White.

  White as far as the eye could see.

  An endless white void stretching ever onward, never ending refuses to give even an edge to the darkness.

  And through it all, stood a girl.

  A girl with silver hair looked at the area and opened her mouth to speak, “...Oh.” Skylar smiled softly, her face trembling, “I’m dead aren’t I?”

  Chapter 11: Passion.

  She shoved her hands into her jacket pockets and looked to the ground, blinking at the sight before her.

  She could see her reflection, “I guess in the end… I didn’t really amount to much huh?” she muttered to herself, never losing that smile.

  Her gaze then shifted upwards, “So then? Where do I go from here?” she frowned, “Forward I suppose?” that was what her mind told her, and yet…

  She turned around.

  Blinking as she did so, “A door?” A single black door in the white space around her.

  There was something about it, something threatening… like a darkness ready to swallow her whole, a darkness so thick that not even this void of light could keep it at bay.

  So why was it? Why was it that Skylar felt so drawn to this door, she walked forward slowly, she reached out her hand grasping the handle.

  And as she did, a voice suddenly spoke out to her, “That’s hell you're opening girl.”

  Skylar blinked, removing her hand from the hilt, she turned around and straight ahead she saw a dragon, a familiar dragon.

  “...Alma?” she muttered the name staring at the sight, she then glanced to the side, “Of course, I absorbed you… It only makes sense you’d follow me after I die.” she let out a slight laugh, “I’m sorry.”

  Alma said nothing at first as he stared down at Skylar, examining the girl before him, it was rare to see her like this.

  So broken, yet full of acceptance, “...It was a promise that connected us, wasn’t it? A promise that you made.”

  Skylar clenched her hands into fists, “A promise that I was ultimately too weak to uphold. I was stupid. Go on, say it! I’m a stupid ignorant child who can’t even fend for herself!”

  “...Of course you can’t, you hardly even know who you are. Or rather… what you are.” Alma declared standing tall and spreading its wings, “Do you wish to know Shadewalker? Do you wish to know what you are?”

  Skylar paused at that blinking as she lifted her head, “Does it matter?” she asked locking eyes with Alma, “I’m already gone after al-”

  “And you wish to move on with all your questions unanswered? Is that it?”

  Skylar blinked turning to look to the door once more, “I-”

  “You're afraid. Rightfully so. While the door won’t provide all the answers, it will provide one. Only one… One that your own mind has locked away, that is what that door is Skylar. Your trauma. Something more awful than anything else you have witnessed so far. Hell in its purest form.”

  Skylar stared at the door, “And you want me to open it?”

  “I want you to choose.” Alma corrected her, “To open the door and walk into that hell. Or to move aside and allow the memory to remain forever gone.”

  Skylar stared at the door taking in a breath, “Damn it…” she grits her teeth reaching out and grabbing onto the handle, “I don’t care! Even if it’s hell… I, I’ve wanted answers for so long.” she started to twist the handle, “I have to know.”

  And so she swung that door open and ran through it without a second thought, she ran into the darkness until it started to peel away, and her eyes widened at the sight before her and the familiar wind, “What…?” she spoke out confused as a shout entered her ears leaving her dazed, “HEAVE!” slowly she turned around, and saw a man, a familiar man who she once called ‘The General’ “HO!” he shouted, giving his command to his men.

  As they pulled chains backward trying to pry something from the clouds.

  “This is…” Skylar stood far back muttering her words, as she saw something run past her.

  A younger version of herself.

  Skylar’s eyes remained wide, everyone seemed oblivious to her presence. She looked down at her hand, it was see-through.

  A frown appeared on her face when she saw that, “But why here? For what reason,” she muttered confusion on her face.

  She watched the events unfold before her eyes, so they matched up with her memory… she helped out, it was her birthday… The large crystal chunk was pulled from the cloud sea.

  And then Leon arrived.

  Skylar winced at that, he could see her… but it still hurt to remember.

  The same could be said when her mother walked out of the house and sent Skylar inside to grab some cake.

  Skylar watched as her younger self ran back to the cabin, “Hm?” she watched as Leon started to head back to the ship and start to fly off, “What…? That doesn’t seem right… I remember nothing like that.” She mutters confusion riddled on her face, “What’s going on here?”

  “Sir!” A male’s voice shouted out running up to The General, “W-We sent some men to investigate the crystal, via some earth bridges… but… But they’re.”

  The General arched a brow, “What is it? Spit it out, boy.” The General demanded with a scowl.

  The man panted brushing some sweat off his brow as he looked up to The General, “They’re dead sir…”

  The General blinked at that news, “...Tell no one, it may be a god… I’ll go to investigate the tower myself.”

  Skylar frowned hearing that news, “But the islands… it sinks so that means he either died or…” She started to look around the island’s edges.

  Scanning the area before she blinked as she noticed something a young girl limping towards the cabin. The cabin where Skylar used to live.

  Skylar recognized the girl instantly, “No… Nononono, why? Why is she here?” Skylar started to rush forward, after all the girl.

  Was Jenna.

  Jenna smirked as she reached the door, pushing it open. She was weak but still able to move.

  The younger Skylar flinched at the sight, “Oh uh, h-” she was cut off as she stared at Jenna, she quickly rushed over, “You look… hurt. Are you okay? Where are you from? How can I help?”

  Jenna blinked starting forward at the young Skylar before a small smile appeared on her face, she leaned on the doorframe, “You want to be strong don’t you?” Jenna suddenly questioned, “Stronger than anyone. That is the kind of person you are isn’t it Skylar Shadewalker?” Jenna spoke the name with a weary expression on her face.

  The younger Skylar stopped at the door, “Huh…?” She blinked, putting a hand over her heart, it was thumping rapidly, “...How… Do you know my name…? Who are you?”

  “I know a lot of things.” Jenna closed her eyes, “The importance of that name you hold, the desperate need you have for strength, and that gap in your memories.”

  The younger Skylar blinked at that looking at Jenna, “What do you…?” she trailed off looking to the side.

  Jenna opened her eyes slowly, “You really want to know? …I suppose I could enlighten you, come closer and let me tell you a tale.”

  Skylar watched as her younger self approached Jenna.

