CTS Time: RE250.01.02, 10:13 AM
The vast emptiness of space slowly gave way to the haunting sight of the Underworld Floating City, an artificial metropolis suspended in the inky blackness, its towering skyscrapers glowing faintly in the distance. Blaze sat in the control room of the spacecraft, his knuckles white as he gripped the flight controls. The base camp was now within reach, and the proximity to the underworld city sent a cold shiver down his spine.
Outside the viewport, the city loomed closer—its sprawling structures like dark fingers reaching out from the abyss. Hundreds of cargo ships drifted in and out of the floating city's enormous docking bays, their engines rumbling as they transported goods across the galaxy. The ships varied in size and design, some sleek and modern, others worn and battered, a testament to the rough, lawless life that thrived in this corner of space. The air crackled with a strange, almost oppressive energy. Armed soldiers patrolled the perimeters of the city, their ships and stations dotted across the space like ominous sentinels.
Blaze's gaze hardened as he focused on his mission. One more step. Just one more, and everything will be done.
The spacecraft's engines hummed steadily, cutting through the void as they descended toward the heart of the floating city. From his vantage point, Blaze could see the sprawling network of docking platforms and loading bays—each teeming with activity, and a distinct sense of danger hanging in the air.
"We're almost there," Blaze muttered under his breath. His voice was low, laced with tension.
Rose sat quietly beside Bolt, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest of her seat. The ship's gentle descent had left her feeling oddly uneasy. She glanced over at Bolt, who was looking out the viewport with wide eyes, clearly fascinated by the sight of the floating city. She was about to speak, to ask him what he thought of all this, when the cold, distant silence of Blaze's demeanor caught her attention.
She turned to Blaze, her brow furrowing as she noticed the subtle shift in his posture. There was something about him today—something off. His jaw was clenched, his focus razor-sharp. His eyes, however, betrayed a sense of weariness, a heaviness that lingered beneath his exterior. She wanted to ask him what was going on—why they had come to this place, why they had traveled all this way—but something in his silence told her that now was not the time.
Bolt, too, felt the weight in the air, his excitement waning as he turned his attention back to the city outside. The wide, expansive docking platforms, the glistening ships, the heavily armed soldiers—it was all so much to take in for a boy who had only known life in the depths of space, far from any semblance of normality. His small hand gripped the armrest tightly. Where are we going? he wondered, glancing at Blaze, whose face was unreadable.
The closer they got, the more the floating city revealed its imposing nature. A city suspended in mid-space, built on a complex network of massive platforms and hovering skyscrapers, each one connected by narrow metallic walkways. The structures were jagged, dark, and imposing, seemingly suspended in a void between dimensions. The atmosphere here was heavy, as if the air itself carried the weight of secrets long buried.
The edges of the city were adorned with numerous satellite arrays, weapon systems, and defensive turrets—every inch of the underworld city screamed of a place where power and control were valued above all else. The smell of burning fuel and the hum of industrial machines filled the air as the spacecraft slowly glided toward one of the larger docking stations.
As the ship descended, Blaze's heart raced. This was it—the moment where everything would change. He'd done what was needed to bring him here, but now that he was this close, the gravity of his decision was suffocating.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves as he gently guided the spacecraft into position, maneuvering it smoothly toward the designated landing pad. The city stretched out in all directions, and Blaze couldn't help but feel the oppressive weight of the underworld's inhabitants bearing down on him. A place like this thrives on darkness, on power... I can almost taste it.
The landing platform came into view—a large, open area made of reinforced metal, surrounded by a vast network of other ships and stations. Several armed guards, dressed in dark armor, stood at attention as the spacecraft made its final approach. Their eyes were cold, their postures rigid, scanning every incoming ship as if anticipating some sort of threat.
Rose shifted nervously in her seat, glancing at Bolt. The boy's silence had deepened, and she could feel the tension in the air thickening. He hadn't said anything for a while, and Rose wasn't sure whether to break the silence or to give him space. There was something about this place—something strange and unsettling that put her on edge.
Blaze's voice finally broke through the quiet, low and almost gruff. "We're here," he said, his tone leaving no room for discussion.
The ship's landing gear extended, and with a soft thud, the spacecraft touched down on the metallic platform. The sudden stop jolted everyone slightly, but it wasn't an unexpected motion. Rose stood up, glancing at Blaze. Why had he brought them here? Her heart was pounding, her thoughts racing.
