Coming up from the Abyssal Rift felt like breaking the surface after drowning. The heavy air lifted, and it was replaced by the clean stillness of the fringes of the Rift. And though the horizon stretched vast with bare fields, it weighed heavily on Riku's shoulders.
He stumbled slightly as his feet hit solid ground, heavy with exhaustion in his limbs, but he also felt something strange-an inside lightness, a paradox that left him both drained and alive.
Erynn's staff dimmed with the fade of celestial light, and her magic settled into a soft pulse. Kael moves ahead, his hand lying on the hilt of his sword. Meanwhile, a kitten on Riku's shoulder nuzzled at his cheek, purring softly as if to congratulate him.
"So," Riku said, catching his breath, "is that it?"
Kael stops, looking back at Riku with his unreadable expression. "You lived. That's all that the Rift promises.
"Gee, thanks," Riku muttered, brushing dust from his shirt.
Erynn sighed and turned to Riku with a reassuring smile. "What Kael means is, you've passed the Rift's trial. But there's still much to learn. The Shadow Star's power is vast, and you've only just scratched the surface."
Riku looked down at the mark on his chest, which now glowed faintly steady. It hummed quietly, not like the burning pain he had felt before.
"Yeah," he said slowly, exhaling. "I get it. Baby steps."
The journey back to the sanctuary was quieter than Riku had expected. Exhaustion and reflection left him and his companions lost in their thoughts.
The forest they crossed seemed different from before; its vibrant greens were muted as if the influence of the Rift had seeped into the land. Birds no longer sang in the trees, and the gentle rustle of leaves felt eerie rather than calming.
Riku followed the group, his eyes scanning back and forth over the people around him. Kael, as ever, was out in front, leading the way with long, purposeful strides. His tall, lean figure seemed to move with the confidence that made Riku wonder how many battles he'd survived. Erynn walked beside Kael, her staff glowing faintly, a steady presence amidst the gloom.
Riku was still trying to digest everything. The whispers of the Shadow Star had not returned since he shattered its essence in the Rift, but their echoes persisted in his mind.
When they made camp for the night, Kael disappeared into the trees, no doubt to keep watch. Erynn busied herself setting up protective wards around the campsite, her hands glowing with soft light as she traced runes in the air.
Riku sat by the fire, the kitten curled up in his lap. The flames danced in his eyes as he stared at them, lost in thought.
Erynn finished her work and sat down beside him, cross-legged across the fire. "You're quiet tonight," she said, tilting her head.
Riku shrugged. "Just. thinking. About everything. The Rift, the Shadow Star, what comes next."
"You're not alone in this, you know," Erynn said softly. "Kael and I are here to help."
Riku smirked. "Kael doesn't seem like the 'helpful' type. He's more like a celestial watchdog.
Erynn smiled softly. "Blunt, yes. He has an idea of what happens to those who misuse the type of power you're referring to. He's not rash because he knows what he stands to lose."
"Yeah, I get it," Riku said, prodding the fire with a stick. "Still doesn't make it easier.
Nothing about this is easy," Erynn said, "but you've already proven you can face the darkness without letting it consume you. That's a rare thing, Riku."
Riku stared at her, startled by the certainty in her voice. "You really think I have what it takes?"
She nodded sharply. "I know you do."
For the first time in some time, a glimmer of hope had come for Riku.
Later that night, Riku approached Kael, who stood on a rocky outcrop overlooking the forest. The moonlight highlighted the sharp lines of Kael's face, making him seem even more intimidating than usual.
"You're not much for small talk, huh?" Riku said, leaning against a nearby tree.
Kael didn't look at him. "Small talk serves no purpose."
"Figures," Riku muttered. "So, what's your deal? Why are you really here? You don't strike me as the 'team player' type."
Kael looked at him, his violet eyes sharp. "The Celestial Order entrusted me with ensuring the Shadow Star never threatens this world again. That means keeping you in check."
Riku rolled his eyes. "Right, because I'm such a huge threat."
"You are," Kael said bluntly. "That power isn't a gift—it's a weapon. And if you lose control, it will destroy everything you care about."
Riku's jaw clenched. "You think I don't know that?"
Kael's gaze softened, just a little. "You're stronger than I thought. But strength means nothing if you don't know how to use it."
Riku folded his arms over his chest. "So what? You're just going to babysit me forever?"
Kael smirked faintly. "Prove to me you can control it, and I won't have to."
By the time they arrived at the sanctuary, the tension between Riku and Kael had dissipated somewhat, but it was far from gone.
Lumis met them at the entrance. His glowing form emitted a soft warmth.
"You have returned," Lumis said, relief evident in his voice. "And I feel that the Rift has marked you.
Riku nodded, stepping forward. "Yeah. I think I understand it better now. The Shadow Star isn't just some curse-it's a part of me. If I'm going to use its power, I need to accept that."
Lumis smiled faintly. "A hard-earned lesson. But your journey is far from over. The Shadow Star's power is vast, and you've only begun to scratch the surface of its potential.
Erynn turned to Lumis, furrowing her brow. "What's next? That he has proven himself here in the Rift isn't enough?"
Lumis shook his head, serious in his demeanor. "Beyond the sanctuary, things shift. The forces behind Shadow Star haven't rested since its creation. Their power gains strength, and soon they'll come for you."
Riku groaned. "Got a target on my back, huh? Awesome.
"Not just yours," Lumis said. "The Shadow Star's power is a beacon. Those who seek to destroy or control it will stop at nothing to find you. You must be prepared."
That night, Riku stood on a balcony overlooking the sanctuary. The stars above were brighter than he'd ever seen, their light piercing through the lingering haze of his doubts.
The kitten sat on the railing beside him, its tail swishing lazily.
"You have it easy," Riku said, scratching its ears. "No trials, no celestial warriors breathing down your neck. Just naps and snacks."
The kitten meowed softly, as if in agreement.
Riku leaned against the railing, his gaze distant. The weight of everything—the Rift, the Shadow Star, Kael's warnings—pressed down on him.
But then, he recalled the light that was in the Rift. A golden warmth pushing away darkness, reminding him of whom he was.
He gritted his fists together while the mark on his chest glowed softly.
And he said, his breath low, "Bring it on," to the starry night sky.