The Equinox (4)

{Day: Wednesday}

{Time: 12:00 PM}

{Location: University Sports Area}

"Hm...I don't know how to help with that. I have no clue about any of these gangs honestly. The only gang I know of is called Anarchy. It's being ran by some chick named Naomi or something." Ryan said.

"Yeah sorry man, I hope you do find that third book. It sounds extremely important." Tyler said.

I nodded and softly sighed. "It's alright."

{That third book is looking rather difficult to find. I haven't even been able to detect it. I have the highest tracking ability in my home world. That means the wielder of the third book isn't human.}

"C'mon. He can't face another demon. Besides Beatrix was severely holding back. If it's her again, I doubt she'll be looking to play around." Rhea said.

"I agree, but we have to find that third volume fast." Mila said.

"Joshua, do you happen to know anyone who's connected to a gang?" I asked and looked at Joshua.

"No bueno. I don't associate myself around hoodlums and gang members. I'm perfectly fine with being just a Jock." Joshua said and looked at me.

"I see. That's understandable though. Alright I'll try elsewhere." I said and walked off.

I looked at Ardent as she tried to scan the area once more. I looked around and noticed a notification.

{The third book isn't in Summer City. It's in a city named Matsugaya. It's maybe about a four hour drive.}

I crossed my arms and felt someone tap my shoulder. I looked back and noticed it was Janet. "What's up?"

"I was just coming to ask you to help me with something." Janet said then grabbed my arm then began to hurry out of the building.

"Whoa, what's going on?" I asked as I was being dragged by Janet.

"The third volume of History of Equinox is not in Summer City. I don't know how someone got as far as they did out of Summer City. If we don't get that book back, Lady Mitsuki is gonna be pissed." Janet said and walked to her car.

"I know where it is." I said.

"Where?" Janet asked and unlocked her car doors.

"Matsugaya City." I said.

"What? The Enemy of the Mitsuki Clan?" Janet asked.

"Matsugaya is the enemy of my bloodline?" I asked.

"You probably haven't learned this since only the schools of West Equinox teach this. The Matsugaya and Mitsuki Clans were pretty much closely related, skills and all. One day the Matsugaya Clan grew jealous of the Mitsuki Clan because they had better techniques. The Matsugaya Clan in turn formed their own Forbidden Technique similar to Sin Mode and Drives." Janet started.

"They call it Ardour Form." Rhea said and got off my shoulder and grew into her normal size.

Janet looked at Rhea and her eyes slightly widened. "You're the Demon of the Mitsuki Clan. Rhea Moe Deus..."

Rhea smiled and nodded. "I am. I am bonded with Kaden...the same way a certain Love Demon is with her human. I find it no coincidence that the book is in Matsugaya. It's gotta be a challenge of some sort.."

"A challenge? But who would want to challenge Kaden?" Janet asked.

Rhea shrugged then crossed her arms. "There's only one way of finding out. We go to Matsugaya City to find out and get that book back."

Janet nodded. "Let's get in. We only have less than 12 hours to get that book."

We got in her car and she started it then drove off. Matsugaya was a four hour drive so it certainly felt like going to a boss area...it doesn't help that Matsugaya City is Equinox's Enemy.

{Time: 4:25 PM}

{New Location Registered!}

{Location: Matsugaya City}

We made it to Matsugaya City and drove around as Ardent scanned for the book. She finally traced the energy of the book and we began to follow a path leading to the book.

We made it to the location of the third volume of History of Equinox and Janet stopped her car. We got out and looked at the skyscraper.

{It's on the top floor...the 20th Floor.}

I nodded and looked at Janet. "Ready?"

Janet put on her gloves and closed her eyes. "Your mom's gonna kill me."

"Don't worry, we'll get it back. Let's focus on getting that book back." I said.

Janet looked at me then smiled. "Right."

Janet and I stormed into the building and multiple people in the lobby noticed us. The alarm went off when they sensed our presence then the doors were blocked by steel gates. The people in the lobby hurried off to seek shelter.

"Well, well, well!~ You actually came and you brought some friends!~ How adorable!~" A woman laughed.

A pillar of red light crashed down then a woman appeared in front of us. The woman was an absolutely beautiful woman who could rival Rhea in beauty. She had a voluptuous body with large breasts, fair skin, and a Succubus Marking on her stomach. She had long red hair that was worn in a ponytail and red eyes. She wore a red leotard with dark red breastplate, red hood.

The woman smirked as she looked at us. "Rhea, Mila~ I am glad you two could make it. This would be the first time we've actually ever officially met."

Rhea and Mila stood on either side of me and Rhea put her hand on my shoulder. I looked up at Rhea and noticed her cold sweats.

"Careful...This is no ordinary Sex Demon. This is a rare breed known as a Love Demon. There are eight of them so we are severely outnumbered." Rhea said.

"Right you are about being outnumbered!~ There's eight of us and only four of you and two of you are mere humans!" The woman laughed.

"Who is she?" I asked.

"Lustie." Rhea answered.

I grunted and looked at Lustie then noticed her condescending smile. She knew we stood no chance against her.

