The Underdogs Throne

Chapter 10: The Heart's Price

Kira groaned weakly in his arms. Her body was burning hot, the poison from the Viper blade spreading fast.

"We're out of time," Leo said.

Shen stood near the temple wall, shoulders heavy, eyes full of guilt.

"You lied to me," Leo said, his voice quiet but shaking. "You knew what happened to the Tian Clan. You knew about my parents. Why didn't you tell me?"

Shen stepped forward slowly. "Because I was afraid you'd look for the Heart too early. And I was right. You're not ready."

"I don't care," Leo snapped. "Kira's dying. You want me to watch her die when I can save her?"

Shen stayed quiet.

"Then tell me the truth now," Leo demanded, stepping between Shen and the Heart. "No riddles. No more secrets."

The old master took a long breath. "The Tian Clan didn't fall because of enemies. It fell because of one of our own. One of our elders - Master Haoran - became obsessed with the Heart. He believed he could use it to change the world, make it do what he wanted."

Leo's hands made fists. "So he betrayed the clan."

Shen nodded. "He told our secrets to the Fang and Viper Clans. He caused the war that killed our people. Your parents... they found out about his plan and tried to stop him. That's when they died."

Leo stared at him, chest tight. "You said they were protectors."

"They were more than that," Shen said. "They were the last true guardians of the Heart. And before they died, they gave me one job: keep the Heart hidden. Keep you safe."

Kira moved again. Her voice, barely heard, cracked through the air. "You knew... what your master did. Why didn't you stop him?"

"I tried," Shen whispered. "But I was too late."

Leo stepped forward, closer to the Heart. Its glow got stronger, pulling his hand toward it like a magnet.

He reached out to it.

His fingers touched the surface of the ball - and everything changed.

Light exploded behind his eyes.

His body shook as the Core inside him flared, connecting with the Heart like fire meeting gasoline. His breathe caught.

Then visions came.

He saw the temple as it once was - shining, filled with life and warriors in white robes. He saw his mother, her arms holding a baby. Him. His father standing behind her, sword ready to defend.

Then the fire.

The betrayal.

Master Haoran bringing the clans to attack their home.

Kira's mother was there too - standing beside the Fang Clan leader, her face cold and mean as she killed Leo's parents.

"No-" Leo gasped, eyes wide.

But the vision faded, and his feet hit the ground again. The glow of the Tian Heart had dimmed, settling into a low, steady pulse.

Kira groaned beside him, her breathing weak.

With shaking hands, Leo placed his palm over her chest and sent the energy the Heart had given him into her.

A wave of golden light went through her body.

Her breathing got easier.

Her skin lost its sick gray color.

Kira's eyes opened. "Leo...?"

"You're okay," he whispered, barely believing it. "You're okay now."

She stared at him, confused. "You saved me..."

"Of course I did."

But the peaceful moment broke.

Because the ground shook.

A section of the wall cracked open - and two shadows stepped inside.

Talon of the Viper Clan.

And General Kael of the Fang Clan.

Kira got stiff, seeing the tall figure with a scar running down his chin.

"Father," she breathed.

Kael's cold eyes looked at her - then at Leo. "Step away from the Heart."

Leo stood up, body tense. "Too late. I've already touched it."

Kael's eyes got narrow. "Then you've doomed yourself. That power doesn't belong to you."

Talon laughed, poison blades drawn. "It belongs to whoever lives."

Kira rose slowly to her feet, legs shaky but strong. She stepped between Leo and the two clan leaders.

"I'm not going back with you," she told Kael. "I stand with him now."

Kael's jaw clenched. "You don't know what you're saying."

"Yes," she said, stronger this time. "I do."

Leo couldn't help staring at her. Just hours ago, he wasn't sure if she was friend or enemy. But now, she was choosing him - even if it meant standing against her own family.

Talon sneered. "So it's the three of you against us?"

Shen stepped forward. "We only need one."

Before the fight could begin, the Tian Heart pulsed again.

A voice, deep and old, echoed in Leo's head - calm but commanding.

"Choose. Power... or sacrifice."

Leo stopped.

"What?" he whispered.

"The Heart gives strength to conquer, or light to protect. You cannot have both."

He looked at Shen.

At Kira.

At the two enemies waiting to strike.

If he chose power... he could wipe them out, end the war in one burst of destruction.

But what would be left of him?

If he chose sacrifice... he might lose the edge, but keep what made him human.

Kira touched his hand. "Whatever you decide... I'll follow you."

Leo looked back at the Heart, breathing shallow, chest aching with pressure.