16/09/4098
*Skye gets up happy and with a lot of energy. She looks at the time and realizes that it's earlier than usual, because she slept well yesterday due to exhaustion. She changes quickly and goes to the kitchen, realizing that her mother has had to leave for work earlier.*
Skye: I hope she took something to eat.
*Skye gets something to eat and decides to go out earlier than usual, so she can watch the sunrise since she had never been up this early before. Before leaving, she goes back to her room and stares at the bag with mobile phones that Kazuki gave her. After thinking for a while, she decides to take one.*
Skye: Am I really going to do it? I'd better get going before I regret it.
*When she leaves, she takes a different path, because there are better views through the square. Skye arrives at the plaza, where she approaches the railing to get a better look at the sunrise. She takes a breath and just enjoys the wonderful image in front of her. Out of the corner of her eye she sees a figure watching the view just like her.*
Skye: Will it be...?
*As she turns her head more she recognizes the figure, Kazuki. She pauses for a moment, unsure whether she should approach or not. Skye can tell Kazuki is tired by the way his eyelids are trying to close over and over again. Before she can make a decision, her body starts walking towards him.*
Skye: Kazuki! I didn't expect to see you here *with a nervous smile.*
*Kazuki turns to look at her, closes his eyes for a second and when he opens them his expression goes from tired to confident.*
Kazuki: Look who's here, I didn't know you get up so early.
Skye: Me neither, actually.
*Neither of them says anything, not knowing what to say or do.*
Skye: Okay... How are you doing?
Kazuki: You don't have to force conversation if you don't want to.
Skye: Is it that obvious?
Kazuki: You're a bad liar.
Skye: I guess you're right... By the way! I almost forgot. You'll see... Here *giving him the mobile she took earlier.*
Kazuki: What do I need this for?
Skye: Okay... I've been thinking that we always have to look for each other and I think it would be better if we text each other.
Kazuki: Text each other? How does that work?
Skye: It's very simple, you turn on the phone by pressing the button on the side, then you press the blue icon that has a kind of text and you go to your chats and that's it.
Kazuki: What is an icon?
Skye: It doesn't matter, just watch *taking Kazuki's mobile and doing the steps.*
Kazuki: Is it that easy?
Skye: Yes, it's very simple. Let me do one last thing.
*Skye takes her own mobile and adds Kazuki to her contacts, Skye's first and only contact.*
Skye: That's it, now you just press where it says "write here" and put whatever you want.
Kazuki: I will never cease to be impressed by all the new things you have.
*Skye suddenly notices a huge presence behind her. She notices that Kazuki had already been watching from earlier, with a mocking smile. As she turns around, she comes face to face with Hiro, the hero of Light element. His Ánima is calm and peaceful, but he surrounds the whole area.*
Hiro: Hi guys, I hope I'm not disturbing you.
*Skye notices that the strongest hero's gaze is focused solely on Kazuki, who defiantly returns it to him. She starts to get nervous and decides to intervene.*
Skye: Hiro! It's a great honor to see you here. I am a big fan of your work.
Hiro: I'm glad to hear that from the new generations. I'm sure you're working very hard.
Skye: Yes! We are working very hard to be able to be heroes like you.
Hiro: Keep giving it your all. By the way, would you be so kind as to tell me your names?
Skye: Of course! My name is Skye and...
Hiro: And your friend? What's your friend's name? He seems a little lost, and he's very quiet.
Kazuki: I'm just analyzing the probabilities.
Hiro: I see, what a cautious boy. You always have to be aware, especially of enemies, right?
Kazuki: Yeah, you never know what surprise you might get. You should never underestimate the enemy.
Hiro: I see you're ready, and you are…?
*Skye notices Kazuki's impulsive posture. He seems ready to jump at any moment. Also, from Hiro's words he seems to get an idea of the situation and who Kazuki is. A fight like that in the middle of the city... It would cause the destruction of Lightown.*
Skye: My boyfriend! He's my boyfriend *holding Kazuki's hand and turning red with shame.*
*Hiro stares at both of them and lets out a giggle.*
Hiro: Of course, I apologize. I should go, my apprentice usually takes the opportunity to get away and visit his friend. See you *leaves in a flash of light.*
Skye: I thought we weren't getting out of there *with a nervous giggle.*
Kazuki: It seemed interesting, I was about to check his strength.