Outside, the guards were already moving into position. A few of them raised their weapons, but they didn't appear hostile yet. They simply waited, observing the newcomers with cold, calculating eyes.
Blaze stood and turned to face Rose and Bolt. He met Rose's gaze for a moment, his eyes flashing with something unreadable.
"Stay close," Blaze said simply, his voice taking on a darker edge.
Rose could feel the shift in the air, the underlying tension that clung to everything. Whatever this place was, it wasn't a safe haven—it was a place of dealings and dark alliances. Her heart pounded in her chest as she followed Blaze, keeping close to Bolt, whose grip on her hand had tightened. He could sense it too—the weight of the situation, the danger surrounding them.
Blaze led them out of the spacecraft and into the unfamiliar world of the Underworld city. The sound of their footsteps was muffled by the metallic floor beneath them, and the eerie hum of the city's vast industrial machines filled the silence. Every corner of the floating city was bathed in a dim, yellow light, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch forever.
Rose felt a chill crawl up her spine as they walked deeper into the city. The air was thick with the scent of burning engines, chemicals, and something else—a metallic tang that seemed to seep into her very bones.
Blaze's expression remained hard, his eyes narrowed as he moved purposefully through the maze of towering structures. Whatever brought him here... whatever deal he made... he couldn't back out now.
Rose, still unaware of Blaze's true intentions, glanced at Bolt, who looked around with wide eyes. She gave him a small reassuring smile, but deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into a trap.
CTS Time: RE250.01.02, 10:45 AM
The elevator doors slid open, revealing a wide, metallic hallway that stretched deep into the heart of the Underworld's operations. The cold, sterile air carried a sense of desolation, and the dimly lit lights only accentuated the shadows that lingered. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed as armed guards lined the walls, their eyes ever watchful, their movements precise.
Blaze led the way, his boots clicking against the hard metal floor, while Rose and Bolt followed in a tense silence. The oppressive atmosphere of the Underworld seemed to press down on them, and Rose could feel the weight of the situation bearing down on her. Every step felt heavier than the last, and her heart raced in her chest. The guards' cold, calculating gazes followed them, and she couldn't shake the feeling that they were prey in a world of predators.
Blaze, however, remained unshaken. His face was impassive, his gaze forward. He seemed immune to the tension in the air, his mind somewhere far away as he moved with purpose. Rose couldn't help but wonder what was going on in his mind, what he had truly brought them into.
They reached the end of the hallway, and there, standing in front of a massive set of reinforced doors, was Arthur, the leader of the Underworld.
Arthur was a striking figure. Tall and broad-shouldered, his dark armor gleamed in the low light, its polished surface contrasting with the grim surroundings. He stood in a relaxed yet commanding stance, his hands clasped behind his back, and his sharp eyes immediately fixed on Blaze as they approached. There was a moment of silence, an unspoken tension between the two men, and then Arthur spoke.
"Blaze," Arthur's voice was low and smooth, carrying a weight of authority. "I see you've returned." His eyes scanned Blaze with a hint of curiosity, though his face betrayed no emotion. "And you've brought us something... interesting." His gaze shifted briefly to Rose, taking in her form with interest.
Blaze met Arthur's gaze without hesitation. "I've done as you asked," he said, his tone neutral. There was a flicker of something deeper in his voice—something cold, perhaps even regret, but he quickly masked it. "She's yours now."
Arthur smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with a calculated pleasure as he turned his attention back to Rose. "You've done well, Blaze." He took a step forward, his eyes scanning Rose from head to toe, an almost clinical interest in his gaze. "Very well indeed."
Blaze said nothing, his face set in an emotionless mask. Inside, however, a storm of conflicting feelings raged—he had brought Rose here, had handed her over. The weight of that decision felt heavy on his chest, but there was no room for second thoughts now. He had committed to this path, and it was too late to turn back.
Arthur's eyes flicked over to the armed guards flanking him. "Take her," he said coolly.
As the soldier stepped forward to take Rose, she felt a wave of panic rise in her chest. Her eyes widened, and her breath quickened. This wasn't what she had expected, not at all. The realization of what was happening hit her hard—she was being handed over like an object, as if she meant nothing more than a possession to be traded.
