Yin stared forward with confusion on his face as he saw not only Skylar but her guests, “...You're aware I have only one room right?” he questioned with a slightly exasperated smile.

  Skylar was currently letting Striga rest, and because of that Striga was lazily leaning to the side and Skylar was struggling to keep Striga upright.

  “Just give us the room you did before, we’ll make it work,” Skylar said with her tired smile.

  Yin sighed but stepped aside allowing the trio to enter unabated, as they started to walk up the stairs Striga spoke up, “So tell me Skylar, why are you here? I was under the impression that the Dark Knights would keep you safe…”

  “Vita’s all that’s left of them.” Skylar responded flatly, “The village was wiped out when I got there… It… wasn’t a pretty sight.” Skylar responded, glancing to the side as she reached the top of the stairs.

  Striga paused momentarily to glance at Skylar, “I could only imagine.”

  Vita moved past the duo, opening the door to the bedroom and allowing the duo to enter, Skylar attempted to help Striga onto the bed, but Striga only chuckled, removing herself from Skylar’s clutches and moving to the bed herself.

  The room was silent momentarily, and tension filled the air.

  It was then that Vita spoke up, leaning against the wall he asked the question that was on everyone’s mind, “So how do we go about killing Lust?”

  Striga paused at that question before leaning forward, “Originally I went about sending my forces through the mines… considering that Lust is still alive and kicking we can assume the worst for them.” Striga began to explain.

  Skylar folded her arms, “Lust’s army also hasn’t done all that much though, I mean this whole area is still alive and kicking despite the meager defenses. So her forces are all probably still gathered in the castle itself. Midus included.” she then grimaced, “Not looking forward to fighting him again.”

  Striga cupped her chin and hummed, “An army of unknown numbers and at least two of the strongest people we’ve ever faced… the odds in short are against us.”

  Vita nodded in agreement, “The odds have never been in our favor before. This is no different. We simply need to find a way to tip the scales back in our favor.”

  Striga bit down on her nail irritation showing on her face, “A two-way assault could do wonders, but…”

  “We don’t know what’s in the mines.” Skylar finished with a frown, “And I’m pretty much the only one who could charge the front gates and stand to survive. So you’d be going down there with Vita.” Skylar shook her head, “But something that could wipe out an army like yours? I’m worried that you two won’t be enough.”

  In response to this Vita let out a hum, “We don’t necessarily need to win, we just need to perform well enough to draw attention towards us. Though winning would of course be ideal.”

  Striga nodded, “Right, the goal isn’t to defeat whoever or whatever is down there. It’s to draw as much attention away from the castle as possible.”

  Skylar hummed hearing that, “In that case… Why not make it a 3-way assault? Two from the ground… and one from the skies.” Skylar suggested with a light smirk.

  Upon hearing that idea Striga folded her arms, “...with the airship we brought here? It’s certainly not a bad idea. The problem comes with convincing Julieta to agree.”

  Skylar blinked then instantly deflated as soon as the prospect of convincing Julieta registered in her mind, “That’s… not going to be an easy task considering how reckless this plan is in the first place.”

  Vita closed his eyes, “Reckless doesn't even begin to describe it, besides you're all forgetting a different idea. A plan that is far more sane, and far more reasonable.”

  Skylar paused, lifting her head with some hope in her eyes as she looked over to Vita, “Really? And what’s that?”

  “We leave.” Vita stated simply, “We’ve got the girl. And Lust doesn't seem interested in anything beyond this island. As such, leaving this place behind would be our best course of action.”

  Skylar narrowed her gaze at that, and Striga frowned looking away from the group.

  It was at that moment that Skylar stepped forward, “You aren’t seriously suggesting that we leave these people to their fate are you?”

  “And what if I am?” Vita questioned moving from the wall staring Skylar down, “Frankly I’ve no stake in this fight, neither do you. You could argue that Striga is the only one in our little entourage that does.”

  Skylar grits her teeth, her hands clenched into fists, “There are people here who have suffered. Your village was slaughtered, don't you DARE try and tell me you have no stake in this fight!” She shouted pointing a finger forward right at Vita.