"You all aren't fighting me. Now that'll just be too hard. Besides my boyfriend said to just let you all up to the top...so let's head to the top!~" Lustie said then warped us all to the top floor.

We warped to the top floor and noticed a man sitting at his desk with his feet propped up on the desk. He had red hair, his eyes shined a light yellow color, and his presence was noticable. He had an athletic frame and tattoos on his arms. He wore a red short sleeve button up shirt, black pants, and shoes.

"Kaden Wright is your name correct? My units told me you hurt one of my guys." The man said and looked at me.

"Who the hell are you?" I asked and braced myself.

The man looked at me and got his feet off his desk. "The name's Shiro. Just like your parents own an entire city looking to expand, my people are doing the same and you're here because of a book...History of Equinox."

Shiro stood up and held the book up. He tossed it toward me and stared at me. "Y'know, I didn't really need it. I know when Lance comes, it's just all over for you."

I looked at the book and picked it up then stared at Shiro. I watched as he walked from behind his desk.

"However, it's been over for you for quite some time." Shiro said and walked toward us. "There can only be one of our kind in West Arkington. Just like our Clan's History prophesized...we are destined to fight. Lance isn't your actual enemy...I am.."

I watched Shiro then grunted as he dashed toward me. I was going for a dodge, but he read my dodge then struck me with a powerful palm strike. I groaned then grunted as he knocked me away.

Janet dashed toward Shiro and inhaled. Shiro dodged her swift attacks and induced Janet with lust. Janet grunted and blew out a blast of wind at the ground, propelling herself out of Shiro's range. Shiro smirked and had a vision then dodged my attack from behind. He kicked me away and my back slammed into the wall.

I groaned and fell to my knees. I coughed and panted. 'Who the hell is this guy? Why can't I land a hit on him?'

Janet yelled and came down with a blazing kick, but Shiro blocked it and pushed Janet back. He went for a counter attack, but Janet used Envisage to try and dodge it...however Shiro predicted that and surrounded his hand in electricity. He struck Janet and electrocuted her. Janet screamed in pain then groaned as she was blown away.

"Janet!" I called out and looked at Shiro.

Shiro chuckled darkly then began to softly laugh. He looked back at me and his eyes shined. "Bio-Energy against Alchemy...or as I would call it, Arcane Arts."

{He's too strong, we have the book. We need to get you and Janet out of here!}

"There is no running." Lustie giggled and licked her lips. "The only way out of here is by defeating Shiro.."

Rhea glared at Lustie and scanned Shiro. She read his status and grunted softly. "He has the actual Flash Precognition and boosted by Enhanced Condition."

"Not only that, but he seems to be 100% bonded with Lustie the same way you are with Rhea, but he's not even stronger than you. He just has better skills." Mila said.

I stared at Shiro and looked over at Janet who was still on the ground, recovering. I glared at Shiro and handed Rhea the book. "You heard Lustie...There's no way out unless I defeat Shiro, so that's what I'm going to do!"

Shiro watched me and dodged my first strike then went for a counter, but noticed I blocked it. He was a bit surprised then smirked. I broke away from him then dodged his next strike and parried his kick, getting him on the ground. He performed a flare to prevent me from getting closer then hopped up in the air then kicked me away.

"This office isn't big enough for our battle. This is the first battle with my actual counterpart and we are fighting in this small office?" Shiro said.

"Right, right~" Lustie said then warped us outside.

Shiro looked around and smiled. He walked over to Janet and put her in a barrier. "Let us make a bet. If you beat me in a fight, I'll let you go and let you take this woman with you. If you lose, I'll kill you and take away your companions.."

"The stakes are way too high!" Rhea said.

"Kaden, we can't do this right now! We aren't on the same skill level right now." Mila said.

I stared at Shiro and tilted my head then stared at him blankly. "And just leave Janet? No, I'm not leaving here.."

"Weigh your options! This is one fight I don't know we can even win!" Rhea said.

Shiro chuckled and moved his hair from his eyes. He dashed toward me and went for the attack, but I dodged it. He went for another attack, but I dodged that attack as well. Shiro was a bit confused and went for a barrage of attacks. I dodged and blocked each hit. I carefully watched Shiro and notice he left barely any openings for a counter.

"I guess I make my own opening!" I said and caught his fist.

I palmed Shiro's chest and a rush of wind blew. Shiro slid backwards and groaned a bit. He looked up at me and was surprised.

"What the—He landed an attack on Shiro?!" Lustie asked in awe.

I hopped up and down then dashed toward Shiro. I jumped up started off with a 540 Kick. Shiro blocked the kick and pushed me back then blocked my next strike and countered with an uppercut. I grunted and groaned as Shiro kicked me away.

"Allow me to show you how different we are." Shiro said and a golden symbol shined on his hand.

Rhea and Mila noticed a vast golden energy field had formed around them. Lustie smirked as she watched.

Shiro unholstered his pistol and fired bullets at me. I noticed the bullets and used Envisage to dodge the bullets, but I noticed them curve last second and hit my body. I stumbled and my legs wobbled.

"These aren't normal bullets...These are Alchemy Bullets. Normal bullets don't affect people like us. I created your weakness, now dance for me!" Shiro laughed as he began to rapidly fire bullets at me.

