Hostage

The Aftermath – The Others Wake Up

The calm of the mountains was shattered as the other Elements stirred awake, sensing something was wrong.

Haruto groaned, rubbing his temples. "What the hell happened?"

Ikazuchi, still half-asleep, muttered, "Can we go five minutes without some kind of disaster?"

Moriya frowned, scanning the area. "Where's Hikaru?"

Reito's sharp gaze landed on Daichi, who stood near the edge of a cliff, his hands clenched into fists.

They all immediately knew.

Something was wrong.

Daichi exhaled heavily before turning to face them.

"…Molecule took him."

A tense silence filled the air.

Haruto's eyes widened. "What?"

Daichi's voice was grim. "Hikaru's been captured."

Ikazuchi's fists tightened. "That bastard…"

Moriya's expression darkened. "Where did he take him?"

Daichi shook his head. "I don't know. But whoever sent Molecule wanted Hikaru specifically."

Reito narrowed his eyes. "Which means we have a bigger problem."

Hikaru's Torture

Somewhere far from the mountains, Hikaru sat restrained, his body aching from the beating he had just endured.

Thick metal cuffs bound his wrists, glowing faintly, preventing him from using his Element of Light.

He had no idea where he was.

A dark, abandoned facility—the air was damp, the smell of rust and dust filling his lungs.

And in front of him—stood Molecule.

The massive mutant cracked his knuckles, his face twisted with amusement.

"You're tougher than I thought," Molecule said, smirking. "Most people would've passed out by now."

Hikaru spat blood onto the floor, glaring up at him. "Guess I'm built different."

Molecule laughed. "I can see why he wants you alive."

Hikaru's eyes narrowed. "He?"

Molecule grinned, stepping closer.

"Oh, don't worry. Sinister X will be very happy to meet you."

Hikaru's body tensed.

Sinister X…?

That name was completely unfamiliar—but the weight behind it sent a chill down his spine.

He had a bad feeling about this.

A very bad feeling.