Elements: Age of Creation

A Fierce Battle

Mamoru moved like a ghost, his strikes landing with precision as he engaged the Blood Mage in close combat. His martial arts were refined, disciplined–each movement controlled, each step calculated.

The Blood Mage, however, was unlike any opponent he had faced before. Blood whips lashed through the air, striking at impossible angles. Every time Mamoru dodged, the blood reformed instantly, shifting unpredictably.

Teshii, watching from the sidelines, whistled. "Damn. He's actually good."

Hikaru, beside him, was tense. "Shouldn't we–"

Teshii waved a hand dismiisively. "Hold on, Sunshine. I gotta make an observation real quick."

Then, with zero shame, he turned to face the audience.

"Alright, folks, so Mamoru's obviously a badass. But let's be real–this fight's looking dangerous." He crossed his arms, nodding. "I just hope he has plot armour like me and Hikaru. That'd be nice."

Hikaru stared at him. "Who the hell are you even talking to?!"

Teshii ignored him, turning back to the fight.

Then, his expression hardened.

"Alright, time to get serious."

Evacuate the Others

Teshii turned to Mei and Hikari, who were watching in horror as the battle unfolded.

"You two. Get somewhere safe."

Hikari opened her mouth to protest, but Teshii cut her off. "No arguments. You'll just g et in the way."

Mei grabbed Hikari's wrist. "Hikari. Come on. Let's go."

Hikari clenched her fists, reluctant–but she finally nodded. "Fine."

As they ran off, Teshii turned to Hikaru.

"Hikaru, you gotta find Haruto."

Hikaru blinked. "What? Why?"

Teshii smirked. "Because he's about to get a dam good reason to join us."

Hikaru didn't like how curious that sounded.

But he trusted Teshii.

With a deep breath, he ran off into the festival, searching for Haruto.

Teshii Joins the Fight

Teshii turned back to Mamoru and the Blood Mage, rolling his shoulders. "Alright, guess I should lend a hand."

Mamoru, mid-fight, gritted his teeth. "Stay out of this."

Teshii smirked. "Not a chance."

The Blood Mage flicked their wrist–blood tendrils surged forward, aiming for Mamoru's heart.

Teshii moved in an instant, kicking Mamoru out of the way while his fist obliterated one of the blood whips.

Mamoru glared at him. "I said–"

Teshii grinned. "Yeah, yeah. 'Stay out of this.' But let's be honest, you totally needed the help."

Mamoru clicked his tongue but didn't argue.

Together, they faced the Blood Mage.

Hikaru Finds Haruto

Elsewhere in the festival, Hikaru rushed through the streets, searching frantically.

Finally, he found Haruto, standing near a food stall, looking deeply unsettled.

"Haruto!" Hikaru called.

Haruto turned, frowning. "What's going on?"

Hikaru grabbed his shoulders. "No time to explain–your brother's fighting someone powerful, and they need help."

Haruto froze.

Then, he shook his head.

"I… I can't."

Hikaru blinked. "What do you mean, you can't?!"

Haruto clenched his fists. "Mamoru told me to stay here."

Hikaru stared at him in disbelief.

"Dude. There's a blood-controlling psychopath out there, and your brother might die!"

Haruto's expression darkened.

"…No. Mamoru never loses."

Hikaru was about to argue–

Then–

The Fatal Blow

Teshii and Mamoru fought together, dodging and weaving through the Blood Mage's relentless attacks.

Mamoru finally landed a solid hit, sending the Blood Mage skidding backward.

For a moment, it looked like they had the upper hand.

Then–

The Blood Mage smirked.

And in an instant, a thin, nearly invisible spear of blood shot forward.

Right into Mamoru's chest.

Silence.

Mamoru's eyes widened as the crimson blade burst through his back.

Teshii's smirk vanished. "Shit."

The Blood Mage chuckled darkly.

"Strong men always think they're invicible."

Mamoru staggered, his breath hitching.

The blood spear retracted, and Mamoru collapsed to his knees.

Teshii rushed to his side, catching him before he hit the ground.

"…Hey," Teshii muttered. "Stay with me, tough guy."

Mamoru coughed up blood, his vision blurring.

His gaze lifted–just in time to see Haruto running toward him.

"…Haru…to.."

Mamoru's Last Words

Hikaru and Haruto arrived, but the moment Haruto saw his brother–his heart stopped.

"MAMORU!"

Haruto dropped to his knees, grabbing his brother's arm. "No, no, no–you're fine, right?!"

Mamoru… smiled weakly.

"Haruto…" His breath was shallow.

Haruto's hands shook. "We–we can fix this! Just–just hold on!"

Mamoru chuckled softly.

"…I don't think I can."

Haruto's eyes widened in horror. "No. No, don't say that."

Mamoru lifted a weak hand, placing it on Haruto's shoulder.

"…Listen… you have to… find your own path."

Haruto froze, his breath catching.

"…W-What?"

Mamoru's grip loosened.

"…Live, Haruto."

Then–

His hand fell limp

And his eyes closed.

Haruto's body shook violently.

"…N-No… NO! MAMORU!

But Mamoru Setsuna was gone.

Flashback: A Borther's Promise

A memory resurfaced.

A young Haruto, no older than four, sat alone in a dark room, crying softly.

A door creaked open–

And Mamoru, still a teenager, knelt down beside him.

"…Haruto."

Haruto sniffled, wiping his tears. "I-I had a bad dream…"

Mamoru smiled softly, ruffling his hair. "It's okay."

Haruto looked up at him, teary-eyed. "You're not gonna leave me, right?"

Mamoru's expression softened.

"…Never."

Then–the memory faded.

And Haruto was left in the present–staring at his brother's lifeless body.