Days passed as they continue working and learning about themselves and each other. The crystalline fortress became not just a sanctuary, but a training ground where each could hone their unique abilities under Strider's watchful gaze.
Eldo learned to channel his fire with precision, no longer fearing the flame that lived within him. Under Winter's guidance, he discovered how to create controlled bursts rather than explosive releases of power. Meanwhile, Kyo mastered the art of channeling lightning through specific points, his accuracy improving with each passing day.
Winter, too, found himself growing stronger, the darkness he had absorbed from Strider now working in perfect harmony with his ice abilities. The fortress walls would often echo with the sounds of their sparring sessions, ice meeting fire while lightning crackled overhead.
But their peace was not destined to last.
One evening, as they rested after a particularly intense training session, a tremendous explosion rocked the mountain. The impact sent shockwaves through the crystalline structure, causing massive fractures to spider-web across the walls.
"What was that?" Kyo shouted, electricity instinctively dancing around his body.
Winter's eyes narrowed as he pressed his hand against the trembling wall. "We've got company."
BRWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
Before anyone could react, another explosion hit—this one closer, more devastating. The fortress's ice walls began to crack and shatter, raining crystalline shards down upon them.
"EVERYONE OUT!" Strider commanded, his skeletal form already moving to support the collapsing structure.
BWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
They neared the entrance when a final explosion tore through the mountain's heart. The blast was so intense it seemed to liquefy the very rock beneath their feet. In mere seconds, the entire mountain began to crumble, taking their sanctuary with it.
Eldo's vision blurred as chunks of ice and stone rained down. The last thing he saw was Winter reaching for him, Kyo's lightning illuminating the chaos in brief, terrifying flashes. Then came the crushing weight of the mountain itself.
Everything went black.
In the valley below, a lone figure watched the destruction with satisfaction, flames dancing across their skin. Whether anyone survived the catastrophic collapse remained unknown, buried beneath tons of rock and ice.
The mountain had fallen silent, save for the distant echo of settling stone and the soft hiss of melting ice.