A calm breeze made its way through the yard, passing over a small nose. A small yawn, followed by a sneeze escaped from Nikolai before he drifted back to sleep. Watching the baby peacefully sleep in her cradled hold, Morgen held a simple smile. Sitting on a bench enjoying the weather, Pit looked over her, watching as the baby drifted back to sleep.

  'I love this weather, late summer has to be my favorite. It's still warm but it's not scorching hot, but it's not cool like fall. I envy those in Ielos, it's warm all year long. Sure it can get hot during the year, but it's not humid or volatile like Recia and it isn't bone dry like Ozrio.' Her hazel gaze moved her brother to the sky, watching the clouds moved. Noting that among the high-floating white balls of fluff, a small, condensed group of dark gray clouds started to hover in the forest. 'Looks like it might rain soon, they should be fine. Red should know to find a place or two for them to avoid the rain.'

  "Hey Morgen," Pit pulled her from her thoughts. "Why does he sleep so much?"

  "Well that's what a lot of babies do, they sleep. But Nikolai is quite the night owl at the moment, so he gets wound up at night easily so my mother has had a hard time sleeping lately."

  Pit looked at her confused. "Morgen, what's a night owl?"

  "You see, a 'night owl' is someone more active at night than during the day."

  "So it's like when Raiden tells me to go to bed, but I don't feel tired?"

  "Yes, but don't go thinking that this gives you an excuse to stay up past your bedtime."

  The two turned to see Raiden, followed by Altria joining them outside. At their arrival, Pit hopped off the bench and ran to greet them.

  "Morgen, how was Nikolai for you?" Altria took a seat next to her daughter, her arms stretched out ready to take back her son.

  Slightly reluctant but still passed him back with a smile. "He just fell to sleep, so he might be out for a while. So Raiden, how did your first meeting go?"

  "It wasn't too bad, but I can see why it's so stressful and this was just a start to see what we would cover for the coming days. I don't think I could handle it without the help of your father's suggestion"

  "I would say it should get easier for you with each the day."

  "You have a point, but Silver decided we should take a break, so I'm using the moment to stretch my legs."

  "Well then, it's probably about time." Morgen sat up from her seat. "Mother I think I'll leave everyone in your care. I'm going to go see if I can't find the others, they should have been able to find their way to the waterfall by no–

  ""HHHHEEELLLPPP!!!!""

  The sudden cry broke everyone's concentration, shifting to the tree line two small figures of Ardee and Jason race out.

  When the pair saw Raiden and Morgen, they quickly became their targets and they ran faster to the group. Their frantic crises had Raiden and Morgen meet them halfway.

  Ardee and Jason both leaped onto them, wrapping their arms around the pair they refused to let go.

  "Raiden! Help, we need help!! Back there a—

  "Morgen! Red, he, he stayed back! His arm... His arm—

  Neither one could finish a thought. Each time one of them tried to speak the other would interrupt them or their words fell short as they approached, wondering what events shock them.

  "Hey calm down you two, everything is alright." Placing a hand on their crying heads, Raiden simply tried to calm the pair. "Now take a deep breath and tell me what's wrong."

  "Yeah, there's no need to be so worked up, now go on tell us what's wrong." Morgen's calm demeanor further pacified their panic, just enough so the pair could speak clearly.

  But each word that left Adree and Jason only caused the comforting smiles that Raiden and Morgen both wore to slowly fade. Processing each word, only soured their expressions further.

  Altria felt weak at the children's words, her hold on Nikolai tightened. The muffled sound of Pit falling to the ground could barely be heard.

  No words were shared when hazel green met icy silver. The only thing that was shared between the two was their decision to act. Gripping his spear and the sound of chanting followed by the glow of light blades took shape, the pair rushed into the forest.

  Neither one gave the other the chance to take the lead when the sudden light rainfall went ignored.

  Images of a woman with silver eyes lying in the streets bathed in a crimson liquid. A boy stood over her. Knife in hand ignoring the corpse of a red-eyed man behind him. He cried into his blood-covered hands, begging her to get up, all while a silver eyed girl was to panicked to move.

  'Don't die on me you stray!'

  ——

  As the battle between the liger and elf continued, even when the blue-eyed girl started to tire her eyes kept looking back at the unmoving body of the red-eyed prince. The moment she arrived he stopped moving, his breathing became shallow. But the beast forced her to look back at it as it swiped at her forcing her to leap away.

  "FIREBOLT!!"

  She cried out, sending a blast of electrified blue fire at the beast.

  The LigerHorn still charged through the blue flames and while Lucina was able to dodge the swipe of its paw, it caught the end of her cloak in its teeth.

