One-Shot

The village hummed with life. The golden glow of the setting sun bathed the cobblestone streets, where children ran barefoot, their laughter ringing through the air. Parents watched from doorsteps, murmuring to each other in soft tones. Merchants packed away their goods, their evening conversations blending into the gentle hum of a peaceful town winding down for the night.

Then came the sound.

A melody.

It drifted through the village like a whisper carried by the wind. Soft, haunting, weaving its way into every ear. It wasn’t from a lute, nor the voice of a bard—it was something otherworldly.

The laughter stopped.

Clatter. A wooden toy slipped from a child’s hands, rolling across the stone path. One by one, the children turned toward the forest, their movements eerily synchronized. Their eyes were empty, their small feet shuffling forward, heedless of their parents’ cries.

A father’s heart pounded. “Souta!” he cried, reaching for his son.

Thud!

A towering figure landed between them, sending a tremor through the ground. Dust billowed from the spot, a powerful force shaking the village’s fragile peace.

The father stumbled back, breath hitching in his throat.

A monster stood before him.

Cloaked in a tattered blue hood, the figure’s hulking frame loomed over the man. Twisted—a grotesque blend of human and beast. Thick, dark fur rippled beneath the cloak, claws twitching at its sides. Sharp fangs glinted beneath the dimming light. Its breathing was deep and heavy, a low rumbling growl vibrating in the air. And yet, its golden eyes held something beyond primal rage—something that flickered like a dying ember of humanity.

Then—

Rustle… Snap!

The treeline quivered. Red eyes gleamed from the shadows.

A Grimm stepped forward, its massive, wolf-bear hybrid form silhouetted against the trees. Shadows clung to its fur like liquid night, bone spikes protruding from its back, jagged and menacing. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the children, void of thought, only hunger.

The melody grew louder. The children shuffled faster.

The Beast moved.

BOOM! The ground cracked beneath his leap as he shot forward, closing the distance in a blink. The Grimm met him head-on.

CLASH! Claws ripped against claws. Teeth snapped inches from flesh. The Grimm lunged—whoosh!—but the Beast twisted away, dodging with inhuman speed.

It snarled. The Beast responded with a deep, guttural growl of his own before striking.

CRACK! His claws tore into the Grimm’s side, ripping through fur and sinew. The creature howled in agony, its massive form crashing against a tree with a deafening THUD!

But the battle wasn’t over.

More shadows slithered between the trees, their crimson eyes multiplying. The Grimm had been drawn here by the melody, just like the children. But unlike them, they did not hesitate.

The Beast’s claws twitched. He had fought creatures like these before, countless times. His muscles coiled, instincts screaming at him to tear through the horde. But he could feel it—the drain. His Aura flickered, his body aching from previous battles. His Spirit Relic remained dormant, awaiting his call.

Still, he would not stop.

The first Grimm lunged again. The Beast spun, catching its throat mid-air. With a single motion, he hurled it into another charging beast. The two collided, howls of frustration cutting through the unnatural melody.

A third Grimm came from behind—too fast.

FLASH! The Beast raised his arm, claws flexing as he summoned his Spirit Relic.

WHOOSH! From deep within the woods, his weapon responded. Metal plates shifted and realigned, the distant hum of energy warping the air as his hoverboard rocketed toward him in a blur of motion. A vibrant blue afterimage crackled through the air, not of light, but pure kinetic force—an extension of his Semblance’s polarity manipulation.

CLANK!

His hoverboard shot toward him, gears shifting, plates locking into place. The transformation was seamless—

CLICK! SHING!

The board collapsed inward, reconfiguring as it folded into a sleek, imposing sword. The blade pulsed with energy, a faint glow rippling along its sharpened edge, resonating with his Aura’s charge.

The Beast caught it mid-air.

SHING!

In a single fluid motion, he slashed through the charging Grimm. The steel tore through thick fur and sinew, carving the creature apart before it could react.

HISS…

Another Grimm lunged from the side. The Beast twisted sharply, his muscles coiling as he dodged beneath its sweeping claws. His grip on the sword tightened as he drove it upward—

SLASH!

The Grimm let out a gurgled snarl before dissolving into black mist.

The ground trembled.

A hulking Grimm, larger than the rest, stomped forward. Its bone-plated shoulders cracked as it moved, the spikes along its back bristling in challenge. It let out a thunderous roar, saliva dripping from its jagged maw.

The Beast narrowed his eyes. His grip on his Spirit Relic tightened, feeling the magnetic pull between him and his weapon. He had only so much Aura left. He needed to finish this quickly.

Without hesitation, he lunged.

CLANG! His blade met the creature’s claws mid-air, sparks flying as the two forces collided. The Grimm snarled, pushing back with brute strength, forcing the Beast to brace his footing. He twisted his grip, polarizing the metal in his sword to disrupt the impact before breaking the lock and spinning into a rapid strike—

SHING! A deep gash split across the Grimm’s chest, black ichor oozing from the wound.

The creature howled in rage, rearing up before slamming both claws downward.

THOOM! The Beast dodged, rolling aside just in time. His sword flickered as he re-engaged, dashing beneath the creature’s defenses. With a final, decisive movement, he activated his Spirit Relic’s true function—

WHOOSH!

A magnetic pulse surged from the blade, momentarily suspending the Grimm in place.

The Beast didn’t waste the opening. He drove the blade deep into its core.

A heartbeat of silence.

