Drowning in the swamp of memories

Chains of Chaos

I found myself chained in the dimly lit, grand office of Francis on the Moby Dick, suspended by my wrists and ankles. Cold metal dug into my skin, pulling me upward. The room was opulent yet clinical, with dark wood and gleaming silver accents, filled with the hum of machinery and the steady, ominous ticking of a clock. Francis’s office was like a lavish cage, built to intimidate anyone who stepped foot in it.

As I closed my eyes, gathering my thoughts, I heard footsteps. Opening my eyes, I locked onto Steinbeck, whose shocked expression made me laugh lowly, a demon’s chuckle echoing in the stillness. Lucy Maud stood nearby, wearing a maid's uniform that looked rough and disheveled, her eyes dark with pain and shadows under her gaze. It was clear she had been through things no one should endure, and I glared at her coldly before looking back to Francis. He stepped closer, his piercing gaze meeting mine. He wore a tailored suit, his face calm but his eyes calculating, exuding the air of a man in complete control of his world.

He leaned down, lifting my chin with a gloved hand, but I twisted my head sharply, spitting in his face. He wiped it away with the slightest smirk. “No wonder. What was I expecting from a village girl?”

I gave him a hard stare, refusing to show fear. “So, where’s Kyoka?” I demanded, voice cold.

He smiled as if amused by my nerve. “The government took her to prison. They see her as a criminal, a freak… just like you.”

I tightened my fists in the chains. “And what about Atsushi?”

“Locked away,” he replied smoothly, his voice laced with mockery. “He’s after a very special book… one that can make wishes come true.”

The mention of a book that could grant wishes made my thoughts flash to Katara. The idea of bringing her back was tempting, but I knew the Katara I wanted wouldn’t truly return. Nothing came without a price, especially when dealing with someone like Francis.

He continued, “Atsushi is the key to finding that book. But you, Mizuki, you are the key to the chaos that will bring it to fruition.” His voice dropped to a whisper, “We need you for the havoc. And havoc is exactly what I intend to unleash.”

I met his gaze with a sharp smile. “And if I refuse? You can’t kill me if I’m the key. And even if you tried, I’d heal within seconds with my Red Lotus.” I tilted my head, feigning curiosity. “So, Francis, what’s your next move?”

He smirked, a cruel gleam in his eyes. “Do you know how long you’ve been asleep?”

I raised an eyebrow, but before I could answer, he walked over to the immense windows lining his office and opened them wide, revealing a cityscape engulfed in flames. Chaos stretched as far as the eye could see—buildings burning, streets filled with screams. He had set Yokohama ablaze.

“Apologies, dear. This is only the beginning,” he said with mock sympathy, pressing a command on the nearby control panel. Electricity surged through the chains holding me, jolting my body as sparks crackled around me. I took a deep breath, remaining calm, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me in pain. The power surged again, and I stayed silent, my eyes narrowing in defiance.

Suddenly, a guard burst into the room, announcing Atsushi’s escape. I couldn’t hold back a grin. “Guess Dora the Explorer was tougher than you thought, huh?” My laugh echoed, and Francis’s expression darkened as he increased the current. The pain shot through me, sharp and unrelenting, but I remained silent, steady. Inside, I focused, feeling the strength of my Red Lotus simmering within, keeping my body from breaking even under the relentless current.

After a few minutes, Francis stormed out, barking orders to his guards, leaving them to watch over me as I hung there, silent and unmoving. My body felt like it was on fire, but I remained still, like a dead fish caught in an electric net.

Through the haze of pain, I noticed someone enter the room quietly. I couldn’t make out his face, but he moved with a confident stride, taking down the guards effortlessly. He walked over to me, his black gloves gleaming under the dim light, and with a swift move, he unlocked my chains. The pain dulled as he caught me before I could collapse, his presence grounding me.

The figure wrapped his jacket around me, his voice deep and familiar as he whispered, “Reckless as usual, Hako.”

I squinted, feeling faint, but before the darkness took over, I felt something stir within me, a power knocking at the edge of my consciousness, ready to emerge. But I was already fading, my last thought lingering on the strength within me, even as I blacked out in his arms.

Now thar wasn't on my plan