Scene: Tower Beyond the Cloud
INT. CLOUD TOWER GUILD HALL – DAY/NIGHT
The students stood at the edge of the sprawling cloud banks, gazing up at the colossal structure before them. Cloud Tower loomed high above, an imposing fortress stretching endlessly into the starless sky, its shadow casting a deep gloom over the landscape. The structure seemed alive, as if it pulsed with a dark energy, each stone exuding an ancient, mystical aura.
Massive, twisted spires spiraled upwards in chaotic elegance, piercing through the low-hanging mist that surrounded the tower. The uppermost towers seemed to float, held aloft by unseen forces, connected by precarious, arching bridges that defied logic. Faint glows emanated from arcane symbols etched into the stone, casting an eerie violet light that danced across the walls and illuminated strange carvings of mythical creatures and dark spells.
The main hall's entrance was a cavernous maw, framed by wrought-iron torches whose blue flames flickered unnaturally, casting long shadows that writhed like living things. The air here was thick with power, a palpable, dark energy that made the students' skin prickle and their senses sharpen. It was as if the tower itself held secrets, watching, waiting for anyone who dared enter.
The class widened their eyes, taking in the dark magnificence of the tower.
Hugo (whispering, awe-struck) "Wow... this place..."
Shizuka (eyes wide) "It's like the castle of a dark lord."
Fenix (grinning, voice laced with excitement) "Truly a dark castle."
They approached, feeling both fear and exhilaration. Everything about Cloud Tower seemed designed to intimidate—and empower. The mist that clung to the ground seemed to respond to their movements, parting just enough to reveal ancient stone pathways lined with cracked statues of long-forgotten figures.
Griffin Discordia (smiling darkly as she steps forward) "Welcome, students, to Cloud Tower."
Her voice echoed off the stone walls, reverberating in the misty air. The tower's walls absorbed the sound, giving it an almost muffled quality, as though even the building itself fed on dark magic.
Severin (glancing around, disoriented) "Good morning... or night?"
Griffin (grinning) "Cloud Tower is covered by a bounded field that aids those with a dark attribute. That's why there is no 'morning' here. Only eternal twilight."
Severin "Ah... I see."
Shizuka (slightly unnerved, voice low) "So... this is what a real dark lord's castle would look like."
The interior hall was a vast, open space, with towering pillars wrapped in twisting, thorn-like vines. Strange purple and crimson lights floated overhead, bathing the students in an unearthly glow that seemed to sap away warmth while igniting their senses. Whispered chants could be heard faintly, as if hidden voices echoed through the walls themselves.
Fenix (admiringly) "It is elegant, though... I do feel stronger here."
Hugo (nodding, looking around in wonder) "Yeah, so this is what Severin and others feel when they got buffed in the Knights of Orleans."
Above them, a spiral staircase wrapped around the central pillar, ascending beyond sight. The students could see shadowy figures moving up the steps, vanishing into the dark, secretive corridors. From every direction, Cloud Tower exuded an air of mystery and danger, as if testing their courage to proceed further. This was no ordinary place of learning—it was a realm of forbidden knowledge and unspeakable power, a stronghold where only the most daring would survive.
The students shared a glance, feeling both excitement and trepidation, knowing that from this moment forward, they had crossed into a world unlike any other.
Scene: Ideas of Darkness
INT. CLOUD TOWER GUILD HALL – DAY/NIGHT
The students gathered in the grand, shadowy hall of Cloud Tower. The walls rose high above them, disappearing into the dimness, and strange, dark banners with intricate symbols hung from the ceiling, rustling softly in an unseen breeze. The dim violet and crimson lights cast a warm but eerie glow, adding to the mystique of the place. It was a hall both intimidating and beautiful, a place that demanded respect.
At the front of the hall stood Griffin Discordia, an old woman with a regal bearing. Her silver purple hair was pulled back in a loose knot, and her dark robes seemed to blend with the shadows that enveloped the hall. She raised her voice, the tones rich and low, filled with wisdom and experience.
