Mystic Call: The Journey

The moon hung in the sky, its pale light casting over the jagged peaks of the mountains across the forest below. In the overgrown forest, lurking in the shadows and there they were, eyes—a pair of eyes belonging to the observer.

Watching Jason and Azumi running through the clearing. Moments passed, and the two breathed heavily, briefly stopping to catch air. 

"H-How are you this fast?" Jason asked.

'You never stood a chance. Come on, we are almost there.'

'G-Give me a moment to recover my breath, will ya?'

'Take all the time you need; I'm leaving.'

'You can't be serious, right? Wait... She's going on without me?'

The air then became cold.

In an instance, uneasiness washed their carefree spirits over. Azumi froze, slowly tilting her head in every direction, scanning the area.

"What's that feeling? Seems like we are being watched." Talking with her voice kept steady and low.

"She's right, although I can't sense mystica, I can somehow feel the distant presence sending shivers down my spine." He thought to himself.

"Who's there?" She called, her voice composed.

A chuckle answered their suspicions. It was unsettling, hollow, and inhumane. "Aren't you a sharp one?" a voice slithered out of the darkness. "Looking for me, perhaps?"

From the shadows, a figure emerged. A man of average height, the hem of his white cloak brushing the ground. Beneath the hood, a mask covering his face except his mouth, with an ungodly grin on his face, purple eyes that looked bright yet filled with malice. His hands clasped behind his back.

"Who the heck are you?" Azumi demanded, her hands casting a red ethereal glow.

The man's grin widening. "Don't get your feathers ruffled out. A name?" He mulled over, as though the concept fascinated him. "You may call me Thane. As for a title, I have a select few. Let's see… the Imperial Shadow Cast? The Majestic Umbra? The Architect of Everything you fear?"

Azumi glared, ready to launch an attack. "What do you want?"

Thane stepped closer. His presence thickened the air and froze them in place. It was more than fear; it was overwhelming dread. He reached out, and Azumi thought he would strike.

"Relax, Azumi," Thane said, his tone calm. "I don't mean you harm. I want us to have a friendly chat."

Azumi's eyes narrowed. "How do you know my name?"

'That I won't tell. After all, I'm not here to destroy you.'

Azumi's muscles tensed. "Then what do you want?"

Turning to Jason, his smirk widening, "What I want … is him," he said slowly walking towards him. "Hello there, Jason."

Jason didn't answer, standing, unable to move. 

"You must be wondering how I know you," Thane replied. "The last survivor of Kokoro Village, a boy searching for validation in a world that cast him aside."

"Get to the point," Jason said, with his heart full of fear.

Thane stopped, leaning slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Tonight, I am merely an observer. But soon, Jason. Soon we will dance on the same stage and when the time comes, we will set it ablaze."

With that, Thane turned, his body dissolving into the shadows. "Oh, by the way, I know your names because I heard you calling out to each other. Funny right? I know."

Before vanishing completely, he looked at them and offered a parting smile.

"I'll be seeing you soon, Jason Blaze. And you too, my dear Azumi."

And then he was gone.

Azumi stood motionless, unable to help but wonder who Thane is. She let out a shaky breath, "I-I couldn't move even if I wanted to. He didn't need to use his mystica to intimidate us."

Jason walked up to Azumi and touched her shoulder. "Are you okay?" He asked.

'Of course I am. Next time you touch me, I will kill you.'

"Must she always be so intimidating?" Thinking to himself as he stepped back. Looking up to the moon, now covered by clouds. "Let's get going; the city is up ahead." He said, his voice firm and tone bold.

'Right, and who put you in charge?'

'Do we have to do this now?'

'Fine, I don't have the energy to waste. Let's go.'

'Hey, Azumi … I am clueless about this Thane guy, who he is, a friend or a foe. But whatever he's planning, doesn't seem to be good either. If he is going to do anything that will bring destruction and chaos, I'll be the one to burn it all down.'

'Take it easy, hothead; don't rush into things. Because If he comes after us, I will make sure I put an end to him.'

'As expected from you. So let's do our best then.'

'Hmph, sure whatever.'

"Well that's Azumi alright." Intrusively expressing his thoughts. "What did he mean by 'dancing on the same stage?' And why did he call me Blaze? There's a lot we don't know." His jaw clenched as these questions ran through his mind. While walking towards the city.

Moments later…

They approached the city gates, met by a pair of guards, their expressions bored and cautious.

"Hold it right there," one of them commanded, holding up a hand. We don't take kindly to unannounced visitors, so state your business."

Jason felt hesitant then Azumi stepped in and said, "We are just passing through," she sighed, her voice composed. "Seeking a place to rest."

The guards looked, their gaze lingering on the torn, tattered clothes Jason and Azumi worn. "Looks like you kids travelled a long way. People like you tend to bring trouble."

"Trouble's been following me from the day I was born," Jason stepped up and calmly replied.

The other guard chuckled, "You are fine in my books, kids."

Then the first guard sighed and stepped aside, "I don't know what I'll ever do with you.," he said in annoyance. "Fine, you may pass, but make sure you don't cause any trouble."

Azumi and Jason showed appreciation by bowing their heads.

Meanwhile…

Far away, atop a desolate plateau surrounded by vibrant flowers and cliffs, Thane makes his way to sacred grooves leading to his stronghold. With a malicious grin he chuckled to himself, his hand still clasped behind his back.

"No spark, how disappointing. We will just have to give him time, isn't that right?"

"We can wait, after all we need him at his best." A voice oozed from the darkness, a man obscured by the shadows. "Let the actual game begin."