05/09/4098

  *Eight days before the present. At the heroes' mission location.*

  Vexa: Oh God *turning away to avoid seeing that horrible scene.* What happened?

  Cryo: Weren't we supposed to be the only ones who knew the rebels were here? *Looking at the scene with disgust.*

  *Tarnok approaches and looks closely. The rebels they were supposed to stop have been brutally massacred. There are limbs everywhere, blood seems to be the natural colour of the scene, and everything is destroyed.*

  Tarnok: Something's not right, we need to go back to Lightown and report this.

  Tyler: Well, at least they did our job for us. I hope they pay us even if we didn't do it *kicking some nearby limbs lightly.*

  Phoenix: Can you stop being an idiot for once?

  Tyler: Well, they were rebels, job done. It's not as if their lives were worth much anyway.

  Tarnok: Enough, let's get back quickly.

  Tyler: Shouldn't we call Thalior?

  Tarnok: Don't you get it? They could intercept the signal.

  Cryo: Then let's get back as quickly as possible. How long will it take?

  Tarnok: Four days, the same as it took us to get here.

  Vexa: Do you think the person responsible for this is still around?

  Tarnok: I don't think so, it wouldn't make sense. Besides, the scene is too conspicuous to be a trap, it seems more like a distraction.

  Phoenix: You think so? What's the point of it anyway?

  Tarnok: I don't know, but it's the only thing I can think of.

  *The group begins walking back to Lightown. Vexa walks along, trying to get that horrible image out of her head. When she finally looks up to speak to Tarnok, she sees that everyone except Tyler is tense and hiding their own nervousness. Vexa realises she must be strong and decides to remain silent for the time being. *

  06/09/4098

  *Back in Lightown, a family of only two is finishing settling into their new home.*

  Luna: Skye, can you go get the shopping I left outside?

  Skye: Yes, right away, Mum, *getting up from the sofa and putting on her coat.

  *Upon stepping outside, Skye notices that there are no bags on the ground. When she looks up from the ground, she sees a man running away with the shopping bags. Skye reacts quickly and runs after the thief, using her element to turn the air to her advantage. The thief is fast, but Skye manages to close the gap. The chase lasts a minute before Skye catches up to him.*

  Skye: Stop! *Standing in front of the thief.*

  *When the thief drops the bags and reaches into his pocket, Skye doesn't hesitate and punches him hard, sending him flying and crashing into a lamppost, almost breaking it on impact. Skye puts her hands to her mouth, realising that once again she hasn't measured her strength.*

  Skye: Are you alright? *Approaching slowly.*

  *When Skye notices that the place where she has sent the thief flying is the main street, she decides to pick up the shopping bags and hurry home.*

  Luna: Daughter, you're late. Is everything alright?

  Skye: Um... Yes, it's just that they were heavy and I was looking at the city.

  Luna: Are you sure?

  Skye: Yes, I'm sure. Well, I'm going to my room to tidy up my things.

  *Entering her room.*

  Luna: Now that I think about it, there's no view of the city from here. That girl, where did she learn to lie?

  *Meanwhile, the group of heroes continues on their way back to Lightown.*

  Cryo: It's strange that you're not acting hyperactive, you're usually running around everywhere *glancing sideways at Phoenix.*

  Phoenix: I'm just still thinking about yesterday.

  Cryo: Yes, it is strange. But there's no point in worrying about something we have no proof of.

  Phoenix: Do you think it was the people from the northern city? They're the only ones I can imagine doing something like that.

  Cryo: I don't think so. Those rebels were against us, so it benefits them. They simply wouldn't have a reason to do it.

  Tyler: Anyway, why don't we just wipe out the northern city? There are always problems near there or coming directly from there. Wouldn't it be easier to wipe them out?

  Tarnok: Sure, let's avoid problems by creating bigger ones.

  Tyler: Wouldn't that be a solution?

  Cryo: Do you even know what that would mean? It would end in war.

  Phoenix: The best solution is to avoid them and have them avoid us.

  *Vexa walks with her head down, her mind full of confused thoughts.*

  Tarnok: Vexa, are you all right?

