Chapter 1 - End of School Days
Kaze is now seventeen and in his final term of education. Once Kaze has finished the next few days, he will be free to live his life as he chooses. Kaze lives alone and has nobody to rely on but he is happy with this. Kaze has the desire to live as an ordinary person, with no desire for riches or anything similar. Though he does have a passion for running. More particularly, he wishes to be a sprinter.
Kaze ties the laces on his running shoes as a key falls out of his pocket. He would do well to get a new pair of shoes, though this pair hasn’t let him down before. It’s a bright day and the sun shines off of Kazes hair as he gets into position. Much like Kaze’s shoes, the athletics track could use renovations. Kaze’s heart always beats fast when he’s ready to race. It is his only passion after all. As Kaze is now in position, he waits for the signal. As the signal is given Kaze begins to sprint
Kaze’s mind is overloaded with facts about different insects. This is how he always knows which insect to use in each scenario. Did you know that the Australian Tiger Beetle can run over 5mph? Kaze likes to think about this as he runs. His desire to run is not inspired by this fact thought. Kaze’s desire to run is deeply rooted, perhaps it comes from the desire to run away from his problems? Either way, it is something he is good at. Kaze wins the race and places much further ahead than even second place.
Kaze is now in the locker room. Kaze is the only person present. This is as he lost his key and wasn’t able to find it on the waiting bench. The locker room has an atmosphere of loneliness and a stench of sweat.
“Maybe there’s another way to do this.”
Kaze looks to see if anyone is lurking in the locker room. As nobody is around he uses the power of ‘Hive Mind’ to turn half of his finger into leafcutter ants. The leafcutter ants go inside the lock and begin gnawing at the locking mechanism and after a few seconds, there’s a click. Kaze reforms his finger. The lock can now easily be removed from the locker. Kaze pulls the lock away and opens the locker door.
“Oi.”
As Kaze’s vision is obstructed by the locker door, he cannot see who just spoke. Kaze shuts his locker and sees a figure standing at the locker room door. It’s a man with bright blue eyes and blonde hair. The man has a facial expression that seems to resonate anger but is truly a front to hide fear. Kaze recognises the figure. It’s a known school bully who goes by the name Rai. Kaze has heard rumours that Rai has never lost a fight and has also heard legends that Rai also possess a power like Kaze’s.
“So it’s true. You also have a power. Well, you can’t use your powers here. If I see you use them again then I’ll kill you.”
“Why don’t you try then.”
Kaze was not about to have a bully tell him what to do. However, Kaze’s rebuke seems to have put Rai in a foul mood. Rai walks into the locker room and towards Kaze. The atmosphere gets more intense every second. Rai begins to throw punches at Kaze. Kaze begins dodging and tries to throw them back, however throughout the fight Rai does not get hit once.
“Enough.”
Rai dodges Kazes final punch and proceeds to grab Kaze tightly by the throat. Rai lifts Kaze off of the ground and proceeds to slam him against the lockers as Kaze grabs Rai’s arm. Kaze turns one of his hands into fire ants and they begin to chew at Rai’s exposed skin. As the fire ants begin to tear through Rai’s skin, Kaze notices something devastating. Rai’s skin has begun regenerating.
“You… you can regenerate quicker than I can damage you. So this is your power.”
The expression on Rai’s face was rather smug. It was as if he felt no pain throughout the entire encounter. It was as if fighting was second nature to him.
“Someday I plan to rule the world. I’ll begin with this town. I need to know you won’t pose a threat to me. If I have to eliminate you right now to secure my safety, then so be it.”
Kaze can see that Rai is serious. He bears the expression of someone who would do anything to achieve their goal. From the stories that he’s heard, Kaze knows that Rai is a selfish and violent man.
“No, wait!”
Kaze feels a chill in the air. The drab surroundings of the locker room compliment the energy of the room perfectly. Kaze appears defeated, though what does it matter, Kaze only wished to live a normal life anyway.
“I won’t use my powers again. I just want to follow my dream of becoming a sprinter.”
Rai appears satisfied with the response that Kaze has given. Rai has no need to kill for no reason. He merely wishes to remove any threats against him.
“Then I suppose we are done here.”
