P.S= #2: The Beginning Of Our Journey Part #2

[Nine Years Later]

Cory lay sprawled on the ground, his form undisturbed by the rising sun. He donned an open blue hooded jacket, intricately adorned with red designs. Underneath, a simple black shirt clung to his frame, complementing the obsidian pants that enshrouded his legs. Black Benassi Duo sandals cradled his feet, while the steadfast companionship of two swords nestled on his right hip.

Accentuating his attire, two pairs of silver earrings adorned his ears, glinting with subtle radiance. A slender silver chain dangled around his neck, adorned with a cross pendant. 

Over him, Ava stood, casting a faint silhouette against the warm morning light. She embodied elegance in her fair, well-endowed trinity form. Her cascading, white hair, kissed by cerulean tips, reached down to her mid-back, often secured with a simple blue scrunchy. Lush white lashes framed her captivating blue eyes, devoid of pupils.

Adorning her upper body was a pristine white top that gracefully exposed her midriff, bearing a conspicuous '3' etched upon her belly. A pleated skirt, woven in shades of white and blue, gracefully flowed around her figure. Her appearance was anchored by thigh-length boots, a vibrant blend of blue and yellow with subtly heeled soles.

"Ava?" Her name slipped from his lips, whispered in dreams.

In the fragile, fleeting moments between slumber and wakefulness, Cory registered a swift kick to his side. With a yelp, he lurched upward, his hands instinctively shielding the source of the surprise attack.

"Why did you do that?" Cory exclaimed, his words still draped in the morning haze.

Ava's voice carried a hint of playful reproach, "It's morning."

Cory staggered to his feet and Gazing over the precipice of the mountain, Cory beheld the sprawling majesty of the Kingdom of Lights. The world below stretched infinitely, an undulating mosaic of rooftops and spires, bathed in the gentle radiance of the rising sun. The vivid panorama captivated him.

Ava joined him, her eyes filled with a sense of wonder. "Not just that, it's beautiful as well."

Cory nodded, his voice softening with nostalgia. "Yeah, it sure does remind me of home."

Ava shifted the conversation to their ongoing quest, a mission that had carried them across kingdoms and through countless trials. "Speaking of home, it's been six months since we left, looking for your brother."

Cory's determination blazed in his eyes. "Yeah, this Kingdom makes nine so far, but I can't give up now. Let's go; I'm starving."

Descending from their mountain perch, they made their way to the Kingdom's entrance. A bustling throng awaited their arrival, their expressions radiant with anticipation and hospitality. Warm hugs and affectionate kisses punctuated their reception, making it evident that Cory wasn't just a visitor but an integral part of their extended family.

As the two ventured further into the heart of the Kingdom, the sweet aroma of culinary delights lingered in the air, leading Cory to ponder their next meal. Amidst this pleasant distraction, they stumbled upon a sight that seized their attention, the world around them momentarily fading into the background.

A young girl, her long, raven-black hair cascading like a midnight waterfall, her eyes a striking shade of cerulean, stood at the center of this arresting scene. Draped in a kimono that was a tapestry of contrasting black and white, her attire exuded an air of enigmatic grace she had hand cuffs on her hand connected to a tall chain. in front of her, an older man, with sun-kissed blonde hair and a determined gaze that matched his piercing blue eyes, donned a resplendent dark blue kimono, his sword firmly secured at his side he was holding the chain and dragging the girl behind him.

The people of the city, reverently acknowledging their presence, parted like a living river to create a path for the girl and the man. In this fleeting moment, she passed by Cory and Ava. His eyes met hers, and for an instant, time hung still.

[At the Restaurant]

With the scent of flavorful cuisine wafting through the air, Cory and Ava found themselves in a bustling restaurant at the heart of the kingdom. The establishment was a tapestry of activity, each table telling its own story. Servers rushed about, bearing platters of delectable dishes, while the hum of conversations and laughter filled the air.

Amidst the gastronomic symphony, they overheard hushed voices from a neighboring table, whispers laden with foreboding.

"They've captured another one," one voice said.

A hushed affirmation followed: "Yes, they did."

Cory's curiosity was piqued, and he leaned in to eavesdrop, sharing the dread with Ava as they uncovered the sinister revelation: a young girl, about his age, had been captured, her fate uncertain. The shackles that had bound her spoke of a cruel destiny, transforming her into a slave.

As the truth unraveled before them, Cory's anger was tangible. He slammed his hands on the table, the dishes clinking together in harmony with his rising fury.

"What?!" he exclaimed, his voice cutting through the ambience of the restaurant.

Ava's response was sharp, seasoned with a hint of jest. "Did you think those chains were a fashion choice? She's not you, after all."

Cory, however, didn't appreciate the jest, a stubborn pride swelling within him. "What's wrong with fashion choices?" he retorted.

Ava took a more serious tone, her voice tinged with concern. "Have you seen yourself? You're the only Slayer who wears an open blue hooded jacket."

Cory dismissed the fashion critique, his focus on the pressing issue. "Stop insulting me, Ava. We have more important things to do."

The pair left their meal behind and strode over to the adjacent table, confronting the source of their newfound knowledge.

"Hey, mister," Cory addressed the man. "Can you tell us where he took her?"

The man, willing to share information, explained, "Oh, he will most likely take her to the cells in Mobay, but since it's Friday, he'll ship her out tonight."

Ava couldn't hide her dismay. "Who would do such a thing?"

Cory's fists clenched upon learning a fellow Slayer was involved in such heinous activities.

Cory declared, "Let's go."

Ava affirmed, "Right."

"We will attack when he's going to ship her out," said Cory.

A concerned patron intervened, "Wait, you won't make it in time!"

Cory dismissed the warning with determination, saying, "Don't worry; we will be okay. Thanks for the info, old man."

As they made their way towards Mobay, the onlookers at the restaurant discussed the mysterious duo.

"Isn't he a Slayer himself?" one wondered.

The other replied with a sense of perception, "Yes, he is, but something is different. This kid has a kind heart, I can feel it."

[Mobay]

"GET IN," With a swift, cruel motion, the slayer delivered a forceful kick, sending her sprawling to the unforgiving ground of the cell. The heavy, rusted gates groaned and slammed shut, enclosing her within the dismal, lightless chamber. As Kiyomizu, the prisoner of circumstance, summoned her strength and pulled herself up, her fingers clung to the steel bars imprisoning her.

Her voice trembled with a mix of defiance and confusion, resonating with an undercurrent of distress. "Let me out! I haven't committed any crimes! Do you even know who I am?"

The man leaned against the cell's bars, gazing down at her with a sneer of amusement and contempt. "Oh, I know exactly who you are, you're Kiyomizu, the daughter of Asahi Kimzoku." he hissed