I tried my best to avoid the bullets, but they just kept curving and hitting my body. I soon fell to my knees and coughed blood. Shiro lowered his pistol and stared at me. He chuckled and holstered his gun.

"Kaden!" Rhea yelled and tried to fly toward me, but Lustie kept her down with black chains. "Let me go!"

"This is what I called Luck Zone. Everything in this field works in my favor. The moment you came here, you already lost..." Shiro said and stepped on my head.

"Get off his head!" Rhea yelled.

Shiro looked down at me and his eyes shined. He smirked and chuckled. "I guess this is the end of your legacy.."

Shiro noticed dark red mist forming around the area and grunted when he noticed black and red aura forming around my body. He got off my head then noticed the Wrath Symbol shine on my back.

"What the hell..? What is that..?" Shiro asked and watched me get up.

I dashed toward Shiro and yelled as I struck his face. Shiro grunted and slid backwards. He noticed me appear in front of him and hit him with a powerful roundhouse kick. He twirled around and groaned when I caused a twister to launch him in the air. I propelled myself toward Shiro using my Bio-Fire then kicked him to the ground and propelled myself after him.

I bellowed and punched his stomach and we crashed to the ground. A large smoke cloud formed and obstructed the vision of Rhea, Mila, and Lustie.

"Kaden!" Rhea called out.

The smoke cloud disappeared and I noticed Shiro was missing. I stood up and looked back, noticing Shiro standing behind me.

"Wrath Drive. Pretty interesting. I definitely wasn't expecting you to be able to ignore the effects of Luck Zone. The Mitsuki Clan are very interesting people, however..." Shiro said then the Lust Symbol shined on his hand.

I noticed his eyes shining and grunted as his ability began to take effect.

"Mirage." Shiro said and snapped his fingers.

I noticed myself appear where my car crash happened and noticed Georgia holding my barely alive body. I walked toward the scene and listened to Georgia.

"Why..? Why?! Why did you all do this?!" Georgia yelled and cried as she held my body.

Roman looked down at Georgia. "Take the code out of his pocket and let's get out of here. Lance is waiting for us."

"Lance..? LANCE?! I don't give a shit about him anymore! He caused me to nearly kill my boyfriend! Hurry and call the ambulance!" Georgia yelled.

Ashton watched Georgia and walked off. "Leave him, unless you want to join him."

Georgia grunted softly as she reached in my pocket and grabbed a piece of paper out of my pocket. She looked at it then looked up, noticing Roman and Ashton were walking back to their cars. Georgia put the paper back in my pocket. She checked my heartbeat and noticed it wasn't beating anymore.

She looked down at me and gently laid me on the ground then got up. "I love you..." She said and hurried off.

"You were pretty smart...faking like you were dead. It feels nice to know the truth huh? Well that wasn't even half the story." An illusion of Shiro said as he looked at me.

"Then what is the truth?!" I asked and looked at the illusion.

"The truth is...I set it up." Shiro smirked and looked at me with a devilish smile. "I can't let you win, Kaden. I can't let Equinox win."

I looked at the illusion then grunted as I felt something stab me. The illusion world shattered and I noticed a blade going through my chest.

"Kaden!" Rhea screamed.

"It's over...Kaden..." Shiro said and let me fall after he took his katana out of my body.

Shiro looked down at me and noticed the red mist was still there. Lustie noticed it as well and watched me. She noticed that I made a slight movement.

"Shiro! He's alive!" Lustie called out.

"What?! But I struck him in a vital area!" Shiro said.

The red mist began to enter my body and the Wrath Symbol shined brightly. I activated one of Wrath Drive's best abilities...Death Negation. Death Negation is only available to use when I'm synced to Rhea and I am in critical condition. The ability doesn't heal me, but it keeps me alive long enough to recover as long as my opponent doesn't attack me hard enough to kill me.

I slowly stood up and my hair turned black and red then I looked behind me. I turned around and stared at Shiro. I could tell I clearly am not skilled enough to fight against Shiro. Something about him...genuinely scared me.

Shiro chuckled and stuck the blade of his katana into the ground. "You surprised me...However I can tell you're struggling to keep up a bit. I don't blame you...you are fighting against someone who is now the Head of the Matsugaya Clan."

I glared at Shiro and got into my stance. "So what?"

"I'm gonna let you live for now, only because I want to fight you again at your best I'm gonna let Equinox take control over half of West Arkington. The influence your city has on this state is insane, but Matsugaya...will soon come and wipe you out." Shiro said and released Janet then walked away. Lustie followed behind and giggled.

I watched them walk off then hurried over to Janet and got in the ground to hold her in my arms. Janet was still out cold, but she was breathing. I picked her up and looked at Rhea and Mila.

"I'm taking her back to West Equinox...It has become too dangerous for her to stay out here 24/7 now. With Crimson Crows and Anarchy out...I can only imagine how much they will target Janet because of her connections." I said.

"West Equinox is the safest place for her now. Let's hurry so we can get you all healed up as well." Rhea said.

{Janet's Route: 20% Cleared}

{New Skills Available!}

{Notice: To Be Continued}