Within the depths of the pitch-black void, a disconcerting symphony of sounds fills the air. The crackling of relentless fires pierces through the oppressive darkness, their flickering glow casting eerie shadows upon the scene. The piercing screams of anguish seem to resonate indefinitely, carrying the weight of unimaginable despair. Cries of terror, like haunting echoes, reverberate through the ethereal space, amplifying the sense of impending doom.
Amidst this swirling maelstrom of chaos, a voice trembles with fear and urgency. It belongs to a young woman, her words laced with desperation, as she implores her companion, a male figure, to escape the clutches of this nightmarish realm. Her voice cuts through the pandemonium, carrying a raw emotion that hangs in the air like a palpable tension.
"Light! Run!" The female voice quivers with an undercurrent of fear, her words laced with desperation and urgency.
"I can't... I won't..." The male voice wavers, entangled in a web of hesitation and conflicting emotions.
"I'll be fine! Go!!" The female's voice rises, tinged with a resolute determination that cuts through the darkness like a beacon of strength. Her words carry an unwavering resolve, urging him to leave the impending danger behind and save himself.
As the blurry haze dissipates, the fragmented fragments of reality converge, and Light's eyes gradually adjust to the darkness. What he beholds before him unfolds like a macabre nightmare, etching itself into his memory with every harrowing detail. It is a scene that blends terror and despair—a younger version of Light, his countenance etched with sheer fear, stares transfixed at his sister Karra. The gray tresses of her hair form a stark contrast against the backdrop of unrelenting chaos.
Karra stands at the epicenter, a lone figure surrounded by a horde of merciless bandits. Their malevolence is made evident by the glint of malice that flickers within their eyes, illuminated by the ravenous flames that devour the once-familiar surroundings. The crackling inferno paints a menacing tableau, casting long, dancing shadows across the decaying walls.
Light's heart races as he takes in the carnage that surrounds him—the twisted wreckage, the smoldering debris, and the lifeless bodies of those he once called friends. Each breath he takes carries the acrid scent of smoke and the metallic tang of blood. The realm that was once a sanctuary, where he and his comrades found solace, has transformed into a purgatory of agony and despair.
Amidst the chaotic scene, debris rains down from above, merging with the macabre landscape painted by the intermingling of blood and lifeless bodies. Each fallen piece, a fragment of shattered innocence, adds to the haunting tableau that unfolds before their disbelieving eyes. The once hallowed grounds, a sanctuary that offered solace even amidst the trials and tribulations they endured within its walls, has now metamorphosed into an unfathomable abyss of horror.
The descent of rubble mirrors the collapse of their shattered hopes and dreams, punctuating the grim reality that surrounds them. The weight of each fallen fragment carries with it a profound sense of loss, a painful reminder of the lives once filled with laughter and camaraderie that now lie extinguished. The very air hangs heavy with the stench of death and despair, as if mourning the irrevocable change that has befallen their once cherished haven.
"Light! What did I tell you... Run! I got this, I will be fine!" Karra's voice cuts through the chaos.
With both daggers in hand, Karra swiftly defends herself against the relentless onslaught of bandits, even as the crumbling structure threatens to engulf them further.
"Light!" Karra's voice slices through the air, desperately reaching out to him amidst the swirling chaos.
"I... I just can't!" Light's voice quivers, his words a fragile admission of his paralyzing fear.
Enveloped by the suffocating embrace of the raging inferno, Light feels his body rooted to the spot, rendered immobile by the overwhelming terror that grips his heart. His mind, clouded by the acrid smoke and the deafening crackle of flames, struggles to process the nightmarish scene unfolding before him.
Karra, her spirit undeterred by the encroaching danger, stands as a beacon of resilience amidst the onslaught. With her daggers drawn, she dances with deadly grace, parrying the attacks of their merciless assailants. And yet, even in the face of imminent peril, she defies the grim reality with a touch of sarcasm, her words serving as a bittersweet reminder of their shared bond.
"Remember all that training?" Karra's voice carries a hint of wry amusement, attempting to cut through the stifling atmosphere.
"Y-yeah..." Light stammers, his voice a mere whisper, struggling to find strength amidst the overwhelming fear that threatens to consume him.
