This is the 37th time joining @flashfictionfridayofficial! Thanks for the interesting prompt!
Towa (they/them): The only survivor of the Clan of Kagaya
Setsuna (they/them): The new ruler of the heavens, a chief of the clan of Madoi
Towa is dragged down in front of the throne which used to belong to their ancestors. Towa does not resist the heavy hands pushing them down - they have given up on resistance a long time ago. Each scar on their thin, weakened body tells that they have been through countless battles, apart from the new bruises caused by the shackles on their wrists and ankles. Those ugly scars mean defeat, humiliation and loss of magical power.
Now, their enemy, the chief of the clan of Madoi is in front of them, sitting on the ancient throne which used to belong to Towa’s ancestors. Being pushed down, Towa cannot see the throne or the new owner. However, they can picture the smooth surface of the throne and its intricate carvings depicting the beginning of the world. It was a symbol of Towa’s clan, the clan of Kagaya. Its brightness would lighten the entire world and the celestial cities. It used to radiate energy, and whoever came close to it could feel warmth and strength filling their souls.
But Towa feels nothing but hostile coldness from the throne now. The very soul of the clan of Kagaya was gone as the last one of the Kagaya was slain, and the light was lost forever - at least it was what everyone in the celestial cities believed, until Towa, the warrior of Kagaya was found alive.
‘Now, show me your face, the last Kagaya.’
A calm voice from above orders them. Towa does not have the strength to raise their head anymore. The guards grabbed Towa’s messy, uncombed dark hair, forcing them to look up - and there is a familiar face of Setsuna. Among the rough, strong-built guards, Setsuna looks so frail as if they are made of feathers and glass. There is an air of tranquillity - almost palpable - about Setsuna. Nobody would expect them to be such a vicious, cunning conqueror. Once, Setsuna was a friend of Towa, or so Towa believed. They used to go to the rivers of stars, sharing a glass of nectars and laughter. But that whole time, Setsuna was planning to put an end to the clan of Kagaya.
Without realising, Towa murmured the new ruler’s name. One of the guards pushed their face down forcefully.
‘You cannot call the majestic ruler of the heavens like that!’
The guards are about to beat Towa, but they are interrupted by a clear voice.
‘Stop it. It’s an order.’
Then Setsuna softens their voice.
‘Now, now, my old friend, show me your face again.’
Towa slowly looks up. Their eyes meet. There is no shade of anger or hatred in Setsuna’s crystal eyes. Towa should not feel relief from that. It is just another nasty trick Setsuna plays. Towa pulls themselves together and stares back with anger.
Setsuna laughs at Towa's words as if they are something amusing.
‘I spared you. I knew you were alive because that’s what I ordered.’
‘Because you wanted to humiliate me, Setsuna.’
Towa clenches their fists. They are angry at not only Setuna but also themselves since Towa still finds Setsuna somewhat beautiful and tender.
‘Your guess is wrong, my old friend.’
There is a hint of irony in Setsuna’s voice. They stepped down from the cold throne, coming close to Towa.
‘I need your power to restore the light. My clan is strong enough to build a new world, but we are not the Guardians of Lights. It’s been a while since the heavens became lightless. We cannot take it anymore.’
This time, there is no sarcasm or amusement in Setsuna’s voice.
‘But I lost the power. This is not something I can achieve… and you destroyed the rest of my folks.’
Towa manages to spit out the words.
‘You are wrong again. You still have a power - all your clansfolks’ powers are left in the last survivor. That’s why I left you unharmed. You can even set the heavens ablaze!’
Irony comes back to Setsuna’s voice.
Towa looks at the heavy shackles on their wrists and ankles. Then, suddenly, Towa jumps on their feet. Now, they know what they must do.
‘Please, release me from those damn shackles. Otherwise I cannot perform the magic - my last magic.’
‘Oh? I thought it was much harder to convince you, but you are surprisingly obedient.’
Returning to the throne, Setsuna chuckles.
‘I know I don’t have a choice.’
Towa holds their head high, focusing on their inner power. They can feel wiggles - subtle at first, eventually turning into a tornado.
‘Please, my loved ones. Give me your power..’
Suddenly, the entire world turns pure white for a second - then a burst of colours followed by blue fire. The azure fire swallows the guards, the throne, and everything else. Unstoppable and overwhelming, the blinding fire invades the darkness. As it devours the dark, purple and gold sparkles scatter, spreading the fire far and wide.
‘Yes, you are right, Setsuna! I can set the heavens on fire!’
Exhausted yet exhilarated, Towa shouts and raises their arms high up. Confused screams of the guards and even that of Setsuna can bother Towa now.
Those who can flee fly away, and the rest perished in the dazzling light. However, the blue fire brings not only destruction but a blessing - wherever the sparkles touch, young trees grow. Hundreds of frozen streams begin singing again, and the birds and beasts are coming out from their dens, confused. Towa hears the voices of their clanspeople in the distance. Once gone, they are coming back into the world burning with new lives.
Towa closes their eyes and throws themselves into the great blue fire.
‘This is the new beginning.’
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