  “...Why…? Why don't I remember any of this…?” she questioned as Jenna leaned forward opening her mouth to speak The younger Skylar came close, and Jenna at last spoke her answer.

  “You Skylar Shadewalker… are my best friend… and a monster.” Jenna spoke those words before lunging forward, thrusting her hand through the younger Skylar’s chest tearing through her heart, “So… it’s okay if I ask you to be my meal, isn’t it? Friend?”

  Skylar stared at the sight before her wide eyes as her younger self slumped forward blood pouring from her mouth.

  An impossible sight, Skylar’s hand reached up and clutched at her shirt, her breathing quickened, “This isn’t real.” she tried to reassure herself despite the images before her, she took a step backward, “I-I couldn’t have died… I went on an adventure after that day, I… I was helping others, I became an Executioner, I- I- I-” she stammered as her eyes remained wide as Jenna ripped out the heart of her younger self and bit down into it.

  Jenna then opened a portal behind her, “Not a lot of energy… but enough to get myself away…” she muttered to herself looking over to herself and Skylar’s body on the ground, “...Get up already, and lay waste to this place of liars and thieves Shadewalker.” With those words Jenna took a shaky step into the portal she made.

  Skylar blinked as Jenna left, “Get up…?” she paused at those words turning to look at the corpse of her younger self.

  ***

  Genbu stares down even as the rain starts to fall, “Such is the folly of a child. You were aware of the forces you’d face, but you had to go and tempt fate anyways.” he shakes his head, turning around her and starts to walk away, “Nothing but an ignorant child who thinks she can take on the world.” he made his last declaration as he flicked the blood off his blade sheathing it.

  Bits of rocks rumbled slightly beside Skylar’s corpse, flickers of flames sparked to life around her fingertips.

  Genbu stopped walking, blinking as he sensed magical energy, he turned around, confusion etched on his face as he stared dumbfounded at the sight before him.

  There ahead of him, mana.

  Mana was being taken from the land, at a rapid rate, more rapid than any god had ever taken it before.

  All being poured into Skylar’s body.

  “...Her body is taking mana into itself? But…” He took a few steps forward craning his head to look down at her, her eyes were still empty like fish eyes staring upwards, “Dead as a doornail…” he confirmed his eyes narrowing on interest, “But at the rate, she’s sucking in that mana, the same could be said of everything else on this island.”

  That wasn’t good.

  He still had things he needed to do here, as did Lust.

  So he unsheathed his blade and frowned, “The flow of magic in her body is still intact, I’ll just have to finish those off.”

  He raised his blade and swung down, his eyes widened, a feather. No.

  A large wing, a wing made of fire, Genbu quickly leaped back taking in the sight before him, Skylar Shadewalker, the girl that was just a corpse.

  The girl who had no life in her body had begun to stand once more.

  From her back, beautiful wings of fire spread, and the land was being drained of its life as she stood.

  From behind she had four large feathered tails, one green, one red, one black, and one covered in purple scales.

  She stumbled forward, her eyes remaining empty as she did so, her fangs bared and her breathing labored.

  Genbu watched the sight with a scowl, “A Primal state? How in the blazes did she achieve that?” He muttered confusion riddled upon his brow.

  Before he had time to even ponder the answer Skylar roared blasting forward tossing her sword aside and flames burst to life across her hands as she balled them into fists.

  Genbu’s eyes widened as Skylar’s right fist slammed into his fist sending him flying forward through the burning rubble of his cabin.

  When he got up, he slammed his open palm onto the ground sending a shockwave of cold mist outwards, it was cold enough to cover the flames in ice.

  Genbu then looked up, standing to his full height as he scowled, staring ahead, “...It would seem I have my work cut out for me…” he muttered as he started to crack his fists.

  Skylar let out a roar arching her back as flames burst to life around her wings, before taking the shape of beams of light firing outwards onto the land ahead of her, Genbu took note of this.

  Taking a step forward out of the frozen rubble muttering to himself, “A primal state… in it, a god’s magical abilities are at its highest, the tradeoff being…” He paused his gaze locking onto Skylar as she blasted forward.

  Genbu coated his blade in ice before ducking under Skylar’s next strike, he then slashed upward cleaving Skylar’s skull in two.

  She fell to her knees then, a low hiss coming from her body.

  Genbu watched with irritated eyes as the wound began to heal itself, skin stitched back together of its own accord and Genbu kept his gaze trained finishing what he was saying, “A complete loss of all rational thought…”

  He then frowned looking down at the girl, “...Your healing factor in this state is a real issue, I could deal a thousand lethal wounds and you would sup from the land to heal it all…” Genbu mused aloud, lowering his blade, “As such there’s only one way to deal with you at present.” he reached out and a blue glow came from his hand, and mist began to surround him as the ice began to cascade over Skylar.

  A low growl escaped Skylar’s lips and suddenly flames shot out from her, licking at the ice and melting it instantly, her head snapped back into place fully healed and before Genbu had time to react to the sudden change.

  Skylar was already upon him wrapping a flaming hand around his face, they shot forward into the nearest building.

  The one where Shiva and The old man still were.

  Skylar roared throwing Genbu through the back of the building, “W-What are you doing!?” The old man shouted, “You're going to kill hi-” his eyes widened as Skylar blasted forward, without hesitation she sliced through the man’s neck with her maw agape tearing into his skin, her eyes then darted upwards.

  There Shiva stood paralyzed with fear as Skylar saunted forward slowly, blood still staining her lips, and a manic glint in her eyes.

  ***

  Skylar stared forward, her eyes wide at the sight that lay before her.

  There her younger self was, covered in flames as she tore through the town. And feathers that seemed to resemble that of a phoenix sprouting from behind. Only two, a green one and a red one.

  The General’s head dropped off to the side, laying there on the bloodstained grass, the screams of people being mercilessly slaughtered echoed in Skylar’s ears as she stared into The General’s now lifeless eyes.

  “Stop…” Skylar managed to choke out her next words, reaching her hands up slowly and grabbing the side of her head, her younger self tore through another body at the same moment.

  “Stop it…” Skylar squeaked out her eyes and started to swell up with tears, fear overtaking her as she turned her gaze towards her younger self, there her mother stood.

