Flames and Thunder

Chapter 5 – Flames and Thunder

The Ghostfang Alpha stood before them, its body pulsating with dark energy. Its transformation was complete—muscles thicker, claws sharper, eyes burning with a crimson glow.

A cold shiver ran down Kairo's spine.

This is bad.

Raizen exhaled, his stance shifting. "We need to finish this fast."

Kairo nodded, tightening his fists as golden flames flared around him. "Right."

The Ghostfang Alpha vanished.

A gust of wind followed as it reappeared behind Raizen, slashing out with its massive claws.

But Raizen was faster.

With a flicker of silver-blue light, he dodged sideways, his body moving like a blur. His sword, now coated in lightning, slashed upward—

SZZZTTT!

The blade cut deep, electricity crackling through the beast's fur. The Alpha howled in pain, dark blood sizzling from the attack.

Kairo seized the opportunity.

BOOM!

A burst of fire erupted from his feet as he launched forward, flames spiraling around his fist.

"Ignition Strike!"

His flaming punch collided with the beast's chest, sending it flying backward into a tree. The impact shook the ground, sending a wave of heat through the battlefield.

Smoke and embers filled the air.

Raizen landed beside him, smirking. "That got it."

Kairo didn't relax. "No… something's—"

The ground cracked beneath them.

A deep, guttural growl echoed from the smoke—

Then, before they could react—

A shockwave blasted outward.

Kairo and Raizen were sent skidding back as the Ghostfang Alpha emerged from the dust, completely unscathed.

Its wounds closed instantly, dark energy swirling around its body.

Kairo's eyes widened. "It's regenerating?!"

Raizen clicked his tongue. "Great. It's one of those."

The Alpha let out a chilling snarl. Then—

It moved.

Faster than before.

Raizen barely had time to react before the beast's claw smashed into him, sending him crashing through three trees.

Kairo's breath hitched. "Raizen—"

Before he could move, the Alpha turned toward him—its eyes glowing with dark hunger.

Then it pounced.

---

The Awakening of the Phoenix

Time slowed.

Kairo felt his body heat up, his heartbeat syncing with the power within him.

The Phoenix inside him stirred, its voice whispering in his mind.

Kairo… are you ready?

He clenched his fists.

"No." His golden eyes burned brighter. "I've been ready."

The Ghostfang Alpha descended.

Kairo exhaled—

And ignited.

Flames exploded around him as his body transformed.

His arms became wreathed in golden fire, his hair flickering like burning embers. The heat warped the air around him.

And then, in a flash of light—

He vanished.

The beast's claws slashed through empty space as Kairo reappeared mid-air, his body glowing with Phoenix energy.

The Alpha looked up, confusion flickering in its red eyes—

Before Kairo descended like a comet.

"Flame Breaker!"

His blazing fist collided with the beast's skull—

BOOOOM!

The forest erupted in a fiery explosion, shockwaves flattening trees in every direction. The night sky lit up as embers rained down, the air trembling from the impact.

When the smoke cleared—

The Ghostfang Alpha lay motionless, its body charred and broken.

Kairo landed, breathing heavily as the flames around him slowly faded.

He turned, seeing Raizen staggering back onto his feet. His friend wiped blood from his lip, looking at Kairo with narrowed eyes.

"…That was new."

Kairo smirked. "Yeah. Guess I finally unlocked my first transformation."

Raizen scoffed, rolling his shoulders. "Took you long enough."

Kairo chuckled, but his smile faded as he looked at the fallen beast.

Something wasn't right.

The dark energy around the Ghostfang Alpha was still there. Still lingering.

Then, suddenly—

The beast whispered something.

Both Kairo and Raizen froze.

"…Run."

The warning came seconds too late.

A piercing howl echoed through the forest—

And then, from the depths of the shadows—

Something far worse awakened.

---

To be continued-

Next Chapter – The True Nightmare