The Dreamer Army rested for what seemed like hours, the healers and artisans with healing Memories worked to the bone to make sure none of the remaining four hundred Sleepers died due to wounds they've suffered.
Gunlaug stood in the hallway that led deeper into the Spire, staring into the darkness unshaken.
Effie stayed splattered on the ground, exhausted out of her mind, being treated by multiple people.
Kai smiled as Changing Star's healing flame touched his crumbling soul, as the one in the sky, he had suffered the most damage from the sunlight. Caster was right beside him, having his shoulder wrapped in bandages, he was scolding the archer for trying to face five Cursed Heralds alone.
What was left of the hunters and Pathfinders mourned the loss of their leader. Although Gemma fought valiantly, he fell, in the end, even his powerful aspect had limits.
Aiko was in the corner, mourning the loss of Stev, the tall man who had fallen in the battle.
The Shadow Watchers were with the handmaidens, treating each other's wounds and mingling until eventually separating to help other people who needed help.
The majority of the army looked at them with initial confusion, the two factions were never seen together, in fact, they should be complete strangers, one was always in the Bright Castle and the other was against it. But it soon became obvious why the seemingly unrelated groups were so close. Their leaders were close, too close.
Seishan and Sunny had been holding hands ever since the gates closed, neither said a word, both leaning on the wall, simply staring at the army without moving. All the while their subordinates moved around to ensure the safety of everyone, none of them complaining about their leaders' inactions. In fact, it was clear that they were worried about their masters, many questions still infested their minds.
Once all wounded were cared for, all they needed to do was rest. Kira moved to stand beside Gunlaug, joined by the Shadow Stone Saint.
Nephis finished treating Kai and let him continue to be scolded by his friend, then looked at the Song siblings, deciding to approach them.
She passed Motza and Nix, who didn't let her pass without observing her intently. Seishan gaze went to her and never left.
The daughter of Immortal Flame crouched beside Sunless, her voice was low and gentle making sure it was low enough for only them and Seishan would be able to hear, showing worry for the son of Song's.
"Sunny?"
He snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Nephis.
"Yes…?"
"Are you okay…?"
Sunless nodded.
"I'm fine just… Tired."
The transformation from Demon to Devil was far more violent and exhausted Sunny than when he became a Monster. So even though he wasn't as injured as most of the Dreamer Army, he was just as tired.
Sunny looked at the ground, sighing. Nephis took note of this, and touched his shoulder slowly.
A warmth birthed by the healing flames of Changing Star passed through Sunny, his mind was cleansed of all the exhaustion that plagued him. However, he wasn't happy about this.
Widening his eyes, he grabbed her hand and made her stop healing him.
"Neph! I told you not to do that!"
Nephis stared at those hollow eyes with seemingly indifference but if you looked deep enough, they showed care, deep care.
"And I will do it again."
Sunless' eyes sharpened.
"I don't want to see you using that unless you need to."
"But you needed it."
A vein popped on his forehead, and he continued to argue with Nephis.
Seishan stared at the two. Her brother was annoyed… For some reason, but it was obvious it came from a place of care, like there was a consequence for Nephis's using her healing. And if that was true, it told Seishan something.
That Changing Star really did care about Sunless.
She sighed, but smiled.
'Things are going to be so complicated once we get back…'
— —
The army regrouped, getting ready to advance deeper into the Crimson Spire.
Nephis stood on the front of the Dreamer Army, followed by Gunlaug and Sunless together with his Shadow Watchers.
As they got in formation, Sunless used the time to look at his runes. His new shadow, who he named Creepy, was looking creepily at the others as they tried to escape.
The transformation to a Devil was different, much different than the other ones, and that reflected on his runes.
Class: Devil.
Shadow Core: Dormant.
Shadow Core: [4/7]
Shadow Fragments: [59/4000]
Attributes: [Fated], [Flame of Divinity], [Heir of Shadows], [The Shadow], [The Blood's Shadow], [Embodiment of Death and Solice], [Executor of Death].
A new Attribute, [Executor of Death].
Attitude Description: ["As their rightful ruler, you are the Judge, Jury and Executioner of shadows. Those who defy you shall know Death, whether it is their wish or not."]
'What's with Shadow Lineage and vague descriptions? I know you are the God of Mysteries but can't you make an exception to your Heir?!'
Sunless rolled his eyes. From what he could gather, it is something to do with an attack, like shadows die if it is his wish.
