章 6: Fragment of the past

In a remote location, an individual possessed a unique ability that allowed them to observe events from afar. As their attention shifted, they sensed a familiar aura that caught their attention, sparking disbelief and astonishment.

"What? This cannot be true," they murmured to themselves, their thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The realization that Azrael might still be alive defied their expectations and ignited a sense of urgency. "Is he still alive? I need to inform the Legion about this."

Recognizing the gravity of the information they had stumbled upon, they swiftly communicated their findings to a group of enigmatic figures. The news of Azrael's existence rippled through this secretive network, setting in motion a sequence of events that would draw them further into the unfolding mysteries surrounding Azrael's presence and purpose.

The revelation of Azrael's continued existence carried weighty implications that were not taken lightly by those who received the information. The urgency in their words underscored the gravity of the situation as they contemplated the potential repercussions.

"Hmm. This will be a big problem," one of them remarked, their tone tinged with a sense of concern and foreboding. The realization that Azrael posed a significant challenge demanded immediate action. "We need to deal with him immediately," they concluded, the urgency in their words highlighting the perceived necessity of confronting this new development head-on.

…

As Azrael retraced his steps to the location of his awakening, a sense of familiarity and uncertainty mingled within him. The environment that had been his starting point held both answers and questions, a potential key to unlocking the mysteries of his past.

Among the details that caught his attention were the traces of blood, a haunting reminder of his arrival at this enigmatic place. The crimson stains served as silent markers, suggesting a connection between his presence and the location. The realization that the blood might have come from him upon his arrival stirred a flurry of thoughts and emotions, hinting at the layers of his history yet to be unraveled.

As Azrael's hand made contact with the scattered blood, a sudden jolt of recognition coursed through him. The physical connection seemed to trigger a cascade of memories, unlocking a brief but vivid flashback that momentarily transported him into the past.

In that fleeting moment, scenes and images played out before his mind's eye, offering tantalizing glimpses into his own history. Emotions surged, faces and places came into focus, and fragments of his identity began to coalesce. The experience was both disorienting and illuminating, a puzzle piece falling into place within the larger narrative of his existence.

The disjointed memories continued to resurface, each fragment offering a tantalizing piece of Azrael's forgotten past. The recollection of a clash in the sky and the faces of those he had encountered there played like a distant dream, the details hazy yet oddly familiar.

In his mind's ear, a voice beckoned, calling his name. "Azrael!" The urgency in that call seemed to reverberate through time, carrying a weight of importance that Azrael couldn't ignore.

"It would help if you left now," the voice continued, its urgency underscoring the critical nature of the situation. "Promise me to keep this light and don't let anyone have it!" The words carried a sense of responsibility, an obligation to safeguard something of immense value. The directive seemed to echo in Azrael's mind, a guiding principle that held significance even in the midst of his fragmented memories.

The abrupt transition from the vivid flashback to the present reality jolted Azrael, leaving him momentarily disoriented and overwhelmed. The weight of the memory's implications, the urgency of the voice, and the significance of the task he had been entrusted with all converged in that fleeting moment.

As the rush of emotions subsided, Azrael found himself on his knees, his body reacting to the shock of the revelation. The weight of the memories, though incomplete, had left a profound impact, and his reaction underscored the depth of his connection to the past he was beginning to piece together. In that vulnerable moment, he grappled with the weight of his forgotten history and the newfound purpose that lay before him.

While he was still recovering from the flashback,

The sudden appearance of the dagger, accompanied by a swift and unexpected attack, caught Azrael off guard. His instincts kicked in, propelling him to react with lightning-fast reflexes. He managed to evade the attack just in time, but not without consequence. The sharp edge of the dagger grazed his face, leaving a stinging scratch in its wake.

His senses on high alert, Azrael's gaze scanned the surroundings, his sharp eyes searching for any sign of the assailant. The place appeared empty, shrouded in an eerie silence that heightened the tension in the air. The unseen attacker's actions had left Azrael both wary and on edge, acutely aware of the danger that lurked in the shadows.

Azrael's quick reflexes once again saved him from the second dagger's trajectory. As his gaze lifted, he followed the path of the thrown weapon, tracing it back to its source. There, perched upon the roof of a nearby building, stood a figure shrouded in mystery, their identity concealed by a mask.

The mask seemed to be a deliberate choice, a means to obscure their features and intentions. The encounter held an air of calculated intention, the hidden assailant poised for another move. Azrael's own instincts and training kicked into gear as he assessed the situation, his focus honing in on the masked figure whose presence spoke of a confrontation yet to unfold.

Amidst the tension that hung in the air, Azrael's words cut through the silence like a blade. His tone carried a mix of caution and curiosity, a genuine desire to understand the motives of the masked assailant.

"Who are you? Why are you attacking me?" Azrael's inquiry was straightforward, a plea for information that might shed light on the unfolding situation.

The response, however, was stark and chilling. The masked figure's retort held a cold determination, dismissing Azrael's questions. "You don't need to know who I am," they declared, their intent to remain anonymous evident. "I'm going to eliminate you as quickly as I can." The abrupt declaration left no room for negotiation, their words laced with a sense of urgency and resolve.

The confrontation escalated further as the masked figure's words took on a venomous edge. "Die! You filthy traitor!" The accusation hung in the air, carrying an implication that seemed to pierce Azrael's past and beckon forth further secrets waiting to be unveiled.

The masked figure's sudden rush was a display of raw power, their energy charging forward with formidable intensity. Azrael's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly sought refuge behind the shelter of a nearby building, using it as cover to evade the onslaught of energy-infused daggers that came hurtling toward him.

Yet, the masked assailant proved relentless and unyielding. Despite Azrael's efforts to escape, their speed and force were undeniable. The powerful energy surged forward, finding its target with unerring accuracy. The impact of the attack left Azrael wounded, his arms bearing the brunt of the assault. Pain flared through his body, a testament to the force that had been unleashed against him.

In the midst of the battle, the masked figure's intentions remained shrouded in mystery, their determination to eliminate Azrael a stark reality that pushed him to his limits. The struggle was far from over, and Azrael found himself forced to confront an adversary whose power and purpose were as enigmatic as the memories he sought to recover.

The masked figure's taunting words cut through the tension like a blade, their voice a chilling reminder of the stakes at hand. Their words held a mixture of triumph and mockery, as if savoring the opportunity to confront Azrael, once seen as a formidable and fearsome presence.

"You think you can escape me, huh?" The challenge was laced with a sense of superiority, an assertion of their own power and confidence. "The mighty Azrael is scared and trying to hide." The irony wasn't lost on Azrael—that the reputation he once held was now being used to belittle him. The masked assailant reveled in the opportunity to turn the tables.

"Do you know how special this moment is to me?" The sentiment was ominous, hinting at a history between them that had driven the masked figure to this confrontation. "All of us were scared of you before." The mention of a collective fear further deepened the mystery surrounding Azrael's past. "But look at you now! Trying to run and don't even know what to do!" The masked figure's words landed like a gauntlet thrown down, challenging Azrael to prove himself in the face of adversity, even as he grappled with the shadows of his own past.