I wanted to be free, that's why I ran away, then I realized I'll never be able to escape his clutches if I didn't fight, so I stopped running and fought as hard as I could for my freedom. But the price I paid for it made me wonder if it was really worth it.
The memory of that fateful day still sears my mind like a branding iron. My wife's lifeless body, cradled in my arms, her blood dripping onto my lap like a macabre baptism. The eyes of my father The God Of Death, gleamed with a cold, ghastly intensity as he stood over us, his hands still wet with the blood of my wife. In that moment, I realized I had not only failed to protect her but had also taken away her freedom, and that of my fallen comrades who had fought alongside me. The question echoed in my mind: Would I ever find freedom?
But this story begins Several years before that tragic day, in a time when hope still flickered like a candle flame. I was Kaze, a ten-year-old boy, clad in white shorts and a plain white shirt, waiting outside Hana's office, lost in thought. This was my favorite part of the day, a brief respite from the rigid schedule that governed my life.
My brothers, Artin and Tharros, each with their own distinct personality. Artin, the eldest, was a tall, dark-haired boy with a pleasant smile that could light up even the darkest of places. Tharros, on the other hand, was a brooding 15-year-old, consumed by his own ambition and resentment.
As I waited, Tharros emerged from Hana's office, his eyes flashing with disdain as he passed me. "What a waste," he spat, before disappearing into the shadows.
Hana, our personal doctor, emerged from her office, her eyes warm with kindness. "Come, Kaze," she said, beckoning me into her chambers.
I settled into the chair opposite Dr. Hana, the familiar routine of our daily check-ins a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. "Say ahhhhh," she instructed, her voice a gentle prompt as she peered into my mouth with a flashlight. I complied, the examination a mere formality in the grand scheme of things.
With the preliminaries out of the way, she moved on to the medication, her hands moving with practiced ease as she prepared the daily cocktail of pills and injections. I watched with a mix of detachment and resignation, my mind wandering to the world beyond the laboratory's sterile walls.
The pills went down with a bitter aftertaste, a reminder of the artificial balance that kept me functioning. As the medication coursed through my veins, I couldn't help but wonder what lay beyond the confines of this place, and what secret my father still kept hidden.
Dr. Hana's expression softened as I spoke, her eyes filling with a deep empathy. "How are you feeling today, Kaze?" she asked, her voice gentle. I hesitated, my voice barely above a whisper. "Father is visiting today."
Hana's face fell, and she looked at me with a mixture of guilt and concern. I continued, my words tumbling out in a rush. "Father expects great things from me, unlike my brothers. Even though I haven't awakened my powers, that's why Tharros hates me. It's been a year since Father's last visit, and I'm terrified of what they'll do to me if I fail to produce results this time."
My composure crumbled, and I burst into tears. Hana's expression twisted in anguish as she watched me break down. She took a deep breath, her voice calm and soothing. "Kaze, do you know about birds?" she asked, a hint of a smile on her face.
I sniffled, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. "Yes, I've read about them in the books you gave me." Hana's eyes sparkled as she began to explain. "People say birds represent freedom like nothing else can. They spread their wings wide and soar through the sky, feeling the wind beneath their feathers, flying wherever they please."
I listened, entranced, as Hana painted a picture with her words. Her voice was like a balm to my soul, and for a moment, I forgot about the fears that gripped me. "One day, Kaze, I promise you'll be like them," she said, her voice cracking as tears welled up in her eyes. "You'll be free to do whatever you want and go wherever you want go just like a bird. Until then, I need you to stay strong."
As she spoke, her tears spilled over, and I felt a pang of realization – Hana wasn't just a doctor; she was my lifeline, my confidante, and my friend. Though I didn't want to give myself such false hope of escaping this place.
I gave Hana a hug to calm her down realizing the trouble I have caused for her. As I left her office I waved her goodbye and said " See you tomorrow." And she responded with the same words " See you tomorrow." She responded as she closed her office doors.
