**Chapter: Shattered Light**
---
The night air was crisp and cool as Kai and Haru made their way through the forest, away from the ruins of the prison. The adrenaline from their escape was starting to wear off, and the toll of the battle was beginning to take its effect. Kai's right arm throbbed with pain, a stark reminder of the power he had unleashed. The **Divine Radiance** had been a force beyond his control, and now it was clear that it had left its mark on him.
Haru noticed Kai's grimaces and the way he favored his right arm. "Kai, are you okay? You don't look so good."
Kai winced, trying to hide the severity of the pain. "I'm fine," he said, though his voice lacked conviction. "It's just a little sore."
Haru wasn't convinced. "Let me see."
Kai hesitated but finally relented, holding out his arm. Haru's eyes widened at the sight. Kai's arm was clearly injured; it was swollen, and the skin was bruised, a stark contrast to the other arm that seemed perfectly fine.
"That looks bad," Haru said, concern evident in his tone. "We need to get that looked at."
Kai shook his head. "There's no time for that. We need to keep moving. We're not out of danger yet."
Haru was insistent. "Kai, you need to take care of yourself. If you're injured, you won't be able to fight or think clearly. Let me help you."
Kai sighed, knowing Haru was right. "Alright, fine. But we need to be quick."
Haru guided Kai to a nearby clearing where they could sit down and assess the injury. The moonlight cast a gentle glow over the area, providing some relief from the oppressive darkness of the forest.
"Alright, let's see what we're dealing with," Haru said, carefully examining Kai's arm. "I don't have any medical supplies, but I can at least help you stabilize it."
Kai gritted his teeth as Haru gently palpated the area. "It's not just sore. I think… I think I might have broken it when I used the **Divine Radiance**."
Haru frowned, his expression troubled. "That's not good. The power you used was incredible, but it clearly had a cost. We need to make sure you don't make it worse."
Kai's face tightened with pain, but he forced a small, determined smile. "I can handle it. Just do what you can."
Haru nodded, tearing a strip from his shirt to use as a makeshift sling. He carefully wrapped it around Kai's arm, securing it in place to minimize movement. "This should help immobilize it. Hopefully, it'll keep things from getting worse until we can find proper help."
Kai winced as Haru worked, but he appreciated the effort. "Thanks, Haru. I owe you one."
Haru finished securing the sling and sat back, looking at Kai with a mix of concern and admiration. "You've been through a lot. But you've also shown how strong you are, not just in power but in spirit."
Kai leaned back, trying to relax despite the discomfort. "I couldn't have done it without you. You've been there every step of the way."
Haru's expression softened. "We make a good team, Kai. And we'll need to stay that way. We don't know what's coming next, but we have to face it together."
Kai nodded, appreciating Haru's words. "You're right. We're in this together, and we'll get through it. But we need to find a safe place, somewhere we can regroup and figure out our next move."
Haru glanced around the clearing, considering their options. "There's a small village not too far from here. We might be able to find some medical help there and get some rest."
Kai nodded, even though moving was going to be challenging with his injury. "That sounds like a good plan. Let's head there as soon as we can."
As they prepared to leave the clearing, Kai took a deep breath, trying to ignore the pain radiating from his arm. The **Divine Radiance** had been a double-edged sword; it had granted him incredible power but had also exacted a heavy toll. He needed to learn to control it better, to avoid further harm to himself and others.
Haru helped Kai to his feet, and they set off toward the village, the shadows of the forest enveloping them. The journey was slow and arduous, but they pressed on, driven by the hope of finding relief and answers.
The path ahead was uncertain, but Kai was determined to face whatever challenges awaited him. With Haru by his side and the resolve to master his newfound power, he knew they could overcome the obstacles that lay ahead. The journey was far from over, but for the first time in a long while, Kai felt a glimmer of hope.