"Wait!" Rose exclaimed, trying to pull away from the soldier's grasp. She turned to Blaze, searching his face for any sign of hesitation, for any indication that this was not what he truly wanted. "Blaze, what's going on? Why are you doing this?"
But Blaze's eyes remained cold, distant, and he didn't answer her. His silence was more painful than any words could have been. Rose's hands shook as she struggled against the soldier's grip, her heart pounding in her chest. "Please, Blaze... Tell me what's happening! Why are you doing this?"
Blaze remained silent, refusing to meet her gaze. Every word she spoke was like a dagger, but he couldn't respond. He couldn't show weakness.
The soldier, with a practiced motion, tightened his grip on Rose's arm, pulling her forward. His movements were swift, efficient, like he'd done this countless times before. Rose fought harder, her voice rising in desperation. "Blaze, please! You can't do this!"
But Blaze still didn't answer, his expression unchanged. It was as if she was no longer a person to him—just a transaction, just another thing he had to hand over to fulfill his purpose. The weight of his decision pressed down on him like a physical force, but he didn't flinch.
As the soldier began to pull Rose further away, her small form trembling with fear, another guard stepped forward, this time to grab Bolt. The small boy had been silent up until now, his eyes wide and frightened, but when he saw the soldier approaching, he instinctively stepped back, clutching Rose's hand tighter.
"No!" Bolt cried out, his voice small and terrified. "I'm not going anywhere!" But the guard reached down with swift hands and grabbed him by the arm, lifting him off the ground with ease. Bolt struggled, kicking and screaming, but the soldier's grip was firm, and his face showed no trace of mercy.
Rose's eyes went wide with horror as she watched Bolt being torn away from her. "No! Leave him!" she shouted, trying to break free from the soldier's grip, but she was still too weak to escape.
Blaze stood motionless, his gaze fixed firmly ahead. He didn't look at Rose. He didn't look at Bolt. He couldn't. The decision had already been made, and there was no turning back now.
As the guards escorted Rose and Bolt away, Blaze's heart felt heavy. Each step they took felt like a weight pulling him further from the man he once was. The guilt gnawed at him, but he refused to acknowledge it. He couldn't. He had made his choice, and now he had to live with it.
Arthur's voice broke through the silence. "You've done well, Blaze. This is the price, after all."
Blaze barely heard him. He was lost in his thoughts, the storm of regret and anger swirling within him. He had handed Rose over, just as he had been asked to. But deep inside, he wondered if it had been worth it. If he had made the right choice. But the path was clear now—he was too deep in the Underworld's web to turn back.
The metallic echo of heavy boots against the cold floor reverberated through the dimly lit hallway as the soldier dragged Rose towards the other room. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, fear tightening around her chest like an iron grip. But Rose wasn't one to surrender easily. She glanced back at Blaze, his eyes still distant, cold... and something inside her snapped.
With a surge of defiance, she twisted in the soldier's grip and sank her teeth into his gloved hand with all the strength she had. The taste of leather and sweat filled her mouth as she bit down harder, her jaw clenched in desperation.
"Aghh!" the soldier snarled, yanking his hand back in pain. "Boss, this little one is crazy!" he barked, shaking his hand while glaring at Rose with fury.
Rose didn't hesitate. She broke free and stumbled forward, rushing towards Blaze. Her feet barely touched the floor as she sprinted, her voice pleading. "Blaze! Please—don't let them do this!"
For a fleeting moment, Blaze's eyes flickered—something deep within him stirred. A ghost of hesitation haunted his expression.
But before Rose could reach him, another soldier's rough hands snatched her arm, jerking her back violently. Her feet skidded across the cold floor as she struggled.
Arthur, standing with his hands behind his back, watched the scene unfold with an amused smirk. He tilted his head slightly, his voice oozing with arrogance.
"Blaze, your Zynarid is feisty," Arthur chuckled, stepping forward slowly. "But these creatures—valuable as they are—must know their place. They're nothing more than third-class commodities in our world."
His gaze darkened as he turned to the soldier. "Teach her how to be a polite and well-mannered object."
Rose's eyes widened in horror. "No! You can't do this!" she screamed, thrashing in the soldier's grip.
