God Marked

With the challenge against Bookman in mind, Raxa first decided to eat his fill, as he was famished from using his powers. The intense battle against the Slick Sloths had depleted his energy reserves significantly, and he knew facing another powerful opponent would require his full strength.

After devouring several plates of food until his hunger was finally satisfied, Raxa was ready for the confrontation and asked Arashi to lead the way.

Arashi then spoke and said, directing on his left: "Before that, I want you to meet Blue, my mechanical tiger pet."

Raxa looked at his left and saw that the mechanical tiger was sitting there. It had a sleek and menacing design, blending organic features with futuristic metallic elements. Its face was covered with a mixture of white fur, accented by black tiger stripes, and intricate metal plating with visible mechanical joints and circuits. The glowing blue eyes were emitting a fiery energy, contrasting with the snow dusting its head and shoulders. Sharp fangs were protruding from its mouth, which was partially open, revealing more mechanical components within. The overall appearance of it was highly detailed, with glowing blue streaks and orange accents running through its metallic frame, giving it a powerful and electrifying appearance.

"Is Blue coming with us?" Larry asked, studying the impressive mechanical beast with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Of course, he's a much more of a battle asset than you," Arashi replied with a hint of mockery that probably made the tiger Blue's face smug, which Larry could tell from the way the mechanical feline's features shifted into an almost human-like expression of superiority.

Raxa went close to Blue to pet it, and surprisingly Blue also neared for a gentle petting, showing an unexpected docility toward the powerful newcomer. However, when Larry tried it, the mechanical tiger bit his arm without hesitation, to which Larry yelped and then withdrew his hand rapidly. The tiger's mechanical features arranged themselves into what seemed to be a satisfied smile, clearly enjoying Larry's discomfort.

"Let's go then, to meet Bookman my younger brother," Arashi spoke up, gesturing toward their transportation.

Raxa nodded with determination, his resolve evident in his stance. The four of them – Raxa, Arashi, Larry, and Blue – went inside a spacious car and headed to the main control building where Bookman resided.

The vehicle moved smoothly through the city streets, its advanced suspension handling every bump and turn with precision. Soon they arrived in front of the imposing building, which was guarded by more than 100 guards. These weren't ordinary security personnel – they were all waiting eagerly for Raxa to strike, each hoping to claim his head for a higher position in the gang. Their weapons were drawn, and their eyes gleamed with ambition.

Raxa simply swiped his hand in a casual gesture that belied its devastating effect. The guards all felt nauseous simultaneously, their bodies rebelling against them as they started vomiting blood and stumbled down on the ground, falling unconscious in waves. The display of power was so effortless it made Arashi grateful that Raxa was not the enemy.

They then entered the building and stepped inside the lift, pressing floor forty. The ascent was filled with tension as they were all breathing deeply except Raxa, their measured breaths a clear sign of preparation for the confrontation ahead.

When the lift stopped and the door opened, they were greeted by a striking and dramatic scene with a man seated in a grand, ornate chair, engrossed in a mysterious book. His golden-blonde hair was neatly styled, and his beard added to his commanding presence. His white, slightly unbuttoned shirt contrasted with the dark, shadowy ambiance of the room. His expression was calm and focused, as though he was deeply immersed in the arcane knowledge within the book.

What made the scene truly intimidating was the entity looming behind him – a massive, otherworldly figure made entirely of vivid, glowing purple flames.

The entity had a terrifyingly sinister appearance, with glowing violet eyes and a wide, toothy grin that exuded malice. Its form was shadowy but muscular, with clawed hands emerging from the flames, creating an aura of dread and power. The flames flickered and curled around the man, almost as if they were alive and interacting with him, yet he remained unshaken by the presence of this ominous being.

The background featured dimly lit bookshelves, reinforcing the setting as a mystical library or study. The interplay of dark shadows and the ethereal purple glow gave the scene an intense and surreal atmosphere, as if a dark ritual or powerful summoning was taking place.

Raxa cleared his throat deliberately and asked: "Are you Bookman?"

The man in question closed the book with deliberate slowness and looked at them with a sinister smile, replying: "Yes, I am and you might be Raxa who's a nosy individual ruining all my business plan so far."

