Heat.
A deep, soaking heat seeped into my bones, dragging me out of a dark, dreamless void. My eyelids felt heavy glued shut.
My first thought was simple:
Why is it so hot? Someone… bring me a cold drink…
I tried to move, to stretch, but my body felt leaden, waterlogged. I was submerged in something hot, fragrant, with the sharp scent of herbs, bark, and earth. It smelled like a forest after a long, cleansing rain.
Wait… am I being boiled?
Is this my rebirth… as a potato?
The absurd thought sliced through the fog in my brain. I forced my eyes open. The world was a blurry, steaming mess. I blinked several times until the shapes around me sharpened.
I wasn't in a cooking pot.
I was in a massive stone tub, carved straight from dark volcanic rock. Steam curled upward as glowing lava trickled through a channel in the wall like a fiery river. The whole cavern pulsed with warmth and light.
A dull ache throbbed behind my eyes. I tried to remember
The forest.
The dragonfly boss.
My hard-won kill.
Then… the giant crocodile the Deinosuchus. It had stolen my prize and swatted me aside like a fly. Then darkness. I must've fainted.
So how did I end up here?
My eyes traced the cave walls. They were rough, unfinished, but lived in scorch marks from fire practice, a smoothed-out sleeping hollow, a stack of neat supplies. Someone's den.
Then I noticed the symbol carved above the lava channel. Rough lines, shaky hand, but unmistakable three flame spirals, one inside the other.
That was… our family's mark.
The Scorchclaw crest.
But this wasn't our cave. It was smaller, wilder untamed.
Before I could call out, heavy footsteps echoed from the back of the cave.
A figure stormed into view, scales of crimson edged with silver glinting in the dim light. Her fists were clenched tight, her eyes blazing with fury.
"Sister Emberpaw?" I croaked weakly. My throat was dry, voice hoarse.
BAM!
A clawed hand smacked across my cheek. My head snapped sideways, heat and sting flaring through my face. Water sloshed over the tub's edge.
BAM! BAM!
Two more sharp slaps followed, fast and merciless. My cheek burned like fire.
"Ow! Sister, what was that for?!" I yelped, throwing up my wet, clumsy arms to block her. "Stop hitting me and explain!"
"Explain?!" she roared, her juvenile voice echoing through the cave. "You explain, you reckless idiot! What were you doing in the middle of the forest? How did you even get there?!"
She paced furiously in front of the tub, tail lashing, kicking up dust from the stone floor.
"If I hadn't found your bleeding body, you'd be bones by now! You were half-dead! I used almost all my healing herbs on you!"
The memory of the Deinosuchus flashed through my mind the humiliation, the stolen kill, the secret hunt. No way could I tell her the truth. I needed an excuse. A pathetic one.
"Ah… right," I said, lowering my head in mock shame. "Thanks for saving me, sis. And for the nice bath. It feels… really good."
I gave her my best innocent, wide-eyed look.
"Actually… uh… last night, I went into the forest to… pee. And I got lost." I coughed awkwardly. "Then some beasts attacked me. I was scared."
Emberpaw stopped pacing. Her amber eyes narrowed. She stared at me long enough for silence to turn heavy.
Then she sighed. Walked closer. Leaned over me.
BAM!
Another slap. Lighter this time more disbelief than anger.
"Right," she said flatly. "My liar brother."
She folded her arms. "Sister Embergale and Sparkwing messaged me to keep an eye on you. I thought it'd be easy since you act so polite and docile. But I was wrong. You're the naughtiest of all our brothers."
I rubbed my cheek, embarrassed.
Internally, I grumbled, Compared to the other two sisters, why is this one so aggressive? My poor cheeks… Still, I owe her my life.
"It's not a lie!" I protested, trying to sound both pitiful and sincere. "I can uh show you where I peed!"
"STOP!" she barked, her face flushing red. "I do not want to see that! Just get out of the tub now!"
"Sorry, sister! I didn't mean to trouble you," I said quickly, trying to sound gentle. "But I shouldn't rush out yet… my injuries still ache. Besides, we've only met twice I think you're the most beautiful sister. I… love spending time with you. Unless you really want me gone."
I flattered her deliberately.
Yes, this was perfect. Emberpaw knew the forest inside and out her experience could be invaluable if I could just earn her good side.
She snorted. "I'd love to enjoy this moment with my adorable brother, but you've been unconscious for a week! A whole week! And the Wyrmling Competition is today! If you're not there on time, you'll be disqualified!"
The words hit me harder than any slap.
"A week…?" I whispered. "The competition is today?!"
Panic jolted through me like lightning. I scrambled out of the tub, splashing hot water everywhere. My body still ached from the crocodile's blow, but adrenaline drowned the pain. If I missed the competition all my secret training, all my progress it would mean nothing.
"I know a shortcut," Emberpaw said, her tone shifting from anger to urgency. "It's the only way we'll make it in time. Come on follow me!"
We burst out of her cave into the cool forest air. The sudden chill bit my skin after the steamy bath.
As we ran, I caught glimpses of the juvenile territory rows of caves carved into cliff faces, some hidden behind waterfalls, others perched high above, accessible only to those strong enough to climb. Each one a fortress, a sanctuary. This was no academy dorm; this was the wild.
Emberpaw sprinted ahead, her power evident in every fluid motion. Even her breathing deep, steady sent smaller creatures fleeing into the undergrowth. Her very presence cleared the path.
For two hours we ran. My lungs burned, my legs screamed, but I didn't stop. The bath had healed my body, yet I was still weak from a week of unconsciousness.
Still, the fear of failure pushed me on.
Failing meant losing everything my pride, my chance, my standing.
And the thought of Pallet's disappointment… I couldn't bear it.
Finally, through the thick trees, I spotted the academy's walls.
The crowd's roar carried through the forest. The instructors' formal calls echoed.
The competition… had already begun.