Sai stood at the village's edge, the wind pulling at his cloak as he gazed into the horizon. "It's time. The capital awaits."
Amal crossed her arms, her tone sharp but curious. "And what about the village? Who's going to protect it while we're gone?"
Sai's expression was calm, his voice steady. "I will." He turned to face the village, flames flickering in his palms. "This spell will shield them."
Closing his eyes, Sai took a deep breath. The air grew heavy, charged with heat and power. He murmured a chant under his breath, the ancient words spilling like fire on his tongue. Flames erupted from the ground, spiraling around the village like a blazing barrier. The inferno roared to life, yet it carried no threat to those within. Villagers gasped in awe as the fire shimmered—an invisible wall to them but an impassable blaze to any enemy.
Sai opened his eyes, the flames reflecting in his gaze. "The fire will keep them safe."
Amal arched a brow, shifting her sword onto her shoulder. "You're lucky I like an adventure." A faint smirk tugged at her lips as she followed Sai into the night.
The journey to the capital was swift but tense. When they arrived, the city loomed before them, a sprawling expanse of walls and towers crowned in gold. The streets teemed with life beneath a dark sky, unaware of the chaos that awaited.
Amal scanned the scene. "So, do we just attack?"
Sai shook his head, his voice low. "No. This city is home to powerful warriors—Xei, for one, the protector of the royal family."
Amal's expression hardened. "And?"
Sai didn't answer. Instead, he raised his hand, and a single flame sparked to life. The flicker grew into a wave, rolling outward like a red tide. Flames crawled along rooftops, leaping from street to street in seconds. Screams echoed through the air as the fire spread, painting the city in a frantic glow. Soldiers shouted orders, villagers fled, and the orderly calm of the capital shattered into chaos.
Amal's eyes widened as she took in the destruction. "By the gods… How?"
Sai's gaze was fixed on the distant palace, its towering gates illuminated by the spreading fire. "The flames will draw them out," he said quietly. "The soldiers will scramble to put out the blaze. The palace will be vulnerable."
Amal tilted her head, her smirk returning. "Not bad, fire boy."
Together, they darted through the empty streets, moving like shadows. The flames roared on either side of them, but Sai walked unharmed, the fire parting at his will. By the time they reached the palace gates, the city behind them was a sea of smoke and chaos.
Sai paused at the massive doors, surprised to find them unguarded. Amal unsheathed her sword, her voice cautious. "No guards? That's not a good sign."
Sai pushed open the doors, the creaking echoing through the grand halls. "Stay close."
The palace was eerily silent. The lavish corridors, draped in velvet and gold, seemed untouched by the chaos outside. As they moved deeper, Sai's flames lit the shadows, revealing intricate murals and tapestries depicting royal victories.
Then they reached the throne room.
Sai froze.
There, standing in the center of the vast chamber, was a figure cloaked in black and crimson armor. His posture was poised, his presence a blade waiting to strike. But it wasn't the armor or the sword in his hand that stopped Sai—it was his face.
Sai's breath caught in his throat. "No… It can't be."
The man tilted his head, cold eyes locking onto Sai's. His features were familiar, yet worn by years of battle and discipline. His hair, once soft and dark, now held streaks of silver. His movements were sharp, mechanical, like someone who'd been molded into a weapon.
Amal whispered, her voice tight with confusion. "Who is that?"
Sai's heart thundered in his chest. "My brother."
Amal turned to him, wide-eyed. "Your what?"
"Xei." Sai's voice trembled as he spoke the name. "They… they said he was dead."
Xei stepped forward, his movements precise and deliberate. His eyes showed no recognition—no hint of warmth or brotherly bond. "You stand before the protector of the royal family," he said, his tone cold, void of emotion. "State your purpose or perish."
"Xei!" Sai's voice cracked. "It's me. It's Sai!"
There was no flicker of recognition, no hesitation in Xei's stance. "I do not know you."
Sai's flames flared to life around him, desperate and uncontrolled. "They did this to you. They changed you. I won't let them use you!"
Xei raised his sword, the polished blade glinting in the firelight. "The kingdom is all that matters. The king's enemies must be destroyed."
Amal gripped Sai's arm, pulling him back. "Sai, he's not your brother anymore."
Sai's jaw clenched, his flames rippling violently. "He is my brother." He stepped forward, the flames around him growing brighter. "And I'm going to bring him back."
Xei's sword slashed through the air, and the fight began.