  “The village in question holds people whose names and faces I can hardly recall, nor do I hold any care for this island in particular.” Vita fired back instantly, “Don’t you act as though you're any better Skylar, tell me honestly. Do you remember the faces of every corpse you’ve come across?”

  Skylar blinked at that, taking a step back, “Of course I d-” But she cut herself off, searching her memories.

  Only to find blank spots, she remembers fires, she remembers blood, but the faces in her memory started to appear blurry.

  Her eyes slowly narrowed at that realization.

  Somehow that hurt her more than anything else she’s seen.

  Vita scoffed at that, turning and walking to the door, “Thought not.” he grabbed onto the handle, “I’m heading to the pub, you can find me there when you’ve tired of this farce.” with that he swung the door open walking through it before slamming it forcefully.

  Skylar sank backward falling onto the ground, she curled up into a small ball pressing her forehead into her knees, “What was I even supposed to say to that…?” she questioned no one in particular.

  Striga closed her eyes letting out a quiet sigh, instead of answering Skylar’s question she went for a different approach, “...I really am thankful to you.” She spoke after a second, causing Skylar to lift her head just a bit to listen, Striga then paused opening her eyes slowly as a frown came upon her face, “...When I was in that prison cell it was like I was… trapped in a nightmare one that I’ve seen all to many times. One where all free will was taken from me and I was forced to do one thing.” She lifted her hands examining her palms, “Kill.” the word came from her mouth with a semblance of disdain. “I never did tell you about my past did I?” Striga looked up at the ceiling with a frown, and Skylar of course watched every moment of it, taking Striga’s words to her own heart and engraving them.

  Striga then lowered her hands looking over to Skylar, “I told you once before that in terms of silver-haired mages. There can only be three of us in the world at any given time, correct?” Striga questioned.

  And Skylar of course lifted her head fully, “Yeah? What about it?”

  Striga paused looking out the window, “I’m afraid that is a lie… There’s more than 3 at any given moment.”

  Skylar tilted her head at that, “I’m confused.” Skylar started, “Why would you even lie about something like that?”

  Striga then sighed, closing her eyes, “Draco. You’ve met the man before, a brilliant man whose genius is nearly unmatched in this world.” Striga began to explain, “While it was true that Silver-haired mages could only exist with a limit of 3. Draco couldn’t stand that, so he took it upon himself to make this ‘law’ obsolete.” Striga then lifted her right hand, black shadows slivered across it, “Using the power of void, and children that the world forgot. Draco would manufacture his own silver-haired mages.”

  Skylar blinked slowly, getting to her feet once more, “You're… pulling my leg here right? We're not just talking about creating mages. We're talking about full-blown kidnapping and human experimentation.”

  Striga chuckled bitterly, lowering her hand, before looking to Skylar, “...And the murders of our siblings.” she said that bit with a last smile, “Those of us who made it to the ripe age of 14 were pitted against each other. Told to kill. And then to kill again. Over and over and over until only a few of us remained. That was how Draco cultivated strength.”

  Skylar felt sick to her stomach just hearing this story, “That’s… Awful.”

  Striga nodded slowly, “He’d keep this exercise of his going for as long as he could manage. Until we broke, or until someone bought us off of him.” She then looked down at the ring on her finger, “Like Delish did for me.”

  Skylar was silent at that, looking down to the ring, and Striga lifted that hand with a small smile, “It’s funny you know, when he first asked me to be his. I said ‘yes’ without a second thought. He was the man who saved me after all, even though I wanted to find Draco and cut him down. I felt I owed it to Delish to be by his side.” She paused looking over to Skylar, “And now here I am out in the world barely holding on. Weak.”

  Skylar let out a sigh moving to the wall and sliding down it, “Preaching to the choir there… I fight and I fight and I fight. But every time I strike down a god another one pops up to take their place. Always stronger, always worse than the last one. And I have to wonder, will this fighting ever end…?”

  They were both silent for the moment, and Striga let out a growl standing up pulling the ring from her finger, and walking up to the nearby window throwing it open, “Enough of this. I don’t know what the future holds. And I don’t know how strong I can be. But I can’t just… stay at his side, not until Draco is gone from the world. I’ll find Delish and tell him myself.” She then threw that ring off the balcony, “And I’d prefer to do that with my best friend at my side.” Striga spoke with a smile looking over her shoulder right at Skylar.