Rai places Kaze back down on the ground. Knowing his business is done here, he retreats from the locker room and continues with his grand ambition of power. Kaze is defeated and for the first time has felt true defeat.
Kaze stuck to his word. Kaze’s days consisted of sleeping, eating, attending school and sprinting. However, Kaze was unaware that all of this would change when a conflict between two rivals would bring itself to his town.
A pale man with a backpack stands outside the school. It’s the last day of school, Kaze has said his goodbyes and is now ready to take on the world. As Kaze leaves the school he bumps into the pale man who introduces himself as ‘Ando’.
“Excuse me but I’m looking for someone, maybe you can help me.”
Kaze is uninterested in what this man wishes to say. Kaze can sense evil from far away and recognises a particularly complicated evil in Ando. As Ando begins to describe a man with long brown hair and a particular aura, Kaze’s disinterest grows. However, as Ando continues he gives Kaze a name… ‘Azamuku’.
“Sorry I don’t think I’ve seen anyone like that.”
As Kaze attempt to flee from the conversation, something catches the eye of Ando. Ando has noticed an ant crawling on the hand of Kaze. Ando is far more experienced than Kaze and finds relative ease in detecting those with unique gifts such as themselves. As Kaze raises his hand to say goodbye and attempts to leave, Ando grabs Kaze’s wrist.
“You’re special aren’t you!”
As Kaze resists and attempts to release himself from Ando’s grip, Ando gets more impatient and begins demanding that Kaze answer his question. Kaze wishes to leave his power behind and so feigns ignorance. However, tactics like this don’t work on veterans like Ando.
“Don’t lie to me. I can see it in your eyes…I have no doubt you have an ability that nobody else possesses.”
As the struggle between Ando and Kaze ensues a figure watches in the distance. The figure is none other than Rai. His curiosity is piqued and he begins to watch the events that unfold.
“I don’t have any powers!”
Kaze manages to pull his arm away from Ando and sternly tells Ando to leave him alone. Ando is a smart man and doesn’t see the point in starting a fight in broad daylight, especially with nothing to gain from the situation. As Kaze and Ando begin to walk their separate ways Rai continues to watch on.
Rai is a cautious figure and fears that there could be a conspiracy against him. He decides it would be in his best interest to shadow Ando and learn more. With this, Rai pursues Ando from a distance as they go down many roads both busy and quiet. Eventually, the journey leads Ando to a quiet road.
Ando looks around to make sure nobody is following him and as soon as Rai notices this he hides. Ando opens a shady metal door that leads to a row of descending steps. Rai waits a moment and then begins to follow Ando down the steps into a sewer-style underground room.
As Rai reaches the bottom of the steps, he doesn’t see anyone in the room. Rai walks to the centre of the room as he wonders where Ando has gone.
“Why was you following me?”
Rai is shocked that he somehow failed to notice Ando’s presence. Rai turns around to face Ando. Ando gives Rai a quick glance and deduces many things about him.
“I see it now. You have powers too.”
Rai can see that Ando has no idea who he is. Rai does not like to be disrespected and begins to boast, despite not knowing anything about his foe.
“My power is the king of them all!”
Ando questions this and in doing so angers Rai. Ando has dealt with many powerful people before and sees this as no different, though he would rather avoid a fight. However, Rai is bent on destroying all those who threaten his chance at world domination.
“I can tell you’re powerful. I’m not about to have someone threaten my position. It’s best to eliminate serious threats early…which is why I will kill you now before you become a bigger threat to me.”
Rai prepares to attack and begins to ready himself. Ando is disinterested in fighting Rai, however he is interested in seeing what ability Rai possesses, seeming as he self-proclaimed it as the king of them all.
“So be it.”
Ando’s expression instantly changes as he puts his hand behind his back and opens up his backpack from the top. Ando them proceeds to put both hands in his backpack. Ando then pulls out 2 wooden dolls. One of which has a happy expression painted on it and the other doll a sad expression. Rai finds this rather amusing at first but notices that one of the dolls has nails glued to its fists and the other has miniature spiked knuckle dusters equipped. Ando then holds up the two dolls in front of Rai.
“Behold Jimmy & Johnny!”