Then—

HISS…

The Grimm shuddered before disintegrating into dark mist, fading into the night.

The melody stopped.

The children blinked, their trance breaking. Some gasped, clutching their heads in confusion. Others began to cry.

The village erupted into movement as parents rushed to their children. But their eyes did not land on them.

They landed on him.

The Beast remained still, his breath slow, measured. He sheathed his weapon, the hoverboard folding seamlessly onto his back. His eyes flickered over the villagers.

Fear.

Not gratitude.

Not relief.

Fear.

One step backward. Another. He could feel their gazes boring into him, their whispers creeping through the silence.

Monster.

He exhaled, turning away. Whoosh! His blue cape fluttered as he vanished into the dark forest, the echoes of their fear trailing behind him.

The city buzzed with life.

Vendors shouted, gears whirred, and machinery hissed as hover-carts zipped past. Dwarves hammered at metal, elves strolled in flowing robes, and Faunus with twitching ears moved through the crowd.

At the heart of it all stood the Hunter’s Guild.

The moment the heavy doors creaked open, Hana was met with a wave of noise.

Clink! Mugs slammed against tables. BANG! A fist pounded on the bar counter. Laughter boomed, mingling with the sharp whirr of mechanical weapons being tuned.

At the center of the chaos, a man stood atop a table.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” Tanuki Yasuo’s voice roared through the hall. “Feast your eyes upon the future legend of Atlas! The man who will surpass all records! The heir of House Ryuuga—Ryuuga Tsubasa!”

CHEERS! The crowd erupted—some clapping, others groaning.

Ryuuga Tsubasa was a towering figure of raw confidence. His dark, shoulder-length hair was slicked back, save for a few unruly strands that framed his sharp, chiseled face. His piercing crimson eyes gleamed with arrogance, always seeming to challenge anyone who dared look his way. A jagged scar ran along his jawline—a remnant of battles past, though it only added to his roguish charm. His muscular frame was clad in a fitted black combat jacket, gold embroidery decorating the cuffs and collar. Twin gauntlets rested on his hands, crackling faintly with residual lightning. Everything about him screamed power, danger, and an insatiable thirst for dominance.

Ryuuga smirked, tossing a heavy pouch onto the bar. Clink! The sound of gold rattled, drawing even more attention.

“Drink! Eat! Enjoy! The Ryuuga name is one of generosity, after all.”

Laughter followed. Hana paid no mind, stepping through the hall, her golden scarf swishing behind her.

And that was when he noticed her.

Ryuuga’s gaze snapped toward her, his smirk widening.

“Well, well,” he murmured, eyes dark with interest. “What do we have here?”

Hana ignored him, scanning the mission board, fingers trailing over the parchment.

Ryuuga strolled closer, his voice dripping with honeyed arrogance. “I must say, I’ve seen many beauties in my time, but none quite like—”

He reached for a strand of her golden hair.

CRACK!

The impact was loud. His head snapped to the side, cheek stinging.

Silence.

The entire guild froze.

Ryuuga blinked, lifting a hand to his face. Disbelief flickered across his features.

“…You hit me?”

“You were in my way.”

For the first time in his life, Ryuuga Tsubasa was at a loss for words. Then, after a stunned pause—he grinned.

A slow, predatory grin.

He licked his lips, tilting his head. “Oh… feisty. I like that.”

His eyes dragged over her figure—long golden hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders, framing her sharp, well-defined features. Her piercing golden eyes gleamed with quiet intensity, framed by thick lashes that only enhanced their captivating depth. She had smooth, sun-kissed skin, the kind that held a natural glow even under the dim lantern lights of the guild.

Her black combat attire hugged her athletic frame, the fabric tailored to perfection—flexible yet protective. Golden embroidery lined the seams of her fitted jacket, subtle but elegant, complementing the bright yellow scarf wrapped loosely around her neck. The material fluttered as she moved, catching the light in a way that made her look almost ethereal. Strapped to her back was her sword, the gleaming hilt peeking over her shoulder, a silent promise of power and precision.

She looked untouchable.

And that only made him want her more.

“A woman like you doesn’t belong in a place like this,” he mused, stepping closer. “I could take care of you, you know. Give you everything you could ever want. You wouldn’t have to lift a finger—”

Hana’s golden eyes narrowed.

Ryuuga smirked, his fingers reaching for her waist—

Whoosh!

She was already gone, standing several feet away, arms crossed.

Ryuuga clicked his tongue, annoyed. “Playing hard to get? Cute. But trust me, I always get what I want.”

“Oi, oi, oi!” Tanuki Yasuo sputtered, his fluffy tail bristling in outrage. “Did you just smack Lord Tsubasa?! You got guts, lady, but now you’re in for it!”

Tanuki Yasuo was a stark contrast to Ryuuga’s imposing presence. Shorter, leaner, and built for agility rather than brute force, he had an undeniable energy that buzzed in his every movement. His shaggy brown hair stuck out in uneven tufts, framing his expressive face, where wide, amber eyes gleamed with mischief. A pair of raccoon-like ears twitched atop his head, matching the bushy, striped tail flicking behind him. His attire was a mismatched combination of leather armor and a deep green cloak, as if he had looted various styles and thrown them together without much thought. He was a trickster, a survivor, and—most importantly—someone who never knew when to shut up.

