Puppet

CHAPTER 41:


Kiyoshi awoke to morning. He gave a long stretch before sitting up to look around him. He saw Luke wasn’t asleep by him, and he also saw Luke’s clothes were no longer beside his own. Gazing around, Kiyoshi saw Luke was standing staring out at the lake. Quietly removing the black sheet from his bare form, Kiyoshi dressed, and softly joined Luke at his side.

The lake was peaceful and calm. Kiyoshi enjoyed staring at it, and could see why Luke did too. This place Luke brought Kiyoshi to be a nice relaxation area. However, Kiyoshi knew he could only enjoy the scenery for a while longer. Today may start peaceful, but it’s going to end with Luke and Ra in one final showdown. Or at least, that’s what Kiyoshi was hoping for; asking for. He prayed last night before drifting off to sleep. He is frightened, but knows that the only way for him to be free again would be to get rid of the evil. Ra is the evil.

Kiyoshi was still confused about the night before. He didn’t quite understand why Luke represented those three things: evil, love, and darkness, with a black sheet, rose petals, and blood. Kiyoshi did not question Luke, though. He wished to know, but first they must deal with Ra.

“Kiyoshi,” Luke suddenly speaks, getting Kiyoshi’s full attention, “Are you ready?”

Kiyoshi takes one final look at the lake. A jumping trout made him feel prepared for anything. “Yes.”

--

Ra gave off a low grunt. He turned his head as he took a sip of his red beverage. He could sense that Luke and Kiyoshi were near. He was clueless of how far off they were, but Ra had an idea as to where they were going. “Well now,” Ra snickers, “It’s finally that time? I never expected they would be the ones to come after me. I always pictured myself as being the hunter; them the hunted. Hah, what a turn of events!” Sniffing his drink, Ra lets out a long drawn-out sigh, “I will torture, and destroy them both.”

Standing to his feet, Ra gave out a soft snort as he disappears around the corner.

--

Soon Luke finds he is carrying Kiyoshi down, and on to a different factory. This one was larger then the one he had once lived in. Luckily for them, it appeared that this factory was no longer in business, though Kiyoshi was sure it had been last time he was here.

“Kiyoshi,” Luke looks about, “Are you sure this is the correct place?”

“Yes I’m sure,” Kiyoshi frowns, “Chen brought me here to see that monster. I just know he’ll find us here. We—we just have to wait until he comes.”

Luke believed Kiyoshi. He gives a nod of understanding and leans against one of the cool steel walls.

Kiyoshi did find it odd that the factory seemed to be closed. It looked to be in fine condition. None of the pipes around seemed broken.

As they waited, Luke could see Kiyoshi was shivering in fright. Luke didn’t blame him. They were here to challenge Ra, and Luke knew that the only way to defeat the man was if Luke unleashed that dark power he had before. Luke knew he needed to concentrate. He needed to be able to control it, but was sure he couldn’t. He kept his eyes on Kiyoshi, who was busily watching the sky. Luke kept his ears open, hoping, yet also not hoping that Ra would show up. A response soon came.

“What a sight for sore eyes,” Ra shouted from in the sky, “I can’t believe you two are actually challenging me! Me, of all beings in this world!” Ra begins to lower to the factory roof as Kiyoshi moves back over to Luke, “What brave hearts you have, though in only a few moments both will be splattered across the cement floor.”

Soon Ra’s feet touched solid cement. He stood tall, but so did Luke. Each man stood glaring at the other. Kiyoshi held his fear in, making sure it would not release. He needed to be brave; knew he had to be. This was all for the sake of everyone he had lost. He did not cower behind Luke. He stood beside him; his hands had formed fists.

“Look at you two,” Ra chuckles, “You do look perfect together. I just now notice this? Heh, I must need glasses.”

Luke was not allowing Ra’s dumb humor to stir him up. He stood calm, ready to unleash his power when needed. He turned to Kiyoshi, who was trying hard not to tremble. “Kiyoshi,” Luke whispers, “I want you to take that door, and go all the way to the bottom.”

“What,” Kiyoshi stares sadly up at Luke, “Why?”

“You’ll be safe down there,” Luke answers, “Down and out the building.”

“No!”

Luke glares at Kiyoshi, who goes on. “This is my battle too,” Kiyoshi shouts, “I’m the one who has lost everything! I deserve to be up here! I deserve to!”

