The Weight of Memory
The night in Mumbai was heavy, quiet in a way that felt unnatural. The streets still reeked of ash. Broken walls and scorched cars stood like tombstones to the fallen.
Rehan sat on the edge of a ruined balcony, staring at the skyline where the Scorched General had died. His fists clenched, golden aura flickering faintly around them.
Kaalrath's last words echoed in his mind.
Why did they have to die…?
Rehan's jaw tightened. "How many more like him are out there? And when we cut them down… are we saving humanity, or killing what's left of it?"
---
Ishita's Training
Below, Ishita trained in silence. Her Scarlet aura flared wildly, each surge burning the courtyard stones. She tried again and again to stabilize the wings Li Wei had shown her, but every time, they cracked apart into uncontrolled fire.
Finally, exhausted, she collapsed to her knees, sweat dripping, breath ragged.
Rehan dropped down beside her instantly, his aura forming a faint shield so her flames didn't scorch her skin. "That's enough. You'll burn yourself out."
Ishita looked up at him, eyes shining faintly red in the Scarlet glow. For a moment, she saw not just his strength, but the quiet way he always placed himself between danger and others.
"You…" she whispered, catching her breath. "…you never let anyone see you break, do you?"
Rehan blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
She shook her head, smiling faintly despite her exhaustion. "Even when the world's falling apart, you carry everyone else's weight. Maybe that's why… I feel safe when you're near."
Her cheeks warmed. She quickly looked away, afraid he'd notice.
---
Rehan's Conflict
Rehan stared at her, speechless. The Scarlet glow reflected in her eyes, soft instead of terrifying. He wanted to say something — anything — but the weight of Kaalrath's death still pressed on him.
Instead, he forced a smile. "You're stronger than you think. Don't forget that."
He stood and offered her a hand. She hesitated, then took it. His grip was steady, grounding.
For the first time since her parents' death, Ishita felt a flicker of warmth that wasn't from fire.
---
Echoes of the Fallen
That night, as they rested, the campfire flickered low. Ishita sat near the flames, half-asleep, while Rehan stared into the distance.
Images came unbidden — Maria's storm, Klaus's wind, Dmitri's earth, Sophia's light. The wielders who had fallen. Their laughter, their anger, their sacrifices.
He whispered to himself, "I won't let your memory die."
Unconsciously, Ishita shifted closer, her head resting lightly against his shoulder.
Rehan stiffened at first, then sighed, letting her stay. For once, the fire in his chest eased.
---
The Silent Bond
Li Wei watched from a distance, his calm eyes taking in the scene. The faintest smile touched his lips.
Good. She has found her anchor. And he… he has found his reason to endure.
Above, the sky rumbled faintly. Somewhere, far away, another seal trembled.
But in that ruined courtyard, amid ash and grief, a fragile bond had begun to form.