Skye: Don't even think about it!
Kazuki: Why not?
Skye: Because it's wrong, we can't be violent.
Kazuki: So what's the point of life, then?
Skye: Well, haven't you been having a good time?
Kazuki: The truth is, yes, but not everything is eternal.
Skye: That's why we have to strive so that, even if it's not eternal, it lasts as long as possible. This site is beautiful and has a lot of stuff. Please, Kazuki, just think about it. This place is very peaceful. It's not perfect but at least it's something.
Kazuki: Well, you're kind of right.
Skye: Good! I knew you'd understand. By the way, are we training today too?
Kazuki: That's up to you.
Skye: I'd like us to keep going until next week and after the tournament I'll take you to a lot of new places.
Kazuki: It sounds good.
Skye: Although, I have been wondering, why would you want to fight Hiro? He is the strongest hero and his element is light... I'm glad he's good because his power is scary.
Kazuki: Just to get some exercise, I haven't had any good battles for a long time.
Skye: Do you think you would win?
Kazuki: Well, that's always decided on the first hit, but it's dictated by the last one.
Skye: Did they teach you all that?
Kazuki: Yes, and many other things.
Skye: Well, I think I should go to class.
Kazuki: You can let go of my hand now.
Skye: Oh! I had forgotten. Well, I'll see you later *while she's leaving.*
*Kazuki sighs and slowly leaves to find something that will amuse him. Meanwhile, in the Han District, the streets are empty and the only sound is the footsteps of a hooded figure.*
Sylkar: That's weird, no one is here today.
*Some shadows move across the floor and whisper something in his ear. Sylkar remains calm as he continues his search. Some shadows get tangled in two of his fingers and Sylkar turns around, makes the shape of a gun with his hand and shoots a sphere made of shadows, leaving a huge hole in a wall.*
Sylkar: Don't you get tired of following me? I've been waiting for you to attack me for a while, but today you seem more docile than usual.
*Erissa comes out of hiding angry and creates a light blade.*
Erissa: I'm not docile! You're lucky that Hiro banned me from fighting for failing math.
Sylkar: No need to tell me about your life, I don't care. If you haven't come to fight then leave, don't bother *turning his back and leaving.*
Erissa: I plan to follow you and discover all your hiding places, so next time you won't be able to escape *by undoing her light blade and following him.*
Sylkar: Then it's my chance to kill you.
Erissa: You can try, but you're really slow and besides you're looking for something, right? Or maybe... Are you looking for someone?
Sylkar: I thought you were dumber.
Erissa: I'm thinking of skipping the punishment and beating you up.
Sylkar: Do whatever you want, but don't bother me.
*Erissa keeps some distance with Sylkar, studying his moves. Sylkar, on the other hand, remains alert, carefully looking at every place and giving orders to his shadows. Erissa starts to get impatient and bored.*
Erissa: Aren't you bored?
Sylkar: No.
Erissa: You're so boring.
Sylkar: Maybe.
Erissa: You sure have a good time, you do what you want and when you want. I, on the other hand, have to study all day. It's boring. Hiro insisted that I study at home to have more control over me. Sometimes I wonder what it will be like to study with more people.
Sylkar: Probably more overwhelming.
Erissa: Overwhelming? Maybe for lonely people like you, but I would like to be able to have friends, go shopping and tell them about my life. Although I would not like to have a partner, not yet. Most of you men are very silly and simple, I cannot allow your simplicity to be shared with me.
Sylkar: I think you're so dumb that you complicate simple things.
*Sylkar ducks down, dodging a beam of light.*
Erissa: I warned you.
Sylkar: Does it bother you to be told the truth? You're just a rich girl waiting for everything to be served to you and for nothing to go wrong just by being you. You think you're a hero and all you want is attention to feel valid.
Erissa: And you are an egocentric stupid with a savior complex that no matter how much you want to deny it, you are wishing that someone would consider you a hero because even if you don't admit it, it hurts you to know that no one trusts you.