  Skylar paused at that blinking before blushing and looking down, “...How could I say no?” Skylar asked with a small smile, “If my friend needs my help I have to come running.”

  Striga chuckled a little at that, “I suppose that is just the kind of person you are… I’ve never told anyone else this story before you know Skylar. I was scared, I couldn’t tell you what I was scared of. But I know I was afraid.” Striga explained fidgeting with the sleeve of her shirt.

  Skylar closed her eyes then, “Everyone gets scared isn’t that right? That’s why we have each other. So that when one of us freezes up in fear, the other can take our hand and drag us forward.”

  Striga upon hearing those words paused and lowered her hand, “...Hm, I suppose you're right.” she then turned around fully moving back to the bed, “It’s getting late. Shall we head off to bed.” she asked as she moved under the blanket.

  Skylar nodded, standing up and moving to the door, that was until Striga let out a slight “Ahem” causing Skylar to turn to look over to her.

  There she was greeted to the sight of Striga lifting the blanket inviting Skylar to join her, Skylar blinked at that sight, “Er, no thanks. I can sleep downstairs on the couch.”

  “No.” Striga stated firmly, “You’ve had a long fight today. And you're certainly almost as exhausted- if not more so than me. I won’t have you sleeping on a couch.”

  Skylar folded her arms, fidgeting nervously, “Then I’ll go over to where the rebels hang about, I’m sure they can set me up with a spare room…”

  “Aren’t we supposed to be laying low, you tend to get into trouble when you're out on your own.” Striga pointed out with a witty smile.

  Skylar paused at that, looking over to Striga, “...Well… I…”

  “Oh for fucks sake Skylar, just get into the bed.” Striga spat after Skylar’s hesitation.

  And Skylar sighed, moving forward and taking off her jacket setting it aside before crawling under the blanket.

  Striga let out a satisfied hum as she turned away from Skylar.

  Skylar blinked at that and smiled softly, closing her eyes, “Night Striga.”

  “Night Skylar,” Striga responded fondly.

  And the night went on.

  Chapter 16: Discord.

  A new crack had appeared upon the barrier in front of the castle, unease started to appear on the faces of the soldiers within, and even now their ruler remained within the throne room.

  Lust sat upon her throne craning her neck upwards, “The promised time is coming.” she muttered to herself before sighing slowly standing upwards, “I must make ready…”

  Slowly she started to move forward into the center of her room, she paused however when she sensed a presence behind her, “Trying to steal away my throne are we?” she asked looking over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing into a glare.

  There upon the throne sat Jenna she was leaning forward her face cupped by her hands as she smirked, “Lust… You seem to be misunderstanding your role in this story.”

  Lust paused at that turning around fully, “And what do you mean by that hm? It’s my role to see that girl batten and beaten, crushed, flayed and scattered.” Lust declared with certainty.

  Jenna smiled at that standing up, “Is that so? Well, I can tell you with certainty that’s not how this will go.” Jenna declared, lifting her right hand, “You and the other Eternal’s… are nothing more than lambs being sent to the slaughter.”

  Lust then glared at that, “Then what’s your role in all of this?”

  “My role?” Jenna repeated the question as she cupped her chin, thinking of an answer, and after a moment she smiled, “To ensure you don’t step out of line.”

  Lust narrowed her gaze before smirking, “I’ve seen your work, what you did to The Kingdom, impressive stuff.” She started with flattery, putting her hands behind her back and taking a step forward, “It truly was the stuff of legends, and it gave me… so many ideas.”

  To her right, a soldier of pink liquid came to life beside Lust, “Our powers are the same after all.” Lust proclaimed.

  Jenna let out a hum tapping the arm of the chair with tired eyes, she lifted her free hand upwards pointing a single finger forward, “They are… However, just because our powers are the same…” The pink soldier shattered in the next instant broken apart by a small string that shot forward from Jenna’s finger, “Doesn't mean that we are in any way equals.”