As I walked down the laboratory hallway, I thought to myself I hope Hana isn't trying to do anything to get me out of here?, she will only get herself killed, I will talk to her tomorrow to make sure she doesn't.
...…........................................................................................................Grayson frantic voice echoed through the room, muffled slightly by his wild white beard.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....., I'm doomed! He'll slaughter me, feed me to Cerberus, or condemn me to Tartarus!"
Rani, with her sleek ponytail and calm demeanor, intervened with a soothing tone.
"Professor, please calm down. Let's review the progress Tharros, Kaze, and Artin have made. We can highlight their achievements to make a strong impression."
The professor's hands trembled as he gathered the files, his voice shaking slightly as he read aloud.
"Tharros has enhanced his combat skills and reached Ascension Stage alongside Kaze. Artin's progress is remarkable, especially his achievement of the Manipulation stage, which is likely a key reason for their father's visit."
Rani reassured him.
"See what we've achieved so far will be enough to impress him, surely."
But the professor's anxiety only intensified.
"You don't understand, Rani. These experiments have been going on for at least a century. Results like this have already been achieved in the past."
Rani's eyes lit up with a suggestion.
"Okay, what about Artin's progression into the Manipulation stage? That's something new, isn't it?"
The professor's expression turned grave.
"Yes, it is. But it's not what he wants to hear. He wants to know if Kaze has awakened his powers yet. Both Artin and Tharros awakened theirs by around 5 and 8, respectively. He'll want to know if Kaze has too."
Rani's voice was laced with concern.
"But the child is still 10. I'm sure if he gives him a few more—"
The professor cut her off, his voice laced with desperation.
"We don't have that time anymore. His body is growing weaker after losing his immortality during the holy war. His body won't last long at this rate. We'll have to go for Plan B."
Rani's eyes widened in alarm.
"But, sir, we're not sure if it will work. We need more time."
The professor's face contorted in despair.
"You see why I said we're doomed? We might as well throw ourselves into Tartarus."
He slumped into his chair, covering his face with his hands.
Rani's voice was firm but gentle.
"Sir, for now, you need to pull yourself together and prepare for his arrival."
As the professor rose from his chair, a guard entered the room, his voice low and solemn.
"He is here."
The professor's eyes went wide with terror once more. But he shaked his fear off and went to the entrance to welcome him, Rani followed behind him.
.........................................................................................................
At the entrance of the laboratory, the staff parted like a river, bowing down on one knee with their heads low, forming a pathway for the approaching figure. In the center, towering over the mortals, walked Hades, the God of Death. He stood twice as tall as an average human, his imposing presence sending shivers down the spines of even the bravest souls. His black robe billowed behind him like a dark cloud, his old wrinkled face and his long walking stick thudded against the floor with each deliberate step.
As he approached, Professor Grayson and Rani stepped forward, the heads of the facility. They sank to their knees, their faces pressed to the ground in a display of utmost reverence. "Welcome, O Great One," Professor Grayson greeted, his voice muffled by the floor.
Hades's smile was unsettling, his lips curling upward in a way that seemed almost...amused. "Professor Grayson, no need for such formalities. We've known each other for too long for this," he said, his deep voice resonating through the laboratory.
The professor's response was immediate. "No, it is necessary, my lord. A simple creature like myself must treat you with the highest form of respect and humbleness." His words were laced with a deep-seated fear, one that seemed to stem from more than just reverence for a god.
"All that doesn't matter as long as I get what I need. I hope I won't be disappointed today, Professor," Hades said, his voice firm but with a hint of warning.
"We will discuss their progress in detail, milord," the professor replied, his tone measured.
"Then let us not waste time on pleasantries. Let's proceed to the matter at hand," Hades said, turning to Polemus, the head of security. "Gather the children and meet us in the arena."
As they awaited the me and my brothers in the arena, the professor discusses about their achievements during the passing year, Hades turned to the professor. "These are all impressive achievements, Professor, but you haven't told me what I want to hear. Now, give it to me straight: has Kaze awakened his powers or not?"