  Vexa: Yes, I'm just thinking about... I'm not sure.

  Tarnok: Do you want to talk about it?

  Vexa: No need, I'm really fine.

  Tarnok: Okay, let me know if anything comes up.

  *The group walks for the rest of the day until they reach an abandoned village.*

  Tarnok: Right, we'll stay here for now. Tomorrow we can take the mountain route to contact Thalior and tell him everything. That way we can also hide the signal and return more calmly.

  Cryo: Right, should we investigate the area?

  Tarnok: Yes, we don't want any surprises.

  Tyler: I'll take the big house *beginning to enter the village.*

  *Tarnok sighs and walks behind Tyler, as do the others.*

  Vexa: Hey Tarnok, Blue Moon is in four days. Are you planning on training at night?

  Tarnok: Yes, I will definitely meditate to improve the fluidity of my ánima.

  Vexa: You should train your ánima's quantity better; you've already trained its fluidity very well.

  Tarnok: Do you think so? *Peeking through the door of a house and entering.*

  Vexa: Yes, I really mean it. *Following him inside the house.*

  Tarnok: This one looks safe. Shall we stay here?

  Vexa: Shouldn't we check the other houses?

  Tarnok: Knowing Phoenix and Cryo, I'm sure they've already checked them.

  Vexa: It makes sense *lying on the bed*. I think they're dating. Do you think they've kissed yet?

  Tarnok: Those two? I don't think so. No matter how much of a connection they have, they're stuck. Phoenix would get really nervous and excited and end up fainting. And Cryo... Well, even if she's dying to, I'm sure she'd pull away at the last moment.

  Vexa: Do you think they'll ever be able to be honest about their feelings?

  Tarnok: I hope so. I wouldn't want to see them grow old without expressing themselves first. *Cleaning the bed a little before lying down.*

  Vexa: And... What about us? What are we? Just friends or...? *lying down next to Tarnok.*

  *The room falls silent, leaving only the sound of their breathing.*

  Tarnok: Why do you ask?

  Vexa: Well, I'll be turning 30 in a month, and I feel like life is passing by too quickly. I don't mean to pressure you into answering or committing to anything. I shouldn't have brought it up, I'm sorry.

  Tarnok: Don't worry, remember that I'm in the same boat, I even feel like an old man.

  *Vexa giggles and searches for Tarnok's hand in the darkness. When she finds it, she interlaces her fingers with his.*

  Vexa: Do you think...?

  Tarnok: Yes, there's a restless soul in this house. Do you feel like it's watching us too?

  Vexa: Yes... Can we move house?

  Tarnok: That would be best. *Getting up from the bed.*

  Vexa: Do you think the village has been abandoned because of the city in the north?

  Tarnok: Surely, Tyler mentioned something about seeing a pit full of skeletons in a corner of the village.

  *They both go to the house next door to rest. They go up to the bedroom and lie down.*

  Tarnok: See you tomorrow.

  Vexa: See you tomorrow.

  *Finally, after a long day, they both fall asleep.*

  *In the middle of the night, Vexa wakes up because of a noise downstairs. She slowly wakes up and tries to wake Tarnok, without much success.*

  Vexa: Come on, Vexa, you can do this, *leaving the room alone to investigate.*

  *She goes downstairs, taking great care not to make any noise. The night is cold, quiet and lonely. Little by little, Vexa peeks into the kitchen, the bathroom and the living room. Finding nothing, she decides to go back upstairs. When she is halfway down the hallway, she hears the floor creak behind her.*

  Vexa: T-Tarnok? *In a trembling voice.*

  *Suddenly, she hears someone running behind her, almost beside her. Vexa runs away in fear, but the footsteps are getting closer and closer. Her heart is beating a mile a minute, her eyes filled with fear and panic. As she turns a corner, a skeleton comes out of a room and grabs her face. The coldness of its bones penetrates Vexa's skin.*

  *Everything falls silent, as if on pause. The walls seem to disappear while the skeleton's non-existent gaze seems to grow more and more intense. Vexa hears whispers on both sides and the footsteps finally cease.