"Forget all of that and run!" Karra's voice echoes with a sarcastic urgency, her words laced with a blend of both concern and defiance.
"Dammit, Karra... This is not the time for your sarcasm..." Light's voice trembles, his words a desperate plea for her to understand the magnitude of the danger they face.
As Karra effortlessly dispatches another assailant, the debris-ridden surroundings come alive with the ebb and flow of their precarious battle. The crumbling structure groans under the weight of their shared struggle, its stability teetering on the brink of collapse. Yet, even in the face of imminent peril, Karra's eyes meet Light's, her gaze a steadfast anchor that refuses to let him succumb to the suffocating fear that threatens to consume him.
"Light!" Karra's voice pierces the chaos once more, urgency dripping from her words.
"I just... I can't!" Light's voice wavers, his inner turmoil laid bare. The flames reflect in his eyes, mirroring the torment within his soul.
In that moment, Light is torn between the instinct to flee and the overwhelming desire to protect the sister he holds dear. His heart aches with the weight of his own powerlessness, knowing that his inability to act may seal their fates. As the world around them descends further into chaos, Light battles the paralyzing grip of fear, his trembling limbs refusing to obey the desperate cries of his heart.
Karra, sensing the tremors of uncertainty that grip her brother's soul, fights back her own fears. With a final glance filled with love and determination, she knows that time is running out. In a desperate attempt to secure his escape, she imparts her last instructions, her voice laden with both urgency and unwavering love.
"Look, Light... I'll be fine. I'll find another way out. But you... you must run now while you still can..." Karra's voice quivers, her words a testament to her selflessness in the face of impending doom.
"B-but..." Light's voice falters, his words choked by the overwhelming emotions that threaten to consume him whole.
"Run, Light. Survive for both of us." Karra's voice, filled with a mixture of fierce determination and heartbreaking tenderness, leaves no room for argument.
With a heart heavy with grief and a mind fraught with conflicting emotions, Light watches as Karra disappears into the smothering darkness of the burning hallways. A torrent of emotions washes over him, a maelstrom of fear, guilt, and the unbearable weight of his own powerlessness. And as the walls tremble and the flames dance in a final symphony of destruction, Light is left with no choice but to heed his sister's words. He turns, tears streaming down his face, and runs.
"Karra!" Light's voice echoes with anguish.
Abruptly, Light jolts awake, his forehead drenched in sweat, as he realizes it was all a haunting nightmare, a remnant of the past that continues to haunt his present as he hears his Sister's last words in his head
January 12 4005 7:20AM
Light's hand trembles as he presses it against his sweaty forehead, the cold sweat seeping through his fingertips. Memories of the recent past flood his mind, the vivid recollection of his battle against Derek, the wielder of dark forbidden magic, still haunting him. It had been a mere twelve days before the arrival of the new year when the threat loomed over the academy.
The weight of the responsibility he bore was immense. Light could feel the burden pressing down on his shoulders, the weight of the lives of his friends and the safety of the academy resting solely on his shoulders. In that decisive moment, he had made the painful choice to lead his companions away, out of harm's reach, leaving himself to face Derek alone.
A surge of emotionless determination courses through Light's veins as he recalls the immense power that coursed through his very being. The memories of his secret, the hidden wellspring of strength within him, resurface. His starlight skill, dual wielding, an enigmatic and potent ability that he had guarded with utmost secrecy, was unleashed. It was a force born of necessity, a last resort in the face of overwhelming darkness.
In that climactic confrontation, Light had tapped into the depths of his own potential, channeling the brilliant light of the stars themselves into his fists. Each strike unleashed with lightning speed, carrying the weight of his resolve to protect everything he held dear. The battle had been fierce, an epic clash of opposing forces, where Light's every move was driven by a desperate need to triumph against the encroaching darkness.
The wounds, both physical and emotional, that marked Light's journey were etched deep within his being. But in that final, awe-inspiring moment, he had emerged victorious. Derek's nefarious ambitions had been thwarted, the academy spared from certain destruction. The price, however, had been steep, the scars left behind a constant reminder of the sacrifices made.