Sylkar: Very brave words for someone who has to be guarded by the strongest person currently because no one else wants to take care of a burden like you. The only reason you always come to attack me is because that way you can distract yourself from your pathetic life.
Erissa: At least I have someone! You on the other hand are always lonely because no one wants to get together with a weird and pathetic bug like you. The only reason you don't run away when we meet is because my presence is the closest thing you've ever had to a friend!
*They both stay quiet and catch their breath. Sylkar turns around and continues on his way. Erissa is left hesitating but decides to follow him, feeling somewhat bad for Sylkar's words and for her own. After a couple of hours Sylkar gets into an abandoned restaurant. Being a closed place, Erissa hesitates whether to enter or stay outside.*
Erissa: What are you going to do?
*Sylkar doesn't answer but leaves a shadow holding the door. Finally, Erissa decides to enter.*
Erissa: Answer, what are you up to?
Sylkar: I'm going to eat.
Erissa: It doesn't look like there's anything around here.
Sylkar: It's on the top floor.
Erissa: Upstairs? It's a restaurant, not a house.
*Sylkar taps a nearby wall, causing it to transform into a shadow and leave a gap that gives way to some somewhat narrow stairs.*
Erissa: Don't fuck with me, can you transform objects into shadows?
Sylkar: Not quite *walking up the stairs*.
Erissa: And how did you do that? *Following him.*
Sylkar: I can transform my shadows into solid objects, but I can't regenerate that Soul that I spend until those shadows return to their normal state.
Erissa: What else can you do with your shadows?
Sylkar: A lot of things.
*The stairs end at a door, which Sylkar opens, revealing an ordinary room with a kitchen, a living room and a bathroom.*
Erissa: Do you live here?
Sylkar: Yes.
Erissa: What a place... Normal, I thought you were sleeping in the shadows or something.
Sylkar: I already do.
Erissa: What do you mean?
Sylkar: Nothing, do you want to eat?
Erissa: Well, actually, some food wouldn't be bad.
*Sylkar walks towards the kitchen while his shadows open and close drawers, helping him to take out preheated food. Erissa enters Sylkar's room without asking permission, observing every detail.*
Erissa: What!?
Sylkar: Don't shout, I don't like the noise.
*Erissa leaves his room with her arms full of some tomes of an old manga.*
Erissa: Where did you get this from? I thought it was cancelled a long time ago due to lack of investment.
Sylkar: Don't touch it, I don't want them to get dirty. There used to be a very famous bookstore in this district, since the owner was a friend of the author. When "that" happened I decided to go to the bookstore and found a lot of manga. The covers were made by me.
Erissa: It was said that there was an ending, but I never believed that it was true.
Sylkar: I didn't know you liked manga.
Erissa: Eh... No, I don't like it, it's only for weirdos. But as it is exclusive it has simply caught my attention.
Sylkar: Then leave them where they were.
Erissa: I'm going to look at them a little bit, just to see what kind of weird stuff you read.
*Without waiting for an answer, Erissa goes to the living room to sit down and starts reading the manga. Sylkar for his part takes out a jar of "spices" and pours some on Erissa's plate.*
Sylkar: Are you allergic to anything?
Erissa: No.
Sylkar: Then come and get your plate.
Erissa: So fast?
Sylkar: It's pre-heated food.
*They both sit at the table in the living room. Sylkar starts to eat, but Erissa doesn't.*
Erissa: I see the good vibes end here, right?
Sylkar: Did you think that after saying all that I was going to stay silent?
Erissa: Do you think this is the first time someone has tried to poison me?
Sylkar: I would be surprised, but I really don't care.
Erissa: You're a crawling rat.
Sylkar: And you're a compulsive idiot.
*Erissa gets up to attack but suddenly they both feel a huge discomfort. A shadow grabs Erissa's arms and plunges her into a wall, which was also made of shadows. In that sea of darkness Erissa notices that someone is covering her mouth.*
Sylkar: Don't make any noise *whispering.*
Erissa: What are you doing? *whispering too.*
*Sylkar touches her arm and starts to give her some Ánima. Suddenly, Erissa can see more clearly and through the shadows, realizing that most of the house is made of shadows. Before she can ask anything, the door opens and two hooded men enter.*
???: Wow, you never mentioned there was such a thing. Hey, Skeptos, are you kidding me?
