Different Yet The Same

Chapter Thirty-Five

-Ember-

It's been three days. Three days of training. Three days of sweating. Three days of bleeding. Three days of fire. Three days of hell.

You would think being a supernatural all powerful being would give you some resistance to all this pain. I mean ya I heal quickly, but the pain at times is almost unbearable. Then I'll see Coal with the same wounds acting fine, that is what makes me work harder. I also think I've taken a liking to the gymnastics in hand to hand combat.

It's alluring and captivating how a warrior is able to maneuver around their opponent, striking the sensitive spots and evading blows. It's an art one must master, hopefully I have done just that.

I'm startled when someone walks into the gym with no warning. I spin around, front flipping to the right and bringing my leg up before it smashes down. I've taken my battle stance.

Three mocking claps follow my display. Vision clearing, and I'm standing a foot away from the one and only Pyro.

"Well done, really well done." Voice full of sarcasm. "I must admit, I didn't think you'd come this far..."

I know he's prying but I take the bait.

"You didn't? Well I'll take that as a compliment then. Care to enlighten me on why you were skeptical?"

He has my attention now, the worst thing is he knows it.

"No doubt you are strong. Stronger than me, Coal, all the warriors and maybe even Lucifer himself." A chuckle bubbles up from his throat. "There is however a complication..." I grunt, anger spiking but I stay as calm as I can.

"Would you like to know what it is?"

I nod. Hook.

"Are you sure you can take it?"

I nod. Line.

"Spark."

...and sinker.

I can feel my gaze falter slightly. Pyro catches on, a venom filled smile stretching across his face.

"Give me one good reason not to take you down right now..." I'm sick of this game.

"All I'm saying is, when the time comes will you really be able to kill Spark, or will you bail at the last second?"

"That is of no concern to you." My voice thick with emotion.

"It is of every concern to me." His gaze locks with mine. "Just know if you don't kill her, I will."

He walks out the room, leaving a trail of imposing threats and black promises.

Does he mean it? Would he really kill Spark?

What do you care? She's dead anyways. You'll kill her if he doesn't.

Who the hell are you?

I am the power that resides within you. I am Ignis.

Ignis...haven't seen you in a while.

Haha, well don't worry. I am here and ready to preform the deed you dread.

I don't dread it. I can do it.

Well if you say so. Just remember if you don't, I will, or maybe Pyro will, either way she will die.

I swallow past the lump in my throat. Wait aren't I supposed to have a good voice too?

Not you Hun. You're all to black in your soul. Also, a word of advice, don't deny who you truly are.

With that, the voice is gone, deserting me. A cool shiver dances it's way along my spine and twirls itself around my bones. What did she mean I'm all to black in my soul? Am I just like that because of my father or...am I really a bad person?

As soon as I start second guessing my choice I feel a slight pressure in the back of my head, like a strangled voice straining to be heard. Is that the good voice calling to me? Telling me it's almost free? Or is it merely suffocating underneath the blackness of my soul?

"Ember! Come on! You need to get ready to leave." Coal hollers from the gym door. Nodding slightly, I begin to stretch out my aching muscles.

Five minutes until we leave. Five minutes until we fight. Five minutes until I strive to win. I win. I win. I win...I win...I win?

I slip into the solid black battle gear and strap in my weapons. Coal runs up and grabs my hand, ready for us to lead everyone through the portal. "Ready?"

My reply is not hesitant, "Ready. Let's go!"

Then we surge through the portal, ready for battle. Wanting to fight. Thirsting to kill.

I'm coming Spark.