Chapter 13 : Episode 12 – The Originals II

Nathan stormed into the Stargent facility. Scent of burning metal and scorched earth. The hallway casting long, ominous shadows over the unconscious bodies of Stargent agents lying on the floor. He clenched his fists tightly.

As he rounded the corner, Nathan's eyes locked onto Tazer, who stood at the center of the destruction. His posture casual, as though he was waiting. Crimson eyes gleamed with predatory amusement. 

Nathan stopped a few feet away, his eyes narrowed. "Tazer!" he bellowed, his voice reverberating through the wrecked facility. "Your fight is with me! "

Tazer turned his gaze toward Nathan, an almost lazy smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Nathan," he drawled, as if greeting an old friend. "I was waiting for someone else. But you come instead."

Nathan's teeth clenched. "Enough Tazer. Don't you dare underestimated me."

Tazer chuckled, his voice low and menacing. "Oh, you still don't get it, do you? I'm not underestimated you. I just not sure whether you can entertain me."

The tension in the air became suffocating, both men standing in silence. For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of their tension colliding, the faint hum of power growing louder with every second.

Then, with a sudden burst of speed, Nathan lunged forward, his right hook aimed directly at Tazer's face. The impact shook the air around them, but Tazer sidestepped effortlessly. Nathan spun, aiming a side kick, but Tazer ducked under it, grabbing Nathan's ankle mid-spin and drive him to the ground with brutal force.

Nathan winced but quickly rolled to his feet. He lunged again, this time feinting a punch before twisting into an elbow strike aimed at Tazer's face. The blow connected, forcing Tazer to stagger slightly. Nathan followed up with a knee to the face and a hook to the jaw, sending Tazer stumbling back.

For a short time, Nathan experienced a rush of self assurance. He moved ahead, executing a different technique that compelled Tazer to adopt a defensive stance. His actions were precise and unyielding, each blow driven by the recollection of his deceased allies, the turmoil Tazer had instigated, and the duty he held as a Stargent agent.

But Tazer's smirk never faltered.

Even as Nathan's strikes landed, his expression was amuse. "Seems like you having fun" Tazer said, catching Nathan's wrist mid-punch. Nathan's eyes widened as he felt the sheer strength behind it. "My turn."

With a brief second, Tazer sent Nathan flying into a nearby wall. The impact cracked the concrete, and Nathan slumped to the ground, gasping for air. Tazer advanced, his footsteps slow and deliberate. "The potential you have" he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Is nothing but a joke to me."

Nathan propelled himself up, clearing the blood from the edge of his lips. "I'm not finished yet," he snarled, his tone resolute. "You have not witness yet what I can do."

Tazer tilted his head as he smirk. " Show me."

Nathan charged again. He ducked under Tazer's swipe, delivering a hard punch to his liver followed by an uppercut through Tazer chin that snapped Tazer's head back. Taking advantage of the moment, Nathan grabbed Tazer by the collar and drove his knee into his opponent's stomach.

But Tazer recovered quickly, his grin returning as he grabbed Nathan's wrist and twisted it, forcing him to release his hold. Time passed slowly as Tazer focusing his energy and delivered a devastating punch to Nathan's chest sending him skidding across the floor. Nathan coughed, struggling to breathe as pain radiated through his body.

"Is that all you've got?" Tazer taunted, his voice filled with mock disappointment. "I expected you show me more."

Nathan gritted his teeth, pushing himself up despite the searing pain in his ribs. "You haven't won yet," he spat.

Tazer laughed, the sound cold and devoid of any real amusement. "If death you want, Death you get."

Nathan launched himself forward again. He managed to land a flurry of blows, each one driving Tazer back a step. But no matter how hard he hit, it never seemed to faze Tazer for long.

Then, Tazer's demeanor changed. His grin faded, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "Enough," he said, his voice low and menacing.

" I'm starting to get bored."

Before Nathan could react, Tazer's movements became a blur. He ducked under Nathan's punch, slamming his elbow into his ribs with bone-crushing force. Nathan staggered, gasping in pain, but Tazer didn't stop. He delivered a crushing punch to Nathan's face, sending him crashing into another wall.

Nathan tried to stand, but his body refused to obey. Blood dripped from his mouth, exhaustion began to take its toll. Tazer stood over him, his eyes glowing with malice.

" I commend you for holding this far" Tazer said, his voice almost admiring.

