Chương 42: Echoes of Fury
Alex's voice cuts through the tension like a knife, sharp and venomous. "Arata, Arata, are you really going to fight? No ring, no transformation, no strength, just a weak little coward who ran away when things got tough." His words are laced with derision as he steps closer to Arata, his eyes narrow and glinting with malice. His fingers are spread wide, gesturing towards Arata with a dismissive wave.
Arata, his jaw clenched tight, approaches a large rock with deliberate, heavy steps. His movements are tense, each footfall heavy with restrained fury. He carefully lays Butter, unconscious and vulnerable, onto the rock. His hands are gentle yet firm as he adjusts her position, ensuring she rests securely with her back propped against the rock. The concern for Butter is evident in the way he handles her, his fingers lingering momentarily on her shoulder as he adjusts her.
He straightens up slowly, his gaze shifting from Butter to Alex, anger simmering just below the surface. His eyes flash with a mix of frustration and determination. His body, though still, seems to radiate a barely contained energy, his muscles tense and coiled like a spring. As Alex's mocking words continue, Arata's frustration boils over.
"You are one to talk," Arata growls, his voice low and menacing. His posture stiffens, and his fists clench at his sides, knuckles turning white. His shoulders are squared, and he takes a deliberate step forward, his breath coming out in short, controlled bursts.
Alex's eyes widen with a mix of surprise and anger as Arata responds. Alex's finger jabs accusingly in Arata's direction, his arm extending with a jerky, forceful motion. His other hand is balled into a fist at his side, the tension in his body mirroring the fury in his voice. "Me? Look who is talking! I am a disgrace? WHEN YOU LEFT?!" he shouts, his voice echoing off the surrounding rocks. His entire body leans forward, and his chest heaves with the intensity of his outburst.
Arata's anger is palpable. His entire frame shakes with the force of his emotion. He cracks his neck with a sharp, audible snap, a clear sign of his rising temper. The sound is like a prelude to the storm about to break. His gaze locks onto Alex, his eyes burning with a fierce, unyielding fire. He draws in a deep breath, his chest expanding as he tries to steady himself. The breath is slow and controlled, though the tension in his body suggests it's a struggle to keep his rage in check.
"You are a fucking disgrace," Arata hisses through gritted teeth, his voice low and dangerous. His hands are clenched into tight fists, and he takes a step closer to Alex, his movements deliberate and filled with restrained power. His posture is rigid, and every muscle in his body is taut with anger.
Alex's face reddens, his breathing coming in quick, sharp bursts. His fingers tremble slightly as he continues to point accusingly at Arata, the force of his gesture betraying his own volatile emotions. His stance is wide and aggressive, his legs braced apart as if readying for a physical confrontation. The intensity of the moment hangs heavy in the air, each movement charged with the weight of their confrontation.
Arata's anger is palpable as he strides forward with explosive speed. In a heartbeat, he materializes right in front of Alex, his sudden appearance causing Alex to flinch back in surprise. Alex's eyes widen, his mouth forming an incredulous "What the—" as he struggles to process the sudden shift in the scene.
Arata's fist is positioned dangerously close to Alex's jaw, the knuckles taut and white with intensity. The proximity of the fist and the sheer force behind it make it clear that Arata is not to be trifled with. "This was just a warning," Arata's voice is a low, menacing growl. His expression is a mix of anger and cold determination, his eyes boring into Alex's with unyielding intensity.
Alex stumbles backward, his posture shifting from aggressive to defensive. His arms flail slightly as he regains his balance, his face a mask of confusion and frustration. "A warning you say? What the hell did you do in the past month? You shouldn't be moving at this inhumane speed," Alex's voice is a mix of disbelief and accusation. He takes a few steps back, his feet dragging against the ground as he tries to steady himself.
Arata's gaze remains fixed on Alex, his anger barely contained. His eyes scan Alex's Ringmaster form with a mixture of disdain and disbelief. "What the hell happened to you in the past month? You weren't like this, Alex. I knew you were an incompetent leader, but what the hell happened to you in the past month? It's like your personality changed 180," Arata's voice is laced with both sorrow and anger. His face is a mask of sadness, his eyebrows furrowed deeply.
Alex's expression darkens with rage at the mention of his leadership. His fists clench tightly, his knuckles cracking as he prepares to lash out. "Did you just call me an incompetent leader?" he snarls, his eyes blazing with fury. He lunges at Arata, his movements quick and sharp, his body low and coiled for the attack.
Arata's eyes narrow as he observes Alex's approach. His posture remains relaxed and fluid, his body language calm and collected. "He is slow..." Arata thinks to himself, his gaze focused and precise. As Alex swings, Arata moves with effortless grace, sidestepping the attack with a fluid, almost lazy motion. His movement is smooth, his body shifting effortlessly to avoid the blow.
Alex continues to attack with increasing desperation, his movements becoming more erratic. His punches and kicks come in a relentless barrage, each strike a manifestation of his pent-up rage. Despite the onslaught, Arata remains composed, his demeanor unruffled. He dodges each attack with practiced ease, his movements almost graceful in their precision.