As Light sat there on his bed, his expression seemingly devoid of emotion, the turmoil within his heart remains hidden from the world. He carries the weight of his actions, the echoes of that fateful battle resonating in his mind. It is a burden he must bear alone, the unspoken heroism etched into his very soul, forever shaping the path he must walk.
The memory resurfaces, vivid and haunting, as Light recollects the moment he made the difficult decision to ensure the safety of his friends, leading them away from the impending danger. He stood alone, the weight of responsibility pressing upon him, knowing that he had no alternative but to rely on his secret and formidable dual wielding starlight art to confront his adversary or more known as Heavenly Dawn Blades.
The battle was fierce, each strike resonating with the clash of metal, as Light unleashed the full force of his power. Yet, despite his skill and determination, the strain took its toll on his blades. In a final, cataclysmic clash, his weapons shattered, fragments scattering like echoes of the fierce confrontation.
In the aftermath, amidst the wreckage of their duel, Light's gloves tightly gripped the handle of the broken sword. It served as a testament to his unwavering resolve and the remnants of his once-mighty weapon. Surrounding him, his friends lay unconscious, oblivious to the intense battle that had unfolded.
As exhaustion overwhelmed him, Light's body succumbed to the inevitable descent into unconsciousness. He collapsed onto the unforgiving ground, his consciousness slipping away, leaving him surrounded by the aftermath of his valiant struggle.
In that vulnerable state of unconsciousness, Light's mind found respite from the harsh reality. His friends remained safe, blissfully unaware of the sacrifices he had made on their behalf. The shattered blades and the grip of his gloves on the broken sword served as poignant reminders of the fierce battle fought and the risks undertaken before he himself fell unconscious among his friends.
As the recollection of his unconscious fall lingers in his mind, a gentle rapping interrupts his thoughts, resonating through the chocolate-colored door. Light shakes his head, attempting to shake off the remnants of his memories, and rises from his blank white bed. Slowly, he approaches the door, which emits a slight creak as he opens it.
A radiant beam of light pours into the room as the door swings open, revealing none other than Claire herself. Her vibrant yellow hair cascades in a playful and tousled manner, framing her face as she stands before him. Adorned in a casual dress, a departure from the usual uniform, she embodies the relaxed atmosphere of the weekend.
Their gazes meet, and Light feels a flicker of relief amidst the remnants of his lingering thoughts. The presence of Claire, with her disheveled yet captivating appearance, offers a sense of familiarity and comfort in a world filled with uncertainty.
With a basket brimming with black decorations in one hand and a broom in the other, Claire stood before Light, a smile adorning her face. The contrast of the dark-hued adornments with her cheerful expression added a touch of whimsy to the scene, as if she aimed to dispel the shadows that often enveloped his days.
Her presence, coupled with the thoughtful gesture of bringing along items in his preferred color, hinted at a deeper understanding between them. It was as if she recognized his affinity for darkness and made an effort to bring a touch of it into the light. The genuine warmth radiating from her smile offered solace, brightening his otherwise gloomy day.
"What..." Light's voice lacked emotion as he interrupted Claire's words.
"I can't take it anymore," Claire insisted, her frustration evident in her tone.
"What can't you withstand? My annoying face or your annoying presence..." Light's response dripped with sarcasm, his emotionless facade firmly in place.
"First of all, the second choice is offensive, and secondly, no pun intended... Your room! It's just way too bland!" Claire insisted, determination lacing her words.
Though Light's expression remained impassive, a flicker of curiosity sparked within him. He glanced around his room, which indeed lacked any vibrant or personal touches. It had always been a space of solitude, reflecting his preference for simplicity and detachment. But in that moment, as Claire expressed her dissatisfaction with its lackluster ambiance, Light couldn't help but feel a subtle pang of intrigue.
Claire's unwavering determination to bring life and vibrancy into his environment hinted at a deeper connection. It was as if she sought to break through the walls he had built around himself, urging him to embrace the possibility of a more colorful existence. And though Light's stoic demeanor remained intact, a part of him couldn't help but wonder if there was something to be gained from allowing a little brightness into his world.
