The sky bled colors that had no names.
It wasn't just dusk or dawn or distortion—it was everything at once. Above the semi-restored academy, two lights converged like dying stars crossing paths. Rei and Echo stood opposite each other in what remained of the eastern simulation field, their presence pressing against the very walls of reality. Behind them, trees wavered between polygons and bark, the ground flickered between stone and code.
Rei spoke first. "Do you remember it?"
Echo tilted his head. "I remember everything. That's the problem."
The space between them bent faintly. Echo took a step forward. Rei didn't move.
"You think we can really change this," Rei said.
"We have to," Echo answered. "Or everything stays broken."
---
Elsewhere: Jay's Location
Jay was tracing the edge of the sealed letter with his thumb. He hadn't opened it yet. Queen Lysandra's golden crest shimmered faintly even in the glitching daylight.
