THE ORB OF PLEIADIA

4. Kano

Logan's eyes narrowed. “I’m not leaving till I get what I'm looking for.”

“An early grave? To meet your father again, huh!? Is that what you want? Listen, you have to trust me.”

Logan chuckled nervously. “Trust?”

From where he stood, the word had no significance, it was an overrated word used to decieve ignorant men.

The old man's expression was grim, “You see,

kid, you made your choice. Now here’s mine.”

Logan saw it coming, but it was too fast. The old man launched a devastating strike on Logan's neck, and everything went blank.

As Logan collapsed, the man caught him and slugged him over his shoulder, leaving the bar in a haste.

Four men wearing long black coats burst into the bar, not long after. One limping. The air was thick with tension as they scanned the room. Their presence oozed a different kind of aura.

It was Drew—the menace mercenary that worked for Vaught—and his crew.

Rumors had it that he killed hundreds of Pleiadians during the war and his limp was the only injury he sustained.

“I will only ask this once,” Drew boots crunched on the floor as he marched towards the bar. He trailed his dagger on the long scar that marred his left eye. “Where’s the boy?”

The bartender swallowed hard, his eyes darting to the door. “The old man took him,” he whispered, barely audible.

Drew, the leader, slammed his hand against a table, shattering it. “Get him tonight, boys. No mistakes this time.”

“What about the old man,” One of his men asked.

“I will deal with Kano myself.”

Logan groaned, his hand instinctively reaching for his neck. He opened his eyes only to find himself at the base of a hill, a small fire burning beside him. His bag was perched on a log next to the flames.

He sat up, his mind racing with questions.

Kano, the old man, chuckled menacingly “Finally,” he breathed. “I thought I killed you.”

Logan’s eye narrowed as he scrambled to his feet, his hand on his bag. “Who are you?”

Kano’s expression turned serious. “My apologies. I am Kano. You're Logan?”

“Explain yourself.” Logan retorted, not breaking eye contact with Kano.

“You don't remember me? I fought with your father,” Kano sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “Not really with him… alongside him. You know what I mean?”

Logan's brow furrowed. “No, I don't.”

Kano dropped onto the ground, his eyes clouding with memories. “The war. I, and your father fought against the pleiadians,” he paused, as if reliving those memories. “Your dad was a great guy, a noble warrior. Although he was the general, he fought with us in the front lines, never scared to embrace death. I see you got that same trait from him.”

Logan's mind reeled as Kano spoke. His father, a warrior? That wasn't what he'd been told.

Kano continued, “Meridith should've told you everything by now. You should know the truth now that you've come of age.”

Logan’s voice was barely above a whisper. “What truth?”

“The truth about your birth, about the lies Gerald fed the people of Greenville. You need to know what truly happened to your father, and why they are after you now.”

“Who is after me?”

“Terror!” A voice echoed from the top of the hill, sending a shiver down Logan's spine.

Drew landed on his feet with a thud, his eyes fixed on Logan. Kano tensed, his hands on the axe beside him.

“Drew,” Kano growled, his voice low and menacing.

Logan froze in place, reluctant to pounce on the man, as if for the first time he was accessing his opponent before charging. Logan sensed that any attack he attempted against him would be easily countered.

Drew exuded a dark aura.

His gaze flicked between Logan and Kano, a cold grin spreading across his face. “Nice to meet you, old friend. Don't tell me you chose to be on his side.”

“It has nothing to do with sides. This is about valor, and honour. What you're doing, my friend, is not honourable at all.”

“Honour?” Drew scoffed. “Where is the honour in living in a bar, wearing rags, begging for alms in the pit of Cohun? Wake up! It's always been about sides. You chose the wrong side, Kano. But, for old times sake, I will give you a chance to redeem yourself. Hand over the boy, and I will put in a good word for you, have you cleaned up and taken care of, give you the honour you deserve.”

“Over my grave,” Kano spat.

Kano charged at Drew, his movements lighting-fast. The sound of their weapons echoed through the air as they clashed.

Logan watched, his heart racing. He knew he had to act.

A loud thud had Kano stumbling back, his face twisted in pain. Drew stood over him, a dagger glimmering in his hand. .

“I see you still got your speed, but ever impulsive and not calculative as always,” Drew snapped.

“No!” Logan shouted, rushing forward.