As the strange distortion of reality faded away, Hikki was left reeling from a sudden wave of pain that surged throughout his body. He let out a pained groan, his body clearly feeling the toll of the intense battle.
He carefully moved to a nearby tree in the quiet park. Slowly, he lowered himself to a sitting position, leaning against the sturdy trunk for support.
Despite his victory, his body was battered and bruised, and he could feel exhaustion. Retrieving his phone, he saw that the screen was cracked in placed, but it seemed to be functioning.
He dialed a number and waited, the beeping tone ringing in his ears. Finally, the call connected and Sebas' voice came through the line, "Do you require any assistance, Young Master?"
Hikki's frown deepened as he assessed his condition.
"....Yeah. I won't be able to make it to the meeting today," he replied, his voice tinged with discomfort. He was fully aware that he pushed himself to the brink.
Aware of his limitations, Hikki continued, "Can you pick me up at the park near Nagoya Street?"
"Of course, I'll be there shortly," Sebas responded promptly.
With that assurance, Hikki ended the call, his vision growin hazy. He could feel his energy draining rapidly, and darkness began to creep in at the edges of his vision. As his body succumbed to the fatigue, everything went black, and he slipped into unconsciousness.
Soon after Hikki's collapse, Sebas arrived on the scene, a mix of concern and alarm evident on his face. He hurried over to where Hikki lay, taking in the unsettling sight before him.
He muttered under his breath, "What on earth..."
The park appeared almost surreal in it's emptiness, starkly contrasting the amount of unconscious bodies scattered around. Bloodstains marred the ground, and Hikki's still form leaned against the tree, the weariness on his face telling it's own story.
Sebas moved with a sense of urgency, crouching down to examine Hikki's condition. Seeing the blood and Hikki's visible injuries painted a clearer picture for him. He noticed the broken state of Hikki's arms and feet, indicating the severity of the battle he had fought.
With a careful yet efficient touch, Sebas carefully lifted Hikki's body, cradling him in his arms. The urgency was evident in every movement as he quickly carried Hikki to the waiting car.
Once Hikki was safely settled, Sebas took the driver's seat and sped towards the nearest Kazama family hospital, determined to get his young master the medical attention he urgently needed.
In Hikki's unconscious state, he found himself engulfed in a strange sensation as if he were caught in the midst of powerful currents that left him with no control. It was a suffocating experience that left him struggling against forces beyond his influence.
"This sensation."
This feeling of helplessness was entirely new to him, the white haired boy usually had firm control over everything he did.
The boy, being completely foreign to feelings like this, easily grew frustrated.
"This feeling...I can't stand it!"
[A twilight quest designed for those worthy enough to rule a nation...]
Amid this surreal mental state, a voice resonated, cutting through the confusion. The surroundings transformed instantly, placing Hikki in an ancient, otherworldly setting. Stairs which led up to a regal throne, upon which sat a man with an air of ease.
As his heart raced, Hikki felt an inexplicable compulsion to ascend those steps, drawing him towards the throne. The urgency in his chest propelled him forward, and with each step moved closer to the enigmatic figure seated atop the throne.
[...A mysterious threshold guarded by challenges only the royalty can surmount.]
Approaching the throne step by step, Hikki felt his heart race almost audibly. The beats thudded in his ears, a reminder of his presence in this enigmatic place. Reaching the summit of the stairs, his gaze was drawn to a figure seated before him, only his eyes visible in the dim light.
The eyes were unlike any other he had encountered before, a piercing crimson shade with a black circle in the middle and in place of a pupil was a purple straight line. These eyes which radiated an overwhelming sense of authority and power.
[Through the labyrinth of adversity, I emerge...]
Yet a conflicting sentiment gnawed at him.
"...These eyes. Why do they feel so familiar?" Hikki questioned, his curiosity mingled with an odd sense of recognition.
Instantly a bright burst forth, illuminating the figure's features. A voice resonating from the depths of his being accompanied this revelation.
[....as the King!]
And to his astonishment, the shadowy figure took form, revealing himself to be none other than Hikki himself. It was a disconcerting realisation, confronting his own likeness in this surreal realm.
His voice barely audible, Hikki couldn't help but remark, "Those eyes..."
The vacant throne seemed to beckon to him, and he hesitated only briefly before moving towards it. Seated upon it, a newfound sense of command and authority surged through him, and his eyes now gleamed with a vibrant crimson hue.
From this regal vantage point, he gazed down at the dreamworld before him, his voice resonating with conviction,
"I dub thee, The Eyes Of The Valiant King. The King's Eyes!"
–––
Title: The King's Eyes