He raised his hand. A faint red glow began to form around his palm, radiating a terrifying, oppressive heat.

Nathan forced himself to his knees. His eyes locked onto Tazer's hand, his jaw tightening as he prepared for one last stand. "Not… yet," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with defiance.

In the meantime. Lucias exited his home, placing his phone into his pocket as he concluded a conversation. His expression appears resolute and serene, his gaze fixed forward as if he is already strategizing his upcoming action. The cool evening breeze touched him, yet he remained unfazed. His thoughts were too consumed to recognize.

As he took a few steps forward, the sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears. By tilting his head a bit, he noticed Mia waiting at the end of his driveway. Her breaths were irregular, as if she had sprinted to reach him.

"Lucias," Mia shouted, her voice shaking with a blend of anxiety and irritation. She remained there, uncertain about whether to step nearer or maintain her distance. "Where're you going?

Lucias stopped in his tracks, turning fully to face her. For a moment, he was silent, his expression unreadable. Then, a faint smile appeared on his lips—not the forced, pained smile of someone hiding the truth, but a genuine one, filled with an unshakable serenity.

"Mia," he said softly, his voice calm and steady, "There's something I have to do. Something I need to fulfill. A gamble I need to take."

Mia's brows furrowed in confusion. "A gamble? What are you talking about? What's this all about, Lucias?."

He chuckled lightly, the sound almost nostalgic. "We've always been so curious," he said, his tone affectionate. "But this… this is something I can't fully explain."

Mia took a step closer, desperation creeping into her voice. "Then help me understand. You've changed so much. First, you were different because of… because of your other identity. Now, you're back, but you're still distant. What is it, Lucias? "

Lucias looked down for a moment, as if contemplating her words. Upon looking back up, his eyes held a glimmer of enthusiasm, a nearly youthful amazement. "You know," he started, "I've always had this vision. A desire to encounter the unusual and inexplicable, to plunge deeply into the world's enigmas. It's what has motivated me for such a long time. "And now, Mia... I've finally discovered it."

"What do you mean?" Mia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I've found the answer," Lucias said simply. His smile grew wider. "The answer to all of this. To who I am. To what I'm meant to do."

Mia shook her head, her confusion deepening. "What answer? Lucias, please—"

He cut her off gently, raising a hand. "Mia, you've always been there for me. And I can't thank you enough for that. But this… this is something I have to do on my own. Don't worry, I'm the same Lucias nor The Alter. I've got a bigger role to play now."

Mia's lips opened, her voice trembling as she attempted to reply. However, before she had a chance to speak, Lucias reiterated with a tone that was both light and firm. "You've observed it, right?" Those unusual occurrences. The things that most individuals can hardly conceive. It's frightening, indeed, but it's also… intriguing. It's what I've always desired—to contribute to something larger, something remarkable. "And at last, I truly have that opportunity. More like i gained that chances."

Mia stepped closer, her voice firm. "Lucias, I don't care about your role or whatever answers you think you've found. What if this 'bigger role' costs you everything?"

He turned his head slightly, his smile never fading. "Mia, I appreciate that you care. Truly, I do. But this is something I can't walk away from. Not now."

"Close to what?" she asked.

Lucias hesitated for a brief moment, then said, "Close to understanding. To making sense of all of this."

Before Mia could respond, he stepped back, his movements calm and deliberate. "See you later, Mia," he said, raising a hand in farewell. "And don't worry. I'll be fine."

"Lucias, hold on—" she shouted, but her words wavered as he faced her and started to walk off, his silhouette fading into the darkness of the evening. She observed him leave, her hands shaking beside her. A part of her wished to run after him, to ask for explanations, to prevent him from going. Yet another aspect—a more profound, serene aspect—experienced a strange feeling of relief. Even with her concerns, the serenity on his face and the steady determination in his voice indicated to her that he was content with his choice.

"Come back safe," she whispered. She stood there for a while, her gaze fixed on the spot where he had disappeared, until the stillness of the night finally wrapped around her.

The halls of Stargent headquarters remained tense as the Director ended his phone call, his eyes reflecting both urgency and a spark of hope. He pressed his earpiece, connecting directly to Nathan, who was still engaged in the relentless confrontation with Tazer. The sounds of a fierce battle—explosions, crashes, and Nathan's labored breathing—echoed through the line.

