to fight a mutant!"
Hikaru winced. "O-okay, okay!"
Then–
Mamoru charged at the Blood Mage.
Part 2: Mamoru vs Blood Mage
Mamoru charged forward like a bullet.
His fist – a blur – slammed into Blood Mage's chest.
She staggered back, coughing.
But instead of anger –
She smirked.
"…Interesting."
She raised her hand.
Suddenly–
The blood from her fallen victims began to rise.
It twisted and hardened, forming into deadly spears.
Mamoru's eyes narrowed. "What the hell is that?"
"BLOOD SPEAR!" Blood Mage shouted.
The blood spears launched at Mamoru at terrifying speed.
But–
He dodged with precision, weaving between the deadly projectiles.
From the shadows–
Hikaru and Teshii watched from behind a stall.
Teshii whistled. "Damn! Big M knows martial arts too?"
Then–
His eyes sparkled with an idea.
"Ooooh! I should totally invite him to a sparring match after this."
Hikaru stared at Teshii in disbelief.
Before Hikaru could say anything–
SLAM!
Both turned back to the fight.
Mamoru had been whipped across the battlefield by a blood tendril.
He crashed into a stall, groaning in pain.
Hikaru gritted his teeth. "Teshii, we need to help him."
Teshii nodded. "Yeah… I can see that."
Then–
Teshii turned to the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's just hope Mamoru also has plot armour like me and Sunshine."
Hikaru blinked. "Who… are you talking to?"
Teshii smiled. "No one."
Hikaru shook his head. "Whatever. Let's go–"
"Nope!" Teshii cut him off. "I'll handle Big M's rescue. YOU go find Aqua!"
"WHY?! Hikaru exclaimed.
Teshii grinned. "Because this will be the perfect excuse for Aqua to join the Order – plus, this is Plan B!"
Before Hikaru could argue–
Teshii dashed into battle.
Hikaru watched for a second, then clenched his fist.
Damn it!
He turned and ran off to find Haruto.
Teshii to the Rescue
Mamoru was on one knee, panting.
Blood Mage loomed over him, smirking.
"Pathetic."
Mamoru gritted his teeth.
"What can a mere human do against a mutant?" Blood Mage taunted.
"Mutant?" Mamoru muttered.
Blood Mage chuckled. "Oh, that's right. You brain-dead humans don't even know what we are."
She raised a finger. "Let me educate you—"
BAM!
Her head snapped to the side as an arm collided with her.
She crashed into the ground.
A voice rang out.
"LARIAT!!!"
Mamoru looked up.
It was—
Teshii.
Teshii landed next to Mamoru, grinning.
"What's up, Big M? Thought you could have all the fun without me?"
Mamoru smirked. "You live up to your title, 'King of Martial Arts.'"
Teshii gasped sarcastically. "You remembered! I'm so touched!"
Mamoru chuckled weakly. "That lariat… the impact was insane."
Blood Mage rose from the ground, wiping blood from her lips.
She raised a hand. "Blood Tendrils!"
Suddenly—
BLOOD erupted from beneath Teshii's feet.
"What the f—"
The tendrils grabbed his leg—
And launched him into the air.
"WWWOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!" Teshii screamed as he soared skyward.
Mamoru watched, expressionless. "...Damn."
Blood Mage charged forward, creating a weapon out of stolen blood.
It shaped into a sword.
"Try dodging this, human."
She swung it at Mamoru.
He rolled away, barely avoiding the slash.
Mei and Hikari
Hiding behind a food stall—
Mei and Hikari continues hiding.
Mei clutched her hands together, worried.
Hikari noticed. "Mei, what's wrong?"
"I'm worried." Mei muttered.
"Don't be! Teshii can handle it!" Hikari reassured.
"It's not that… I know Teshii can fight. But Hikaru—" Mei hesitated.
Hikari tilted her head. "Hikaru?"
"Yeah! I mean… I know Teshii asked him to help, but can Hikaru even fight?"
Hikari paused.
Mei bit her lip. "I just don't get why Teshii got Hikaru involved in this."
Fight Continues
Mamoru dodged attack after attack.
Then—
SLASH!
Blood Mage's sword grazed his stomach.
Blood spilled from the wound.
Mamoru fell to one knee, gripping his side.
Blood Mage smirked. "Looks like this is the end for you."
She raised her sword.
Mamoru braced himself.
Suddenly—
A scream from above.
Blood Mage looked up.
It was—
Teshii.
"WWWOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!"
He flipped midair, positioning himself.
"SHOOTING STAR!"
He plunged downward, foot aimed at Blood Mage.
She narrowed her eyes and dodged at the last second.
BOOM!
Teshii's attack hit the ground, cracking it.
But—
His foot got stuck in the pavement.
"Well, shit."
Mamoru glanced at him. "Looks like… strength has also their downside."
Teshii struggled to free his leg.
Blood Mage ignored him.
Instead—
She focused back on Mamoru.
Her hand rose.
Mamoru suddenly clutched his arm.
His expression twisted in pain.
Teshii realized instantly.
"Shit… she's controlling his blood!"
Mamoru screamed.
Blood Mage grinned. "Let's see how you fight without an arm."
Then—
SPLASH!
Mamoru's arm exploded.
Blood splattered everywhere.
Mamoru collapsed, screaming in agony.
Teshii stared in shock.
"BIG M!!!"
Part 3: Death
Mamoru collapsed to the ground, screaming in pain.
Blood poured from his missing arm, staining the festival floor.