Griffin "Cloud Tower was founded in the shadow of human history. In magic, there is a fundamental concept—the dual nature of consciousness and subconsciousness. Consciousness is what most people rely upon—their thoughts, their ideas, the waking self that controls their actions. But the subconscious... that is a shadow, a hidden place within each of us. Some call it the 'dark side,' the suppressed desires, fears, and emotions that people rarely show, except in the dark or among their closest confidants."
Her eyes gleamed with a subtle fire, as though she had spent years exploring those very depths herself.
Griffin "Cloud Tower's philosophy is to embrace this darkness instead of hiding it. We see those who have been abandoned, lost in their own shadows, not as monsters, but as people who need help. The world of light may preach goodness, but it often shuns those who dwell in the dark. We are here because we believe that only by understanding the darkness can we truly help those lost within it."
A silence followed her words, heavy with the depth of her message.
Hugo (surprised, with a hint of admiration) "That... is actually noble."
The other students murmured in agreement, nodding thoughtfully. Griffin's words were sinking in, challenging their previous beliefs about magic, light, and darkness.
Fenix (grinning, almost reluctant to admit it) "Yeah... not really my clan's vampiric philosophy, but it is noble."
Shizuka (raising an eyebrow, smirking at Fenix) "Really? You admit that?"
Fenix (shrugs, a hint of respect in his voice) "All philosophical ideas tend to have noble goals. Even if I disagree with many, I have to admit, they are noble."
Griffin allowed a slight smile to tug at the corners of her mouth, pleased by their reactions.
Griffin "That is the first step—to understand, to question. And perhaps one day, each of you will come to your own understanding of light and dark. Here, in Cloud Tower, we will teach you not just to wield magic, but to face the hidden parts of yourselves and others. You will learn that darkness, too, has its purpose."
Her voice resonated through the hall, instilling a profound silence as her words hung in the air like the mist surrounding the tower.
The students stood quietly, processing the gravity of her message. They were no longer just entering a guild; they were crossing a threshold into a world that embraced the complexities of human nature—both light and shadow.
Scene: Darkness of History
INT. CLOUD TOWER – LECTURE HALL
The students followed Griffin down a winding corridor, dimly lit by soft, flickering lights along the walls. Shadows seemed to shift and dance around them, and every step they took resonated with a faint echo. As they entered the large round hall, their eyes widened at the sight.
The hall was vast, with seats arranged in a wide circle around a central, slightly elevated platform. Around the perimeter of the hall stood figures cloaked in dark robes—wizards and hunters of Cloud Tower. Each of them wore a deep hood, obscuring their faces, but the flicker of sharp eyes and the quiet hum of power radiated from them. They stood silently, observing the newcomers with a mixture of curiosity and quiet intensity.
Griffin gestured for the students to find their seats. As they shuffled into place, the Cloud Tower hunters watched, still and composed, like statues guarding secrets hidden in the shadows.
Griffin (calm, yet authoritative) "Take your seats, students. This is a place of learning, but it is also a place where you may encounter things you do not fully understand. I encourage you to ask questions, for that is the only way to dispel ignorance and grow."
Once they were settled, Griffin stepped into the center of the hall, her dark robes flowing around her as if drawn by an unseen wind. Her voice carried clearly, resonating through the space, holding everyone's attention.
Griffin "Today, we begin with the fundamentals of magic—a foundation that is essential for any who wish to understand the darkness that we, the hunters of Cloud Tower, embrace. While magic itself is not necessary for a hunter, the knowledge of it, especially of alchemy, is essential."
Her gaze shifted to the students, observing their reactions as she continued.
Griffin "Alchemy, at its core, is about transformation. The world of magic, too, transforms what is hidden within into something tangible. But unlike the light that seeks only to expose, the darkness allows us to explore those parts of ourselves and others that are often buried. It allows us to navigate the depths, to understand what lies in the shadows of our own minds."
The hall was silent, save for her voice, and the students were enraptured, their eyes locked on her as she spoke.
