Clash of Fates

Haruki staggered forward, his breath heavy, each step sending sharp jolts of pain through his skull. The world around him felt unsteady, but his determination burned stronger than the ache in his body. Kisaragi had taken Aoi. That was all that mattered now. He had to get her back.

His fingers curled into fists, his nails digging into his palms. The facility loomed in the distance, dark and uninviting, its cold exterior hiding the horrors within. Every muscle in his body screamed at him to stop, to rest, but he refused. There was no time for that.

Then, without warning, the air around him shifted.

A chill ran down his spine. It was subtle at first—a ripple in the atmosphere, a disturbance just beyond the edge of his senses. The wind stilled, the oppressive silence deepening. Something was wrong.

Haruki slowed his steps, his body instinctively tensing. His grip tightened around his knife. He had learned to trust his instincts, and right now, they were screaming at him.

A sudden pressure filled the air, pressing down on him like an invisible force. The world darkened, as if the very sky had folded in on itself.

And then, he saw him.

A figure materialized just a few feet away, the space around him warping and cracking like shattered glass. It wasn’t a normal arrival. It wasn’t human.

Kain.

He stood there, tall and composed, dressed in black, his presence radiating an overwhelming power that made the air hum with energy. His long, silver hair barely moved despite the eerie wind that now surrounded them. His crimson eyes locked onto Haruki, studying him with an unreadable expression.

Haruki felt his pulse quicken, but he refused to show weakness. He straightened, meeting Kain’s gaze with defiance.

"You’re in my way," Haruki said coldly.

Kain tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Is that what you think?" His voice was smooth, almost mocking. "I was beginning to wonder when we’d finally meet face to face. You've been quite persistent, haven't you?"

Haruki didn’t respond. His mind was racing, analyzing the situation. Kain hadn’t attacked yet, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t.

"I don’t have time for this," Haruki muttered, taking a step forward. "Move."

Kain smirked. "You’re bold. I can respect that." He exhaled slowly, his eyes darkening. "But I can’t let you go any further."

Haruki gritted his teeth. "Then I’ll make you move."

Kain chuckled. "I was hoping you’d say that."

And then he vanished.

Haruki barely had time to react.

A sudden force slammed into him from the side, sending him crashing into the ground. The impact stole the air from his lungs, but he rolled quickly, pushing himself back to his feet just in time to see Kain standing exactly where he had been a second ago.

Fast. Too fast.

Haruki steadied himself, gripping his knife tighter. He couldn’t afford a single mistake.

"Not bad," Kain mused, his eyes gleaming with something akin to interest. "You react well. But let’s see how long you can keep up."

He moved again.

This time, Haruki was ready.

He ducked just as Kain’s hand cut through the air where his head had been. A shockwave followed, splitting the ground beneath them. Haruki didn’t waste a second—he lunged, slashing his knife upward in a precise arc.

The blade met resistance.

Kain had caught his wrist mid-swing, gripping it with terrifying strength.

"That’s not going to work on me," Kain murmured.

Haruki snarled, twisting his body and bringing up his knee. He aimed for Kain’s ribs, but the man barely flinched. Before he could pull away, Kain retaliated.

A devastating punch to the stomach sent Haruki flying backward. He skidded across the ground, gasping as pain exploded through his torso. He barely had time to recover before Kain was already upon him again, delivering another brutal kick aimed straight for his ribs.

Haruki rolled at the last second, dodging by inches. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to his feet despite the burning pain.

"You’re still standing," Kain noted, dusting off his sleeve. "I’m impressed."

Haruki wiped the blood from his lip, his glare unwavering. "Shut up."

Kain chuckled. "You’re angry. Good. Let’s see how that anger serves you."

Haruki didn’t wait. He charged.

This time, he changed his approach. Instead of attacking head-on, he feinted to the right, forcing Kain to shift slightly. At the last moment, he pivoted sharply and struck from the left.

His blade sliced through fabric, grazing Kain’s shoulder.

Kain’s eyes widened slightly.

Then, he smiled.

"Interesting."

Haruki barely had time to register the reaction before Kain’s hand shot out, gripping his throat.

He was lifted off the ground.

His vision blurred as he struggled, his fingers clawing at Kain’s grip. The pressure was unbearable, cutting off his air.

Kain’s voice was quiet. "You’re strong, Haruki. But strength alone won’t save you."

Haruki’s vision darkened at the edges. His limbs grew heavy.

No.

Not like this.

His hand tightened around his knife, and with the last of his strength, he drove it downward.

The blade plunged into Kain’s forearm.

The grip loosened just enough.

Haruki wrenched himself free, gasping as he hit the ground. He didn’t stop—he immediately rolled away, creating distance between them.

Kain glanced at his wounded arm, then back at Haruki.

And then, he laughed.

"Impressive," he admitted, flexing his fingers as the wound slowly closed before Haruki’s eyes. "You might actually be worth my time after all."

Haruki forced himself to stand, his breaths ragged but his resolve unshaken.

This wasn’t over.

Not yet.

Kain’s smile widened.

"Let’s see how long you can last."