The soldier holding her grinned maliciously. "With pleasure, boss," he said, before cocking his fist back and slamming it into Rose's face.
A sickening crack echoed through the room as Rose crumpled to the floor, clutching her cheek in pain. Blood trickled from the corner of her lips, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Before she could recover, the soldier's boot connected with her ribs, sending her skidding across the floor.
"No!" Bolt screamed, struggling against the soldier who held him, his small fists flailing uselessly. "Let her go!" Tears streamed down his face as he kicked and squirmed, his voice cracking with panic.
The soldier ignored him, delivering another brutal kick to Rose's side. She let out a strangled cry, curling into herself to protect her body. Each blow sent waves of agony through her—pain sharper than anything she had ever felt before. Her vision blurred, and her hands trembled as she tried to crawl away.
Blaze stood frozen, his jaw clenched, his fingers twitching at his side. He watched the scene unfold, every fiber of his being screaming at him to intervene. His chest tightened, his breathing ragged as memories of his past flooded back—memories of his sister, of blood, of vengeance.
His fingers slowly curled around the hilt of his sword. A slow, dangerous rage simmered beneath the surface, his grip tightening. His heartbeat thundered in his ears.
Just as his muscles tensed, ready to draw his blade—
A flash of light.
Suddenly, a pair of glowing laser chains shot out from the ceiling, wrapping tightly around Blaze's wrists, restraining him with an unbreakable grip. The force yanked his arms back, pulling him slightly off balance. The energy from the chains crackled and pulsed, locking him in place like a caged beast.
Arthur's voice, smooth yet laced with cold satisfaction, echoed through the chamber. "Oh, Blaze..." he said, shaking his head. "I knew you'd betray me someday."
Blaze gritted his teeth, his body straining against the chains. His muscles flexed, but the restraints held firm. He glared at Arthur with pure hatred burning in his eyes.
Arthur approached him slowly, hands still casually tucked behind his back. "Sources have been whispering in my ear, telling me you might turn on us... I didn't want to believe it at first, but then I got confirmation." He leaned in, his face close to Blaze's, his voice a sinister whisper. "When I found out you killed Rex and Falcon, I knew something had changed in you."
Blaze's breathing grew heavier. His shoulders tensed, his teeth clenched hard enough to hurt.
"They were your friends, Blaze," Arthur continued, circling him like a predator savoring its prey. "And yet you cut them down without hesitation, didn't you?"
Blaze didn't respond. His gaze was fixed on Rose, who lay on the floor, coughing weakly, trying to push herself up. Her once determined eyes now reflected fear and betrayal—toward him.
Arthur smirked. "I wonder… was it guilt? Or did you finally realize your place in the grand scheme of things?" He stepped back and turned to the soldiers. "Keep going. I want her to learn obedience before she's sold off."
The soldier raised his boot again, but before he could bring it down, Rose locked eyes with Blaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "Blaze... why?"
Blaze's mind screamed at him. The chains holding him felt tighter than ever, not just around his wrists—but around his soul.
His fingers twitched again, and for a moment, the thought of ripping through every single guard crossed his mind. The rage inside him burned hotter than before, bubbling to the surface. But at the same time, a part of him whispered, "You made this choice. Don't back out now."
His lips parted, but no words came out.
Rose's trembling eyes searched his face, pleading for an answer. But Blaze remained silent, the weight of his decisions pressing down on him harder than the chains binding him.
Arthur chuckled darkly, patting Blaze on the shoulder. "You're quite the spectacle, Blaze." His tone was mocking, condescending. "But remember, no one escapes the Underworld. Not even you."
Blaze's heart pounded in his chest as he watched the soldiers continue their brutal assault. The monster he had become... was it too late to change that? Or was this truly his fate?
Rose's screams echoed through the metallic hallway, each cry stabbing deeper into Blaze's chest. He stood frozen, watching the soldier's boot crash into her frail body again and again. Her pained whimpers mixed with the harsh clang of metal, and something inside Blaze cracked.
His heart pounded violently, the sound drowning out everything else. His hands clenched into fists, trembling with a fury he could barely contain. Suddenly, in the midst of the chaos, the memory surged forward like a flood—his sister's lifeless form, bathed in crimson. Blood soaked her once-white dress, her delicate face twisted in terror, reaching out to him with empty eyes.