But how would that work? Did he just… Order shadows to die? Does his sword pierce shadows now? How can a…
'Wait… Didn't teacher Jin tell me about an Awakened that could attack shadows?'
Saint Divine Strategist was a Saint of Song that kept close ties with the Government, that was the reason he knew Soul Reaper Jet so well.
He also knew another Awakened, Shadow Blade Kurt, who has an aspect that attacks the target's shadow directly, bypassing any defences or resistences. He killed many nightmare creatures without dropping a single drop of blood.
'So does this mean I can do this now? Without needing an Aspect Ability?'
It made sense, he was the Heir of Shadows, he could control them, why couldn't he also 'kill' them? Shadows were deeply connected to the soul after all.
Leaving that aside, the bigger question is the reason he got the attribute, becoming a Devil. Along with the attribute, he felt his body more connected with shadows.
If Sunny compared it to a nightmare creature's evolution, it would be akin to gaining an ability like the Forsaken Knight gaining control of True Darkness. So in essence, he was following the same principles in the path that his Divine Aspect opened.
That opened the gates for something extraordinary.
'What will happen when I become a Tyrant? Will I gain thralls to control? What about a Terror? Will I gain a new form of control of shadows? And Titan! What would…'
But as he brainstormed ideas, there was something curious that should be addressed, what the Spell said upon he reached the Devil Class, it said that the rights from his Lineage were acquired, not from his Aspect.
There was a difference from his aspect and his Lineage, for one, his capability to evolve classes came from his Divine Aspect, seen as he became a Monster before he absorbed the Ichor of Shadow God and acquired his Lineage. Meaning that both were strictly separate from each other.
To further add to the confusion, he only received Shadow God's Lineage through his Aspect Legacy, Shadow Dance.
So to actually gain these boons, he needed all the stars to align so he could finally become a Devil at this point, when he was already Shadow's Heir.
Sunny took a look at his attribute that now was a reminder of what he could have become if his mother didn't save him…
[Fated]...
'Fate, it once again played its hand…'
He couldn't help but wonder if the Lineages were really meant to be wielded by Divine Aspect users or if he was an exception, If Shadow God solely schemed for his heir's power.
Taking a look at Nephis, he sighed.
'I'll think about this later.'
As he looked at his runes, something further down gained his attention, Memory Revel's runes showed an obvious message to him.
Memory: [HOW?!! (This is a long one)]
Description:[Blade: Honestly? This time I wasn't even mad, I was surprised as well, had a lot of fun seeing their reactions too. Good job kid.
Revel: What the hell did you do you idiot?! You went from 2106 fragments to 3000 in minutes! How many creatures did you kill?!!
Bin: I'm just finding out about the Soul-Devouring Tree thing, can you please discard it? I don't want someone to take my place as the enthralling one of the family. Also, take more care of yourself, I bet you did something reckless to kill so many at once.
Silent: Good work.
Moon: Hey… Please tell me you are not having fun there… And please don't plan to come back just when you become a Titan.
Hel: GET READY BROTHER! (What the hell is wrong with her?)
Howl: You're getting too strong! How will I get a fair fight when you become a Saint?!! (You won't Howl, that's what I look forward to.)
Jin: I can't wait to hear the strategies you came up with to take down so many, keep your mind fresh.
Frost: Don't let that get to your head, never underestimate your opponent, you are still a Sleeper.
Lunae: I think that attribute has something to do with 'killing shadows', be careful of how you try to use it.
Your Mother: Something tells me you are close to returning… You don't need to rush my son, haste makes waste.]
Sunny couldn't help but chuckle.
In that dangerous, inhuman situation inside the belly of the beast, minutes away from facing a Fallen Terror…
He chuckled quietly due to his family's antics, in that pit of hell, where sanity was always threatened to be taken away…
He found humanity, connection…
He loves his family, the ones who took him in, who cared for him when he was nothing.
He held Seishan's hand once more. She didn't even hesitate to grip him steadily. They looked at each other, determination blazing in their eyes.
"Let 's go back."
She nodded.
"No matter what."
[Your Blood Connection has deepened.]
[Your Darkness Connection has deepened]
The Dreamer Army was ready.
Sunless looked at the Shadow Watchers behind him, they all looked back, ready to follow him wherever he went. Sunny ordered the Shadow Stone Saint to protect Lauma at all costs, Serpent was in its tattooed form in his body while Wraith stood beside him.
He looked at Effie and Kai, the archer smiled with his optimistic charm. He was scared for his life, and so was Effie.
Caster… Looked down in shame.
