OTHERS: Five elements

CHAPTER 1.9: NEW MISSION

22 March 2033, 7:15am

Before me was standing the White Ghost, wearing a long white hooded coat, white jeans, white boots, and a white T-shirt. His face was covered by a white mask, and he wore white leather gloves too. The world, unaware of his true identity, had nicknamed him the White Ghost. He led a group known as the Reformers, or New Hope—a coalition of Others and humans advocating for the acceptance of Others as equals. They believe that Others could control their impulses and reclaim their humanity, arguing for assistance and inclusion rather than ostracization, as these individuals hadn't chosen their fate.

What nonsense. As if a monster can be trusted. As if it could suppress its instincts. What if someone angers it? What happens when the moment arises where it can no longer control its urges? And when something tragic occurs, how can that be justified? If their claims were true, why didn’t Mary return to me?

- "Black Crow, why have you come to kill this man?" the White Ghost asked.

- "He is not a man," I replied.

- "Is this discriminatio? How would you feel if someone said that to you? He is still a human, despite some differences."

- "He is, above all, a monster. And why are you here?"

- “I have come to bring him into my group, to make him one of us.”

- “Ah yes, the Reformers. A bunch of lunatics who believe they can reform society, as if they could change the very nature of Others. Hollow ideals.”

- "You don't know the real truth. But you'll find out, sooner or later."

While we spoke, the Other attempted to sneak away. I threw my sword at him, but it missed, embedding itself in the ground.

- "Where do you think you're going?" I asked.

- "To see my daughter. Your colleague went after her. I must protect her from him."

- "Don't worry," the White Ghost said. "I've incapacitated his colleague. He's lying there on the ground."

Daniel? How could he have knocked him out? I hope he's alright. The last thing I need is something happening to him on my watch. After all, I’m his mentor, and it’s my duty to protect him. Fantastic! My first mission, and I’ve already failed. I need to check on him immediately.

- "One problem solved. Now for the other," the White Ghost said. "Only you remain, Crow."

He drew the sword from behind his back. The way he drew the sword reveals that he is an excellent swordsman. But he wasn't my equal.

- "Go and take care of your daughter," the White Ghost said to the Other. "I'll play a bit with this little Crow. Lets play handsome"

The Other transformed his lower body into mist and headed toward the warehouse, while the White Ghost advanced on me with his sword. Without my own sword, I had to dodge his increasingly fast and dangerous strikes. I couldn't avoid them all; he scratched my face and hands several times.

- "And they say you're Augustus's apprentice. You're very weak," he mocked. "I expected a challenge, but this isn't one."

Spotting my sword nearby, I turned and ran toward it. Anticipating his attack from behind, I rolled forward, grabbed the sword, stood up, and faced him.

- "Now the real game begins," I said.

We fought with swords for about ten minutes. Even with my sword, he was difficult to overcome. I kept thinking about Daniel, wanting to finish the fight quickly to help him. But how? This opponent was stronger than me.

- "You're losing, Crow. You have no chance against me."

When he said that, the Other emerged from the warehouse, tears streaming down his face.

- "I can't find my daughter!"