The last embers of sunlight touched the edges of the sky as Kian stood in the clearing, shoulders rising and falling with each breath. His lightning training had left a buzzing in his fingertips, but now it was time to face the most dangerous part of his power the one he had yet to understand.
Chandler approached, his steps deliberate. "That's enough warming up," he said, setting down two cups of tea on a nearby stump. "Now we touch the storm within."
Kian tilted his head. "The chaotic energy?"
Chandler nodded, his tone quieter now. "It doesn't just surge it amplifies. Think of it like raw wildfire. When you draw on it, your muscles tense, your blood ignites, your senses sharpen. Your body becomes a weapon. But if you can't hold it in balance, it'll eat you alive."
Kian swallowed. "So it's a physical boost?"
"Yes. Temporary and volatile. Strong enough to tear your tendons if you let it flow unchecked." Chandler's voice was steady, but his gaze had turned sharp. "You need to listen to your body as much as your veins."
Kian stepped forward, closing his eyes. "Okay… show me."
"No," Chandler said simply. "Feel it. Reach inside."
Kian drew in a deep breath.
Lightning answered first sharp, electric, pulsing through his arms.
Space flickered quiet and elusive, like a dream.
Then… chaos stirred.
It wasn't subtle.
It slammed into his chest like a crashing wave a violent surge of raw power that roared through his bones. His muscles swelled with sudden tension, his spine straightened, and his fists clenched involuntarily. Green lightning flared violently around him, now tinged with erratic flashes of silver and violet.
His veins pulsed like they were trying to hold back a tidal wave.
His body was faster stronger. Every breath came out like steam. He could hear everything the insects in the trees, the wind brushing over each blade of grass. It was as if his body had activated a new layer of reality.
But it was burning him.
"Agh!" Kian dropped to one knee, sweat pouring down his face. His heart raced, and his vision trembled around the edges.
"Kian!" Chandler's voice boomed like thunder. "Focus! Anchor yourself!"
Kian gritted his teeth. The chaotic energy begged to be unleashed. It wanted destruction. It wanted more.
But in that chaos, he thought of Nia.
He thought of her excited voice when she picked out his clothes. Of her warmth when she hugged him before he came here. He thought of Chandler's words and the stillness of this mountain they now called home.
His lips parted.
"My goal…" he whispered, voice trembling through the storm. "My goal will be to protect you. Nia. Chandler."
The chaotic energy recoiled. Not in anger but in recognition.
His veins stabilized, no longer fighting the surge but guiding it. The lightning around him snapped into tighter control, crackling like coiled power rather than wild destruction.
He stood again taller, stronger, his shirt clinging to his now-tense frame.
Chandler approached and studied him, impressed. "Not bad."
Kian exhaled. "I felt like I could lift the sky for a second."
"You could," Chandler said with a small grin. "But don't. Not yet."
Kian gave a tired, genuine laugh.
For the first time in days, the weight in his chest didn't feel so heavy.