  Lust stared at the puddle on the ground, a frown growing upon her face, “...to the point then. Why are you here?”

  Jenna clasped her hands together with an innocent smile, “There you go! Asking the right question at last!” She lowered her hands and that smile took on a sinister look, “To put it plainly, I want you to fight Skylar. I want you to fight until bones break, I want you to fight until blood covers these lands. I want you to try your utmost to kill Skylar Shadewalker.”

  Lust paused at that, “I’d heard rumors that you were trying to protect the Shadewalker. And yet this goes against that. I suppose it’d be safe to assume those rumors are false?”

  Jenna laughed at that, a true smile appearing on her face, “My motives when it comes to Skylar are not of any concern to you. All you need to know is that I am doing what is best for her.”

  Lust frowned seeing that she wasn’t going to get any more information out of this girl, “Is that right?” she muttered, “Very well then, I shall send my best after the girl. And if she survives through all that, I’ll grant her the honor of tasting the dirt that has gathered on my soles.”

  Jenna stood up from the chair, “Wonderful!” she chirped, opening a portal to her side, “Though I suspect you will find that dirt loveling spat back into your face.” She then walked forward entering the portal and letting it close behind her.

  Lust folded her arms looking to her throne, “Not again. I will not be made a weakling again…” she growled out trying to compose herself.

  She moved forward to the large doors pushing them open and walking into the halls.

  She took note of the faces of her soldiers but offered no words to console them.

  After all her interests lay elsewhere.

  She moved further and further until she came to another small door, she swung it open and was greeted by a spiraling staircase, slowly she moved downwards.

  The path in question led to the underground.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  And it winded for some time, it took a couple minutes just to reach the bottom when Lust at last reached the bottom.

  Of course, the bottom itself was a large cavern, stone walls surrounded this place and Lust was greeted by the sight of Delish reading from a book, he was standing on a large stone platform.

  And straight ahead was an open hole, revealing an open sky ahead, and below the platform was the cloud sea just within view.

  Lust decided to speak up, “I’m growing impatient Delish, you promised me Stella, and yet it seems you still have nothing.”

  Delish paused at that looking over his shoulder and slamming his book shut with a free hand, “How presumptuous of you.” he replied, “I’m trying to craft a wish-granting device here, it’s not as though it’s something that you can create within the span of a few weeks.”

  “Time is something that we don’t have.” Lust replied frankly, “The Shadewalker seems to have freed your ‘beloved’ and they will likely be attempting to make their way here within the coming days.”

  Delish paused at that and looked over to the open sky.

  He then held out his right hand, and suddenly from the sea of clouds energy flows upwards.

  Converging just in front of the platform and forming a large ball of flame.

  Just as quickly as it appeared however it faded, “That was a cluster of mana. The first step to creating the device we desire… the problem being… That it’s dissipating too soon. There’s also too much of it, even with a Blank we could not store it all.”

  Lust folded her arms and narrowed her gaze, “And you can just create that from the cloud sea? I fail to see why you needed all of those men I sent you then.”

  Delish lowered his hand, “The cloud sea kills anyone who falls into it, but strangely enough their souls remain. Mixed in with the mana. As such you need an area with a large amount of dead. That is why I needed your men. But it would appear my ancestors overlooked the method of containing this ‘special’ mana.” he grumbled and Lust closed her eyes, sighing.

  “So you're saying that this is a waste of time.”

  “...Not necessarily.” Delish replied as he stared into the cloud sea, “The Titan’s for example could serve as a suitable husk to contain one of these as a ‘core’ the remaining steps come afterward.”

  Lust frowned at that, “That would require a Titan husk, something that isn’t common.”

  “But it would appear necessary, that does beg the question, however… what were the Titans built for in the first place?” Delish found himself wondering aloud, pausing and looking over his shoulder, “Ah that reminds me… Striga’s strategy for assaulting us will likely be a duel assault. One from above and another through the caves here.” he explained.

  Lust chuckled bitterly, “She’ll have a hard time like her soldiers if that’s her plan. Even I don’t dare to go into those caves after that thing made its home there.”

