Elements: Age of Creation

A Storm Unleashed

The Blood Mage's smirk vanished as the air itself changed.

Haruto's eyes darkened, his silver gaze glowing faintly as his fury manifested into raw elemental force.

Water surged around him, no longer a tool – but a raging beast.

The ground cracked beneath his feet as the festival's remaining puddles, rivers, and fountains rose unnaturally into the air, twisting into a massive tidal force.

The Blood Mage narrowed their eyes, assessing the situation.

"Interesting."

Then, without hesitation – they turned to retreat into the shadows.

Before disappearing completely, the Blood Mage's gaze flickered toward Teshii.

For a split second, their expression changed.

A subtle nod.

Teshii's lips curved into a small, knowing smile.

Then – they were gone.

Nobody noticed.

Water Out of Control

But the real danger wasn't over.

Haruto's rage-fueled power wasn't stopping

The water kept growing, twisting into an unnatural tidal wave, towering higher and higher over the festival ruins.

It wasn't an attack anymore–

It was pure destruction, a storm with no direction.

And if it crashed down?

It would wipe out everything.

Teshii's expression hardened.

"HIKARU!" he shouted. "STOP HIM!"

Hikaru barely had time to react before he saw it–

The massive tsunami, about to collapse.

And Haruto, at the centre, completely lost in his emotions.

Reaching Through the Storm

Hikaru ran forward, ignoring the exhaustion from the battle.

"Haruto!" he shouted.

No response.

Haruto's breathing was ragged, his body trembling. He couldn't hear him.

Hikaru gritted his teeth.

Then, without hesitation, he grabbed Haruto's wrist.

"HARUTO!"

For a split second – everything paused.

Haruto's glowing silver eyes flickered.

Hikaru's grip tightened.

"Your brother wouldn't want this," he said, his voice firm but calm.

Haruto tensed.

Hikaru took a deep breath. "Mamoru told you to find your own path." His golden eyes locked onto Haruto's. "Is this that path you want?"

Haruto's breath hitched.

The tsunami above them began to waver, its chaotic form losing shape.

"Your brother didn't want revenge," Hikaru continued. "He wanted you to live."

Haruto's fingers twitched.

Then–

The water collapsed – but instead of crashing down in destruction, it broke apart, dispersing harmlessly into mist and rain.

The battle was over.

Haruto collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily. His body shook – not from exhaustion, but from emotion.

Hikaru knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"It's okay," he said softly. "It's over."

Reunion

As the dust settled, Teshii, Hikari, and Mei ran toward them.

Mei reached Hikaru first.

"Hikaru!"

Before he could even react–

She threw herself at him, hugging him tightly.

Her arms wrapped around him, her grip firm, desperate.

"You idiot," she whispered. "I thought you were going to–" She stopped herself, burying her face against his shoulder.

Hikaru blinked in shock.

Then, hesitantly, he hugged her back.

"…I'm okay," he reassured her. "I promise."

Teshii walked up, grinning. "Whew! That was some intense drama. Someone should be writing this down."

Hikari rolled her eyes, elbowing him. "Teshii. Read the room."

Haruto, still catching his breath, didn't respond to anyone.

His eyes stayed locked on the spot where Mamoru had fallen.

His brother was gone.

But his path forward–

Was finally clear.