Now that the Crimson Bloods had the upper hand, Master Kim Lee changed his strategy. Instead of attacking he decided that it would be best to defend, protect and rescue. He ordered all of the salt-element shōkans to create more protective domes. Then, as Master Kim Lee distracted the now Giant Crimsons so that the others could safely enter the domes. Two or more shōkans were inside the domes constantly reinforcing them.

Things were looking bad, but since I arrived, I had confidence that I would make a difference.

Dan grabbed my ankle, “Wait! That’s Dr. Kyro, he’s a Crimson.”

“What? Dr. Kyro? I knew that he created the Crimsons Bloods, but I never thought that he would be one himself? What else should I know?”

“He has five elemental abilities: lava, fire, ice, electricity and toxic smoke.”

“Thanks” I said as I walked forward toward Kyro.

As I walked closer, Kyro thought to himself, ‘Between my missing arm and his Hikari bloodline this might be difficult. My Lightning, Fire and Lava all would be useless against someone like him. On the bright side, all he can do is apply heat to his sword. It was a good call keeping him from finding a master.’

I didn’t hesitate. “Shōkan.” I said as I pulled out my blade.

From a distance, I swung my sword at Kyro. He didn’t see it coming at first, but at the very last second he dodged my wave of condensed heat and light.

He looked at me in shock as he thought to himself, ‘I had no idea that he could do that! He must have figured out how to use his power. In that case, I’m going to have to change tactics!’

I swung my blade as I began to run toward him, sending multiple waves all at once. He managed to dodge them while keeping his distance. His movements were unlike anything that I’d ever seen. He was able to dodge my attacks by twisting and flipping his body in mid-air.

As my attacks missed him, they hit several buildings, scarring and blasting holes into them. I thought to myself, ‘This isn’t working. I need to trap him.’

So, I began to focus all of my attacks lower to the ground making it harder for Kyro to dodge. That way, when he jumped I could time the next attack to slice his legs as he landed.

To my surprise, Kyro continued to dodge, although he was no longer able to keep his distance. That’s when my plan “B” kicked in. The entire time I was also aiming my attacks at a standing wall from a collapsed building. The wall began to fall toward Kyro.

Kyro looked up and instinctively held up his left arm--the one that has been sliced by the Princess. Electricity emerged from it, and he stopped the wall from falling on him. But, just as he did, I used that opportunity to hit him with another attack.

As I jumped toward with my blade, lightning erupted from his body and destroyed the wall. The impact of the blast canceled my attack and prevented me from getting any closer. Some of the debris even hit me in the face.

As he stood there in rubble and diminishing clouds of dust. He looked at his left arm as the lightning emerged from it, I began to catch my breath.

Then, he smiled, “I admit, that was clever. You almost got me. But, it seems that although your waves of heat are strong, they aren’t as strong as my lightning. Which means that even if you managed to hit me with it I could just use my lightning to cancel it out. Face it, Kid! Whatever advantage that you thought you had doesn’t even matter anymore!”

I thought to myself, ‘He’s right, my attacks are useless now. Unless, I switch from long-range attacks and…yeah, that’s what I’ll do.’

Before I could move, Kyro sent a stream of lightning straight at me from his left arm. The lightning looked like a hand extending toward me. To my surprise, it didn’t hit me but grabbed my sword instead.

Then, I felt my blade pulling away from me. ‘Is this a magnetic charge?’ I thought as I gripped my sword tighter.

Kyro shouted, “Without your sword you don’t have a chance in beating me!” I held onto my sword as tightly as I could. The magnetic charge was so powerful that it began to pull my entire body. I began using both hands to hold on and planted my feet firmly on the ground, yet my body was still slowly being pulled towards Kyro.  

Dan shouted, “Kazai! Momentum!”

I knew exactly what Dan meant. He was suggesting that I use Kyro’s Magnetic Charge against him and allow myself to be pulled so that I can stab him, but before I could do anything, Kyro used his right hand and sent a bolt of lightning at Dan Siratchi.

I, instinctively, let go of the sword and ran as fast I could in order to protect Dan. My sword, still charged with lightning, went flying into the battlefield and stabbed into one of the Giant Crimsons.

I was too late. Dan was hit before I could get there.

Kyro laughed, “Ha, Got ‘eem!”

I knelt down and began to shake Dan’s non-responsive body. Princess Tuyette had a determined look on her face as she attempted to stand up but could barely move.

“Dan! Wake up! WAKE UP! PLEASE!”

Kyro’s laughter grew louder, “Face it, Kid! He’s dead!”

I stood up, “You’re wrong. It’s not over! In fact, it’s just begun.”

Kyro snarled, “So, you’re resorting to bluffing now! Not your best weapon bu—“

I interrupted, “SHŌKAN!” My entire body began to glow internally as I attempted to go into light-mode, despite everything in me telling me not to.

Next Chapter: LIGHT MODE...Unperfected?