Shadow Slave Cinema (reaction fanfic)

Sunny slowly opened his eyes.

Pure sunshine was pouring through the tall arched windows, and the air was suffused with warmth. The sweltering heat of Godgrave was dispelled by a pleasant breeze.

The storm was long over, and the world was at peace. His body felt refreshed and revitalized despite having been enveloped by a blissful fatigue not too long ago, and his mind was at ease. He had slept well… better than he had ever slept in his life. Waking up in Neph's bed for the second time in a row felt quite amazing.

Of course, this time, he had not just fallen asleep atop the covers. Feeling a tantalizing, warm softness pressing against his chest, Sunny raised his head and rested it on a hand, looking down.

Nephis was sleeping peacefully by his side, in his embrace. Her long, beautiful silver hair was scattered across the pillow, glistening in the sunlight. Her face was smooth and enchanting, more vulnerable than it had ever seemed before. Below it, her slender neck led to a round, alabaster shoulder… and beyond that, the alluring sight of her delicate clavicle was revealed, making his heart race.

To Sunny's chagrin, the rest was covered by a pristine white sheet.

Everyone stared at the screen with wide eyes, mouths open in shock, both from the context of the screening and also the image itself.

Clearly this pertained to a time after an intimate moment, which was embarrassing to say the least.

But strangely no reaction had sounded or been visibly audible from Nephis, who had been in silent shock ever since the image formed.

The other part of the shock…..was the bombshell of the image itself

Both Nephis and Sunny drastically stood out among other Saints in beauty, one could even mistaken their appeal at the level of Supremacy, or possibly more. And now, these two beings were together in a loving embrace.

The image, to say the least....was overpowering

Like a depiction of Adam and Eve, it was a spectacle to the eyes, which nobody could refuse to indulge in, nor not show appreciation for, as voices soon sounded out.

"PRINCESS! Y-YOU!!" Effie squealed, barely able to hold a sentence.

"Damn Nephis" Jet whistled, still covering Ling's eyes.

Kai remained silent as he stared at the scene, a subtle blush of embarrassment as he refused to avert his eyes from the spectacle, seemingly basking in the appealing aesthetic.

Rain held her gaze, seemingly in a trance at the sight, internally fighting between averting her eyes and continuing to look, as a single phrase boomed in her mind.

'You know Changing Star? Lady Nephis? I was practically her boyfriend'

Her mind threatened to collapse on itself from shock, unsure of how to react.

'My terrible brother and master has defiled the purity of Changing Star!!' a part of her screamed in anguish, while another considered another important matter.

'.....'

'Nephis is my sister in law…..?'

Her eyes moved side-to-side at an alarming velocity as she weighed the two realities, unsure of how to feel. Telle and Windflower offered no consolidation, nor words, as they were also absorbed by the image, popcorn flying into their mouths at increasing speed. All the meanwhile, her shadow offered no help or consolidation, as it was also staring at the screen in a trance.

What it felt when it stared at the scene, couldn't be described.

An emotion so deep, complex and passionate, it consumed its entire existence, both as a source of life and decay

A Longing….. a will.... not even the Gods could stand up to.

Although silent, if it had a body and could act, a silent tear would fall from its face.

A single, bittersweet tear.

While shock and curiosity was more than alive in the room, some people also had different feelings when staring at the scene. Morgan was the main person, as she remained motionless, her hands slightly clenching the leather by her side, as she looked at the display of affection.

Her face betrayed no emotion, but her eyes were unfathomably deep, as a storm of emotion raged in her heart.

She was….anguished.

Pained one could say, at the sight.

She helplessly stared at the warmth of the scene, despair tugging at her being at the prospect at how she could and would never be able to experience or receive such feelings. Her flaw had stripped her of the possibility of experiencing such a life.

Her face darkened, as spite and disdain grew in her being.

"Meaningless…." she muttered under her breath, as her eyes shifted.

She paused, recounting the beginning of the scene, as her lips slightly curled, her mood improving slightly.

'GodGrave..'

So he had indeed been brought over to Valor's side for the war….

Though the reason was certainly due to Changing Star's position and his relationship with her, likely not swearing or holding any allegiance to her father, he had been won over nonetheless. Her lips continued to curl in satisfaction as she turned her head towards the couch with the BloodSisters.

Seishan had also seemed to realize the implication, as she held Morgan's gaze with a cold indifference, bringing her satisfaction.

She lost concentration from incoherent ramblings that emanated from her right side, as she turned her head and gazed at Beastmaster with a worrying look. All the other BloodSisters did the same.

"This surely must be a gift left behind by the gods….a legacy relic in the form of a human, made for me?"

"But he holds affection to Changing Star….doesn't matter….maybe we can even get him to digest mother's blood to turn him into a puppet.." she muttered

Her eyes dangerously darkened

"Or a toy…." she mumbled, as the other BloodSister shuddered, unsure whether they were talking to their sister or some corrupted nightmare creature of lust.

Still, there was probably no sight more lovely in the entire world.

