When the Darkness Bled

The air trembled as the shadow rose—no form, no face, only a presence that seeped into the skin and soul. It didn't roar or strike. It existed. And that was enough to suffocate.

Kai's grip on his blade faltered. "What… what is that?"

Ren stepped forward, his aura flaring. "It's the root of the corruption. The thing that whispers across the ley lines. The one that turned the elders mad and birthed the Cult of the Hollow Flame."

Ayaka's eyes glowed with cold light. "Then we silence it. Together."

But it wasn't that simple.

The shadow spoke—not in words, but in thoughts. It twisted memories and realities, breaking time with its voice.

"You seek to fight me? You are me. You, Kai, with your hunger for power… Ayaka, with your frozen fear… and Ren, with your noble mask hiding a broken boy."

Kai fell to one knee as visions surged—Hisoka again, this time dying in his arms, whispering, "You left me."

Ayaka screamed as she stood in a burning village, her mother calling from the flames, "Why didn't you protect me?"

Ren trembled, seeing his sister, back turned, whispering, "You chose the world over me."

They almost broke.

Almost.

But then… a pulse.

It came not from the Heart, nor from the cavern.

It came from them.

Kai stood, eyes fierce. "I chose power, yes. But I choose my people now."

Ayaka clenched her fists, ice climbing her arms. "I failed once. But I fight so no one else has to."

Ren raised his sword, fire meeting shadow. "And I will protect everyone, even from myself."

Their bonds glowed, intertwining—a manifestation of everything they had endured, every scar, every victory. Light and shadow clashed violently, thunder echoing through the mountain.

And for the first time…

The shadow screamed.

It wasn't over. But it had been wounded.