Ando throws the dolls towards Rai who thinks nothing of it until the dolls become possessed mid-air and begin attacking Rai. These were no ordinary dolls. They could jump up to two metres high and attacked Rai ferociously and continuously.
A fight ensues between Rai and the 2 dolls. Despite Rai’s skill in combat the dolls are relentless in their attacks. All of Rai’s wounds are healing however Ando is yet to notice this due to Rai’s speed and dodging prowess. Ando is however getting bored of watching the fight.
“You better show me your power or you’ll soon be dead.”
“Hmm, what’s this?”
Ando pays much closer attention to Rai and notices the wounds on Rai are healing. Upon seeing this, Ando believes that he fully understands Rai’s power.
“I see now, you can regenerate.”
“You think this is the limit of my power? Behold my true power! Leopard Spots!”
Rai morphs almost instantly into a leopard and begins charging towards Ando. Ando understands that Rai’s power is not limited to regeneration however he sees no point in using his second ability unless he is in a dire situation. Rai named his power ‘Leopard Spots’ after the saying ‘a leopard never changes his spots’ because Rai has no desire to change himself. Rai is completely and wholly devoted to domination by any means necessary. Ando however is amused by Rai’s attempt to kill him.
“Interesting.”
Rai jumps at Ando and bites through the side of Ando’s stomach and lands only to look back and discover something shocking. As Rai looks back he notices that Ando isn’t harmed in any way.
Ando begins laughing and Rai begins to feel fear. Rai’s fear is overtaken by the sense of confusion. Rai is certain that Ando should be dead. Rai looks at Ando for an explanation.
“You might be able to regenerate fast but I can’t be damaged in any way. I’m almost what you would refer to as a poltergeist. That is my true power. Not only can I possess my dolls but I am also invincible.”
Rai transforms back into his human form as he knows now that this is a fight he cannot win. Upon transformation Rai glares at Ando and wonders what his reason is for refusing to retaliate against him.
“I have no interest in fighting you. In fact, I take solace in knowing that someone else can regenerate themselves. Though if I cut off your head I’m sure you would die… but this is not the case with me.”
This minor show of dominance from Ando was enough to both intrigue and annoy Rai. However as of this current moment, Rai has no way of eliminating Ando. Rai requests that Ando states what he wants. Ando’s response was to sit down on the floor and make a gesture to Rai to do the same which Rai reluctantly follows.
“I’m looking for someone named Azamuku. I don’t know their power but we have fought over and over for quite some time. If you help me find him then I will grant you anything you desire.”
Rai wonders what powers Azamuku could have. If this Azamuku character could stand toe to toe with Ando, then he must have a serious power himself. However, if that is the case then Azamuku could potentially also be a threat to Rai. Rai sees this as an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
“Fine, but if you plan to betray me… then I promise I will find a way to kill you.”
Ando chuckles and finds the thought of this amusing. Ando agrees and begins to reminisce his past with Azamuku. They’ve known each other for a very long time.
A vision of the past clouds Ando’s mind. In this vision, Ando is buried up to his neck in sand in the desert. As Ando looks forward he can see Azamuku who crouches to look at Ando. Azamuku gestures a slanted and inverted peace sign at Ando as to mean an expression similar to ‘peace out’. Without uttering a word, Azamuku stands up and begins to walk away. As Azamuku walks away and begins to fade into the sunset Ando remains with his body buried in the coarse sand. Ando recalls the last words he said to Azamuku.
“I…will…kill…you…Azamuku.”
Back in the present day Kaze is walking home from school. As Kaze goes about his routine walk home he hears a noise coming from an abandoned home. The noise was similar to that of tin cans hitting the floor.
This has piqued Kaze’s curiosity and Kaze is ready to use his ‘Hive Mind’ to unlock the door from the inside. Before Kaze can do this however, he recalls his promise with Rai. He swore to Rai that he would never use his power again.
Kaze takes the traditional route and uses force to kick down the door. As the door falls down, Kaze notices that the abandoned home has no lighting and it is incredibly dark. Kaze begins to look through the property. As he begins to peak around the corners of the doors in the property, he doesn’t notice anything suspicious.
