The Disaster Born's

Chapter Twelve - Alysia

How embarrassing. I knew I was not good enough to join the Disaster Born's. I see a tree and start kicking it and punching it aggressively, the bark cutting up my knuckles, painting the tree with my blood. Each strike sends a jolt of pain through my hands, but I don't care. Tears well up in my eyes as the birds fly out of the trees, scared of my aggressive behaviour. I stare at my knuckles, watching the blood intertwining between them, dripping onto the ground. I raise my fist to the tree again, sobbing uncontrollably.

"It's not worth it," I hear a voice, calm yet firm.

Ash appears from the trees, his silhouette framed by the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. He stands leaning against the tree I have been punching, his blue eyes fixed on me with a mixture of concern and determination. I refuse to look at him, keeping my eyes locked on the tree. "And what do you know about that?" I say, my voice trembling as I pause in my fighting stance. He purses his lips together, "A lot more than you think," he retorts, wetting his lips as concern etches deeper into his face.

I look to the sky, trying to force myself to stop crying. The clouds drift lazily above, indifferent to my turmoil. "Everyone thinks I am a fool," I say gently, my voice barely above a whisper. He shakes his head, "No one thinks you are a fool," he retorts without hesitation. He stops leaning and moves towards me, his steps slow and deliberate. "Ash, stay away. I mean it!" I say firmly, my voice rising in desperation. He does not listen and moves closer, his eyes never leaving mine.

My eyes meet his, and for a moment, I see the depth of his concern. "Believe me when I say the pain you are causing yourself will not make you feel better," he says softly, his voice soothing yet insistent. He claps his hand around my wrist, not bothered by the blood streaming from the wounds. His touch is warm, almost comforting.

I snatch my hand away from him and walk in the opposite direction, but he stops me, pulling my arm gently but firmly. "Lys, wait." His voice is a plea, filled with an urgency that makes me pause. He takes my hands, his touch gentle yet firm, and creates a fire in his palm. The flame dances in his hand, casting a warm glow on our faces. He places the flame over my hand. I flinch at the initial pain, but his sapphire eyes keep me rooted to the spot. I watch in awe as the wounds on my knuckles start to heal, the skin slowly covering the cuts. I open my mouth slightly in shock, unable to believe what I am seeing.

"You're a Fire Healer?" I ask him softly, stepping closer and opening my palm, feeling no pain or discomfort. He sniggers, a low, calming sound that sends shivers down my spine. "Yeah, I guess I am," he replies, his voice a soothing balm. "You know, Fire isn't that scary," he continues, his grip on my wrist firm yet gentle.

I shake my head, my expression unwavering. "It is," I insist, "Like you said, Fire beats Earth every time." His eyes soften, and he shakes his head slowly. "I was wrong to have been so disrespectful towards your bound," he admits, his tone sincere. This Ash was different—no longer showboating, just genuine. Less insufferable, more bearable.

"Let me show you," he whispers, his blue eyes sparkling with an intensity I had never seen before. He glances down at my wrist, his gaze lingering on the spot where his fingers touch my skin, then looks back up at me, his eyes burning with a fierce determination. I open my mouth to speak, but words fail me as I get lost in his gaze.

"Aly, Ash," Ezra's voice cuts through the moment, pulling me back to reality. I rip my wrist away from Ash and force a smile. "Sorry, Ezra, I needed a moment after that disaster." Ezra nods, his smile tight, but I can see the envy simmering beneath the surface, even though there was nothing to be jealous about.

I push my lips together and smile at him as a silent thank you for his healing power. The warmth of his touch lingers on my skin, a comforting reminder of his presence. I walk towards Ezra, and he puts his arm around me, his grip firm yet gentle. "I am sorry, I would have come after you but, the Over Lord called me." His voice is filled with regret, his eyes searching mine for forgiveness. I pause him where he is by interrupting, "Hey, you did what anyone else would have done, it's ok." I place my hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palm. He nods his head, his expression softening. "Was kind of Ash to check on you," he says, the words sour as he spits them out. "It was a change of character for sure," I say whilst smiling at Ezra, trying to lighten the mood.

We reach the training arena and see the crowd of Disaster Born's. The air is thick with anticipation, and some eyes clock my reappearance, starting to whisper among themselves. I feel their gazes like pinpricks on my skin. Suddenly, I feel a pull on my arm which halts me and Ezra. "Aly, you good?" Leon asks, his eyes filled with concern. His brow is furrowed, and his grip on my arm is reassuring. I smile at him, "Not really, but thank you for asking." He purses his lips together, placing his hand on my shoulder for comfort. The warmth of his touch spreads through me, grounding me in the moment.

"I HAVE WITNESSED SKILLS THAT ARE TRULY EXTRAORDINARY AND OTHERS THAT REQUIRE WORK!" The Over Lord shouts, his voice carrying loudly and echoing in the forest. His presence is commanding, and the crowd falls silent, hanging on his every word. "YOU WILL BE SPLIT INTO TEAMS OF TWO, DEPENDING ON YOUR ABILITY." His eyes scan the crowd, assessing each of us with a critical gaze.

Leon's eyes find mine and he lets out a chuckle, his laughter a welcome relief from the tension. I laugh back, his energy contagious. "WHEN I CALL YOUR NAME, YOU WILL COME TO THE ARENA AND STAND WITH YOUR TRAINING PARTNER," The Over Lord shouts, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. My stomach starts to do somersaults, and all I keep thinking is anything but Neve, Ash, or Ruby.

"ASH," The Over Lord calls out. Ash walks towards the training arena, running his hand through his hair to hide his nerves. He stands with his hands behind his back, waiting for his training partner to be called. The Over Lord scans the crowd again, his eyes locking with mine for a brief, intense moment. I look away, pretending to smile at something Leon has said.

"ALYSIA," The Over Lord's voice booms. Brilliant. I watch Ezra's eyes plummet to the ground as I break away from his hold and walk towards the training arena towards Ash. I refuse to look at him, my mind racing with questions. How were we first pick? What does this mean for us? The weight of the moment presses down on me, but I straighten my shoulders and step forward, ready to face whatever comes next

Ash nudges me in the shoulder and smiles, his ash blonde hair blowing slightly over his forehead in the wind. Standing next to Ash made me realise how tall he was, at least six foot three. I roll my eyes, "Just so you're aware, you weren't in my top three," I say, flashing a sarcastic smile at him. He pushes his tongue to his cheek, smirking. "Just so you're aware," he pauses, leaning closer to my ear, "You didn't even make my list," he whispers, his hot breath tickling my ear as he pulls away with a shrug.

I cross my arms and frown at him, "Fire hole," I murmur. Ash chuckles, the sound deep and infectious. "Oh, come on, Lys. Admit it, you're thrilled to be stuck with me," he says, winking.

I snort, shaking my head. "Thrilled isn't exactly the word I'd use," I reply, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "At least I get a chance to put you on your ass,"

Ash laughs, a genuine, hearty sound that draws a few curious glances from those nearby. "You know, others would kill to be my partner. I am one of the best Fire Born's, after all," he says, his voice dripping with playful arrogance.

"Yeah, yeah, Mr. Tall, Fire Born, and Annoying," I say, rolling my eyes again. "Just don't get in my way, okay?"

He raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Wouldn't dream of it, Your Highness," he says with an exaggerated bow.

I roll my eyes at him. "You're impossible," I say, shaking my head.

"And yet, here we are," he replies, grinning.