He cracked his knuckles, bouncing on his heels. “You must not know who I am. They don’t call me Tanuki the Terror for nothing! I once wrestled a dire wolf with my bare hands! I took down a Faunus berserker in a drinking contest! I—”

Hana didn’t even look at him.

She simply lifted her hand and flicked a single finger against his forehead.

BAM!

A shockwave rippled through the air.

Tanuki’s entire body locked up. His pupils shrank to pinpricks. For a brief, horrifying moment, realization dawned in his eyes.

Then—

WHOOSH!

His legs buckled. His body tipped backward in slow motion, arms flailing dramatically, his fluffy tail puffing out like a panicked squirrel.

“Gaaaaaaah—!”

THUD!

He hit the ground like a sack of potatoes, limbs sprawled out, twitching.

The entire guild roared with laughter.

A dwarf wheezed, clutching his belly. “By the gods! That’s a first!”

Even Ryuuga let out a snort, though he quickly masked it with a cough.

Hana barely spared Tanuki a glance. “Don’t start fights you can’t finish.”

A soft, metallic chime echoed from her waist.

Her hand instinctively brushed against the hilt of her sword, its smooth surface warm against her fingers. For the briefest moment, she swore she felt it shift, as if… responding.

Hana exhaled through her nose. “Not now.”

The chime faded. The sword stilled.

But she could feel it. Waiting.

Ryuuga rolled his shoulders, amusement gone. “Tch. A waste.” His voice dropped to a venomous whisper. “You might have a pretty face, but if you don’t know your place, you’re nothing but trash.”

He reached into his holster, retrieving a sleek, customized firearm. The barrel hissed as he loaded a specialized round into the chamber—Dusk ammo. A flick of his thumb, and the mechanism within the gun clicked, activating the elemental charge.

Lightning Dusk.

Without it—or a real bolt of lightning—his Spirit Relic’s enhanced mode remained dormant.

CRACK!

The moment the cartridge fired, a sharp jolt of electricity surged through his body. His muscles tensed, veins alight with raw energy. Sparks crackled along his arms, dancing up to his fingertips. His crimson eyes burned with newfound power, his Aura amplifying the charge through his Spirit Relic gauntlet.

“I hope you can back that attitude, woman.”

Hana sighed, rolling her shoulders. Whoosh! Golden petals fluttered from her feet as she moved into position.

From her wrist, her Spirit Relic—her gauntlet—whirred to life. The yellow plating pulsed with energy as she flexed her fingers. A built-in chamber rotated, primed with its own Dusk round.

Fire Dusk.

A single click, and a burst of heat radiated from her palm, the stored energy ready to be unleashed.

“Let’s get this over with.”

BOOM!

Ryuuga charged, his gauntlet now surging with amplified lightning, the force of his speed sending wooden splinters flying from the floor. His red eyes gleamed with challenge, a confident smirk on his lips. He fired a shot mid-sprint—

BZZZT!

A crackling arc of lightning hurtled toward Hana.

SWOOSH! A whirlwind of yellow petals danced through the space where she stood, and in an instant, she reappeared behind him.

WHAM! Her gauntleted fist shot out, aiming for his ribs, but Ryuuga twisted mid-motion, deflecting with his electrified forearm. A shockwave rippled outward from the clash, rattling the mugs on nearby tables. He countered, flipping his gun in his grip before firing another shot point-blank.

CRACK! Hana barely dodged in time, the static charge raising the hairs on her skin. She skidded backward, flipping her sword into a reverse grip while adjusting the dial on her gauntlet.

Ryuuga grinned. “Fast, but not fast enough.”

His boots slammed against the ground, and in a burst of electric energy, he launched forward, closing the distance in a blink. Hana raised her gauntlet just as his fist struck—

BOOM!

The impact sent her flying, her body crashing against a wooden pillar. Dust rained from the ceiling, her Aura absorbing the brunt of the blow but flickering slightly.

Ryuuga rolled his shoulders, sparks still dancing across his limbs. “Come on, is that all?”

A deep breath.

Then—

Hana smirked.

WHOOSH!

Golden petals exploded around her, and in a single flash, she was gone.

“What—?!” Ryuuga barely had time to react before she reappeared mid-air above him, gauntlet raised.

SHING!

A streak of yellow fire erupted from her palm, condensing into an explosive shot that slammed into the ground near his feet. The blast forced him off balance, his boots skidding across the wooden floor.

Hana landed, rolling into a crouch. Her gauntlet hissed as the Fire Dusk burned out, the chamber rotating to load another round.

Ryuuga growled, shaking out his arms. His gun hummed as he loaded another Lightning Dusk round.

“Tch.” His smirk faltered for the briefest second. “Guess I’ll need another shot.”

He aimed his gun upward, firing straight into a hanging metal chandelier. The moment the bolt struck, his polarity-based Semblance activated—redirecting the electricity through his gauntlets, supercharging his power instantly.

CRACK!

Lightning surged through his body again. The entire guild flickered with blue light as he prepared his next attack. His Spirit Relic’s charge flared, the circuits in his gauntlets glowing as his Aura funneled into the weapon, maximizing its output.

“Let’s see if you can handle this—”

“Enough.”

The Guild Master’s voice boomed.

A weight of authority settled over the room. The air crackled with residual energy, but the fight was over.

Ryuuga clicked his tongue, lowering his gun. Hana straightened, exhaling through her nose. The golden petals around her feet slowly faded as her gauntlet powered down.

