The Phantom Riser

CHAPTER SIXTY - CONTENDER

It didn’t take too long for them to get to the meeting point. Contrary to Kiro’s fears, they got there without any significant event. A lot of other Risers had been ambushed on their way there. But not them. It had been decided that they were not worth the trouble. At least to the Risers they had encountered on the way there. There were more people than they imagined they would be. But in truth, they were less than they were supposed to be. They were supposed to be about five hundred and seventy Risers. But somehow, they were no more than two hundred. What had happened to the majority of the group?

While Kiro worried about that, someone a lot more worrisome snuck up on them from behind. His stealth was so good, that not even Karenia picked up his scent. He got up close, feeling her hair in hand. It was only then that they realized that someone was behind them. While he might have been feeling victorious that he snuck on literally the scariest Riser team, their reaction made him understand why truly, they were the scariest. None of them took a step back. It was almost like they were expecting him. Or as if they had refused to acknowledge his presence. No, they acknowledge his presence alright. But it wasn’t enough to make them move. The intensity of their gazes made him wonder why he entered their midst in the first place. What was he thinking?

He made to leave the same way he came, but this time they moved. Only to encircle him, however. He had a nervous smile on his face. “Hi,” he blurted out hesitantly. Kiro stared at him so closely that he felt like a still object.

“Do you need something?” Kiro asked. The hostility in his voice was clear for all to hear. Well, the hostility, in this case, was shared. The Riser before them was lanky. He had a very mischievous look, however. His height counted for nothing as he shrunk in the mere presence of these intimidating figures. Was this going to be the end for him? So early?

Amidst his stuttering, rescue finally came his way. A complete contrast of his personality, a carefree, drab-looking Riser approached them. He didn’t seem too interested in Kiro and his team. His eyes were dead set on the Riser between them. Until he locked eyes with Karenia. For a brief moment, his expression changed. It was a surprise. Not exactly directed at anything in particular, but enough to make him gasp. But only for a moment. His face normalized when he locked his gaze with Kiro. Kiro frowned. What was their business with Karenia? Why did they seem to show so much interest? Was she a target?

“I apologize for my friend’s rude behavior. He can’t seem to control himself around beautiful women,” he said. Karenia blushed upon hearing such a compliment. They parted a path for the Riser to pass. “I appreciate your generosity. The name’s---” he said, but Kiro cut him short.

“Ashraf,” Kiro said. He stared at him with even more intensity than before. A frightful memory rang in his head enough to make Kiro shiver. Whoever this Riser was, he was serious trouble.

“I don’t believe we’ve met before,” he said. He was quite surprised that Kiro knew his name. But it didn’t extend to his face. His expression still remained the same. If something as shocking as that didn’t send a shock, it was only a wonder what could have made surprised him upon seeing Karenia.

“No, we haven't. Number one in District 191,” Kiro said. He kept his gaze focused on Ashraf. And so was Ashraf’s gaze on him. From one number one to another. Neither was ready to back down.

“I don’t believe I’ve done anything to make you know who I am. Unlike you guys. You’re famous for inviting trouble. Even so much so that I am here now,” Ashraf said. A taunt that was meant to draw out a reaction from Kiro. But Kiro didn’t seem very interested in that. He simply turned away to leave and the others followed.

“I’ve heard about you and the Ascient. But it would seem as though you are not aware of the gem you hold in your hand. The Beast. She’s way more valuable than the both of you combined. You two are nothing but trouble,” Ashraf said. His expression hadn’t changed, but it was clear that he was looking for an expression from Kiro.

But surprisingly, or maybe not so surprising, the one who took offense was Theodore. For two reasons. One, he held both Victor and Kiro in very high regard. As did everyone else. It took a lot for them to do nothing. Mostly because Kiro had gestured through Lucas’s mind communication that they should react to his taunt. Secondly, he was attracted to Karenia and these people were targeting her for some reason. Were they interested in her as well? Not of that mattered as he walked up to Ashraf, defying Lucas’s appeal to stand down telepathically. “For someone who looks like he doesn’t give a s**t, you sure are nosy,” Theodore said.

Ashraf stared at him with contempt. He had complete disregard for him. “And where did you find this chattering monkey?” Ashraf goaded.

If it wasn’t for Kiro’s force field dragging him back, Theodore would have ignored their warnings and attacked Ashraf. “Can’t you tell when death is standing right in front of you?” Kiro said as he released Theodore from the shield.

Ashraf sighed. It sounded like he was disappointed. He turned away from them and left with the Riser he rescued. And a nasty turn of events ensued. A wide menacing grin sat grimly on Ashraf’s face. But neither Kiro nor the others could see it.

“Why did you stop me? We’ve faced way worse!” Theodore lamented. He was still very pissed at Ashraf’s words. And he was even more annoyed at Kiro. “We have to make sure that no one dares to mess with us just as he did. That’s the optimum route to our survival and you know it!”

Kiro sighed. He understood Theodore's frustration all too well. And he could tell the others were annoyed as well. But it was only because they didn’t know what he did. “That guy just killed half of the Risers that were en route here,” Kiro said.