Chapter 23: Journey to Ashen Peaks
The sun hung low in the sky as Kairo and his friends prepared for their journey. The weight of his recent defeat at Raizen's hands still lingered in his mind, but there was no time to dwell on it. If he wanted to defeat Raizen and uncover the truth about his father, he needed control—control over the Phoenix Power burning inside him.
Their destination: The Ashen Peaks, a treacherous mountain range where the rumored Phoenix Master resided.
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Raizen's Return to Lord Varun
Meanwhile, deep in the shadows of a hidden stronghold, Raizen Varos strode through the dimly lit halls of Lord Varun's base. His body still carried the strain from his battle with Kairo, but his expression was unreadable as he approached the towering figure seated on a throne of obsidian stone.
In his hands, he held the fruit—the one that would grant unimaginable recovery and power enhancement.
Lord Varun's piercing gaze landed on the fruit, a smirk forming on his lips.
"You've done well, Raizen. This will serve its purpose when the time is right."
Raizen said nothing, his fingers curling into a fist. His mind was still consumed by the truth about Daizen's death. His brother's murderer had walked free for years, and soon, justice would be served.
Varun chuckled, noticing Raizen's tension.
"You'll get your revenge, but patience is key. For now, we wait. There is still much to be done."
Raizen exhaled sharply and gave a curt nod. Deep inside, however, his thirst for vengeance only grew stronger.
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Meeting Ayaka Hoshigawa
Back on the journey, Kairo, Renjiro, and Juno made steady progress through the dense forests leading to Ashen Peaks. Just before reaching the foothills of the mountains, they stopped at a small town to restock supplies.
There, Kairo came across a familiar face—Ayaka Hoshigawa.
A warrior with flowing silver hair and eyes that shimmered like the night sky, Ayaka had been Kairo's childhood friend. Unlike Renjiro's fiery determination or Juno's calculated approach, Ayaka carried a mysterious aura—calm, yet powerful.
As soon as she saw Kairo, a warm smile lit up her face.
"It's been a while, Kairo."
"Ayaka?" Kairo blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
She crossed her arms, pretending to be offended. "I could ask you the same thing. It's been months since I last saw you, and you didn't even think of visiting?"
Kairo scratched the back of his head sheepishly, while Renjiro smirked in the background. "Looks like someone missed you."
Ayaka shot him a glare before turning her attention back to Kairo. "I heard about everything… about your father and Raizen." Her voice softened. "I know how much it must hurt. That's why I'm coming with you."
Kairo hesitated. "Ayaka, this mission is dangerous. I—"
She cut him off. "Don't even try to tell me to stay back. You know I won't."
Renjiro chuckled. "You're stuck with her, Kairo. Just accept it."
Sighing in defeat, Kairo finally nodded. "Alright, let's go."
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Ayaka's Backstory & Abilities
As they journeyed through rocky terrain and thick forests, Ayaka walked beside Kairo, her expression thoughtful.
"You never asked about my powers, did you?" she mused.
Kairo glanced at her. "I always knew you were strong. But yeah, I don't actually know the full extent of your abilities."
She smirked. "Then let me enlighten you."
Ayaka's beast was the Lunar Fox, a rare celestial entity that thrived under the moon's glow.
It granted her enhanced speed, agility, and reflexes.
She could create crescent-shaped energy slashes that could cut through steel.
Her Lunar Cloak Mode allowed her to blend into the shadows and increase her power under the night sky.
She could summon moonlit illusions to confuse enemies.
Kairo was impressed. "You've really mastered it, huh?"
Ayaka nodded. "And I plan to get even stronger. That's why I'm with you."
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Reaching the Ashen Peaks
Two days later, after enduring harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and unstable cliffs, the group finally arrived at the summit of Ashen Peaks.
Nestled between jagged rocks stood a humble yet imposing structure—a shrine, untouched by time.
Standing at its entrance was an elderly man, wrapped in a crimson cloak, his sharp amber eyes watching them closely.
Kairo stepped forward. "Are you the Phoenix Master?"
The old man studied him before shaking his head. "I was once called that. But those days are over."
Kairo's heart sank. "Please. I need to learn to control my power."
The master's gaze darkened. "You wish to master the Phoenix Power? Then you must understand—it is not something to be controlled. It is something that consumes."
He turned his back to them.
"I will not teach you."
To be continued-