  Delish nodded at that, “Hm, well it’s surely weakened by now… Striga may be able to manage if she’s careful. As such, if she makes it through I’ll deal with her myself.”

  Lust frowned at that, “And you expect me to believe that you’ll do that to the one whom you claim to love?”

  “...We are on the verge of recreating one of the greatest devices known to man. My feelings are irrelevant. I will do what I must.” Delish declared with a small smirk as he reopened the book before him.

  Lust said nothing on the matter, sighing, “Very well, but should I discover that you turned on me? I will not hesitate to throw you into the sea.” With that, she turned around and walked off.

  Delish stared at the book in his hands, “Neglected to show a way to contain this mana… or perhaps purposely omitted that information.” he paused looking up from the pages, staring once more at the sea ahead of him before taking in a sharp breath, “No turning back, my sins are beyond redemption now.”

  “And why would you even seek such a thing?” Byakko asked with a wry smirk as he walked into the area from the cave entrance.

  Delish frowned at the man, “...What is it you want from me? In case it wasn’t clear I was busy.”

  Byakko chuckled, throwing his hands up defensively, “Hey there, no need to worry about me… I simply like to watch… that said.” he paused, lowering his hands, turning his gaze to the spiraling staircase, “Lust seems to be on edge, almost losing her conviction. Normally she’d have killed you in a heartbeat for the stuff you just said.”

  Delish blinked at that, “And is that what you're here for?”

  Byakko smirked, turning to look at Delish, “Nah, I’m rather interested in seeing where your story goes.” he shrugged, “That said, I do think it’s about time someone knocked Lust from her throne…”

  “...You're suggesting treason.” Delish pointed out with a glare, “That’s rather rash.”

  “It’s my nature.” Byakko declared, “It’s why I’m being so careful about it, Lust knows her shades well. That’s why I’m the only one that’s been ordered to stay back at the castle, because in her eyes I’m the most dangerous of them.”

  “I fail to see why she doesn't just absorb you back in then,” Delish grumbled as he turned the page on his book.

  Byakko chuckled, throwing his arms up behind his head, “She can’t. Not without taking the rest back into her soul as well. Lust wouldn’t even consider that option unless the other three were already out of the picture.” Byakko then paused, “Though considering it seems Suzaku is all that remains… What comes next will certainly be interesting. It’s a long night after all, and Suzaku has no sense of honor.”

  Delish blinked, pausing as he gripped his page, “She’ll go for an assassination then?”

  “Most likely,” Byakko confirmed with a hum, before blinking as a rumbling came from the caves. “Man, they are going ham in there.” Byakko laughed.

  Delish looked over to the entrance, “You let Midus clash with the creature?”

  “So long as he does not kill it, who cares?” Byakko responded flatly, “Besides, there’s not any other way for him to test his new strength. Oh and you don’t need to worry, I took precautions to keep the Mothercrystal safe as well.”

  “Hm, good, wouldn’t do if our little tests caused the island to sink with us in it.” Delish declared with a sigh.

  Byakko nodded in agreement, “Well since Midus is the closest thing we have to a High Executioner as of now… Perhaps he can be convinced to keep watch over it?”

  “And how would you go about convincing him to do that?” Delish questioned with an amused smirk.

  “I dunno, have Lust flash him now and then? Dude’s head over heels for that bitch.” Byakko responded flatly before walking over to the edge and staring down at the cloud sea, “...Perhaps I should speak with the Shadewalker.”

  ***

  Suzuku let out a hum as she leaned back on her wooden chair, “So she defeated Seriyu without a hitch eh?” She questioned with a wry smirk.

  Yang nodded, “Though I am loath to admit it, we were outclassed.”

  They were currently in Suzaku’s shop and she blinked looking at the ceiling, “And you sent her off to your place eh? That’s a problem, how am I supposed to congratulate her for a job well done if she’s not even here.” Suzaku questioned with a shake of her head, “Not that I mean to undermine your efforts of course.”

  She then paused leaning forward, “So then, it would be accurate to say the girl is exhausted, yes?”

  Yang nodded, “Indeed, if there was ever a time to proceed with your plan it would be now.” Yang explained with a smile.