"No..." Blaze muttered under his breath, his vision blurring with rage.
Then, the voice—dark, venomous, and ever-present—whispered in his mind.
"Show them, Blaze... show them what real destruction is."
It was Devolos, the cursed entity that had dwelled within him for years, lurking in the shadows of his soul.
Blaze lowered his gaze, his jaw tightening as he struggled against the dark whisper creeping into his thoughts.
Arthur chuckled, watching with amusement. "What's wrong, Blaze? I thought you were stronger than this," he sneered. "Or are you just too weak?"
The word "weak" hit Blaze like a hammer. His breath became ragged, and his shoulders tensed. His lips parted, and with a voice so quiet it was almost a whisper, he uttered a single word:
"Unleash."
Suddenly, a spark ignited.
Small crackles of red lightning danced around his body, snapping and flickering through the air. His muscles tensed, veins bulging with raw energy. His eyes darkened, glowing faintly with a sinister red hue. The glowing laser chains wrapped around his wrists trembled, hissing as his power surged against them.
Arthur took a step back, narrowing his eyes. "What did you just say?"
Blaze raised his head slowly, his face shadowed by strands of hair as the energy crackled louder. His breathing became heavy, controlled, and then
"Devolos...!!!"
His scream tore through the air, and in an instant, a violent explosion of red energy burst from his body. The swirling force sent shockwaves through the hallway, knocking several guards off their feet. The glowing chains binding him melted instantly, turning into molten slag that dripped onto the floor, sizzling into vapor.
The air around him rippled with the raw, terrifying aura of destruction. His eyes burned crimson, his entire form engulfed in a pulsating red glow, lightning crackling across his body in wild, erratic streaks. His sword, once dormant, now hummed with power, the blade pulsating with the same eerie red energy. The temperature in the room spiked, the very walls trembling under the force of his awakening.
Arthur's eyes widened in alarm. "No... this power..."
Blaze didn't hesitate. With a swift, blinding motion, he unsheathed his sword, the weapon resonating with his fury. The soldier standing over Rose barely had time to react before Blaze struck. In a single, fluid slash, the soldier's body split apart, his scream cut short as the red energy consumed him, reducing him to nothing but ashes.
Rose gasped, her tear-streaked face looking up at Blaze in shock.
The soldier holding Bolt flinched, eyes wide with terror. He attempted to drag the boy back, but Blaze was faster. In a blur of motion, he moved with inhuman speed, appearing right before the soldier.
"Don't touch him."
Blaze's voice was low, deadly, like the growl of a beast ready to pounce. He swung his sword, and the crimson energy arced through the air. The soldier screamed as the blade cut through him effortlessly, his body disintegrating in a flash of red light.
Bolt stumbled backward, his eyes filled with fear and awe. "B-Blaze...?"
Blaze stood there, his chest rising and falling heavily, the red aura flickering around him like a living entity. He turned his gaze to Arthur, who now looked far less amused.
"You shouldn't have done that," Blaze growled, his grip on the sword tightening.
Arthur forced a smirk, though unease flickered in his eyes. "I underestimated you, Blaze. But don't think for a second you can walk out of here alive."
Blaze narrowed his glowing eyes. "I'm not walking out of here." He raised his blade, pointing it directly at Arthur. "I'm burning this entire place to the ground."
Arthur's expression darkened, and he snapped his fingers. More heavily armed guards poured into the hallway, their weapons trained on Blaze.
Rose, still on the floor, reached for Blaze weakly. "Blaze... please..."
For a moment, his gaze softened, but then it hardened with resolve. "Stay behind me," he murmured.
Devolos' voice echoed again in his head. "Now... let the world feel your vengeance."
Blaze took a deep breath, his lips curling into a grim smile. The storm of crimson energy surged once more around him, and with a battle cry, he charged forward, ready to unleash hell.
The energy radiating from Blaze was suffocating. The entire underground headquarters vibrated with an ominous hum, walls cracking under the sheer pressure of his power. His chest heaved, sweat dripping from his brow as he clutched his head, his fingers digging into his scalp. Images of his blood-soaked sister flickered in his mind—her lifeless eyes staring back at him, haunting him, fueling the raging storm within. His breathing quickened, but he fought to maintain control, forcing himself to kneel as the energy slowly began to subside.
