(«^») Yalina Lotfi Excalibryanna

8E/438Y/12M/44D 6:23 PM

Lilith laughed a little bit. “That was a lot but let's focus on the now. You'll be happy to know that I do have a life mage in my academy. However, to remove a curse like this… they're gonna need some materials. Specifically the heart of a nightmarish dragon…”

The dealer girl laughed bitterly in the background.

I gave her a look, “What's so funny?”

“Nothing it's just… things seem to have come full circle.”

“The Cycle is physical force in our world.” Lilith said matter of factly.

The dealer girl shrugged, “Yeah…”

“And finally, here.” Lilith tossed me a card. “So, you have an end, and a means. Off with you three. That card will give you access to an unused building here in the heart of the academy.”

“Thank you, Lilith. I owe you one.” I bowed to her.

She laughed a little as we left, “You still owe me for that night in the bunker. And that time on The Other Side too.”

I waved her off, “It's your choice to call in those favors. You know where to find me.” I spoke as I led the way to our temporary home.

The hallways were filled with various medals, trophies, tributes, and magical items. An infinite water bottle here, a statue of a very successful student there, and on, and on.

Eventually we got to the empty building. We dropped our belongings on the floor in the first room to the right and and sat down, finally able to relax. After taking a few deep breaths I turned to Azrael, “So, Azrael. Tell me what happened when we got to the forest.”

She opened one eye and looked at me, “May I ask why? You were there after all.”

“Simple. I blacked out just before we got there.”

She gave me a concerned look, then went back to facing the wall, eyes closed, “Nothing much happened. We killed a few undead, and met a curious witch living inside an extra dimensional space inside of a tree. Before you ask, we didn't talk much. She just gave you a ring saying ‘I wish you luck. Hopefully this'll help with that.’ after we explained to her what we were doing.”

“I guess that's normal enough. Did I just collapse as soon as we got into the city?”

“Yes.”

I sighed, “This isn't something I want to take lightly. It's not like me to just black out like that.”

Azrael just shrugged, “Weird things happen all the time. This is Paradox, no?”

“I guess that's a good point. Let's get some rest for now.”

“Indeed, it's been a long day.” Azrael nodded in agreement.

(«^») Iris Exurrana

8E/438Y/12M/44D 17:04 PM

We arrived in the city very late, near midnight. Aurora, Raisa, and I took the trade route to Myr after deciding the fucken zombies were too much trouble for quicker travel. The city itself was quite beautiful. Mostly made up of blacks and purples as a highlight.

The city was also quiet.

Dead.

Not a single soul could be seen nor heard.

“Aurora..?” I spoke quietly, trying not to disturb the still air. I waited a moment, maybe two, for a response.

Nothing.

At least at first. Soft, familiar crying began filling the air. When I finally recognized it, a lump formed in my throat. My whole body shook, my chest felt tight, and it was hard to breathe.

The wind was harsh too. Whistling a little too quietly in the background. It bit my through my clothes, my skin, like a nail being shot through wood. It stung, like a thousand needles being pressed against my face. I could feel the skin on my face drying, flaking in the undying cold.

It hurt.

Everything hurt actually. Although, it didn’t hurt too badly. It was a slow throbbing pain that ebbed and flowed through my body. Carefully. Methodically. Easing me into death. I was no stranger to pain but this was unlike what I already knew. It was a slow throbbing pain that ebbed and flowed through my body. Carefully. Methodically. Easing me into death.

I’m dying..?

Maybe…

No… no no no…

I collapsed onto the ground trying to scream. Yet my voice failed me. Or maybe it was my will that did so. Either way I was helpless.

I could do nothing but stare longingly into the distance, watching the purple light flicker and dance.

The shadows will kill me. From whence we come is where we go, right..?

…

……

………

Aurora, the graceful light to my silent shade. Melanie my last, lost daughter. My child of dark. Jade, the one I abandoned, my eldest. I laid there as I thought to myself, I guess this is where my cycle ends. I’ll miss you all.

Slowly the shadows shifted, like my mother turning in her unknown grave. They gathered like a crowd around a street fight. All I could do was watch. I gazed into the mass of shadow, staring at nothing in particular. Then at myself as it turned into a mirror. My hair the deepest black. My eyes tinted purple. Such a far cry from when Iris’ first cycle.

I…

The shadows whispered softly to me, but they struggled to find their words.

I…

Their voice was calming, and gentle.

Iris..?

Like an old friend watching me die.

“Iris!”

I bolted up from the snow, sweating, as Aurora’s voice filled my head, and a migraine started settling in. I looked around me only to find I was in a sterile white hospital room. Aurora squealed lightly, taken aback by the sudden movement.

“Oh thank the skies and everything good in this world, you’re okay!”

She squeezed the ever loving life out of my hand, making me grit my teeth in pain, “Aurora,” I hesitated at the sound of my voice. Raspy, and dry, like sand being grinded together, “Too tight, it hurts…”

She let go and brought her hands to her face, “I’m sorry!” I pressed my palm into my forehead and laid my head back down, “It’s fine. Just… be calm, please?”

Aurora sighed heavily, “Okay, okay. I was just… concerned. Are you feeling alright..?”

“I think I’m fine for the most part. Can you get me some water?”

“Mhm,” Aurora nodded her head, and pulled out a large flask. “Here.”

I stared at it as I grabbed it with both hands. I tried drinking it all at once before Aurora slapped my hand, and scolded me, “Not like that! Drink it little by little.”

I sighed, “But of course, milady.” I gave her a glare as she rolled her eyes at me. I took a sip, and took a deep breath, closing my eyes for a brief moment. “What happened?”

“What do you mean?” Aurora gave me a curious look.

“How did I end up here?”

“In the hospital?”

I took another sip and nodded, “Yeah.”

“When we entered the city we were attacked by a woman in black robes. We got seperated and when I found you you were being taken to the hospital. Do you not remember?”

“No…”

Aurora went silent for a moment, then she sighed heavily, “Everything is falling apart…” She rubbed her temples before putting her face in her hands.

“What makes you think that?”

“Iris… I never wanted this. Any of this, except maybe…” She blushed and looked away, “Us. But, things feel like they’ve gotten out of hand. We’ve dealt with pirates, assassins, several more than shady organizations, and raided a military dreadnought. Like… just… what the fuck?!”

“I don’t know anymore, Aurora. I don’t. I haven’t known in a very long time. I just continue moving forward because I don’t know what else to do.”

“Where even is forward?”

“Doing what Yalina says, I guess.”

Aurora’s face grew cold. She took a deep breath and walked away, “I need some time alone. I’ll be back.”