Blood Drip

Episode 1:Blood Drip

The rain fell softly over the city streets. Neon signs flickered in puddles forming on cracked pavement. Shadows moved between abandoned buildings, and the air smelled like smoke and wet concrete.

Kakaido crouched behind a dumpster, his eyes scanning the alley. His breath was steady, but there was tension in his shoulders.

Kakaido: Damnit, he knows I’m here

Julo stumbled behind him, holding his jacket over his head to avoid the rain.

Julo: Wait, what about me? Am I gonna die here? I haven’t even got laid yet

Kakaido: Shut up, it’s not the time to be worrying about that. The world’s on the line and maybe even your life too

From the shadows came a voice, low and mocking.

Kikuda: Come on out, Kakaido… I can hear your blood flowing through your body

Kakaido’s eyes widened slightly.

Kakaido: He can literally hear my blood

Julo: Seriously? That’s… terrifying

Kakaido: Keep your voice down or he’ll hear that too

The alley went quiet except for the sound of dripping water and distant thunder. Kakaido’s hand rested on the edge of the dumpster, feeling the cold metal.

Kakaido: I can’t let him catch me

Julo peeked around nervously.

Julo: Can’t we just… run?

Kakaido: Not fast enough. He’s looking for me specifically

Another laugh echoed from the shadows.

Kikuda: Come out, come out whenever you are… Kakaido

Kakaido’s jaw clenched.

Kakaido: He’s toying with us

Julo: I don’t like toying with bloodthirsty guys who can hear your heart

Kakaido: Focus, Julo. Stay close and don’t make a sound

A piece of broken glass crunched underfoot. Kakaido tensed. Kikuda’s laughter grew louder.

Kikuda: There’s no hiding, Kakaido. I can smell fear, even yours, human friend

Julo froze.

Julo: Human friend? He’s calling me a friend? That’s… weird

Kakaido pushed Julo gently back.

Kakaido: Don’t move

Kikuda’s shadow shifted at the end of the alley, almost like he was melting into the darkness.

Kikuda: I just want a taste. Just one drop

Julo’s eyes widened.

Julo: Taste… of what exactly?

Kakaido: My blood

Julo: Wait, seriously?

Kakaido: Yes, seriously. Stay behind me

Kikuda stepped forward slowly, his movements casual but deliberate.

Kikuda: I like games, Kakaido. And this is the best game I’ve had in a long time

Kakaido’s fist tightened around the edge of the dumpster. He could feel his body start to react, his senses sharpening.

Kakaido: Not for long

Julo: You’re really calm about this?

Kakaido: It’s the only way to survive

Kikuda’s laugh rang through the alley again.

Kikuda: Let’s see what you’ve got

The first drop of rain slid down Kakaido’s face as he prepared to make his move.

Kakaido: Alright… let’s end this before it even begins

Julo: You said that already

Kakaido: Then pay attention, you might learn something

Kikuda crouched slightly, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Kikuda: Ready or not, here I come

Kakaido sprang from behind the dumpster, rolling to the side as Kikuda lunged forward with an almost impossible speed.

Julo: Whoa!

Kakaido: Stay back!

The alley erupted into chaos. Kakaido dodged, twisted, and used the shadows as cover. Kikuda’s laughter bounced off the walls, echoing over the rain.

Kakaido: I need to tire him out

Julo: How do you tire someone like that?

Kakaido: You don’t… you just survive

They darted past abandoned crates, jumped over puddles, and kicked debris to block Kikuda’s path.

Kikuda: You can’t run forever, Kakaido

Kakaido: I don’t plan on running

For a brief moment, Kakaido caught sight of an open window on the second floor of a building.

Kakaido: That way, follow me

Julo: Wait, what about…

Kakaido: Just move

The two of them vanished into the shadows, disappearing from Kikuda’s immediate view. The alley fell silent except for the rain.

Kikuda: Clever, but not enough

He crouched low, smiling as the camera zoomed in on his eyes.

Kikuda: The game has just begun

End of Episode 1

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