Alone, engulfed by my pain, with struggles gnawing at my mind. She tried to tear away the one thing that kept me human. In this world of abilities, I've been shaped by nothing but suffering at the hands of those wielding power—a twisted reflection of my life. All you humans have ever done is torture me, feed me pain, and now, when I finally find something worth cherishing, you try to take it from me. Why? Why must I suffer?
Michael wondered, I wondered, we wondered. Blood trickled from my ears, from my eyes. I was drenched in agony, clinging to the precious memories of my beloved. These memories—these pieces of her—are everything. While every human might deserve their end, my beloved is innocent. And though I want to die, I can't leave her here in this world with its dangers. I don't need to be by her side every moment. Just knowing she's safe, that's enough. Her voice… her voice is my sanctuary, my solace. Every time I see her, every glance, her presence illuminates this hollow shell, filling it with light, with hope, with love. That's why, despite the arrows' torment, I rise. I will walk, I will crawl, I will find you, my love. I'll bear the weight of this world's pain as long as I can hear your voice.
Michael rose, one agonizing step after another, and began to walk. Each step turned into a leap, and soon, we were leaping together. Finally, I, Michael, moved under the blazing sun. The pain remained, but I pushed on, enduring it all for my "little girl." I'm coming for you, and I will find you, always.
With a deep breath, Michael tensed his muscles, feeling his resolve harden. He broke into a run, his speed blurring the dry ground beneath him. The sun's heat pounded on him, but he didn't slow down. His only tether to humanity was her, and that was enough to drive him forward. He pushed harder, reaching speeds over 60 mph, his mind blazing with pain and purpose.
As he ran, his thoughts drifted to Emox. It was never easy to access this college, and it was clear the school didn't want students meeting easily. In these vast, isolated grounds, students were expected to battle beasts, and only the strongest would make it out. Still, as Michael ran, a troubling question lingered—Nome was still out there, ready to tear him apart. In his current state, with her dark powers against him, his odds looked bleak. He knew he had to grow stronger, wiser. And the thought gnawed at him: how was she still alive?
His thoughts were shattered by a dust cloud hurtling toward him.
"Help me!" a girl's desperate voice pierced the air.