The Guild Master’s gaze flicked to the mission board. “If you want a real challenge, take a job.”

Hana turned back to the board, scanning the bounties.

Then, her eyes landed on it.

WANTED: THE BEAST

Silence wrapped around her. The paper fluttered in her grasp as she pulled it free.

“I’ll take this one.”

Murmurs rippled through the hall. Ryuuga arched an eyebrow. “Hunting The Beast? Ambitious. I like it.”

Hana ignored him. She strode toward the exit, the clink of her boots echoing against the wooden floor.

Outside, she gripped the poster. The wind whispered around her, her golden scarf fluttering in the night air.

Renji…

Hana unhooked the sword from her waist, feeling the familiar weight of the weapon in her grip. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before launching it forward.

CRACK!

The moment it left her hand, the blade shimmered. Gears whirred, metal plates shifted, and within seconds, the weapon began to transform. Pieces folded inward, locking into place as pistons hissed, steam curling from the shifting mechanics. The blade collapsed into itself, elongating into a sleek frame as two thick wheels unfolded from the sides.

CLANK! The final mechanism snapped into place, and with a low hum, the transformation completed.

A motorcycle stood before her.

Its frame was a blend of black steel and gold accents, sleek yet powerful, built for both speed and endurance. The insignia of the Huntress Guild gleamed faintly along the chassis, embedded into the metal like a silent promise. Energy pulsed through the engine, the core of the machine thrumming with raw power. The wheels, reinforced with Dusk-powered enhancements, glowed faintly with residual energy.

Hana stepped forward, brushing her fingers along the cool metal. The machine vibrated beneath her touch, as if recognizing its rider.

With a swift motion, she swung onto the seat, gripping the handlebars. The moment her hands settled, the dashboard lit up, readings flickering to life. The wind howled around her as the thrusters engaged, a pulse of kinetic energy rippling through the ground.

VROOOOM!

Hana arrived at the village. The moment her boots touched the ground, she felt it—the weight of something unnatural lingering in the air. The village was deathly quiet, save for the occasional crackling of torches and the hushed murmurs of fearful townsfolk. Shadows stretched unnaturally long in the dim light, flickering as if alive.

The villagers huddled together, their eyes darting toward the looming treeline beyond their homes. Mothers clutched their children, whispering prayers to unseen gods. Men stood rigid, fists clenched, trying to mask their helplessness with forced resolve. Fear clung to them like a sickness, settling deep into their bones.

The moment one of the villagers spotted the emblem on her belt—a golden insignia of the Huntress Guild—hope flickered in their eyes. Desperation followed immediately after. A crowd gathered around her, their voices overlapping in frantic pleas.

“Huntress, please!”

“Our children—”

“They were taken into the woods!”

“A voice, calling them! A melody, unnatural and wicked!”

A mother pushed through the crowd, her face streaked with tears. She grasped Hana’s sleeve with tension. “Please, Huntress! The children—they just walked into the trees! As if they were dreaming! We tried to stop them, but… but they wouldn’t listen! They wouldn’t wake up!”

Hana exhaled, her expression unreadable. Slowly, she unfolded the bounty poster in her grip.

WANTED: THE BEAST.

The insignia of the Huntress Guild carried weight. A Huntress was not just a fighter—she was an elite warrior, a force of nature trained to protect the people from the darkness that lurked beyond civilization. Only the strongest could earn the title. Only the most skilled could wear the badge.

And now, all eyes were on her.

A familiar pulse thrummed at her wrist. Her fingers brushed over her gauntlet, feeling its faint warmth beneath her touch. The metal plating was cool, but underneath, a soft, living energy hummed through it. A whisper against her skin, a reminder of the power she wielded.

Strapped against her back, her sword seemed to stir in response, vibrating ever so slightly. It wasn’t an ordinary weapon—it had a will of its own. Not sentient, but something close. It resonated with her emotions, mirroring the storm within.

Find the Beast… or help the villagers?

She hesitated.

Her gaze locked onto one of the fathers—a burly man, his hands trembling despite his hardened exterior. He looked at her with silent desperation, shoulders tense, eyes pleading. His stance, his sorrow, the way he clenched his fists to keep himself from breaking—it struck a chord deep within her.

A memory surfaced.

Fifteen years old. Standing in an empty doorway.

Waiting for a father who never returned.

Hana’s grip tightened.

Her mind screamed at her to pursue the Beast, to fulfill her mission, to complete the bounty. But her heart… her heart ached for these people.

She couldn’t walk away. Not from this.

Hana turned toward the forest, her golden scarf billowing in the wind. The trees stood tall and ominous, their twisted branches clawing at the sky like skeletal fingers. Darkness pooled between them, thick and endless, swallowing the faint light of the village torches.

Her decision was made.

“I’ll handle it,” she said, her voice steady, final.

The villagers gasped in relief. Some wept, clinging to each other. Others whispered prayers of gratitude. But Hana paid them no mind. Her focus was already on the treeline, on the unknown that awaited her beyond.

With one final glance at the village, she stepped forward, her boots crunching against the damp earth.

And then she disappeared into the darkness.

Deep in the forest, the shadows shifted and stretched, twisting into monstrous forms. Hulking werewolf-bear hybrids prowled forward, their bone-white masks adorned with crimson markings, jagged spikes protruding from their arms, backs, and knees. Their claws gleamed under the moonlight, scraping against the ground, leaving deep grooves in the earth.

