The wind whipped Sunny's hair as he and Ash stopped at the precipice of the ocean. Before them, a sea of blinding blue clarity, stretched to meet the horizon. At its heart, a lone, emerald-green island, no bigger than a jewel, sat upon the waves.
"That island," Ash said, her voice taut, pointing a steady finger, "is Elemental Prism's territory. Tread lightly, Sunny."
Sunny stared at the distant landmass, a cold certainty settling in his chest. "Thank you, Ash. You've done enough. You can wait for me here."
He pushed off the ground, ascending.
"Wait! I promised to help—"
"No." His voice, though calm, was a razor's edge. "If you want to stay alive, you must stay here. This isn't a fight you can join." He leveled out above the sea.
"Then how am I supposed to use the teleportation circle?!" she yelled, her frustration echoing across the water.
