Chapter 2 : A Flame Beneath Ashes
The vision faded like smoke caught in the wind. Riku's eyes shot open. Sweat clung to his brow despite the chill in the air. His fingers trembled as they touched the pendant resting heavily against his chest—once his brother's. The warmth it gave off moments ago had cooled, now just cold metal against his skin.
"What… was that?" he whispered.
It wasn't a dream. It couldn't have been. He felt the blood on his skin. Heard the cries. The ancient name that echoed—Raviel. That wasn't his. But in that moment… it felt like it belonged to him.
"Riku?" Airi's voice broke through the haze, gentle but edged with worry. She leaned over, peering into his eyes like she was searching for something hidden. "You spaced out for a full minute."
"I saw something… someone." He sat up straight, gripping the edge of the bench they'd been sitting on. "A kingdom in flames. A name. Raviel. And that same pendant—it was there. A man was protecting a girl. She looked like…"
Airi didn't respond immediately. Instead, her gaze lowered to the pendant. Her eyes hardened, even if her voice remained calm. "You're remembering."
Riku blinked. "Wait, what do you mean remembering?"
Airi hesitated. She opened her mouth, closed it, then stood. "We shouldn't talk here. Not yet." Her voice dropped to a near-whisper. "There are still Bloom Chasers in this district."
"Bloom… Chasers?"
"They're the ones who hunt people like us. Those who've inherited relics tied to the Bloom." Her words sent a chill down his spine. "You're not just Riku anymore. The Bloom recognized you. That vision? It wasn't just a dream—it was your Echo."
"Echo?"
Airi nodded, pulling her sleeve up to show a faint, flower-shaped mark glowing on her arm. "Every heir of the Bloom sees a memory from their former life when their power first awakens. It's a warning… and a test."
Riku stared at her in disbelief. "You… you've seen one too?"
She nodded. "Long ago. And if yours was about Raviel, then your bloodline goes deeper than I thought."
Suddenly, a sharp gust of wind cut between them, scattering nearby leaves. A raven perched on the lamppost above gave a long, low caw—almost too deliberate.
Airi's eyes widened. "We need to leave. Now."
"Why?"
She stepped closer and whispered, "Because they've already found us."
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