Once they disembarked from the Chain Breaker, the crew stood on the plateau, their eyes scanning the horizon, ready for the next leg of their journey. That's when Kai's voice cut through the anticipation, laced with confusion.
"So, this is Godgrave? But where's the Lord of Shadows?"
Jet chimed in, leaning against Cassie, who appeared lost in thought. "Yeah, didn't he say he'd scoop us up from here and whisk us away to his Citadel?"
"What's on your mind, Cass?" Jet prodded.
"Just hold on a sec, Jet. He'll be here soon," Cassie replied, her gaze fixed on the sky.
Suddenly, a colossal shadow loomed above, resembling a dragon but with a sleeker silhouette.
"WHAT IS THAT?!" Kai yelled, instinctively reaching for his bow.
"STOP, KAI!" Cassie interrupted, freezing him in place as the shadow swelled larger and larger. But then, as if breaking free from a cocoon, it narrowed and burst through the clouds, revealing a magnificent black Pteranodon, its wings stretching wide enough to engulf the sky. It executed a barrel roll, scattering the clouds like confetti, before gracefully descending, its claws poised for landing. As it touched down, a hush fell over the group; the ground barely stirred as the creature settled, its gaze fixed on the astonished Saints.
"Wha… what is that?" Kai stammered, still gripping his bow, while Effie and Jet summoned their weapons, bracing for a potential attack.
A deep groan resonated from the creature's beak, sounding oddly familiar. After a moment of silence, it spoke, "Sorry for the delay! I had to take a detour; the sunbeams are a bit unruly today—burn like hell, they do."
"What?"
"What do you mean, 'what'? I'm here to pick you up! Now let's move before the clouds thin out again."
The Saints stood in stunned silence, processing the surreal turn of events, until Kai broke the spell. "Who are you?"
"Come on now, use that pretty head of yours. Who do you think I am?"
"The… The Lord of Shadows?"
"The one and only! Now hop on my back; we don't have time to waste. I'd rather not trek to my Citadel on foot."
Kai, still grappling with disbelief, took a hesitant step forward, prompting the others to follow suit. Sunny lingered at the back with Nephis, trying to suppress a laugh. She leaned over and whispered to him, "Quite the entrance! When did you master this transformation?"
"I picked it up after slaying the creature it came from a few weeks back. It took some time, but it was the only thing that could navigate the skies, so I figured I'd mimic its form and add it to my shadow shell collection."
"I… I see."
The massive shadow creature lowered one wing, creating a makeshift ramp. Once everyone was aboard, it unfurled its wings and with a powerful leap, they soared into the cloudy expanse.
"Isn't the sky the most perilous place in Godgrave?" Jet asked, her voice trembling.
"Yes and no. If you know how to navigate it, it's safe. Just avoid the sunbeams—they're so scorching that even the mightiest creatures are turned to ash in an instant. But as long as we stay within the clouds, we're good."
"Got it. How long until we arrive?"
"About fifteen minutes."
"Fifteen minutes? Last time the Fire Keepers and I were here, it took us half a day to reach your Citadel!" Nephis shouted over the rushing wind.
"I wouldn't risk it if it weren't worth it."
"Impressive! So this is your transformation ability?" Kai asked, curiosity piqued. As someone who could also transform into a dragon, he found this revelation thrilling.
"No, this isn't my transformation. This form is a blend of my Dormant and Ascended abilities, paired with a memory that lets me store and release shadows at will."
"I see," Kai replied, though he was still baffled by the complexity of such a skill.
As time passed, Sunny began to descend, breaking through the clouds without the dramatic flair this time, mindful of his passengers. He landed beside the Nameless Temple, extending a wing to help the Saints disembark. Once they were safely on the ground, he let the shadow shell dissolve into his lantern, stretching his back with a sigh.
"It's quite a chore to maintain such a massive shadow shell. I need to streamline this process," he mused under his Breath.
Meanwhile, the others were regaining their composure, though one among them feigned surprise.
Sunny turned to the group, donning the Mask "Definitely not me," and began, "Welcome to my humble Citadel, the Nameless Temple. Some of you are returning guests, while others are newcomers. Let me guide you through."
They exchanged glances before following Sunny into the temple, which was mostly empty, save for Fiend and Saint standing by the entrance of the Main Hall where Sunny's throne awaited. Serpent was currently occupying Sunny's original body.
