[Narrow alleyway – faint light, scattered trash, the scent of rust in the air]
Vaibhav slows, boots scraping against the cracked pavement. His breath fogs as a dark shadow emerges ahead because of sun—tall, broad-shouldered, coat swaying like a curtain over steel.
Bulls' Co-Leader: Loki (nickname: GG)
"So, you really came… White Dragon."
Vaibhav (panting, fingers twitching near his back)
"I'm here for Sanjana, GG. Step aside."
GG (tilting his head, a sly smirk forming)
"Sanjana? Oh, alright. I'll give her to you… but promise me one thing: fight me."
Vaibhav (eyes narrowing)
"I promise."
Footsteps echo behind—Lagoon finally catches up, gasping, then freezes as he recognizes the man before them.
Lagoon (whispering to himself)
"Co-leader… of the Bulls?"
GG turns, walking deeper into the dim-lit street. Vaibhav follows silently, Lagoon close at his heel. The lamps flicker, each step pulling them deeper into shadow. At the end of the lane—Sanjana sits, unharmed, tears glinting under the weak light.
GG (gesturing toward her)
"There she is. No scars, no marks—just how you wanted."
Vaibhav (eyes fixed on GG)
"Lagoon. Take her. Now."
Lagoon
"As you say, White Dragon."
Lagoon steps forward, passing GG without a word. The Bulls' co-leader doesn't even flinch. He reaches Sanjana and crouches slightly.
Lagoon
"Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"
Sanjana (shaking her head, wiping her tears)
"No… I'm fine. They didn't touch me."
Lagoon
"Good. Let's get you out."
He takes her arm gently, leading her back. They pass GG once more and stand behind Vaibhav—ready to retreat.
GG (slipping off his coat, shoulders cracking)
"So… shall we start? Or do you have something to say first?"
White Dragon (gripping the axe from behind his back, its edge catching the weak light)
"Just one thing—how did you know I'd take the right street?"
GG (chuckling, brushing his fingers through his hair)
"Oh, that? You're my rival, Vaibhav. A true rival knows everything—even the way you breathe. You've always been a 'right path' kind of guy."
White Dragon (smirking, axe leveled)
"Then I guess you already know how this ends."
GG
"Good game… begins."