Koev li halev

Chapter 2: All that matters

Noticing abnormal signs from his eldest brother, Gempa knew that Halilintar had reached his limit.

He made sure that the barrier behind him was steady enough for the one it was protecting. Another explosion occurred right as the leader stepped out of his shield, the force of the blast making him skid and almost fall on his back. This was why he couldn't approach any of them earlier. Their opponent had done everything he could just to separate the brothers and make sure none could interfere with his fight with Halilintar. Their long-range fighter had already been knocked to the ground, and while Gempa could also use ranged attack, his golems especially, all of them had gotten brutally exploded by the cannon (and one more unfortunate thing: it was the reason they'd fallen into the underground bunker in the first place).

Gempa adjusted his footing and managed to dodge a cannonball that nearly removed his arm. It made contact with a metal wall which had already been heavily damaged, exploding and causing rubble to rain down on them. The intense pain caused his eyes to drift closed for a moment, only to snap open again as he pushed himself forward. No, he can't just stand here. His brother was in danger, he had to do something, he had to–

His eyes widened when he realized that awfully familiar objects were attached to the villain's body - something that could terrify all human beings.

"In 30 seconds, all the bombs on my body will wipe this place off the map."

They are all in danger.

He felt his heart quicken with fear and dread as he looked at his twin crouched on the ground in pain, making no attempt to move.

He had to get there, fast! So he ran as he called the eldest's name frantically, thoughts racing through his mind like a broken record, enacting the worst-case scenario. He didn't care if the person in front of his eyes was telling him to stay away. He felt helpless, but he couldn't help himself... he had to try to save him, no matter how hopeless it might be. He had to at least try! Protecting had always been his responsibility. His family and friends' safety was his priority.

What was the point in holding such power if you couldn't use it to protect your loved ones?

He focused on Halilintar, ruby eyes now filled with fear. The other's mouth seemed to move in slow motion, and Gempa stopped in his tracks, now at the best distance to make a shield for his brother; he wouldn't make it when–

"GEMPA, DON'T–"

The boy bent down to make another earth barrier - or, he tried to. A second thunderous sound came just as his fists made contact with the ground, and his siblings screamed his name from afar. Several fiery explosions burst out as the bomb ignited, sending shockwaves all across the area.

Fireballs and metal fragments shot through the air. Gempa didn't even have time to brace himself before the projectiles rained down around him. Incandescent flames suddenly erupted, scattering fragments and debris several yards away. And before Gempa could even notice that, a sharp metal fragment made contact with his golden eyes.

Then his surroundings turned pitch black.

—

.

.

.

How on Earth had Taufan managed to bear his injury for that long?

Solar had ripped a part of his outer vest and tied it around Taufan's neck. They had to shift him into a lying position, while the boy in white put his hand on the blood-drenched fabric - not so tight that he would suffocate his brother, but still applying pressure on the wound to slow the bleeding.