CTS TIME RE 250.08.28 – 6:30 AM
THE GRAND FINALS DAY
The room was drenched in silence. Dim blue lights flickered along the metallic walls, casting eerie shadows over the disheveled sheets—drenched in sweat, blood, and the remnants of last night's relentless passion. The air was thick with the scent of love, pain, and desperation. Even the walls seemed to remember her screams.
Blaze lay motionless. His body felt wrecked—muscles stiff, back burning where Serena's nails had torn deep into his skin. His breathing was slow, heavy, his body refusing to wake. Outside, faint echoes of fireworks signaled the dawn of Grand Finals Day.
His eyes fluttered open. A sharp ache spread through his limbs as he tried to move. Even after enduring years of brutal training, excruciating battles, and near-death experiences, last night had left him broken in ways he hadn't expected. He couldn't even count how many rounds. Serena had clung to him like she would die if he let go.
His gaze shifted. She lay beside him, still and silent. The dried streaks of tears stained her cheeks, her breathing faint. He reached out hesitantly, his fingertips brushing against her shoulder. "Serena…"
She didn't respond. A flash of panic struck his chest. Was something wrong? He tried again, firmer this time.
Finally, her lashes fluttered. She stirred weakly, her body trembling as she tried to move. A faint whisper escaped her lips.
"I… can't move."
Her voice was barely there, hoarse from screaming. The moment she shifted, pain tore through her, a deep, aching soreness spreading from her thighs to her waist, chest—everywhere. Her body had never endured anything like this before. Unlike Blaze, she had never trained through agony. Yet last night, she had pushed herself beyond human limits.
Blaze sat up instantly. "Serena?"
She forced a small smile, but her body refused to obey her. The sheets slipped from her form as she tried to sit up, but the second she lifted herself, her legs buckled. She would have collapsed if not for Blaze catching her.
His arms wrapped around her, holding her upright. Her body trembled against him, and he could feel how exhausted she was.
"My legs…" she swallowed. "They're not working properly. But… I can manage."
Blaze frowned, gripping her shoulders gently. "You've changed," he muttered. "Last night… it wasn't love. It was something else. Something terrifying."
Serena stiffened.
Blaze hesitated before speaking again. "It was like pure hunger. Like you were possessed. I was scared, Serena. I still hear your screams."
She clung to him, shaking. "I just… I just wanted you. I wanted you to break me."
Blaze exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "But why? Why did you keep saying I would leave after the finals? I'm not going anywhere, Serena."
She closed her eyes. "It's my fear, that's all. But… thank you."
Blaze held her for a long moment, the weight of her words sinking in. Then, without another word, he lifted her into his arms and carried her toward the bathroom chamber.
The automatic bath filled instantly, the water steaming. He lowered her into the tub, her body shuddering as the warmth washed away the remnants of last night—his scent, her fluids, the faint traces of blood.
Serena leaned against him, her breathing slow. "Blaze…"
"I'm here," he whispered.
After the bath, he dressed her himself—wrapping her in her signature red top, scarf, half-shorts, and inner garments. Her crimson hair was still damp as he pulled it into a ponytail.
Stretching his arms, Blaze ignored the lingering pain in his back. His body had endured worse. He lifted Devolos, igniting a surge of crimson energy through himself, fully restoring his strength.
But when he turned to Serena—she was still struggling.
Her legs trembled. She could barely stand. Her sword, Infernum, lay untouched. She didn't even have the strength to lift it.
"Come on," Blaze murmured. "Let's go. The others are waiting."
She nodded weakly, gripping his arm for support as they stepped out.
The streets of Exohorizon City were overflowing with life. Millions of people hurried toward the Grand Arena, eager to secure their seats for the most anticipated battle in history.
Inside Diamond Restaurant, however, only a handful remained. Most had already left to witness the battle firsthand.
Jasper, Dante, Flame, and Talon were seated at a corner table, already eating.
As Blaze and Serena approached, Jasper waved them over—until his eyes landed on Serena's unsteady steps.
Blaze supported her carefully, guiding her to a seat, but the strain on her body was evident. She winced as she sat, her muscles screaming in protest.
Jasper raised an eyebrow. Then he grinned. "Bro… did you forget she's a human, not a training dummy?"
Blaze's expression darkened. "Not now, Jasper."
Jasper's smirk faded. His gaze flickered to Serena. She was silent. Her head rested against the table, her body weak, her hands trembling slightly.
Dante leaned back. "Damn. She looks completely drained."
"Enough," Blaze said sharply. "She's not in the condition to talk right now."
Jasper studied him for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. No teasing." He nudged Dante. "Drop it."
Serena didn't lift her head. She just sat there, silent, exhausted, her mind drifting between relief and lingering fear.
She told herself she was overthinking. Blaze was here. He promised he wouldn't leave.
But deep inside, she still couldn't shake the feeling of unease.
Blaze turned to Jasper, his voice quieter. "Take care of her."
Then, with one final glance at Serena, he rose.
Serena's weak eyes followed him as he walked toward the Grand Arena.
Her heart whispered.
"He will win today. He won't leave me."