The professor took a deep breath before responding, "No, milord... But I believe if you give us more time, he will—"
Hades interrupted, his voice cold. "Professor, may I ask you, do you know why you're here?"
The professor's response was immediate. "Because of my undying loyalty to you, milord."
"Yes, that too, but because you're the smartest person I know in the Underworld," Hades said.
The professor's face showed humility. "Please, milord, I don't deserve such praise."
Hades's expression turned serious, he's disturbing smile was now gone. "You're right; I expect more from you. If you were as successful as I had hoped, I'd be seeing better results by now, all those who failed me I threw into the pits of Tartarus, it would be a waste to do that to you too.
Hades's steps back a little from the professor. " Now the reason here today is to show you how results are achieved, if Kaze is the one who inherits my immortality then we have to know now, if he is not then I have no use for him.
My brothers and I walked into the giant arena,and walked all the way to one corner off it,trying to keep our distance from our monstrous father Rani and Polemus enter along. My gaze met Artin's lifeless face but his face lit up with a gentle smile as he spotted me. He patted me on the head, and I noticed something like metal strapped around his wrist on his wrists.
"Brother, what are those on your wrist?" I asked.
Artin's response was casual. "Oh, these? They're new. Do you like them?"
I sensed that Artin might be hiding something, but I didn't want to pry further. Just then, my father called out to me.
"Kaze."
"Yes, Father," I replied, stepping forward as commanded. Before I knew it, I found myself standing in the middle of the arena, face to face with my father, Hades. His eyes were cold and unyielding, and I had no idea what lay ahead.
"I hear you still haven't awakened your powers," he said, his voice firm.
"Yes, Father," I replied, trying to keep my composure.
"But you've achieved the Ascension Stage of using GEN Energy, well done, But do you know what GEN is?" he asked, his interest piqued.
"It's said that the universe came into existence from it," I replied.
Hades nodded, impressed. "That's right, Kaze. How did you know that?"
"I borrowed some books from Doctor Hana's office," I said, folding my sweaty hands.
Hades walked around the arena, his walking stick thudding against the floor. "As you said, everything in the universe exists thanks to GEN Energy. It's everywhere, even here in the Underworld. I'm sure you can sense it too, Kaze."
"Yes, Father," I replied, trying to keep up with his train of thought.
"Many are able to use GEN Energy, but there are more who can't. Do you know why?" he asked, his eyes piercing.
"Because only those who have a reason to fight or those who want to change the world than anyone else are able to achieve it," I replied, drawing from my understanding of the world.
"Exactly, it's as if GEN Energy has a mind of its own, selecting only those who wish to change the world to be able to use it," Hades said, his eyes gleaming with interest. "And you, my dear child, have managed to achieve the third stage out of 5 of this incredible power."
Tharros's eyes narrowed, jealousy simmering beneath the surface as he watched our father focus his attention on me. But my reaction was subdued, far from the excitement one might expect.
"Usually, it takes a lifetime for a human to achieve stage 2, but you've reached stage 3 at just 10 years old," Hades continued, his pride evident. "That's impressive, even for a son of a mighty god like myself."
Hades's expression turned serious, his voice taking on a critical tone. "But despite all this, you're still unable to awaken your death godlike powers. Each of my children inherits a fraction of my power, and I'm yet to find the one who will inherit my long-lost immortality. You, despite your achievements, remain a puzzle to me, Kaze."
Fear coursed through my veins as I gazed at my father, unsure of what he had planned for me next. "Since your powers have refused to awaken, I will force them out," he declared, his voice cold and calculating. The professor looked like he wanted to intervene, but one word from him would seal his fate.
"Spar with me, Kaze," Hades commanded, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. "Show me how strong you are."
Tharros's jealousy boiled over, and he spoke up, "Father, I am far stronger than Kaze, I will show—"
But Hades's warning was swift and merciless. "SILENCE, CHILD! If you dare to interrupt me again, you'll start to question if I'm really your father."