"That's right! What you gonna do book boy?" Raxa challenged, unfazed by the supernatural display before him.

"Nothing, just want to see your true potential clashing against my power," Bookman responded with calculated confidence.

"Try me then," Raxa goaded.

"I already did," Bookman stated ominously.

Raxa then saw purple light surrounding him allover as Bookman stood and came to him saying: "You're all talk, my magic power is Solomon's mind which can read and copy any magic at will, and now that you're under my circle I shall read your powers and make it mine."

"Go on! You ain't taking shit!" Raxa remained defiant.

"Arrogance is bad for health, you should not be blind with power, and my people said you had creation marked magic power which is what got me invested in you," Bookman lectured.

He then looked at the others and asked: "Aren't you guys gonna try to save your friend?"

"No help! I'll win no matter what," Raxa yelled with absolute confidence.

"Only if I let you," Bookman smirked and replied, then raised his right hand and did a clasp, which surprisingly had no effect on Raxa.

"Book boy stop reading books and do some real combat," Raxa taunted, completely unbothered by Bookman's magical attempt.

Bookman tightened his fist but to no avail, his power still ineffective against his opponent. Finally, he revealed his third eye on his forehead which he used to increase his power, but Raxa was yet unflinching to it, standing as immovable as a mountain.

"What are you? My powers are absolute, wait... Are you really the carrier of creation marked magic?" Bookman's voice betrayed his growing uncertainty.

Raxa let out a yawn and replied: "Took you long enough."

Bookman's face turned pale as he stated: "How is it on your hands, it's supposed to be a legendary lost marked magic."

"You tell me! I thought you'd know since you like reading books," Raxa shot back.

"I can read any magic created in existence but not the creation itself, which you seem to possess interestingly," Bookman admitted, his earlier confidence crumbling.

Raxa then figured out Bookman was also of no use, so he broke the purple light all-over and kicked Bookman hard in the guts that left him flying backwards against the wall. As he sat there, blood was gushing out of his mouth, his previous arrogance completely shattered.

When Raxa was about to strike again, Arashi stopped him and said: "Wait! You'll kill him!"

"I know I came here to kill him and become the new boss of this town," Raxa stated matter-of-factly.

"You don't have to kill him, he's a skilled talker, he'll be of greater use if you keep him alive," Arashi reasoned quickly.

"He's right! I'll serve you so please don't kill me!" Bookman pleaded from his position against the wall.

Raxa thought for a while and then said fine, weighing the potential benefits of keeping Bookman alive.

"Thanks," Bookman replied with genuine relief in his voice.

Larry came upfront and said: "A new gang? But we don't have a name."

Bookman replied: "He's right! If I work under you, it won't be wise to keep the name as it is which is Team Rocket."

"You're on point!" Raxa acknowledged, then ruminated for a while before declaring: "We'll be called Pandion as our gang name."

"Nice name," Bookman replied appreciatively. "It means all-divine."

"When did you come up with such a great name?" Larry asked, clearly impressed.

"Don't know but my head is full of this name," Raxa responded thoughtfully, and with a moment's pause asked Bookman: "Anyway, why did you name your gang Team Rocket?"

"Lots of Pokémon craze in my life," Bookman replied with unexpected candor.

"Ooh," Raxa responded, slightly amused by the admission.

"I believe I can't move for a few days so it's best if you guys manage the gang for this short while," Bookman said, still struggling with his injuries.

"Who said you can't move," Raxa stated, then with a touch of his hand Bookman's injured body turned normal again, healing completely.

Bookman was shocked by this display of power, then said while bowing: "I'm not the type to work under someone but I don't mind working for someone as strong as you."

"Thanks and great to have you," Raxa acknowledged genuinely.

"Now that we are together I would like to clarify my real name and it's Arashi Blond," Bookman revealed.

"Blond as in your hair? Anyway, great to meet you, Arashi Blond," Raxa responded.

"Yes!" Blond confirmed emphatically.

"Let's have a party then to celebrate the founding of our gang name Pandion," Larry suggested enthusiastically.

Raxa nodded in agreement, marking not just the end of their confrontation but the beginning of an unexpected alliance that would reshape the power dynamics of the entire city.