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  Skeleton: Vexa.

  *Vexa stands up, frightened, clinging tightly to Tarnok.*

  Vexa: Thank goodness *sinking deeper into Tarnok's arms and calming down.*

  *Tarnok hugs her automatically, even while asleep. Little by little, Vexa catches her breath and tries to stay calm, allowing herself to fall asleep again in Tarnok's arms.*

  07/09/4098

  *The next morning, Tarnok wakes up.*

  Tarnok: Good morning *waking Vexa.*

  Vexa: Good morning *still sleepy.*

  Tarnok: Are you still sleepy?

  Vexa: I'm fine *stretching and getting up completely.*

  *They both go downstairs and join the others.*

  Phoenix: Did you notice the stares during the night too?

  Tarnok: Yes, it seems that none of the souls are resting in peace.

  *Everyone falls silent, while Tyler seems indifferent and Vexa rubs her eyes.*

  Tarnok: We should get going. In a couple of hours, we'll be able to enter the mountainous area, and there we can inform Thalior.

  Tyler: You already explained that yesterday. Anyway, how are we going to do it?

  Cryo: This idiot will take care of it *pointing at Phoenix.*

  Tarnok: Let's not waste any more time. Come on.

  *Once again, the group walks and walks, leaving the abandoned village behind.*

  Cryo: Hey Phoenix, have you eaten my brownies again?

  Phoenix: Of course not!

  Cryo: You're an idiot, you always do the same thing.

  Phoenix: I already told you it wasn't me.

  *Cryo walks a little faster to leave Phoenix behind.*

  Phoenix: Hey! *Walking behind her.*

  *They hurry along the path, but cautiously. Cryo ignores Phoenix the whole way, even though he follows her and annoys her constantly. Tarnok helps Vexa in some areas, noticing her fatigue but deciding to mention it when they are alone. Tyler tends to get distracted, commenting several times on how bored he feels. After a while, the group reaches the mountainous area and, after going a little further, they stop to eat. *

  Tarnok: Right, first we'll eat, and then Phoenix will send the message.

  Phoenix: Understood, boss.

  Tarnok: I told you not to call me that.

  Phoenix: It's just that you look like a boss to me.

  Tarnok: Sometimes I wonder what goes through that crazy mind of yours.

  Cryo: Just nonsense, I'm sure.

  Tarnok: Well, you're both 24 years old, I can't ask you to act like old men.

  Tyler: I'm 22 and you're always demanding things of me.

  Tarnok: You're 22 and you seem to have lived only 5, that's the difference. Phoenix knows how to distinguish things that need to be explained to you. If it were just theory, I wouldn't mind explaining and helping you, but sometimes you need to be taught how to be human.

  Tyler: Yeah, right, you're just jealous because I'm eight years younger than you and I've achieved more fame and money.

  Tarnok: And look how that's working out for you.

  Vexa: Shall we eat? We can't waste any more time.

  Phoenix: Yessss *putting his rucksack on the ground and starting to take out his food.*

  *The others decide to do the same and start eating. Phoenix finishes his food in a couple of minutes and stares at Cryo, who sighs and offers him some of her food. Phoenix smiles and devours Cryo's food, although he shares some brownies he had hidden with her.*

  Tarnok: Looks like rain. Phoenix, send the message as quickly as you can.

  Phoenix: Understood, I'll go a little further into the mountains *getting up and heading into the mountainous terrain.*

  Cryo: I'll go and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid *following Phoenix.*

  *The other three heroes stay behind to eat. Vexa stares intently at the landscape, closing her eyes to enjoy the fresh air that gradually takes away her tiredness and, at the same time, seems to make her feel heavier.*

  Tarnok: Are you all right? You look tired.

  Vexa: Yes, I'm just looking forward to going home and lying down in bed.

  Tarnok: Bad news *pointing to the grey clouds that are slowly replacing the blue sky* looks like it's going to be a bad day today. On top of that, there's nothing good nearby, we'll have to take shelter in whatever we find.

  Vexa: Oh dear, that's not good. Are we going to have to sleep in a cave?

