The Fire Inside

41. Life Meets Death

"Aww," Casper mocked, "How cute of you to support each other!"

"What would you know," Maria sneered.

"I think I'd know a lot."

And with that everyone was groaning on the ground.

"Ha! With my speed, none of you can do as much as lay a finger on me! Support? What support? You can't support each other even if your lives depended on it! You're all alone in the world! If I were to snap off one of your necks, can any of you guarantee safety for that cursed soul? Can any of you promise to bring them back to life? Highly doubt it," Casper looked at the necklace around Emmalynn's neck.

Emmalynn clutched her friend's ashes tight.

"You're all so pathetic it makes me want to puke."

"What the hell!" Varun said through his teeth, "I bet you've never had friends, huh?"

Casper glared at him before smiling.

"You're right. That's why I'm so much stronger than you pesky flies."

"Fine then. Stand there and let us attack you," Heiwa said, swinging her sword around casually.

"You think I'm easy, don't you! You think I'm no challenge?!" Casper said, clearly becoming more irritated as they continued egging him on.

"We never said that..." Maria started.

"Yeah. She said it! Go pick on her!" Varun countered.

"What?! Guys!" Heiwa stammered, "I thought we were in this together!"

"Well, he did say that life is every man for himself," Maria said shrugging her shoulders.

"B-But..."

"Heiwa. If you wanna say something, say it, but expect to take the fall when things don't go your way."

"All if you sound so stupid. Even for friends, who would've thought you'd all be this pathetic!" Casper said surprised by the sudden turn of events.

"I mean, if distractions are all they're worth, I think our friendship, although sudden, is pretty damn strong."

Julien jumped onto Casper's back and elbowed his head.

"Gah! Where'd you come from!"

"Let's get it! Good one Julien!" Varun hooted.

Maria punched him before shooting an arrow in front of Casper.

"See ya around!"

The arrow tip burst and smoke flooded the area around him.

Varun, Maria, and Heiwa dashed to one corner while Julien grabbed Emmalynn and moved the opposite way.

"How. Dare. YOU!"

Casper's voice boomed through the arena. When the smoke disappeared, there stood Casper, but unlike before, he had scales forming neck down and glinting claws jutting out where he had human nails.

"AAAAAHHHH!!!"

Casper grabbed his head in pain before blowing out red hot flames. Heiwa blocked her side with her personal water while Emmalynn did her best to contain the flames with her scythe. The heat of the handle was too much to handle, causing her to drop the weapon. Julien and Lynn's eyes widened as they saw a new wave of fire coming closer. Closing their eyes they braces themselves for the heat that was about to strike.

"What the..."

When Julien opened his eyes, his jaw dropped. In front of them stood what looked like a golden fox. The size could fit at least three to four of them on its back and was twice Julien's height. It's fur glistened with smoky trails of Casper's fire. It's strong legs were lightly padding the floor causing sparks to emerge whenever the feet came in contact with the stone. Suddenly, the red flames pulsed and turned blue. Julien looked past the fiery beast and noticed a familiar face.