Amara was left speechless as she saw Ryu Tsukishiro, nicknamed the White Moon Dragon, standing right in front of her. He slung his rifle over the strap across his chest and looked at the dead creatures, removing them from on top of her one by one with just one hand.
Able to move again, Amara saw her body covered in the Sombros' black blood and felt sickened. She didn't notice when Ryu approached and grabbed her neck with his right hand, forcing her to look directly into his eyes.
Those cold, slanted eyes stared at her as if evaluating her, as if he were uncertain. Then he finally asked in a low, deep voice:
— Sombro?
— N-no... — She answered with difficulty, as his hand around her neck made it hard to breathe.
— Ryu! — a female voice shouted, approaching them. It was another Cobalt Flame of the Hinoken, wearing the same uniform with that iconic symbol. She was beautiful, with a short bob haircut dyed light blonde, but her expression was far from friendly as she crossed her arms. — Can't you see she's human? She was about to be devoured by the Sombros.
Ryu suddenly let go of her neck, allowing air to flow into her lungs again. Still, he straightened up and, keeping his eyes fixed on Amara, stated:
— All I see is black blood on her.
With that, he reached with his right hand for the legendary Hinoyaiba, sheathed on his back. The movement was calm and slow, making Amara tremble, wondering what he would do next.
Ryu raised the sword and, just as he was about to strike, Amara squeezed her eyes shut and recoiled, bracing for a fatal blow.
However...
She only felt a small, thin cut on her left arm. When she opened her eyes, she saw red blood dripping from the nearly painless wound.
— Human — the leader of the Hinoken declared, returning the sword to his back.
— Did you really have to do that, Ryu? — the warrior walked up to them, angry. — The girl has been through enough already, and you come at her with those methods?
Amara clutched her wounded arm as the woman helped her to her feet.
— You can never be too careful when we're in an area infested with Sombros — he said calmly, turning his back to them and scanning the street as if looking for more demons to eliminate.
The blonde helped Amara walk away from the horrific corpses. The wound in her abdomen hurt terribly, and she didn't hesitate to accept the woman's help.
— Don't mind him. I'm Emi Miyamoto, second-in-command of the Hinoken. I'll help you get to the shelter and receive proper medical care.
Amara's jaw dropped.
— You're the Steel Phoenix? The one who killed over two hundred Nefaris on her own?? — She was in awe, seeing the two Hinoken leaders right there, offering help.
— Yes, that's me. — Emi chuckled, though not arrogantly—her aura radiated kindness and empathy.
— Ah, my father... — Amara remembered suddenly. — He's locked in our car—it crashed into a pole. He can't walk, and I broke his wheelchair trying to defend myself from the Sombros.
The rain had lessened, and she could now see the warrior beside her more clearly.
— Don't worry, we'll get you and your father into our rescue vehicle. Once we get to the shelter, we'll make sure he has a new chair. — Emi smiled, and Amara returned the gesture.
However, when she looked up toward the bamboo forest, she noticed the helicopters weren't coming into the city but remained only in that area. Emi followed her gaze and explained the obvious doubt on Amara's face:
— They won't enter the city until we're sure all Mizuki residents are inside the shelter. Only then will the helicopters fly over the city and release the poison that will kill the remaining Nefaris.
— That's why we have to move now — Ryu said harshly, reminding Amara he was still there. — We need to contain these creatures before they reach other cities.
— Of course, Ryu. Let's go now! — Emi responded and continued supporting Amara, who was struggling to walk because of her injuries. — You seem seriously hurt. We have a medic in the vehicle who can tend to you before we reach the shelter.
— Thank you, but I'm also a nurse. I'll manage.
— Oh really? Are you from here, then? — the warrior asked.
— Yes and no. I'm mixed—my father's from Aokai, and my mother's from Khalawan, so of course I'm not exactly welcomed among the people. — Amara chose to soften the details.
— Don't worry, dear. I know what mixed-bloods and foreigners go through in this country, but I assure you, in the shelter, you, your family, and any other mixed folks will get in—even if we have to use force! — Emi declared with the authority of a queen.
— I'm truly grateful. — Amara bowed her head slightly in gratitude and respect.
As they walked toward her father's car, with Ryu many steps ahead, silent as a grave, Amara decided to call out:
— Hey! White Moon Dragon? — He stopped and turned his head toward her. — Thank you... for saving me just now. If it weren't for you, not only would I be dead, but my father too—he would've been their next target for sure.
— Don't thank me, girl — he snapped again. — Killing Nefaris is my job. It had nothing to do with you.
Amara was left speechless by such rudeness.
— RYU! — Emi scolded. — Please forgive him. — She turned to Amara. — Ryu's just in a foul mood because of this whole situation. He's not always like this.
Upon hearing that, Ryu turned fully toward them and, with long strides, got close to Amara's face. With that same icy expression that never changed, he said:
— Oh, and one more thing. A piece of advice: when someone unsheathes a sword in front of you, don't close your eyes and wait for death like some frightened little girl... It's pathetic.
And, with those cruel words, he walked away without looking back.
At that moment, Amara was sure of one thing only:
She hated that man.