  Hold out a hand like she was approaching a dangerous beast, “I know… I know it hurts… but it’s okay, I’m here. I’m right here baby.” she pleaded only for the younger Skylar to lunge forward, and thrust her hand through her mother’s stomach causing blood to fly into the air.

  “STOP IT PLEASE!!!” Skylar at least screamed no longer able to take the sight before her.

  And all came to a halt, the fire froze in the air, and the wind cut off.

  And Skylar’s younger self stood there locked, frozen in time.

  It was seeing this sight that caused Skylar to look at the flames.

  She took in a shaky breath, "The one who sunk the island... It was never Jenna..." Skylar muttered as she watched the flames, her eyes trembling as tears welled up within them, she fell to her knees tearing her gaze from the flames as she stared at her younger self, "It was me." she spoke the words, as her voice cracked her very body wanting to reject the idea itself.

  She looked down at her hands wrapping them around her arms and clutching herself in a hug as her eyes remained wide, she stared at the ground, “Why…? Why would I? I-Am I… A monster?” she let the question hang in the air, and then another one happened to enter her head, “...Am I dead?”

  It was a stupid question really.

  Or it was at first glance, but she had just seen herself die at a young age.

  And then that happened.

  …So then.

  If she wasn’t dead…

  Then…

  “No…” Skylar suddenly muttered she looked to her right and there was a sword, “What’s the point… This whole time, I’ve been going around trying to find the one who destroyed my island, killing God’s in the name of what I thought was right.” slowly she got up and started to walk up to that blade, “I’m so stupid… so fucking stupid… How can someone like me claim to be doing the right thing?”

  Slowly she leaned down grabbed the hilt of that silver sword, she raised it higher, “I’m done.” she declared her eyes staring down the resolve that once burned bright had faded, as she brought the sword to her neck, “This world… would be better off without me.”

  She began to draw blood, but before she could finish the deed a hand suddenly was placed upon her shoulder.

  Causing her eyes to widen, she stopped there was something familiar about this…

  “...And what of the other threats in the world? Are you just going to let them be?” She knew this voice.

  “What else am I supposed to do Tetra?” She questioned gritting her teeth, “Everywhere I go. People die because of me, I’m not a hero. I-I can’t save anyone.” she then lowered her blade shaking Tetra’s hand from her shoulder, “I can't be like you! I can’t be like Anarchy! I can’t be this ;warrior of legend’ that everyone wants me to be! All I can be… is a monster.” Skylar shouted tears threatening to spill from her gaze.

  Tetra stood there, a frown upon his face, behind him was a man covered in a dark cloak with a scythe in his hand, Death itself. Death seem mostly disintrested in Skylar for the moment.

  Tetra took a moment closing his eyes, it was then that he sighed.

  “The only thing I see before me is a child. A young child who is scared and confused… Bound by the chains of the legacy before her.” He spoke these words opening his eyes, he then pointed to the right, “That. Is the beast who killed these people. Your other half.”

  “But…” Skylar looked to the side.

  “What is it you want to do Skylar? Do you want to die? To run away from the burden? Or do you want to live?” Tetra questioned, his eyes narrowing.

  Skylar flinched at the question, her eyes turned to her blade once more.

  She saw her reflection in it, her trembling eyes.

  “I…”

  She was so scared, she didn’t want to hurt any more people.

  But…

  “I want to stop them… Jenna. Lust… And anyone else who’d hurt these lands and these people. Even myself… that’s why.” She looked up from her blade determination burning in her gaze, “I can’t. I can’t die just yet! No matter if it’s deserved or not! I will save these people!” she screamed, stepping forward.

  Tetra smirked at that, turning around, and Death slashed at the air behind him opening a portal, “...Spoken like a true Executioner, now then… Stand up, grit your teeth. And find your resolve.” he declared.

  Walking towards the portal.

  Death however kept his gaze on Skylar, before speaking in a low husky voice, “...Awaken Child Of Fate.” Skylar blinked.

  A burst of heat came from the area around her, and she quickly turned her gaze back to her younger self, it moved once more tearing through the remains of her mother, before it blinked, its phoenix-like state turned to Skylar as she was now and Death spoke, “Awaken Inferium.”

  Skylar turned back to face Death, but when she did he was gone.

  “You can’t save anyone… you are an ambassador of death.” So spoke Skylar’s younger self… Inferium.

  Skylar paused at that, it hurt hearing the words come from her own voice but she turned towards Inferium and narrowed her gaze holding her blade to her side, “...I’ll save as many as I can. To atone for those I’ve already slain.”

  Inferium let out a low growl taking a step forward, “You are no one. Nothing. A monster made to beat, slash, kill. For every life you ‘save’ how many more will you kill? You are no better than the gods.”

  Skylar closed her eyes for the moment taking in a breath, every part of her body wanted to reject those words.

  But that wouldn’t get rid of the truth, “That’s why I need to get stronger. So that this will never happen again.”

  Skylar’s eyes snapped open, they shined a bright crimson as flames wrapped around her blade, “Out of my way… I’ve people waiting on me to save them!” Skylar shouted, blasting forward.

  Inferium responded by summoning its blade, it was a dark sword made of the deepest black.

  She clashed with Skylar sparks flying into the air as they stared at one another, the god and the human at last speaking on even terms.

  “He called me Inferium. I reject that name, you know who I am. And I will not be denied! Your body is mine, your life, your words, your soul, all rightfully mine!”

  “And what of my words then?” Skylar spat back, “I stand here rejecting you. Because you're everything I hate about myself! The darkness that threatens to break out and slaughter every single fucking day!” Skylar pushed against the blade of darkness, “What is it that drives you huh!? What reason do we have for this slaughter!”

  “Because Shadewalker! It is in battle where we thrive, where we feel the most alive. The slaughter of innocents leads to stronger foes seeking us out!” Inferium responded with a manic grin on her face.

  They both stared at each other before breaking the clash, both of them leaped backwards flames fired up in the air licking at their faces.

  And Skylar narrowed her gaze.

  She knew what this thing was.

  Inferium.

  Amatsu.

  Skylar.

  These names were all correct. The best and worst parts of her.