  Dragging her across the floor, the beast came to a sudden stop flung and its head to the side. The sudden force pulled against her neck, briefly choking her. The sound of cloth ripping followed the feeling of being thrown against the tree.

  A violent cough came from her while she eyed half of her cloak that was held by the LigerHorn's fangs. Blood slowly fell down the side of her face, passing her left eye while it made its way to her chin. Her feet shook as she rose up, her free hand reached up and unclipped the golden coin. Her tattered cloak was tossed to the ground.

  Her hand rose, engulfed in blue flame.

  'I'm not letting you harm anyone else!"

  "FIREBOLT!!"

  The cloth fell from its mouth and it avoided the fire, only to see that Lucina was already at its side. Eden's Dawn engulfed in blue flame. Lucina slashed at the beast, her blade managed to cut into its flesh.

  Growling in sheer anger from the pain, it slammed the back of its paw into her, putting distance back between them.

  Lowering its head, it charged forward.

  But this time when Lucina avoided the attack she leaped above the monster landing on one of the nearby trees. Only to kick herself off, and with her hand behind her, she called out Firebolt to add more speed to her launch.

  With a flaming Eden, she slashed at the beast.

  Horror invaded her eyes. The attack didn't land, the LigerHorn caught the blade in its teeth.

  'No.'

  Pulling its head to the side, it yanked the blade from her grin. Spinning around it slammed its tail into her.

  "Gah!!"

  'It's too much.'

  Blood spat from her mouth while she soared onto the ground. Rolling across the floor, she could only clutch her stomach once she stopped.

  "Lucina! Are you ok? Can you get up?" Roy ran to her side trying to help her up.

  "I'm... not done yet. I don't have the right to quit after I left him!"

  "But he hasn't m—

  "Don't!" She cried out. "Just don't." She didn't even want to accept even the smallest chance that Red, that he... "He's ok! He's ok."

  It sounded like she was trying to convince herself more than comfort Roy. "I can still figh—

  A sharp pain surged from her leg and through her body as she tried to stand. The pain in her back radiated through her body. Looking down, she noticed a slash on her leg as fresh blood left her.

  Eden's Dawn fell from the LigerHorn's mouth as the beast took the moment of distraction the two gave it.

  Roy was the first to respond, turning to face it with flame in hand, ready to let loose another blast of flame. But before he could follow through with his attack, Lucina tackled him to the side, barely avoiding the beast's swiping claw.

  Hugging Roy tightly, she slid across the floor. The ground stained and scraped her arm until they came to a stop.

  Watching as it approached them.

  It started to run at that moment, Lucina's only response was to get in front of Roy, trying to act like a shield to stop the beast from getting to him.

  "Roy, get out of here." Her voice was calm, even as she shoved him away from her.

  Blue flames engulfed her hand.

  "With flames as numerous as stars in the night sky, I call on thee to light the path to victory."

  "Lucina! What are you doing?! MOVE!"

  'Mom, Dad, Mis. Lyndis, Red I'm sorry.'

  "No matter what odds stand in my way, these flames shall light the way forward."

  'Red, I will at least make sure Roy's ok!'

  "Each flame gives light to a star that will reduce those obstacles to ash."

  'I won't let someone else I care about die! Not again!'

  Blue flames tried to form around her. Her eyes started to glow bright, the blue flames at her side took shape.

  'Even at the cost of myself!'

  "Flare...

  The only sound that was heard was Roy's screams.

  But this time, Lucina didn't flinch. Two, then three, four, finally five flames appeared around her.

  Everything became slow. Each step from the beast brought it closer, both her hands shot forward.

  "STO–

  A crimson flame collided with the beast, blasting it away. The blue flames went out from a new wave of heat

  Stunted, unable to move, her eyes lingered on the fleeting crimson flame. 'Please. Don't tell me my eyes are tricking me.' Following the flame to its origin.

  Her eyes grew wet.

  Royal Blue took the same path. His face trembled and his breathing became rapid before he lit up, unable to fight the smile that invaded his face. He broke out crying, almost laughing.

  A bloody palm was facing them, crimson drops still fell from it. Gone was the dull faded red that previously painted his eyes, in their place was vibrant burning crimson that matched the newfound roaring flames that burned in his hands and covered his arms.

  As blood-red eyes changed from the two, locking made contact with a pair of burning crimson. The LigerHorn roared and charged its old target.

  "RED!!!"

  "LOOK OUT!!"

  Their screams went ignored, all they could was watch it charge the barely standing boy.

  His movements were fast, faster than any would expect given his state. Avoiding its claws, crimson flames engulfed his right arm.

  A burning fist rammed into the beast's chest. He roared out the spell, and a blast of flame sent the beast crashing through the tree line. Its roar turned into an agonized yelp.