Luke slowly nods his head. His eyes never blink. “Yes, you do,” Luke frowns “But you know just as well as I that you would not stand a chance. Kiyoshi, I love you, and if you die then what will that show? Will that conquer this evil? Will that be the only way for you to get out of this hell? I will not allow you to die!”

“Better listen to him Kiyoshi,” Ra snickers, “It’s going to get rough up here.”

Kiyoshi lowers his head. “Luke…”

“Please Kiyoshi,” Luke raises his hand, and brushes it against Kiyoshi’s soft cheeks, “Please go…”

Kiyoshi knew Luke was right. He gave out a desperate sigh, but knew gave Luke his best smile. “Be careful.”

Luke nods, and watches as Kiyoshi vanishes out the door, (luckily it was unlocked.)

--

Once he reached the bottom of the factory, Kiyoshi hurried out of it and stared up at the ceiling.

--

“Well now that he’s out of our hair,” Ra smirked, “Are you ready to get started?”

“Yes,” Luke smirks, “But first I was wondering if I could ask you a question.”

“We have the day ahead of us,” Ra crosses his arms, “so shoot!”

“This power,” Luke begins to ask, “You knew I had it. Why exactly do I have it, and how did you obtain it?”

Ra shook his head, and sighs. “That’s two questions,” Ra lifts his head, “But both simple to answer. You see Luke, just like the mortals of Earth; each immortal is special in his or her very own way. They each have a certain amount of power, and only few know how to use it. Luckily for me, I was able to control this strong power ever since I could crawl. I’m not sure on even how I released the power, but I know the results ended when I killed my own parents. Hell, I was only two years old when I blew them to shreds.”

Luke’s ears perked. Ra was that strong at age two! How incredible, yet very terrifying to think about. Ra continued. “You, my dear Luke, were gifted like me. However, it seemed you took longer to release it then it took me. I was there when it began. You grew angry with me; angry knowing that I had hurt your precious puppet. So it finally came out. That’s how it does come out; with anger. I guess I was a very angry infant. That’s not the humorous part of the story, however. You see Luke, my parents—neither one of them was immortal.”

“What,” Luke’s eyes widen, “You had mortal parents?”

“Indeed I did,” Ra cackles, “I guess that may be why I was a very angry infant.”

“I suppose so,” Luke sneers, “So how do I control this power?”

Luke growls as Ra shakes a finger at him. “I believe I already answered your questions, Luke.” Ra pushes his long hair back, and grins. “It doesn’t matter anyway. I’ll have you killed before you can even unleash your power!” Ra allows his black eyes to glare deeply at Luke. “So, what are you waiting for? Come and get me!”

Ra awaited Luke’s first move. Luke stayed leaning against the wall, but soon his body disappeared, reappeared, and disappeared again as he ran for Ra. Ra, though, saw this as child’s play. “Heh…” As soon as Luke goes in to punch his enemy, Ra is already gone. Luke looks around, trying to sense Ra’s strong power, but he cannot. He soon feels a breath upon his neck, “Too slow…” Luke gasps as Ra punches him hard in the stomach. Luke uncontrollably flies into a wall.

--

Kiyoshi knew the battle had begun. He heard a loud thud, and gasped. “Luke…hang in there!”

--

Luke kept coming at Ra, but Ra kept dodging, and Luke would find himself being thrown into one of the steel walls. Luke wouldn’t give in, however. He kept standing to his feet and kept racing for Ra, hoping to get at least one punch in. He never did.

Ra gave off a victory laugh as he sails Luke into the cracked cement wall. “Come now Luke,” Ra shouts, “You know that there’s only one way for you to even have a chance at defeating me. So, why not unleash it? Are you scared?”

Giving a snort, Luke wobbles to his feet. He stares at the cracked wall, and then stares at his wounds. They were taking longer then usual to heal.

“You are scared,” Ra sighs, “Look at you. You’re already out of breath. I haven’t even begun to sweat! Do you possibly think you can beat me the way you are?”

Luke ignores Ra’s words. He flies at him again, using the same routine. Ra shakes his head with irritation. “Damn you Luke,” Ra growls, “I was looking forward to a challenge, but if this is all you’re going to give me…” Ra moves fast, and gives Luke another punch to the stomach, “I might as well kill you now.”