Cassie looked as calm as she was at the beginning of the Siege.
Sunny looked at his runes and went to the [Darkness Connection], sending a message to Revel.
[Shadow]: I know you have questions, but now's not the time, I'll explain everything later.]
It didn't take long for the answer.
[Darkness]: Don't make me wait too long.]
[Shadow]: You won't, we'll be there soon.]
Nephis, pointed forward with her sword, white flames in her other hand. They went deeper into the Spire.
Deep in between the Dreamer Army ranks, chains rattled inside a certain Sleeper's robe…
—
They ascended the red stairs made up of the same twisted coral that infected the Crimson Spire.
It was dark, no torches or sources of light were in the structure, the army needed to use their luminous Memories and aspects, like Nephis and Kira's flames.
Although Nephis was in the front, Sunless was basically leading them thanks to the fact he could see in the dark.
However, as they rose the tower, Sunless felt the shadows being chased away by light far above.
"Everyone! Get Down!"
An enormous ray of blinding light pierced the darkness as the Dreamer Army heard the orders and tried to evade it, hiding in the shadows.
A few Sleepers weren't fast enough, simply falling down, dead. No screams, no anguish, just death.
It was obvious the ray was the same that made up the sunlight of the new sun of the Forgotten Shore.
'Soul-attack!'
More rays of light came crashing down on the army, it was clear it wouldn't stop.
Nephis looked up above and summoned her longsword. Hesitating, she announced her plan.
"It 's the Terror… Keep going, I'll face it up above."
Sunless immediately shot down the idea.
"What are you? Crazy? It's a Fallen Terror! You can't face it alone!"
"I am the only one that has a Memory that has resistance against soul-attacks!"
He grabbed Nephis's wrist.
"No you're not! I also–"
A golden gauntlet rested on Sunny's shoulder.
"I'll go with her."
Gunlaug interrupted Sunless, then looked at him, hesitating, but standing firm.
"My Echo has Soul resistence. And you are the only one that can see in the dark, you need to guide the Army."
Sunny frowned, not liking the idea. But another ray of light passed through the Spire, and the wish to not be the cause of meaningless death made Sunny yield. He transferred the [Dark Wing] to Gunlaug.
"Fine! Don't let her die! Understand?!"
Gunlaug nodded, then his gaze passed through Kira, the two old aquantaces stared at each other.
Then Cassie gave her own [Dark Wing] to Nephis, and both Changing Star and the past Bright Lord put all their strength in their legs and jumped upward.
The rays of light began to follow them, leaving the Dreamer Army alone.
Sunny cursed mentally. He sent three of his shadows forward to scout ahead and find the damn gateway, grabbing Cassie's hand, he rushed forward.
"What are you waiting for?! Move!"
The army ran behind Sunless, trusting him to take them to their salvation.
But Kai heard the words of Gunlaug, and couldn't help but hope that he was mistaken.
—
Gunlaug was right, the Spire was basically a maze, his shadows looked everywhere to the gateway but still couldn't find it.
Crimson golems started to rise out of the coral in the walls of the tower, forcing the army to once again fight.
Up above, halos and rays of light perpetually flew in all directions, but never downward.
'C'mon, where is!--'
Gloomy found it, the runic circle untainted by the infection of the Crimson coral.
He immediately changed directions and led the Dreamer Army into the path to their salvation.
As soon as the gateway came into view, many Sleepers froze, after years of in the hell of the Forgotten Shore…
They would finally be free.
After snapping out of the trance, one by one, all 400 members of the Dreamer Army entered the gateway, disappearing in white sparks and returning to the waking world…
Eventually, all the Sleepers entered the gateway, except the Shadow Watchers, Seishan, Sunless… And Caster.
"You know what he is going to do."
Sunny stayed quiet as Seishan talked.
"Are you going to stop him?"
"... Yes."
The Shadow Watchers were utterly confused, not having any context to understand.
Sunless turned to them.
"Leave, I'll follow once I make sure Nephis is safe."
He didn't wait for any response, walking forward, his presence melting in the shadows, leaving his sister alone with his subordinates.
Seishan stood still, waiting for them to follow his orders… She chuckled.
"You are way too loyal, the gateway to salvation is right in front of you, your leader just ordered you to enter it, and you all refuse."
Kira hesitated, but decided to speak.
"You may be right, but none of us would be here if it wasn't for him. We won't go if he doesn't."
Lycon chuckled.
"That guy is the only way I can settle my grudges, moreover, I don't exactly hate following him."
