Teaser:Some flames are born from pain. Others… from purpose.
The rain had stopped, but the mist lingered like the memory of a nightmare that refused to fade.Mizu stumbled over broken stones and scorched earth, unsure if his legs were guiding him—or just moving on instinct.
Then he heard it.Footsteps. Calm. Steady.A voice—sharp and confident."If you can move, you shouldn't be lying in the dirt."
He looked up.
A girl stood in front of him. Her red hair flowed with the wind, glowing like embers. Her eyes were fierce, unwavering—like they had seen fire and decided to become it.
"Who… are you?" Mizu asked."Rika. And you?" She crossed her arms, not even blinking."I… think my name is Mizu."
A pause."Tch. Another one with a broken memory. Great.Well, you better figure things out quick… or you'll die."
[Flashback – Rika's Past]Screams. Fire.Her village burned around her. Her parents… lifeless.
She knelt beside her father.His voice was weak, but his eyes still burned."Rika… the fire… it lives in you… protect it…"She screamed.
And then it happened.Her eyes lit up. Flames burst from her hands, consuming the night.
[Present – Misty Hillside]"We should move," Rika said quietly. "Something's wrong here. I can feel it."
The ground rumbled.A growl. Deep. Echoing.From the fog emerged a monstrous figure—massive, towering… with three heads.A Hydra.
Mizu stepped beside Rika, fists clenched, body trembling."So… this is what we're dealing with," he whispered.
Rika's voice was calm, but fire burned at her fingertips."Then let's show this beast what happens… when you mess with the wrong ones."
Flames ignited.Moisture swirled.Fire and water, side by side—ready to strike.
End of Chapter 2