Zarathiss loomed over Tai, his coiling body radiating a sinister presence. His voice dripped with malice as he spoke, "Tai, you could just join me. Together, we could rule the Earth. There's no one who could stand against us."
Tai, struggling to catch his breath, managed a hoarse reply. "Kill him…" He inhaled sharply, his chest heaving. "You're just another fool who thinks they can rule the Earth."
Zarathiss smirked, his fangs glinting. "And you're just a naïve boy who doesn't understand power."
Nearby, Shi lay groaning in pain, his broken leg a stark reminder of the battle's brutality. Through gritted teeth, he yelled, "Tai, run! You can't fight him!"
But Tai stood firm, shaking his head defiantly. "No, Master. This is my fight. I'm not running."
With a swift motion, Zarathiss's tail lashed out and coiled tightly around Tai's neck. The young warrior struggled, clawing at the crushing grip. His feet dangled above the ground as he choked, his vision blurring.
Shi cried out in desperation, "Leave him alone, Zarathiss!"
Zarathiss tilted his head, his expression one of dark amusement. "He's my son. Why would I let him go?" He squeezed harder, savoring Tai's gasps for air.
Suddenly, a roaring wave of heat swept across the battlefield. Sai appeared, his body engulfed in flames, his face a mask of rage and sorrow. "Release him!" Sai's voice boomed like a crack of thunder.
The firestorm Sai conjured spread rapidly, encircling the battlefield in a blazing inferno. Zarathiss hesitated, his eyes flickering with fear. The flames reminded him of a long-forgotten death, a memory that made even the monstrous serpent falter.
Seizing the moment, Sai raised his hand, intensifying the flames. The fire burned Zarathiss's tail, forcing him to release Tai. The young warrior fell to the ground, gasping for air as he clutched his bruised throat.
Sai stepped forward, his flames dancing violently around him. "Tai, take Master Shi and run. Now!"
Tai shook his head stubbornly. "No! I can help you. This is my fight too."
Sai's flames flared in frustration. "I know, but he'll kill you both—and Master Shi. Please, Tai, go!"
Reluctantly, Tai turned to his injured master. He lifted Shi onto his back, his legs trembling under the weight. As he ran, he glanced back, his heart heavy with guilt and worry.
Zarathiss's eyes narrowed as he watched them flee. His tail twitched, and with a sudden flick, he spat venom directly at Shi. The poison struck, searing through the old man's shoulder. Shi screamed in agony, his cries echoing through the fiery battlefield.
"No!" Tai shouted, quickening his pace. "Hold on, Master. Don't give up on me!"
Sai's flames roared to life, his anger exploding. "Why?" His voice trembled with fury. "Why do you hurt the people I love?"
Without waiting for an answer, Sai surged forward, his fiery form moving with inhuman speed. He unleashed a relentless barrage of flames, each strike aimed at Zarathiss. The serpent writhed and roared, his scales sizzling and cracking under the intense heat.
Sai didn't stop. His movements were fluid, relentless, and precise. He thrust his hand forward, sending a concentrated blaze directly into Zarathiss's mouth. The fire scorched the serpent's tongue, teeth, and taste buds, leaving him in agonized silence.
"Answer me!" Sai demanded, his voice echoing like a thunderclap. "Why do you do this? Why do you hurt the people I care about?"
Zarathiss coughed, smoke billowing from his charred mouth. His voice was a rasping hiss as he replied, "You want to know why? Fine. Your loved ones… are my enemies. And enemies… must… die."
Sai's face darkened, his flames burning hotter. "Your son. Your wife. Are they your enemies too?"
Zarathiss didn't answer, but his silence spoke volumes.
Sai raised his hand, and a flaming blade materialized, its edges glowing white-hot. Without hesitation, he swung the blade, slicing through one of Zarathiss's legs. The serpent screamed, a guttural, ear-piercing sound that reverberated through the battlefield.
Zarathiss writhed in agony, his tail thrashing wildly as he tried to extinguish the flames consuming him. He managed to smother some of the fire with his tail, but the damage was done. His once-mighty form was now weakened, broken.
Sai stepped back, his flames dimming slightly. He looked down at the creature, his voice cold and steady. "You are the worst kind of being. You destroy everything good around you. You don't deserve to live."
Zarathiss snarled, his voice trembling with pain and defiance. "Do it. Kill me. Prove you're no better than I am."
Sai hesitated, the fire in his eyes flickering. Finally, he called out, "Tai!" His voice softened. "He's your father. It's not my right to kill him. That choice is yours."
Tai stopped in his tracks, turning back to look at Sai and the broken form of Zarathiss. His heart was heavy, his mind torn. The decision now rested in his hands—a choice that would shape the future forever.