Kai woke up feeling like he'd been hit by a truck. He was stiff all over, even though he'd slept for ages. He couldn't stop thinking about last night – the glowing guy, that weird energy thing, and those creepy words!
He rubbed his face and groaned. Now what?
He sat up and looked around his room like he'd find an answer if he stared hard enough. Bare walls, a few shelves his parents put up, holding random junk. Everything looked normal, but he felt like the world was sitting on his chest. That dude's words kept repeating in his head.
You're coming with us. No choice.
That line bugged him. It felt like his life had just flipped upside down, and whatever was about to happen, he couldn't stop it. But he was also curious as if he'd been given a puzzle with half the pieces missing.
He shook his head, got up, and stretched, trying to wake up. It was still early, but Mistvale was already alive. Sellers setting up their stuff, kids running around, animals doing their thing. It seemed like nothing had changed, but Kai knew better.
Everything had changed.
He grabbed his coat and headed to the town center to meet Sera. The fog from last night was gone, and the sunrise was making the streets glow. Looked normal, but something felt wrong.
He got to the square and saw Sera leaning against the fountain, like always. She was tapping her foot and had her arms crossed. She looked worried but ready for anything.
You're late, she said.
Sorry, Kai said, forcing a smile. He could always count on Sera to be straight with him. That's one reason he liked her. Been thinking about... well, you know, everything.
Sera raised her eyebrow. Everything? Still, bugged out about last night?
Kai scratched his head, feeling stupid. I guess. It was wild.
I get it, Sera said, her voice softer. She looked straight at him, serious. But stop thinking and start doing. We gotta get outta here, Kai. I don't care if you've never left Mistvale before, or if you wanna stay. We have to go. It's not safe.
I know, but where do we go? What do we do? Kai asked, annoyed. He hated feeling so lost.
Azure Spirit Academy, Sera said right away. I'm going there today. It's a school for Spirit Masters. They could handle someone like you.
Kai frowned. A school? Do you think I need school to figure this out?
It's not just learning, Sera said, staring him down. It's about staying alive. People will try to use your powers. And those people are trouble.
Kai shook his head. But why me? Why did they pick me? I don't get any of this.
Everyone asks that, Sera said quietly. But you don't have time to wait for answers. You're a target now, and I'm not letting anything happen to you. I'll get you to that school, and we'll figure things out together.
Kai looked at Sera and saw how serious she was. He knew she was right. He couldn't stay here. Whatever was out there was after him, and he couldn't handle it alone.
Okay, he said, his voice stronger. Let's do it.
Sera giggled, her face relaxing a little. Good.
As they turned to leave, Kai froze. He felt it in his gut. Something was very wrong.
Everything went quiet. Chatter stopped. Kids quit playing. The breeze died down. It was dead silent, and he shivered.
What's going on? Kai asked, looking around.
I don't know... Sera said, her eyes darting around the square.
Then, a figure walked into the square through the fog that was rolling back in. Kai's heart jumped.
It was the same glowing guy from last night.
This dude was huge, and his eyes were like ice. He didn't say anything, just stared.
Kai's heart was pounding. He didn't know how he found them so fast, but he did. And he wasn't alone.
More figures showed up behind him. They had dark clothes, and their faces were covered by hoods. The air felt heavy, and Kai felt his spirits stirring inside him.
What the hell...? he muttered, stepping back. He tried to think of a way to escape, but his mind was blank. The dude found them and brought them back up.
The thing spoke, its voice cold as ice. Kai Lin. We're here for you. You can't get away.
Kai looked at Sera. We gotta go, he said, his voice shaking.
But before they could move, the ground shook. The thing raised a hand, and the air seemed to twist.
Kai was terrified. He knew they wouldn't let them leave without a fight.
We warned you, the thing said, its voice full of evil. You can't hide.
The fog got heavier, blurring everything and making it look weird. A loud ringing sound echoed, like a bell.
Kai felt his spirits waking up, a rush of power coming back. He didn't know if it would be enough, but he couldn't just stand there.
We're not going down without a fight, Kai yelled, hoping he didn't sound as scared as he felt.
And so the fight began.
Hey there! Thanks a bunch for reading Kai and Sera's. I appreciate you sticking with the story!
It's not just about cool powers and fights. It's also about friendship, getting better, and being brave when things get tough. Kai is just getting started, and if you're into it at all, then I'm doing something right.
So, stick around. It's gonna get wild!
If you liked today's, then I did my job for now.
Chapter 4 is gonna be good. I swear!
See ya,
Your storyteller
To be continued...