As Kaze looks around the corner of the living room he notices what appears to be a makeshift residence. Kaze is only able to notice the sleeping bag and a portable cooking hob on the floor before he suddenly gets put in a chokehold from behind.
“What the hell are you doing?”
“Did Ando send you?”
Kaze recognises the name but plays ignorant knowing that any mention of Ando at this time could get him hurt and put him in a position worse than the one he is currently in.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Get off me!”
Azamuku throws Kaze forward and stares at Kaze as he lays on the ground. Kaze makes eye contact with Azamuku. Seeing the look in Kaze’s eyes was enough to convince Azamuku that Kaze had no intention to harm him.
“My apologies. I thought that Ando sent you.”
“Who are you?”
“My name is Azamuku.”
Kaze’s worst fears are confirmed. Kaze recalls his conversation with Ando and remembers that this is the man Ando is looking for. Kaze senses no evil coming from Azamuku and decides that the right thing to do would be to tell Azamuku that Ando is near.
“I know who’s looking for you. He asked me if I saw you. He’s in town right now.”
Azamuku does not respond to this knowledge with fear or upset. He merely sits down by his portable stove and starts it.
“Then I must be extra careful.”
“I can tell you have them.”
Kaze is confused by this remark and wonders if the time he spent in this damp and rundown room has caused Azamuku to lose some aspect of his sanity. Kaze responds cluelessly to Azamuku’s question. Azamuku responds by putting a tin can full of beans on the stove. Azamuku then elaborates with a single word.
“Powers.”
Kaze now understands that like Ando, Azamuku could tell that Kaze has a unique power. Kaze is unsure of his current predicament and so opens up to Azamuku.
“I swore I wouldn’t use mine. My power that is. I’m not strong enough to protect myself if I do.”
Azamuku is almost wholly focused on his beans. However, a particular element of this story resonates with Azamuku who tries his best to help Kaze with his issue.
“I once had the same mind-set as you. Do you remember how you got your powers? There’s a lot about them we don’t know.”
Kaze realizes that Azamuku may know some things about powers that other people may not have any knowledge about. As a sign of respect Kaze sits down opposite Azamuku who continues his speech.
“What we do know is that there are currently three ways to get powers. The first method is through years of training and meditation. The second method is by being born with them. The last is through having a deep desire that peers into your soul.”
Kaze now bears an expression of shock and surprise as to how Azamuku knows this. Kaze recalls how his powers were awakened and knows that there is truth in Azamuku’s words.
“Judging by your reaction I’m guessing you awoke your power through a deep desire. Do you know what that means?”
Kaze is again confused by what Azamuku means but is more so interested in Azamuku’s insight into the meaning.
“It means that YOU awoke this power for a reason. Don’t let anything or anyone prevent you from using it.”
Kaze hears Azamuku’s kind words but again recalls the threats made by Rai and hesitates to give Azamuku a response. Azamuku is now slightly annoyed.
“Show me.”
“But I…”
Before Kaze could finish his sentence, Azamuku takes his eyes away from the beans for the first time and looks directly at Kaze.
“DO IT NOW!”
The fear Kaze feels from Rai is nothing compared to the fear that Azamuku can induce. Without a second thought, Kaze turns his finger into insects that begin moving across the floor. Azamuku looks back at his beans.
“Do you desire the harmony of these insects?”
Kaze is now even more shocked. Firstly, this man knows the origins of powers and now he has correctly guessed the desire that had awoken Kaze’s power.
“My power was awoken by a desire to stop evil people before they cause anyone harm. I would show you but you wouldn’t be able to see it. If you desire the harmony and peace of the insects, then you have this gift for a reason. That reason is to bring us harmony and peace.”
Kaze takes aboard the wisdom that Azamuku has shared. Not only does Kaze know that he should use his power, he now also knows his purpose.
“Thank you. I don’t know how I can repay you.”
“I have no need to be repaid. However, if you want to help people then I can give you somewhere to start. I recently found out about a guy named Chikaku. All he wants is for his power to go away.”
“Powers are a blessing to some but a curse to others.”
Kaze then knew what his next quest would be. He could see through the boarded up windows that the time was now late and he should head home.
“It’s late, I should be going.”