A guttural snarl rippled through the air, shaking the branches overhead. The sheer weight of their presence pressed down on Hana, like the calm before a violent storm.

She exhaled slowly, rolling her shoulders. No fear. No hesitation.

Her hand rested on her Spirit Relic, fingers brushing over the hilt before she shook her head in mock sympathy.

"Well, you’re certainly not the welcoming committee," she quipped, her voice light despite the danger. "But if you insist on being terrible hosts… let’s dance."

The Grimm lunged.

Hana moved.

A streak of yellow rose petals burst in her wake, a golden trail slicing through the battlefield as she blurred into motion. Her speed was dazzling, impossible—one moment she was standing still, the next, she was already inside the horde.

SHING!

Her blade carved through the first Grimm, a clean diagonal strike. Dark ichor splattered, but she was already gone—her footwork a symphony of speed and grace.

A second Grimm swiped at her flank. Too slow.

WHOOSH!

She twisted, petals swirling as she sidestepped with supernatural speed. A flick of her wrist—

SHING!

Her blade slashed upward, severing its arm at the joint. The creature howled, but Hana was already a blur of motion, dashing past before it could react.

Another Grimm leaped at her from behind.

CLICK.

She inserts her Dusk cartridge in her gauntlet. A sharp click echoed as her gauntlet’s chamber rotated, loading a fresh elemental round. Energy pulsed from her palm, priming a Dusk-infused strike.

BOOM!

A wind-enhanced blast exploded outward, striking the Grimm mid-air and hurling it backward into the treeline. Bark splintered on impact.

Hana didn’t slow down.

Hana smirked. "Let’s try something cooler."

She ejected the spent another cartridge on her other hand, loading a new one—a blue round paired with green. The moment the elements fused—

BOOM!

A swirling tempest of ice erupted, frost crackling over the Grimm’s limbs. Their movements became rigid, their bodies locking in place as frost spread rapidly across their forms.

She shifted her stance—low, poised, a coiled spring ready to strike.

Then—

A whirlwind of golden rose petals exploded outward.

She vanished into speed, a flicker of motion too fast for the eye to follow.

SHING! SHING! SHING!

Her blade danced, striking frozen flesh with surgical precision. Sparks flew from the contact, ice shattering in waves, petals trailing behind every deadly arc.

For a heartbeat, everything was still.

Then—

The Grimm shattered.

Their frozen bodies fractured like glass, collapsing into a fine, swirling mist of black vapor. The forest fell into eerie silence, only the sound of drifting petals settling on the wind.

Hana flicked her blade clean, the residual frost melting from its edge.

The glow along its surface dimmed as she sheathed it with a soft click, the tension in her muscles finally unwinding.

She exhaled, the last wisps of cold fading from her breath.

"Now that’s what I call a chilling performance."

The forest remained still, the Grimm defeated, their presence fading like a nightmare at dawn.

But Hana didn’t lower her guard.

She knew better than to believe the fight was over.

Not yet.

A rustling ahead drew Hana’s attention. Then—

HISSssss…

The Siren emerged from the shadows.

A massive anaconda-like creature slithered between the trees, its scales shimmering in shades of deep violet and midnight blue. It had the face of a nightmare—dark, empty eyes and a mouth filled with rows of jagged, needle-like teeth. Muscles rippled beneath its gleaming hide as it coiled around a thick tree trunk, its sinuous body tightening. The bark groaned in protest before splitting apart with a sickening CRACK.

And then it began to sing.

The melody was intoxicating, sinking into Hana’s bones like a drug. It wasn’t simply sound—it was something deeper, something insidious. Her vision blurred, her breath hitched, her pulse slowed. The song wrapped around her mind like a velvet noose, suffocating yet strangely comforting.

Move!

Her body refused to obey.

She tried to reach for her weapon, but her limbs felt like lead. Shadows curled at the edges of her vision, warping the forest around her. A phantom whisper brushed against her ear, coaxing her into stillness.

No… I won’t…

With a surge of will, she wrenched a Dusk cartridge from her belt—Fire. She slammed it into the chamber of her gauntlet and fired—WHOOSH! A jet of flames erupted from her palm, the heat searing through the fog in her mind.

The Siren shrieked, recoiling as the fire licked at its glistening scales. The spell shattered, and clarity rushed back to Hana like a slap to the face.

She didn’t hesitate.

Hana lunged, drawing her Spirit Relic, a sword that transformed into a motorcycle, in one fluid motion. The blade gleamed under the faint moonlight as she slashed at the Siren’s twisting form. Steel met flesh—SHING!—slicing through its thick scales. The creature writhed, its piercing shriek splitting the night air.

But she wasn’t fast enough.

CRACK!

Its massive tail snapped around, striking her side like a battering ram. Pain exploded in her ribs as she was hurled through the air.

THUD!

She crashed into the dirt, skidding against the damp earth. Her Aura flared, absorbing most of the impact but leaving her breathless. Gritting her teeth, she tried to push herself up, but the Siren was already upon her.

Its song resumed, heavier this time, suffocating.

Her vision darkened again. Her limbs grew sluggish. The weight of the melody pressed down on her like a storm, drowning her senses. The Siren slithered closer, its empty eyes reflecting her fading strength.

No… not now…

Then—

WHOOSH!

A blur of blue and black streaked past her, cutting through the thick melody like a blade.

CRASH!