Griffin "Hunters of Cloud Tower do not need to wield spells in battle, but they must understand the forces behind them. Darkness is more than a weapon—it is an ally, a guide, a force that, when understood, can be harnessed to help those who have fallen into it."
Her words were enigmatic, and a few students shifted in their seats, processing this strange perspective. Some were intrigued, others unsettled.
Griffin "Now, I invite you to seek out any of the hunters here if you need assistance. They are well-versed in these teachings and can guide you along this journey. For today, however, I will be your guide."
A faint, appreciative murmur passed through the hunters standing along the hall's edge. Griffin's authority and experience radiated through her every word, and the hunters' silent respect for her was evident.
She extended her hands, and the lights in the hall dimmed further. The shadows seemed to grow denser, yet somehow clearer, as if the darkness itself responded to her call.
Griffin "Let us begin. We start with the essence of darkness within magic. Darkness is not evil, nor is it inherently destructive. It is a mirror—a reflection of what we hide, of our fears and desires. When you confront it, you confront the truest parts of yourself."
She looked around, her gaze intense.
Griffin "Today, we do not simply study magic. We study ourselves."
A solemn hush fell over the room. The students felt the weight of her words settle upon them, the realization dawning that this lecture would be unlike any they had ever experienced.
Griffin "In order to transform one thing into another, you must understand the true essence of both. What you wish to change, and what you wish it to become."
She turned suddenly, her sharp gaze landing on Shizuka, catching her off guard.
Griffin "Shizuka Maidono."
Shizuka (startled) "Uhh... yes, Mrs. Griffin?"
Griffin "I watched your battle against Eric Liu during the branches' match. You showed remarkable skill."
Shizuka (surprised, a bit proud) "Uhh... thank you, Mrs."
Griffin "Your power allows you to control water, yes? Tell me—what is this 'water' you manipulate? And what, precisely, do you transform into water?"
Shizuka (caught off guard) "Uhh... I... Well, water is water, right? I use my mana to create it and control its properties, like moving it, freezing it, or turning it to steam and fog."
Griffin gave her a knowing grin, leaning in slightly.
Griffin "Yes, but what is water to you?"
Shizuka blinked, caught by the depth of the question. She hesitated, then closed her eyes, searching for an answer. After a moment, she spoke quietly, as if discovering something within herself.
Shizuka "Water is… it's the flow… the warmth and the cool…"
She opened her eyes, a soft determination in them.
Shizuka "Water is life. It holds pieces of me in its movement, its calm, and its strength."
Griffin nodded, clearly pleased by Shizuka's answer.
Griffin (smiling, with a glint of approval) "An emotion-based answer… Not bad."
With a small wave of her hand, Griffin created a glowing magic circle in the air. Water began to flow from it like a faucet, pouring into a nearby cup and filling it to the brim. She held the cup up for Shizuka and the class to see.
Griffin "Now, Shizuka, I, too, have created water. Tell me—is this water similar to yours?"
Shizuka (uncertain) "Uh… I don't think so…?"
Griffin "And why is that?"
Shizuka "Because… because the water I create is a part of my soul, infused with my mana. And yours… is part of your mana."
Griffin's grin widened.
Griffin "Exactly. Similar in form and purpose, yet different in origin and essence. Water created from my magic, and water born from your power. They're alike, yet they each carry something unique—a reflection of their source."
She cast her gaze over the class, who were all watching with wide eyes, captivated by the depth of her lecture.
Griffin "The study of magic, of alchemy, teaches us to seek the core, the very essence of things. The soul, the root. Unlike science, which concerns itself solely with the physical properties of matter, alchemy reaches deeper—to the spirit and essence behind what we create."
She let her words sink in, her eyes sweeping across the room as she observed their reactions.
Griffin "Understand this: in darkness and in magic, knowing the soul of what you wield is everything. For we are not bound by the light's rules. We explore, embrace, and transform what others fear to confront. And through that, we gain mastery—not over others, but over ourselves."
