14/09/4098

  *The morning begins like any other. Boring, with no desire to do anything but feeling obligated to do everything. Skye gets up, gets dressed, and eats breakfast.*

  Luna: Skye, do you want to talk about yesterday?

  Skye: I'm fine, it was just accumulated stress.

  Luna: You know you can tell me anything *giving her a hug.*

  Skye: I know, thanks, Mom.

  *Skye quickly finishes breakfast and leaves for school. Before she leaves, Luna gives her one last hug. Skye puts on a brave face and hugs her back, even though she feels overwhelmed inside. She leaves the house and begins her journey to school. Even with a jumble of thoughts in her head, she allows herself to stop for a moment to appreciate the views of the city.*

  Skye: Wow... It's wonderful.

  *Once she regains some determination, she continues on her way. When she arrives at school, she runs into Liana and Zephyr, who are together, as usual.*

  Liana: Skye! Good morning, help me convince this teddy bear to come with me to the new bakery. Speaking of bakeries, do you want to come?

  Zephyr: Liana...

  Skye: To be honest, I can't think straight. I'm very tired and I just want to go home and rest a little.

  Liana: Oh, I see. Don't worry! But if you want, we'll save you a piece.

  Zephyr: Don't lie, you always eat the sweets.

  Liana: Hey! It was only once and it was an accident.

  Zephyr: It was five times.

  Liana: You've earned it, get ready for my super attack *trying to push Zephyr. He doesn't budge an inch.*

  Kiki: Am I missing something?

  *The three friends turn to see Kiki arriving. Next to her, Stuart also approaches with a cold expression on his face.*

  Liana: I'm just trying to convince this big guy to come with me to the new bakery.

  Kiki: Cakes? Count me in!

  Liana: Well, it was a plan for two.

  Kiki: My treat.

  Liana: Although now that I think about it, we have room for one more.

  Kiki: Then let's make it two, this little guy is coming too *pointing to Stuart.*

  Stuart: I'm not going.

  Kiki: You know you'll end up doing it.

  Stuart: No.

  Kiki: Yes.

  Skye: Can we go in? We're going to be late.

  Liana: That's right! Thank goodness Skye is the leader of the group.

  Stuart: We're not a group.

  Liana: We are now.

  Zephyr: How can you be so social?

  Liana: I guess it comes naturally. But don't worry, you'll always be my favorite, teddy bear.

  Kiki: Wow! Do you guys use nicknames for each other?

  Liana: Yes, we're very close.

  Kiki: What's yours?

  Zephyr: The compulsive hyperactive.

  Liana: Hey! *Pulling his cheeks, a gesture to which Zephyr responds in kind.*

  *Skye snorts and starts to enter the school. Liana and Zephyr follow her, still holding each other's cheeks. Kiki gives Stuart little nudges as they walk behind them.*

  Liana: Hey, what classes do we have now?

  Skye: Chemistry.

  Liana: I'm really bad at chemistry *letting go of Zephyr's cheeks and rubbing her own, which are red.*

  Skye: I'm not good at it either.

  *The bell rings and everyone goes to chemistry class.*

  Liana: I didn't know you were coming to our class *to Kiki and Stuart.*

  Stuart: They changed our schedule, they're probably going to announce something.

  *The principal enters the classroom with a box. He puts it on the table and addresses the class.*

  Principal: As you know, you are training to be either soldiers or heroes. That is why a decision has been made regarding classes. This year, lessons will be reduced by half, meaning you will only cover half the syllabus.

  *The students immediately start celebrating. The principal raises his hand to signal for silence.*

  Principal: However, the physical tests will be much more demanding. So we are giving you some help. The FCG is working on some free training rooms that are not yet available, but they have given us access to some so that you can perform better.

  *He takes some cards and keys out of the box, each one with a student's name on it. He hands them out and explains how to use them.*

  Principal: The card is to show so they let you into the facilities, and the key is to open the room you've been assigned. Don't lose anything; no copies will be given. We give you permission to go try out your new training rooms. Good luck, and we hope for the best results. And remember, in a week the hard tests will begin.

