Blaze Of Shadows [A World In Embers]

The Battle Of Powers II

Hikari's flames engulfed the team, forcing them to stumble backward. Hayato charged forward, sword flashing in the dim light.

"Take this, Hikari!" he shouted, but Hikari was unfazed.

"Foolish KoKuryūkai," Hikari sneered, his eyes gleaming with contempt. "You think a little sword like that can hurt me?"

With a swift gesture, Hikari sent a wave of flames crashing down on Hayato. He leapt aside, avoiding the inferno, but Hikari was relentless. He summoned blast after blast of fire, driving the team back.

"Kasumi, get behind me!" Hayato yelled, but Kasumi stood her ground.

"I won't let him win!" she shouted, her eyes blazing with determination.

Hikari's smile grew wider. "Brave words, Kasumi. But bravery won't save you today."

He summoned a vortex of flames, lifting Kasumi off the ground. She struggled and kicked, but Hikari's hold was unyielding.

"Let her go, Hikari!" Hayato shouted, charging forward, but Hikari was too powerful.

With a swift kick, he sent Hayato crashing to the ground. The others rushed to his aid, but Hikari was unstoppable. He battered them with flames and fists, his strength seemingly endless.

"You fools," Hikari taunted. "You think you can stop me? I am the master of flames!"

Finally, only Kasumi stood, her eyes blazing with defiance. Hikari's smile grew wider as he reached out and grasped her wrist.

"Ah, Kasumi," he purred, his breath hot against her ear. "You will make a fine addition to my collection."

And with that, he vanished, leaving the battered team behind.

"No...Kasumi!" Hayato groaned, struggling to his feet.

Kenshi's voice came through the comms device, his tone grim. "Report. What happened?"

Hayato's face twisted in rage. "Hikari...he took Kasumi. We have to get her back."

Kenshi's response was immediate. "We'll regroup and come up with a plan. We can't let Hikari win."

But as they stumbled out of the facility, they knew they faced a daunting task. Hikari's powers were growing stronger by the day, and Kasumi was now his captive.

"We need to move fast," Hayato said, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "We can't let Hikari get away with this."

"I'll track him," Hanzo said, his eyes narrowing. "I won't let him escape."

The team nodded, their faces set with determination. They would rescue Kasumi, no matter what it took.

The stage was set for a final showdown. Would the KoKuryūkai be able to rescue Kasumi and stop Hikari, or would they succumb to his flames? Only time would tell.

***

Ryu's eyes fluttered, his mind slipping into the darkness of his subconscious. A figure emerged from the shadows, its features mirroring Ryu's own.

What's going on?Ryu asked, its voice a gentle whisper in his mind.

" you're unconscious while Hikari's plan is unfolding" The figure replied, its eyes gleaming with a knowing light. "He's going to make you choose between Kasumi and the civilians"

What do you mean? Ryu pressed, its brow furrowed in concern.

Hikari's going to put you in a situation where you'll have to sacrifice one to save the other,the figure explained. He's counting on your emotions to cloud your judgment.

Ryu growled, its fists clenched in anger. I won't let him win. I'll find a way to save both.

"That's exactly what Hikari is counting on" the figure warned. "He's going to push you to your limits, make you doubt yourself. But you can't give in."

"What can I do?" Ryu asked, its voice laced with desperation.

"You need to stay focused" the figure advised. "Don't let your emotions control you. Use your training, your instincts. Find a way to outsmart Hikari."

Ryu nodded, its determination renewed. " won't let him win. I'll save Kasumi and the civilians, no matter what it takes."

The figure smiled, its eyes gleaming with pride. "I know you will, Ryu. You're an army and therefore stronger than you think."

***

The monitors reading his heart rate beeped up as his heart rate accelerated, so did his breathing and soon he jerked awake so fast the tufts of his hair shook a little.