  Suzaku let out a bitter chuckle at that, “Oh Seriyu, always with the hands-on approach, but a job like this requires delicacy…”

  She then stood up from the chair and started to walk to the door, “I’ll be heading out now, watch the shop for me dear.”

  Yang shrugged at that, “Sure thing be safe out there.” he smiled as he walked over to the counter, Suzaku opened the door and walked out onto the streets she paused looking up to the night sky.

  “...Even after all these years it’s hardly changed a bit,” she muttered to herself with a small smile before reaching into her single pocket and pulling out a dagger staring at the blade for a moment.

  “Like most things, I suppose, the sky remains the same, the winds will always blow and a chain will always have me bound.”

  Suzaku let out a bitter sigh and started to make her way forward, she knew her destination.

  Forward.

  That was the only path she was allowed to walk even now.

  She moved forward lost in her thoughts before at last stopping just in front of Yin’s front door.

  She took in a breath pocketing her dagger and reaching up and knocking on the door.

  There was silence for a moment before the door rattled and Yin answered, “Yes how may I help yo- Oh. It’s you.” he frowned, glaring at Suzaku, “What are you doing here? My brother is out in case that wasn’t clear.”

  Suzaku put a sweet smile on her face and locked her eyes onto Yin, her eyes glowed a bright pink, “Could you show me to the room of the Shadewalker?” she spoke in a sing-songy tone hiding her intentions beneath it.

  Yin paused feeling a bit dizzy, he nodded slowly and stepped to the side gesturing up the stairs, “Up there.” He muttered and Suzaku smiled, skipping up those steps without a care in the world she climbed, stopping at the door in question before reaching out and opening the door slowly.

  Gingerly she entered the room, her gaze falling upon the sleeping form of Skylar and Striga in the same bed.

  Her gaze narrowed and a frown appeared on her face, slowly she reached into her pocket closed the door behind her, and pulled out that dagger.

  It was at this moment that Suzaku stared down at Skylar slowly walking up to that bed.

  A frown on her face as she took in a shaky breath bringing her trembling hand forward and putting the knife onto Skylar’s neck.

  Only for her eyes to widen as two sets of fingers wrapped around her neck and lifted her into the air, but not before she let out a yelp.

  Her knife fell onto the bed and Skylar’s eyes shot open, she was dazed and confused but of course, the first thing Skylar saw was someone in danger and a weapon.

  Skylar reacted on instinct, grabbing the knife and lunging forward stabbing it into the figure that held Suzaku aloft.

  The figure was black almost as if it was born from shadows, Skylar blinked as the figure vanished, fading into mist and it dropped Suzaku onto the floor.

  Skylar recognized that shadowy figure, it was Vita. Or at least that shadow that accompanied him, seems he left it behind…

  Skylar then let out a sigh as Striga sat up in her bed, “Skylar? What’s going on?” she asked with half-lidded eyes.

  In response to the question Skylar blinked, looking over to Striga and then down to the knife in her hand, before looking down to Suzaku, “I’d like to know that myself…”

  Suzaku opened her mouth to speak but for a rarity, words escaped her and she glanced away, before sighing heavily.

  “...Enough with the charade.” she turned her gaze to Striga, her eyes shining pink, “Go to sleep.”

  Striga paused before falling over to the ground.

  Skylar saw the sight and growled looking over to Suzaku, “What have you done?”

  Suzaku said nothing at first, instead she slowly stood up and dusted herself off, “Merely opened up space. Since it’s come to this why don’t we talk? Downstairs perhaps?”

  Skylar gripped the knife in her hand, “Or I could kill you right here and be done with this mess.”

  “Only if you can reach me before I give your friend over there another order. Perhaps one to do something drastic.” Suzaku pointed out with a wry smile, “So why not set the blade down, and we can talk like civilized people.”

  “Hilarious coming from someone who tried to stab me in my sleep.” Skylar shot back without hesitation.

  But… she set the knife down regardless, she wasn’t willing to risk Striga’s life for this.

  “I will say… I wasn’t expecting you to have a guardian angel.” Suzaku muttered with a smirk as she took a step to the side, “Shall we?”