--

It almost appeared as if dark clouds had formed over the sky. The top of the factory was clouded in darkness; clouded in evil. Kiyoshi knew something terrible was happening up there. He was walking back and forth, nervously glancing up at the roof. He’d seen a few sharp flashes, and knew those were Luke and Ra battling it out. Kiyoshi, however, had this strange feeling that Luke could not win this battle alone. Kiyoshi wanted to be with him, to help him, even though Kiyoshi was unsure if he’d be any help at all.

“He needs my help,” Kiyoshi finally decides, “I just know it.”

As Kiyoshi walks towards the entrance, he gasps as a top of the roof suddenly falls apart and crashes down. Kiyoshi quickly escapes into the safety of the building, watching as the broken pipes and cement pieces crashed down right where he had been standing. “Damn that was close,” Kiyoshi heaves, “I’m coming Luke.”

The factory was shaking. Kiyoshi was surprised by all this power, and knew it was coming from Ra. He quickly raced for the spiraling stairs and carefully walked up them, desperately avoiding falling.

--

Ra had Luke pinned to the wall; he had grabbed Luke from behind. Ra’s left arm dangerously pushed against Luke’s beaten up stomach and his right and was pressed against Luke’s throat.

“Such a shame that you could not save Kiyoshi,” Ra shakes his head, “You are weak; foolish.”

Luke could feel his blood rising. He knew Ra was going to try and kill him now. Luke couldn’t; he could, but he did not want to release the power inside. He felt ashamed in his self. He has failed.

“Luke,” Luke lifts his head to see Kiyoshi, “Luke!”

“Kiyoshi,” Luke gasps, “W—what are you doing up here?”

“I had to come and help you,” Kiyoshi walks forward, careful not to step on a breaking apart crack, “Please don’t loose to him, Luke.”

Ra begins to chuckle. That chuckle soon turns into a screeching laugh. “Oh now this is just swell,” Ra laughs, “Thank you for coming up here Kiyoshi. You’ve just made my life easier. Now I can kill the both of you together!”

“Kiyoshi,” Luke hacks, “Go—go back—go out and run…”

“I’m not going to run anymore,” Kiyoshi frowns, “I’m staying right here!”

“Hmm,” Ra moves his hand off of Luke’s neck, and slowly rubs his chin, “Now this is entertaining. Actually, I have a better idea. Instead of killing you both at once, I think I’ll start with young Kiyoshi there, just for you Luke! Watch as I kill your puppet right before your eyes!”

Luke is dropped to the ground. His blood is boiling; he tries standing. “Kiyoshi—get out of here!”

Kiyoshi’s eyes widen as he is forcefully pushed back. He gives out a gasping cry as he hits the ground, and gains scratches from broken cement pieces.

Luke stares with surprise. His face turns bleak. “Kiyoshi!”

Ra laughs again as he walks towards Kiyoshi. He steps up beside Kiyoshi’s aching body and pushes Kiyoshi with his foot. “See now Luke,” Ra shouts, “This is what happens when you don’t fight me with everything you’ve got! Now thanks to you, this weakling is going to die!”

Kiyoshi cries out in pain as he gets thrown against the wall. He gasps as the wind is nearly knocked out of him. He holds his stomach—felt as if he’d vomit, but none came out. “Poor, poor Kiyoshi,” Ra sighs as he lifts Kiyoshi’s body with his mind, “You’re so weak; so stupid. When I removed your mother from my life those many years ago, I should have just killed you, too. Now look at where we are! You incoherent, petrifying little piece of scum!”

“Uh,” Kiyoshi can feel his throat tightening; he tries to break loose of Ra’s force, “Please…”

“No more waiting, I’m afraid,” Ra growls, “I’m going to torture every bone, every little piece in your body. Don’t be afraid Kiyoshi; death does come to all eventually. All except me, that is.” Ra cackles in amusement as Kiyoshi tries to breath for air, “You can feel it, can’t you? You’re entire body is slowly shutting down.” Ra turns his head to Luke, “Now Luke, watch you’re puppet—what?”

Luke had gotten to his feet. His head was lowered, but that isn’t what concerned Ra. Luke had changed again. That black aroma surrounded his body. He raises his head; his eyes are filled with rage; his breathing.