Light gazed at Claire, his expression devoid of emotion, as he absentmindedly scratched his head.
"So... You're suggesting a complete room makeover?" Light inquired.
"Ding! Correct answer! Give yourself a pat on the back, mister... Are you ready for the next round of questioning?" Claire retorted with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
Surprisingly, despite Light's emotionless demeanor clashing with Claire's carefree and energetic attitude, their relationship had somehow grown stronger in the past twelve days of January. It was after the intense battle they had fought alongside Marcus, Liene, and Cain that they began to spend more time together. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Claire had become accustomed to Light's emotionless yet sarcastic nature, as well as their friendly banter. She had also come to recognize his propensity for taking risks.
"Do I even have a choice?" Light asks, his tone devoid of emotion.
"Obviously not," Claire responds, unfazed.
Ignoring any potential objections from Light, Claire boldly enters the room and starts decorating with her dark-themed items. Although Light could have reported her to the school staff for invading his privacy, he decides against it. Whether this decision is voluntary or forced upon him remains a mystery.
Claire begins by hanging a small, empty black photo frame on the white wall. She gestures towards it and says, "Whenever you want to, you can always put any picture you want in there..."
"Right," Light responds, his voice devoid of enthusiasm.
Next, Claire unfolds a black striped carpet and places it on the floor next to the door. She follows it up by draping a black blanket over the bed and adding black pillowcases and bed wraps. As Claire works diligently to transform the room, Light stands motionless, silently observing the changes taking place. Within a few minutes, his once plain room starts to exude a newfound sense of life, with the bed transforming from a blank white canvas to a striking shade of black.
Light slowly approaches the bed, his expression still blank, before turning to face the unusually cheerful Claire.
"I can't say I hate it..." Light mutters, his tone devoid of enthusiasm.
"Whoa... Light not complaining? That's a big surprise. I can already hear Rose's shocked reaction," Claire retorts sarcastically.
However, as Claire's words escape her lips, a somber realization washes over her. She recalls the disappearance of her dear friend, Rose, and a wave of sadness overtakes her. Standing before Light, who gazes at her with a somewhat blank expression, she feels the weight of the void left by Rose's absence.
Aware that speaking might only worsen Claire's already delicate state, Light decides to remain silent, choosing not to delve into the situation further. He observes as Claire shakes her head, seemingly trying to dismiss her thoughts, and proceeds to take out a handful of folded curtains from her almost empty basket. With deliberate movements, she hangs the curtains near the window, a smile playing on her lips, though it's clear she's masking her true emotions as she slowly finishes and heads back to her basket with a few book left in it.
"I bought some books that I think you might find interesting," Claire says, her smile still lingering on her face.
Light raises an eyebrow. "What are they about?" he asks.
"They're books about combat and magic," Claire replies.
Light responds with his usual emotionless tone, "I'm already skilled in combat, you know that."
Claire chuckles. "I know, but I thought you might enjoy them as a pastime. Besides, you have no knowledge of magic," she points out.
Light remains impassive. "I rely on my sword more than magic," he states matter-of-factly.
Claire retorts with a teasing tone, "Well, that's convenient, considering you don't even have a sword."
Light falls silent, memories of his shattered blade resurfacing as he clenches his gloved hand.
"And let's not forget our encounter with Rathalos. Magic would have come in handy against that creature," Claire reminds him.
Light responds sarcastically, his tone still devoid of emotion, "I thought you were here to fix my room, not be my mother."
Claire laughs at his remark. "Fair enough, but I can't resist pointing out your lack of magic skills," she says playfully.
With a sigh, Claire places the book on Light's cabinet, alongside two photo frames. One frame hangs on the wall, while the other displays a picture of Light and Karra.
She then picks up the broom she had brought and begins sweeping the dusty room, meticulously clearing away the dirt. Light watches from his newly adorned black bed, silently observing her efforts.
Within minutes, Claire finishes her task and sets aside the basket and broom. She joins Light on his bed, pulling him towards his video game console. With a playful expression, she hands him the soft controller.
"Come on, I want a rematch!" Claire insists, her eagerness evident.
