Evolved

Chapter Twenty Four: Parting Ways

A cold strong wind blew onto Reiji's face. 

"Die" was all Reiji could remember. He closed his eyes, awaiting his death. Another strong wind blew towards him before he felt some liquid hit his face. Reiji opened his eyes and saw nothing in front of him. Huh? He looked to the right, seeing the old man slowly walk towards Luca. Luca was against a wall, bleeding from his nose.

"Death awaits you, young one!" The old man's voice left an intimidated expression on Luca's face. They all remained quiet, and the sound of wings flapping was heard. Reiji smiled as he saw Elle come to support them, but... No. That's not it. Elle grabbed Luca's shoulders and flew up in the air with a smirk. Reiji was the most intimidated of them all, despite him having an advantage over them. Even though the old man was there to protect him, he couldn't help but feel scared and anxious. 

"No.. No! Please... Don't leave us too!" He shouted at Elle as he struggled to sit up. His body was messed up after all. His lips quivered as he was waiting for an answer. He wanted an explanation for this.. Was this all a trap? Elle kept the smirk on her face, flapping her wings up and down. Her wings had gotten stronger from all the training. Did she take advantage of the old man?

"Reiji~ You only want power. You don't really care about us, do ya? Since you came, all you've caused is trouble. You were the reason for Jay's death. Farewell." Elle added before flying off into the distance. The old man wanted to catch them, but he couldn't fly. He looked back at Reiji. He was blind, but he could feel how he was trembling. He could feel his tears hit the ground. Reiji's tears streamed down his face before he fell forward, slamming his forehead into the ground. He had no time to protect his pride. He couldn't keep his tears inside anymore. All this time, Reiji was keeping his feelings inside so he wouldn't be a burden. He was scared of being a burden, disapproval, and weakness... With a clenched fist, he slammed it into the ground lightly. Not like he had any power left after a complete beatdown. Who would take care of Reiji? Who would trust him as an equal? Why was Luca alive? Footsteps were heard and Reiji looked behind his shoulder. William stood there with angered eyes.

"Reiji. I never left." That was all he could say. He was being strangled by sadness and he felt something stick in his throat... It made him unable to show any emotion except anger. Reiji rose his left hand up, wiping the tears away from his eyes. The old man in the back cleared his throat loudly.

"I may know where they are headed, but you shall not go! It is too dangerous."

"Please tell us. We'll avoid fighting, but... We're men. We'll do anything for revenge."

"That bear man. He is one of the commanders. He's ranking up rather quickly. He was taken in by a knight.. If you two are going to go, you've got to take the train. Those two are heading towards the main factory in Japan. Aishiku Factory. All commanders have more advanced evolutions, and that bear guy does not. Perhaps he escaped with the bird-woman to do an evolution surgery." The old man explained while turning his head towards William and Reiji.

"I can't go.. My arm is... It's broken. My back as well..." Reiji looked down at the ground as his eyes teared up again. He was a burden again?

"Your body is in danger, which is why you should go. That factory has healing medicines and advanced weapons. A simple doctor is unable to heal your injuries.  You have to go. I will come as well." That was the old man's last order, and the two of them nodded. They immediately went and prepared. Reiji was carried by William while walking towards the train station. They hid their identities by covering their faces with hoods.

Meanwhile...

"That Reiji... I beat him so many times but he still isn't dead! We'll go do our surgeries and grab our new gear. Sheesh, idiot."

"It's so nice to meet you again.~ You should stop being careless though! Reiji is being trained by the wind knight himself! The former knight, you know?" Elle looked down at Luca while flying up and down. She was struggling to keep him up properly.

"He's strong. His wind is strong as well... Whatever though. After I complete my evolution, I'll become stronger." Luca pouted and looked away with crossed arms. He didn't like that Elle underestimated him. Soon, the two arrived at the factory. Elle dropped Luca onto the ground, and 100 soldiers were there awaiting them. They all carried a pistol and an energy cannon. It really was secure, huh? Main factory for a reason. When the doors opened for them, a tall middle-aged man was waiting for them with a smile.

"I've prepared, sir. Follow me." He turned and started walking towards the surgery room. The factory looked like a normal one. A lot of boxes around, workers.. but once they got inside the back door, they saw a whole hospital-like area. Over 20 surgery rooms, nurses, everything. Luca showed a wide smile despite him being really nervous. The last surgery really was painful after all.