  “Enough.” Skylar spoke at last her eyes shining with pride, for a moment, there was a silver glow, “I know the truth of it now… This is all my fault.” She spoke, raising her blade, stabbing it into the ground, “I am you. And you are me… you are everything I hate about myself, but even so,” Skylar stepped forward, flames pulled from behind her and her veins began to glow crimson as feathered tails sprouted from behind, Inferium stared forward surprised by this as Skylar spoke her next words, “I’ll accept the burden. Of every sin, lie, and death. Everyone. And I’ll take control of your rage.”

  ()

  Inferium stared forward, surprised by Skylar’s sudden outburst.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  She then grits her teeth, anger flashing in her eyes, “You say you’ll accept it?” She hissed her own eyes flashing, “This isn’t a game! You can’t accept anything! You can’t stop anything!” flames fired up into the air as Inferium roared.

  Skylar took in a breath leaping into the air in a burst of flame, her new phoenix tails flinging behind her, Inferium then threw her hands upwards, the flames wrapped around the air above her forming a ball of fire, “You're just a kid!”

  In response to those words, Skylar smiled a bit, throwing her own hand down, “We are.” she confirmed, her hair flowing about, “We’re just kids. Stupid kids, who barely know the world around us…”

  Skylar then took in a small breath, closing her eyes, “...But we’ve got to grow up. There are others in the world suffering more than we are after all. Isn’t it the duty of us sinners to help them?” Skylar’s eyes then opened, “isn’t that what he’d do?”

  “SHUT UP!” Inferium roared, throwing the ball of flames forward.

  Desperate to stop Skylar right then and there.

  Skylar, however, frowned at the sight feeling the wind flowing through her hair she turned her gaze to the skies ahead, the clouds ahead seemed to rumble before her gaze the azure blue covered her eyes, “...We are…” she let the wind drop her falling towards the flames before her her tails retracted as she dived through the fire exploding out of the bottom of the ball of fire, her eyes alight as she pulled back her fist slamming it into Inferium’s face sending her into the ground, “fire.”

  Skylar slammed her boot onto Inferium’s arm, staring down at her.

  Inferium glared at Skylar as the sun beamed down on them, “Because we burn all of those who get close to us.” Inferium growled.

  “And we provide warmth to those who’d seek it out.” Skylar smirked, “We are fire. We are death. We are warmth. All at once…” She declared locking eyes with Inferium.

  Inferium growled, “...and when you stop fighting… you’ll just forget about me, leaving me to sift about in embers.”

  Skylar closed her own eyes, “Our fire will burn out one day when that happens… I want more memories of the world than just violence.”

  Inferium stared up at Skylar for a moment, “...Even if it means your death will be one where you're forgotten?”

  Skylar smiled softly, opening her eyes.

  That was the core of the matter, they were afraid.

  Afraid of being forgotten by the world, and so Skylar responded, “Even then,” Skylar declared removing her boot from Inferium’s arm, holding out her right hand, “I’ll leave someone else to start the fire again.”

  Inferium looks at Skylar's hand and sighs, “I give up… This is all… just too much work for me.” with those words a small smile adorned her lips as she turned her head to the side. Letting it fall to the ground, her eyes closed.

  Skylar blinked, lowering her hand as her gaze turned that way, there an airship was.

  And from it, Leon came out finding the sight before him, “What in the hell happened here…” he muttered at the sight before turning his gaze to the unconscious younger Skylar he ran to her putting a pair of fingers to her neck, “She’s still breathing… but what about…?”

  Before he could ask the next question the island started to rumble some.

  He grits his teeth and picks up the young Skylar, “Forgive me.” he whispers, turning away from the burning island as he runs to his ship.

  Static appeared in Skylar’s vision and she was back in the white void.

  She blinked.

  Looking around back to Alma, “...You knew didn’t you?” she asked, putting a hand on her hip.

  Alma turned his gaze away from Skylar, “...I had an inkling, your mind is shattered as is… there is likely more here hidden away if you wish to look for it.”

  Skylar huffed while closing her eyes a small smile appeared on her face for a moment, “Tempting offer.” she conceded turning to the light, opening her eyes, “But I’ve got a job to finish.” she declared as she started to walk forward.

  Alma stared forward, “...You know what most likely happened out there don’t you?”

  Skylar stopped pausing, “...I know.” She clenched her fist, “And I’m ready to face the consequences.”

  With that she looked over her shoulder, “...But before that. I wonder…” She turned around fully folding her arms and furrowing her brows, “WHERE THE FUCK HAVE YOU BEEN!?”

  Alma flinched at Skylar’s sudden fury, “You’ve been silent for hours now! And you only decide to speak up when I’m close to death!? You're an asshole!” she shouts pointing forward.

  “H-Hey none of that was my fault, calm dow-”

  “Calm down!?!!!” Skylar slammed her foot onto the ground hissing, “I was lost, scared, and confused! And you left me alone! Why the fuck did you do tha-”

  “I was cut off okay!”

  Skylar blinked at that thousands of questions instantly soared into her head, but the first and most prominent was this.

  “...How?”

  Alma frowned at that question before closing his eyes, “I’m not quite sure myself… There’s much about our situation that I’m not even aware of.”

  Skylar folded her arms letting out a hum, “Right… I suppose you're still rather unique, compared to the other gods I’ve defeated and absorbed you're the only one who stuck around…” She then blinked, raising a hand to her chin, “Maybe it has something to do with the high concentration of mana in Babylon?” She mused before shaking her head, “No if that were the case then you wouldn’t be able to speak whenever I’m in battle with a god…”

  Her eyes then narrowed as she unfolded her arms, “Whatever.” She turned back around and started to walk forward, “Just another question I’ll find answers to later.”

  Alma watched as Skylar began to walk forward, “Stay safe Shadewalker.”

  Sklyar put on a cocky smirk, holding out her right hand and she gave a single thumbs up.

  “I’ll tear him apart.”

  ***

  Skylar’s eyes focused on the reality before her, there she saw the old man’s head on the ground and Shiva in front of her on the ground trembling in fear.

  She didn’t need anyone to tell her what happened, she already knew just from the sight.

  The wind blew past her face, and she turned her gaze towards the hole in the wall at the far back of the room.