The dim light flickers across the round hall as Griffin continues her lecture, her voice echoing softly yet powerfully. The students sit, captivated, as she speaks of darkness, perspective, and the boundaries of what society calls "right" and "wrong."
Severin (raising his hand) "Mrs. Griffin, if darkness is something waiting to be uncovered… then why are there so many organizations—like the church or the Knights of Orleans—who try to abandon or erase it?"
Griffin's face breaks into a knowing grin.
Griffin "Yes… because it is not 'right' to them."
Severin (furrowing his brow) "Excuse me?"
Griffin's eyes narrow slightly, a gleam of both challenge and encouragement in her gaze.
Griffin "Your name is Severin Ashford. Power: energy beam. Class representative, with a strong sense of responsibility for your peers. I heard you stood guard at the Graves Museum, fighting Arachne, a demon of Beelzebub, to protect others. Is that correct?"
Severin (slightly nervous, but proud) "Yes, Mrs."
Griffin "Good. Then tell me, with all your experience as a leader and protector… what is 'right'? And what is 'wrong'?"
Severin (caught off guard) "Uh… excuse me?"
Griffin's grin widens, almost mischievous.
Griffin "Is killing wrong?"
Severin (firmly) "Yes, killing is wrong."
Griffin "Good answer… but then why does the government execute criminals?"
Severin (startled, searching for an answer) "Uh… because… they're bad people who've done bad things?"
Griffin's smile turns sharper, her eyes probing.
Griffin "Yes. But if killing is wrong, then why is taking their lives considered 'just'? Why do we accept that punishment?"
Severin (struggling) "I… I'm not sure…"
Griffin (grinning) "'Right' and 'wrong' are but matters of perspective, Severin. Perspectives that shift as society grows and changes. Many are taught to associate 'right' with light, and 'wrong' with darkness… but it has never truly been that simple."
The class murmurs, the atmosphere charged with the weight of her words.
Hugo (whispering to Fenix) "Wow… that… that's really deep."
Fenix (nodding) "Yeah. Mrs. Griffin's lectures are famous for a reason. That's why so many vampires are drawn to her guild. The Dark Guild of vampires and dark mages… they're not 'evil,' just… different."
Griffin turns back to Severin, her gaze intense.
Griffin "You've visited the Knights of Orleans, correct? Tell me, class rep—what have you learned from them?"
Severin (surprised, struggling to answer) "Uh… they were founded by Pierre d'Arc, the younger brother of the Saintess of Orleans… they value bravery, knighthood, and protecting others."
Griffin (nodding) "Yes. And did you know that among the Saintess's closest supporters was a man named Gilles de Rais? He fought by her side… and yet he committed atrocities, sacrificing children for dark magic, all to support her cause."
The entire class gasps in shock, murmuring as they process this revelation.
Griffin (smiling darkly) "I assure you, I speak the truth. A student in your class, Fenix Tepes, you can confirm with your sire, Vlad Tepes—he knows these histories well. And for the rest of you… feel free to research. Look beyond the light that history casts on heroes."
The whispers among the students grow louder, a ripple of surprise and unease filling the room.
Griffin "Behind every banner of glory, there are those who fall by the wayside. Behind every victory, a shadow of bloodshed. Here at Cloud Tower, I teach my hunters to acknowledge that darkness. To study it, understand it… so that perhaps, no more blood need be shed under the guise of 'glory' and 'light.'"
A heavy silence falls, each student caught in thought, some nodding slowly, others casting uncertain glances around the hall. Griffin's words resonate, challenging them to see the world—and themselves—beyond simple ideas of right and wrong.
Scene: Knowledge is Power
INT. CLOUD TOWER – DARK LIBRARY
The students step into the vast library of Cloud Tower, their footsteps echoing softly across the marble floor. The room is dimly lit by eerie, green-glowing lanterns that hover in mid-air, casting long shadows across towering bookshelves lined with ancient, leather-bound tomes and strange artifacts encased in glass. The shelves stretch up high into the darkness, seemingly endless, with ladders attached to allow access to the higher levels. Faint whispers seem to drift through the room, as if the books themselves are murmuring secrets of the past.