  Lucina and Roy watched mesmerized at the sudden burst of strength, Red winced from the recoil, but he kept his focus on the beast. With each step he took, flames crackled and grew. The sway of his arms showed off the bright flames that seemed to engulf his limbs.

  At the sight, Lucina fell to her knees give out. Only to have Roy be the one think to stop her from hitting the floor. 'He's alive. Red, you're alive.'

  The cool breeze picked up catching his scarf. The gentle current caused it to dance with the current. Their concerned cries virtually went ignored, Red only gave them a smile with a pacing glace while he marched towards the beast.

  The pair was left speechless, their gaze shifted to his back, planting his feet in opposition to the LigerHorn. It rose with a rage filled roar that could have changed the wind's direction. snarling at its unflinching opponent.

  'Get up, don't let him face this thing alone!' Trying to get back on her feet, Lucina was ready to join him.

  "Lucina, thank you." His words stopped her, forcing her to watch him take another step forward. "It'll be alright, just leave the rest to me."

  With no intention to follow that request, she tried to stand up. Only to feel resistance, something pulling at her, preventing her from moving forward.

  "He'll win." Looking back at Roy, his shaken grasp took hers, but his voice didn't reflect the same fear his body held. "I know he will."

  ——

  The smell of smoke and blood filled the air, two sets of blue eyes could only watch the battle continued anew. Both opponents were waiting for the other to make the first move as the flames that engulfed his arms flickered with the wind and tree leaves came loose as the wind picked up, marking the divide between the two.

  But neither kept gaze solely fixed on the other as red eyes darted to the standing blade that rested behind the best before the pair locked gaze once more.

  Each waited for the other to make the first move, not even the slightest movement between the two went ignored. The smallest shift in position to even mock lunges from the beast, both trying to see who would act first.

  Only for a bloodied arm, bathed in fire to rise.

  'So, this is what it feels like.'

  The flames swarmed and small sparking embers flew off.

  'This feeling of power, this heat. It feels so different from before. Its like something inside me finally clicked, like something finally woke up.'

  A calm, focused voice came out. His face showed no sight of strain or forced effort.

  "Firebolt!"

  In a flash, a sparking ray of fire was blasted from his right hand. Racing toward the LigerHorn, it had no time to react and was forced to endure the blast. Planting its feet into the dirt, it was forced back.

  He didn't hesitate, not even for a second. He rushed to retrieve the gift that was given to him long ago.

  The LigerHorn charged, cutting off his path, preventing him from reaching Breaker. Letting loose another lighting-charged flame. The hit not only blasted the beast, it fueled its frustrated growl at thought of taking yet another burning blast. Leaping back, Red used the force of the blast to put distance between the two.

  But he didn't stop with just one.

  "Firebolt!"

  There was no loss in speed or power.

  "Firebolt!"

  Each time he called out the spell, he grew louder.

  "FIREBOLT!"

  Each blast only seemed to grow slightly stronger with each repeated use, but at that moment he didn't notice, nor would he have even cared. The only thing that had his focus was the wall before him.

  Each time he let loose an explosion of electrically charged fire the LigerHorn staggered from the repeated assault.

  Black smock covered its vison. Predatory eyes watch him run past, darting toward Breaker

  Closing the distance to Breaker inch by inch. He turned to see a sight that made his blood run cold. The LigerHorn had changed targets from him to Lucina and Roy. Watching her take a stance in front of his brother while the monster came at them.

  Turning on a dime, he left Breaker and ran back towards the LigerHorn.

  "FIREBOLT!"

  The fire raced, closing the distance, the beast turned to avoid. Dodging the fireball, it changed course. Quicker than a hummingbird's heartbeat, the distance between the two vanished.

  'Oh, crap.'

  It baited him.

  Blood shot from his mouth when a paw slammed into his side sending him rolling across the forest floor. Gripping his side in pain.

  Crimson eyes shifted away and back to the Ligerhorn's charge.

  Thrusting his hand out he called out the spell. A ray of flame launched him across the floor as the Ligerhorn landed where Red once was. Soaring across the ground he rammed his hand into the dirt and stood back on his feet.

  Roy and Lucina could only watch with bated breath at this game of keep-way. With each move, another lunge was made. A furious swing was answered with a ray of sparking flames that burned the monster's flesh.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  With each feint, a dash was made only to be stopped by the swipe of a paw.

  A jab from a horn was countered by an electrical flame. A swing from a tail that made contact and sent the boy flying.

  Regaining a solid hold on the ground after another failed attempt to reach Breaker, Red only felt the effects of not just the prolonged battle and his injuries.

  Wiping the blood and sweat from his head, he stared down the beast. 'My eyes feel like they're burning and it's like there's a hammer beating my head.