Kin and Lan nodded, the former with a small smile, the latter did it while laughing.
Mei unsheathed her katana and stared at her reflection.
"I wish to see his future."
Lauma stared at the gateway, hesitating, but eventually looked away and showed her determination.
"He gave me a place, I won't disappoint him."
Merlin got closer to Seishan, her voice was low and meek, completely different from her normal showing.
"He… Was the first person to see any worth in me… I won't go unless he does too."
Nix smiled, then turned to her friend, saying a thousand words with a single glance.
Seishan stared at the fools her brother gathered.
"You all better take good care of him."
As she said that, Motza dashed into the darkness, he felt the need to do something.
All around them, the structure started to shift.
— —
Caster used his incredible speed to climb higher to the pinnacle of the Spire while dodging the falling debris. As he did, he suddenly stopped, his legs lost strength, and something came to mind… Doubt.
"Sunless… Will you be able to forgive me?"
"No, I won't."
Caster snapped around, startled by the sudden voice that came from the darkness. Raising the light he was using, he illuminated the figure, but he already knew who it was…
"Sunny…"
The Prince of Song was obviously angry, his voice was deep, heavy. Odachi in hand and his helmet obscuring his face.
"Caster, you made a promise."
"I promised that I wouldn't make any attempts until the gateway was cleared… It is now."
Sunless cursed.
"Damn it Caster! Do you even know why they ordered you to do this?! Are you really just a mindless puppet?!"
The legacy grimaced, and raised his voice.
"The reason doesn't matter! It is my duty to carry out the orders that are given to me. To honor my family–"
Sunless interrupted him immediately.
"You told me and Kai you hated that life! That you were glad to find something different!"
Caster looked away with heavy, guilty eyes.
"But it is my life, and I want to make my family proud. They invested so much in me. What right do I have to deny them now?… I am Han Li, vassal of Valor, it is the will of my Sovereign."
He looked at his friend again.
"And we both know what happens when their will is denied."
Sunless gripped his odachi tighter.
"No… You don't have any right… I also want to make my family proud."
He dismissed his helmet, anger leaving him.
"But I also make my own decisions. I know why Valor wants to kill Immortal Flame, and why Song doesn't."
The scion sighed.
"As I said, the reason doesn't matter…"
"Then do you really think Nephis deserves to die?"
Caster hesitated, staying silent for a moment before answering.
"She manipulated everyone here, no?"
Sunless angrily pointed at him.
"No! You don't get to say that, you hypocrite!"
"You are also one, you said it yourself."
Sunless gritted his teeth.
"Stop looking for excuses!"
Caster sighed.
"What do you want Sunny?"
"To stop my friend from making a mistake."
"And what can you do against Valor Sunny? Song won't go to war because of you."
Sunless smiled.
"They will."
Caster widened his eyes, knowing his friend doesn't lie.
"What…?"
"Because I am the son of Ki Song."
Caster froze, trying to absorb what he said.
Sunny approached Caster and offered his hand towards his friend.
"C'mon Caster… We'll find a way to make both our families proud."
The legacy hesitated, but slowly raised his own…
He was about to accept, to change, to follow his friend…
But Fate is not that merciful.
Sunless' world suddenly became totally dark, he took a step back, startled by the loss of vision.
'What the-?!'
It took him a second, not more than a mere second, to start looking through his shadows.
Only to see Caster's neck being slashed by spiked chains.
Time seemed to slow down as blood splattered on him, the blood of his friend, the one he had just convinced to stand down…
Caster looked at his own blood, despair and confusion infested his eyes. His mouth opened to say something, but nothing came out…
He died the next second. Life leaving his green eyes.
Sunless began to breathe heavily…
Caster's body was slowly thrown aside to reveal the figure of a Hunchback… Harus.
A twisted, deranged smile infested the face of the Hunchback, he was enjoying the pain of the Heir of Shadows…
He turned the chains towards Sunless, targeting his head.
But his smile was engulfed by mist the next second. A dagger completely deflected all chains and pushed Harus back.
Motza began an unrelenting assault of quick and precise strikes against the Hunchback, who was forced to the defensive.
Sunless continued to look at the motionless body of his friend…
'I didn't… Sense him… How could…'
He didn't pay attention, he was too focused on Caster, he ignored everything else, and that cost his friend's life.
Harus still targeted his aspect on Sunless, out of fighting Motza or Sunless, he'd rather fight the mist user.
But even then, Harus was outmatched. The only reason he was able to get the better of Motza before was because of his aspect.