Without saying a word, Azamuku raises his hand as Kaze begins to leave the home. Kaze and Azamuku both recognised something in each other that day. Azamuku took a liking to Kaze, something that was usually unfamiliar for him. Kaze on the other hand, had found someone he considered a friend. Kaze hopes they will meet again someday.
Kaze immediately headed to the nearest phone box on the route home. Kaze looks through the phone book and begins to ring every Chikaku that is mentioned within. Some time passes and Kaze believes he has now rung every Chikaku in the phone book. He is now distraught with no idea what to do. Suddenly something catches Kaze’s eye as he notices a Chikaku on the next page of the phone book which he didn’t cross out yet.
“Wait a minute. I didn’t call that one.”
Kaze begins calling from the phone box with hopes that this would be the Chikaku he can help. The phone is picked up and a shy and reluctant voice speaks.
“Uhh hello?”
“Is this Chikaku?”
“Yeah.”
Kaze hears the reluctance in Chikaku’s voice and can tell that he is a very timid person both in person and over the phone.
“This may sound strange but do you have a gift nobody else possesses?”
The phone line is silent for a few seconds until a brief response is issued
“A curse, not a gift.”
Chikaku hangs up the phone as Kaze frantically tries to get a response but fails. Kaze is now certain that this is the Chikaku he has been looking for. Kaze makes a promise to himself that he will help Chikaku no matter what the cost is.
The next day has begun and it is Kaze’s first day outside of education. Kaze already has a goal in his mind. Upon further research Kaze easily tracks down Chikaku’s address and begins heading there.
Upon arrival, Kaze reassures himself that this is the right place and goes up to the door. Kaze hesitates before knocking but knows that he must. At first there is no response so Kaze knocks slightly harder.
The door finally opens and a timid young man, presumed to be Chikaku, answers the door. One thing that Kaze instantly picks up on is the fact that Chikaku avoids eye contact. Throughout the entire conversation he does not make eye contact even once but instead gazes to the floor.
“What do you want?”
“I called you earlier. You have it, don’t you?”
Open hearing this comment Chikaku’s already saddened facial expression gets worse as he begins to close the door on Kaze. However, this is stopped by Kaze as he quickly puts his foot in the door only to have it get injured by Chikaku’s further attempts to shut the door.
“Just listen to me. You have a gift.”
This remark by Kaze further angers and upsets Chikaku. It is almost as if Chikaku takes the remark to be an insult towards him.
“IT’S A CURSE!!!”
“Let me in and I’ll explain everything. I promise.”
Perhaps Kaze’s words touched Chikaku as he gets less angry and begins to reluctantly open the door. Chikaku gets a sense of trust from Kaze and knows that his intention cannot be bad, especially after he has gone through all this trouble.
Chikaku and Kaze are now sitting in Chikaku’s living room as Kaze explains his power to Chikaku as well as all he knows about powers.
“…so that’s my power.”
It is as if the entire topic has gone over Chikaku’s head. He is searching for an answer. An answer which Kaze did not speak about.
“But is there any way to get rid of them?”
Kaze is taken back by this comment from Chikaku. Powers can be used to help people in so many ways. It’s incredibly rare to have a power like the ones they possess. Kaze wonders as to why anyone would want something so unique to be removed.
“Why would you want that?”
“Well the thing about my power is…”
“When my power awoke… it destroyed my life.”
Chikaku begins to explain to Kaze the pain that his power has brought to him. A few years ago Chikaku’s power awoke. However, he is not sure as to origin of his powers awakening. The first memory Chikaku has of his power is the memory of a regular shopping trip.
During the shopping trip Chikaku made eye contact with a random member of the public. Within a mere second of this, the person fell to the floor and died. Other shoppers rushed over to them but it was too late, he was already dead. Chikaku stood there in fear, unsure of what had just happened. Chikaku had feared this exact situation. From that day on he tried his best to avoid making eye contact with any person. He later named his power ‘Evil Eye’.
However, things changed a year later when Chikaku felt true love for the first time. Eventually she confessed her feelings towards Chikaku and they had a bright and happy relationship. This wouldn’t last as their relationship deteriorated quickly. The final memory of happiness Chikaku has is their time on the beach before the incident.