Skeptos: We made sure the area was empty. This must have been after the last review. Besides, didn't you say that with your puppets no one would come near this area? What good has it done you to bring in so many criminals if they don't do their job well?
???: I apologize my dear friend, I have exalted myself. It's just that this is so... Boring. Someone has been hunting my pets, besides, do you notice? This house smells strongly of Ánima.
Skeptos: Yes, someone lives here, probably the one who is hunting your dogs. We should go hunting.
???: I like your attitude, I have nothing against others but... They are very passive, I like to know that there is someone who wants to have fun.
Skeptos: You and I are not the same, I act for an end, you for a few seconds of fun.
???: And I enjoy those seconds like never before.
Skeptos: Jeez, you really are a psychopath.
???: Psycho? Maybe yes, maybe no. Now, what should we do with this house? We could destroy it or even... I feel like two very young people are looking at us directly from that wall made of shadows.
*Erissa and Sylkar turn pale when they see the stranger pointing at the wall. In just an instant, Erissa watches as an arm goes through the wall and Sylkar's chest. However, when the arm is withdrawn, instead of being stained with blood it is stained with shadows.*
???: Ugh, yuck, I thought I got it right. I guess my intuition doesn't always work.
Skeptos: It's time to leave, they're calling us.
???: How do you do it? Do you have telepathy or something?
Skeptos: You'll know when the time comes. Now move on, I'm not going to waste any more unnecessary time.
*Both hooded men leave, but neither Sylkar nor Erissa are able to move. Erissa stares at Sylkar's wound, which has just started to bleed. Finally, Sylkar collapses on top of Erissa.*
Erissa: Oh shit, are you okay? *Holding Sylkar.*
Sylkar: Don't touch me, I don't need help.
*Before Erissa can say anything else, a shadow absorbs her and appears in another shadow, in the town square, falling on top of someone.*
Erissa: Fuck! You stupid little boy!
*She gets up and prepares to come back using her light element, but someone is holding her arm tightly.*
Kazuki: Hey girl, that hurt.
Erissa: Let go of me! I have more important things to do.
Skye: Maybe we should... Is that blood?
*Erissa looks at her clothes and realizes that they are full of blood. She looks around, noticing the curious looks of people walking by. She starts to panic but Skye approaches her.*
Skye: Are you okay? *She asks in a soft, concerned voice. She turns to Kazuki.* Can you call an ambulance?
Kazuki: What is an ambulance?
Erissa: Damn, I don't have time for this.
*In a flash of light, Erissa leaves.*
Skye: She seemed scared, can we follow her?
Kazuki: No, she didn't have any injuries and besides, she looks strong. She'll be fine, although the headbutt she gave me hurt. Where did she come from?
Skye: I don't know, it's like she just appeared all of a sudden.
Kazuki: Well, it doesn't matter. Ready for another afternoon of training?
Skye: Yes, I'm ready.
*In a couple of seconds, Kazuki takes both of them to the Lake of Souls, although Skye still can't get used to that speed.*
Kazuki: Well, today we are going to train your senses.
Skye: My senses?
Kazuki: Exactly, get ready because I'm not going to be nice.
Skye: How are we going to do it?
*Kazuki disappears and appears in a lightning trail, now with some bandages on his hands.*
Kazuki: You will start by attacking *while tying a blindfold.*
Skye: Are you sure? I don't want to hurt you
Kazuki: Hurt?
Skye: Okay, I get that you're strong, but you didn't need to say that out loud either.
Kazuki: I haven't shouted.
Skye: It's an expression, I mean it didn't need to be made so obvious.
Kazuki: That's weird, but well, I guess I get it. Attack.
*Skye prepares to attack, but hesitates at first. However, Kazuki dodges and counterattacks smoothly, slapping her on the stomach and taking the air out of her.*
Kazuki: I told you that you weren't going to hurt me, now do you understand what I mean? Now I'm attacking, put the bandage on.
Skye: Are you trying to kill me? Couldn't you give me a theory lesson first or something?
Kazuki: Put the bandage on.
Skye: Can you be gentle this time?
Kazuki: I'll think about it.
