Fault Lines and Fire Storms - A Sequel to Steady as Stone, Wild as Fire

Chapter 5: Burned and Broken

Kai ran, ran for a while. It was easy to find the old warehouse but to find the masked figure, well, that was another challenge. After about 30 minutes of searching, the masked figure finally revealed themself. 

Kai tried to look bold, tried to look strong and unafraid, however deep down, he was questioning why on earth he was doing this. 

The masked figure didn't even wait before they attacked. They took one look at Kai and lunged, forcing Kai to roll out the way. Kai snapped out of his thoughts and back to reality and remembered, that he had to do this, and that it was his fight. So, Kai gave it his all.

The fight was brutal. The figure was fast, strong. Their fire was unnatural, corrupting, and every time is clashed against Kai's own flames, it send another shockwave of pain ripping through his body, making his own fire act against him. But he refused to stop. Even when his arms ached. Even when his legs screamed at him to fall. Even when he knew he was losing. He could still win. He had to win.

The figure's voice cut through the smoke. "You're stubborn."

Kai wiped the blood from his mouth. "Took you long enough to figure that out."

The figure laughed (low and almost amused) before raising their hand. Flames curled at their fingertips, and Kai barley had time to react before another blast of black fire slammed into his chest. 

He hit the ground hard. His head was spinning. His vision blurred. He tried to push himself up, but his arms wouldn't move. Not good. Really not good. 

The figure stood over him, tilting their head. "You're not ready."

Kai gritted his teeth. "Like hell I'm not." Another blast of pain ripped through him. And then- a roar of stone and earth. 

The ground shook, and suddenly, the masked figure was gone, retreating into the darkness as the air cleared. And standing in their place, eyes wild with panic, fists clenched, was Cole.

"KAI!"

Oh. Kai blinked up at him, dazed. "Hey big guy." Cole's expression dropped. The next thing Kai knew, he was being lifted, one of Cole's arms around his back, the other under his legs, like Kai weighed nothing. 

"What the hell where you thinking?!" Cole's voice was shaking, his grip tight. "You went alone? You didn't even tell anyone?!"

Kai winced. "I had it under control."

Cole glared. "You're half dead Kai!"

Kai sighed, letting his head fall against Cole's shoulder. He was too tired to argue. "...But, I didn't die.

Cole let out a sharp breath, holding him even closer. "Yeah, well, you're damn lucky I got here in time."

Kai's eyes slowly closed shut. His whole body ached. His fire felt off. But for the first time in hours, the warmth around him wasn't just his own. It was Cole. And for now... that was enough.