[Asher's Perspective]
I jolted awake in the barracks, alarms blaring. Runners around me stirred, gearing up for the impending Run. The familiar sounds of utility belts and backpack zippers were ominous in my mind.
While Sanguine slept, we, the Runners, prepared for action during daylight hours. The desire to still be in bed lingered.
I sighed, glancing at the ceiling. Celeste materialized, her face filled with concern.
"You've got this, Ash. I believe in you."
A faint smile crossed my face. "I'll survive."
Getting ready, I pushed aside the fear. Walking to the Portal Room, I bumped into Paige and Fierce in the hallway.
"Ready?" Fierce's gaze was determined. I nodded confidently, and Paige grabbed my hand.
"All that training's gonna pay off, you guys," she said.
"Damn straight," I grinned as we entered the Portal Room. The massive structure fascinated me, energy rippling around it. Other Runners shared in the captivation.
"Technology is amazing," Fierce remarked.
"Yeah. And terrifying," Paige added.
A chuckle escaped me, my hand resting on my Extractor. "We'll do fine. Stay sharp, watch out for the Cursed Spirits."
"No need to tell me twice," Paige said, her expression disturbed.
"Yeah, they're tough," I agreed.
Fierce grinned. "We'll beat them. We've trained like hell."
"I'm glad you have that confidence, Fierce." Paige looked on the verge of tears.
"It's about not caring if you die," Fierce said casually. "Only weak warriors fear getting injured."
"Touché," I replied.
"Portal Opening in T-Minus 10 seconds..."
"Oh, shit!" Paige yelped.
"READY!" Vazeel's voice boomed.
"5... 4... 3..."
"2..."
"1..."
ZUUUU
"Portal Opened."
Vazeel commanded, "Run! When you cross, use your wings to fly to The Scorpion!"
I dashed through the portal, the dark rift passing through my form as I emerged on the other side. The familiar sounds of teeth gnashing and screams filled my ears. Paige and Fierce stood beside me, and our eyes locked. Conjuring our shadow wings in unison, we shot towards the colossal body of The Scorpion.
Landing swiftly on its hand, I maneuvered my wings to stab my Extractor upon landing. A grin spread across my face as I pressed the button, watching the blood flow. Hundreds of Ascended Vampires followed suit, faring much better than the last Run thanks to our newfound flying abilities. I gazed into the distance, witnessing the Necessaries dwindling in numbers, pursued by the slaughtering Ghouls.
Turning my attention up The Scorpion's body, I saw more Runners landing and piercing their Extractors into its massive form. Checking my Extractor, I sighed in relief as the gauge read 'FULL.' This Run proved much easier than the last.
Paige and Fierce joined me, anchoring themselves with their swords in The Scorpion's flesh.
"We did it!" Paige exclaimed, holding up her vessel.
Fierce grinned. "How's it going there, Ash?"
I nodded confidently. "We're golden!"
"Woooh!" Paige cheered. "See? I told you guys that training would pay off!"
In an instant, she vanished. A Black Reaper swooped in, snatching Paige in its jaws. I watched in horror as it chewed her body to pieces, blood and remains dripping from its jaws as it circled around for seconds.
"PAIGE!" Fierce shouted.
"NO!" I screamed, my heart sinking. Tears stung my eyes, and anger overwhelmed me.
"RAGH!" I yelled, leaping down from The Scorpion's hand to confront The Black Reaper in the sky. Sending a shadow tendril forth, I impaled it through the heart and tossed it off into the distance.
"A stupid Monster got her!?" I seethed, clenching my fists.
The weight of sorrow pressed on me. Again, someone I loved had been taken cruelly.
"Why..." I simmered, gritting my teeth as I surveyed the desolate Underworld. "Again..."
My shadow wings vanished, and I freefell down to the surface of Achiron, giving myself way to the despair I felt in my heart.