From Showdow To Light

Short lived happiness

Just as Boris lunged at Kai and Ivy with the blowtorch, a sudden bullet struck his arm, sending him wrenching in pain. "Who the hell is this?" he yelled, spinning around.

Voltaire, their grandfather, emerged from the shadows, his eyes blazing with authority. "Enough, Boris," he commanded, walking toward him.

Boris's henchmen charged at Voltaire, but his loyal guards swiftly intervened, subduing them.

Kai and Ivy rushed into their grandfather's arms, trembling with fear. "Calm down, children. I'm here now," Voltaire soothed.

Ivy sobbed, "Grandfather, we were so scared!" Kai added, his voice cracking, "He killed Mummy."

Seizing the distraction, Boris set the warehouse ablaze and vanished into the chaos.

Voltaire focused on ensuring the children's safety, prioritizing their escape over pursuing Boris.

Once they escaped the inferno, news spread that Boris had fled Japan.

However, the trauma lingered. Ivy struggled with nightmares, reliving the horror.

Kai, consumed by anger, blamed his grandfather for everything.

One night, Ivy's screams pierced the darkness. "Mummy!" she cried, waking up drenched in sweat.

Kai rushed to her bedside, offering a reassuring presence. He took a glass of water from the nightstand and sat beside her.

"What happened?" Ivy asked, her voice trembling.

"It was just a dream," Kai said, wrapping his arms around her. "He's gone now and won't come back."

Ivy's eyes widened, fear still gripping her. "He was coming with the blowtorch."

Kai held her closer. "Even if he did come back, I promise I won't let him hurt you."

Ivy's voice was barely audible. "Promise?"

"Yes, I promise," Kai whispered.

As Kai's words comforted her, Ivy's sobs gradually subsided, and she drifted off to sleep.

Eleven years had passed since the fateful events. Hiro, in his final year of high school, lay on the grassy riverbank, enjoying a lazy afternoon with his friends.

Ivy, in her first year of high school and still bursting with energy, skipped stones across the river. "Hiro, why Osaka? Can't you stay and study here?" she asked, her ponytail bobbing with each toss.

Hiro shrugged. "My dad wants me to experience life beyond Tokyo. And, honestly, I need a break from your drama."

Ivy shot him a playful glare. "My drama?"

Kai, also in his first year of high school and already showing signs of maturity, chimed in. "Hiro's right, Ivy. Your dad knows best."

Ivy pouted, her lips jutting out. "Traitor, Kai!"

Kai smirked. "Don't be selfish, Ivy. Hiro needs to find himself."

Hiro whispered, "Thanks, Kai. You're not helping."

Ivy crossed her arms, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're abandoning me!"

Hiro jumped up, laughing. "Ivy, I'll be back in a few years."

Ivy's grin turned menacing. "Better be. Or else... I'll hunt you down."

Hiro held up his hands in mock surrender. "I know, I know. Your hit list."

Kai chuckled. "Ivy's got a reputation."

Ivy giggled. "Prioritized, with Hiro's name at the top."

The trio burst into laughter, their friendship as strong as ever.