Chapter 18: The Name of Shadows
The forest was eerily calm in the wake of the confrontation. The unnatural stillness pressed down on the human, every breath feeling heavier than the last. They leaned against a tree, blade in hand, and stared at Umbra, frustration bubbling to the surface.
"That's it," they said, their voice sharp. "I'm done walking in circles. If I can't get answers from whatever that was, then you're going to tell me what's going on."
Umbra's golden eyes flickered as it turned to face them, its shadowy form shifting slightly.
The human stepped closer, pointing their blade at the ground between them. "You keep dragging me into these fights, but I don't even know why. That thing called you a 'broken fragment.' What does that mean? Why are you tied to me? What is this thread?"
Umbra growled softly, its gaze unwavering. It stepped forward, the golden thread between them glowing faintly as if responding to their heightened emotions.
"Don't give me that look," the human snapped. "I deserve answers. I've fought for you, bled for you. I—" They stopped, running a hand through their hair. "I'm still here. And I'm not giving up on you. But you have to meet me halfway, Umbra. You have to trust me."
Umbra's growl softened, and it lowered its head slightly, as if considering their words. Then, to the human's surprise, it sat down.
The human blinked. "What… are you doing?"
Umbra raised a clawed hand, gesturing toward the human. Its golden eyes locked onto theirs with an intensity that sent a shiver down their spine.
"You… want me to say something?" the human asked, confused.
Umbra nodded once.
They hesitated, staring at the creature before them. It had always been a silent, enigmatic presence—more force of nature than companion. But now, there was something almost vulnerable about the way it waited, as if offering a piece of itself.
The golden thread pulsed again, brighter this time.
The human crouched down to meet its gaze. "Alright," they said slowly. "You want me to name you? Is that it?"
Umbra's eyes narrowed slightly, but it didn't move.
The human sighed, their frustration giving way to a cautious curiosity. They studied the creature, taking in the sleek, rippling shadows that made up its body, the golden light that burned in its eyes, and the jagged edges of its claws.
"Umbra," they muttered. "It doesn't feel right anymore. You're… more than just a shadow. You're something fierce. Something powerful."
They thought back to the battles they had fought together, the way Umbra had shielded them, protected them without hesitation. Despite its mysterious nature, it had always stood by their side.
Their gaze softened. "You're a guardian, aren't you? A protector."
Umbra tilted its head slightly, the golden thread glowing steadily between them.
"Alright," the human said, a small smile forming on their lips. "How about Nyx? It's strong, like you. Shadows and night, but not just emptiness. Purpose. Power."
Umbra blinked, then let out a low rumble. The sound was deep and resonant, almost like a purr.
The golden thread between them pulsed brightly, a wave of warmth washing over the human.
"Nyx," they said again, testing the name. "Yeah, that fits."
Nyx rose to its feet, its golden eyes glowing with a renewed light. The shadows around it seemed to ripple more fluidly now, as if responding to its name.
The human stood as well, their grip on the blade tightening. "Alright, Nyx. No more running blind. No more hiding. We figure this out together, whatever it takes."
Nyx growled softly, stepping closer to stand beside them.
But before they could take another step, a faint whisper reached their ears.
"Nyx…"
The human froze, turning to look around. "Did you hear that?"
Nyx growled, its claws flexing as it scanned the shadows.
The whisper came again, faint but clear. "Nyx… come home."
The human's heart skipped a beat. "Home? What does that mean?"
Nyx's body tensed, and the golden thread between them flickered as if in response to the voice.
"Who's there?" the human shouted, their voice echoing through the forest.
But the whisper didn't respond. Instead, the forest began to change. The trees twisted and bent, their shadows growing longer and darker. The air grew cold, and the ground beneath their feet felt less solid, as though it might give way at any moment.
Nyx growled, stepping in front of the human protectively.
The whisper returned, louder this time. "Nyx… remember."
The human gritted their teeth, gripping their blade. "What is this? Some kind of trap?"
Nyx didn't answer. Its golden eyes were fixed on the shifting shadows ahead, its growl low and constant.
The human took a deep breath, steadying themselves. "If this is about you, Nyx, then we face it together. No more secrets. No more running."
Nyx turned its head slightly, its golden eyes meeting theirs. The thread between them pulsed again, its light steady and strong.
And then the shadows ahead began to part, revealing a path that hadn't been there before.
The whisper came one last time, soft but commanding.
"Follow."