P.S= #18: Where is Elliott?

[Few hours ago]

The AoiHi, unaware of the impending storm, received intelligence about Kiyomizu's group. Elliott, the charismatic leader, orchestrated their response upon learning about the unexpected guests.

"Yow, boss, we saw Kiyomizu and a boy with a trinity and another girl enter the city earlier," reported one of the AoiHi members.

"Where did you see her?" Elliott inquired, his eyes narrowing with interest.

"We saw her at the restaurant that was near here. She was with that old man engineer," detailed the informant.

"Contact elder brother and tell him to contact Mr. Kimzoku. Tell him we have his daughter," Elliott commanded, setting a dire plan into motion.

"Okay, big brother Elliott."

"Shall we go for her?" contemplated one of the AoiHi members.

"No, I will go for her myself. That boy she was with has a strong haku, and I wouldn't mind going up against him," Elliott decided, the spark of challenge igniting in his eyes.

[Now]

Arriving at the supposed location of the AoiHi hideout, the group confronted the ominous entrance. Cory, fueled by a determination, kicked down the door, unveiling a room filled with bewildered AoiHi members.

"What the?"

"Who are you guys?"

"Wait, those are the guys I saw with that Kiyomizu girl."

Undeterred, Cory demanded, "Where is Elliott AoiHi?"

"Why would we tell you that? You'll have to beat it out of us," retorted one of the AoiHi members defiantly.

"That's what I wanted to hear." In an instant, Cory drew his swords, and the room erupted into a chaotic battle. Ava's tiger form added a dynamic element to the skirmish, her movements calculated and swift.

Amidst the clash, Cory's prowess with the sword was evident, a whirlwind of strikes overwhelming the AoiHi members. Ava, too, showcased her strength, the grace of a tiger interwoven with deadly precision.

"Boys will be boys," remarked Ava, acknowledging the chaos that ensued.

Now utilizing one of his signature technique, Tiger Sword Style: Tiger Hunt, Cory unleashed a flurry of slashes, leaving the adversaries incapacitated in his wake.

"This kid is a monster; he has defeated 20 of our men already," a member of AoiHi remarked, awe coloring his voice.

"Should we?" questioned Ava, assessing the situation.

"Nah, he's fine," assured Naima, her confidence in Cory's abilities unwavering.

Unyielding, Cory continued his pursuit of information. "What are you guys waiting for? He's just one boy. Shoot him."

Bullets erupted from the AoiHi members' firearms, but Cory, agile and determined, skillfully dodged each projectile. Employing his shadow-infused abilities, Cory unleashed Shadow Magic Drive: Shadow Slice, carving a path through the opposition.

A new player entered the scene—a man who seemed to carry an air of authority among the AoiHi. "Stand back, you guys," he commanded, stepping forward.

"Who are you?" Cory questioned, meeting the challenge head-on.

"That's what I should be asking you." The mysterious figure swiftly approached Cory, initiating a clash of blades.

Their swords clashed with a resonating KLANG! "So you managed to block my attack; you're skilled," complimented the enigmatic figure. Cory, unfazed, countered with a leap backward, transitioning into Tiger Sword Style: Black Hunter.

SPLICE! THUD!

"Now where is Elliott?" Cory demanded, his resolve unshaken.

"Hahaha, he went to kidnap Kiyomizu, hahahah," a defeated AoiHi member revealed, the truth slipping out in the face of their relentless pursuit.

"We have to go now, Cory," urged Naima, her eyes fixed on the larger mission.

"Let's go." Ava transformed into her tiger form once more, the rhythmic tapping of her paws echoing the urgency of their departure.

TEP! TEP! TEP!

Cory jumped off Ava and sprinted into the shop. Inside, a distressing scene unfolded. Yamato and Aoi lay on the floor, and Cory's heart tightened at the sight.

"Yamato, old man, where's Kiyomizu?" Cory inquired urgently.

Yamato, visibly distressed, explained, "We were looking for the blueprints, and he kicked down the door and grabbed her. He said something about selling her to her dad. Cory, I'm sorry; I couldn't even do anything."

"It's not your fault. How dare he kidnap my crewmate? He will pay."

TEP! TEP! "I'm here, so make me pay."