Griffin (turning to the students, a glint of pride in her eyes) "Now, just like the Knights of Orleans before you, it's time for a glimpse of Cloud Tower's prized possessions. Here lies our guild's wealth: a collection of knowledge accumulated through centuries, lost tomes rediscovered, ancient grimoires rescued from ruins, and foreign magical texts retrieved from distant dungeons. Feast your eyes."
The class murmurs in awe, some whispering excitedly while others, like Ryuto, sigh in visible disappointment at the sight of so many books.
Griffin (noticing their reactions, with a small smile) "Now, now, don't look so disappointed. In Cloud Tower, we value knowledge above all. These grimoires are more than just books; they hold the secrets of magic itself, the techniques and wisdom that can make you masters of your power."
Hugo (whispering to himself, entranced) "Master… power…"
Griffin (gesturing to the shelves) "Feel free to explore. Some of you may find exactly what you need among these texts. Take your time; you have until your departure to acquaint yourselves with this knowledge."
The students begin to disperse, each drawn to different corners of the library.
Hugo's Story
Hugo wanders down a dim aisle, his eyes scanning each spine until one title catches his attention: The Legend of the One-Eyed Demon. He pulls it from the shelf, feeling a jolt of recognition. This was the story his mother used to read to him when he was young—a haunting fairy tale about a demon with a dark flame that consumes everything he loves.
He opens the book and reads aloud in a soft whisper, "'The One-Eyed Demon, cursed with a flame born from the pits of despair, wanders eternally. His touch brings ruin to all he holds dear. This is his fate, bound to darkness.'" His heart sinks, a familiar ache in his chest. As a child, he'd been terrified of this story, fearing that he was somehow connected to it. Now, seeing it in the flesh, he wonders if there's truth to the legend—if his own dark flame, his hellblaze, might lead him down a similar path.
Shizuka and Fenix approach, sensing the heaviness in his demeanor.
Shizuka (concerned) "Are you alright, Hugo?"
Hugo (quietly) "This story… I thought it was just a bedtime tale, but here it is. In an old, dusty book. It's like my flame—like it was… destined to destroy."
Fenix (grinning, nudging Hugo with a lighthearted chuckle) "Hey now, no need for melodrama, your highness. Your liege, Fenix the Immortal, is here. I've been around a while, and believe me, your flame can't do more than singe my cloak."
The humor in Fenix's voice lightens Hugo's mood, and he manages a small smile. He closes the book, taking a moment to absorb the ominous story and deciding that, perhaps, his future doesn't have to follow this dark path.
Severin, Alyssa, and Reina's Discovery
Severin, Alyssa, and Reina browse a section filled with tomes on history, magic, and the legacies of old guilds and knights. Severin's hand hovers over a thick, leather-bound book titled The Truth of the Knights of Orleans. His curiosity piqued, he opens it to a chapter detailing the life of Gilles de Rais.
As they read, their expressions shift from intrigue to shock.
Alyssa (whispering, eyes wide) "Gilles de Rais… the same man who fought alongside the Saintess, burned children to fund his magic? This is… horrifying."
Severin (uneasy) "I thought he was a hero…"
The book describes Gilles as a man once celebrated for his bravery but who, consumed by his own thirst for power, fell into darkness. The Saintess, too, is portrayed not as the pure, unblemished icon they'd been taught about, but as a human who made alliances with flawed men, whose victories were shadowed by bloodshed and sacrifice.
Reina (angry, flipping pages) "And the Church… They executed anyone they suspected of 'witchcraft.' Tens of thousands of people, mostly poor women with no one to defend them. They justified it by saying they were protecting people from darkness."
Severin (voice trembling) "But… if they demonized so many innocent people, then what makes them any different from those they condemned?"
The realization settles heavily on them, shifting their view of the Church and the ideals they'd been raised to uphold. Severin, in particular, feels a pang of disillusionment; the very institutions he'd admired now seem tarnished.