“I love you Chikaku.”
“Yeah, I love you too.”
Chikaku’s mellow comment was not enough to make his girlfriend feel love. His girlfriend tried her hardest to make Chikaku look at her but Chikaku pushed her away. He feared that the shopping incident was not a coincidence but instead a twisted curse. He was unsure. How could someone have an ability like that? it makes no sense, Chikaku thought.
“Do you really love me?”
“You know I do.”
“Then why can’t you look me in the eyes and say it?”
She felt their relationship fleeting away as she began to cry. The thought of his girlfriend thinking that he didn’t care was enough to bring Chikaku to tears alongside his girlfriend. Chikaku thought for a moment. He thought about how ridiculous the idea of him having an evil eye was. He was about to throw away the best thing in his life over a superstition.
Chikaku’s girlfriend got angry and demanded that Chikaku look at her. Chikaku was not about to have a superstition command his life. He wanted to live a happy life. So Chikaku looked back. Chikaku and his girlfriend made eye contact. This was her final act. As the superstitions had predicted, Chikaku’s failure to live with caution had cost him the love of his life.
“No…No…This can’t be real.”
“Why haven’t I woken up yet?”
This is an incident that Chikaku would never get over. Upon hearing this story, Kaze felt sadness. Kaze had thought all powers were gifts, now he knew this was wrong.
“I see. Well we’re going to fix this together!”
Chikaku was sceptical of Kaze’s words. Why would a stranger want to help him? But Chikaku did not know of Kaze’s good nature. Kaze was on a mission to help Chikaku and that is exactly what he planned to do.
“You don’t even know me, so why would you help me?
While this seemed like a serious question to Chikaku, Kaze took it lightly. It was second nature for Kaze to help others. He was a truly good person.
“Because nobody deserves what happened to you.”
Kaze and Chikaku say their goodbyes as Kaze leaves to go home. Kaze knows what to do but has no idea how to do it. If Kaze is going to help Chikaku, then he needs to go to someone who knows what the next step should be. Azamuku.
However, as Kaze leaves Chikaku’s home he notices a note on the doorstep. Perhaps it’s something private for Chikaku, Kaze thinks. Upon further inspection, Kaze notices that ‘Kaze’ is written on the note. As Kaze opens the note, he is curious as to how anyone knew he was here. The note reads a threatening message.
“Beware the smoke man.”
Kaze has never met anyone who calls themselves by that name. Is this maybe a threat towards him? Kaze looks around but doesn’t see anyone on the street. Perhaps it’s a prank of some kind. Regardless, Kaze agrees that it’s best that Chikaku doesn’t know about his.
Kaze heads to Azamuku’s hideout. The door is opened. Kaze knows that Azamuku isn’t the careless type so there could possibly be an intruder. It will be best to be cautious. Kaze heads through the door to see Azamuku’s sleeping bag still present.
“Azamuku?”
Kaze notices a light now coming from behind him. Kaze is sure that Azamuku would have responded if he was present. As Kaze turns around he notices a familiar face. Ando is standing opposite Kaze.
“So after all that hassle, you really have seen Azamuku then.”
Kaze readies himself for a fight. He knows the rivalry between Ando and Azamuku is serious. Kaze begins scouting his surrounding to look for a potential exit. As of right now, Ando wants answers.
“I don’t want to fight you. Just tell me why are you here?”
“I wanted information.”
“What about?”
“I need to know how to remove powers.”
Ando finds this comment amusing and wonders if Kaze is so devoted to his promise with Rai that he would be willing to remove his own powers. It also crosses Ando’s mind that Kaze may have an ulterior motive. Though Ando’s reaction seems to imply that he knows a way.
“Neither of us would know that. However, I know someone who does.”
“Who?”
“There’s a mountain to the east of Pariah Village. An old hag lives in a hut on the peak. From what I’ve gathered, her power gives her the knowledge of all things. A great power indeed.”
Kaze is shocked that Ando is so easily forthcoming with the information. Especially now knowing that Kaze has met Azamuku.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“I have my reasons. Let’s just leave it at that.”