  *The students begin to leave the classroom and the school, commenting on this new measure.*

  Liana: Great! A day off!

  Skye: Now we can improve even more. I wonder what the training rooms will be like.

  Liana: Well... Since we've been given the day off, we could do something more fun.

  Skye: I really need to train, so I think I'll go to those rooms.

  Liana: Got it! See you tomorrow then. Take care!

  *Zephyr, Kiki, and Stuart say goodbye and start to leave. Liana stays for a moment and hugs Skye.*

  Liana: You look really tired today. We're friends, right? Believe it or not I'm very soft, you can hug me whenever you need. You can also tell me anything, count on me.

  *Skye is surprised but then returns the hug, feeling a little better.*

  Skye: Thank you Liana, thank you very much.

  *After a while they both separate and say goodbye. Skye walks with more confidence than before, now she knows she is not alone and she has people she can count on. And at that moment, when everything seemed to be going well, she notices how in an instant another person starts walking next to her.*

  Kazuki: I didn't think i’d see you around.

  *Skye instinctively walks away, though she keeps walking, worried that someone will see them.*

  Skye: What are you doing here!? We agreed that I would only guide you in the afternoon.

  Kazuki: Well, I was really bored and decided to take a walk for a while. By the way, what is an identification card?

  Skye: This *showing her her own ID.*

  Kazuki: What are they good for?

  Skye: To verify that it is you and your personal data.

  Kazuki: You seem angry today, don't you feel depressed anymore? *In a mocking tone.*

  Skye: You're an asshole.

  Kazuki: Wow, you're really fighting today. But hey, I guess that just makes it more fun.

  *Skye opens her mouth but hears a familiar voice calling her.*

  Liana: Skye! *Walking towards them.*You dropped this earlier *Giving her her house keys.* By the way, are you sure...?

  *At that moment Liana's gaze stops on Kazuki. Skye gets tense. Of all the possible situations, she never imagined this one.*

  Liana: Skye you... You have a date! Is that why you didn't want to come? *Playfully elbowing him in the side.* You didn't have to lie, even if it doesn't seem like it I'm good with secrets.

  Skye: What!? No, he's not me... I mean, it's not a date at all! *Turning red with embarrassment.*

  Liana: Oh come on, I've already told you that you don't have to lie. Well, what's the name of your "friend"?

  Kazuki: I didn't know you had friends around, but I guess the more the merrier. It'll be more fun that way.

  Liana: Hey!

  Skye: This has got to be a joke.

  Kazuki: Did I say something wrong?

  Skye: Don't mind him Liana, he's not from around here and he usually gets confuses when it's time to talk. I didn't mean it seriously.

  Liana: That makes more sense. Well, I'll leave you lovebirds *winking at Skye and leaving.*

  Kazuki: Who was that?

  Skye: It's none of your business.

  Kazuki: From my what?

  Skye: That you don't care.

  Kazuki: Well, anyway, where are we going?

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  Skye: I don't know about you, but I'm going to train *starting to walk again.*

  Kazuki: To train? *Following her.* Did you forget that you have to show me the city?

  Skye: I already told you, wait for the afternoon. You said you were a man of your word.

  Kazuki: Well, you have a point. I'll follow you anyway.

  *Skye snorts, but she knows she has no choice. She walks back home to change clothes and then go to the wards. She unconsciously stops when he notices that the noise of Kazuki's footsteps has stopped. When she turns around she sees him looking at the horizon, observing the views.*

  Kazuki: I'll never get tired of these views *admiring the scenery.* It is simply... Wow.

  Skye: Do you like the views too?

  Kazuki: Yes, they are relaxing. Maybe I'll let this city live a little longer.

  Skye: Can you say anything normal ever?

  Kazuki: No.

  *They continue walking until they reach Skye's house. Without needing to be told anything by Skye, Kazuki stays outside waiting. Skye enters, relieved of the peaceful moment. She takes her time to change and in a way, to make Kazuki stay waiting longer. Once she finishes, she decides to leave.*

  Skye: Okay, we can do it now...

  *Kazuki is crouching down, slowly reaching out his hand to pet a kitten. The kitten gives him a scratch and leaves.*

  Kazuki: I almost had it. Well, let's go.