Kenjiro and Ryuto's Practical Findings
Kenjiro and Ryuto, initially uninterested in what they assumed would be a stuffy collection of old books, find themselves drawn to a section dedicated to magical enhancement and control.
Ryuto pulls down a book titled Harnessing the Speed Force. Inside, it details the principles of speed manipulation, the importance of understanding wind resistance, balance, and control. There's even a chapter dedicated to exercises for refining his technique.
Ryuto (fascinated, muttering to himself) "So… if I adjust my stance and synchronize my breathing, I can conserve energy and move faster without tiring. I didn't think there was… a science to this."
Kenjiro, meanwhile, finds a book called Mastering Micro-Enhancements. It outlines methods for amplifying small, precise spells, perfect for improving the control of his fireballs. As he reads, he realizes there are techniques he's never considered—ways to channel his mana more efficiently, making each fireball more intense without losing stability.
Kenjiro (intrigued) "So I don't need to make my flames bigger… I just need to focus on purity and precision. Huh. Maybe I don't need to go all-out every time."
They exchange a glance, each quietly surprised at how much they'd underestimated the library. For the first time, they begin to see their powers not just as abilities but as skills that can be studied, honed, and refined.
Griffin's Observation
From across the room, Griffin watches the students, a pleased smile playing on her lips. She raises her voice, addressing them all.
Griffin "Remember, children… Knowledge is power. No matter how strong you think you are, understanding the nature of your abilities—where they come from, and what they mean—will always make you stronger. Books hold more than words; they hold the experiences, the failures, and the triumphs of those who came before you. Learn from them."
Her words resonate in the quiet library as each student continues to read, some with furrowed brows, others with newfound fascination. The air is thick with curiosity, and the weight of the knowledge within these ancient pages feels almost tangible. Each student, whether they had come in expecting to find answers or not, leaves with new insights and a sense of reverence for the darkness they're beginning to understand.
Scene: Sakae's Aftermath
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH CLASSROOM – MORNING
The students have returned to school, brimming with the excitement and wonder of their trip to Cloud Tower. Their homeroom teacher, professor aster, stands at the front, shuffling through his notes. Grigor raises his hand with a question that has been on everyone's minds.
Grigor "Professor Aster, are the second-years done with their mid-terms?"
Professor Aster "Yes, they finished earlier this week."
The class murmurs, as many are disappointed not seeing their stronger students fighting their teachers. Elena Vark, an inquisitive student, leans forward, her eyes shining with curiosity.
Elena "So, how did King Yue manage to defeat a Public Superhero like John Carter? And what about Queen Ludociel? How did she defeat Professor Roderick?"
Professor Aster (sighs, shaking his head) "Unfortunately, I don't know the details. The day of their battles, I was busy dealing with the aftermath of Arachne's attack on the Graves Museum."
The mention of Arachne and the museum brings a hush over the students. Many of them still feel the weight of that event, as it was a direct assault against their own ranks. Some of the students exchange glances, recalling the chaotic scenes they had witnessed. Whispers ripple through the class.
Hugo (after a pause) "Professor… what about Sakae Gentoshi? I heard she was one of the examiners, too."
A sudden silence falls as Professor Aster's face grows solemn. He seems hesitant, but after a moment, he takes a deep breath and meets Hugo's gaze.
Professor Aster (somberly) "Yes… Sakae Gentoshi was indeed one of the examiners. But… due to a rather ruthless tactic deployed by Lysander—your brother, Hugo—she was… injured quite severely."
Hugo's eyes widen as a wave of shock crashes over him. He hadn't expected such news. The other students look at him with mixed expressions, some sympathetic, others curious, knowing that Lysander, Hugo's own brother, is notorious for his merciless approach. They also remember that Lysander was the one who defeated Queen Ludociel herself, further cementing his reputation.
Professor Aster (continues, voice heavy) "Sakae is in the hospital now. Full-body bandages. She's being closely monitored."
The class murmurs again, voices low, carrying a blend of respect, fear, and admiration for Lysander's power, tempered by the horror of his cold methods.