Metal screeched against the earth as Renji’s hoverboard rocketed forward, drawn by his outstretched hand. The pull of his Polarity Semblance sent a faint blue distortion rippling through the air, warping metal as the board shot toward him.

With a sharp flick of his wrist—

CLICK!

SHING!

—the hoverboard collapsed inward, its plates shifting, gears whirring as it seamlessly reformed into a massive sword.

A blue streak trailed behind him, a spectral afterimage following his polarity-driven movements.

The Siren reeled, its hypnotic song shattering into a garbled screech. It coiled, its empty black eyes narrowing at the new threat.

Hana’s breath caught in her throat.

A towering figure stood between her and the beast. Cloaked in a tattered blue hood, his golden eyes burned beneath the shadows. His sword hummed in his grip, the metal vibrating subtly in response to his magnetic pull.

Renji.

The Siren hesitated.

Then, with a snarl, Renji attacked.

BOOM!

He lunged, faster than something his size had any right to be. His sword cleaved through the air, carving a deep gash into the Siren’s scaled flesh. The beast shrieked, black ichor splattering across the forest floor.

The battle was brutal—

Claws slashed. Fangs snapped. The Siren lashed out, its massive coils wrapping around Renji’s torso, squeezing with terrifying strength.

The pressure mounted.

Renji’s Aura pulsed wildly, flickering under the strain. His breath came in ragged bursts as his fingers clenched around the hilt of his sword. But then—

Something inside him shifted.

His grip slackened. His body trembled—not in pain, but in change.

Then—

SNAP!

His sword plunged into the ground, forgotten.

Renji roared, his form erupting outward—muscles stretching, fur bristling as his Beast Form took over.

His golden eyes flared, burning with raw instinct. His chest heaved, breath turning into growls that rumbled from deep within.

The Siren squeezed tighter, but Renji did not falter.

He didn’t need the hoverboard anymore. He didn’t need the sword.

His claws flexed—then tore through the coils around him.

SNAP!

His raw strength alone forced the Siren to recoil. His blue streak shimmered faintly, the last traces of his Semblance flickering away as his Beast Form fully took hold.

The Siren lashed out again, its tail whipping toward him—

But Renji was faster.

He dodged, his clawed hands raking deep into its flesh. The Siren shrieked, its coils writhing in pain. The ground trembled beneath their struggle, each movement sending ripples of force through the earth.

Hana gritted her teeth, watching.

She had seen Renji fight before, but this—this was different.

His movements were no longer precise or strategic. This was pure instinct. Pure beast.

Her heart clenched.

“Renji!” she shouted.

For a fraction of a second, he hesitated.

The Siren struck.

CHOMP!

Its fangs sank deep into his shoulder.

Renji roared, his body jerking under the force of the bite. Blood splattered, staining the forest floor. His claws twitched, his movements faltering—

But before the Siren could do more damage—

Hana moved.

A flicker of golden petals—

SHING!

Her Spirit Relic sword plunged into the Siren’s skull.

The creature’s song died in its throat. Its massive body convulsed, its coils writhing in agony.

A final, ragged hiss escaped its lips—

Then—

Silence.

The Siren’s body slumped, its lifeless form collapsing into the dirt before slowly dissolving into mist. The air, once thick with its oppressive song, was now eerily still.

Hana stood frozen, her breath ragged. She turned, her gaze locking onto Renji.

He swayed on his feet, blood still seeping from his wound, his breath heavy. But what made her stomach twist wasn’t the injury.

It was his expression.

His golden eyes flickered—flickered between clarity and something darker. His claws remained half-raised, his muscles coiled as if still locked in battle. He was trembling, his breath uneven.

His beastly form wavered.

And then—slowly—his claws retracted, his fur receding. His hulking frame shrank, muscles pulling inward, his features shifting beneath the dim glow of the moon. His golden eyes dulled, losing their feral edge, replaced by something more human.

His human form was lean but athletic, built for speed and agility rather than brute force. His tousled brown hair was damp with sweat, sticking slightly to his forehead. Blood smeared his sharp yet youthful features, his jaw tight with exhaustion. Despite the battle’s toll, there was an undeniable intensity in his gaze, as if the fight had yet to leave him.

He exhaled a shaky breath. “Hey… Hana.”

Tears burned in her eyes.

She ran to him before his legs gave out, catching him as he collapsed.

She held him tightly, pressing her forehead against his. “You idiot…”

Renji chuckled weakly, the sound hoarse but familiar. “Missed you too.”

His body trembled against hers, his breathing ragged. She could feel the warmth of his blood seeping through her gloves. Despite the battle’s end, the forest still pulsed with unease, the echoes of the Siren’s song lingering in the air.

Hana’s grip on him tightened. She wasn’t going to lose him again.

Then—

CRACK!

A thunderous impact shook the trees. Hana barely had time to react before a wave of force sent her staggering back. Renji collapsed to one knee, his body too weak to fight.

A slow, mocking clap rang through the silence.

“Touching,” Ryuuga Tsubasa drawled, stepping from the shadows. Sparks crackled along his gauntlets, his smirk stretching wide. “Truly, a reunion worth shedding tears over.”

Hana’s eyes sharpened. “Tsubasa.”

He lifted a brow, feigning innocence. “You didn’t think I’d let you have all the fun, did you?” His gaze flicked to Renji, then back to Hana. “The Beast… How disappointing. I expected more.”

