Chapter 10: Resolve
Hotsuma and Shusei walked back their rooms.
"Shusei, can I come in your room for a while?" Hotsuma asked.
"Sure…" his best friend said.
Both of them sat down on the usual sofa next to the window.
"Are you alright Hotsuma? Shusei asked.
"Yeahhh I'm fine… still in a bit of a shock."
Hotsuma then leaned against Shusei's shoulder.
"I prayed. I prayed hard for the strength to protect everyone. And then suddenly a voice entered to my consciousness and talked to me. He granted me a power called the "Flames Of Suzaku"...said it was to aid me in battle. And then he suddenly disappeared."
"I see… Flames Of Suzaku. Suzaku is the God of Phoenixes. It was said that the Gods use this flame to punish those that have committed terrible sins. You've gotten that power, Hotsuma. It's amazing."
"You think so? Doesn't that make me more of a monster? People already fear my power so much and now my powers grown? I'm happy that I do have more power to protect other people but this power is also the reason why everyone avoids me."
Shusei patted his head.
"Hotsuma. You are not a monster. If you are a monster then I am also a monster. We both have powers beyond normal humans. And besides, you are not alone… I'm here for you."
"Shusei… thank you. I'll also be here by your side, you are not alone too."
Hotsuma then sat up and then looked at his palms.
"Your aura has changed Hotsuma."
"My aura? Really? How so?"
"It's hard to describe it, but when you were in the garden just now I saw a new force within you. And your aura has gone brighter."
"I do feel different too. I feel a fire burning up within me. Must be the Flames of Suzaku." Hotsuma said.
He then closed his eyes and focused. Then, once again a ball of bright golden flames appeared on his palms. In his mind, he commanded the ball of flames to fly out of the window. It took the shape of a phoenix, and flew out the window and into the sky. It disappeared as it flew further away.
"I'll definitely protect you, no matter what. I'll never let anyone hurt you ever again. And if anyone dares attack you, I'll burn him or her to hell. I didn't have enough power that time to protect you from Ashley. But this time it is different. I'll never let anything happen to you, Shusei."
Shusei placed his hand on Hotsuma's cheek.
"You are an amazing person, Hotsuma. Thank you but I specialize in defense remember? And you are an offense specialist. So just focus on attacking the enemy and I'll focus on protecting and shielding you."
"Oh… that's right. I did not forget. Indeed you are the defense specialist. Then I guess I'll attack them before they can attack us."
"That's right. Anyway, lets get some sleep soon. We have to go to school tomorrow remember?"
"I had forgotten. Sheesh after all this excitement, I can't believe I forgotten. Can I sleep here again tonight?"
"Yeah sure," Shusei said making room for his partner.