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Chapter 7: Let's Get Him
A thunderous explosion shattered the battlefield, sending a shockwave that rippled through the air. Ethan and Alyssa froze in disbelief as debris rained down around them.
Ethan: "At this rate… they won't make it out alive!"
Alyssa: "We need to help them!"
As the dense fog began to thin, the horrifying aftermath revealed itself. The ground was scorched, the air thick with dust and blood. In the center of the chaos, Fiery had thrown himself in front of Scarlet, shielding her from the full force of the blast.
Scarlet, trembling and covered in ash, whispered weakly, "Why…?"
Nearby, Peter, Aqua, and Goldie lay injured, blood seeping through their torn uniforms. Fiery, despite his body being battered and bleeding, forced a faint smile.
Scarlet's voice cracked as she fell to her knees beside him. "Please… someone save him… please…"
Fiery coughed, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. Yet, his voice carried a strange warmth.
Fiery: "We couldn't… leave a mate behind…"
Peter, Aqua, and Goldie exchanged weary smiles—no words needed. They understood.
Fiery continued, his breathing ragged but his spirit unbroken. "I just… I just want to go home. To live the way we used to training under Zimbraya-sensei… laughing, growing… Strange, isn't it? How fast we grew up…"
His words cut through the chaos, silencing the battlefield. For a brief moment, even the wind seemed to listen. Then, Fiery clenched his fist and shouted with every ounce of strength left in him:
Fiery: "No matter what happens—Peter! Aqua! Goldie! Scarlet! We'll get this guy! We'll beat the hell out of him and restore peace to Shinobu… together!"
His voice echoed like a spark in the darkness, reigniting the fading courage in everyone's hearts. Even the frightened soldiers straightened their backs, their fear replaced by determination.
Peter rose slowly, wiping the blood from his cheek, his eyes burning with resolve.
Peter: "If that's what you want… then let's do it."
Aqua smirked, fire dancing in his eyes. "You heard him."
Goldie cracked his neck and stepped forward. "Time to end this."
Across from them, the unknown enemy a figure cloaked in shifting shadows smirked coldly.
Unknown: "If that's your desire… I'll grant it."
From his body, a grotesque black tentacle burst forth, thrashing wildly and tearing through the battlefield. Soldiers screamed as it ripped through the air in chaotic fury.
Goldie: "He's going after the soldiers his easiest targets!"
Peter: "Then we make sure they retreat safely. No casualties."
Aqua: "Scarlet and Fiery can't fight right now."
Fiery: "I can still fight!"
Goldie shot him a stern look. "Not like this, you can't."
Peter's mind raced. Then, his eyes lit up.
Peter: "I have a plan. Aqua, distract him. Goldie, get to Ethan and relay the strategy. I'll handle Scarlet and Fiery."
Aqua smirked. "Got it."
Goldie nodded. "On it."
Peter looked at his team bloodied, bruised, but unbroken. His voice was calm, resolute, and commanding.
Peter: "Let's get this guy."
End of Chapter 7