Outside, the once-bustling floating city of the underworld was in chaos. Sirens blared across the towering skyscrapers suspended in the void, their flashing crimson lights painting the darkness in an eerie glow. Ships scrambled to evacuate, engines roaring as panicked civilians pushed past heavily armed guards. Mercenaries shouted orders, barricading key entry points in futile attempts to contain the imminent destruction.
Inside the HQ, Arthur's confident smirk never wavered as he stepped forward, his guards following closely behind, their weapons drawn and aimed at Blaze. The tension was palpable, their breaths coming in ragged gasps, fingers trembling on the triggers. They knew something terrifying was brewing beneath the surface of the kneeling warrior before them.
Blaze closed his eyes.
A chilling silence fell.
The Devolos Realm...
Blaze found himself standing before Devolos, the monstrous dragon towering above him in an endless void of crimson mist and swirling shadows. The dragon's eyes glowed like dying suns, its razor-sharp fangs dripping with molten energy. Blaze hovered before the beast, his form insignificant in comparison, but his resolve unwavering.
"Erase them all from existence, Blaze," Devolos's voice rumbled, shaking the very fabric of reality.
Blaze's heart pounded in his chest. He clenched his fists, his gaze unwavering. He whispered under his breath, "No mercy."
Back in the real world...
Blaze's eyes snapped open. They glowed an unnatural red, swirling with raw, destructive power. He stood slowly, his movements deliberate, the air crackling around him. Arthur's confident smirk faltered for the first time. A flicker of unease crossed his face.
Then it happened.
"Devolos...!!!" Blaze's voice thundered, shaking the entire city.
Red lightning erupted from his body, arcing wildly across the room.The ground beneath his feet shattered into a crater.
Blaze, now a vessel of pure destruction, cast a forcefield of red energy around Rose and Bolt, shielding them from the impending carnage. His gaze locked onto Arthur, his expression devoid of humanity.
With a single swing of his sword, an arc of energy sliced through the guards. Time seemed to freeze as their bodies split apart mid-motion, blood painting the metallic walls in gruesome patterns. The sickening sound of bodies hitting the floor echoed, yet Blaze remained silent, his eyes locked on Arthur.
Arthur stumbled back, disbelief and fear finally consuming him. "B-Blaze, we can talk... you don't have to do this!"
Blaze didn't respond. His rage had crossed a threshold beyond reason. He leapt into the air, his sword rotating with terrifying speed, his voice thundering across the ruined hall:
"Blazing Gig Tempest Attack!!!"
A blinding explosion of red energy erupted from his blade, expanding outward like a shockwave of pure annihilation. Entire sections of the city were incinerated in an instant—ships exploded mid-flight, skyscrapers crumbled, and waves of terrified screams were drowned in the deafening roar of destruction.
The once-proud floating city was now a wasteland of burning wreckage, thick smoke filling the air, blocking out the distant stars. Corpses lay strewn across the rubble, the scent of burnt metal and flesh heavy in the atmosphere.
Blaze stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving, his eyes flickering dangerously between clarity and madness. He was lost in the storm of his emotions, his body trembling with the sheer force of the unleashed power.
Behind the forcefield, Bolt trembled, his wide eyes filled with horror. His fingers dug into the transparent barrier, watching helplessly as Blaze's destruction unfolded before him. "This... this is too much..." he whispered, his voice shaking. He turned to Rose, who lay unconscious, her delicate features marred with bruises.
Blaze staggered, his hands shaking. He saw her lying there, defenseless and broken, and for a moment, the rage inside him wavered. He clenched his fists, fighting the memories clawing at his mind—his sister, his failure, his guilt.
Arthur, bloodied but still alive, coughed violently, his eyes filled with terror. "Blaze... please..." he gasped, barely able to form words.
Blaze raised his sword again, ready to end it. But then—
A soft, weak voice broke through the chaos.
"Blaze... stop... please..."
Blaze's grip faltered. He turned, his gaze falling upon Rose, who had regained consciousness. Her eyes, filled with pain and fear, locked onto his. The red energy around him crackled and wavered.
For the first time since it all began, doubt crept into his heart.
He stood there, the battlefield silent except for the crackling flames, the weight of his choices heavy on his shoulders. The line between justice and vengeance blurred before his very eyes.
