Kadaj snorted a laugh. “Your memories never were your strong point, brother!” It looked like his sister could use a little help. A bright blue light illuminated from the remnant’s wrist. Kadaj took aim at several trees and a whirlwind of frigid air and frost circled their trunks. The spell ascended and began to take form. Large razor sharp icicles pointed right to the heart of the trees and with elegant brutality they smashed into their target. A layer of ice covered the trees so thickly they practically sparkled.

“You cannot hide!” Kadaj shouted out to the forest. “Give up, before you fall, Cloud. Mother won’t be too happy if I kill you.” He jumped past Ami to the frozen monuments. He delivered a kick to the tree Cloud had taken cover in. Cracks in the ice raced upward, creaking, snaking, breaking.

The tree exploded into billions of tiny fragments. Ice shards hung momentarily in midair before drizzling down on them.

Kadaj imagined if he were a Cetra right now, he would be able to hear the overgrown plants’ pained cries. The thought elicited a smile.