"Nathan," the Director's voice came through, steady but filled with urgency. "Listen to me. I need you to hold on. Just a little longer."

Nathan's voice crackled back, breathless yet still carrying his determination. "Hold on? I'm not just holding on, Director—I'm still in this. He may be stronger, but I'm not going down."

The Director allowed a small smile to form. "That's what I like to hear, Nathan. But remember, your objective right now is to buy time. Keep him distracted and don't take unnecessary risks. Reinforcements are on their way."

Nathan paused, gritting his teeth. "Reinforcements?" he asked, his tone tinged with curiosity. "What kind of reinforcements? Because right now, unless it's a miracle, I'm not sure it'll matter."

The Director hesitated for a moment before responding, his voice resolute. "It'll matter. Trust me. For now, focus on the fight. I trust you, Nathan. You've got this."

On the other end, Nathan exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on his fists. "You can count on me, Director. I'll hold him. Just don't leave me hanging."

The Director nodded, even though Nathan couldn't see him. "We won't. Keep pushing. Play it smart."

As the line disconnected, Nathan wiped the blood from his mouth, his confidence unwavering despite the overwhelming odds. Across from him, Tazer stood tall. His body ached, his energy reserves were waning, but the fire within him still burned fiercely.

"This isn't over," Nathan muttered under his breath, squaring his stance and channeling what energy he had left into his aura. "I'm not done yet."

Tazer smirked, clearly amused by Nathan's resilience. "Still standing? Admirable, but ultimately pointless. You're delaying the inevitable."

Nathan clenched his fists. "You talk too much," he shot back, his tone sharp. "Why don't we skip the yapping and see how much you can really take?"

Without hesitation, Nathan surged forward. He delivered a rapid series of punches, each one aimed with precision at Tazer's vital points. Tazer blocked and parried effortlessly at first, but Nathan's speed and unpredictability began to force him to move defensively.

"You're had more in you don't ya." Tazer admitted, his tone laced with a hint of respect. "But it pointless."

Nathan smirked, sweat dripping down his face as he pivoted on his heel and delivered a roundhouse kick aimed at Tazer's head. Tazer ducked, but Nathan used the momentum to follow up with a back kick as his strike made contact with Tazer's gut. The force of the blow sent Tazer stumbling back slightly.

"Hahaha," Tazer said, wiping a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth. His grin widened. "I was starting to get bored but it seems you got more in ya. Show me more what you got."

Nathan didn't need an invitation. He pressed the attack, unleashing a barrage of strikes that forced Tazer to stay on the defensive. He mixed in feints and movements, his fighting style honed by years of experience. For a moment, it seemed as though Nathan might have gained the upper hand.

But Tazer's smirk never faltered. " I like your confident face" he said. " I can't wait to wipe that confident face." Tazer laugh.

With a sudden burst of speed, Tazer countered, catching Nathan off guard. His palm struck Nathan's chest with an explosive force, sending him skidding backward across the floor. 

" Nathan growled, forcing himself to his feet. His legs wobbled slightly. "You think this is enough to stop me?"

Tazer tilted his head, a mocking grin on his face. "No," he said simply. " I'm not even fighting persistenty. I'm just enjoying the time i had with my prey." Tazer smirk.

Nathan gritted his teeth and lunged forward again. He threw a powerful punch aimed at Tazer's torso, but Tazer caught it effortlessly, his fingers tightening around Nathan's fist.

" Oh" Tazer said, almost as if he were genuinely impressed. "What you got in mind next?"

Gathering every strength he had left, Nathan broke free from Tazer's grip and delivered a desperate headbutt. The impact forced Tazer to release him, and Nathan followed up with a series of strikes. Tazer's expression grew serious as he deflected and countered.

For every strike Nathan landed, Tazer countered with twice the force making the factory floor cracked.

Nathan refused to back down as his body screamed. His vision blurred, and he seems hard to breath, but he stood his ground. "I'm far from over" he said through gritted teeth as he prepared for another attack.

Tazer raised his hand, a faint red glow forming around it. Nathan braced himself as he prepared for one last stand.

The Director's eyes on the screen as his hand resting on the edge of the console. "We're running out of time," he murmured to himself. Then, louder, to Kara: "Prepare the team."

Kara nodded and quickly left the room, leaving the Director alone with his thoughts. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to glance at the phone on his desk, the memory of the call replaying in his mind. " The rest is up to you now. "