Riku's resolve hardened as the silver shard pulsed in his palm. The memories inside the first mirror had shaken him, but they also gave him clarity—a painful clarity that fueled his fire.
"Three mirrors," Aria said, her voice steady. "Each one reveals a truth you must face. But beware—these truths aren't just memories. They're tests."
Kaito stepped forward, his usual cocky grin replaced by seriousness. "And if you fail?"
Riku met his gaze. "Then I don't get to see tomorrow."
The chamber darkened as the second mirror's pedestal began to glow—a deep violet light spilling over the stone floor. The mirror itself looked like a swirling galaxy, vast and endless.
"Ready?" Aria asked.
Riku nodded, swallowing the knot in his throat. "Ready."
As the violet light enveloped him, he was pulled inside once again.
---
Inside the Second Mirror
Riku found himself in a strange village at dusk, where shadows stretched long and secrets whispered in the wind. He wasn't alone—figures moved silently around him, watching.
A familiar voice called out—a soft, gentle tone that made his heart tighten.
"Riku…"
He turned to see a young woman, her eyes full of sorrow and hope. It was Aina, someone he'd never met in this life, but whose name felt like a promise.
"You don't belong here," she said, reaching out.
"Neither do you," Riku replied.
Suddenly, the village was engulfed in shadow beasts, terrifying creatures that attacked without mercy. Riku fought alongside Aina, their movements in sync—her magic and his blade working as one.
But every time he looked into her eyes, he saw pain, a sacrifice waiting to happen.
---
Back in the Vault
Riku gasped as he emerged from the mirror, sweat dripping down his face.
Aria helped steady him. "The second mirror reveals your bonds… and your fears about losing them."
Kaito's voice was quiet. "Sounds like your heart's about to get a beating."
Riku gave a tired smile. "Maybe. But I'm done running from it."
The violet shard floated beside the silver one, glowing brighter.
"Two down," he said. "One more to go."
---