  *While walking Skye can notice how Kazuki keeps looking at her out of the corner of his eye, making her feel uncomfortable. He seems to analyze her since he sometimes squints his eyes. Finally Kazuki lets out a giggle and smiles.*

  Kazuki: What an irony, I guess those two finally fulfilled their dream.

  Skye: What?

  Kazuki: It's nothing, maybe I'll tell you about it another time.

  Skye: You can't just... It doesn't matter.

  *Upon arrival at the venue, both are impressed by the building. It is quite large, although it is wider than high.*

  Skye: I'm going in, you should... *as she turns around, Kazuki is gone.*

  *Skye snorts in relief and goes inside. There is a receptionist there, who asks Skye for her ID card and when she checks it, she lets her in. A huge white corridor welcomes her. There are several doors, each with a number, which is found on the key that the director gave them. When she reaches her door, she opens it and enters.*

  Skye: Wow *looking at the huge room* it didn't look that big on the outside.

  *Skye sees a control panel. When you press it, a voice starts telling you the basic functions. It has rescue drills, training for each element and when you activate some buttons, boxes with the ordered materials come out of the walls. Skye jumps up excited and decides to try everything. Meanwhile, at the FCG Thalior is examining some documents.*

  Thalior: Kaelion, have you deciphered what the notebook says yet?

  Kaelion: No boss, not yet. Scientists cannot understand the language.

  Thalior: Wow, shit, we're not getting anything. Have you managed to discover anything new about Tyler's card?

  Kaelion: No, it's very weird. The money that came to him and the one he used was... Non-existent. There are no bank records or movements.

  Thalior: I mean, he's been receiving outside money for so many years. Have you investigated his house?

  Kaelion: Yes, Vender is taking care of that and...

  *An alarm starts to sound.*

  Kaelion: What is that?

  Thalior: Shit, did it have to be now?

  Kaelion: Boss?

  Thalior: Call the Heroes, movement has just been detected in the Demonic Realm.

  *In the Demonic Realm, the farthest realm from Lightown and the closest to the Crossing of Souls. Two figures emerge from the shadows and genuflect before the throne, before their king.*

  ???: Sir, we are sorry it took so long to get back. We have important news and we have seen what you mentioned. We have broken the drones to prevent an infiltration of information. *The silhouette keeps the head down as a sign of respect. His dark green hair matching with his eyes of the same color.*

  ???: Long live the great Weldud! *Says the figure next to him, which has a manic expression. Her pale orange hair is messy while her red eyes dig into her partner, noticing his annoyance.*

  ???: Kassira! Show respect!

  Weldud: Relax Thazmur, you can lift your head now *he says as he stretches and hides his wings and horns.* Well, tell me what you have discovered.

  Thazmur: Kazuki Takeda is back.

  Weldud: Yes, I could feel his Spirit even from here. But it's not relevant, not yet.

  Kassira: The boss is very strong, surely that idiot wouldn't have a chance!

  Weldud: Speaking of power, have you discovered the cause yet?

  Thazmur: I'm afraid not sir, everything indicates that it was made long before Mr. Balthrak's death.

  Weldud: Before my grandfather's death, I see. So it must be someone from that era. Do you think Kazuki was involved?

  Thazmur: I'm afraid not sir. Even when we were recruited by Mr. Balthrak, he already had his doubts and concerns about this issue. And that was 200 years before the birth of Kazuki Takeda.

  Weldud: I mean, it all started much earlier. What a legacy has touched me. If my grandfather was here I'm sure none of this would have happened, I've heard it was scary.

  Thazmur: You have your Soul, they are on the same level.

  Weldud: You'll say I had, now I only have half left. But there is something that does not fit me, why would someone want so much Anima if they are not going to use it?

  Kassira: We will destroy you for sure, count on us boss.

  Thazmur: Maybe he's waiting.

  Weldud: I doubt it's just one person, it looks like there are many more. It has been good for us to recruit Takumi and Zaryah, an extra help is always good. Do you already know where they come from?

  Thazmur: No sir, but they are not from here. They themselves commented that almost 18 years ago a portal was opened and they crossed the "Index".