He turned his attention back to me, his smile returning. "Now, where were we? Ah yes, give me your best attacks, Kaze." I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized I had no choice but to face him in hand-to-hand combat. "Don't disappoint me, Kaze," he said, his smile growing wider.
I thought to myself, "I don't have much of a choice, do I?" Fear gripped my heart as I prepared to face my father's wrath.
I started by running up to him and jumped swiftly to try and punch his face but his hands stopped my fist as he said with a look of disappointment " This really isn't the best you can do."Before I could react I was blasted across the arena crashing into the walls with a loud crack.
"What was that lousy attack Kaze, get up." He commanded.
I struggled to rise, feeling gravity was working against me.
" I said get up Kaze." He repeated.
I was able to get up and felt nothing but frustration and hatred for this man who calls himself my father.
"I'M GOING TO KILL HIM." All that fear in one moment turned into anger repeating that one sentence in my head, to end the man who took away my freedom, the right to have a happy ending like those characters I read about " I'M GOING TO KILL HIM."
My father immediately feels the large amount of GEN Energy going and coming out of my body, it was almost as if it was trying to tell him something all of a sudden one word flows right through his left ear " DIE." He looks to were the sound came from only to see my leg about to kick his face, he disappears out of my sight all of a sudden, I land on the floor and look around only for me be hit like a golf ball by his massive stick to another end of the arena.
"That's it Kaze show me how much you hate me." Hades laughed.
I immediately got up again and my father dropped his stick, with that a hand to hand combat began but with how tall he is, I was always jumping to try and hit his face, so I tried sweeping him off his feet but legs were to strong, I sprained my leg by kicking his legs and I stumbled back, I realized I wouldn't be able to move as fast as I was.
"What are you going to do now Kaze, surely you can do more." Smiled Hades.
I immediately taught of what I could do though it wasn't perfect yet but I had to try, I immediately folded my hands together and started gathering GEN Energy in both the air and my body and centering them in the middle of my hands. My father smiled once he realized what I was doing.
"SURGE BLAST." I shouted and released all the energy stored in my hand at once towards my Hades.
I don't know what surprised me more, the fact the attack didn't scrape him or the fact that he absorbed the attack into his left arm.
"That was entertaining Kaze, I'm impressed honestly, now down to buisness."
I was immediately pushed to the floor, and I felt his massive left leg step on my back, I couldn't get up. His massive stick which was now in his hands suddenly turned into a sword.
"I wish we could go on all day but my failing body won't allow us to do so, I need ...ghhhhh....ghhhhhhh…." Coughed Hades but this time he coughed out blood, he removes the hand he was using to cover his mouth to see it was filled with blood and some dripped on the floor and on Kaze's face. "As you can see my dear son I do not have much time and my body continues to weaken, I need a body with immortality and I'm not going to wait another moment for your powers to awaken to confirm so." In a single second the most horrifying thing that I taught will ever happen to me began.
"I can't feel my right hand." was the first thing that came to mind before the horrifying pain, Hades removed his legs from my back, I slowly got up and saw the blood rushing out of where my hand was supposed to be, my supposed hand was thrown halfway across the arena. My screams filled the arena as I stumbled towards it, picking it up in a desperate attempt to reattach it.
"Look at the pathetic state your in Kaze."Hades sneered, dragging his sword on the ground behind him. "So here is what is going to happen, I'm going to kill you , if your the one with my immortality you will come back to life but if your not then your just going to die right here right now."
He raised his sword half way in the air ready to slice me into half, I read in a book when you want to die your life flashes before your eyes but I saw nothing all I felt at that moment was frustration for all the suffering this place brought to me and now I'm going to die here without ever knowing how it feels like to be free, to feel the sun on your face, to see what wonders that are right beyond this laboratory walls and black windows.
As his sword was about to seal my fate then came by brother Artins, who was able to land a punch on my fathers face and sent him flying but not to the end of the arena but through the roof, some part of the roof came apart and falling debris dusted the room not allowing any of us to see clearly, I continued to cry because of the immense pain I felt. My brother immediately rushed to my side and held me close in his arms, my brother started to gather GEN Energy and focused it on my arm to close the wounds , unfortunately he couldn't put my hand back.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't able to stop him from hurting you." My brother cried."
