The forest blurred past as Crimson,Lilith and Nox raced through the trees, carrying the sobbing figure in his arms. Crimson's breaths came in ragged gasps, tears threatening to spill, but Crimson didn't falter. Jaw clenched, he charged ahead with unwavering determination. His thoughts churned, turbulent and bitter.
If I had followed Miles to kill Grey… maybe this wouldn't have happened. And Gale… why would he do this?
The anger bubbled in his chest, fueling his pace. He didn't dare slow down, not while the danger of Grey and Gale still lurked behind them.
-----
"Let's get moving to the hideout," Grey barked, throwing a sharp glance at Gale as they maneuvered through the underbrush. "I still don't get it. Why'd you insist on going after them in your condition?"
------
Gale exhaled heavily, his tone clipped. "I didn't join you to make small talk. I'm here to stop my friends from doing something they'll regret. That's all you need to know."
Grey smirked, his eyes gleaming with mockery. "Friends? You still call them friends after what you did?" A dry chuckle escaped him, sharp and biting.
Gale didn't answer, his lips pressing into a thin line. His gaze dropped to the ground as his mind spiraled into despair. I've already lost everything. So why… why am I still doing this?
But then, he clenched his fists and shook his head violently, forcing the thoughts away. I promised her… I promised her I'd live. I promised to protect this stupid world she cared about so much. Tears welled up, betraying his resolve. He quickly wiped them away with the back of his hand before glaring at Grey.
"Enough. Let's go see your superiors," Gale snapped, his voice steely and resolute.
Grey's smirk widened, but he said nothing, leading the way deeper into the forest as the tension between them grew thick as the shadows.
----
"Crimson, we need to stop," Lilith panted, her voice trembling as she leaned against a nearby tree. The thick mist clung to the air around them, heavy and suffocating. Crimson finally came to a halt, gently setting Nox down onto the gnarled root of a tree. Nox's face was pale, her tears falling silently as she hugged her knees tightly.
Crimson turned away, running a frustrated hand over his face. His shoulders heaved with barely contained emotion as he muttered, "I should never have gotten any of you involved in this."
He began pacing, anger radiating from him like a storm. His fists clenched, and in a burst of fury, he slammed them repeatedly into the trunk of a tree. Blood smeared against the bark as he growled, "Why? Why the hell did I drag you into this?!"
Lilith flinched at the sound of his fists colliding with wood, but she held her ground. She glanced between Crimson, wild with guilt, and Nox, still consumed by grief. Letting out a shaky breath, Lilith stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Crimson's shoulder.
"Crimson, stop," she said, her voice gentle but resolute. "Don't blame yourself. When I think about it… when was the last time we all came together like that?" Her voice cracked as tears began to spill. "Even with Sebastian gone, we were all together during his last day. And for a moment, it felt like the old days again. You gave us that, Crimson."
Lilith stepped closer and pulled him into a tight embrace. "I've already forgiven you," she whispered through her sobs. "Remember what Sebastian used to say? To leave the past in the past."
Crimson's walls crumbled as tears rolled down his face. "Thank you, Lilith," he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lilith pulled back slightly, her hands cupping his face as she wiped his tears away. "It's okay to cry," she said softly.
She turned her attention to Nox, sitting down beside her and wrapping an arm around her trembling shoulders. She gently guided Nox's head to rest against her, her fingers stroking the soft strands of pink hair.
"Sebastian may be gone," Lilith began, her voice thick with emotion, "but I saw how the two of you were together. He's still with you, Nox, always. Right here." She pressed a hand lightly over Nox's heart.
Nox's sobs grew quieter, though her face remained pale and tear-streaked.
"Listen, Nox," Lilith said firmly, her voice growing stronger despite her own tears. "Let's make sure we honor Sebastian by fulfilling his final wish. We owe him that much."
Nox sniffled, her hands trembling as she clung to Lilith's arm. Though her voice was barely a whisper, she nodded.
Lilith held her tighter, tears streaming down her face as she whispered, "We'll do it. Together."
-----------
Grey and Gale stepped off the sleek, metallic ship, the hum of its engines fading into the background. Before them loomed the towering headquarters of the Xeno Corpse, its structure a stark mix of silver and black, with sharp, angular architecture that pierced the skyline. The massive crest of the Xeno Corpse—a symbol of dominance and order—was emblazoned across the building's facade, glinting ominously in the dim light.
Inside, the design was no less imposing. The walls were adorned with intricate black and silver patterns that seemed to shimmer and shift under the cold, artificial light. The Xeno Corpse emblem was embedded in the polished floor, a constant reminder of the organization's pervasive influence.
Gale followed Grey through the labyrinthine halls, his boots echoing against the floor. Soldiers clad in sleek black and silver armor moved purposefully around them. Their visors gleamed, but Gale could feel their stares—sharp, probing, and unrelenting. He caught sight of his reflection in a polished wall: his disfigured face, marked by burns and scars, and the sparse remnants of his once vibrant red hair.
The weight of their scrutiny made his teeth clench. He shot a glare at Grey. "Are all your people this nosey?" he growled, his voice low and filled with irritation.
Grey turned to him with a sly grin, his expression unbothered by the tension. "Not nosey," he replied smoothly. "Just curious. You're quite the sight, after all."
Gale glared at him, but Grey only chuckled and gestured toward the end of the hallway. "Come on, let's not keep the Three Heads waiting. We need to report that bastard Miles before is too late.
-----
Nox pulled away from Lilith's embrace, her movements stiff and deliberate. Her face remained pale, her trembling hands betraying the storm of emotions within. She turned to Crimson, her pink eyes glistening but hard.
"I still haven't forgiven you," she said, her voice cold and cutting. "And I'm not sure I ever can. First, you left us. Then… you caused Sebastian's death."
Crimson opened his mouth to respond, but Nox raised a hand, silencing him with a sharp glare.
"Don't," she snapped. "The only reason I'm still here is because Sebastian would've wanted me to help. But don't for a second think that makes us okay."
Her words struck like daggers, and Crimson's shoulders slumped, his guilt weighing heavier than ever.
Nox turned away, her gaze shifting to Lilith. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice trembling. "But nothing you say or do will bring him back."
Tears welled up in her eyes again, sliding down her cheeks in silent streams. She clenched her fists and squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to stay composed. Slowly, she looked up at the sky, where the shadows of enormous birds circled overhead, their cries echoing faintly through the forest.
Her glowing pink eyes shimmered with determination as she whispered, "Sebastian… I'll make sure to finish what you started. I swear it."
The resolve in her voice carried through the air, a silent promise forged in grief and love.
--------
Grey led Gale down the dimly lit corridor, their steps echoing ominously off the cold stone walls. At the end of the hall stood a towering door, its surface carved with intricate runes that seemed to pulse faintly in the darkness. With a firm push, Grey swung the massive door open, and they stepped into a pitch-black chamber.
For a moment, there was only silence and shadow. Then, one by one, lights flared to life, illuminating the vast room. Before them stood three towering thrones, each occupied by a figure cloaked in black and silver hoods that shrouded their faces in mystery. The air was thick with power, and the oppressive weight of authority seemed to press down on them.
The figure seated in the center leaned forward slightly, their voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "What brings you here, Commander Grey?"
Grey took a measured breath, his shoulders sagging under an invisible weight. "Master Cain," he began, his voice low but steady, "I fear I am too late. Once again, we face a grave threat—one from the Outworld."