Above him–
Blood Mage loomed, smiling.
"Ah… I love watching humans suffer." She licked her lips. "I bet Leader will be pleased."
Her gaze flicked to the side.
But–
Teshii was gone.
In an instant–
BAM!
A leg swung out, crashing into Blood Mage's stomach.
She staggered backward, stunned.
It was–
Teshii.
His famous roundhouse kick had landed clean.
Teshii landed smoothly and sprinted over to Mamoru.
"BIG M! Are you okay?!"
Mamoru groaned, barely conscious.
He tried to speak but only managed a weak, gurgling sound.
Teshii knelt down, checking the wound.
His expression darkened.
"Shit… we need to get you out of here."
He hoisted Mamoru onto his shoulder.
Before leaving–
He glanced back at Blood Mage
She was still unconscious.
For now.
Meanwhile
Hikaru was running through the festival, searching for Haruto.
Damn it! Where is here?!
He had checked everywhere.
Food stalls? No sign of him.
Toilets? Empty.
Car park? Nothing.
Then–
One place left.
The backstage.
He sprinted toward it.
Hikaru burst into the backstage area.
There—
Sitting on a crate—
Haruto.
"HARUTO!" Hikaru shouted.
Haruto looked up, confused. "Hikaru?"
He stood up. "What's going on out there?"
Hikaru gasped for breath.
"We… need… your help… Haruto."
Haruto frowned. "Help?"
"There's a crazy woman… attacking the festival…" Hikaru panted. "And… your brother… is fighting her… and he's… about to die."
Haruto's eyes widened.
"No… Mamoru can't lose."
Hikaru caught his breath.
"Then come help us!"
Haruto hesitated. "I… can't."
Hikaru stiffened. "WHAT? WHY?!"
"Mamoru told me to stay here." Haruto's voice was barely a whisper.
Hikaru gritted his teeth.
"Look, I get it. Your brother wants to protect you. But listen—"
His expression hardened.
"Your brother is literally fighting a mutant. If we don't help, HE WILL DIE."
Haruto looked down.
His mind raced.
What if Mamoru got angry?
What if… he died because I didn't listen?
But—
If I do nothing…
Then…
Mamoru dies anyway.
Haruto clenched his fists.
He looked up at Hikaru.
"I'll help."
Hikaru nodded. "Let's go!"
Hikaru and Haruto rushed toward the battlefield.
But when they arrived—
They froze.
Teshii was standing there.
Holding Mamoru in his arms.
Blood dripped onto the pavement.
Haruto's heart dropped.
"BROTHER!"
Teshii looked up.
Hikaru felt a lump in his throat.
"Teshii… where's Blood Mage?"
"Unconscious." Teshii said. "But right now—"
He glanced at Mamoru.
"We need to get him to safety.
Hikaru nodded and helped Teshii carry Mamoru away.
Haruto followed, his body shaking.
Find Your Own Path
The group reached a quiet food stall, hidden from the chaos.
There—
Hikari and Mei were waiting.
"HIKARU! TESHII!" Hikari shouted, running toward them.
Mei's eyes widened. "WHAT HAPPENED?! WHO IS THIS?!"
Teshii laid Mamoru down gently.
Haruto rushed to his brother's side.
"BROTHER!"
Mamoru's eyes fluttered open.
His voice was weak.
"Ha…ruto."
Haruto grabbed his remaining hand. "You're going to be okay! We'll get you to a hospital!"
Mamoru shook his head.
"No."
Haruto froze.
Mamoru's breathing was shallow.
"It's… time." His voice was barely a whisper.
Haruto's eyes filled with tears.
"No… don't say that!"
Mamoru continued weakly.
"I… controlled… your life… for too long."
Haruto gritted his teeth, shaking his head.
"Ever… since… you discovered your power… I knew… people would try to take you away."
Haruto sobbed. "I don't care! I just want you to live!"
Teshii looked at the civilians. "MEDIC! IS ANYONE A MEDIC?!"
No one answered.
Mamoru's voice grew fainter.
"Haruto… just promise me this."
Haruto wiped his tears. "Anything! Just stay with me!"
Mamoru smiled softly.
"Find… your own… path."
His hand went limp.
His fingers stopped twitching.
His eyes… empty.
His body… still.
Mamoru Setsuna… was dead.
"BROTHER?!"
Haruto shook him.
"No. No! Please don't leave me!"
Silence.
Haruto's tears fell.
Hikaru, Mei, and Hikari stood in silent grief.
Teshii stared at Mamoru's lifeless body.
His expression unreadable.
Then—
He looked at Haruto.
Flashback
A small apartment.
A child played with a toy.
A four-year-old Haruto.
"Mama! When is Brother coming home?"
His mother smiled.
"Soon, sweetheart."
Then—
The door opened.
Haruto looked up excitedly.
Standing in the doorway—
A twelve-year-old Mamoru.
Haruto's face lit up.
"BROTHER!"
Mamoru spread his arms. "Come here, Haruto."
Haruto ran toward him.
The two brothers embraced.
Back to Reality
Haruto stared at Mamoru's lifeless body.
His hands clenched into fists.
Tears streamed down his face.
But—
Something else grew inside him.
Something dark.
Something dangerous.
Hikaru watched as Haruto's body trembled.
His hands balled into fists.
His knuckles turned white.
Then—
The water around them began to rise.
It swirled violently.
Haruto's eyes darkened.
Something inside him… had broken.
TO BE CONTINUE!!!