  'Is this drain? I've never experienced it to this degree... It hurts.'

  Despite the growing pain, he just shook his head. The determined glare remained. 'Calm down, it's just a little pain!'

  However, whether or not he knew it, despite the roaring flames and a near-endless will to fight, there was another factor that was draining him.

  And the answer to that question was hidden within those very same roaring flames and thier lack of control or limits.

  The LigerHorn slowly walked, watching him. Positioning itself in the path to Breaker, just waiting for him to make a move.

  'I need to get past it, but it's fast. I need an opening.' His eyes darted through the battlefield looking for an answer. Eyeing the mosnter, his gaze fell to wide stance. 'Wait, that could work.'

  Without a second thought, he charged the beast. The beast in kind met the attack.

  "FIREBOLT!"

  The burning bolt soared, the LigerHorn to stop before the magic attack connected. A cloud of burning black smoke and flame rose from the spot. Looking from side to side trying to find where the next attack would come from. A force broke through the wall of fire.

  Using the smoke like a screen, Red broke through. Sliding against the flaming ground, passing under its exposed belly. He didn't let the opening go unused. Thrusting his hands into the beast's gut.

  "FIREBOLT!"

  Fire and pain was the only things the LigerHorn could feel as it was launched into the air. A scorched its underside led to an empty growl. The smell of burning hair filled the area once more and the forest floor shook when it crashed back down to the earth.

  Running past the beast, the afternoon sun broke through the clouds, bathing Breaker in its light. Even grounded, the LigerHorn didn't relent. Its tail slammed into Red's side. Like a stone over water, Red's body skidded across the floor.

  Getting back to its feet, the beast leaped into the air. Trying to sit up, only to have its paw into his chest, slamming him back into the ground. Crimson eyes barely had time to process what happened, his lungs were forced to expel air, blood dripped from his chest when the tips of its claws sank into his chest...

  "AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!"

  ... and its fangs pierced through the metal guarding his left leg, sinking into the boy's flesh as it finally got a taste of his blood.

  The sight left the onlookers horrified, their voices caught in their throats. Nothing but anguished groans escaped from them.

  At the sight, Lucina tried to move but the sight made her legs lock up, the pain that filled her body stopped her from moving. Roy was left frozen in fear and his body went limp.

  But there was one voice that stood out and its owner glared back, burning crimson and bloody red met.

  Its jaw lunged at his neck.

  The cries of agony changed to a defiant roar, matching the resolve of a flame clad hand.

  "FIREBOLT!"

  Crying out, calling forth a bolting flame that blasted the left side of the beast's face at nearly point-blank range.

  Forcing the beast to back off removing its paw, it roared out in pain. Rubbing the charred black mass that was once the left side of its face and where its eye used to be was just an empty, charred socket.

  Once the paw left his chest, Red scrambled, ignoring the new pain that radiated throughout his left leg, he ran towards Breaker. An act the LigerHorn saw through with its remaining eye as it gave chase.

  Every other step was agonizing. Sending wave after wave of pain coursing through his body. Groaning with each step, he pressed on until reaching the blade.

  Fighting the pulsing pain, Red gripped the handle in his flaming right hand. Before he could remove it from the earth the Liger's charging roar shook him with its advance. Watching it lowered its head, aiming to skewer him with its golden horn.

  "HHHAAA!"

  "RAWWWRR!"

  Breaker caught flame.

  Their blades met once again.

  For Lucina and Roy, it felt like time seemed to slow for the pair. They could only watch as the two grew closer. Red gripped the blade in both hands and in a flash an upward diagonal slash collided with a piercing horn.

  The clash of blades rang out.

  They could only watch as the two stopped, almost frozen, reeling from the collision only for a chucking Red to stagger over his left leg.

  "PLEASE RED, STAY ON YOUR FEET!" Desperation filled Lucina's cry.

  "COME ON, I KNOW YOU CAN WIN THIS!" Roy followed suit.

  A pain-filled roar echoed in the sky.

  A single drop of fell from the forest opening, but it didn't fall alone as another followed right behind it and soon dozens more followed. The rain started to lightly fall at first, but then it became heavy. The thud of a bloody object descending from above landed in the grass...

  The Ligerhorn's golden blade.

  It panicked as pain surged and at the realization its crown had been removed. Turning to see its opponent's back, it could only watch Red looked over his shoulder, meeting its gaze.

  This time when crimson and blood met, the one filled with fear wasn't the boy, it was the beast.

  Its paw took a desperate step towards the forest. Stopping to look back at its feet, its decrowned head looked back at him. Watching him limp forward.

  The boy who had laid nearly dead just moments ago, who scorched its face...

  Kill...

  ...vaporized its left eye...

