United Flames

A converted cultist now towered over Ren and Sera, its body crackling with fiery energy. The monster's huge body throbbed, the black flames dancing off it brighter and brighter, growing hotter by the moment.

Ren's heart pounded as he studied the creature in front of him. It wasn't any demon, there was a thing they had thrown everything at. It was more than he'd ever dealt with so far.

Sera was resolute with violet eyes that never waver. Her sword sang with energy, awaiting the next strike.

Ren shifted towards her, out of breath. "We've got this, right?"

Sera didn't immediately reply. Instead, she looked at the creature, her face placid.

"We're going to have to work together," she said at last. Her tone was measured, but there was a glimmer of resolve in her eyes. "This thing is more powerful than we knew."

Flames danced out of Ren's hands as he clenched his fists. "And then we'll fight like it's the last thing we do."

"Good," she said, smiling a little. "Let's end this."

The monstrous cultist let out another deafening roar, blood-red eyes shimmering with rage, before black flames started billowing outwards around it. The heat around them intensified, and the ground they stood on was starting to crack and roar.

Ren felt the heat of the flames against his skin; his clothes began to burn from the bluster. He felt his heart pounding in his chest. It was no longer just a fight; it was survival.

With a sudden lunge, the cultist rushed forward, much faster than Ren expected. Its claws slashed through the air like a death sentence, aimed straight for Ren's chest.

Ren's reflexes kicked in and he rolled to the side, just avoiding the strike. The attack's force gouged deep cuts in the street.

Sera was right behind him. In a blur she moved forward, reducing the distance between herself and the demon, her blade glinting like silver lightning. "Get back!" she yelled as she brought her katana down onto the creature's arm.

The blade carved through the demon's flesh, but the monster hardly flinched. In response, it swung its lumbering arm, trying to smash her under the force of its blow.

Ren's eyes widened. "Sera!"

"He's too fast," he thought, and without an ounce of hesitation, Ren stepped his game up a notch, using the Blue Flame to push himself forward. His body acted on instinct, and he got there in time to snatch Sera's arm and pull her out of the way.

"Mind where you swing that thing" Ren growled, his tone laced with urgency.

Sera shot him a quick, surprised look, but didn't speak. Instead, her vision returned to the beast, narrowing with purpose.

"We're going to need a distraction," she said, barely audible over the crackle of the flames. "Something to give us an in."

Ren's mind raced. A distraction?

Then it clicked.

He looked at the cultist which was recovering from its missed attack. Even now, the creature was refocusing its power, its body crackling with sixth power, preparing for another belch of flame.

Perfect.

Ren turned to Sera. "I've got an idea."

"Do it," Sera said, her voice steady but trusting.

The Blue Flame ignited on Ren's body as he condensed all of the firepower into his palms. "Let's make this quick."

A Blue Flame erupted with an acute crackle, a tornado of annihilation streaking around Ren's hands. The crackle and snap of flames responded to his call.

Ren squinted, zeroing in. The fire of the Blue Flame surged through his veins, lighting him up like the suns; the ruination of his fate was yet to come, but this was not the time.

He turned to Sera. "Get ready."

Sera nodded, sword gripped tight in her hands.

Ren inhaled deeply, springing forth, his body streaks of blue flame. "Now!"

Sera reacted immediately. "Got it!"

With Ren rallying up and dashing to the beast, he utilized the Blue Flame to cover, shooting out a gargantuan wave of fire as it washed through the demon's face. A massive fireball exploded around the flames, blinding the prey and pushing it back.

The cultist staggered, swinging its claws in the air as it attempted to regain its balance. The distraction was doing its job—just as Ren had wanted.

Sera was already in motion.

She loomed above the beast, her katana slicing the air in an overhead arc.

The sword flashed as it sliced into the demon's chest, parting its black hide like a bright, long gash. The cultist screamed, its arms flailing about in a futile attempt to shield its body.

But it was too late.

With all the strength he had remaining, Ren surged forward. Blue flames crackled around his fists as he hurtled himself toward the monster's exposed side. Ren brought his fist down with bone-crunching force on the creature, using every ounce of strength he could muster.

The impact slammed the demon backward, its huge body striking the ground with earthshaking force.

But it wasn't over yet.

The creature's body jerked, and its flames flared back to life as it struggled to rise again.

Ren had no time to react as the demon clawed at him.

He ducked, but the black flames grazed his skin, leaving pain in its wake.

Sera didn't hesitate. "Enough!" she yelled, the authority in her voice

She was able to perceive the formation of the energies around as her breathing deepened and the air around her changed. Her sword shone with more brilliance than before, a bright light engulfing the beast's dark aura.

"Sacred Strike!"

Sera lunged with one, fluid motion, her sword slicing through the air. The sword flared as she struck the demon's body, and the earth quaked under them.

It screamed again, but now it was a dying sound as IO tore it in half with a final explosion of light and energy that shook the whole district.

--

Ren stumbled back, gasping for air. The blue flames that beset him snuffed out as he dropped to his knees, the battle having drained his body of energy.

Sera, almost as exhausted, sheathed her katana and faced him. "You're alive."

Ren gave her a tired smile. "Barely."

She raised an eyebrow. "You did well, though. For someone who believes he's worthless."

Ren chuckled weakly. "I'm beginning to feel like I'll just let you do all the heavy lifting."

Giving nothing in return, Sera rolled her eyes but fell silent, and let the moment of tranquility linger.

But that peace was to be short-lived.

Far away, the unmistakable sound of footsteps grew louder and closer.

He got to his feet, his hand pressed against his side, where the demon's claws had pierced. His face was set tense with determination as he looked at Sera. "That wasn't the last of them, right?"

Sera frowned and shook her head. "No. The Hellfire Cult isn't going to stop here."

Ren's eyes narrowed. "Then we ensure they regret crossing us ever.