Life Beyond End

Flynn shot up in bed like he'd been electrocuted.

"HAAAAAAAAGH!"

His chest heaved as he sucked in air like a man who'd been drowning. His head was spinning, drenched in sweat, and his heart? Beating like a fucking war drum.

It was just a dream... just a goddamn dream.

Shaking hands came into view as he stared at them like they belonged to someone else. The memories of that night—their faces, their screams—flashed behind his eyes like a bad movie he couldn't turn off.

But then, he grinned.

I'll make it right this time. No excuses. No running away.

He threw the blanket off, the weight of the nightmare lifting from his chest as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Standing up, he grabbed the black suit he'd worn the day before and gave it a sniff.

"Damn, this doesn't even smell bad," he muttered, eyebrows shooting up. "Either this is some magic shit, or I'm going nose-blind."

Sliding into the suit, Flynn adjusted the cuffs and ran a hand through his messy hair. He paused at the door, his hand hovering over the handle. Nobody needs to know I'm up... let's keep it that way.

Creak.

The door opened just enough for him to peek into the hallway. Empty. Perfect.

With the kind of precision that'd make a ninja jealous, Flynn crept down the corridor. He ducked behind cabinets, slid around corners, and tiptoed past guards like his life depended on it.

God, I feel like a total idiot sneaking around like this, he thought, fighting the urge to laugh at himself.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Flynn pushed open the side door leading to the training yard.

"Yes!" he whispered under his breath, a victorious grin spreading across his face. "Some peace and quiet."

The yard stretched out before him, dark and empty. The morning air was cool and damp, the smell of wet grass and dew filling his lungs.

"If I can remember properly..." he muttered, standing in the center of the yard. The memories of the slave trader fight bubbled up, raw and vivid. His hands curled into fists.

No distractions. Focus.

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he centered himself. Then, in a low, firm voice, he spoke.

"Alvjron."

SHANG!

A deafening metallic screech filled the air as a sword materialized in his hand. Not just any sword—a blood-red monster wreathed in flames that danced wildly along its edge. The fire painted his face in red and orange, its heat pulsing against his skin.

Flynn stared at it, wide-eyed.

"Holy shit!"

He couldn't help it. A grin stretched across his face, and a laugh bubbled out of him before he slapped a hand over his mouth.

Shit! Too loud!

He glanced up at the windows, waiting, listening. No sounds. No footsteps.

"Phew," he exhaled, lowering his hand. "Close one."

Turning back to the sword, he adjusted his grip. It felt perfect in his hand—light, powerful, dangerous. Like it was made just for him. Without thinking, Flynn shifted his stance, his feet sliding into position as if by instinct.

"Where did this come from?" he muttered. "I don't even know this stance... do I?"

The flames crackled, licking up the blade like it was alive. Flynn didn't even notice the small grin creeping onto his face.

"This is fucking awesome."

***

Upstairs, three figures huddled near a window overlooking the yard.

"W-what the hell is that!?" Auden stammered, his face pale.

Elene, standing beside him, clutched the windowsill. "That's... that's not fire magic!"

Behind them, Pheore crossed her arms, her voice calm but curious. "Darling, how did you know Flynn would come here?"

Auden's eyes stayed glued to Flynn, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Flynn doesn't know it yet... but he has a presence. A powerful one."

Pheore raised an eyebrow. "Powerful enough to sneak out and train alone?"

"That's not the point," Auden snapped, his tone sharp. "The most important thing is..."

Both women leaned closer, their curiosity spilling into their expressions.

"That stance doesn't have a single flaw," Auden finished, his voice filled with awe.

Elene's jaw dropped, her eyes darting between Auden and Flynn. "You can't be serious. He's just a kid!"

Pheore's lips curved into a grin. "Really?" she asked, excitement coloring her voice. "That's incredible."

Elene frowned. "Yeah, if it doesn't kill him first..."

***

Back in the yard, Flynn was on the move.

With a quick twist of his wrist, the flaming sword cut through the air, leaving a trail of red light behind it. He spun on his heel, swinging it again, the sheer force of the strike sending a shockwave through the yard.

BOOM!

The ground shook, dirt and grass flying in all directions. Flynn stumbled back, staring at the massive gash in the earth. The edges were blackened, smoke curling upward in lazy tendrils.

"Holy shit," he whispered, his voice shaky. "Did I do that?"

His pulse was racing, his breathing shallow. The sword felt... alive. It thrummed in his hand, like it was feeding off his energy, his thoughts, his fears.

Is this even my strength? Or is it the sword's?

The thought sent a chill down his spine, but he shook it off.

"No," he muttered, tightening his grip. "I'm in control."

But as he raised the sword again, something shifted. The flames flickered, dimming for just a moment. Flynn frowned, the weight in his chest growing heavier.

"What the hell...?"

A strange pressure pressed down on him, suffocating and cold. His knees buckled, and the sword trembled in his hand.

"Stop," he growled, his voice strained. "I'm not done yet!"

But the pressure didn't stop. If anything, it got worse.

You are not ready.

The voice echoed in his mind, deep and resonant, like the rumble of distant thunder. Flynn's eyes widened as the sword vanished, leaving his hand empty. He fell to the ground, gasping for air, his chest heaving.