Motza suddenly created his mist to fool the Hunchback, who struck nothing but air once Motza disappeared into the mist.
Only for a knife to hit the Hunchback's knee, letting out a pained grown, he was left defenceless as Motza forced him into the ground.
Face first on the floor, the assassin pinned the Hunchback on the ground by grabbing his left hand, forcing it on his back.
Harus let out a pained snarl and tried to retaliate using his other hand to control his chains, but Motza didn't let him.
The black Ascended blade of the [Assassin's Implement] slashed through the air and cutted flesh and bone, blood splattered on the red coral.
Harus's arm was on the floor, not far from himself.
Motza cleaned the blood from his blade in a swift motion and then put it against the Hunchback's neck.
"Monster… Why did you do this?! Gunlaug has given up on his power!"
Harus could only painfully laugh at the assassin's question, amusement plastered on his face despite the unfavorable position he was in.
"My master is long gone, that thing is only a walking corpse. I will avenge the Bright Lord, by killing that Shadow and the girl."
He paused for a moment before smiling widely.
"But making him suffer is also an option."
Motza gritted his teeth, raising his dagger, he would kill Harus without hesitation.
"I warned you that I would guarantee your doom!"
[Assassin's Implement] fell at incredible speed, it would pierce Harus's head and kill him instantly.
But Sunless stopped him at the last second, holding Motza's arm.
"Why are you angry Motza?"
The Wraithborn froze, confused by his leader's question.
"Why wouldn't I be angry?! He killed Caster! Your friend!"
"But he wasn't your friend."
Motza's eyes widened, his mouth gaped. Slowly, he turned to Sunless, who stared at him with his empty expression, hollow eyes stared back.
He looked at Harus.
"I don't want you to become like him."
Looking back at his loyal subordinate, he spoke with a low, pleading voice.
"I want you to be 'Motza', not my slave.
I want you to live with me, not for me.
I want to lead you, not control you…"
Sunless let go of his arm and began to walk forward, towards the pinnacle of the Spire.
"Do whatever you want with him."
"..."
Motza stared at the ground and cursed in frustration, but ripped a piece of Harus's cloak and blindfolded the Hunchback, taking him back to the gateway.
— —
Sunny climbed higher and higher, looking for Nephis and Gunlaug.
He was covered in blood, but he didn't bother cleaning it.
There was nothing of note on his way upward, only darkness, the light up above had long stopped.
(We will have to leave someone behind.)
'Is that what you meant Cassie? That I would lose someone?'
In hindsight, it was obvious he wouldn't be able to save Caster, because Hel's visions were always related to some tragedy, meaning something will always go wrong.
And Caster was in the third vision she told him.
He would always lose his friend, one way, or another.
After a while, he reached the top, the chambers of the Crimson Terror, the once large, beautiful chamber had now been overgroaned by red coral. It had partially collapsed, probably due to the battle.
The first thing he saw once he entered the chamber was Nephis, kneeled on the floor, her armor partially destroyed, showing her white flames healing her Ivory skin, she was mostly fine.
In front of her, laid the burning body of the Fallen Terror… Unmistakably dead.
"Neph…?"
She raised her head slowly and looked at the bloodied figure of her companion.
"Sunny…"
"How did you kill it?"
She tried to get up, but couldn't, exhaustion taking over her.
"Pure luck, it was in the process of evolving, the moment where a nightmare creature is most vulnerable…"
"... Where is Gunlaug?"
Nephis hesitated, but turned her head to the corner of the oval room.
A figure of golden armor laid leaned on the wall, the armor was pristine… And unmoving.
"He lied… His Echo had little to no protection against soul-attacks… The rank of the armor protected him a little, but he died nonetheless."
Sunless stared at the once great Bright Lord of the Castle, understanding that Gunlaug wanted to sacrifice himself… Atone for his sins…
Nephis turned to him.
"Is there anyone left?"
He got closer as he spoke.
"Some, yes."
She hesitated.
"Someone disposable?"
He stopped.
"It depends on Motza's choice, why?"
Nephis sighed, and explained.
"[Soul Conduit]..."
After explaining that the Terror was the source of power for the gateway, and now all that were in the tower became that source, meaning someone had to stay behind for the others to escape, Sunny took a step forward.
He came face to face from Nephis, and offered his hand to help her get up.
"Then let's hope Motza made the right choice."
Nephis hesitated, and accepted his hand, rising and following him to the gateway.
— —
The way back was quiet, even with the whole tower shifting and on the brink of starting a collapse, neither of them said a word.