"And that concludes the tour! As you can see, it's rather bare, but that will change soon when the forces of Valor and the Fire Keepers arrive."
"I must admit, the architecture is quite impressive," Kai remarked, curiosity dancing in his voice.
"Thank you! I restored the temple after finding it in disrepair. Now it stands in its former glory."
"I've met one of your echoes, but the other is new to me," Kai noted, glancing at Fiend, who promptly groaned in response.
"Quiet, Fiend! These are our guests, so behave, or I'll send you back to the Hollows," Sunny warned, his tone sharp.
Fiend trembled, sealing his mouth shut, not daring to provoke his master after a previous two-month stint battling abominations in the depths of the Hollows.
"Follow me; I'll show you where you can rest during your stay."
"Lord of Shadows, may I ask a question?" Effie piped up.
"Sure, but please, just call me Shadow."
"Alright then, Shadow. Why do you always wear a mask? Aren't we supposed to be allies? I'd appreciate seeing your face."
"I understand your curiosity, but you'll need to earn that level of trust first."
"And how do we do that?"
"Simple: don't hold back in our upcoming sparring match."
Effie's grin returned. "If that's all, I'm more than ready to show you everything I've got."
After showing them to their rooms, Sunny settled onto his throne and summoned Fiend to bring in a table and chairs for their discussion on the match's rules.
"Sit tight; I'll be with you in a moment."
He melted into shadows, reappearing in the temple's basement to reactivate the Guardian, ensuring their conversation would go undisturbed.
"Alright, everything's set. We can talk now—nothing will interrupt us."
"What did you do?" Jet asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I activated an ability of the temple that I had previously deactivated to let you in. It's a guardian that will eliminate anything lacking at least a spark of Divinity."
"I've never heard of such a thing," Jet replied, calm yet intrigued.
"Neither had I until I claimed this temple as my Citadel. It's quite handy, especially in a treacherous region."
"It certainly is."
"Now, let's get to the point. You wanted a sparring match against me to test my abilities, I presume?"
"Effie wanted to test you, but Kai and I just wanted to see what you're truly capable of. Cassie suddenly wanted in too," Jet explained.
"I see. And what about you, Changing Star, and your companion?"
"I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. I'm Sunless, but most call me Sunny. I'm Nephis' partner."
"Got it. And what's your role here? Will you also join in the sparring match?"
"No, Shadow, I won't be your adversary. I'm merely an observer today, here to witness Nephis in her element. I'm crafting a Memorie for her, and to capture her essence, I must see her dance in the arena of battle."
"So she's not joining in?"
Nephis maintained her composure, finding the entire scenario rather amusing. Sunny's performance was flawless, and she didn't want to disrupt the flow, so she played along.
"No, I won't be fighting. My plan is to guide Master Sunless into a zone of the Hollows under your control, where I can showcase my swordsmanship in a genuine fight."
"Then it's settled! But I have two conditions for our skirmish. First, no excessive force near the temple; I'd rather not rebuild it from the ground up. Second, once an opponent is incapacitated or unable to move freely for more than ten seconds, they're out of the fight."
"Is that all? What about lethal strikes and transformation abilities?" Cassie interjected.
"I'll wield the minimum force required, so fret not; I'll be as gentle as a breeze," Sunny chuckled.
Now, it was Effie's turn to voice her thoughts, irritation bubbling beneath the surface.
"Do you genuinely believe you can triumph without restrictions on our side? It's four against one, after all."
"I'm well aware of the odds, but trust me, I'm confident in my victory."
Effie sighed heavily, her tension easing slightly.
"I really tried to give you a chance, but if you're asking for the smoke, I'm ready to deliver."
"That's the spirit! Based on your performance in our upcoming clash, I'll decide whether to unveil my face to you."
"Alright then, when shall we commence?"
"I propose tomorrow morning. The clouds will be thickest then, minimizing the chance of sunlight breaking through. Even if it does, the shadows guarding the temple will temper the heat to mere warmth, nothing lethal."
After Sunny's suggestion, Cassie was the first to respond.
"Sounds good to me, we're done here."
"Great! I'll deactivate the guardian so you can come and go freely. Saint and Fiend will watch over the area, so you needn't worry."
With that, they all dispersed. Kai went off to hone his archery skills and explore the temple's surroundings, while Jet and Effie trailed behind, hoping to encounter a Nightmare creature to better prepare for the unknown.
