Roasted Sweet Bugs

Sola struggled to hold Pai up, his body coated in warm blood, as they dragged their feet towards the mountain entrance. The journey had not been a breeze.

Moments ago, they jumped from tree to tree, trying to escape the pursuit of something big chasing after them. This giant figure snapped the tree into wood chips. "Hey, what the fuck? Ahhh! Wait, I can't keep up, dammit!" Pai exclaimed, breathless.

"This is perfect training for you, you better keep up.”

"Yeah, but no one told me about GIANT BUGS!" said Pai, flipping over branches to keep up with Sola.

As they ran, the creature's vast wings split heavy trees down. "Let me help you, My King," laughed Danika. Pai woke up in a red flame, surrounded by magical rose-pink feathers. "Here's a taste of your real strength!"

"Don't fall behind!" Sola warned as she saw Pai jump for the slimy green creature. Pai quickly formed a fist and held down his wrist, guiding his energy.

A mini red flame ignited in his palm, as Pai raised both arms over his head and slashed down. The boy's body flew past the tree line, narrowly missing Sola.

The ground trembled as the giant bug came to a halt. There were no explosions, only an eerie silence. Slowly, the creature crashed onto the ground, its cells burning away in agony. It could no longer resist the pain.

Sola gazed over the burning flesh, and the slime surrounding it swarmed with thick black smoke. "Interesting," Sola murmured. Acting swiftly, Pai bounced across the ground, seeking refuge in a flat valley, and landed on his back. But the danger was far from over; more bugs closed in from every angle. Sola followed behind them, fearing she wouldn't make it in time to protect him.

"Wait, a barrier should do the trick in time," Sola exclaimed. An ancient golden image of abnormal symbols shone on Sola's palm, and she threw her essence onto Pai. Shields formed, closing him in, providing a protective cocoon. "Now that should do it," she said, relieved.

Pai, lying on his back, lifted his left arm, and to her surprise, the shield around him creaked a little. "What the hell?" Pai exclaimed.

BOOOOOM! The ground shook as smoke enveloped the once-charming forest. Pai stood up, surrounded by broken glass reflecting the moonlight. "How did he break my shield with no control of his essence yet?" mumbles the golden princess.

Suddenly, Danika appeared behind him, urging him to kill the bugs. With determination, Pai aimed his hand, but his struggling red flame barely ignited. Nonetheless, he pointed his hand out and vanished, teleporting above one bug unnoticed. The little flame gathered strength, unleashing a bright red and pink beam that disintegrated the creature's legs, prompting the pack to retreat for safety.

"End them all," said Danika, encouraging Pai to continue.

But Pai hesitated and lowered his hand. "I think this forest has seen enough fighting for the day," he said, realizing the devastation caused.

Danika smirked. "A wise choice, My King." She then directed her attention to the forest and unleashed a bright orange beam that exploded across different spots, putting an end to the remaining bugs.

"Now they're all dead, King. No one's going to harm you now.” Danika assured him.

"HAHA! You’re all kinds of trouble,” he laughed, squinting in agony with his hazel eyes fading in slowly.

"Hey, Pai, are you feeling alright? That was a lot of essence you used. You sure nothing is feeling off, because your Seeker should…”

"You were right. This was good training; if I can get this holy ring, I'll be able to control this power of mine right,” Pai interrupted.

"AGHHHHH!” His eyes flickered like a shortage problem, and flames launched his dry tongue. "See, this is why you need the ring. It’s to control your power, and hopefully over time you won't need it. Your power is killing you slowly every time you use it.”

"Then let's get this damn ring already. It's been calling me ever since I stepped into this forest," Pai said as the flames across the forest disappeared entirely. The kids continued onward with their journey. Sola’s golden eyes focused on the back of his head. The ring calling him, that’s something interesting.

CHERRY VOL.1