He remained motionless for a while, delighting in the breathtaking scene and listening to the subtle sound of Neph's tranquil breathing. His mind was a little empty. This moment, this feeling, this… closeness. He had been wanting it so desperately, and for long. Being here, with her, was almost too meaningful to fathom. And he did not really want to fathom it, either — or anything, for that matter.

He was in too good of a mood to spoil it with excessive thinking, and wished to simply enjoy the blissful beauty of the moment. He wished that it would never end.

How fitting it was, for him to attain what he wanted so deeply in the tower of the Demon of Desire...

With a quiet sigh, Sunny lowered his head back to the pillow and closed his eyes, enveloped in Neph's smell and basking in the sensation of her warmth.

Perhaps… it was alright to sleep for a bit more.

Effie's face seemed to glow like an artificial sun, as she stretched her arm out around Nephis's shoulder, pulling her closer to the side. She shook her head, as a look of admiration grew on her face.

"You…I always feared and doubted that you may lead a stale lifestyle of chivalry…." she sighed.

"But now….look at you! Honestly, I would say you're quite the role model for other women like us! I still cannot comprehend how you snagged the creme of the crop, but the result cannot be denied!" she cheered, tightening her grip around her shoulder.

"So lucky…..my…. if I wasn't a modest and pure, loyal woman with her own family, I would have fought you for him…" she lamented in sadness.

She paused, her signature wolfish grin taking over as she looked at Nephis, not a hint of fear at what she was about to say.

"But…"

"Maybe you can let me have one of his avatars…." she sheepishly cooed in a joking manner

Everyone on the couch turned at the words, disbelief on their faces, as they looked at Nephis, expecting Effie to be executed on the spot. But strangely, Nephis showed no reaction, as she continued to stare blankly at the scene in front of her. Silence was deafening, as they waited for a reaction.

Effie stared at her, bringing her hand up, as she waved it in front of her face.

"Umm….earth to Nephis?"

Still no response.

Effie turned back to everyone, a look of confusion and slight unease on her face.

"Uhh…I think I broke her?" she joked,

The words didn't reach Nephis as she continued to look ahead, her surroundings dull and dark, her vision tunneled, the image in front of her being her only source of light, illuminating the world.

Silently she stared at the scene.

Her eyes moved over every detail, soaking it all in.

I-It….was like a dream.

The dream that remained out of her grasp, at her mission of getting vengeance. The life and world she could only dream about after she succeeded, or tried in doing so. A life of emotion and opportunity she had cast aside when she set herself ablaze in her first trial.

It was ironic, although her Aspect commanded flames that came from the Sun God, the strongest and most volatile flame in existence.

She usually felt….

Cold

Always missing something, that made her human and feel alive.

At times when she was with people and listened to their conversations and read their expressions, she felt isolated. Like she didn't belong. She lacked and couldn't harness what made someone human.

Emotions, something that all humans were born with, indiscriminately.

Yet at times…

She dreaded in fear that the fire in her trial did more than burn her body.

She feared that it had burned away something at her core…..her identity as a human

But now…

For the first time for as long as she could remember, a new flame ignited in her soul. Unlike the other of vengeance, which was cold and blue, this new one was warm and light. It continued to grow, encompassing her entire existence, as it reached the boundaries of her body. She slightly trembled.

An emotion, a feeling, a longing.

One that was at the level she had felt from the Mad Prince, possibly even stronger.

An ancient cardinal flame.

For the first time for as long as she could remember, she felt….warm.

A warmth that made her remember what it felt to be alive, as her lips trembled, and uttered a single word.

"Love…."

A single tear rolled down her face.

He loved her so much, so much, that it hurt to think about. And yet…she didn't remember anything. Pained, she thought about what life for them was like before the Third Nightmare.

Had they gone on dates?

Cooked together?

Sparred in sport?

Lifted each other up?

Kissed and embraced each-other in passion?

How much of her acclaimed progression in her goals were in reality because of his contribution and help?

Her lips slightly trembled.

'I-I look so happy with him…'

Her face softened as she smiled, watching him gaze over her. It was gentle, there was no lust or carnal desires in his eyes. The way he looked at her was the purest form of what could be called "unconditional affection". His gaze never wavered, like he was looking at a precious memory he had long lost and cherished.

"He looks so happy with me…" she whispered

From the corner of her eye, she saw a blurred image of Effie open her mouth, as she seemingly questioned what she had just mumbled. But Nephis payed it no attention. Everything in the world momentarily lost meaning and value at the thing before her.

Her lucid dream did not last forever, as Effie's nagging finally got through, as a sentence finally registered in Nephis's mind.

"If you don't respond, then that means I can have him…"

Nephis eyes widened, as she snapped back to reality, grabbing Effie by the arm.

"No!" she yelped in a panic.

Effie looked at her in amusement, as reality began to come back to Nephis, now noticing the confused gazes on her. She pulled up her poker face, as she straightened her posture.

