Kentaro and Aria stood rooted, paralysed before the advancing army of metallic monstrosities, Null units, their eyes glowing, malevolent steel limbs poised for carnage. Terror gripped them both like a vice until.
"RUN, KEN!!" Tenka's voice tore through the static, snapping Kentaro from his trance.
He pivoted just in time to see a flying metal net hurtling toward them. Instinct overrode thought; he snatched Aria's hand, yanked her aside with all his strength. The net slammed into empty air, crackling as electric arcs sizzled across its surface.
Kentaro turned before his heart could stop, spotting Aria crawling slowly to her feet. Without hesitation, he seized her hand.
"WE NEED TO GO NOW, ARIA!" He shouted, yanking her toward the edge of the rooftop.
Aria jerked back reflexively, panic flashing in her eyes. "I won't trust you, human! I-I-" Her voice broke.
But Kentaro didn't falter, even as he sprinted toward the ledge. His voice was gentle, firm.
