CHAPTER 41: 4-5-1-20-8!!

Dawn continued coughing out blood, his body trembling violently as he knelt on the rough, dust-covered floor. Each hack tore through his chest painfully, crimson droplets staining the cracked concrete beneath him. His breath came in ragged gasps, his lungs burning, but still, he refused to collapse. Despite everything, he refused to give in.

"You really thought you could keep up that for for long."

Rafik’s voice sliced through the air like a knife, dripping with scorn and mockery. He stood over Dawn, his silhouette imposing and fierce, eyes cold and merciless as he taunted his fallen opponent. The faint light cast long shadows across the battlefield, where the remnants of destruction and ruin lay strewn around them like the debris of their savage fight.

Dawn lifted his head, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, and a cocky grin crept across his lips despite the pain. He wiped the blood away with the back of his hand.

"You’re also in the same boat,"

he said, voice hoarse but defiant,

"you can’t produce any more ice."

A smirk tugged at the corners of Rafik’s mouth as he nodded, accepting the truth in Dawn’s words. The tension thickened between them, electric and raw. There was no turning back now.

"Guess it’s a fist fight."

With a growl, Rafik charged forward, his body coiled like a spring, ready to strike. He swung a brutal left hook toward Dawn’s jaw.

Dawn braced himself and took the punch squarely. The impact rattled his skull, but he held firm.

He immediately retaliated, driving a sharp blow into Rafik’s stomach, the force causing Rafik to stagger back briefly.

Rafik’s expression twisted into a sneer. He grabbed Dawn’s face with one hand, fingers digging into his skin as he jammed a knee upward, slamming it hard into Dawn’s face. The sickening crack echoed through the air.

Dawn stumbled, momentarily disoriented.

Without hesitation, Rafik followed up with a vicious kick that sent Dawn sprawling across the rubble-strewn ground.

The shattered concrete and jagged stones scraped against Dawn’s skin as he landed harshly.

Gritting his teeth against the pain, Dawn scrambled to his feet. With a wild, desperate swing, he grabbed handfuls of rubble and hurled them at Rafik. Some glanced off harmlessly, but one chunk struck Rafik squarely in the ribs.

"Urghh."

Rafik screamed, the sharp pain forcing the air from his lungs. Dawn seized the moment and delivered a fierce kick directly to the injured rib, forcing Rafik to stagger backward.

Rafik hit the ground hard, coughing up blood. His lips curled into a smirk as he wiped away the crimson with the back of his hand.

In an explosive burst of energy, Rafik launched himself at Dawn, leaping high into the air.

His hands locked onto Dawn’s shoulders, using his momentum to fling him across the air like a ragdoll.

Dawn crashed into the remains of a nearby building, slamming hard into the shattered third floor. Dust and debris rained down around him.

Groaning, Dawn pushed himself up, refusing to stay down. Finding his footing atop the ruined structure, he eyed Rafik warily.

With a fierce yell, Dawn leapt toward him, launching a powerful kick aimed squarely at Rafik’s chest.

But Rafik didn’t flinch. With an iron grip, he caught Dawn’s leg mid-air, holding it tight and yanking him downward.

Dawn bounced off the concrete floor with a harsh grunt.

Determined, he pushed himself up again, his muscles burning.

He charged at Rafik, ready to strike once more—only to collapse back onto the rubble before he could reach him.

Rafik loomed over him, the victor poised to deliver the final blow.

With a brutal kick, he sent Dawn sprawling across a pile of jagged rubble.

"It’s over, Dawn."

Rafik raised his hand, fingers curling to deliver the finishing strike.

But then, something unexpected caught both their eyes.

A small cloaked girl appeared on the battlefield, emerging from the smoke and ruins as if from nowhere.

Her soft sobs broke the tense silence, tears streaming down her dirt-streaked face.

Dawn’s lips curled into a smirk as he recognized the vulnerability in the child.

"What’s a kid doing here? This place is abandoned."

Rafik said, his voice tinged with disbelief and a rare hint of fear.

The battle forgotten, Rafik turned away from Dawn and moved toward the girl.

"Would you bother killing me, or would you save her, hero?"

Dawn taunted, his voice dripping with challenge.

In that instant, summoning the last reserve of his strength, Dawn hurled a metal pole toward the girl.