Until Nephis finally asked what was on her mind.
"This blood… Whose is it?"
"Caster's."
Her eyes widened in the dark, but he clarified her assumptions.
"Harus killed him, right in front of me."
"I… See…"
The rest of the way was quiet.
— —
When they reached the gateway, the Shadow Watchers and Seishan were waiting, together with the one that, ironically, would be their savior.
Lan punched Harus once more, letting the Hunchback fall on the floor.
"WHY ARE WE KEEPING HIM ALIVE?!"
Normally, Lan's outbursts would be met with pushbacks, people telling him to calm down… But not this time.
Instead, they were staring at Motza, the one who told them to keep Harus alive.
Lan got even angrier for not getting an answer and marched to Motza, grabbing his collar and shouting on his face.
"ANSWER ME DAMN IT!!"
Kira broke off the two, keeping Lan away from Motza. Kin and Lycon had to grab Lan to hold him back.
"Enough! Fighting among ourselves will do us nothing."
Lan didn't stop resisting, even after his brother and Lycon started holding him.
"AFTER EVERYTHING HE DID, YOU WANT HIM TO LIVE? ANSWER ME MOTZA!"
But the assassin stayed quiet, the girl he trusted the most touched his shoulder, Nix tried to comfort him.
Lan didn't stop, he had seen too many people lose friends by the hands of Harus, he tolerated Gunlaug due to his seemingly change of heart, but he wouldn't tolerate Harus.
Seishan stepped forward and silenced the discussion, Sunless and Nephis had arrived.
Lan stopped struggling and started pleading with his leader.
"Boss! Motza, he–"
"Harus stays alive."
His statement surprised all who heard it. But after the explanation given, that they would need him to be the [Soul Conduit], the nerves finally calmed down.
Kira had only one more question.
"Gunlaug?"
Sunless looked down.
"He died."
Kira stared at his leader, and sighed, accepting that it was probably Gunlaug's choice.
Sunny sighed, and gave the final order he would ever give to the Shadow Watchers on the Forgotten Shore.
"Let's go home…"
They all nodded.
First in the gateway was Lauma, then Lycon. Mei followed. They all vanished in a well of sparks.
Lan stared at the Hunchback and spat on the ground, then entered the gateway with his brother.
Kira gazed at Sunless and took a step to return to the waking world.
Motza approached Harus one last time, the Hunchback was in a sorry state, yet the amusement never left him.
"Your master is dead, and you can only laugh?"
Harus coughed, still smiling.
"My master died a long time ago. You will understand once your master dies, you will be just like me."
"Hmp… I'll never be like you."
"But you already are!"
Motza looked down, and smiled.
"I let you live, you wouldn't do that."
Motza turned back, and joined Nix to the gateway, leaving Harus behind, who stared into nothing beneath his blindfold.
Merlin breathed in, looking at the runic circle. Seishan stood behind her and decided to encouroge the girl.
"Ready to change your life?"
The energetic girl opened a big wide smile.
"Yes!"
Merlin jumped into the gateway while Seishan chuckled quietly.
Her smile, however, turned from a happy one, to sad once she looked back at Sunny.
She took a step forward and entered the gateway.
"Our family is waiting."
She disappeared the next moment.
Sunless started to walk forward with Nephis… But he stopped.
He couldn't stop thinking about one thing.
'Hollow Death…'
Was it really his fate to bring meaningless death?
First it was Auro, then the Bright Castle, now Caster. All those deaths could have been avoided, yet he didn't do anything.
'Will I bring the same to my sisters? My teachers?... My mom…?"
But before he drowned in sorrows, a gentle hand touched his.
He looked to see a beautiful girl with silver hair and grey eyes, eyes that normally showed indifference now showing compassion.
Her usual pristine ivory skin now dirty and full of exhaustion, yet still exuding a etherial beauty few could even match.
And her face… It was like she read every thought that passed through his mind… Her small smile filled with sympathy spoke a thousand words she couldn't let out.
"We are what we decide to be Sunny, not what Fate demands us to be."
She pulled him closer, towards the gateway. And he let it.
A thought passed through his mind, something he didn't need to do, something he could regret, something thought impossible…
Yet he wanted it.
"Say my True Name."
She looked at him, and complied.
"Hollow Death."
A connection was formed, and as both Souls formed a bond that would transcend Fate itself…
They disappeared into white sparks...
[You have formed a connection, Light.]
End of Volume, Child of Blood and Shadows...