  Genbu blasted forward blade in hand, his eyes glowing a bright azure, Skylar smirked a little at the sight, undeniable proof that she was still alive.

  She lifted her right hand towards the approaching blade, and shadows wrapped around it protecting her from that sword as she grabbed it, “...You killed me.” Skylar commented as her feathered tails started to retract.

  Genbu grits his teeth staring down at Skylar, he is already weakened and he can feel his mana fading, “I’ll do it again… In the name of my master, I will not let you leave this place alive, Shadewalker!”

  Skylar frowned at that, tightening her grip on Genbu’s blade, shattering it, “Your master’s will isn’t a factor here.” she spat throwing her left fist forward and slamming it into Genbu’s face with enough force to shatter his nose he stumbled backward clutching his nose in pain.

  “And you don’t have the strength to uphold their ideals in the first place.” Skylar spat through narrowed eyes, Genbu threw his own fist forward only for Skylar to duck to the side avoiding the fist with ease and she slammed her right fist once more into Genbu’s face, strands of blue shot out from Genbu’s skin.

  His eyes widened and he threw his hand forward ready to send forth a torrent of ice in incase Skylar, but he paused his eyes widened as he saw cracks along his skin.

  “What…?” he muttered before looking ahead to Skylar whose eyes were now glowing a bright azure.

  Skylar slammed her boot onto the ground, sending a torrent of ice across the plane.

  The walls, the floors, and the ceilings were all covered as Skylar uttered her next words to Genbu, “You’ve no fight left to fight.” spikes shot from those areas of the ice.

  Impaling Genbu in a single instant, his eyes widened as blood fired out from every pore of his body, and his eyes stared forward.

  Staring right at Skylar, she kept a glare on him even as blue strands flew from his body, the rest of his magic flying into Skylar.

  ***

  Ripples fired out across the water, one after the other.

  In a simple pattern of fives, a simple lake with a castle standing far ahead of it.

  At the edge of that lake, sat a young girl with crimson red hair, a stone in her right hand, her arm resting on her leg.

  She stared up at that castle, a frown on her face.

  “Lost in your daydreams again?” A male voice spoke, tearing the girl out of her thoughts.

  The girl blinked, turning her gaze to the man in question, he was a fair bit older than her.

  Black hair adorned his head, a red jacket on his torso, and a black undershirt.

  Brown pants, and black shoes.

  “Come on then, spill the beans. What were you thinking about Eros.” the man questioned with a smirk.

  Eros paused, turning her gaze away from the man and throwing her stone across the water, watching as the ripples formed once more.

  And it was then that she said, “...I want a castle.” she said with a wide toothy grin.

  “A castle?” The man arched a brow, “Rather ambitious of you, hard to see you as a ruler though.”

  “I don’t need to rule.” Eros declared standing up she wore her black jacket with pride, tapping her red shoes on the ground, “I just want the castle, to show the world that I mean something… more than this.”

  The man paused, looking at her with a frown, “You do mean something. We’ve been over this before haven't we?” The man then narrowed his gaze causing the girl to smirk.

  “We have.” she confirmed with a low chuckle, “Doesn’t mean I took your advice to heart or anything.” she then looked back to him, a look of pure disdain towards him.

  The man said nothing to that, looking down at the girl before him before sighing, “Whatever.” He stood up, turning around and there was a small village ahead, “when you're done wallowing about, I’ll be at home making dinner. Try not to keep me waiting too much.”

  Eros said nothing to that, turning her gaze back to the castle ahead, “A castle… That castle. I want it…” She reached out towards the castle wrapping her hand into a fist.

  Her eyes glowed a bright pink as she smiled.

  “And then I’ll break all of those monkeys.” she licked her lips, as images of how she would butcher everyone came into her mind.

  She then lowered that hand and stood up, turning around and she started to walk towards the village once more.

  Putting on a perfect smile, with a cutesy face, she waited.

  She was a weak girl, with no power to her name, and was utterly worthless in the end.

  But she.

  Could be so.

  Much.

  More.

  ***

  Skylar stumbled backward quickly looking down at her hands with wide eyes, “Eros…?” she repeated the name, it wasn’t one she was familiar with.

  But that was…

  A memory?

  Or a vision?

  She couldn’t quite tell, whatever it was though. It was foreign, leaving something like a bad aftertaste on her mind.

  She certainly didn’t like it.

  “The void harkens to your call I see.” A voice called out to Skylar walking through the front door, there Vita stood.

  Skylar paused at his voice before folding her arms, “And where the hell have you been? I could have used your help back there.”

  Vita chuckled a little at that, walking up to Skylar and holding out the hilt of her blade, “I’m here to oversee your training. Not to babysit you. I simply had faith that you’d overcome such a foe.”

  Skylar narrowed her gaze at that unfolding her arms and reaching out to grab the hilt of her blade, she then narrowed her gaze as she sheathed it.

  “Well thanks for your negligence, because of it people died.” She growled back, before turning her gaze to Shiva she started to walk back to her, “Now then as for you.”

  Shiva flinched scooting away from Skylar, “S-Stay back! You… you're a murderer!” Shiva shouted it was then that Skylar stopped, seeing the way Shiva looked at her with terrified eyes.

  …

  It didn’t feel great.

  Skylar’s gaze fell onto the old man, where his corpse lay.

  …

  How was she even supposed to explain this?

  No, the better question is would any explanation even serve?

  She killed this man, she’s killed a lot of people. That much is fact.

  But leaving Shiva behind was not an option. No way in hell, even if she had to knock her out Skylar was determined to get Shiva to safety to at least save someone on this day.

  So she took a step forward, only for her eyes to widen as Vita was the one to step past her walking up to the child, he then opened his mouth and spoke, “Do you want to die as well?”

  His words were harsh, but he kept his gaze locked on Shiva, “If so then you can remain here, the soldiers have yet to remobilize, but when they do… no one will be able to save you.” He declared this as he got on one knee in front of Shiva.

  Shiva shook her hair, “N-No! I don’t care! S-she killed him I won’t go anywhere with her!” Shiva shouted, “I won’t go anywhere with that murdere-”

  “And why did he do it!?” Vita shouted his anger showing through, “Was it because she charged for him!? No! He died protecting you because he deemed your life of value! Are you saying you're going to throw that life away? If so you may as well spit on that old man’s corpse!”