Light complies, accepting the challenge. He boots up the console, and a soft blue glow illuminates the room as the flat-screen TV comes to life. Both of them grip their controllers, preparing for another intense match in the fighting game they are playing as Ken slept silently in the corner of the room.
In another flashback, the scene shifts to the intense battle at the dormitories, offering a different perspective. The observer watches in awe as Light unleashes a rapid flurry of sword slashes, skillfully executing various sword techniques. Claire, on the other hand, swiftly slides across the battlefield, firing arrows with remarkable precision from her bow. Liene utilizes her kyoketsu-shoge, deftly throwing the weapon to immobilize and eliminate the monstrous foes.
Amidst this chaos, a pink-haired girl catches the observer's attention, her big ears wiggling in curiosity, revealing herself to be a demi-human or more commonly known as a cat girl. She possesses immense strength, her massive pink gauntlets allowing her to deliver powerful punches that shatter through the horde of monsters. With a seamless combination of punches and kicks, she moves with a fluid and flexible choreography, wreaking havoc upon the creatures that stand in her way. However, as the battle rages on, the pink-haired girl finds herself backed into a corner, with no escape route available.
"Darn it..." she exclaims, her voice surprisingly light and feminine, reflecting a hint of frustration and determination.
As she prepares to defend herself against the encroaching horde, an accidental bolt of lightning shoots forth, striking the mass of monsters with a powerful surge of electricity. The sudden shock paralyzes and incapacitates the creatures, allowing her to swiftly dispatch them with a relentless barrage of punches and kicks. In the aftermath, she takes a moment to catch her breath, surveying the scene around her.
Amidst the chaos, her eyes catch sight of an unfamiliar yellow-haired boy wielding a staff. He unleashes a series of fireballs and lightning bolts, obliterating the remaining monsters with his formidable magical prowess. Although she doesn't recognize him from her time at the academy, she assumes he must have been the one who inadvertently saved her with the fireball that struck the surrounding monsters. A faint blush tinges her cheeks as she contemplates his presence.
Shaking off her distraction, she quickly darts off, heading outside to investigate the cause of the commotion. As she emerges, she finds herself surrounded by fellow students engaged in fierce combat. Jon wields his heavy mace, delivering crushing blows to the monsters, while Sheena displays her precision marksmanship, firing her rifle with deadly accuracy. Ann, a seasoned teacher, unleashes powerful spells, and Isaac casually dispatches monsters with his cane.
In the midst of the chaos, a monster charges towards her, but she swiftly neutralizes it with her physical art, the -Velocity Barrage-, delivering a rapid flurry of punches at incredible speed. As she gazes upward, her attention is drawn to the dark silhouette atop the rooftop. A surge of dark magic emanates from the figure, and she recognizes Derek, the one she had sought to confront. However, to her surprise, a dual-wielding man with two blades engages Derek in a lightning-fast duel, overpowering him with skillful and swift attacks.
In that moment, she assumes that the dual-wielding swordsman must have been the one who saved her back in the academy hallways with his accidental lightning bolt. Her admiration for his prowess surges as she witnesses him bravely confront the dark and menacing adversary.
Abruptly, she snaps back to reality, her attention drawn to the chaotic scene unfolding in the cafeteria. The clamor of students fills the air, with a cacophony of voices, phones buzzing, and footsteps echoing throughout the room. Glancing down at the bowl of greenish soup sitting on her table, she picks up her spoon and takes a sip, quickly finishing the entire bowl in one gulp. Grabbing the small plate of salad, she eats it with urgency, believing that the vegetables will enhance her agility and keep her in optimal shape for combat.
With an empty bowl and plate in front of her, she finds herself lost in thoughts about the man who saved her. She recalls how, after venturing outside, she witnessed the silhouette of a dual-wielding swordsman engaging Derek in a fierce battle. Though the darkness of the New Year's night made it difficult to see clearly, she connects the dots and realizes that the person who defeated Derek must be the same individual who inadvertently saved her with the accidental fireball.
"I wonder who was that man..." wonders the light toned pink haired female as she wiggles her tail
As the noisy chaos continues around her, she contemplates the mysterious swordsman, wondering about his identity and the extent of his power...