  Tarnok: Looks like it. We should talk to Phoenix and Cryo about it when they get back.

  Tyler: I hate rainy days, they make me weak.

  Tarnok: That's true, any kind of water is bad for lightning-related users, isn't it?

  Tyler: More or less. Light rain is fine, but anything else is bad. We get overloaded very quickly.

  Tarnok: You know what? It's not so bad talking to you when you're so calm.

  Tyler: It's just that I haven't... you know... in almost a week.

  Tarnok: I take back what I said. By the way, so water elementals are your natural enemy?

  Tyler: Yes, one good hit and the battle would be almost decided. Although you're immune to my element.

  Tarnok: I'd rather not remember that.

  Vexa: Don't you feel like this trip is getting a bit heavy?

  Tarnok: Too much, it's even weird.

  Vexa: Right? By the way, aren't Cryo and Phoenix taking a long time?

  *A scream is heard in the distance, followed by sounds of struggle that last only a couple of seconds.*

  Tarnok: Shit, we have to go see what happened.

  *They get up and run in the direction Cryo and Phoenix went. When they arrive, they see a body on the ground pierced by ice spikes.*

  Phoenix: He attacked us suddenly, saying something about balance.

  Tarnok: Shit, was he from the North?

  Cryo: No, his attacks were very uncoordinated, he didn't seem to have any training.

  Tarnok: Have you checked if he has anything on him?

  Phoenix: Just this. *Handing him a small notebook.*

  Vexa: What language is this? *Leafing through the pages.*

  Cryo: No idea, they don't seem to make any sense.

  *It starts to rain.*

  Vexa: Should we bury him? Even if he was bad...

  Tyler: It doesn't matter, he's dead, he's worthless now.

  Tarnok: I'll do it, find a place nearby to spend the night.

  Vexa: I'll stay with you, it's not safe for us to split up now.

  Phoenix: We'll go look for shelter.

  *Everyone gets to work. At night, the group settles in as best they can in the cave. While the others settle in, Vexa goes outside for a moment to get some air.*

  Tarnok: Right, tomorrow we can take it easier. Thalior must know everything by now, so we just have to trust that he'll make the right decisions.

  Phoenix: Will we have to sleep on the floor again?

  Tarnok: No, we'll be able to use our elements to return once we cross the lake.

  Cryo: Hey, now that I think about it, didn't we bring camping tents just in case?

  Tarnok: Yes, but remember we threw them away because Phoenix accidentally contaminated them.

  Cryo: What about the spare ones?

  *Phoenix spits out his water and stands up. He starts rummaging through his backpack and sure enough, pulls out some camping tents.*

  Phoenix: Hehe... Wow, I forgot that it was my turn to bring the spare ones, and since no one mentioned them before...

  Tarnok: Phoenix, we've had to sleep on the ground for almost four days straight.

  Cryo: Can I kill him?

  Phoenix: Well, at least now we can sleep more comfortably *with a nervous chuckle. No one laughs.*

  Tarnok: Never mind, it's the last night and we're not going to argue about it. Try to remember for next time.

  *Phoenix breathes a sigh of relief, although Cryo gives him a slap on the head. The team sets about pitching the tents and getting ready for bed. Outside, Vexa is under some rocks to avoid the rain and clear her mind a little. She breathes deeply as the sound of the rain calms her. *

  Vexa: Right *getting up* it's time.

  *Vexa returns to the cave. To her surprise, she finds it empty. She begins to venture in slowly, the darkness beginning to do its work and clouding Vexa's vision.*

  Vexa: Guys?

  *The cold begins to be more noticeable, but at the same time comforting. She begins to feel a strange tranquillity considering the situation. Her body seems to relax and your mind clears. All emotions begin to leave her body and freedom begins to be felt.*

  *Psst.*

  *Vexa turns quickly upon hearing that warning. There, illuminated only by a small ray of moonlight, is written in blood, "You must know." Vexa begins to panic and when she tries to flee, she stops. She sees her companions sitting in a pool of blood, each with deep, fatal wounds. Finally, they all speak at once.*

  All: Vexa, you must know...

