CHRONICLE OF LOVE

After World War 3, the world changed a lot. Most of humanity was wiped out by nuclear bombs. Only major cities survived. Jungles took over earth.

And when things couldn't get worse, the biggest, strongest solar storm ever recorded happened, which took out most of the world's electric lines.

It's like we were aging backwards. Then a few major earthquakes took place, which led to buildings being destroyed.

This was humanity's worst era. Now we are back to the medieval age...again. Well except Provecta Portus; 10 modern cities that were unaffected by the calamities of earth due to the atmosphere being the strongest at the 10 spots. I was running from the mailbox with a letter in my hand from my best friend Kaede.

We both screamed with excitement, "We got in!". When we entered the room, my mother and Kaede's mom (Kya) stood up from the couch filled with happiness.

My mom almost squeezed the life out of me while Kya held her by the hips and threw her up.

I said with a goofy grin, "Kaede, I think my ribs are rearranged after that hug." Kaede, who is still catching her breath, said with a smirk, "Worth it? I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes during those hip-tosses. Our moms got some serious moves!"

I shot "Good thing your dad is at work, or he would have squeezed us to death."

"I added sadly, 'If my dad and older sister were alive, they would have been the happiest people on Earth."

Kaede's mom said, "It's no surprise; we knew you guys could do it."

I froze, my face turning pale. I said silently, "It has been a long time since the incident."

I still remember... I was in a dark void, and a few black figures ambushed me. They charged towards me. I used divine charge I dashed toward each of them, slashing their necks one by one. For the last one, I struck upward, launching myself before smoothly sheathing my sword. I was showing off a little, but it was so fast it seemed like it was all at once. Geez, what are they?

I suddenly felt my heart rate going up. I was overwhelmed by an aura.

A mist started to form. A figure was standing a bit far. He had a black mask and long hair that was black as a raven. He had a black cloak that was torn at the edges. He had 2 machetes, which were a bit serrated.

The air started to get heavy, and my heartbeat got faster. I started moving towards him automatically, like he was pulling me with a magnetic force. I charged so fast it seemed like teleporting. I swung my katana and aimed for his neck. It was an inch away.

He blocked it by spinning his swords. I kept aiming for his shoulders and neck, but he was deflecting; no, he was somehow blocking before I even moved.

Damn it, what is he? He unleashed a vertical slash. He cut my left arm. I fell fast and scraped my back. What power... I can't win. Even though I was a prodigy. I was looked down upon for having supernatural strength. Now is not the time to sulk Akarui. Survive!

He jumped, holding his machete, towards me. I rolled to my right. Barely evading it, I jumped back and got up on my feet. I rolled forward and picked up my katana.

He had his two machetes do a downward slash; I slashed his chest. He moved back and closed the distance in a moment (with his arms spread wide, ready to close to take my head off), and we clashed, with every one of his blows being stronger and faster.

He landed a strong blow, which pushed me back; I lost balance. He struck my other arm, which cut my lower right arm off from the elbow.

I screamed, "Who are you? Are you even human?"

He lifted his mask just above his dark reddish lips, revealing his pale skin.

He gave a dead smile, and he gave a terrifying laugh. Immediately there was a strong presence holding me in place; I couldn't move at all; it was slowly pushing me down.

What is this presence? Damn it, I can't move. He replied in a deep voice, "I am a dog on a leash." I was confused.

He leaped towards me with his machetes pointing at me. I managed to land a powerful kick somehow and blow him away.

Come on, Akarui, you were always pathetic despite your prodigious strength; you can't die when so many people are counting on you! Move. Move. MOVE! I grabbed the katana with my mouth. I threw it up and caught it with the remaining piece of my right arm.

"I lifted my head high, proud. 'Arms or no arms, I will kill you, unholy being!" He gave me a smirk and said with a deep voice, a bit annoyed, "What will make you give up?" he continued, laughing." Such a sorry sight; it's inevitable for you."

He dashed towards me. I shouted, "Bring it on." Our blades clashed one after. I suffered bruise after bruise. My skin was already barely recognizable. He managed to slash my body; I didn't stop; I kept going. He cut the remaining piece of my arm. Don't die, for the people who loved and believed in you, or you can't call yourself the son of Raiden Hikaru!

The blade flew, and I caught the blade with my mouth. I kept blocking his attacks. He finally slashed my eyes. I was blind. But I could see better, and his attacks were more visible. Damn it I am blin- what the; how can I see? It's like I am mapping it in my mind. Stop. Focus!

I could how and at what speed it would hit me. Got it! I dodged it, he lost his balance leaving an opening. I almost beheaded him.