  Kill...

  ... and now removed its horn, treating its pride like it was a common blade.

  My crown...

  Kill...

  Its rage only grew.

  My pride...

  Kill...

  "I never knew..." His breathing was haggard with each wet step. "...a monster could feel fear like us." To the beast, these words almost sounded like a taunt, but that taunt soon changed. "But you should."

  KILL HIM!

  It changed with a feral roar that echoed like thunder.

  The charge was met head-on. Red launched himself to meet the attack. Dodging the monstrous swipe, he plunged his newfound weapon into its side leaping forward, leaving a deep gash on its side that ran the length of its body.

  Looking back the beast glared at the boy, it didn't let out a pained growl, only a fury-filled roar followed, even as Breaker slashed its face.

  In a blind rage, it lost all sense of reason. Trying to crush him with a tree felling blow, rip him to shreds with its claw, or strangle him with its metal piercing fangs.

  It didn't want food, it wanted death, it was the only thing it could focus on.

  A striking paw was stopped by Breaker's blade as it pierced its paw, cutting it in half. The golden horn was plunged into the Liger's limb. Its following counter slash was evaded as Red leaped back.

  Like a battering ram, its tail came flying at him. Leaping over the tail it was almost like he flew over the beast, letting loose a Firebolt that seared the beast's back. Steam from the rainfall rose.

  The moment he landed on the wet grass, Red propelled himself forward. But something was different, his burning crimson eyes followed the liger's movements.

  'Why, does it seem slower?' Avoiding another claw swipe, it felt like he had all the time he needed to dodge and strike back, leaving not one strike, not two, but multiple before it could retaliate.

  Was it due to the prolonged battle?

  Had the injuries that covered its body finally started to wear the beast down?

  Maybe.

  Whether he knew it or not, as the battle continued, the beast got slower. He got faster.

  'My body, it feels stronger.'

  Each movement became more precise, not a single action was wasted. Each time an attack was sent his way, he evaded only to find an opening.

  Openings he didn't waste. Leaving slash after slash, burn after burn as the flame that engulfed his hands continued to burn brightly and his weapons continued to be baptized in fire and blood.

  His blades, both metallic and organic, continued to carve into the beast's flesh. Growing faster with each passing moment, he darted around the beast, each step leading to a new wound being formed on its body.

  With each step, he avoided an attack and retaliated with either a slashing strike or a piercing blow that painted the floor a bloody hue. During this, only a few words crossed his mind.

  'Come on! Just a little faster!'

  Another slash appeared on the feline's body.

  'Don't quit!'

  He narrowly avoided its claws, feeling the wind on his chest.

  'Protect them!'

  The two continued to trade blows.

  Its tail came crashing down from above, only to be met by Red as Breaker cut the fur-scaled tail in half.

  With each strike and subsequent dodge, small bits of metal, fur, and cloth flew, while streaks of blood painted the grassy floor.

  'Compared to her movements, her speed, you move like a slug. Compared to his strength, you're not even in the same league, you're nothing compared to my family!'

  The horrified screams turned to hopeful cries as Roy's cheering voice grew at the sight of his brother not only gained the advantage over the beast but seemed to be almost dominating it.

  But, his was the only voice that filled the air. Lucina was left stunned, sky-blue eyes followed the boy.

  With shaken hands, all that she could do was watch the battle continued. Watching as Red avoided yet another lunge, only to ram his left fist into LigerHorn's jaw. Breaking one of its dagger-like fangs, sending it flying, after a failed bite attempt before letting loose another close-range Firebolt.

  'I should be helping him. But why—

  The infuriated roar of the beast echoed throughout the forest, snapping her from her thoughts as the beast swung its paw. Breaker left a cut across its face, it powered through and its paw finally connected, smashing into Red. The blow sent him flying.

  But he didn't just take the attack lying down. He retaliated, roaring, as he called out another blast of flame. The largest one he formed yet. The speed of those flames left the LigerHorn no time to avoid the blast and the area where it stood went up in smoke.

  The pair were both sent flying, crashing into the trees before settling on the floor.

  Heavy breathing could be heard from the two. Both had been pushed past their breaking points.

  ""RED!""

  One lay motionless on the ground, the other sat against a tree. Their bodies twitched as they started to move.

  The rainfall grew louder.

  It was a race to see who would be the first to get back up. Each time one got close, they fell back to the ground, only to keep trying to get back up.

  Watching as Red struggled, inching his way back onto his feet. Her gaze didn't leave him. Even when LigerHorn, driven purely by rage, was the first to get back up.

  "I wish I was stronger than I currently am. I want to be someone people will look at when they're afraid and feel safe." Unmoving, her eyes were locked on him, watching the withering flames tried to keep burning. "Kinda like how you did."

