Eclipse of the Azure Flame

Chapter 9: Embers of the Past

The Weight of a Friendship

The temple's grand chamber stood in ruins. Dust and debris filled the air, illuminated by the flickering glow of Azure Storm Flames and the eerie violet hue of the Void Blade.

Lorien lay motionless on the ground, his breathing ragged, blood pooling beneath him.

Kieran gripped his Void Blade tighter. His stance was steady, but his expression wasn't. For a moment, his fingers trembled. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to suppress the doubt gnawing at his mind.

Riven stood across from him, his own flames roaring, his fists clenched. But his eyes—those same eyes Kieran had once seen filled with determination as they trained together—now burned with something else.

Pain.

"This isn't how it was supposed to be," Riven thought, his heartbeat pounding in his ears.

They had once sworn to protect each other. To fight alongside one another.

Now, they stood on opposite sides.

Kieran took a step forward.

"I won't hesitate."

But deep inside, he knew that was a lie.

---

Flashback – The Oath of Three

A sunset bathed the training grounds in a warm, golden glow. Three boys, covered in sweat and bruises from the day's sparring, sat on the grass, laughing.

Lorien stretched, groaning. "If Master Aedric makes us do one more round of Azure Storm Strikes, I'm going to collapse."

Riven grinned. "You already collapsed twice today."

Kieran chuckled. "You two are weak."

Lorien scoffed. "Says the guy who got kicked into the river this morning."

The three of them burst into laughter.

Then, Riven's gaze turned serious.

"One day, no matter what happens, we'll always have each other's backs, right?"

Lorien smirked. "Obviously."

Kieran hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Always."

They extended their fists toward one another, flames flickering around their hands—Azure Storm Flames meeting Void Energy.

"Brothers, forever."

The promise echoed in Riven's mind.

---

Present – The Battle Begins

Riven exhaled sharply, shaking off the memory. His Azure Storm Flames intensified, crackling with power.

"If Kieran won't stop, then I have to make him."

He launched forward.

Kieran met him head-on.

Their clash sent shockwaves through the temple.

Riven's flaming fists struck like meteors, but Kieran's Void Blade was relentless, slicing through the air with terrifying precision.

A punch—dodged.

A slash—parried.

Each movement was lightning-fast, a deadly exchange between two warriors who knew each other's every move.

Riven gritted his teeth. "He's stronger than before."

Kieran wasn't just fighting—he was predicting Riven's attacks before they even landed.

Then—

Kieran spun, his blade slicing toward Riven's throat.

Riven barely managed to raise his arm in time. The blade cut deep, searing pain spreading through his body.

But he didn't stop.

Ignoring the pain, Riven channeled his Azure Storm energy, delivering a devastating counterpunch.

BOOM.

Kieran staggered back, a scorch mark burning across his chestplate.

For the first time, his expression cracked.

Riven clenched his bleeding fist. "I won't let you win, Kieran."

Kieran met his gaze, his eyes flickering with an emotion Riven couldn't quite place.

Then, he smirked.

"Then try and stop me."

And the battle continued.

---

Power Explanation: Azure Storm Mastery vs. Void Blade Precision

Azure Storm Mastery: A combat style that enhances the body with Azure Storm Flames, increasing speed, power, and reflexes.

Void Blade Precision: A fighting technique that allows the user to predict and counter attacks by sensing fluctuations in energy flow.

---

The Tension Builds

Riven's mind raced. He was fighting on instinct, but it wasn't enough.

Kieran had changed.

This wasn't just strength—it was precision, calculation. Every move Kieran made was measured, aimed to exploit Riven's weaknesses.

"He's not just fighting me. He's reading me."

Riven took a deep breath.

He needed to stop reacting.

He needed to take control.

He closed his eyes for a split second, focusing his energy.

Then—he vanished.

Kieran's eyes widened. "What?!"

Before he could react—

Riven reappeared behind him, Azure Storm energy coiling around his fist.

A direct hit.

Kieran was sent flying, crashing through a pillar.

Silence.

Riven panted, sweat dripping down his face.

Then—he felt it.

A dark presence watching from the shadows.

His blood ran cold.

This fight wasn't over.

And something far worse was coming.

---

End of Chapter 9