I wanted to tell him it's not his fault but it seemed I didn't have the strength to speak.
In that moment,It was almost as if a meteorite just crashed on Earth surface and from all that dust and debris a demon emerged " I hope your ready to pay the price for that Artins, you openly attacked me it means your prepared to die." Said Hades as he emerged from the dust.
My brother gently dropped me aside to deal with the monster standing before him and with that a fight off the scale I have ever seen began, A colossal battle erupted, with the professor and Rani fleeing in desperation. Polemus stood firm, watching the outcome unfold. I tried to keep up with My brother and Hades fight but they were too fast for my small dusty eyes to see.
"Why are you feeling so relaxed Kaze, imagine the smile on father's face when I help him to get rid of you." Said Tharros.
"Why are you so bent on pleasing him, his the man who trapped us in here and has been contolling us our whole lives." I said as I struggled to get back up on my feet.
Tharros had a memory from the past at that moment, a woman patting his head saying "Good Job Tharros."
"I want to feel it again." Tharros responded returning from his flashback.
"Feel what again?" I asked.
"That's none of your business." Tharros shouted as he ran towards.
As for Hades and Artins, Artins had already started weaken. " I'm surprised you could last this long despite those around your wrist." Hades referring to the so called metal on his wrist.
"This is nothing compared to all the things you've done." Artins responded.
"You're going to lose and I'm still going to kill Kaze, all of this would've been for nothing."
"I won't allow you to take Kaze away like the others." Said Artins as he added more powers to his attacks, but all of a sudden he's body just gave up and he collapsed on the floor.
"It looks like those things on your wrist are finally doing their job."
"You B astard." my brother replied as he lost consciousness.
Tharros was closing in on me as all I tried to do was keep my distance, I knew I couldn't continue running like this with the great amount of blood I have already lost I could collapse anytime from now, I had to take care of him before then. I ran into the most dusty part of the arena, my brother followed as planned.
"Come out wherever you are Kaze, deep down you know you can't escape what is coming, so why run?" Said Tharros as he looked for me in the dusty arena.
"Because I know for that I'm not going to die in a awful place like this." I responded as I rushed behind him, putting my hand on his head.
"SLEEP."
"You lit…..tle brat." My brother forced out of his mouth as he fainted.
I released a sigh of relief thinking it was over. It stabbed me, my father finally pierced his sword right through me, he removed his sword and I fell straight to the ground trying to catch my breath but all the blood spewing out of my mouth made that hard.
"W...where are...….. the fla...shes?" I managed to blurt out. Yes your life that flashes before your eyes they said that happens once your going to die. Once again I saw nothing, even if I did see, all I will remember are the horrible things I went through here. I thought of Hana, I told her I will see her tomorrow looks like "I won't make it." I thought to myself.
Everything got darker and darker and...…
"So you were not the one either were you Kaze, to begin with if you were your hand would've grown back on the spot." Hades said as he looked around and saw the destruction they caused then looked back at Kaze's dead cold body "How disappointing." He let out as his sword turned back into his walking stick. He began coughing more than he usually does and vomited blood this time. He gets up and looks at Tharros body lying down close to Kaze's ,picks him up and places him on his shoulder.
"POLEMUS!!!!!!!" he called.
"Take care of Artin's, I want more restraints and I want a full wipe on him, also Tharros will be coming with me to the Fortress."
"Understood sir, but what should I do about Kaze?"
"I don't care, do whatever he's useless anyway." Hades responded as he heads for the exist.
...…
Two days had passed since the incident. The professor, still shaken, meditated on the aftermath of Hades' visit. Finally, he composed himself and began working, starting with analyzing Kaze's blood sample. His eyes widened in shock.
"That's impossible... unless," he muttered, rushing out of the lab. He bumped into Rani, who tried to calm him down.
