The Heritor of Illipia

Chapter 16

Finally, I can start writing like I want to. New chapter here so enjoy!
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        Ykuei never explained why he wasn't allowed to tell him what Dryad spoke to him. He didn't even speak to (y/n) after he made his decision. The choice in leaving Ykuei behind was not an easy one, and it brought up a few questions among his current group. His justification was that Ykuei might be mistaken as a suspect of manipulation and shouldn't be brought any further into the situation. (Y/n) hoped that he'd made the right decision especially considering the information Ykuei gave him.

        Regardless of where the hybrid child went, someone would get hurt but there was no telling who that person would be. Ykuei had given him no signs of making the wrong choice and the two had parted without any other words. "(Y/n), you okay? You've been spacing out the entire time," Chung asked as he slowed down to match his walking pace. They weren't far from the Temple of Fire now. It had taken far less time to get there thanks to the shortcut that Aisha knew. It was only a matter of time before someone spoke up about (y/n)'s painfully obvious state of distress.

        "I'm fine, just thinking is all," (y/n) replied. It was no lie but it didn't sound like the truth either. "You don't seem fine. You've been on edge thus entire time and its alarming. Whenever you're like that, the rest of us are constantly worried about watching our backs. You're entirely different from your nonchalant attitude back in Sander," Add spoke from just ahead of them. He glanced back at (y/n), but there was no way to tell if the action was promted by concern or annoyance.

        "Leave him alone, Add. You act like it's a problem to be on guard. We're almost to the Temple of Fire. We shouldn't be expecting to take things the nonchalant way. Although I do agree with that other part. You aren't acting the same way, (y/n)," Aisha said. (Y/n) sighed not wanting his attitude changes to be pointed out. Just as he did, he felt three somewhat familiar auras give off warning. He froze as did the others, and the four of them stared ahead at the doors of the Temple of Fire.

        "You guys sense that too right?" Aisha questioned. No one answered as they contemplated their next move. "This is either a trap or an unexpected declaration to battle. I don't think they knew we were arriving here, whoever they may be," Chung noted. He loaded his cannon getting ready for a battle. "It's three to four. We should be fine, but going straight in would be a bad idea. They'd attack us the moment we reach their sight," (y/n) said. He was careful not to set off his own aura knowing that it would make his teammates more anxious. That and he didn't want to give away his identity to his enemies.

        He had a pretty good idea who's auras he was sensing but he couldn't be sure since he waa unable to see their souls at the moment. From where they stood, Chung certainly had a straight shot to the debris that was left of the door. "Chung, fire some missiles at the temple entrance. I'll go in first and distract them so you guys can get in and back me up," (y/n) instructed. Chung nodded in confirmation. "Back you up? Aren't we supposed to be a team?" Aisha immediately complained.

        "Now isn't the time, Aisha. He isn't wrong. We'd likely be better off if most of the attacks are directed his way. He's a smaller target than the three of us together. Besides, we'll get our chance," Add said. His dynamos shook with anticipation of the oncoming fight. There were no further interjections so (y/n) spoke again. "I'll go whenever you're ready," he said. Chung didn't hesitate to aim right at the already damaged temple and fired at it mercilessly.

        The moment the middles were in the air, (y/n) unleashed his full aura nd sprang forward. He of course startled his team but he had to. Having his full power at his disposal was the best way to go into a potential ambush. In no time, he'd closed the distance between him and the only way in just as the missiles landed. Not caring about the explosions, he shot through the blast zone. He had enough speed to get through it without too much harm. Whatever skin had been damaged was immediately healed as he skidded to a halt on the other side.