  'Come on...'

  'Get up...'

  'Show me...'

  'Please...'

  "COME ON RED, MAKE US FEEL SAFE!!"

  His legs were battered and fractured, no matter what he did the pain that radiated stopped them from moving.

  His chest wept a crimson liquid that ran down his body as both eyes struggled to open

  'My arms feel like they've been shattered. I can barely keep a grip on my sword or this horn.' His gaze shifted towards his hand, watching the flames that covered his arms started to slowly die out. 'I don't know if I can keep those going.'

  His whole body screamed out in pain. A broken, slashed body struggled keep up with a burning soul.

  Her scream reached him.

  Even turning to face their screaming pleads sent waves of pain throughout his body.

  He couldn't hear, only able to watch their lips move...

  ...as a woman flashed behind them.

  Do your best

  "It'll... be... alright." His voice was raspy and drained.

  Where it was the last of his strength being fueled by adrenaline or a burning soul that refused to give in.

  'I have to be stronger...

  Gripping both his weapons, holding Breaker in a reverse grip. He forced his legs to stand even as his body cried out in agony.

  They could barely carry his own weight, even his blades felt like they would tear his arms off with their weight.

  The flames exploded in defiance.

  The heat that consumed his body raced through his veins, escaping from the gash on his arm in a show of dancing flames.

  The burning veil that slowly started to form around him, grew hotter with each passing moment. Both blades became engulfed in those roaring crimson flames.

  "IT'll BE ALRIGHT!!!!"

  Red-colored eyes locked, boy and beast mirrored each other as they both stood up, each had one final thought.

  DESTROY HIM!

  ...I HAVE PEOPLE I WILL PROTECT!!!'

  Despite mortal wounds and burns covering their bodies, like beings possessed, they charged at each other.

  They say that people have unconscious limits on their bodies that prevent them from using 100% of their full strength.

  However...

  With each step he took, the ground below cratered and burned.

  ...There are times when those limits are turned off. And a small glimpse, a fraction of the potential one can reach is seen.

  The beast swung its left forelimb, aiming to take Red's head off.

  Only for a burning Breaker to cleave through, severing another body part. Roaring in pain from the burning slash, it made an unbalanced follow-up with its right.

  Ducking under the swipe the golden horn slashed at its underside. Blood shot out from the wound, splashing against Red's face.

  Blinded by searing blood, his vision had a red tin to it. But what he could see was the LigerHorn swung the back side of its paw at him.

  Crossing his weapons, forming a makeshift shield to block its attack. The claw made contact with Breaker, sending him back.

  Shaking its head, regaining what balance it could. The beast roared once more. Letting loose in a feral rage, it leaped at Red again.

  Groaning in pain, raising his left hand.

  "FIREBOLT!"

  Another flaming bolt left his hand.

  The beast collided with flame, it still flew forward.

  Breaker erupted in flame. Planting himself firmly on the ground, ducking under its lunge. A burning blade pierced its chest and ran through the monster's body. An explosion of fire marked its exit.

  The shock of the impact seemed to silence the rain.

  Red was the only thing that kept it standing. The force of impact pushed his feet back and into the earth. The blood that escaped from the wound fell like a waterfall, dark crimson spat from the Ligerhorn's mouth as it kept trying to slash at the boy underneath.

  The two roared at the other.

  Each movement from the beast pushed Red further back, burying Breaker deeper into flesh, his elbow made contact with fur. The beast only kept swinging its left arm, but all the depawed limb could do was bash against Red's side.

  Its jaws snapped, echoing with the rain as it thrashed wildly.

  Struggling to overcome the other. They had already pushed their bodies well past their breaking point.

  Feeling his arm was about to give under its weight, Red pressed his left arm against his right trying to reinforce it. The LigerHorn's stump repeatedly slammed into him.

  The Ligerhon's right came swinging at him. Claws shot out of its paw, ready to slash him.

  Reacting quicker than he thought possible, a golden horn bathed in crimson flames pierced through its flesh, stopping the attack.

  But the blow forced him further to the ground as it continued to bear its weight over him.

  Each repeated slam to his right side only continued to shake his already weakened body with each hit, he struggled to hold the beast up.

  Holding back its limb, preventing it from reaching his body was a struggle all of its own. Even with its former crown, skewered into its limb and Red's left arm holding it back, its claws managed to scrape against his skin.

  The combination of the bite to his left leg and the weight further pushed down on him. The combination forced his knee to bend and slam into the ground. Still, the beast forced its weight down.

  Red could feel his right side was starting to fail. His eyes left for a single moment falling back to blue.

  'I... I... "I'M NOT DONE YET!!!"

