Zainte sprinted through the night streets, his mind racing with urgency.
He had to warn his parents about Akira's trap at the Black Lotus gala!
He pulled out a small communicator device Takeshi had given him for emergencies and dialed their secure frequency.
Akane's voice answered immediately.
Zainte, what's wrong? Your signal indicates maximum urgency.
"Mother, listen carefully - Akira plans to attack you and Father tonight at the Black Lotus gala!"
Akane's tone turned icy calm. Details, Zainte. We need to know everything.
Zainte rapidly briefed her on Akira's operation, Lyra's suspicion, and the trap at the gala.
Akane's voice remained steady.
Takeshi and I will extract discreetly before the gala starts.
You meet us at the old windmill east of Shadow Clan territory - come armed.
Zainte sprinted towards the windmill, his heart pounding with fear for his parents' safety.
He arrived breathless, scanning surroundings before entering the windmill.
Takeshi and Akane were already there, armed and dressed in black tactical gear.
Takeshi handed Zainte a katana and dagger. We'll confront Akira together. Akane will flank left, I'll take point - you cover our six.
Akane added, Zainte, stay close to me. We'll protect each other."
Just then, distant sounds of footsteps echoed outside...
Akira's voice carried on the wind:Kanevra family... your time runs out tonight.
Takeshi drew his sword, eyes locked intensely on the windmill entrance.
"It begins. Stay sharp, both of you."
Akane nodded, dagger at the ready beside Zainte.
The windmill door creaked open, and Akira stepped inside, flanked by Lyra and several Shadow Clan assassins.
Akira's gaze swept across the room, locking onto Takeshi.
"Kanevra patriarch... how touching. Family bonding before your execution."
Takeshi sneered.
"Akira, your arrogance will be your downfall. Tonight, you face not just me, but my son - trained in your own clan's arts."
Akira raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Indeed? Lyra, observe closely - this 'son' claims Shadow Clan training."
Lyra stepped forward, eyes narrowing at Zainte.
Lyra circled around Zainte, her gaze piercing.
"Kaito-7... or whatever your true name is - your movements betray Shadow Clan training, yet... something feels off."
Zainte maintained his calm facade, recalling Akane's advice to mimic Shadow Clan posture and breathing.
He bowed slightly.
"Lyra-san, honor to be scrutinized by Akira's sister. My training was rigorous - perhaps my focus appears different?
Lyra's eyes narrowed further, clearly unconvinced.
"Akira, I believe this boy is hiding something. His aura feels... familiar."
Akira's interest piqued, she took a step closer to Zainte.
"Explain, Lyra. What do you mean by 'familiar'?"
Lyra's gaze locked onto Zainte's face, her voice low and mysterious.
"I've seen his aura before... in our clan's records. A boy with this exact energy signature died 10 years ago."
Zainte's heart skipped a beat - Lyra was dangerously close to uncovering his true identity!
Takeshi intervened, drawing Lyra's attention away from Zainte.
"Enough speculation, Lyra. Your sister wants revenge - let's end this charade."
Akira smiled coldly.
"Yes, let us proceed. Lyra, stand down - I'll handle the Kanevra patriarch."
But Lyra remained fixed on Zainte, her eyes burning with curiosity.
Suddenly, she reached out and grasped Zainte's wrist -
and his sleeve slid up, revealing a faint tattoo:
*A symbol matching the one on Akane's ankle - their family crest.*
Lyra's eyes widened.
"Akira... this boy is a Kanevra!
Pandemonium broke out as Lyra's revelation stunned everyone.
Akira's face twisted in rage, she lunged at Zainte.
Takeshi swiftly intercepted, sword flashing in the dim light.
Akane seized the distraction to attack Lyra, dagger slicing through shadows.
Zainte drew his own sword, ready to defend himself against Akira's furious strikes.
The windmill erupted into chaos - steel clashing, bodies crashing, and angry shouts filling the air.
In the melee, Zainte managed to glance at his parents:
Takeshi fought Akira with deadly precision, while Akane battled Lyra with swift dagger strikes.
But Akira landed a lucky blow - Takeshi stumbled back, wounded.
"No... Father!" Zainte cried out, fear gripping his heart.
Akira seized the advantage, raising her sword for the killing blow against Takeshi.
Zainte reacted instinctively, leaping forward to intercept Akira's strike.
Their swords clashed violently, sparks flying everywhere.
Akane took advantage of the distraction to deliver a fierce kick to Lyra's stomach, sending her crashing into crates.
Takeshi regained footing, wounded but still fighting - he joined Zainte against Akira.
