Searching For You

Chapter 8: Fire Starter

The nightmare occurred again. Kounoa felt as if she was burning alive in the nightmare this time. She yelled in pain as the burning sensation increased.

Kounoa stared at her claws, her frizzed fur, and the surrounding aura before she looked up at the demon in front of her. The burning pains increased before the demon chopped her in half, killing her.

She woke up in her bed, sweating profusely. Her door opened and Bou came in.

The shark woman sniffed the air. "I can smell the sweat coming off of you. I can also sense that you're in some sort of trouble. Did something happen in your sleep?"

Kounoa nodded. "Yeah... I had a dream about this demon thing that killed me. I also felt like I was burning alive. Plus, I had sharp claws and a red energy all around my fur."

Bou wore a worried look on her face. "Can you explain the dream some more to me?"

The shiba shook her head. "I only remember what I saw and the burning feeling."

"Well, if that's the case..." A smirk crept across the shark's face. "Food always makes me feel better. You can make a ton of food to make us both feel good."

Kounoa smiled. "All right, you hungry shark! I'll make a big breakfast for us!" She giggled. Bou can't help but show her gluttonous side!

Bou headed out of Kounoa's room. Kounoa got up a few seconds after. She was off today, so she put on a black skirt and shirt. Kounoa walked out of her room after Bou.

The shark woman immediately heard something outside the front door. She appeared in front of it, nearly ripping the door off its hinges. Bou didn't look happy. She didn't see anyone there, just an envelope on the ground.

Kounoa ran over to Bou. "Bou! What happened?!" She urged.

Bou handed Kounoa the envelope. Kounoa ripped it open, seeing the letter inside.

"Can't you feel it, my love? The fire in your heart, mind, and soul? I know you can, but if you can't unlock it, I'll have to punish you for not trying hard enough. Tell Taida to be aware of the hospital."

-The Raiser

Kounoa's eyes widened, and she tossed the letter to the side. "We have to get to the hospital!"

Bou exhaled. "All right, but I'm running on an empty stomach now."

Kounoa opened the door, and they came face to face with Yoku and Taida.

"Kounoa?!" Yoku exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

"There's no time to explain! The hospital might be in danger because of The Raiser!" Kounoa spoke.

A lion man jumped down from somewhere next to the group. It was Suguru. "I'll help wherever it's needed!" He smiled, puffing his chest out.

Kounoa nodded to Suguru. "All right. Let's go..."

Boom!

An explosion rang in the distance. The five heard screaming coming from the direction of the explosion. Taida sped off at the speed of light. Kounoa and her diverse bodyguards went after Taida, heading to the hospital.

*

Poncho woke up in his bed and yawned. "Doctor Taida?" He questioned. The red panda boy hopped out of his bed, stretching his arm.

"Maybe she's off today!" Poncho concluded.

Something felt off for him. He didn't know what, though. "Water will make me feel better! Doctor Taida tells me to drink lots of water!"

Poncho headed to the door, opening it to a bright light and a colossal explosion hitting him in the face. The red panda got covered in rubble.

*

Please let everyone be okay. Please. Kounoa and her bodyguards made it to the scene. They saw Taida on her knees away from the hospital.

Kounoa followed Taida's gaze to see the front of the Spark & Stimulate hospital engulfed in flames. All of it crumbled, debris everywhere.

Everyone stared at the sight in horror. Taida broke down crying. Bou crouched near the rabbit woman, pulling her into a hug and comforting her.

Yoku turned away from the burning hospital. He couldn't handle looking at it for much longer. Suguru said nothing, but he prayed for those that passed in the explosion.

Just who are we messing with? Kounoa kept herself relaxed, struggling not to lose it. I don't even know if my bodyguards can stop this. The shiba saw something out the corner of her eye.

It was an envelope.

Kounoa hesitantly went over to the envelope. Yoku noticed her moving and watched her, seeing the envelope as well. He balled his fists up in rage.

Kounoa stared at the envelope on the ground. She picked it up to see the letter "K" on it, recognizing it was for her.