"No... no, I can handle this!"

But the voice was gone, leaving him alone in the silence of the yard.

***

Auden's expression darkened as he watched Flynn collapse.

"Pheore," he said, his voice low but urgent. "Go get the others. Now."

Pheore hesitated, her excitement fading into concern. "What's wrong? He's just training—"

"That's not training," Auden interrupted, his tone sharp. "That's something else. If we don't stop him, he could lose control... or worse."

Elene's hand gripped Auden's arm, her voice trembling. "Do you really think he'll lose it?"

Auden didn't answer. His gaze stayed locked on Flynn, a sinking feeling settling in his gut.

"That's it, we're going there!" Auden's voice boomed through the quiet hall like a hammer hitting stone.

Pheore froze, her eyes wide with panic. "A-are you serious, darling? You saw what's happening out there!"

Auden didn't even look at her, his focus razor-sharp. "Yes, I'm serious. Now move! If we don't, he's going to lose control!"

"Shit," Pheore muttered under her breath, grabbing the edge of her dress as she hurried after him. Elene followed close behind, her face pale but determined, though her hands trembled slightly.

They raced through the corridors, the sound of their footsteps pounding in sync with the rising tension. The closer they got to the training yard, the hotter the air felt—like walking into the mouth of a furnace.

"What the hell is that smell?" Elene gasped, covering her nose.

"Burning magic," Auden shot back, his voice clipped. "And it's coming from Flynn. We're running out of time."

When they reached the yard, the scene that greeted them was nothing short of a nightmare.

"Holy gracious heavens..." Pheore whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling heat.

Flynn stood in the center of the yard, his body glowing with faint red veins that pulsed like living flames. His head hung low, sweat pouring down his face, and his breathing was ragged, like he'd run a marathon through hell. 

And those marks... they looked like they were eating him alive.

"He's losing it," Auden said, his voice tight. "Fuck!" He didn't wait for anyone else to speak. In an instant, he charged forward, his boots crunching against the dirt.

"Flynn!" Auden's voice echoed across the yard, but Flynn didn't even flinch. His body swayed slightly, the red glow intensifying.

"Dammit, he's not listening!" Pheore cried, her nails digging into her palms.

Flynn let out a guttural groan, the sound raw and broken. His knees buckled, and for a split second, it looked like he might collapse. But the marks flared brighter, forcing him upright again like a marionette on strings.

"This isn't normal," Elene whispered, her hands trembling. "It's like the magic is controlling him."

"I'm not letting this happen!" Auden growled. He pushed harder, closing the distance between him and Flynn. The heat was unbearable now, like standing inches from an inferno. Sweat dripped down his forehead, stinging his eyes, but he didn't stop.

When he reached Flynn, he didn't hesitate.

BAM!

Auden tackled Flynn to the ground with all his strength, the impact sending a shockwave through the yard. Dust and dirt flew everywhere.

"Flynn!" Auden shouted, pinning the Flynn down. Flynn's body jerked violently, his eyes fluttering open for a brief moment before closing again. The marks on his skin pulsed erratically, their glow dimming slightly but still holding on.

"Elene! Get over here!" Auden barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Heal him! Now!"

Elene snapped out of her daze, rushing to their side. "R-right!" She knelt beside Flynn, her hands already glowing with a soft green light.

"Darling! keep an eye out! If anything else happens, I need to know immediately!" Auden didn't even look at her as he gave the command.

Pheore nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Got it."

Elene placed her hands on Flynn's chest, the green light spreading over his body. "Healing!" she chanted, her voice steady despite the panic in her eyes.

The marks on Flynn's skin flickered, the red glow dimming as the healing magic worked its way through him. His breathing started to even out, the tension in his body easing slightly.

"It's working," Elene said, though her voice was strained. "But it's not enough... The marks—whatever they are—they're still draining him."

"Fuck!" Auden swore, tightening his grip on Flynn's shoulders. "Keep going! We can't let him burn out!"

"I'm trying!" Elene snapped, sweat beading on her forehead.

Pheore's gaze darted between Flynn and the rest of the yard, her heart pounding in her chest. The air was still thick with heat, and the faint smell of burning lingered. She clenched her fists, frustration and fear boiling inside her.

"Come on, Flynn," she muttered under her breath. "Wake up, damn it!"

But Flynn didn't move. His body was completely limp now, the red marks fading into faint embers that pulsed weakly.

"He's stabilizing," Elene said, her voice shaky. "But he's not waking up."

"What the hell does that mean!?" Auden snapped, his patience fraying. "I'm dumb! Simplify what you're saying!"

"It means he's out of energy!" Elene shot back, her voice rising. "He's alive, but he needs time to recover!"

"We dont have time!" Auden muttered, his jaw tightening. He looked down at Flynn, his expression a mix of anger and desperation.

"Come on, kid," he said quietly, his voice rough. "Don't do this. You're stronger than this."

Flynn's face remained still, his pale skin almost ghostly in the dim light.

Auden's fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. "Damn it, Flynn! Wake up!"

But there was no response.

The last of the red light faded from Flynn's body, leaving him completely still.