Elementals

Chapter 34-True Colours: Part 1-Decieved

'...but do I have a choice?'

Bliss took one more step towards me, now a foot or two away from me. He was within range, closer than I would've liked, but in range nonetheless. My eyes glowed again. I took a deep breath.

"Flamewave!"

A radiant burst of flame erupted from my body again, forcing Bliss to stumble backward again, this time being forced back even farther. Once again, I was free of his telekinesis. I landed gently on the ground, holding on to my head as it began to pound harder. My body suddenly felt tired and I fell to my knees, drawing deep breaths. Bliss, still trying to recover to a second flamewave, tried to stand, only to stumble.

"This is my chance..."

I could take advantage of this. While Bliss was recovering, I could make a run for one of the entrances and get help. Though, realistically, with the pain in my back and my splitting headache, I probably wouldn't get too far without Bliss catching me or teleporting behind me and dragging me back. Unless...

"I haven't had much practice with this new move, but it doesn't look like I have any other options right now." I muttered. I crouched over, getting myself into a running position. My eyes let off their vibrant glow again as small spurts of fire danced around the heels of my sneakers. I looked up. Bliss was on his feet. Still a bit dazed. He turned to me. I let out another breath.

"Okay, no time like the present, let's do this." I muttered. The flames at my heels started to grow rapidly, roaring behind me. I saw Bliss finally find his composure, then let loose.

"Fire dash!"

With a burst of flames, I sped across the arena at a remarkable speed, leaving a trail of fire behind me as I ran. Granted, I wasn't going as fast as I normally could when using this spell, or even half as fast as Zack would run, but it was as fast as my tired legs would go. I got closer to the exit, but as I got within ten feet of the gates to the arena, I tripped and tumbled across the concrete tiles. The flames at my feet went out. My entire body hurt. I tried to get up and run the rest of the way, but as I finally got to my feet, I felt myself being flung into a wall. More debris fell around me as all the air left my lungs once again. I took a deep breath as I fell to the ground, landing with a agonising thud. I let out a cry as I felt myself getting picked up again. My vision was a little blurry, but I could make out Bliss's tired expression.

"You know, of all the elementals I've met, you, by far, have to be the most annoying to deal with."

"Can you blame me for wanting to not die?"

I then let out an agonising cry as I felt my arm crack. My lower arm flopped to the ground, broken. I fought back tears as the excruciating pain rippled through my body. It wasn't like anything I've experienced before. Deep cuts and bruises I could handle, but this was a whole other level of pain. Through the tears I could see a bit of sadness in Bliss's expression, and a tiny bit of sympathy.

"This isn't easy for me either, Alex." He said sadly. "My master is more suited for committing acts like this. But it's not like I've never taken a life before." He clutched his arm, the same one that flopped broken at my side.

"I feel your pain, physically and emotionally, and it hurts me more than you'll ever know that I have to do this to someone so young, someone with so much potential."

"So you're really willing to kill me over some stupid prophecy?" I said. The pain didn't feel as excruciating as before, the adrenaline helped with that, but my heart was still pounding inside my chest. Bliss sighed.

"Look, we're both exhausted, and I know that there's nothing you could possibly try to escape me. So please, just make this easier for both of us and let me put you put of your misery."