Rafik’s instincts kicked in.

He lunged forward, managing to shield the girl just in time—but at a terrible cost.

The pole pierced his chest, driving deep into his flesh.

The small girl gasped in horror.

"Uh..."

She whispered, eyes wide as blood poured from Rafik’s wound.

"Woah, this pole went in deep."

Rafik chuckled weakly, collapsing to the ground with a pained sigh.

"Mom, I didn’t even get to spend time with you, seeing as you just woke up."

He coughed, blood speckling his lips.

"Erykah, she’s going to grow up without a brother, huh?"

He tried to smile through the pain.

"And Ada—oh Ada, how would this news reach her?"

Rafik’s laughter trembled, fragile but genuine.

"Trey and Monet would probably say, ’They told me so.’"

He shook his head slightly.

"Shit... laughing hurts."

As the world around him blurred, his consciousness fading, Rafik’s thoughts lingered on the mysterious girl standing nearby.

Who was she?

Where had she come from?

"Do you see, Rafik?"

Dawn’s voice rang cold and merciless as he stood over the bleeding body.

"This is what heroism leads you to."

He sneered, dark eyes gleaming with hatred.

"Movies and comics deceived you."

"The smart one always wins, Rafik."

"And I’m the smart one."

Dawn’s voice lowered to a grim whisper.

"So I’m going to die before this asshole."

Rafik’s fading voice rose in anger.

"You were strong, Rafik. Die proud."

Dawn tightened his grip on the metal pole, preparing to push it further into Rafik’s chest.

But suddenly, something unbelievable happened.

Blood poured from Dawn’s mouth, thick and dark.

Then—horrifyingly—fingers began to emerge from his eyes, his nose, his mouth.

A grotesque, unnatural sight.

"Wha—what’s going on?!"

Dawn screamed, collapsing to the floor as his head suddenly imploded in a grotesque explosion of pain and darkness.

"Thank you."

Rafik whispered, his voice barely audible as the light drained from his eyes.

His last sight was of the little girl standing solemnly above him, watching silently as the world faded away.

End.

Authors words

Yo, writing Rafik’s story was honestly such a blast. I loved every minute of it. He’s not your typical hero who’s got everything figured out or some overpowered gift Nah, Rafik’s more like the kind of guy who’s just trying to keep it together no matter what life throws at him. And that’s what made writing him so real and relatable. You could feel how hard he’s fighting inside, even if he doesn’t always show it.

What I really dug about Rafik is how much heart he’s got. He’s that dude who’s always got your back, even if things get messy. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about not giving up on the people you care about. That’s what makes him a true hero in my book.

And his family? Man, Rafik’s mom is a straight-up legend. She’s tough as nails but super loving. You can tell she’s been through a lot but still stands strong for her kids. Writing her felt like writing this powerhouse who’s always watching out for Rafik, pushing him to be his best even when things are rough. I loved giving her that kind of role because moms like that are everything.

And Trey, dude! Trey is Rafik’s ride-or-die. They have that kinda friendship where you don’t even have to say much — they just get each other. Trey brings this chill, easygoing energy that balances out Rafik’s intensity. Writing their scenes was super fun because their jokes and banter felt so real and effortless. Plus, Trey’s loyalty is on another level, always there when Rafik needs him.

Monet’s another awesome piece of the puzzle. She’s got her own vibe — mysterious but warm — and she challenges Rafik in ways that push him to grow. Their relationship isn’t just cute or dramatic; it’s real and complicated, which made it fun to write. Monet’s definitely one of those characters who adds extra depth to the story and makes Rafik’s journey even more interesting.

Honestly, what made writing Rafik’s arc so cool was that it wasn’t just about one guy being a hero. It was about this whole crew — his family and friends — who lift him up and keep him going. It’s about love, loyalty, and sticking together through thick and thin. That’s the kind of story that feels real, you know?

So yeah, I’m super proud of Rafik and his people. They’re not perfect, but that’s what makes them so damn relatable and inspiring. Rafik’s a hero because he keeps fighting, and with his mom, Erykah, Trey, and Monet in his corner, he’s unstoppable.

Writing this arc was a total joy, and honestly, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. These characters? They’re legends to me.

The arc ends tomorrow!!..and we get back to Edward!!