  08/09/4098

  *Vexa wakes up, breathing rapidly and sweating. She realises she is in the tent with Tarnok, who is still asleep. She gets up and goes outside to get some air. As she leaves the cave, unlike the day before, she finds it much harder to process the nightmare.*

  Cryo: Looks like someone had a bad night *sitting on the floor with her back against the wall. Phoenix sleeps beside her, hugging her like a koala hugs a eucalyptus tree.*

  Vexa: I'm just a little stressed. A lot has happened these past few days, and I just need to process it all.

  Cryo: You should talk to someone about it. Sometimes it's better to share your worries.

  Vexa: You're right, but maybe another time. By the way, I didn't know you and Phoenix were so...

  Cryo: Oh, it's not that, it's just that if I move, the idiot starts producing fire. I plan to throw him off the cliff when he wakes up.

  Vexa: That sounds more familiar. Thanks, Cryo, I really needed to talk.

  Cryo: It's nothing, you should go wake up the others. I can't stand sleeping on the floor for another day.

  *Vexa nods, her mind slightly calmer. She decides to wake Tarnok and start packing their things.*

  Tarnok: Good morning, Vexa. *He gets up without complaint and helps her pack.*

  Vexa: How do you always manage to wake up in such a good mood? Don't you ever feel like sleeping in?

  Tarnok: I suppose it's a habit.

  *Phoenix's shout is heard outside the cave.*

  Tarnok: Again? *Getting ready to leave.*

  Vexa: It's not really anything bad, it's just... Well, you know, Cryo and Phoenix doing Cryo and Phoenix things.

  Tarnok: Makes sense.

  Tyler: Hey Tarnok, when we get to the lake, can we use our ánima?

  Tarnok: Yes, we'll be in Lightown before noon.

  *Meanwhile, at the FCG, Thalior is on edge.*

  Thalior: Kaelion, call an elite unit now *pacing back and forth giving orders to everyone.*

  Kaelion: What's going on? Is it about the mission?

  Thalior: No, it's even worse. The northern city has sent a warning. They believe Hiro was responsible for the massacre of the rebel group. Five days ago, a huge presence of ánima was detected in that area.

  Kaelion: Hiro? But he's too far away for it to have been him.

  Thalior: Kaelion, listen to me, I have a bad feeling about this. I need you to send the elite team to talk to the northern city, and I need you to do something.

  Kaelion: What?

  Thalior: I need you to go to the ruins of Kari Yume and not tell anyone.

  Kaelion: But it will take me a long time to get there.

  Thalior: No, take this *handing him a star-shaped crystal.* Not a word, it will save you two days of travel. Keep a low profile, we don't need any more tension. Then you'll use the special earpiece, the green one, and tell me everything you see.

  Kaelion: Understood, sir. I'll go right now. How...?

  Thalior: Just focus your ánima on the crystal.

  *Kaelion nods, closes his eyes, and suddenly disappears. Thalior sighs and continues with his activities. Two hours later, the heroes cross the lake.*

  Tyler: Right, a race?

  Tarnok: You're going to win, I don't even know why you're suggesting it.

  Tyler shrugs and leaves, leaving a trail of lightning in his wake. The others sigh, focus their ánima on their legs and follow him, destroying the environment due to their enormous increase in speed. In less than two minutes, they return to Lightown.

  Tarnok: I'll go see Thalior to...

  Cryo: No, we'll go, you rest. Besides, we have to tell him all the details about the notebook and the attack.

  Tarnok: Fine, I trust you. Keep us informed.

  *Cryo drags Phoenix with her. Tarnok and Vexa return to their flat, where they finally shower, change their clothes, and spend the whole afternoon lying down watching films.*

  Tarnok: Are you going to tell me?

  Vexa: Have you noticed?

  Tarnok: You have dark circles under your eyes, and you were acting very strange today.

  Vexa: Can we talk about it another time? Right now, I just want to lie down and try to get back to normal.

  Tarnok: Fine, but you know I'm here for anything you need.

  Vexa: Thank you, Tarnok *snuggling closer.* Shall we order pizza for dinner?