"YOU WERE THE REASON I AM INCOMPETENT! YOU WERE THE REASON I HAD TO FACE SO MANY ISSUES!" Alex's voice crescendos into a roar, his eyes wide with anger and pain. His attacks become more frenzied, his body tense and rigid with emotion.
Arata maintains his calm demeanor, his face a mask of serene focus. He continues to sidestep and evade Alex's furious onslaught, his movements deliberate and controlled. As Alex's frustration reaches its peak, he lets out a piercing scream. "YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THE COMMANDER CRITICIZED ME OVER THE PAST MONTH ALL BECAUSE YOU LEFT!" His voice is a raw, emotional outburst, the sound echoing off the surrounding rocks. His face is flushed with anger, his eyes wild and unhinged.
"YOU WERE THE REASON THAT OUR GROUP IS DIVIDED! IT'S ALLLLL YOUUUUUU!!!!" Alex's final cry is a desperate, heart-wrenching declaration. His punch comes in a wild, unrestrained arc, aimed directly at Arata's face.
In a sudden shift, Arata's calm composure cracks. He moves with a burst of speed, his hand darting out to intercept Alex's punch. His fingers close around Alex's fist with surprising strength, the impact of the catch causing Alex's eyes to widen in shock. "What?!" Alex's voice is a stunned gasp, his entire body freezing in disbelief as he feels the unexpected resistance. The force of Arata's grip is firm and unyielding, catching Alex completely off-guard and halting his aggressive momentum.
Arata's anger surges as he responds to Alex's outburst. "Would you please shut the fuck up? You are the incompetent leader, not me, and somehow I was the reason for everything?" His voice is a thunderous roar, the frustration evident in every syllable. Without warning, Arata drives his forehead into Alex's visor with a violent headbutt. The impact is jarring, a sharp crack reverberating through the air as the visor shatters, fragments scattering in a spray of glass and metal.
The force of the headbutt causes Alex to reel backward, his helmet cracking and splintering under the impact. He staggers, his arms flailing as he tries to regain his balance. His eyes are wide with shock and pain, the once-imposing visor now a shattered remnant of its former self.
"Just because you can't man up and take your blame, you say those things," Arata's voice is a cold, scathing rebuke. His gaze is unyielding, eyes narrowing with contempt as he watches Alex struggle. His posture is rigid, every muscle in his body taut with anger.
Alex, his face flushed with a mix of rage and pain, attempts to launch another attack. His movements are erratic and frantic, driven by a combination of fury and frustration. He swings wildly, his strikes coming in a desperate attempt to regain control of the situation.
This time, Arata is ready. He moves with precise, controlled anger, catching Alex's incoming blow with a swift, decisive motion. With a powerful grip, Arata clasps both hands around Alex's face, fingers digging into the edges of his broken helmet. His expression is a fierce mask of determination as he lifts Alex off his feet.
In a swift, fluid motion, Arata slams Alex's entire face, along with the remnants of his shattered helmet, into the ground. The impact is brutal, a bone-jarring crash that reverberates through the scene. Alex's body crumples under the force, his head slamming into the ground with a thud that echoes with finality. His arms flail helplessly, his legs kicking out in a reflexive spasm.
"YOU LISTEN TO ME NOW! I NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE YOUR ORGANIZATION IN THE FIRST PLACE!" Arata's voice is a raw, unrestrained scream, his throat straining with the intensity of his emotions. His chest heaves with each ragged breath, his face flushed with the exertion of his outburst.
"But, you guys have shady practices that even I don't know anything about." Arata continues, his voice dropping to a bitter, accusatory tone. His eyes burn with a fierce, unwavering resolve as he stares down at Alex, who is sprawled on the ground, his body shaking with the aftermath of the violent impact.
As Arata's words hang in the air, Jennifer, Dan, Lila, and Carly burst onto the scene. Their arrival is sudden and jarring, each of them moving with a sense of urgency and concern. Jennifer's face is etched with worry, her eyes darting between Arata and Alex. Dan's expression is a mixture of shock and disbelief, his body tense as he takes in the chaotic scene. Lila's eyes are wide with a mixture of surprise and apprehension, her movements quick and purposeful as she approaches. Carly's face is set in a determined frown, her posture rigid as she assesses the situation.
The arrival of the group adds a new layer of tension to the scene, their presence underscoring the gravity of the confrontation between Arata and Alex. Their eyes flick from Arata's furious expression to Alex's crumpled form on the ground, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon them.
The scene is filled with tension as Jennifer, Dan, Lila, and Carly arrive, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Their eyes are wide, taking in the sight of Arata standing firm and Alex lying on the ground, his visor shattered and helmet cracked. The contrast between Arata's imposing figure and Alex's defeated state is stark.