  Shiva flinched at Vita’s words, they were harsh. But he spoke only the facts.

  He stared down at Shiva, “So then. Speak plainly, do you want to live? Or do you want to die here as another worthless nobody?”

  Shiva looked down to her feet for a moment. Her voice was caught in her throat with trembling hands she took in a breath and spoke up, “I… I don’t want to die…” she then looked up to Skylar, “But I will never forgive you… not ever.” she declared this with conviction in her eyes pointing forward.

  As Skylar stared into this girl’s eyes, she saw a familiar light, she’d seen it in her own eyes.

  In response to this sight, Skylar smiled a little, “Hm. So that’s how it looks eh?” She shook her head and took a few steps toward Shiva, “Fine by me, so long as we can get you to safety.”

  Vita nodded, turning to look at Skylar, “And what of you? Holding up alright?”

  Skylar folded her arms, “Now you're concerned?” she then huffed, “If you must know I’m doing alright, some baggage left to sort through. But fine.” In truth, this whole turn of events left her somewhat prickly around the edges, in her search for answers she found herself only having more questions.

  But that could wait, she had people who needed her now.

  Vita rolled his eyes standing up, arching a brow as Shiva ran up behind him hiding behind his legs.

  He then turned his gaze to Skylar, “You’ll have to forgive me for leaving you like that, I had to take your measure one way or the other… and now after evaluating your skills… I’d say you have more work to do.”

  Skylar blinked at that unfolding her arms and tilting her head to the side, “Meaning?”

  Vita cupped his chin before looking her up and down, “Your capacity for both mana and void is astounding that much I can see… It’s your technique that is lacking.” he explained, “You act in the moment when you’re in a fight, instead of anticipating what your enemy will do… That is why this happened.”

  Skylar listened to Vita’s words furrowing her brow, “Anticipate? Do you want me to predict what someone can do? That’s absurd, with the amount of possible actions a person can take it’s impossibl-”

  “Then make it possible.” Vita shot back, “Create a situation with your enemy where the only options they have are the ones that work in your favor.” Vita declared, holding a hand up, “Do that, and it’ll only make you a better warrior…”

  Skylar paused at his words, taking them in, “...At the very least I’ll give it a shot.” She conceded with a sigh.

  Vita smirked at that, “That’s all that’s required from you… now then.” he held out his left hand and a flame burst to life in his palm, a dark flame.

  Skylar blinked at the sight, “What’s that?”

  Vita looked to her, “Concentrated void, a Dark Knight must accept the void into his body, allowing them to gain strength from the dark… but be forewarned to do so is to risk losing yourself to the abyss. With every step into the darkness the tighter its hold grows on you.” he then looked right into Skylar’s eyes, “But if you remain undeterred, then hold out your hand. And close your eyes.”

  Skylar kept her gaze on Vita for a moment before closing her eyes tight, she lifted her right hand upwards extending her palm out, and the flames turned into a wispy mass and floated towards Skylar, Shiva stared up in awe at the sight while Vita spoke, “Listen to my voice, listen to my heartbeat… Listen and find your path.”

  “How many more must die to our ‘just’ cause? How much more blood must be spilled before they are satisfied?Is this all we are? Slaves to fate and justice?”

  Skylar slowly opened her eyes, lowering her hand, Vita did the same, arching a brow at her, “Well?”

  Skylar looked down at her open palm before reaching up and unsheathing her blade, right before Vita’s eyes she felt power surge through her as a black liquid began to coat her blade.

  A smirk adorned her face, “That good enough for you?” she asked as the liquid vanished and she sheathed her blade.

  Vita stared at her for a moment before nodding, “That would be a Dark Knight’s most used skill… Shadow Blade, the shadows grant us the strength to fight even against the strongest of foes, of course, if they are using magic to amplify their weapons… then the shadows will not breathe through.”

  Skylar let out a hum nodding in understanding as she turned her body towards the hole in the wall she had made earlier, “If nothing else it’ll still be a substantial boost… We should start making our way towards the closest village now though.” she muttered with folded arms as she started to walk forward.

  Vita started to follow close behind with Shiva at his side, “I suppose so, that’s still a far way off though. Might take us a day or so.”

  Skylar looked over her shoulder, “Fine by me, I need to regroup with the rest of my people here anyways…” She then turned her gaze forward with a small frown, whispering to herself, “Striga, you’d better be okay…”

  With those word’s the trio began to move toward their next destination.

  ***

  Lust sat on her throne, her head resting on her fist as she stared at her door with a grimace, “...Genbu has fallen.” She spoke after a moment. Her gaze narrowed.

  “This Shadewalker is more trouble than I had anticipated, and she keeps dangerous company besides…” Lust stood up looking straight up to the roof, a cocoon was being held up by a set of strings, “And what’s more, you remain asleep… an expected annoyance. My power is not so easily channeled into others. This goes double for the weak…”

  She sighed, turning her gaze to the door ahead, “I’ve worked years for this. To see these realms under my full rule. And I’ll be damned if I’m undone by a girl and her faulty strength!” Lust declared as the door opened.

  Delish walked in with an arched brow, “...Bad time?” he questioned tilting his head slightly.

  Lust blinked before putting on her perfect smile, “Not at all… come on in, it may interest you to know that your ‘beloved’ is now in the hands of one of my generals, she’ll remain unharmed naturally assuming you keep up your end of the bargain.”

  Delish scoffed at that, turning to look at the curtains, “I care not, she may be my beloved but she brought all this on herself by refusing to heed my advice.”

  Lust blinked at that before shrugging and taking a step forward, “Hm, regardless what is it you came here for?”

  Delish turned his gaze once more back to Lust a frown on his face, “A status update, everything is proceeding apace, and given time I should have what you want… that said, I would advise caution.”

  Lust arched a brow at that, “Caution? For what reason?”

  “The Shadewalker.” Delish declared suddenly, “If she comes into contact with Stella, there is no telling what will occur… Simply put, her ability to absorb both magic and souls is a threat to both of our schemes, if she gets within a foot of it… I’d recommend destroying it.”