Hugo (voice barely above a whisper) "My brother… did that?"
Professor Aster regards Hugo carefully, understanding the weight of the revelation.
Professor Aster "Lysander is… a remarkable strategist, but his methods often come with a cost. Some call it necessary; others call it heartless. But in our world, strength and conviction sometimes cross into dangerous territory."
The class falls into an uneasy silence, each student processing what they've learned.
Scene: Finding Solace in Exile
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – LATE AFTERNOON
The room is quiet, almost serene, with sunlight filtering through the blinds in soft, golden streams. Sakae lies in bed, the bruises and cuts from her recent ordeal slowly healing, but her spirit still unbowed. She stares out the window, lost in thought, until the door creaks open.
Hugo steps in, alone. He's holding a small bouquet of wildflowers, their colors a stark contrast to the sterile white of the hospital room. Sakae's gaze shifts to him, and a faint smile crosses her face.
Sakae (softly) "Hey, Hugo."
Hugo returns the smile, though there's a heaviness in his eyes. He takes a hesitant step toward her, as if afraid to disturb the fragile peace in the room.
Hugo (quietly) "Hi, Sakae. I… I brought you these." (he holds out the flowers) "Thought they might brighten things up a bit."
Sakae reaches out, her hand brushing his as she takes the flowers. There's a moment of stillness as their hands touch—just long enough for both of them to feel a flicker of warmth in the silence.
Sakae (sincerely) "They're beautiful, Hugo. Thank you."
Hugo watches her as she places the flowers on her bedside table. He seems to struggle with something, his eyes shifting from the flowers to her, as if searching for the right words.
Hugo (after a pause) "Sakae, I… I wanted to say I'm sorry. For everything. I have heard of what my brother did… I…" (he trails off, his voice thick with emotion) "I don't know how to make any of it right."
Sakae looks at him, her expression softening. She understands the pain he's carrying because she feels it too. Rejection, exile—these are wounds that cut deep, and she knows they don't heal easily.
Sakae (gently) "Hugo, you don't have to apologize. It wasn't your fault. None of this was. We were just… born different. And for people like us, that was enough to be cast aside."
There's a rawness in her voice, a vulnerability she rarely lets show. For a moment, she lets her guard down, allowing him to see the hurt she's carried for so long. Hugo feels his own heart ache in response, recognizing his own pain mirrored in her eyes.
Hugo (softly) "It's just… it feels like no matter what I do, I'll never be enough. Not for them." (he pauses, his voice breaking) "And I hate that it still hurts."
Sakae reaches out, her hand resting over his. Her touch is gentle, grounding him in the moment. There's a warmth in her gaze, an understanding that goes beyond words. For the first time, he doesn't feel judged or misunderstood—he feels seen.
Sakae (whispering) "I know, Hugo. I know exactly how that feels. But we still have to continue… to live… Thank you, for understanding"
Hugo's throat tightens as he listens. There's something intensely comforting in her words, a balm for the loneliness that's haunted him for so long. He realizes he's found something he's been searching for without even knowing it—a place where he belongs.
Hugo (barely above a whisper) "Maybe… maybe that's enough. To just have someone who understands. Someone who sees you, without judgment."
A tear slips down Sakae's cheek as she nods, feeling the weight of her own isolation easing just a little. In Hugo's presence, she feels the walls she's built around herself start to crumble. She reaches out, taking his hand in hers, their fingers intertwining.
Sakae (with a fragile smile) "Yeah… We don't need that ruthless family to declare their divine judgement upon us. We can be ourselves, even when we are called demons."
Hugo's breath catches as he hears her words, a surge of emotion washing over him. For the first time, he feels like he's found someone who truly understands him, someone who shares his pain and accepts him exactly as he is. He squeezes her hand, his voice filled with quiet resolve.
Hugo "Yeah… Thank you… Sakae."
They sit in silence, a sense of peace settling between them. In the quiet of the hospital room, they find solace in each other's company, two exiles who have finally found a place to belong—in each other.