Kai's legs were shaking, but he stood firm. These misty figures weren't just trying to scare him; they were here on a mission, and he was the target.
The leader, tall and glowing like some ghost king, raised a hand.
"Kai Lin. You have a power that doesn't belong here."
Kai squinted. "Who says?"
Before the figure could answer, the wind howled like crazy. The trees swayed like they were whispering secrets, and the mist curled around them all. Kai felt his twin spirits stirring inside him—restless, ready, but still unsure.
Sera stepped forward, eyes blazing. "You don't get to decide that."
She threw a small spirit talisman at the figure. It exploded in mid-air with golden light, creating shockwaves that pushed the mist back for a few seconds.
The glow-dude didn't even flinch. But the others took a step back.
That's when Kai realized something.
They weren't unbeatable.
They could be pushed back.
Adrenaline rushed through him. He raised both hands, channeling his twin spirits like the night before. The ground cracked beneath him, flames twisting in one palm, water spiraling in the other.
He wasn't in control yet, but who needs to be perfect to throw a punch?
He slammed both fists into the ground.
BOOM!
A shockwave blasted outwards—fiery heat on one side, icy water on the other. The figures closest to them went flying.
"Holy crap, Kai!" Sera yelled, blinking. "When did you learn that?"
Kai grinned, surprised. "I didn't! I was just guessing!"
"Well, keep guessing!"
They ran down the slope, using the chaos to escape. Behind them, the glowing figure roared—his voice echoing across the valley like thunder.
"Kai Lin! You are marked by the Twin Bond! You will not escape your fate!"
Kai didn't look back. "Wanna bet?"
They reached a small ravine near the village. Sera pulled back a bush, revealing a hidden tunnel.
Kai stared. "You had a secret tunnel this whole time?!"
"Did you think I was gonna stay here forever?" she snapped. "Get in!"
They ducked inside as more enemies appeared at the top of the hill. Arrows zipped past them, almost hitting their heads.
The tunnel was dark, damp, and smelled like wet dirt and old mushrooms. Kai heard his breathing, fast and shaky. His arms tingled from the power blast.
He glanced at Sera. "You okay?"
She nodded, but her face was pale. "That power... you shouldn't have been able to do that."
"Yeah, I know," Kai muttered. "So, what now?"
Sera pulled out a glowing orb and held it up like a flashlight. "Now we move. They won't give up just because we went underground."
They followed the tunnel for what felt like forever. There was just darkness, echoes, and footsteps. Kai thought he heard something behind them sometimes, but there was nothing when he turned.
Probably just the tunnel-playing tricks.
Hopefully.
After about an hour, they reached the end—a crawl space that led outside. Sera went first, pushing aside a hidden panel of thick vines and mud.
Fresh air.
Kai climbed out and blinked at the sunlight. They were in a forest clearing, miles from Mistvale. The trees were taller and older. The wind felt different—cooler, with something that made his skin buzz.
"This isn't just any forest, right?" he asked.
Sera didn't answer. She scanned the trees and lowered her voice. "Nope. We're in Spiritwood now."
Kai turned slowly. "Spiritwood?"
"The old forest," she said. "Some say it's alive, others say it's haunted."
Kai stared at her. "And you thought this was the best hiding spot?"
She gave him a look. "Do you want to go back to Mistvale for tea and cookies?"
"...Good point."
They moved deeper. Everything felt strange. Leaves rustled even when no one was walking. Birds chirped strangely, like they were trying to say something.
Soon they found something odd.
A circle of stone pillars stood in a clearing. Each was carved with symbols that shimmered.
Kai tilted his head. "What's this?"
Sera walked around the circle. "Old spirit altar. They used these to talk to spirits."
"Like ancestors?"
"Or monsters," she muttered.
Kai felt a pull in his chest, like something was calling him. He stepped into the circle.
The air turned cold instantly.
The symbols on the stones lit up blue.
"Kai, what are you doing?!" Sera shouted.
"I don't know!" he shouted back. "I have to!"
A surge of energy flowed through him. His twin spirits woke fully—no more sleepiness or hesitation. They roared in his mind, not in fear, but in warning.
Suddenly, a figure appeared. Not flesh and blood—this was a spirit. Glowing, old, but familiar.
Kai's breath caught. "...Dad?"
Sera gasped. "What?!"
The spirit smiled. "You're growing fast, son. But the world isn't ready for what's coming. Neither are you."
Kai stumbled back. "What is this? Are you real?"
The spirit shook his head. "Not exactly. Just a memory, a message."
Kai's voice trembled. "Why me? Why is everyone after me?"
"Because you carry the twin bond. Fire and water, life and death, creation and destruction. You are the balance—and the key."
Kai clenched his hands. "I don't want any of that."
"You don't get to choose, Kai," the spirit said. "But you do get to fight."
Then the spirit pointed to the sky.
"They've found you."
Kai looked up and saw a shadow covering the sun. It grew bigger and closer. Wings.
A creature dove, black as night, eyes glowing red. A spirit beast, its roar shaking the ground.
Sera pulled him back. "We have to run, now!"
But it was too late.
The beast hit the ground, trees exploding. Kai stumbled, coughing in the smoke. The spirit circle cracked, and the stones shattered.
The beast stepped forward—twice as tall as a house, with scales like armor, and breath-like lava.
Kai raised his fists, heart pounding.
The creature roared.
And charged.
Cliffhanger:
Thought Kai's biggest problem was a spirit society? Nope. Welcome to the world of spirit beasts—where survival means purpose. Stay tuned. This forest is going to get more interesting.