  Pushing back against the weight, his mind raced, as he pushed back. Planting his feet, gritting his teeth, his eyes flashed with flames. Pushing back against his limits, he rose to his feet.

  The flames from Breaker continued to flow, cooking the surrounding flesh. Flames spread throughout its body, seeping out of the slashes that painted its body.

  "You are my son after all."

  Those words, those few simple words that Lyn would constantly say, echoed from within, Breaker exploded in a torrent of flames, his bleeding palm was burnt by the heated metal.

  In one swift moment, he pushed the LigerHorn back.

  Breaker's burning blade was pulled free from the LigerHorn's body. Its burning edge pointed skyward.

  "GGGGRRRRAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"

  The flames on Breaker only erupted further, matching his cry. The heat stung his eyes, and yet he didn't look away. At this point whatever pain was still present in his body didn't matter.

  In a single motion, with some unknown strength. The LigerHorn was forced to stand. Its front limbs were forced back.

  Letting go of his new golden weapon, gripping Breaker with both hands, he slammed Breaker's blazing edge into its shoulder.

  One fluid motion, one final slash.

  Red slashed through the monster in a downward, diagonal motion, cutting through its shoulder.

  There was barely any resistance. The only thing that could try and stop the act was the LigerHorn's last pain-filled whimper as the burning blade cleaved through skin, muscle, tissue, and bones like they were made of butter.

  The last thing it felt was a burning pain and its body was slashed in two.

  As the cut was completed, like a volcano, the trapped flames escaped from the severed body in a brilliant show of heat.

  A heat wave was sent in all directions, washing over Lucina and Roy, bathing them in the sudden warmth that moved throughout the forest.

  For a few moments, the rain stopped falling, leaving a net of steam in its place. But once the two halves hit the forest floor with a quiet thud. The heat slowly dissipated and it started to slowly pour once more. His own breath so hot, it became visible.

  The one left standing, broken, bloodied, burnt, and drained was the crimson-eyed boy.

  Turning back to see the monster's life essence flow from its wound, flooding the grass. Seeing the opening it revealed broken ribs, a severed, charred spine, scorched organs that were all charred black, and a shattered core stone that was slowly crumbling to dust.

  "RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!"

  A victorious roar filled the forest, joining the forest's chorus as its lead.

  'It's... over.'

  'I... won. Right?'

  'My body, it's never felt this hot before.'

  His roar slowly grew quiet as his breath left his lungs, it was overtaken by the rainfall.

  Standing motionless with his head held high, it looked like his body was held by string wires.

  'I don't think I can move. I can barely keep my eyes open, my body feels like it's made of stone.'

  But once he grew quiet, the rustling of leaves and falling rain took back the lead. It all fell on deaf ears, creating an odd silence.

  A silence that didn't last long.

  ""RED!!!""

  Turning his head just enough to see two blurry forms approach faster than rainfall.

  Even Breaker became too much for him. Falling from his hand, a smile painted his pain-filled face.

  'Roy... Lucina... You're both o—

  The rush of battle wore off; pain ran through his body like a bolt of lightning. His body turned to stone and became heavy. The pounding in his head only got worse.

  Everything became slow as he plummeted, his vision faded to black. Just like the flames that engulfed his body faded, with no strength remaining, his body gave out.

  Returning to the black void for the fall, it was short, almost too short, as he slammed into the surface. The landing was soft, it was like landing in a bed made of clouds.

  'The grass it's softer than I remember... it's warm... cozy.' Red simply let his head sink further into this warm softness. Letting drowsiness take over in the calm of victory.

  'Huh... what's that?' A small beating noise made itself known. 'I can't tell if this beating is from my own head or from the ground.'

  'Wait... ground doesn't beat.' The beating started quiet but grew louder and more rapid with each passing moment, it gave him something to focus on.

  Forcing his eyes open, his vision was blurred, it was a blurry gray mess. But once it started clear, finding that even though he was angled, he was still up.

  'Why am I... still standing? I thought I hit the floor.'

  Looking down only to see a pair of arms, warped around his chest. The beating got faster as he looked up. Finding damp blond hair and blue eyes looking back at him.

  His blurred gaze was unable to see the rosy tint that painted her cheeks.

  "How about I get you out of the rain?"

  Even when he moved his mouth, no words could get out. So he simply gave her a nod.

  With each step she took, a painfilled groan escaped from him with each step. Apologizing each time he groaned. "Sorry, please just bear it for a moment longer."

  Until the rain no longer landed on them as they took shelter under a tree. Letting gravity take control she eased them both to the grassy floor.

  As they descended, a scent passed over him, but rather than the smell of smoke or blood. It was calming.

  So rather than fight his fatigue, his foggy mind gave into his primitive thoughts as it started to think on its own. 'You smell nice.'