Jennifer's face is a mask of concern, her mouth slightly open as she processes the sight before her. Her hands are clenched into fists at her sides, her body tense with anxiety. Dan's expression is one of stunned surprise, his eyebrows raised and his mouth forming a silent "O" of astonishment. His stance is rigid, his arms hanging loosely by his sides as he struggles to comprehend the scene.
Lila's eyes flash with alarm and disapproval as she steps forward. Her movements are quick and sharp, her arms slightly raised in a defensive posture. "HEY, THAT'S AN UNDERGROUNDER YOU JUST PICKED UP!" Her voice is a mix of frustration and concern, her eyes darting between Butter and Arata. Her body language is a blend of agitation and protectiveness, her posture reflecting a readiness to intervene.
"So what? She is my master and friend nonetheless, AND IF ANYONE WANTS TO FIGHT ME, BRING IT ON. I WILL TAKE ALL OF YOU IF NECESSARY," Arata's voice is a fierce challenge, his tone cutting through the air with a sharp edge. His eyes sweep over the group, his gaze unwavering and intense. He stands tall, his shoulders squared and his posture radiating unyielding resolve.
As Arata begins to walk away, his steps are purposeful and heavy, each footfall echoing with a sense of finality. His back is straight, his stride unbroken as he moves away from the scene. The determined set of his jaw and the intense focus in his eyes convey his refusal to back down.
The newly arrived group remains rooted in shock, their expressions reflecting a mix of disbelief and concern. Jennifer's eyes follow Arata with a worried frown, her body still tense as she processes his abrupt departure. Dan's mouth is set in a tight line, his gaze fixed on Arata's retreating figure. Lila's face is a conflicted blend of frustration and concern, her stance tense as she grapples with the sudden shift in the situation. Carly's eyes are narrowed, her expression a mixture of contemplation and unease as she watches Arata walk away.
Jennifer's eyes are wide with a mixture of shock and concern as she processes the aftermath of the confrontation. "That's the first time in years…I have seen Arata this angry," she says, her voice trembling slightly. Her hands are clasped together in front of her, her fingers intertwined as she tries to steady her emotions. Her posture is tense, her shoulders hunched slightly as she reflects on the intensity of Arata's anger.
Dan stands nearby, his face pale and his expression unsettled. "I had a chill go down my spine…" he admits, his voice carrying a note of awe and apprehension. He rubs the back of his neck with one hand, his other arm hanging limply by his side. His gaze remains fixed on Alex's battered form, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and disbelief.
Lila and Carly move towards Alex, their movements swift and purposeful. Lila's face is set in a determined frown, her eyes focused on the task at hand. She kneels beside Alex, her hands gripping him firmly as she begins to lift him. Her posture is rigid, her muscles taut with the effort of handling Alex's heavy, defeated body. Carly, standing close by, watches with a concerned expression, her brows furrowed as she takes in Alex's state.
"ARATA!!!!!" Alex's anguished scream cuts through the air, his voice a raw mix of fury and pain. His body thrashes weakly as Lila and Carly support him, his arms flailing as he tries to express his frustration and desperation.
"This is bad…His condition is getting worse," Dan says, his voice tinged with worry. He looks around the scene, his eyes darting between Alex's condition and the group's reactions. His hands are clenched into fists, his knuckles white with the tension of the situation.
"He needs a mental doctor who can talk to him," Dan continues, his gaze shifting to Lila as she carefully lifts Alex. His shoulders are slumped, his posture reflecting his concern and frustration.
Lila, with a serious expression, nods in response. She adjusts her grip on Alex, her hands steady and firm as she supports him. Her face is set in a determined line, her eyes reflecting a mixture of resolve and empathy.
Carly turns to Dan, her expression one of thoughtful contemplation. "Arata…That guy defeated Alex without even transforming…Is that even possible?" she questions, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. Her hands are clasped in front of her, her fingers tapping nervously against her leg as she ponders Arata's newfound strength.
Dan sighs deeply, his expression one of resignation. "Even I don't know…" he admits, his shoulders rising and falling with the weight of his sigh. His eyes are clouded with confusion and concern as he contemplates the implications of Arata's power.
Vamby, speaking directly to Jennifer, offers a perspective that only she can hear. "The original Ringmaster…They never relied on rings. In fact, us rings relied on their strength and we only gave them our strength in case of emergencies. They treated us like family." Vamby's tone is reflective and nostalgic, his eyes holding a distant look as he reminisces about the past.
Jennifer listens intently, her face softening as she absorbs Vamby's words. A smile gradually spreads across her lips, a blend of understanding and admiration in her expression. "Arata…I see…You believe in those Undergrounders," she says, her voice filled with warmth and appreciation. Her hand rests gently on her chest, her fingers lightly touching her heart as she reflects on Vamby's revelation. "I see…" she repeats, her smile growing more confident as she processes the significance of Arata's actions and beliefs.
The scene is charged with a complex mix of emotions: the lingering tension from the confrontation, the concern for Alex's condition, and the newfound understanding of Arata's character. Each movement and expression is a reflection of the deep emotional currents running through the group as they come to terms with the recent events and their implications.
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