Dancing Flames

Kagoshima – Late Morning

The plateau shimmered in the heat, steam curling from cracks in the volcanic soil. Daichi moved carefully among the ridges and scattered obsidian boulders. Somewhere, hidden among the rocks, the next Guardian waited—unaware of the shadows creeping closer.

A flicker of red hair caught his eye. Hikari sat cross-legged on a flat obsidian slab, phone in hand, scrolling with quiet focus. Amber-gold eyes reflected the sunlight, warm and intense. She didn’t seem afraid—just lost in her own world, humming faintly to herself.

Daichi stepped closer. “You shouldn’t be this close to the unstable vents. It’s dangerous.”

Hikari glanced up, eyebrow arched. “Says the guy wandering around in black, in the middle of summer?” Her tone was teasing but cautious.

Before Daichi could respond, a ripple of darkness slithered across the plateau. Shadows erupted from the treeline—three demons, molten-eyed, claws sizzling as they touched the rocks.

“Stay close to me!” Daichi shouted.

Hikari froze. Her pulse reacted instinctively. Flames flared from her feet, curling upward. She stumbled back, startled by the intensity of this power.

Then, in a blinding flash, Daichi’s human guise fell away. Wings of blazing fire unfurled, feathers glowing in fierce reds and molten oranges. A radiant heat shimmered around him, signaling his true nature. His dark eyes burned with determination.

Hikari’s jaw dropped. “W-what…? What are you?”

Daichi didn’t answer, moving with fluid grace, blade igniting in crimson light. “We don’t have time for questions. Protect yourself!”

From either side, Minato and another angel descended, wings unfurling in synchronized arcs of silver and gold. Their auras glimmered softly, bathing the area in calm, protective light. Blades traced radiant arcs through the air, cutting off the demons’ approach.

Daichi moved first, intercepting the lead demon. Sparks flew as blade clashed against molten claws, heat sizzling around them.

Hikari’s flames responded instinctively, spiraling violently and throwing two smaller demons back. Her knees buckled, breath ragged, fire surging uncontrollably.

“Focus!” Daichi shouted, creating a protective barrier. “Fear feeds it. Calm guides it!”

Minato blocked a strike from the third demon, while the other angel’s silver shield deflected shards of molten rock. Every motion was precise, buying Hikari precious seconds to regain control.

A deep inhale, and the flames softened into a steady glow, coiling gently around her like a tamed serpent. The last demon recoiled, dissolving into smoke that dissipated under the sun.

Daichi landed beside Hikari, his wings folding slightly yet still burning with heat. “You’re safe… for now,” he said quietly.

Hikari blinked at him, awe and shock mingling in her amber-gold eyes. “Y-you… you’re—an angel?!”

“Yes,” Daichi said gently, retrieving her phone. “And you… are the Guardian of Fire. Step by step, you’ll learn control.”

Minato brushed ash from his arm, smirking faintly. “She’s strong.”

The other angel’s eyes gleamed with humor. “The prophecy’s moving faster than expected.”

Daichi spread his wings fully, crimson-gold light trailing across the plateau. “Then we move faster too. Demons won’t wait.”

He lifted Hikari into his arms. “Hang on. There’s a lot you need to learn.”

The three angels took flight together, trailing fire and light across the volcanic slopes. The plateau shimmered beneath them, alive but temporarily tamed.

A-Academy – Early Afternoon

Sunlight spilled through tall windows of the living room. Sora and Mizuki sat on the edge of couch, eyes wide. The circle of Guardians had grown quickly.

Daichi gently set Hikari on a soft futon. Red-gold hair still smoldered faintly, leftover energy from the morning. Amber-gold eyes blinked up at him, awe and exhaustion mingling.

“Y-you… brought me here?” she whispered.

“Yes,” Daichi said softly, folding his wings. “You’re safe. Take a moment to rest.”

Sora leaned forward, curiosity shining. “What’s your name?”

Hikari hesitated. “Hikari.”

Sora smirked faintly. “Hikari, huh? You’ll fit right in with us.”

Mizuki bounced forward. “I’m Mizuki! And this is Sora. We’re… Guardians too. Looks like we’ve got another friend.”

Hikari gave a small, nervous smile. “I… I think I’ll like it here.”

Rei stepped closer, arms crossed, gaze calm but firm. “Welcome to A-Academy. You’ll learn to control your powers here. And your phone…” He raised an eyebrow. “Not allowed. Ordinary phones are prohibited.”

Hikari’s eyes widened. “Wha—no phones? But—how—”

Sora snorted. “Guess we’re not the only ones who have to learn Academy rules.”

Mizuki grinned. “Less distraction. Less chance of accidentally summoning demons with selfies.”

Daichi gave Hikari a reassuring nod. “Step by step. Your powers… they’re strong. But you’re not alone. We’ll help you control them.”

Hikari’s gaze fell to her hands. “I… I don’t really have anyone… not parents, not family… I grew up in a place where they didn’t understand me. I always felt… out of place.”

Sora’s expression softened. “I get that. I didn’t have anyone either… always felt invisible. But you’re not invisible here. You belong.”

Mizuki nodded. “We’ll learn to control our powers together, survive the chaos, and… maybe even enjoy it a little. You won’t be alone.”

Hikari’s lips curved into a faint, grateful smile. “You… really understand?”

Sora smiled faintly, nudging Mizuki. “See?”

Mizuki grinned. “Step one: rules. Step two: survival. Step three: friends.”

Hikari laughed softly, tension easing. “Step one already seems hard enough.”

Daichi glanced out the window at the bright day. “And the real work begins soon. We’ll need every Guardian ready before the darkness grows stronger.”

For now, the room was quiet but alive. Three Guardians together, bound by purpose, laughter, and the unspoken promise that no one would face the coming threats alone. Hikari felt a quiet warmth—a first taste of truly belonging somewhere.

The Demon Realm

Smoke choked the air. Ravukaru listened to the trembling messenger kneeling before him.

“Your Majesty… the third Guardian has awakened. Fire Guardian. But… angels intervened first.”

Ravukaru’s claws tightened around his throne, molten cracks spreading across black stone.

“Three,” he murmured. “Three under angelic protection.”

His voice dropped to a growl. “They think gathering five will save their fragile world. They forget—light burns brightest before it dies.”

He stood, shadow stretching like liquid night. “Send my generals. The angels have played long enough. The next Guardian will not be theirs.”

The air pulsed with dread. The demons bowed low. Ravukaru’s laughter rolled like thunder.

“Let them build their little sanctuary,” he said softly. “Soon, I’ll turn their heaven into ash.”