Kaze knows his conversation with Ando is over and doesn’t want to stay here any longer. Ando seems unpredictable to Kaze as well as very dangerous. As Kaze leaves the building he keeps an eye on Ando to prevent him from launching a surprise attack.
Now that Kaze is outside, the first course of action he takes is to call Chikaku. He takes his phone out and calls Chikaku, hoping that he will pick up. Luckily Chikaku answers but before he can even say hello Kaze begins to speak.
“Meet me on Eight Street as quick as possible. In the alley between the roads.”
Kaze and Chikaku both head to the designated spot. They arrive in a quiet alleyway between two busy roads. Kaze explains the situation to Chikaku who seems ecstatic at first but is equally as sceptical.
“So we can really get my curse taken away?”
“For sure. I’ll lead us there…if you’re up for an adventure that is.”
Upon hearing this Chikaku cracks a smile. For the first time in his life, the prospect of getting his power taken away is becoming a reality.
“Of course I’m ready!”
“Oh and before I forget…”
Kaze then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pair of black lens squared sunglasses. Kaze hands the blacked out sunglasses to Chikaku. Chikaku is amused by this idea and is unsure that it would work in preventing his power but is willing to try it anyway.
“That way you won’t make eye contact with anyone.”
“You think of everything huh.”
Kaze and Chikaku are about to leave however they have no idea that around the corner lies an eavesdropper. Rai is listening in from behind an entrance to the alley. As Kaze and Chikaku are about to leave, Rai plans to follow them through the alley and to their destination.
“So if powers can be taken off of someone…”
Rai makes an evil facial expression. His delusions of world domination have taken over his mind as he gets a grand idea to achieve even greater power then he expected.
“…I wonder if I CAN TAKE THEM FOR MYSELF!!!”
“Perhaps I should pursue them…and kill them!”
However, Rai was not aware that Kaze was being followed by another person. Almost akin to a guardian angel. A few feet behind Rai stood somebody else. That person is Azamuku.
Before Rai could even notice that somebody was behind him, Azamuku puts his arm forward with his hand facing Rai.
“Suspended Animation!”
Rai is now frozen in time. Azamuku lowers his hand as if protecting Kaze and beating Rai was a simple task. He heard Rai’s plan and was not about to let it become reality.
“I don’t think so.”
Azamuku now walks up to a frozen Rai. Azamuku begins to explain his power, though Rai wouldn’t be able to hear it.
“My power is called Suspended Animation. It can freeze any target in time for as long as I desire. Not even their heart beats when they’re frozen.”
A voice comes from behind Azamuku.
“But it can only target person at a time.”
Azamuku recognises this voice and his expression automatically changes from almost expressionless to being one of shock. Azamuku turns around and has his worst fears confirmed when he sees his rival Ando standing there.
“I’m right aren’t I? You can only freeze one target at a time.”
“I knew you had a soft spot for that ant boy. I’m awfully glad you tailed him. I was almost regretting letting him go.”
Azamuku readies his attack as he prepares to fight Ando like he has done countless times before. It’s the same routine. Azamuku just needs to freeze Ando in time and take him somewhere far away.
“Go on then. Freeze me and let Rai go. Then you’ll be helpless as Rai kills the ant boy”
Azamuku knows the truth in Ando’s words. Azamuku saw some of himself in Kaze and refused to let him die. Kaze would never know that Azamuku would save him on this day.
Azamuku begins to walk backwards into the now empty alley as Ando keeps walking towards him.
Rai is still frozen in time oblivious to the current situation. Less than a minute later, Rai suddenly unfreezes and is in a state of confusing as to what has just happened to him.
Ando, now covered in blood, walks out of the alley and begins to walk past Rai with a serious expression on his face. Rai is slightly concerned and wonders what happened.
“My business here is concluded.”
Ando begins walking into the distance. Rai is unsure what to think about this. However, before Rai could say a single word, Ando issued a statement that would put him at ease.
“Don’t worry. I don’t care about this town… or taking over the world.”
Ando continues to walk off into the distance as if his mission is complete. Rai walks a few paces forward and looks down alley where he recalls that Kaze was standing.
Rai is startled and in shock at what he’s just seen down the alley. An expression of surprise that is rare for a heartless thug like himself.