Blaze exhaled, slowly lowering his sword. His body still glowed with residual energy, but the storm inside him had begun to settle.
The floating city of the underworld was no more—only Blaze, Rose, and Bolt remained, standing amidst the ruins of his wrath.
CTS Time RE250.01.02 – 12:13 PM
Inside the spacecraft, silence hung thick in the air, only broken by the faint hum of the ship's engines as it drifted through the vast emptiness of space. The aftermath of destruction clung to them like a heavy shroud, suffocating and inescapable.
Bolt lay sprawled on the floor carpet of the main cabin, his chest rising and falling in ragged, uneven breaths. His eyes were unfocused, staring blankly at the ceiling, replaying the horrors they had just witnessed. The river of blood. The countless bodies. The burning ruins. He swallowed hard, feeling a lump of fear and disbelief stuck in his throat.
Blaze moved slowly, his body weighed down by exhaustion, both physical and emotional. He knelt beside Rose, his hands trembling as he helped her onto the infirmary bed. Rose winced, a sharp intake of breath escaping her lips as pain coursed through her battered body. Her face was pale, stained with dirt and dried blood, yet her blue eyes still held a glimmer of resilience.
Blaze's gaze softened as he reached for the medical kit. His fingers, still stained with the remnants of battle, fumbled slightly as he applied the cool antiseptic spray to Rose's wounds. A mist of healing vapor hissed over her bruised skin, offering temporary relief. He worked in silence, his jaw clenched tight, his mind replaying the moment she screamed in pain, helpless beneath the soldier's brutal kicks.
"Take some rest," Blaze finally said, his voice devoid of emotion. It wasn't a suggestion; it was an order.
Rose tried to speak, to thank him, but exhaustion claimed her first. She let her head rest against the pillow, eyes fluttering shut as sleep took over.
Blaze lingered for a moment, watching her breathe, his expression unreadable. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away. His steps were slow and deliberate, as if each one carried the weight of a thousand regrets.
The control room was bathed in a dim red glow from the navigational panels. Blaze dropped into the pilot's chair, the leather creaking beneath his weight. He stared at the glowing route hologram, the lines of their galactic path stretching across the star map, leading them away from the ruin they had left behind.
His hands rested on the controls, motionless. His mind, however, was anything but still. The image of his bloodied sister flashed before his eyes, her lifeless body lying amidst the chaos. His breathing quickened, but he forced it down, gripping the armrests tightly.
And then, that voice.
"Today your rage was at its peak, Blaze," Devolos' voice slithered through his mind like a serpent, smooth yet laced with malice. "I tore through every single one of them... their flesh, their bones, their pathetic screams—oh, the bloody hell was exquisite. Tell me, didn't you enjoy it?"
Blaze didn't respond. His fingers twitched slightly, but he remained still, his expression cold, distant. He knew better than to give Devolos the satisfaction of acknowledgment.
"Ah, still the silent type," the voice chuckled darkly. "But I know what's inside you. I felt it—you felt it. That surge, that power, the thrill of destruction. They all deserved it, didn't they? And you... you didn't hold back."
Blaze exhaled, running a hand through his sweat-matted hair. His eyes, once filled with fury, now held a hollow emptiness. He wanted to deny it, to push the truth away, but deep down he knew—Devolos was right. A part of him had enjoyed it. The rush. The power. The sheer dominance over life and death. And that terrified him more than anything.
"I'm in control," Blaze whispered, his voice barely audible, a futile reassurance to himself.
"Control?" Devolos sneered. "You think you can suppress me forever? Face it, Blaze, I'm part of you. The deeper you fight, the more you'll lose."
Blaze's grip on the console tightened until his knuckles turned white. He closed his eyes, blocking out the mocking voice, but Devolos' laughter echoed in the chambers of his mind.
Behind him, Bolt stirred slightly, shifting on the floor but too exhausted to speak. The faint sounds of Rose's soft breathing from the infirmary provided the only solace in the otherwise suffocating silence.
Blaze leaned back in the chair, staring into the endless void of space beyond the viewport. Stars stretched out before him like distant beacons, but they offered no comfort—only an endless darkness, mirroring the one growing inside him.
A whisper escaped his lips. "What have I become?"
Devolos didn't answer this time. The silence was louder than any words.
To be continue...