Ra stays by Kiyoshi. He is angered at Luke’s sudden transformation. “You…”

“Get away…” Luke’s voice sounds corpselike; deathly, “Get away from him…”

Ra does not move, however. He continues to crush Kiyoshi’s insides. Kiyoshi winces in pain. His eyes fill with tears as he can feel his body trying to break apart. “H—help me…”

“Luke does not care about you,” Ra laughs, “He doesn’t give a shit about…” Ra is cut off. He sharply turns his head, but it’s too late. Luke was fast and moved up right behind him. Ra’s eyes widen as Luke whispers:

“Too slow…”

Kiyoshi breathes a sign of gratitude as he falls to the ground. Ra is thrown against the wall, and held up there. He angrily curses, for he cannot move. Ra desperately tries breaking free; his black heart is angered. “You…” Ra glares at Luke, who was walking slowly up to him, “You bastard! You son of a bitch!”

“It hurts doesn’t it,” Luke’s ghostly voice speaks, “It starts with the tightening of the chest and throat, then slowly your blood begins to boil as your insides slowly begin to expand.”

Ra stares with horror. He began to feel all that Luke was murmuring out at him. He gives off a pleading look; he could feel his nose bleeding again; just like that last time. Ra could see Kiyoshi standing there staring sadly at him. “Kiyoshi,” Ra smirks, “Come on and turn Luke back to his original form. Save me just like last time. I know you want to!”

Kiyoshi stood there frozen. He removes his eyes from Ra, and lowers his head to the ground.

“Come on,” Ra yells, “Come on you bastard!”

Ra feels a sharp pain in his gut. This glare never leaves his face as a puddle of blood escapes his mouth and hits the cement floor.

Luke has made it up to Ra, and stares at Ra with an empty expression. “You—hurt my Kiyoshi—you hurt him over and over again. Now—now you must pay for all that you’ve done. You must pay—be tortured, and you must fall and burn in hell.”

Though blood spilled out of his eyes, out of his nose, and out of his ears, Ra laughed. He laughed insanely. His eyes were still dark, and filled with power. “You damned monster! You’re just like all of them! Low—low as dirt. Like Chen! Yes, I killed her! I killed her, and I killed all of those mortal lowlifes. They do not deserve to live on! They are all weak! They are weak, helpless, scrawny, and puny! None of them deserved to be born! Only I! Only I am able to walk amongst this Earth, for I am all-powerful, I am all-mighty, I am a God!” At his final words, Ra’s insides explodes, and blood shot out like bullets from inside his body. His head came next, and it rolled to the ground.

Kiyoshi turns his head, scared at the sight he sees. Though Ra was his enemy, he did not wish to watch the man die.

Once Ra’s head was on the ground, Luke moved over to it. He glares at the head; at the eyes of a man who had ruined his puppet’s life. “Look at the great and all-powerful now,” Luke gently speaks, “It’s just as you say, Ra. Not every one can live forever.” With that, Luke stepped over the head, and let the brains and blood spread across the cement floor.

Kiyoshi cowers in fear as Luke turns to face him. Kiyoshi’s face was wet with tears, and his body was trembling with fright. Luke never moved, though, so Kiyoshi knew he had to be the brave one now. Gathering his courage, he slowly stood tall, and moved closer to Luke. He soon found himself running into Luke’s arms. “Oh Luke,” Kiyoshi cries, “Come back to me! Wake up and come back to me! You’ve won; we’ve won! Ra is dead!”

Kiyoshi could feel Luke’s mind tracing back. Luke gave a couple of blinks, and fell to his knees. Kiyoshi was right there beside him. “Oh Luke!”

“Kiyoshi,” Luke shakes his head, “Where’s Ra?”

“What,” Kiyoshi frowns, “Luke you mean you don’t remember? Ra is dead now. You killed him.”

Luke turns in stares in shock. Ra was dead; gone forever. “Did I—did I unleash that power?”

“Yes,” Kiyoshi smiles, “It’s all over. It’s finally over!”

Luke allowed Kiyoshi to keep hugging him. Kiyoshi was happy now; free from Ra’s evilness. They had defeated the evil; they had gained the love. But Luke knew that there was still one last thing to do—be rid of the darkness. “Sadly,” Luke thought to his self, “It’s not over just yet.”

* End of Chapter 41*