  Skylar glared at Suzaku and moved to the door, opening it, “...What is it you're planning?” Skylar asked as she moved down the stairs.

  “To talk. I’ve failed to strike you down and to be frank, I’m not confident I can take you in a fight. To put it bluntly Skylar…” Suzaku paused at the top of the stairs as Skylar reached the bottom, Skylar turned around to look at Suzaku who was biting down on her lip, “I’m here to negotiate for my own life.”

  Skylar glared at that, “You’ve got a hard talk coming for you then. You not only tried to take my life, but you used someone dear to me as a bargaining chip.” Skylar’s eyes flashed with anger, “You're lucky I haven’t sent you through the wall already.”

  “Lucky huh?” Suzaku laughed bitterly as she started to move down those steps, “Hardly. Luck is something gifted to those favored by the heavens, people like you Skylar.” Suzaku reached the bottom of the stairs and moved to the front door, “People like me? We feed off the scraps left by others and try to steal the spotlight of the heavens. Sometimes we get our moment of glory, sometimes we see the beautiful world… and sometimes we fail. When we fail. It always leads to the same ending.” Suzaku opened the door, “Death.”

  She walked out onto the street and Skylar stood there on the stone road staring right at Suzaku.

  Clenching her fists and glaring, “Do you expect me to pity you? Is that what this is?” Skylar asked as she remembered Seriyu’s memories.

  Genbu’s as well, “Well tough shit.” Skylar threw a hand to the side.

  The wind blew in the night. It seemed to be particularly windy…

  Suzaku let out a somewhat annoyed sigh as she lowered her arms, “So it comes to this then? Always the same.” She locks her gaze onto Skylar, “The same arrogance, the same claim that yours is the just cause. People desire a firm hand to guide them, we are lending them ours to steady their path. But you would strike us down?”

  Skylar closed her eyes feeling the heat before taking a step forward, “...I don’t give a damn what your motives are at this point. Everything about you disgusts me, you had a good family at one point didn’t you?”

  “Lust did.” Suzaku responded with a growl, “And I have no desire to return to that bitch’s side. That’s why I’m doing what I am.” Suzaku explained looking around the area, “I’ll defeat you, and then I’ll demand that Lust allows me to separate from her fully!”

  Skylar frowned at that, glancing to the side, “It doesn't have to be like this. You can join me and we can fight against Lust together.”

  Suzaku paused at that before smiling softly, closing her eyes as she did so, “Ah, and there it is. The kindness… the offer is appreciated Shadewalker. But ultimately worthless, once I’m in range Lust could reabsorb me with the wave of her hand. And I’d be a lingering thought niggling at the back of her brain. It’s no different from death really. If I show up with you alive? ‘Poof’ there goes my chances.”

  Skylar grits her teeth, “You're unbelievable. How selfish can you be!?”

  “There are people who care for me, Skylar, people who’ll miss me when I’m gone.” Suzaku explained, opening her eyes they shined with pride, “Can you say the same?”

  Skylar paused at that frowning as she looked to the ground, “Yeah. I can.” Memories of Julieta, Striga. And those upon other islands, “And I’m sorry.” Skylar reached up, cracking her knuckles as she approached, “but you’ll find that I’m not the type to go down so easily.”

  Suzaku let out a bitter sigh, “I hope I can say the same once this is done.” she pulled out her knife and started to walk forward, “I’m not much of a fighter when it comes down to it. But my resolve will carry me through the night.”

  Skylar matched Suzaku step for step with a frown on her face, “Bend.” Skylar spat and the wind blew harshly, Suzaku’s eyes widened as she found herself sinking into the ground, falling onto one knee as she was unable to get up.

  The pressure surrounding her was enough to make her want to vomit on the spot, she looked up and saw Skylar’s eyes change into a crimson glow.

  Suzaku smiled softly, holding out her arms to the side, “Thrown to the spotlight, this is the way I deserve to go out…”

  Skylar held out her palm and sent a wave of fire forward, it shot forward engulfing Suzaku her screams filled the streets and her flesh melted before Skylar’s eyes.

  Burning away until only bones remained crumbling to the ground with nothing but burn marks and ash.