"Professor what's the big idea, what's going on ?" She asked.
"It was him Rani, how could we be so blind."
"It was who ? ,what's going on here ?" Rani asked in confusion.
" Rani, when was the last time we did a Genetic test." Asked Professor Grayson.
"I don't know maybe like ...…. Six months."
" Well I just discovered that this whole time Kaze's healing ability was slowed down."
" I don't understand, pls Elaborate."
"We modified each of the boys body to be able to heal immediately in case of injuries, their wounds will close instantly once they were injured." The professor explained.
"Yes we did so."
"Exactly, but Kaze's collagens were messed with causing for slow tissue repairs."
"Professor what are you trying to say."
" Rani don't you see, someone slowed down Kaze's healing process to hide the fact he had immortality so whenever he got injured or killed he won't revive immediately hiding the fact he does have it, it was Kaze the whole time , it was always him."
"But who could such and for what motive?" Rani asked.
"I have an idea who, I just hope were not too late, quick tell me where is Kaze's body."
"We kept his body in room 45, follow me." She said as they headed for the room.
Upon entry there were welcomed by the cold air. "The room was made cold in order to preserve his body." Rani said.
The professor pulled back the sheet, revealing an empty space. "Which body?" he asked. Yes it was gone but to where, he needed answers.
"Find Polemus and tell him to locate Hana," he ordered Rani. "Inform him of our situation."
Rani looked puzzled. "But, sir, why Hana?"
The professor holds Rani at her lab coat collar "How dumb can you be? This was all her doing, be fast and find Polemus while I go through her office." The professor let's go of her and goes straight to Hana's office.
Upon reaching there he goes through her files, opens her desks and so on. He's eyes could not believe it when he opened her cupboards, months' worth of medication for Kaze, untouched and unused. " That sly bitch." On finishing that sentence, a guard came to inform him that Hana just escaped on the Soul train.
The soul train is the main means of transportation in the underworld, they are all self driven as each railway a train is upon has one destination back and forth. The laboratory has only one small train in case of emergencies.
The professor rushes outside to see that the train is gone. "Where the fuck is Polemus."
I woke up to the sound of the engines of a moving train, though this is the first time I have ever been on one. I felt very cold but that was not what was worrying me. My hand was back all the injuries I sustained were gone, why? Where am I? How long was I asleep? I struggled to get up, all I was able to accomplish was to move myself from lying down to sitting up.
A door open and closed from behind me, I was scared wondering who it was, to my behest it was Hana welcoming me back with a smile. I Immediately dropped into tears. " I thought I was never going to be able to see you again." I cried.
Hana sat down next to me and gave me a warm hug "It going to be okay now Kaze, I'm setting you free as promised."
The weight of freedom. Tears streamed down my face as I whispered to myself, "She actually did it." The chains of my father's control were broken, and I was finally free to soar. The rigid schedules, the painful tests, the endless experiments – all behind me. I wept, releasing the pent-up emotions, until my tears finally subsided, leaving me feeling lighter.
"See Kaze, there are somethings I most explain to you before we part ways."
"Ehhhh...…. What do you mean."
Aren't you coming with me."
"Unfortunately, where your going is not somewhere I can follow you to."
"Where am I going to?" I ask out of fear and curiousity.
"The underworld contains all dead souls from across the universe," she explained, her words painting a picture of a vast, cosmic graveyard. "As a dead soul, I'm bound to this place, but you're different, Kaze. You're alive."
Hana's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a fierce conviction. "In the underworld you'll be never escape from your father's grasp. You'll be safe there, Kaze. You'll be free."
"But I don't know if I can go there on my own. I'll be all alone."
"Then make some friends Kaze." Hana replied with a gentle smile.
"Friends….?" Kaze looked in confusion.
"It's very awesome having friends, their always there for you, you can always rely on them, they make you laugh, their pretty awesome." Hana eyes sparkled as she talked.
"But you won't be there Hana." Kaze cried.
