~'¶\ Broken Lies \¶'~(Ai Hoshino X OC)

Chapter 34: Awaken, Despair.

[Warning: This content contains graphic descriptions of blood and may not be suitable for all audiences.]

-Age ???-

A drop of blood fell to the ground, pooling beneath the battered Time Patroller, his body drenched in crimson. Each ragged breath sent waves of pain coursing through him, a reminder of the brutal battle he had just endured. His hands were shackled, and burns from a shock collar marred his neck, a cruel testament to his captivity.

Before him lay Ruby Rose, her lifeless form draped in a red cloak, blood staining the ground around her. She had been a beacon of love and inspiration in his life, yet now she was gone.

The Saiyan stared blankly at her, his heart heavy with grief. Chains held him back; otherwise, he would have rushed to her side, desperate to hold her even if it was all an illusion. Closing his eyes offered no comfort too; the image haunted him relentlessly.

Nearby, Towa observed with a sinister smile. "The Supreme Kai of Time really did a good job of teaching you how to control your rage," she taunted. The Saiyan remained silent, his resolve wavering under the weight of his despair. Towa sensed his breaking point; one more push would send him over the edge. She turned her gaze to the looming figure behind her.

"How are you feeling, Mira?" Towa inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Stronger. The power was really extraordinary. Now I can call myself the strongest," Mira replied, clenching his fist. The intoxicating rush of power surged through him as he observed the frail boy squirming in fear.

"Stop..." Kai's voice trembled, desperation evident in his eyes.

"Hm? What are you saying?" Towa turned her gaze toward him, intrigued.

"St-stop it, pl-please..."

"Stop? No, my dear. Until that power is unleashed, this will have to continue." Towa chuckled darkly, her amusement growing as she noticed a droplet fall from Kai's face, shrouded in darkness.

Tears?

Mira stepped forward and landed a punch squarely on Kai's jaw, causing blood to splatter. "Pathetic. A warrior should not show any weakness," he sneered, disgust evident on his face.

Kai coughed out blood, teetering on the brink of unconsciousness. If not for Towa's constant healing-just enough to keep him alive but not restore him fully-he would have succumbed to his injuries.

His vision blurred as the surroundings morphed and changed every second, making it harder to stay conscious. His mind was slipping into darkness with each passing moment.

"Stop it, Mira. We need him alive," Towa interjected sharply, halting Mira's next blow. He grunted in frustration but backed down at her command. With a swift tap of her staff, the surroundings shifted back to normal.

Kai's head hung low as blood dripped from his mouth. He felt some of his injuries healing slightly but couldn't shake the hatred directed at Towa.

"I like you better when you're angry, boy," she said playfully, raising his chin with the tip of her staff. "I think that's enough torturing you; now how about I tell you a bedtime story?"

"......"

Without warning, Towa drove her staff into his right chest, piercing deep into his lungs. Kai's eyes widened in shock as a pained scream tore from his throat, echoing through the desolate space.

"Arghkch... Aghkh!!" Dark red blood erupted from his body, making each breath more labored and frantic. Towa reveled in his suffering, a twisted smile spreading across her face.