The three of them exchanged blows in a deadly dance:
*Akira's sword sliced through air, Zainte parried with precision, Takeshi struck from the side.*
Suddenly, Akira stumbled back - Zainte landed a perfect counterattack!
Her sword flew from her hand, and she glared at Zainte with murderous intent.
Akira snarled, pulling out a hidden dagger from her sleeve.
"You may have won this battle, Kanevra but my clan will destroy your family... and Lyra will make sure your son suffers for this betrayal!"
Lyra, still recovering from Akane's kick, glared at Zainte with venomous eyes.
Takeshi stepped forward, sword tip pressed against Akira's throat.
"Enough threats, Akira. Your clan will fall, and Lyra will face justice for her treachery."
Akira spat at Takeshi's feet, then turned to Lyra.
"Sister... escape. Warn our clan leaders - the Kanevras must be annihilated!"
Lyra nodded, turning to flee - but Akane blocked her path.
Lyra drew her own dagger, and the two women clashed in a fierce duel.
Meanwhile, Zainte kept Akira pinned, sword pressed against her neck.
Takeshi approached, eyes blazing with fury.
"Akira, Shadow Clan leader... you are under arrest for treason against the Empire.
Akira sneered at Takeshi's words, despite the sword pressed against her neck.
Treason... how amusing. My clan will reduce your precious Empire to ashes.
Suddenly, Lyra cried out in pain - Akane had landed a decisive blow, disarming her.
Akane pinned Lyra to the ground, dagger tip hovering above her throat.
"Takeshi, shall we interrogate them together?" Akane asked calmly.
Takeshi nodded, eyes still fixed on Akira.
"Yes. We need to know Shadow Clan plans and Empire collaborators."
Akira's sneer faltered, replaced by a hint of fear.
"No... you won't break me. My clan has prepared for this."
She spat out a small, crushed pill from her mouth.
Akira's body began to convulse violently as the poison took effect.
Takeshi cursed under his breath, realizing too late that Akira had planned her own demise.
"Akane, get the antidote kit - NOW!" he shouted.
Akane swiftly retrieved a small pouch from her belt and injected Akira with the antidote.
But it was too late - Akira's body went limp, eyes frozen in a permanent glare.
Lyra watched her sister's death with horror, then turned to Zainte with venomous intent.
"You... Kanevra boy... will pay for this!"
Takeshi stepped forward, sword still at the ready.
"Lyra, your sister's death was her choice. Yours will be by my hand if you threaten my son again."
Akane bound Lyra's hands and feet, then turned to Takeshi.
"We should interrogate her, Takeshi. Shadow Clan secrets die with Akira.
Takeshi nodded in agreement with Akane.
"Agreed. Lyra will reveal Shadow Clan plans and Empire collaborators."
He turned to Zainte:
"Son, help your mother guard Lyra while I search Akira's body for clues."
Zainte nodded, standing watch beside Akane as she tightened Lyra's bindings.
Lyra glared at Zainte, her eyes burning with hatred.
"You'll never leave this place alive, Kanevra boy... my clan will destroy everything you love."
Akane silenced Lyra with a stern warning:
"Enough. Your threats fall flat - you're our prisoner now."
Takeshi returned with Akira's belongings, sorting through them meticulously.
He found a hidden scroll case, sealed with Shadow Clan wax.
Takeshi broke the seal, unrolling the parchment to reveal a shocking message:
"Operation: Eclipse - Target: Emperor's Lifeforce...
Supported by: Minister Kuroba, General Ryujin"
Akane's eyes widened in horror.
"Takeshi, this means Shadow Clan has infiltrated the highest Empire ranks!
Takeshi's face turned grim as he read on.
"The Emperor's Lifeforce is tied to the ancient artifact, 'Heart of Tenebrous'...
Shadow Clan plans to steal it during the upcoming Eclipse Festival."
Akane's grip on Lyra tightened.
"This changes everything. We must inform the Emperor immediately."
Zainte spoke up, mind racing with strategy.
"Father, Mother - if Shadow Clan has allies within the Empire, our messenger could be intercepted."
Takeshi nodded gravely.
"Zainte's right. We need a secure method to warn the Emperor.
Akane, recall our old contact within the Imperial Guard - Captain Lila Blackwood."
Akane nodded, already moving to send a discreet message.
As they prepared to act, Lyra suddenly slumped forward, defeated.
"It's... over. Shadow Clan will fall without Akira's leadership."
Tears streamed down her face as she whispered: I was blinded by loyalty... and hatred for your family, Kanevra.