THRANDAL: The Phoenix and the Siren [UNDER EDIT]

STONE COLD

CHAPTER 8 - STONE COLD

"Look, you don't have to come with me. I can go on my own, you can stay here", she said as they neared the portal in the town center.

Nero, who was silently trailing behind her, shrugged his head in protest.

"There's no way I can let you go alone. Besides, you'll need me. Two is better than one", he said as he grinned at her.

"It'll be dangerous. He wants me so I can't risk your life in my problem. Just stay-", he cut her off before she finished her sentence.

"Look, I can't just sit around and watch Thrandal go to ruins, knowing that I can do something about it. It's worth the risk", he paused and looked her in the eyes.

"You're worth the risk."

Kitara felt that tingling feeling in her stomach again when he said that. Somehow, it gave her assurance. She hadn't known Nero for long but she knew she can trust him. There's that look in his eyes that tells her so.

She knew she couldn't argue any further, not with that look in his blue orbs.

"Then let's not waste a second", she said as she took his hand in hers and entered the portal back to the Island of Fire.

The two opened their eyes and they were in the town center of the Island of Fire.

"I need to go back to my quarters and grab some things we'll need and I also need to...", she paused as her expression softened, "say goodbye."

Without wasting another second, they jogged towards Kitara's home. There were only one or two people walking around because it was almost midnight and they made sure to not disturb anyone.

When they got to her home by the lake, she noticed a shadow of a woman standing inside. They both stopped in their tracks.

"Who's that?", Nero asked.

Kitara knew well who that person was. It's been so long but she never forgets. How could she? Even with the silhouette of her back facing them, she knew it was her.

"Someone I never want to see", she said plainly.

The floor of the house creaked and the woman turned. Nero's eyes were wide as he stood stunned at what he was seeing. The woman, she was the Goddess of fire herself, Akira.

His head turned towards Kitara to see that her face was blank, but he saw something else in her eyes. Rage, shock, disappointment, and sadness... that was what he saw.

The woman opened her mouth to speak but Kitara cut her off, "You have no right to be here."

If possible, Nero was even more shocked at what he was witnessing. He didn't know what was going on or how these two were related. He saw Kitara clench her fist and he felt the tension in the air.

"I know", the goddess replied as she lowered her head. "But I came here to stop you from going."

"Then you have no idea who I am", Kitara said through gritted teeth.

"I don't. But I know the Black Cloud. He is stronger than you think he is. What you saw in the duel ground was nothing compared to his real power, the very power that killed your father!", Akira said as she walked towards her.

"You dare mention my father. Just how shameless can you get?", Kitara was furious but she held it in. Nero remained quiet as he stood frozen in his spot.

"I know you still haven't forgiven me-"

"And I never will", Kitara cut her off.

"Please listen to me, Kitara. I lost your father and I cannot afford to lose you too", Akira was practically begging her. It was obvious that she wanted to hold Kitara in her arms, but she kept her distance seeing how stone cold the warrior's expression was.