Riko reacted fast, pulling Luna out of the way just as the monster's massive hand slammed down, crushing the street where they stood.
This wasn't just some regular tough guy. The boss was huge, and its hand came down like a skyscraper collapsing, ready to flatten everything below. Riko didn't have time to think; it was pure instinct. He moved before fear even had a chance to set in. One second, he was caught in the monster's grip and the next, he was using every ounce of strength to twist, squirm, and slip through the creature's fingers, like an eel escaping a trap. A burst of static came from the screen on his arm as he dropped to the ground, rolled, and sprinted across the broken pavement.
Luna was too busy yelling at the monster, still holding onto the useless tire rim and acting like it was some kind of super weapon, to spot the danger coming from above. Riko slammed into her side just as the boss's hand crashed down. The impact shook the street, sending chunks of concrete flying. A shockwave went through their bodies as Riko tackled her off the truck roof and onto the ground. They slid across the pavement in a mess of arms and legs, finally stopping behind an overturned vending machine.
Luna gasped for air, her hair a mess around her face. What the—Riko?!
He groaned, holding onto her as dust fell around them. Are you crazy?! Why were you yelling at it? Why didn't you run?!
Why were you fighting it by yourself?! she shot back, both of them still trapped under the twisted metal. And why did you just knock me down like that?!
Another hit shook the ground as the monster pulled its arm up from the crater it had created. The debris shifted dangerously around them. Riko instinctively shielded Luna with his body, his jaw tight. Because you wouldn't move!
Because you weren't listening! she replied
Riko tried to get up but his legs felt weak from the adrenaline suddenly leaving his body. Luna grabbed his sleeve, helping him stay steady. They peeked over the wreckage. The boss thrashed around, angry that it had missed, its claws tearing through the asphalt. Cars nearby shook.
Riko's heart was pounding. Okay... okay... it's distracted for a few seconds. That's... helpful.
Luna stared at him, breathing heavily. Riko... how did you get away from it? It had you in its HAND.
I don't know! he said honestly, his voice high and panicked. I just—slipped out, I guess? I didn't have a plan!
That's obvious! she shouted, pointing at the crater. You almost got killed like twelve times in three minutes!
Well, I'm sorry for not having a rule book for 'Boss Monster Attacks City' day!
Another roar tore through the air, shaking the buildings. Dust swirled around them in thick waves, turning everything gray. Through the dust, the monster moved and hunted.
Riko looked around. We have to move before it sees—
But Luna wasn't looking at the monster anymore.
She was staring at his arm.
The device on his arm pulsed with odd energy, full of numbers and symbols spinning across it. Red and white lights flashed across her face, and that she shifted from worry and fear... to confusion... to disbelief.
Riko froze. Luna...?
She didn't respond right away. She stepped forward, carefully, as if approaching something dangerous. Her fingers were close to his arm but without touching it. Is that… part of you? she asked in a low voice.
What? No! Riko said, pulling his arm back. It stuck to me! I didn't want it! It just—happened!
Riko, Luna said. It's glowing.
It does that!
Why is it glowing like it's about to explode?!
I DON'T KNOW!
The screen flashed again, making a weird artificial sound. Luna stepped back, her eyes wide. It just made a noise. Riko... it TALKED earlier, didn't it?
Riko winced. What do you mean by 'talked?' Like, actually talked? Or yelled-at-me talked?
Are you telling me that the THING on your arm YELLED at you?!
Just a little!
THAT DOESN'T MAKE THINGS BETTER!
The boss roared again, coming closer. More glass shattered from the windows nearby. Riko moved. The screen pulsed as if unhappy with his attempt to be brave.
Luna's breathing got shaky. Riko... since when do you hit monsters hard enough to make shockwaves?
He rubbed the back of his neck, awkward. Maybe since... an hour ago?
AN HOUR?!
About that!
Riko, you're avoiding my question! she said, grabbing his shoulders. What IS all this? What happened to you?
He looked down at the glowing screen, at the moving symbols, at the lines cutting through the display. His stomach turned. He remembered the junkyard, the piles of metal, the first monster, the glowing panel snapping onto him.
He didn't know how to explain it.
I don't know what I am, he said quietly. I don't know why this thing chose me. I don't know why things are getting worse. I'm scared, okay? Really, really scared.
Luna stared at him—really stared at him—for a moment. The fog swirled around them. The monster searched in the distance. Sirens wailed somewhere in the city.
Then she stepped closer.
Her voice softened.
Riko... look at your arm.
He did.
The screen pulsed.
Luna swallowed.
She said, Dude... what are you?