"I'll always be rooting for you Kaze, once your gone your father will have no means of prolonging his life and will die, once he does come visit Kaze." Cried Hana.
"Is that even possible?" Asked Kaze as tears also start to rush down his eyes too.
"I don't know but if it is pls do." Hana responded.
The train suddenly started making a screeching sound and was flipped over like a pancake in a frying pan. Hana got up immediately and saw she was not imagining things as for what was once the ceiling is now the floor.
"Kaze are you okay?" she asked rushing to where Kaze fell.
"I'm okay but what was that." Kaze responded as he struggled to get up.
As unbelievable as it sounds, the train was split in half in a single second, luckily they were both left unharmed from that.
"The one day I decide to sleep, see all the trouble you two have caused me." Said Polemus who was wearing a full face respirator, with a full body protection suit. "Your not going anywhere now Kaze, your fate was sealed the moment you awakened immortality."
"So that's why am still alive, I survived because I inherited my father's immortality." I thought to myself.
"Your not taking him anywhere not while I'm still here." Said Hana trying to hide me behind her back.
"As you know here in the underworld there's only one way to kill a soul." Said Polemus already knowing that Hana knew the answer. "By feeding them to Cerebus or by banishing them into Terete exactly where we are. The lab is located at the heart of it and we've not made it very far from there, all I have to do is take Kaze off your hands and leave you here, you will fade away before you make it anywhere." Said Polemus.
"Not on my watch." Said a mysterious man in a dark cloak with a white mask on his face designed with two holes for his eyes and a smile drawn across the bottom, he held a sword and started launching attacks on Polemus out of nowhere.
"It's you again. Said Hana.
"Get out of here, I'll deal with him." Said the mysterious man as he was crossing swords with Polemus.
"Your not going anywhere." Said Polemus but could no longer near us thanks of the mysterious man.
Me and Hana started to run as far as we can into the vast wasteland only full of sand that seems to go on forever, I tried looking up to see the sky but it seems it was always cloudy here. Hana and I kept running for hours, until Hana collapsed.
"Hana what's wrong?" I asked trying to help her to get up but it was as if I couldn't touch her.
"Listen to me Kaze, the mysterious man will catch up and take you to Earth, you will have to continue without me."
"No don't say that you said you'll watch over me till I cross over there,"
"I'll always be watching you Kaze. I LOVE YOU." Said Hana as she completely faded away
I started crying knowing the only person who has ever been there for me, who has always supported me, my only friend is gone. I was there at that spot where she faded away crying for hours. Cerebus the three headed giant dog, guardian of the underworld appeared from the wilderness about to eat me. Then he appeared as he usually does, out of nowhere the mysterious man came saving my life again by cutting one of the dogs head off , the dog ran away in fear with immense pain.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"What happened to Hana." I asked ignoring his question.
"This wasteland is called Terete,' he said. 'Any soul that ends up here will slowly lose their GEN Energy, the very thing that were made up, until they just fade away."He responded.
"My only friend in this entire messed up world is gone forever, there's no afterlife for the dead is there?" I asked.
"I'm afraid not." He responded.
"Who are you anyway?"
" I'm the man in the dark cloak."
I looked at him in confusion " That's not a name."
"You're not ready to learn who I actually am yet, it's far too early."
"What do you mean?"
"That doesn't matter, right now I have to send you to Earth.
"I don't want to go." I refused.
"Ehhhhhh... what are you saying?" the man responded in anger
"I have no reason to go there anymore, without Hana nothing matters, I was onl...…"
The mysterious man grabs my shirt and says"Will you shut the hell up? are you forgetting why she did all this? she sacrificed everything including her soul for you to be happy, to be free, to know that you have the right to decide whether you live or die and you're going to trample on her feelings just like that." He asked out of fuastration
I began crying again and he let go on my shirt and left me one final message " Listen kid, it's only going to get harder from here, but don't worry you'll make lots of friends on the way that'll help you. Become stronger Kaze and stop the greatest threat this universe will ever know." The man warned as he put his hand over my face.
"I'm counting on you... Kaze."