The schoolyard was still afire in smoldering heaps of debris scattered like confetti after a festival gone wrong, where Kaito and Raiden had clashed earlier. Students whispered amongst themselves, standing in tight groups, eyes wide, some trembling, trying to catch sneak peeks at the fading energy trails.
But Kaito Ren wasn't looking at them; he wasn't even looking at the damage. His gaze was fixed at the edge of the school rooftop, where Raiden had disappeared moments ago.
"Of course he wouldn't just walk away," Kaito muttered under his breath. "He's itching for a real fight."
Riku, who was still hyped from the adrenaline, bounced beside him. "Dude, let's follow him! You gotta show him who's boss!"
Kaito's eyes flicked to him. "Do you ever stop talking?"
"I'm saving your life by pointing out obvious things!" Riku protested. "And plus, you owe me for all the drama yesterday. You can't just leave the cliffhanger hanging!"
Kaito sighed, turning toward the side alley that led to the building's back stairs. "Fine. But keep quiet this time."
As they ascended the worn stairwell, the air shifted again. Electric tension prickled the back of Kaito's neck. Raiden's aura was different here—stronger, more controlled. This wasn't a casual sparring match. This was a deliberate challenge.
When they reached the rooftop, the city view took their breath away. Neon lights glimmered in puddles on the wet tiles, a cool breeze swept over the edge, and above, a thin layer of clouds slid across the moon like liquid shadows.
At the far edge of the roof stood Raiden, with fists aglow with his characteristic lightning energy; his silver hair glinting in the pale moonlight, and his smirk sporting that same infuriatingly confident glint.
"You came," Raiden said, voice calm but carrying a dangerous edge. "Good. I didn't want to fight some weakling."
Kaito stepped onto the rooftop, Tempest Aura faintly glowing around his fists. "You should know by now. I'm not weak."
"You're fast," Raiden allowed, angling his head. "But speed isn't everything. Strategy counts."
A half-smile caused Kaito's lip to twitch. "Then let's see whose strategy wins.
With a sudden gust of wind, Raiden launched himself forward. The first clash of fists sent a shockwave through the rooftop, dust and loose tiles scattering like confetti. The hum of their semi-fantasy energies filled the night, a mix of wind and lightning that made the hairs on the back of Riku's neck stand straight.
"That's insane!" Riku yelled, dodging behind a nearby air conditioning unit. "Bro, this isn't a school fight, this is like. anime level insane!"
"Quiet," Kaito muttered, dodging Raiden's next strike. His instincts flared, and the Tempest Aura coursed through him like water, responding before thought could catch up. Every step, every block, every subtle flick of his wrists felt natural, effortless, yet devastating.
Raiden's eyes narrowed. "Interesting… you're adapting quickly."
"You said strategy counts," he said, flicking his wrist. A controlled gust of wind knocked Raiden slightly off balance. "I adapt."
Raiden laughed, lightning crackling along his arms. "Not bad, but let's see how you handle this!"
He struck the rooftop with his fists, sending arcs of electricity across the tiles. Kaito leapt, rolling to the side, feeling the hairs on his arms sing as sparks brushed past him. The wind around him danced in response, amplifying his speed and shifting his trajectory in midair.
The fight blurred into motion, with fists flying, feet sweeping, energy crackling, and the entire rooftop alive with their power.
"Okay, okay, you two calm down!" Riku shouted, holding his hands up. "I didn't sign up for rooftop disasters!"
"Riku, stay out of this," Kaito said calmly. "Or you'll get fried."
Riku blinked. "FRIED? Oh… right."
Meanwhile, Raiden adjusted, moving quicker than Kaito had predicted. A faint smile touched his lips. "Not bad… but you're predictable in your dodges. I can read your rhythm."
Kaito tilted his head. "Predictable? Maybe. But I can change rhythm mid-fight."
He leapt, spinning in the air. The Tempest Aura flared stronger than before, whipping the wind into a miniature cyclone around him. Raiden's lightning strikes met it head-on, sending arcs in every direction. Sparks illuminated the rooftop like fireworks.
Raiden landed, slightly scorched but grinning wider than before. "Heh… finally, a fight that's fun."
"You said it," Kaito replied. "But fun ends when one side gets reckless."
Raiden paused, then nodded a little. "Agreed. But I want to see how far you'll go. How much can the wind demon push?"
Kaito smiled slightly. "Let's find out."
In an instant, Kaito let out a surge of Tempest Aura, the winds ripping across the rooftop. Raiden answered with a burst of lightning, sending off sparks as electricity danced across the currents of air. The boom of their collision sent a miniature explosion of energy that rattled neighboring windows and sent pigeons scattering.
Riku covered his ears. "Oh my-oh my GOD! BRO! THIS IS-INSANE!"
Yuna, who had managed to climb onto the roof unnoticed, leaned against a railing, amused. "Finally, some real action. You two are ridiculous."
The fight reached its crescendo as both fighters readied themselves for their next exchange. Kaito's calm focus contrasted with Raiden's crackling energy-but both shared the same grin: thrill. Respect had already formed wordlessly between them.
Then, as Kaito prepared to counter the lightning strike, a voice called out from below.
"Ren! You really believe you can fight up there without consequences?
Jin Kurosawa was watching from the edge of the building, leaning casually against the wall. "Training, yes… but don't break my school in the process."
Kaito and Raiden exchanged a look; both broke their tension for a moment, smirking. The fight wasn't over. Not by a long shot.
But for now… it paused. The storm had been unleashed, and the winds of chaos would carry on into tomorrow.
Kaito landed lightly, the Tempest Aura fading. He looked toward Raiden, who had crouched on the opposite side of the rooftop, his lightning energy dissipating into sparks.
"You're strong," Raiden said, voice low. "I'll remember this. And next time… it'll be serious."
"I'll be ready," Kaito replied, his expression unreadable. And as the moonlight fell on the rooftop, the first proper rivalry had started. The Stray King had officially met the Lightning Prince.