Scarlet Bloom – Chapter 16: The First Bloom Battle
The wind howled across Hoshihana Ridge. At its edge stood Riku, staring down at a crater with glowing embers—smoke rising like a warning.
Rei's voice crackled through the comm crystal.
> "Riku. You're the closest. Bloom activity detected—unknown signature. Proceed with caution."
"I got it," Riku replied, heart pounding. "Let's test this Petalform…"
He adjusted his jacket and sprinted down the hillside.
—
Earlier that day, the friend group gathered in the music room—aka their unofficial hangout.
Kaito was tossing erasers into Yuu's hair. Nagi beatboxed. Airi leaned against the wall, unreadable.
"You look like you didn't sleep," Riku said, nudging Kaito.
"Sleep is for those who don't hear whispers at night," Kaito muttered, half-joking.
Yuu blinked. "Okay, that's the creepiest sentence of the day."
But Riku paused. "Whispers?"
Kaito waved it off. "I'm joking, dude. Kinda."
Before they could ask more, Airi cleared her throat. "Rei's been acting strange lately. I think he's hiding something… connected to you."
The room quieted.
Riku sighed. "I know. And I'm going to find out what it is."
Suddenly, a vibration hit all their comm crystals.
> "Bloom Surge detected. District 8."
Rei's voice called out again:
> "Riku, it's near you. The rest, stay put."
Yuu groaned. "Why do we never get the fun jobs?"
"Because we survive them," Nagi said.
—
Now, Riku stood at the edge of the blast zone. The air shimmered with Bloom residue—petals floated unnaturally in place.
And at the center… a girl.
She was maybe their age, kneeling, surrounded by scorched stone. Her eyes glowed violet, and veins of energy cracked along her arms.
"Hey!" Riku called out, approaching slowly. "Are you okay?"
She didn't answer. Her hands trembled.
Then she looked up—and screamed.
A shockwave burst from her chest, slamming Riku backwards. His pendant flared, activating his dual Bloom Wings just in time to shield him.
"Whoa—okay! Not okay!"
The girl staggered up, confused, terrified. "What's happening to me?!"
Riku reached out. "Listen, I know what this is! You're awakening—your Bloom is surging too fast!"
Another pulse—this one tore up the ground.
He lunged forward, wings shielding them both, and grabbed her wrists. "You have to breathe! You're not alone!"
Her breathing slowed. The petals dimmed. Finally, she collapsed against him, sobbing.
Riku held her tightly, grounding her. "You're okay now. I promise."
—
Back at the academy, Rei watched the surveillance quietly.
"Another one," he muttered. "That makes six."
Behind him, Airi approached. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?"
Rei didn't look at her. "There's a reason Bloom powers were sealed a century ago. And we're about to find out why they came back."
—
Later that night, Kaito stared at the thorn mark on his chest.
It was growing.
He placed a hand on it.
And smiled.
But it wasn't his usual smile.
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