  Lust folded her eyes and scowled, she certainly didn’t like the idea of destroying something that took so long to make, but…

  Recent events had made her wary of Skylar, she was interested sure, but wary all the same.

  “Your opinion is noted.” Lust commented after a moment, “Now leave me.”

  Delish nodded, taking a bow before turning away and walking back out the door whence he came.

  Lust then looked back up to the large cocoon that remained up high.

  “A child, the greatest threat to my Kingdom is a child… who would've guessed.” She closed her eyes walking up to her throne, before a smirk adorned her face, “How exciting!” She declared in contrast to her earlier tone, “Just imagine the possibilities if I could get her under my control!”

  She then pauses, turning to look over her shoulder arching a brow, “And what do you want asshole?”

  Wrath stood there in the center of the room, “...You would stand against Origin isn’t that correct?” Wrath suddenly questioned.

  Lust paused at Wrath’s question before shaking her head, “Now where did you get that presumptuous idea? I wouldn’t dare to stand against our lord.” She lied expertly; she wasn’t foolish enough to admit her desires to any of her kind.

  Wrath kept his arms behind his back as he tilted his head to the side not believing Lust’s words, “Hm, well even if you aren’t I’ve got a mind to go against his wishes regardless.” Wrath declared with his smirk dripping with his own form of malice.

  This caught Lust off guard; she blinked, planting herself on the throne cocking a brow at Wrath, “Do you now? That’s a set of words I’ve never expected to hear from you.” Lust conceded she was a strategist and a good one at that.

  But even she struggled to gauge the machinations of Wrath.

  He removed his hands from behind his back, “Origin would see us pitted against the Shadewalker… One after the other gutted and feasted upon. But I would not suffer us to witness such a fate, this ‘Skylar Shadewalker’ is a cancer upon the world. One that must be rooted out and burned as soon as possible.”

  Lust kept her gaze on Wrath leaning to the side, resting her chin on her fist, “Hm.” she made the sound with a twinkle in her eye, “And so you come before me because?”

  “A courtesy mostly.” He admitted, “I shall be acting upon your lands after all, and you are aware of the chaos that can come from my… ‘antics’” He settled on the word after a moment as he examined his nails, “I trust this won’t be an issue?” he questioned his eyes flashing with a hint of burning anger.

  Lust said nothing at first, before closing her eyes, “A question before anything else…” A smirk adorned her lips, “Are you after The Shadewalker for our benefit? Or are you after here because of what she did to Greed?”

  Wrath’s smile dropped instantly, “You’re all an annoying swarm of gnats as far as I’m concerned, Greed was no exception.” Wrath turned around then stretched as he began to walk towards the door, “...But you are still family, the eldest sibling has to take revenge for the lives robbed.” With those words, he swung the door open. A crackle of black electricity swarmed around his body as the door closed behind him.

  Lust then opened her eyes, “...If nothing else his involvement will speed up this process significantly.” Lust reasoned after a moment, “Best not to get in his way, Wrath’s strength is not something I’d want to mess with…” She was reasonably certain that she could win against Wrath.

  But that was the problem, Wrath’s abilities were…

  Special.

  Even amongst the Eternals, he’s an enigma.

  Lust then started to chuckle, “This is too good, better than a passionate night of lovemaking I could never orchestrate such entertainment… At this rate, the whole world will be against The Shadewalker. And yet somehow I suspect that may not even be enough.”

  Lust then glanced up seeing the large cocoon above her a crack formed upon it, causing a single beam of light to shine from within, “Hm? Eager to be reunited with your playmate are you?” Lust chuckled, “They are all heading for that place it would seem… that village with the… oh what was it called? Crutch? Crush? Ah, Church. That was its name… a Church, a ‘house of hopes’ I suppose.” She watched the cocoon above crack at the sound of those words.

  “The curtain rises on the final act show, This ‘house of hopes’ even though it is not immune to the laws of this world. It shall bow to me all the same, or it’ll be reduced to the ashes whence it came. Now then my dear..” Lust stood up raising her hand sending strings upwards wrapping around the cocoon resealing it, “Rest up, and make sure you look pretty for your appearance on this stage. I look forward to seeing your final performance. Midus.”

  ***

  Yang walked through the city street people who walked by all kept their distance, for his was a grizzled face, one that was not easily approachable.

  But today was an important day for him. He came to this part of the city to browse the markets, to find a gift for his brother.

  It would be his birthday soon after all.

  And though Yang hated a grand many things in this city, his brother was not among those things.

  His brother was someone whom he cherished deeply, and he would be damned if he didn’t see him properly rewarded for being a light in his life.

  So he walked around examining shops and stalls.

  Looking far and wide for a worthy gift.

  That was until his eyes settled upon something, not a gift, a person.

  “And make sure to only take two doses a day, any more than that could result in some dangerous consequences,” Suzaku said as she handed a vial to an older lady who had come down with a peculiar sickness.

  “Oh thank you, thank you so much.” the old woman declared before turning around and hobbling away.

  Suzaku stood up stretching a bit the fox ears on her head twitching as she did so, she blinked and turned to face Yang arching a brow, she was a fair bit shorter than him, so much so that she had to crane her head upwards just to lock eyes with him, “Yes? Did you need something of me?” she asked before cupping her chin. Looking Yang up and down, “Ah… You're looking for something, aren't cha?” she declared raising a finger, “Something worthy of someone special.”

  Yang blinked at that, narrowing his eyes, “How did you know that?”

  Suzaku chuckled turning around and reaching into her bag, “It’s written all over that grizzled face of yours, reading people is a trademark skill of mine,” she then pulled out a necklace with a red crystal on it, “And as a merchant, I’d be a fool not to try and take advantage of this opportunity.” she declared showing Yang the necklace.

  He looked at it and shook his head, “I’m looking for something a bit more… special. Suited for someone who defends this city with their all.” he explained and Suzaku blinked before smiling putting the necklace back into the bag, “Oho? Well, then I might have something just for that…”

  She declared, “That is assuming of course you're willing to come to my stall?” She asked with a sheepish smile.