Renji growled low in his throat, but Hana steadied him with a hand on his shoulder.

“I should thank you,” Tsubasa continued. “You did all the hard work. Now, I get to claim the prize.” He flexed his fingers, lightning arcing between them. “Renji’s bounty is still mine to collect.”

Hana stepped forward, drawing her sword. “You’re not touching him.”

Tsubasa sighed, shaking his head. “Always making things difficult. Fine.” His smirk twisted into something darker. “Let’s settle this properly.”

BOOM!

Tsubasa lunged, his gauntlets crackling as he slammed his fists together. Sparks exploded as he activated a Smoke Dusk cartridge—fire and wind fusing into a thick, billowing smokescreen. Cloaked in the swirling embers, he shot forward.

Hana reacted instantly, slamming a Wind Dusk cartridge into her gauntlet. A burst of force propelled her back just in time to avoid Tsubasa’s fist as it tore through the space where she had stood. The sheer power of his punch split the ground apart, electricity dancing across the shattered earth.

She weaved through his attacks, golden petals swirling in her wake. She knew better than to be reckless. Tsubasa needed a direct lightning strike or Dusk charge to fully power up. If she kept him from building energy, he wouldn’t reach his full strength.

Then—

CLANG!

Hana redirected his strike, twisting his wrist. Tsubasa’s grip faltered. Seizing the opening, she spun—

WHAM!

Her boot connected with his chest, sending him hurtling backward. He crashed against a tree, coughing as the wind was knocked from his lungs.

“Damn it,” he snarled, forcing himself up. “You think you’ve won?!”

CRACK!

Lightning exploded from his gauntlets, but something was off—he wasn’t at full charge.

Hana smirked. “What’s wrong? Not enough juice?”

A rustling from above—

“Oi, oi, oi! You guys started without me?! That’s just rude.”

Tanuki Yasuo dropped from a tree branch, his bow already drawn, energy humming at his fingertips. His raccoon ears twitched as he grinned.

Tsubasa scowled. “Stay out of this, Yasuo.”

Tanuki gasped dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. “Oh, my heart! My unwavering support, and this is how you repay me?” He sighed. “I’m wounded.”

Tsubasa pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re about to be if you don’t start helping.”

Tanuki straightened. “Fine, fine. Let’s dazzle them, boss!”

With a flick of his fingers, he tossed a trio of Wind Dusk cartridges into the air. He pulled back his bowstring, forming energy arrows that absorbed the released Dusk before stabilizing into volatile projectiles. With a sharp grin, he released.

The arrows shot skyward, drawing in wind energy before discharging—creating an artificial stormfront above them.

A second later, lightning cracked through the storm clouds, drawn to the arrows like a beacon.

BOOM!

The bolt struck Tsubasa directly. His body convulsed before he straightened, exhaling sharply. His gauntlets flared, veins glowing faintly as electricity surged through his limbs.

“Oh, now we’re talking,” he muttered, rolling his shoulders.

Hana’s expression hardened. He was faster now, stronger—but also reckless. If she kept him moving, he’d burn through his charge.

She activated her Semblance, golden petals swirling around her as she moved at blinding speed. Tsubasa lunged, but she was already behind him, landing a precise slash across his side. Sparks flew as metal met metal, his Aura absorbing the hit.

“Stay still, damn it!”

Hana smirked. “Make me.”

Tanuki knocked another arrow, his fingers twitching as he flicked an Earth Dusk cartridge into the air. The projectile absorbed the energy before launching forward, splitting into multiple streaks. One struck the ground, rupturing the terrain with a shockwave. Another veered toward Renji—

WHIRR!

Renji blurred forward on his hoverboard, intercepting the shot with his blade. Sparks ignited as he clashed against the force, his Aura straining but holding.

Tsubasa sneered. “Finally done napping?”

Renji smirked. “Figured you needed a reality check.”

Tsubasa grinned. “Then let’s see you keep up.”

Lightning surged as he pushed forward. Renji met his charge head-on, blade against gauntlet in a clash of energy. His hoverboard thrusters flared, letting him dodge and counter with swift, precise strikes.

Hana saw it—Tsubasa’s charge was fading.

She slammed a Water Dusk cartridge into her gauntlet.

BOOM!

Mist erupted around them, steam hissing as water met electricity. The clash disrupted Tsubasa’s charge, forcing his power to flicker.

WHIRR!

Renji adjusted mid-air, using his blade to strike Tsubasa’s gauntlets. The charge flickered out.

Tanuki fired another arrow, but Renji twisted, deflecting it. The impact sent him skidding back, his Aura flickering—but his stance held firm.

Tsubasa scoffed. “Tch.”

The electricity around his gauntlets faded as he exhaled sharply. “Fine. You win this round.”

With a smirk, he turned and vanished into the forest, Tanuki following, already chattering about dramatic rematches.

Hana sheathed her sword. “That was too close.”

Renji exhaled. “Yeah. But we held our ground.”

And for now, that was enough.

The air shifted.

Then—

A cry. Fragile. Lost.

Hana’s breath hitched. The children's voices carried through the trees, weak but unmistakable. The battle was over, but the night wasn’t finished.

Hana and Renji exchanged a glance.

No words were needed.

Without hesitation, they ran.

The forest loomed dark around them, but Hana moved with purpose, her senses sharp, her boots pounding against the damp earth. Every rustle of leaves, every shaky breath from the children, guided her. Renji ran beside her, his movements slightly sluggish from exhaustion, but his determination unwavering.