  "Please, just try to relax."

  The fall stopped once his head was placed on something soft.

  Crimson eyes lazily looked around only to find himself resting on her lap. Feeling Lucina run her hand over his hair, trying to clean some of the blood off his face.

  The moment didn't last long, a quiet thud joined them. Breaker and the golden horn joined them under the tree. Red's left hand was taken and put atop his scarlet locks. Crimson red met royal blue. "Red have I told you, I love you?"

  'I love you too pal.' Despite the lingering pain, he simply moved his hand from side to side over Roy's head. Watching a smile grew on Roy's face with each motion.

  However, for one, their eyes could only fall back to the gash on his arm. Only for them to trace over each wound was carved into his body.

  The blood that stained his face red slowly started to be washed away by the rain.

  The now shattered armor was scattered across the area. His slashed clothing showed off each cut and bruise he took.

  The claw marks that painted his chest and the puncher wounds from its claws.

  The bite that pierced his armor, marking his leg. His scream still echoed in her ears.

  The burns and cuts that covered his body and clothing, the sight made her stomach churn.

  Only to return to his right arm. 'The wound you got saving me...' Turning to look at the beast's body, she didn't notice a finger poke her cheek. 'Why–

  "Still wanna... have that... match?" Each word was draining, he didn't even try to hide his fatigue. Even his laughter as slight as it was failed to cover the pain that escaped with each breath.

  "Just be quiet and get some rest. I'll get us back soon."

  But shaking bushes stole the attention of the three to the shaking bushes. Their eyes only grew, and their hearts started to race once.

  Sky blue eyes shot in all directions, trying to locate Eden's Dawn, but as the sound got lower her hand shot forward and grabbed Breaker.

  She didn't even flinch at the blade's heat, even when the metal burned her hand.

  The blade's tip was pointed at the sound. Red tried to sit up but could barely get his head off Lucina's lap as Roy grabbed the horn.

  The rustling grew louder as whatever was making its way closer. The breaking of twigs and branches got louder.

  Then two figures shot out of the tree line. All eyes fell on the arrival of a dark orange man and a silver-haired half-elf.

  Morgen and Raiden emerged from the tree line and the sight they were greeted with, they only felt a cold at the condition of the trio.

  Roy was the best of the group, looking relatively unharmed. Lucina was covered in smaller cuts and loose blood. Aside from her torn clothing and the cut on her leg. Despite her injuries, she was ok.

  Then they looked at Red.

  The sight of him left the pair frozen. If someone told them that he was dead they wouldn't have known the wiser.

  Hazel eyes were stuck on the slashed, burnt pieces of the LigerHorn corpse.

  Before turning back to see a tired smile painted on Red's face told them everything that had happened.

  "Morgen... Raiden..." Was all that left Red's exhausted lips before he fell back into Lucina's lap.

  ""Red!"" They both screamed, Roy and Lucina shook him, trying to get a rise out of him

  They didn't even hear Morgen begin her chant or even her rushing footsteps. Their fear overshadowed her soft words as she rushed to his side.

  —I refuse to let the ties that bind us be severed."

  Divine Restoration

  Reaching him, her hands found a place on his head and leg. A white light began to wash over, enveloping him.

  They could only watch as Morgen forced her magic into him. Slowly the smaller injuries started to close and flesh was mended, but the deeper markings on his body remained. 'He's taken too much damage! I don't know if I have... Stay calm Morgen, focus, at least stop the bleeding.'

  The light emitted off her body began to grow brighter as it surrounded him.

  The bleeding started to finally slow, and his breath started to fall back into a stable pattern. "Raiden, I need you here now!"

  Her plea broke him from his frozen stupor he moved to her side. Taking off his scarf, Raiden started wrapping Red's scarf around his right arm. A low groan escaped when it was pulled tight.

  Taking Red away from Lucina and loading him onto Raiden's back she gave her orders "Get him to the medical bay as fast as you can, get my mother or Lyndis, and go from there."

  "And you?"

  "What about me? Get him back, I'll look after these two. Get going, Now!"

  He took off, faster than any lightning bolt. Raiden carried Red through the woods, leaving the group as they watched the two vanished into the tree line.

  "Red..." Lucina could only waver between concern and anger as the image of that gash still filled her mind. The image blinded her to the point she didn't even feel her nails sink into her now warm wet hand, red drops soon joined the rain.

  "DAMN IT!" Her fist slammed into the same tree that covered them.

  Starting at the mark she left, her hand was still smashed against the tree. Her eyes didn't leave the spot.

  It wasn't until Morgen simply placed a hand on top of her head did she look away. But rather than look to the half-elf, she looked into the tree line.