  Weldud: I see, I don't have much information about that. Then I'll search through the old scrolls. Anything else?

  Thazmur: They saw two figures struggling and another one on the ground. Takumi is very cautious and cunning, he says that between that dimension and our world there was a void, a "Limbo".

  Weldud: Everything seems to indicate something prepared and that only complicates things. Do you know how to get my power back?

  Thazmur: Yes sir, but there is a problem. We need to get a horn from his late grandfather.

  Weldud: I see, so we have to use the hall of souls after all. Will we have to fight?

  Thazmur: I'm afraid so, against the soul of Mr. Balthrak.

  Weldud: Well shit, so everything is turned against us. Okay, now I want to know something more important. How are my wife and son?

  Thazmur: Your son is safe sir, he is still in contact with us and Mrs. Fiorella is angry.

  Weldud: I don't blame her, I've been at rest for a month *he pauses thoughtfully, tapping his finger against the armrest of his throne.* You can take the day off, I will go to...

  Fiorella: WELDUD! *Entering the room in a rage.*

  *Weldud gets up from his throne, comes over and gives her a kiss.*

  Weldud: I've missed you *hugging her.*

  Fiorella: Oh Weldud, you are so...... Wait a minute, I'm angry! Why didn't you warn me?

  Weldud: I'm sorry dear, it was sudden, you know the last thing I want is to be away from you.

  Fiorella: Excuses, I want a date in return, as a form of apology.

  Weldud: One and as many as you want *giving her another kiss and stroking her violet hair.*

  *Thazmur and Kassira decide to leave to gather more information. Once outside Thazmur takes out a cigarette and lights it.*

  Kassira: It's the first time I've seen him so worried.

  Thazmur: Kassira, something tells me that dark times are coming. I hope you can control yourself.

  Kassira: Oh Thaz, you know I'm always focused.

  Thazmur: Yes, especially you.

  *Thazmur takes a puff on his cigarette. He keeps thinking before he speaks again.*

  Thazmur: Do you think they're back?

  *Kassira tenses up, her element of explosion creating small explosions around her.*

  Kassira: The cult? Hopefully, I'll kill them myself this time.

  Thazmur: I already did it and look. I just hope it's anyone else. If in our time they already did that kind of experiments imagine what they will do now.

  Kassira: We must be prepared, do you think it would be OK to recruit those two?

  Thazmur: The students? They are kids, although they have interesting powers. Too many otherworldly people, that's not good.

  Kassira: Will those who were fighting in the "Index" have brought them?

  Thazmur: I doubt it, if they were fighting it will be for something. But it doesn't matter, no matter what...

  Kassira: We will kill them.

  *Returning to Lightown, the sunrise paints a beautiful landscape. Skye leaves the training room after trying out all her features.*

  Skye: I feel much better, I really needed a good workout *stretching and admiring the scenery. As usual, she is unable to look away.*

  *Skye walks around the city for a while, making a mental training plan while walking. He suddenly stops in his tracks when he remembers something.*

  Skye: Oh shit, Kazuki.

  *Skye runs around the city, looking for him. Upon arriving at the square, she sees Kazuki inside a music store, with some headphones on while the workers point out more music chips to him. Kazuki shakes his head to the rhythm, completely fascinated at the new sensation. Skye is surprised by this new facet. After a few minutes, Kazuki just notices her.*

  Kazuki: Hey, have you seen this? *Walking out of the store, still with headphones on.* This is amazing, I didn't know you guys had this.

  Skye: Have you never listened to music? It's the most... Ah, it's true. didn't you have any music in your time?

  Kazuki: If the explosions count as music then yes.

  *A female worker leaves the store, claiming Kazuki.*

  Worker: Hey! You have to pay for the headphones.

  *Skye notices Kazuki's displeasure, so she decides to volunteer before the situation gets tense.*

  Skye: I'll pay, how much is it?

  Employee: That's 900 credits.

  Skye: How much!?

  Kazuki: Does this work? *Giving the worker a credit card.*

  Worker: Let me see *swiping the card through a card reader. The sound that emits confirms the purchase.* Done, have a nice day *heading back to the store.*

  Skye: Since when have you had that?

