The Beast Strikes
The peaceful routine of the dojo shattered with the sound of splintering wood. The crash was loud and sudden, sending students scrambling in confusion. Renji and Kaito were in the courtyard when the sound reached them, cutting through the steady rhythm of training.
Renji straightened, his hand instinctively moving to his blade, while Kaito froze momentarily, eyes scanning for the source of the noise. It didn't take long to find it.
The massive gates at the dojo entrance had been destroyed, reduced to splinters and debris scattered across the ground. Standing among the wreckage was a beast unlike anything the students had ever seen.
It towered above them, its jagged plated scales shimmering faintly under the late afternoon light. The uneven edges of the scales looked razor-sharp, jutting out in unpredictable angles. Its six clawed legs dug deep into the earth, leaving deep trenches with every movement.
The beast's head was grotesque, shaped like a warped shield. Glowing red eyes sat deep in its mask-like face, their eerie light cutting through the dust and chaos. Its sideways mouth opened wide, rows of jagged teeth visible as it let out a thunderous roar. Above its head, three energy-filled horns glowed faintly, their light intensifying as the beast's rage grew.
The students froze, their fear evident in their wide eyes and trembling hands.
---
Ryoji, their Sensei, stepped forward, his calm demeanor grounding the students. "Stay back," he commanded firmly.
Renji moved closer to Ryoji, his jaw tight. "Sensei, let me handle it," he said.
Ryoji turned to him, his voice steady but sharp. "No, Renji. This fight isn't yours. Someone else will take it."
Before Renji could argue, Kaito stepped forward, his expression determined. "I'll do it," he said.
"Kaito…" Ryoji began, his tone cautious.
"I can handle it," Kaito interrupted, his gaze fixed on the beast. "It needs to be stopped before it does any more damage."
Ryoji studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. Be careful."
---
The courtyard fell silent as Kaito approached the beast, his blade steady in his hands. The creature's glowing eyes locked onto him, its sideways mouth opening in another deafening snarl. Its massive claws scraped against the ground, leaving deep marks as it stomped forward.
'Stay calm. Watch its movements,' Kaito thought, his breathing steady as he adjusted his stance.
The beast lunged suddenly, faster than Kaito had anticipated. Its massive claws tore through the earth as it charged, sending dirt and debris flying in every direction. Kaito dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike.
He darted around the beast, aiming for its legs where the scales seemed softer. His blade struck cleanly, drawing dark blood, but the creature barely flinched.
'Its armor is too thick,' Kaito thought, frustration flickering in his mind as the beast turned toward him again.
---
The horns on the beast's head began to glow brighter, faint energy crackling around them. A humming noise filled the air as the glow intensified.
Kaito's eyes narrowed, recognizing the danger. 'It's preparing an attack,' he realized, shifting quickly to avoid being caught in the blast.
The beast reared back slightly, releasing a beam of energy from its horns. The attack tore through the ground, leaving a scorched path in its wake. Kaito dodged to the side, the heat from the blast grazing his arm.
His gaze locked onto the horns, their glow dimming slightly as the creature paused to recharge.
'Those horns… they're not just for attacking,' Kaito thought, watching closely as the beast regained its balance. 'They're connected to its strength somehow. If I destroy them, I can weaken it.'
---
The beast charged again, its claws slamming into the ground as Kaito darted around its legs. He watched carefully, waiting for the glow of the horns to fade. When it did, he dashed forward, aiming for the nearest horn.
His blade struck the base of the horn, cracking it but not breaking it completely. The beast roared in pain, swinging its claws in a frenzy. Kaito ducked under the first swipe and rolled to avoid the second, quickly repositioning himself.
'It's reacting strongly to the damage,' he thought, his grip tightening on the blade. 'I'm right—those horns are its key.'
He aimed higher this time, targeting the base of the horn with precision. His blade sliced through cleanly, shattering the horn and sending glowing fragments scattering across the courtyard.
The beast staggered, its glowing eyes dimming slightly.
---
Kaito didn't hesitate. He moved toward the second horn, his movements quick and deliberate. The beast retaliated, snapping its sideways jaws dangerously close to him, but Kaito dodged with ease.
He swung his blade again, striking the second horn with all his strength. The horn splintered under the force of the attack, and the beast howled in agony.
Its energy attacks faded completely, and its movements slowed as the loss of two horns significantly weakened it.
'One more to go,' Kaito thought, his breathing heavy but focused.
The beast lunged at him, its massive tail swinging wildly, but Kaito leapt to the side and repositioned himself for the final strike.
---
With one last surge of determination, Kaito dashed toward the final horn. The beast swung its claws and tail in a desperate frenzy, but Kaito was faster. His blade struck true, cutting deep into the base of the horn before shattering it completely.
The beast roared one last time, its massive body collapsing onto the ground. Its movements slowed to a halt, its glowing eyes fading completely.
But Kaito knew it wasn't finished yet.
'The horns were its strength, but its life force remains,' he thought, gripping his blade tightly as he approached the fallen beast.
The courtyard was silent as Kaito raised his weapon, delivering the first strike to the creature's exposed chest. The beast shuddered but didn't retaliate.
Kaito followed with a second strike, aiming for the vulnerable area beneath its armored jaw.
With the third and final strike, his blade pierced the creature's heart, ending the battle for good.
---
Kaito stepped back, his chest heaving as he lowered his blade. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his arms ached, but he had done it.
Ryoji approached, his expression calm but approving. "Well done, Kaito," he said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.
Renji watched from the edge of the courtyard, his jaw tight. He exhaled slowly, unsure whether he felt relief or frustration.
The students began to gather, their awe at Kaito's victory evident in their wide-eyed expressions.
Kaito glanced at the fallen beast one last time, his thoughts racing. 'That was close,' he thought, his grip tightening on his blade. 'Too close.'