Fire And Fury

Alex's heart pounded as he stood trapped between two enemies.

Pyre's flames crackled, illuminating the dark alley with an eerie glow. The second man—who hadn't even revealed his name—blocked the exit, watching with cold amusement.

Alex clenched his fists. He had no idea how to fight, no idea how to control his powers. But one thing was certain: if he didn't do something, he was dead.

Pyre grinned. "Scared yet?"

Alex didn't answer. He was too busy calculating. Can I stop time again? Will it work?

Pyre didn't wait for an answer. He flicked his wrist, sending a fireball straight at Alex's chest.

Instinct took over.

Time slowed—not completely, but just enough. The fireball moved like it was crawling through thick air, its heat radiating toward him in waves.

Alex twisted his body, barely dodging as the flames roared past, exploding against the brick wall.

Pyre's grin faltered. "Huh. You are fast."

Alex barely had time to breathe before Pyre attacked again. Another blast of fire—this one bigger.

Alex threw his hands up—and time froze.

The fireball stopped midair, its swirling flames frozen in place. Alex stared at it, his mind racing.

I did it. I stopped time.

His heart pounded with excitement, but the strain was instant. His muscles ached, his head throbbed. His powers weren't limitless—he could feel the weight of them pressing down on him.

Move. Now.

He sprinted to the side, releasing his hold on time. The fireball roared forward, hitting the ground where he'd just been standing.

Pyre spun, eyes widening in frustration. "Okay. That's getting annoying."

Alex didn't respond. He was still adjusting to what he'd just done. If I can control this better, I might actually have a chance.

The second man, still blocking the alley's exit, finally spoke. "Enough playing. Take him down."

Pyre didn't hesitate. He charged.

Alex braced himself, trying to slow time again—but nothing happened.

No. Not now!

Pyre closed the distance in a blink, swinging a flaming fist straight at Alex's face.

BOOM!

Alex barely managed to duck, feeling the heat sear past his cheek. He countered—throwing a punch of his own.

It connected.

For the first time, Pyre staggered back, clearly not expecting Alex to fight back.

Alex didn't stop. He lunged forward, throwing another punch. Pyre blocked it with a forearm, but Alex felt something weird. His movements were faster. His body felt stronger.

Pyre scowled. "Alright. No more games."

He raised both hands—and unleashed a wave of fire.

Alex's instincts screamed. He had no time to dodge.

But then—

The world froze again.

Alex gasped. The flames hung in the air, just inches from his face. He staggered backward, breathing heavily.

This power… it's not just stopping time. It's making me faster. Stronger.

His head throbbed from the effort, but he ignored the pain. He sidestepped the fire, then unpaused time.

The flames blasted forward, hitting nothing.

Pyre's eyes narrowed. "You're getting on my nerves, kid."

Alex forced a smirk. "Good."

The second man sighed. "You're wasting time. Just finish him."

Pyre growled, raising his hands for one final blast.

Alex clenched his fists. He had to end this.

Before Pyre could fire, Alex charged.

Time slowed, his vision sharpening. He dodged left, then right, closing the distance in an instant. Pyre barely had time to react.

Alex threw one punch.

It landed square on Pyre's chest—but something happened.

A shockwave exploded from Alex's fist, sending Pyre flying into the alley wall. The brick cracked from the impact. Pyre groaned, slumping to the ground.

Silence.

Even the second man looked surprised.

Alex stared at his hand, chest heaving. What… was that?

His power wasn't just stopping time. It was amplifying his strength.

The second man exhaled. "Hmph. Maybe he's worth something after all."

Alex tensed. He was still drained from using his abilities. If this guy was as dangerous as Pyre, he was in trouble.

The man took a step forward. "We'll meet again, Carter." Then he turned and vanished into the shadows.

Alex didn't chase him. He could barely stand.

He staggered backward, his vision swimming. His powers had limits, and he had pushed past them.

But one thing was clear.

He had just won his first fight.

And whoever those guys were, they weren't going to stop coming for him.

Alex clenched his fists.

Next time, I'll be ready.