Meanwhile, the Lord of Shadows settled beneath the tree he had planted months prior, etching another line into its bark.
'Regardless of how the battle unfolds tomorrow, I will unveil the truth, for the persona of the Lord of Shadows must fade for those I hold dear.'
Sunny and Nephis nestled in their room, discussing the impending fight while wrapped in each other's warmth.
"How are you feeling about tomorrow, Sunny?"
"I'm uncertain. I'll strive to avoid causing them too much harm. I have a plan to end things swiftly, so we'll see how it unfolds. I know their strengths and weaknesses, though their flaws won't grant me any advantages, of course."
"Right, but how do you intend to manage if they prove too troublesome?"
"They won't. I already have a target in mind for my first strike, and once that opponent falls, the rest will be easier to handle."
"You're talking about Cassie, aren't you?"
"Exactly. She's the first to go, then I'll likely take on Effie. Jet could pose a challenge if she utilizes her Aspect legacy Relic; I have no clue what she's hiding within it, and Kai poses no real threat."
"If I were you, I wouldn't underestimate Kai. You know how skilled he is with a bow and arrow; one shot could spell disaster."
"I'm aware of his prowess; I've seen him take down the dread lord with a shot that will echo through history. But he won't have the chance to draw his bow."
"And why is that?"
"I'll send Saint after him. She's quite fond of him, making her the perfect distraction. He won't get a single arrow off in my direction."
"Sunny?"
"Yes, Neph?"
"Did I ever tell you how grateful I am to have you by my side?"
"You have, actually. Back in the Dark City, you mentioned I was the last person you'd want to face in a fight."
"Turns out my past self was wiser than I realized."
Sunny chuckled. "You've always been sharp."
"You're quite the charmer."
Sunny leaned in and kissed Nephis, simply stating, "I know."
As they lay in bed, a sudden knock at the door interrupted their tranquility.
"Come in!"
It was Effie, her expression laced with concern.
"I need to talk to you about something."
"What's on your mind?"
"It's about the Lord of Shadows."
"What about him?" Nephis asked, puzzled.
"I don't know; something feels off. It's like he's waiting for a chance to get rid of you, Sunny. I think he's jealous."
Sunny stifled a laugh, but upon glancing at Nephis, he was taken aback by her anger.
"He won't, I'll ensure it," Nephis declared with unwavering resolve.
"I just wanted to warn you, just in case."
"Effie, I promise nothing will happen to Sunny. I'll be by his side at all times."
With that, Effie departed, and Sunny buried his face in a pillow to muffle his laughter.
"Oh, this is too rich! And you, Neph, were flawless; you really outdid yourself this time."
"Thanks, but I have a feeling Effie will be furious tomorrow."
"Yes, she will. What a pity cameras don't function in the Dream Realm; I would love to immortalize that moment."
"Indeed, what a shame."
With that, they drifted into slumber, not needing to, but finding comfort in each other's presence.
**The Dawn's Embrace**
As the first light of dawn kissed the world awake, he stirred beside Nephis, casting a tender glance her way before planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. With a heart full of warmth, he slipped out for a stroll through the sacred Temple, letting its ancient stones whisper secrets of the past. Soon, he set about crafting a morning feast, having ingeniously fashioned a Second Covert Coffer, a portable kitchen brimming with ingredients. With the table set and anticipation hanging in the air, he returned to rouse Nephis from her slumber.
Gathered around the table, they savored their meal, while the Lord of Shadows remained a silent observer, his gaze flitting about the room. Once their plates were cleared, they ventured outside, readying themselves for the impending clash. Nephis and Sunny settled into chairs near the entrance of the Nameless Temple, seeking solace in the moment.
"It's almost time," Nephis murmured, her voice steady.
"Let's hope for the best," Sunny replied, a hint of determination in his tone.
In the distance, four Saints stood poised, awaiting the signal to unleash their might.
On the opposite side, Sunny stretched, summoning Fiend and Saint, preparing for the storm to come.
Time seemed to stretch into eternity until Nephis rose, conjuring a small sphere of white flames that soared into the sky, climbing higher and higher until it reached the battlefield's zenith. The world held its breath, a hush falling over the land, before the sphere erupted in a brilliant explosion, unleashing chaos.
Fiend and Saint charged toward their target, a charming archer already nocking an arrow.
Meanwhile, Effie activated her transformation, making her way toward Sunny.
Jet leaped onto Effie's shoulder, brimming with anticipation for the fray.