  Yang already had plans to visit other stalls but something about this girl… caught his interest so he sighed, “Very well, I shall trust you to lead the way then miss…?” he paused realizing he didn’t even know the name of this woman.

  She turned around and started to walk off. There was a spot on the back of her white gown that let her fox tail stick out. She called out over her shoulder, “Suzaku, that would be the name that most call me. And what about you handsome?” She asked with an impish smile.

  “...Yang, one of the guards that protects this city.” he declared after a moment.

  “Ooo, a handsome and a strong man?” Suzaku flirted effortlessly, “I think we shall get along just fine.” With that, she turned her gaze back to the road ahead and started to walk forward whispering as she did so, “A perfect tool indeed.”

  Yang of course didn’t hear this and started to walk forward eager to see what Suzaku had to offer.

  He followed close behind her, “So your…”

  “A beastkin.” Suzaku explained with a light smirk, “You needn’t worry good sir, I went through all the proper procedures to make it in here.”

  Yang arched a brow, “Not quite what I was going to ask… I was wondering what one of your kind was even doing in a place like this. You do realize that land is hardly habitable right now.”

  “Because there’s suffering?” Suzaku said looking over her shoulder with a fanged smile, “But that’s the type of place where merchants thrive. Through bloodshed and suffering, we sell our wares to those in need. I sell nick-nacks and bobbles, potions, and herbs. But on the ever so rare occasion, I sell something that people like you require. And I only sell the best of the best with bargains to be found across every corner!~” she declared as she skipped across the road.

  Yang arched a distrustful brow before he could say anything, however.

  Suzaku turned around putting a finger to her lips, “Shh, just leave everything to this fox. I’ve got you covered, big man.”

  She stopped outside of a small cottage, looking back to the door she reached out and pushed the door open, “Come on in, I don’t bite… much.” She winked at Yang with that last word as she stepped into the door.

  He rolled his eyes and walked inside, there were so many individual things.

  Puppets, yo-yos, potions, small houses.

  All scattered about the place on counters and wooden walls, “Now where…?” Suzaku wondered aloud as she leaned over a counter, her short-form lifted as a few sounds of metal clanking together came about, “AHA!” she declared as she pulled out a large spear made of black metal, “I think this will do quite nicely for the gift you want don’t you?”

  Yang stared at the weapon as Suzaku sat on the counter resting the pole of the weapon on her legs and running a single finger along it.

  Bending her finger slightly as she did so, “It’s a special spear you see, forged of Darksteel. A rare and precious mineral from my homeland.” she explained locking eyes with Yang.

  “...Weapon sales are forbidden here, you know.” Yang committed folding his arms.

  Suzaku chuckled, lifting her hands and she held up her wrist, “Aww, I guess I’ve been a bad girl then. Are you gonna lock me up in chains? If so I suppose you don’t want this.” She turned her gaze back to the spear.

  …Weapon sales were forbidden for a reason, to prevent the townsfolk from fighting one another.

  As such it was Yang’s duty to put this woman behind bars.

  …But it was such fine steel, one that his brother would surely appreciate and the steel itself… surely it was a worthy gift.

  So he sighed, “How much?” he asked, causing Suzaku to blink before lowering her wrists, grabbing the spear, and setting it on the counter, she leaped off it landing on the ground with a chuckle, “The price is nothing to be worried about, well ordinarily it is but not for you good sir.” she declared looking at him.

  Yang paused looking at Suzaku, “So you're just going to… give it to me?”

  “Hm? Now when did I say that?” Suzaku asked with an arched brow, “No, I’ve got something else in mind. Lean down here for a moment.” she declared as she stood in front of Yang.

  He stared forward confused, but did as she asked, leaning forward so that his face was close to hers.

  Suzaku smirked for a moment before lunging forward and she slammed her lips into his, his eyes widened.

  And he tried to pull away, only for Suzaku to reach out and grab his neck, digging her nails into his flesh.

  It hurt, he tried to move away, to pull away.

  But…

  Where did the pain go?

  His head was growing fuzzy, and he started to melt into the kiss feeling a sense of bliss overtake him as he did so.

  Soon enough Suzaku pulled from the kiss running her tongue along her teeth, paying no heed to the trail of saliva that still connected her with Yang, “Hm, not half bad. You’ve a good taste to you.” she chuckled.

  Yang stood there as if in a daze, Suzaku then turned around walked up to the counter once more grabbed the spear, and brought it over to Yang, “Now then if you ask me, this brother of yours needs to take a break. Retirement sounds nice don’t you think? You can protect this town all by yourself with your might, and this new spear.” Suzaku held out the weapon in question to Yang.

  He said nothing at first before he leaned forward grabbing the weapon, “I can… protect everyone myself.” he declared turning to the door.

  He started to saunter forward, hobbling out of it.

  Suzaku watched with a mischievous grin, “Hm, and here I was worried I’d have to bed him… men are such simple creatures.” she declared as he walked out.

  She stretched, “And yet I doubt he’ll be enough to defeat The Shadewalker. But it should be more than enough for me to gauge her abilities.” she then walked out of the door herself, “Ah yes, I should check up on that old hag soon, I’m sure those dear to her are weeping right about now… a medicine to help with her ‘terrible cold’ bah who did she think I was?” Suzaku cracked her neck while walking through the streets with a hum, “Though perhaps… there is another way about this…” A smirk suddenly adorned her face as a terrible idea entered her mind’s eyes, “Pretending an enemy of an enemy is a friend is fine by me… All my enemies will meet their run together anyway.” She chuckled, “Yang shall strike from the gate, Seriyu will strike from the church. And I shall strike… right beside her.” a wicked gleam entered her eyes as she started to walk towards the front gate, her fangs bared, “now then… how best to take advantage of this wonderful situation? Hmm, I suppose saving her from Yang would work best in my favor… Yes, that will do.” She put her hands behind her head smiling all the while as her gaze shifted upwards.

  “I’ll make that girl trust me more than even her closest companion and then… I’ll be the one who kills her, after that master Lust will have to reward her oh-so-beautiful Consultant!” she said her plan aloud with a giddy smile.

  Skipping across the street, she cared not for those around her, she only existed for a few reasons after all reasons that she sang aloud, “Entice, invite, incentivize. That’s all I’ve got to do~”