Skye: I guess that's the best I can hope for *while putting the blindfold on.*
Kazuki: Well, be guided by your instincts. It is very important that you learn to foresee attacks that you may not notice.
Skye: Is that even possible?
Kazuki: Yes, although it takes a lot to achieve it. But now we're only going to activate your instincts, not perfect them. Okay, are you ready?
*Without waiting for a response, Kazuki kicks Skye in the ribs, noticing that she lowers the defense, hits her in the back and another one straight to the face, knocking her down in just three moves.*
Skye: Auch!
Kazuki: Wrong, the enemy is never going to wait for you to be ready. Besides, I thought it became clear to you yesterday that the guard is never lowered and... Are you crying?
*Skye holds her nose, which starts to bleed, while a few tears run out of her eyes.*
Skye: Of course I'm crying, it hurts. I thought you were going to be gentle.
Kazuki: I told you I would think about it, not that it was going to be. If you want to get strong then stop crying and get up, if at the slightest blow you get knocked down then you never had a chance.
*Skye looks at him with anger and pain, both physical and emotional. She gets up and leaves.*
Kazuki: Where are you going?
Skye: I should have never asked you for help, I don't need anything anymore.
Kazuki: Have you gotten bored of me yet? Your good girl mask is starting to fall off.
Skye: Mask? Maybe if you were less of an asshole someone would really be nice to you.
Kazuki: And maybe if you weren't a weak and cowardly someone would really believe in you *crossing his arms.*
*Neither of them say anything else, but Skye starts crying more as she leaves. Kazuki stands there, watching her leave.*
Kazuki: Pathetic, no one gets strong like that. If you cry, you don't get stronger. If you don't advance, you lose. If you lose, you die. It's very simple *he says to himself.*
*He has several memories of his stay during the military recruitment of his kingdom. Nobody asked there, obeying was mandatory. No one helped, there was no need to carry unnecessary weight. You were just an object waiting to be polished to the max. Kazuki wonders what it would feel like to have someone who really wants to coach you and not mistreat you.*
Kazuki: Damn it.
*On the other hand, Skye walks back to Lightown, although at that rate she will arrive in the evening. Suddenly a finger touches her forehead and she feels her body fill with Ánima, making her wounds heal.*
Kazuki: You still have a lot to learn, come on, let's get back to training.
Skye: Do you think you can treat people like that? Fuck off Kazuki, fuck off *continuing on her way.*
*Kazuki grabs her by the arm, stopping her.*
Kazuki: I... I'm sorry *looking at the floor*.
Skye: Do you expect me to believe you?
Kazuki: I guess so.
Skye: Look into my eyes while asking for forgiveness.
Kazuki: Uh... *He looks up to look her straight in the eye, even though it feels very weird and uncomfortable.* I'm sorry.
*Skye looks at him directly, looking for any signs of deception. When she finds none, she approaches and embraces him.*
Kazuki: What are you doing?
Skye: It's your punishment, when you make a person feel bad you should comfort them.
Kazuki: This... It's weird.
Skye: That's why you should avoid making people feel bad, to avoid situations that make you feel weird. When you see someone sad, comfort that person.
Kazuki: How do you do that?
Skye: That's for you to decide. Now, are we still training?
Kazuki: I'll be softer this time.
Skye: Thank you.
*The hours pass and night falls, a sign that Skye has to come home. Kazuki takes her and they say goodbye. For the rest of the night Skye stays thoughtful. Once she finishes dinner and takes a shower, she lies down on her bed.*
Skye: What a tiring day.
*She stares at the ceiling and tries to understand why Kazuki is the way he is. Everything points to someone irreparable, who does not and will never understand others. Even so, a hint of doubt and, perhaps, hope arise in the depths of her thoughts. She takes out her mobile and texts Kazuki.*
Skye: "Good night 🙂"
*She sends the message and looks at the ceiling again, wondering if she's doing the right thing or getting carried away with a lie. Her phone lights up.*
Kazuki: "Good night. I don't know how to send those yellow faces."
*Skye laughs as she reads the message, deciding that tomorrow she will teach him how to send emojis. Slowly, she closes her eyes and falls asleep. One last thought crosses her mind: "Trust."*