Cassie, ever the strategist, issued commands while keeping a watchful eye, or her version of seeing, on the Quiet Dancer, who remained close by.
As Saint and Fiend approached Kai, the archer prepared to unleash his arrow, but just as he aimed for Sunny, Saint materialized before him. Unwilling to confront the threat, Kai ascended into the sky, seeking distance from the agile knight.
'He's trying to distract me, clever move,' Kai thought, finally finding a moment to draw his bow. But to his dismay, the Lord of Shadows had vanished.
'Where did he go? He was right there! What was that?!'
Below, Fiend and Saint hurled boulders at him, their annoyance palpable.
"Stop!" Kai commanded, only one of the shadows heeding him.
'Saint must be immune to my mental commands. At least the big one seems susceptible to my will.'
While Kai grappled with his distractions, Effie and Jet ventured toward the swirling mass of shadows Sunny had summoned from his lantern.
'Is he hiding?'
"Cassie, where is he?" Effie called out.
[He's within that veil of shadows.]
"Perfect."
Effie cradled Jet in her hands and tossed her into the shadowy abyss.
"Let's see what you're made of, Lord of Shadows," Jet grinned as she entered the veil, activating her transformation ability.
"So you reached me first, huh?"
'Where is he? I can't see anything, but he can't touch me in this form. I'll wait for him to emerge.'
[Behind you, Jet.]
Jet swung her scythe with lightning speed, only to find nothing there.
"What are you talking about, Cassie? There's nothing!"
[I can't sense him, but I suspect he's also in an intangible state.]
'So we're both unable to harm each other? How frustrating. What's his game?'
From above, Effie observed the unfolding drama.
'What's he up to? What's he waiting for?'
Suddenly, she noticed a ripple in the ocean of clouds above her.
"What's that, Cassie?"
[I can't tell. The shadows in the clouds seem to be shifting.]
Then, like a waterfall, shadows cascaded from the clouds. The ground trembled, fissures cracking open as shadows surged forth, initially slow, then rapidly accelerating.
Sunny, meanwhile, prepared to strike his first target—Cassie. She had to fall first; as the head of their team, her defeat would send the others tumbling like a house of cards.
'She's on guard, but she won't hold out for long.'
The earth beneath Cassie quaked, and as it shattered, she was flung into the air. This was Sunny's moment; he had summoned Serpent back from its original body, commanding it to transform into a Chain Worm, a creature capable of slicing through steel with ease—ancient bones would be no barrier.
Clinging to the Quiet Dancer, Cassie fought to avoid being devoured by the Chain Worm, which sought to engulf her.
'This is dire. If it weren't for Quite Dancer, I'd be done for.'
With sheer determination, she managed to evade the monstrous creature. But then, an arrow whizzed past her left, and before she could react, Quite Dancer was pinned against a wall of bones, sending her plummeting toward the gaping maw of the Chain Worm.
[I'm sorry, everyone, but this might be it for me.]
Effie watched in horror, realizing she wouldn't reach Cassie in time.
'Damn it, it's my fault for not staying with her.'
"I'm sorry, Cassie," Effie lamented, sorrow lacing her words. Though she knew her friend would be fine, the sight of her friend being swallowed by a giant worm was terrifying, no matter the circumstances.
Sunny dismissed his bow and sent one of his clones to check on Cassie.
"Hey Cass, how's it going?"
"Ha ha, very funny. I'm all slimy, and it reeks in here."
"Yeah, I know… 4…3…2…1, time's up."
"Good, now please get me out of here before I hurl."
Sunny extended his hand, pulling Cassie into the shadows. They materialized beside Nephis and Sunny's original form.
"Welcome back, Cassie," Nephis chuckled, amusement dancing in her voice.
"Honestly, I'm too impressed to be mad. What was that?"
"That was a fusion of Serpent and a shot, made possible by Kai's teachings on archery. You can thank him for that."
"Speaking of Kai, what's he up to?" Nephis asked while looking for the slender Figure in the sky.
"Oh, he's currently playing dodgeball with Fiend and Saint."
"I see your echoes are quite the unique bunch."
"Thank you, but you're mistaken; they aren't echoes."
"What are they then?"
"They are Shadows. When I receive an Echo, I can transform it into a shadow, enhancing its strength and intelligence, allowing it to evolve."
"That's why he's struggling."
"Indeed, but it seems Effie is on her way to assist him."