  Skylar lowered her hand slowly, taking a breath, as wisps of pink energy flowed forward.

  “...Overdrive.” she uttered the word as her eyes flashed pink.

  The power to control was a power that was disgusting to the eyes of Skylar, and she wanted to be rid of it as soon as possible.

  Even as the memories flowed into her head.

  She fell backwards hitting the ground.

  …

  But from a nearby alleyway, a man stood, a disgruntled expression appeared on his lips, “Again you let your guard down. Again you risk it all… and again you throw away a useful tool.” Vita spoke with a growl looking over to Skylar as something moved from her shadow, slithering back into Vita’s own shadow, “No more. This farce has gone on long enough.”

  He reached up to his blade and unsheathed it walking forward slowly, soon enough he stood over Skylar’s sleeping form and raised his blade, “Foolish of me to put my sentry on you, I should have let Suzaku kill you in your sleep. It’d spare you the suffering you're so intent on seeking out.”

  “And what suffering would that be?” Striga’s voice cut through the night.

  And Vita paused, turning his gaze to look over to her, “...You got here quick.” He commented.

  “Couldn’t afford to be late this time now could I?” Striga responded flatly, before throwing her hand forward, “Now step away from her ‘Dark Knight’ god even saying it is disgusting…”

  Vita remained silent for a moment before taking a step back and sheathing his blade, “You know then?”

  “Of course I did, Skylar isn’t aware of the full inner workings of the void, but I was practically handcrafted for that purpose… and you are swimming in its energy.” Striga glared, “So that begs the question, what are you?”

  Vita paused at the question before chuckling, “Very well then. The truth.” Slowly he reached up, not at all concerned by Striga’s stance.

  And he gripped his helmet slowly lifting it off, as he did so his voice changed it sounded more… feminine.

  “Her mind is in a fragile state you know. Shards scattered here and there, containing hopes, dreams, and memories. All holding their sense of ‘self’ and who could blame her? After all she’s seen it’s incredible that Skylar hasn’t lost her mind… But she needed someone to steer her right, someone to make hard choices.” Vita declared tossing the helmet to the side.

  Striga’s eyes widened at the sight before her, “...What in the hell…”

  There Vita stood, their face revealed and their eyes shining crimson, Vita.

  Who had Skylar’s face?

  Vita then put her hands behind her back, “Dark Knights are funny, aren’t they? They need to harness the void so they carry around these special crystals. Engraving their very souls on these things.” Vita kneeled pulling out one of those said crystals from Skylar’s pocket, “Skylar here came into contact with one of these crystals on a Dark Knight corpse. Did ya know that?”

  Striga frowned, staring forward, “Oh gods…” she muttered silently cursing herself.

  “Heh, piecing it together, are we? Skylar is in such a broken state… that part of her soul broke off throwing itself into this crystal here. And then it went into that corpse… creating ‘Vita’ she needed a guide. Someone to teach her how to use these Dark Knight arts, someone to take her on the proper path… but then she just had to go and learn the ‘truth’ Not the truth about me, but the truth of her past… After everything she’s seen, she still intends to keep pushing forward, knowing full well that we deserve to die.”

  Striga’s eyes widened at that, stepping forward, “What!? You're full of it! Skylar has saved so many people and helped so many. There’s no way she deserves that!”

  Vita examined the crystal before pocketing it, “She hasn’t told you then?” she asked before looking over her shoulder, “What really happened to her home island?”

  Striga paused at the question, “What are you insinuating…”

  Vita scoffed, turned around, and started to walk towards the ally, “Ask Skylar yourself, I’m sure she’ll open up… And when she crumbles before you, you’ll know that I was right.”

  With that as soon as Vita revealed themselves, they vanished…

  Striga stood there alone in her shock before she clenched her hands into fists and walked over to Skylar, kneeling before and lifting her up into her arms.

  Carrying her back to her room, “...It wasn’t supposed to be like this. None of this was supposed to happen… Skylar I…” Striga looked down at Skylar’s sleeping form and found that she couldn’t say the words.

  It wasn’t right, Striga couldn’t say those words.

  Not until Skylar was awake to hear them.