  Tarnok: I plan to put you on a diet, but for today, it's fine.

  *They both eat dinner and lie down to sleep. Before falling asleep, Tarnok checks his phone. He has a message from Cryo saying that everything went well and that Thalior has everything under control.*

  Vexa: Good night.

  Tarnok: Good night.

  *Finally, both heroes fall asleep.*

  09/09/4098

  *The day begins and both heroes go about their usual routine. They eat, wash, and return to work.*

  Vexa: Today is Blue Moon. Won't I see you tonight?

  Tarnok: Don't worry, I'll be on the terrace.

  Vexa: Okay, see you later, *giving him one last hug before leaving. Despite having returned, she still feels tired and mentally exhausted.*

  *The day passes as usual. Reports, chasing criminals, the occasional delivery of reports... During the morning, she devotes herself solely to delivering reports, mainly to schools, as it is the first day for the new generations and the next aspiring heroes and soldiers. Luckily for Vexa, she manages to get through the day and allows herself to fall fast asleep when she returns home.*

  Tarnok: *Entering the house* Hey, Vexa, have you... *He sees her asleep and decides to cover her up and tuck her in.* Rest, you've worked very hard.

  *Night falls, soft and calm. The Blue Moon begins to appear, and the ánima begins to flow more naturally. Vexa sleeps peacefully until she opens her eyes and finds herself standing in yesterday's lake, the Lake of Souls.*

  Vexa: No... Again? *She begins to panic, fearing it is another nightmare. Looking around, she sees five silhouettes that seem to be watching her. One blue, one yellow, one black, one purple, and one red. She stands still, not knowing what to do.*

  Blue: It's coming

  *Vexa stands petrified, not understanding anything. She is tired of the nightmares and just wants them to end once and for all. Looking up at the sky, she sees the Blue Moon illuminating the darkness of the night.*

  Vexa: What?

  Yellow: It's coming

  Purple: IT'S coming

  Black: IT'S COMING

  Red: IT'S COMING!

  *The moon begins to grow in size and turn red, the ground begins to shake, and the atmosphere becomes tense. At home, Tarnok goes inside to get some water and notices that Vexa is nowhere to be found. He panics and calls the other heroes to help him look for her. It begins to rain softly. At the same time, Kaelion arrives at the ruins of Kari Yume.

  Kaelion: Chief? Can you hear me? *Adjusting his earpiece.*

  Thalior: Listen carefully, you're going to go down the secret entrance under an arch-shaped tree, and once you're down there, you have to check the room on the far left.

  Kaelion: Understood.

  *Back in Lightown, Tarnok and the others find Vexa lying by the lake thanks to her mobile phone locator. They try to wake her up again and again. Meanwhile, Vexa remains trapped in that nightmare. The silhouettes repeat the same thing, and when the red moon has covered the entire sky, they suddenly fall silent.*

  Blue: It's here.

  *Suddenly, everything is destroyed and turned dark red. Vexa wakes up with a start, and Tarnok holds her and reassures her.*

  Vexa: It's here.

  Tarnok: What?

  Cryo: Guys, *pointing to a hooded figure watching them from afar.*

  ???: I'm lost.

  *The heroes are on alert, but Tyler, noticing that he is wearing clothes similar to the one who attacked Phoenix and Cryo, launches himself into the attack, activating his element and hitting him again and again at super speed against a wall. Meanwhile, Thalior receives some news.*

  Kaelion: Chief? There's nothing here, just broken glass and it's freezing cold. I've checked the area to the right and there are only lots of roots.

  *Thalior's eyes widen as he receives another call from Cryo, quickly reporting the situation. He describes the individual's clothing to Thalior, but before he can continue, he stops. The subject stops Tyler's punch in its tracks. And there, under the blue light of the moon and in Thalior's own words.*

  Thalior: Kazuki Takeda

  *Cryo is unable to process the words due to the scene before him. Tyler remains standing for a second, an arm piercing through his chest and sealing his fate.*

  Kazuki: Your ánima disgusts me *dropping Tyler to the ground.*