  Kazuki: Oh, since I paid a visit to that huge site.

  Skye: Huge place?

  Kazuki: I think it was called FCG.

  Skye: Have you stolen it?

  Kazuki: Well, I came in and since I was attacked I had to defend myself and a lot of things happened. I asked about the credits and they gave me this.

  Skye: I mean, you got it by force.

  Kazuki: I guess, that's what we villains do.

  Skye: You are... It doesn't matter, it just doesn't matter.

  Kazuki: Well, where are we going?

  Skye: We can go to...... I don't know, maybe see a store.

  Kazuki: Just make sure it's fun.

  *Skye starts walking, making sure Kazuki follows her. Along the way Skye notices that Kazuki has dark circles and seems to be lost in thought.*

  Skye: You... Are you sleeping well?

  Kazuki: Yes.

  Skye: You are not fooling anyone, you can feel the tiredness.

  Kazuki: Shouldn't that be something positive for you? Think that maybe I'm closer to dying than you think.

  Skye: Why do you have to say that kind of thing?

  Kazuki: Because I'm the bad guy. Well, where are we headed?

  Skye: Don't change the subject.

  Kazuki: I don't, I just detract from the importance because it doesn't have it.

  *Skye is going to say something but at that moment her mobile vibrates. Kazuki gets upset, remembering his battle with the heroes, and cuts him in half thinking it was an attack.*

  Skye: What are you doing!?

  Kazuki: I should ask you that.

  Skye: Oh God, my mom is going to kill me *picking up both parts of the mobile.*

  Kazuki: Don't do weird things, you've confused me.

  Skye: Are you an idiot or were you just born that way?

  *Kazuki stamps her against a nearby wall and puts the blade of his katana on her neck.*

  Kazuki: I remind you that the only reason you're still alive is because I want you to be. Your only role is to distract me, is that clear to you?

  *Skye tries to get free, without much success. She starts crying because of all the rage and helplessness she feels. Kazuki watches her and takes off, leaving Skye to sit on the floor. Kazuki stares at Skye as she cries.*

  Kazuki: Come on, it wasn't a big deal *trying to pick her up.*

  *Skye abruptly pulls her hand away as she wipes away the tears. After a while they resume their way. During the rest of the day Skye stays more distant, looking at the broken mobile phone again and again. Her soul breaks every time he does it, because she remembers all the effort her mother put in to buy it, every extra hour worked in order to give her a little treat.*

  Kazuki: What a weird place *he comments pretending to look at the store, but actually he watches Skye out of the corner of his eye whenever he can.*

  *It's getting dark and Skye has to come home. Kazuki stares at the stars for a moment before disappearing. Skye notices but doesn't say anything, she doesn't care. She looks at the sky that usually calms her down and although the view is beautiful, the pain does not disappear. Before crossing the last alley to get home, she feels a tap on her shoulder.*

  Skye: What do you want now?

  Kazuki: Here *giving her a bag.*

  *When Skye turns around and takes the bag she notices that it is full of new mobiles.*

  Skye: What is this?

  Kazuki: Honestly, I don't know.

  *Skye exchanges her gaze between Kazuki and the bag, feeling really confused.*

  Skye: I don't get it, what's in it for you?

  Kazuki: I've already told you that I don't know, stop asking weird questions. See you tomorrow.

  *Before Skye can ask anything else, Kazuki leaves, leaving a trail of electricity in his wake. Skye is left confused and enters her house, wondering what all this means. Kazuki arrives at the Lake of Souls. His mind spins and eventually his body collapses due to tiredness.*

  Kazuki: Shit, I thought it would last one more day. What a bummer.

  *Kazuki feels his head throbbing as he starts to hear whispers.*

  Whispers: Go to sleep.

  Kazuki: And here we go again.

  Whispers: Go to sleep, it will be better that way.

  Kazuki: You should be more creative, you always say the same thing.

  *Kazuki starts to close his eyes, his body completely surrendering to sleep.*

  Whispers: That's it, go to sleep and you'll get what you deserve.

  *Finally Kazuki falls asleep.*