Containing a conflagration

You run to where you see a gathering of troops, and they wave you over and make way as you arrive. In the center of the circle is Sadie, on the ground and apparently ****. Kali and Anna are kneeling beside her, hands glowing with healing energy, as Lynn stands behind them, feeding their powers. Maya looks at you as you approach, and runs over to hug you.

“It’s not good...there’s some kind of inner fire trying to consume her...”

You look at Sadie, her blue skin charred in places, occasionally twitching and grimacing. An idea pops in your head. “I have an idea, but it’s dangerous...”

Maya looks at you. “Of course it is...just do it, my Josh. I know that look.”

You sigh. “Whatever happens, don’t let them stop healing her. If this doesn’t work we’ll need to try something else. And get Yura and Ruka over here, we may need their foresight and cleansing powers.”

Maya nods as you kneel by Sadie’s head, placing your hands on her shoulders. Closing your eyes, you concentrate, wiping your mind of your other spells. Mentally you extend your senses into Sadie, feeling for the black fire that is burning within her.

Your mind recoils at the touch of the demonic spell, but you **** your ability to grasp the magic, absorbing it into yourself. Releasing Sadie’s shoulders, you stand, unsteady on your feet as the unnatural spell writhes inside your mind like a living thing. You grimace as you stagger, the soldiers around you stepping back as you groan, and there’s a gasp as black fire engulfs your right hand!

It’s a strain, but you’re able to **** the magic back inside. You have to constantly fight to keep it there, and you’re unable to dissipate the spell like you normally would. It simply refuses to leave your mind. You notice, however, that Sadie is relaxing, and her wounds are closing, though scars remain, marking her formerly flawless skin.

You’re standing, still struggling to contain the fire, when Maya returns, with Ruka and Yura in tow. “Just in time. I managed to absorb the spell, barely. But a can’t get rid of it, and I can barely control it...”

Yura nods. “I know what to do. I have seen this happen in my dream. Ruka, I will need your help to contain the corruption. Josh, lie down, and roll up your left sleeve.”

You do so, and they kneel beside your bared arm. Yura continues to give instructions. “Let the black fire into your hand, and contain it there.”

You push the fire out, holding it in your hand. It’s a struggle, but you can keep it there. As you do this, Yura is drawing designs in the dirt. “Ruka, channel every bit of cleansing magic you can into his mind.”

Ruka nods, placing her fingers on your temples, and you feel a calm aura wash over you. It’s still a strain to hold the spell in place, but you’re somehow more at ease. Yura looks up at a nervously pacing Maya. “I need you to do this. These symbols must be carved into his skin. Your claws. Do not make a mistake.”

Maya looks like she’s about to protest, but Yura puts genuine emotion into her voice. “It has to be you. The strongest love must make the ward, or it will fail. Hurry, he can not hold this forever.”

Maya steels herself and nods. She joins Yura at your side and extends a claw. She concentrates as she cuts the runes into your forearm. You grimace, sweat beading on your forehead as you ignore the pain and hold the spell. As she completes each rune, it glows red before fading to a dull orange.

It takes maybe 10 minutes, but eventually she leans back, sweating from concentration. Your forearm is covered in glowing runes. Yura nods. “Everyone step back. Josh, release the spell.”

You wait for everyone to move away, then release your hold. There’s a searing pain in your arm, and you yell in pain. The runes turn from orange to glowing black. The pain fades, though the glowing remains. The weight is gone from your mind. You look at Yura. “What did we just do?”

“We collared the spell. You can use it now, though you will need to fight it every time. A weapon, but as dangerous to you as the enemy. You are safe from corruption as long as the runes exist.”

You nod, but you’re distracted by a groan as Sadie sits up, eliciting a cheer from the soldiers you forgot were watching.

You kneel down and hug her immediately, and she immediately begins crying. “I’m so sorry, Joshie...I screwed up...I felt you pull that spell out of me...”

You give her a squeeze. “It’s ok, Sadie. You’re safe now, we won.” She shivers in your arms, clinging to you as the others gather around.

You see Kali, Anna, and Lynn staring at the glowing black runes carved into your arm, and you know there will be questions. You give them a reassuring smile, and continue to hug Sadie.