Then—

A clearing.

The children huddled in small clusters, shivering, their wide eyes unfocused. The remnants of the Siren’s melody clung to the air like a fading whisper, its spell finally broken.

Renji knelt beside a little boy wrapped in a tattered cloak, his tear-streaked face smeared with dirt. "It’s alright," Renji said softly, his voice rough but steady. "You’re safe now."

As the boy clung to him, Renji patted his belt instinctively—but his fingers met only fabric. His badge was gone. A sharp exhale left him as his eyes flicked to the ground. Not again. His beast form never let him hold onto his weapons, his hoverboard, or even his badge. It had happened too many times before.

Hana noticed his pause. "You lost it, didn’t you?"

Renji grunted, already scanning the ground. "It’s here somewhere."

She sighed but didn’t argue, crossing her arms as he moved through the clearing, kicking aside fallen leaves and broken branches. After a few tense moments, a glint of metal caught his eye. He crouched, brushing dirt from the badge before pinning it securely back onto his belt.

Only then did he straighten, rolling his shoulders. Renji adjusted the badge—a golden insignia marking him as an official Hunter. He stood tall once more, the authority of his rank undeniable.

The boy hesitated, staring into Renji’s golden eyes. There was no fear, only awe. Then, with a choked sob, he threw his arms around Renji’s neck.

Renji stiffened. He wasn’t used to this—to warmth instead of fear. Slowly, cautiously, he placed a clawed hand on the boy’s back. "...Let’s get you home."

By the time they reached the village, torches flickered in the night, casting long shadows across the square. Parents sobbed as they clutched their rescued children, relief spilling into tearful reunions. Husbands found wives, siblings found each other, and the weight of fear unraveled into gratitude.

Hana glanced at Renji. He stood still, unmoving, his expression unreadable as he watched the scene unfold. But she saw it—the tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers twitched at his sides. He had done his job. That was all that mattered.

And yet, as she watched the fathers holding their children close, she felt a hollow ache settle deep in her chest. She had once stood just like those children, waiting by the door, waiting for a father who never returned. The longing had never truly left her. Even now, the sight of these families reuniting made her wonder—what if her father had come back that night? Would she have been different? Would she still be chasing ghosts?

She tore her gaze away, focusing on Renji. "You’re leaving, aren’t you?"

He exhaled, staring at the road beyond the village. "Guess this is where we part ways."

Hana’s throat tightened. "Where will you go?"

He chuckled weakly. "Wherever the road takes me."

She swallowed hard, stepping closer. "Renji… what if you stayed?"

His breath hitched for just a moment. Then, he turned to her, golden eyes shadowed with something unreadable. "Hana—"

"No." She shook her head, her hands clenching at her sides. "You don’t have to do this. You don’t have to keep running. We could find a way—"

His expression hardened. "There is no way."

The words hit like a blade to the chest.

Renji exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face before meeting her gaze again, softer this time, almost apologetic. "You know what I am. What I become. This curse—it doesn’t break. It doesn’t fade. It doesn’t stop."

Hana felt her throat tighten. "Then we fight it. Together."

He let out a quiet, bitter laugh. "You can’t fight something that’s a part of me."

Her fingers twitched, aching to reach for him, to hold onto something slipping through her grasp. "You deserve more than this. You deserve a life."

Renji’s jaw clenched, his shoulders tensing as if he wanted to believe her, wanted to let himself believe in something other than the fate carved into his skin. But he had long accepted the truth.

"This is my life, Hana. And you deserve more than chasing after someone who can never stay."

She shook her head, eyes burning. "That’s not your choice to make."

He hesitated, a flicker of hesitation that made her heart clench, but then—

He stepped back.

The space between them stretched, a chasm neither of them could cross.

Finally, she reached out, grasping his hand. His warmth was real, solid—a cruel reminder that he was here now, but not for long.

His fingers curled around hers, holding on just a little too long.

"Hana," he murmured, voice hoarse.

She closed her eyes, fighting back the lump in her throat. "Stay out of trouble, idiot."

Renji smirked, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "No promises."

Then, with one last lingering glance, he let go.

He turned and disappeared into the trees.

Hana watched until he was gone.

The wind carried his presence away, leaving only the rustle of leaves and the soft whisper of her golden scarf.

She bit down hard on her lip, forcing herself to breathe past the ache in her chest.

A small tug at her scarf drew her attention. She glanced down to see a young girl—no older than seven—staring up at her with wide, hopeful eyes. "Miss Hana? Will you stay for a little while?"

Hana knelt, meeting the child’s gaze. "I wish I could," she said gently. "But someone has to make sure the bad guys don’t ruin any more bedtime stories."

The girl’s lower lip wobbled. "Will you come back?"

Hana smiled, though her heart still ached. "Maybe one day."

She ruffled the girl’s hair before standing. With one final glance at the village, she turned toward her sleek, battle-worn yellow motorcycle. The engine purred beneath her touch, its familiar hum grounding her in the present.

She swung onto the seat.

VROOOOM!

The bike roared to life, its headlights cutting through the night. The last rays of sunlight stretched across the sky, painting it in gold and crimson as she sped down the mountain road. The wind tugged at her scarf, carrying her forward toward the next battle.

Tomorrow, the hunt will begin again.

But tonight—

Tonight, she let herself break.