"No….No such words should come out of the mouth of a woman who already has a child" she replied in a flat-tone

She let go of Effie's arm as she adjusted her posture, feeling a gaze from her side as she turned. Cassie was staring at her with a look of amusement, a smirk on her face.

"Mhmm?"

Nephis's eye twitched,

"Don't" she said in a low tone, as Cassie pulled up her arms to imitate a surrender as she smiled.

"I didn't even say anything…" she cooed

But her cockiness was short lived, soon replaced with unease, and a slight bit of fear as the screen changed again. Showing something which caused Nephis to stir.

He had almost drifted back into the gentle embrace of sleep when a tentative voice suddenly resounded in his mind: [Uh… Sunny?]

Sunny opened one eye, startled a little and dissatisfied by the sudden interruption.

[What?]

Cassie remained silent for a few moments, then asked in calm tone:

[Are you guys coming down any time soon? Because, you know… you've been locked up there for a couple of days, already. And Nephis is technically in charge of this entire camp. There are some decisions I can't make alone.] Cassie spoke in a composed, nonchalant tone… but that only made Sunny feel more embarrassed about what she had said.

For a split second.

Then, a satisfied smile crept up on his face. 'Why yes, we have...' Sunny answered without opening his eyes, still lost in the softness, warmth, and sunlight.

[Sorry. Nephis is… a bit tired. We should probably let her rest for a while longer, but I'll be there shortly and lend a hand.]

Nephis slowly turned to Cassie as they both remained silent.

"I wouldn't" Cassie flatly responded, but Nephis didn't budge

"I really wouldn't" she protested, raising her voice.

Nephis continued to stare at her, eyes deep and considering something, as a slight twinkle appeared for a second. Slowly her lips curled…

As a….

Small, triumphant smug, formed on her lips.

This time, it was Cassie who shuddered as her face became dark, her eyes deepening.

"Don't…." she muttered in dejection.

Nephis continued to look at her, seemingly enjoying Cassie's growing agitation, before she ceased her actions, and adjusted her posture, leaning back against the sofa.

"I didn't even say anything…" she cooed

Effie watched the whole sharrade with disbelief, unsure whether she was witnessing reality or some fabricated viewing. But strangely, she felt…proud?

Rain was also in shock for a different reason, as she stared at the screen.

"D-Days..?" she gasped in disbelief.

'S-Sure the b-biology of Awakened is different…a-and at the level of a Saint I-I can't even imagine the endurance and stamina o-one has'

'...'

'But d-days..? Surely that can't be normal…' she thought in horror.

Her hand flashed, as she slapped her face, trying to physically rid herself of such demented thoughts.

Trying to distract herself, she looked over at Telle and Windflower, who were still munching from the bucket. Rain grabbed her mouth, as a queasy wave of nausea washed over her.

The popcorn…did not seem so enticing now.

Hearing his words, Cassie nodded slowly.

"If that is the case, there are a lot of preparations that have to be done. Everyone is busy, so… I would appreciate some help."

She gestured to the pile of papers laying on her desk. Some were written in Braille, but some were not. Cassie needed someone's eyes to read them. Sunny silently walked to stand behind her shoulder and looked down.

He hesitated for a few moments, and then couldn't help but ask: "Don't you have any questions, by the way? About, you know…"

"I don't!" Cassie's swift response came before he could even finish the question. Her voice was a little bit too loud, as well.

…Sunny could swear that the indomitable blind seer even blushed a little. Where was her composure? Where was her nonchalance?

He grinned.

"Well, good. Don't be like Effie…"

Cassie took a deep breath.

"As if!"

As Cassie's final statement blurted out, the screen shifted back to normal, the viewing now having come to an end. Nephis continued to side-eye Cassie as she loathed in silence, her satisfaction growing, as she turned to the others.

Effie was still gleaming, as Ling struggled to free himself from Jet. But everyone else….was still, as they stared at them blankly.

The room had achieved its purpose, the viewing had been a nice pacer and a change to calm everyone down, allowing them to process all the insane things they had previously witnessed.

Additionally, the subject being that of romance was, kind of enjoyable.

If they were watching from a Tv in their own home that is.

But they weren't.

And the person who's lovelife they had just glimpsed….was right here with them.

What were they supposed to say?

Congratulate her? No way!

It was just terribly awkward! The type of awkward that made one want to fold into themselves and hide from the world around them. While they were mostly all adults and had matured, it didn't change the context of the situation.

Nephis seemed to also realize as she remained silent, having lost her short lived, smug bravado, unsure of how to respond.

Thankfully Noctis coughed, breaking the tension.

"While that was quite a nice change…I must admit, I am more of an action enjoyer, and am somewhat craving another viewing of one of the ludicrous fights that Sunny has likely partaken in…" he sighed with a smile.

Everyone slowly nodded their heads in agreement, thankful that the subject had changed, as they looked at Daeron.

He nodded, "Let us proceed back to the Cinema to focus on our main objective" he echoed, as everyone lumbered towards the door.

Slowly, everyone moved forward into the hallway and began shuffling, Effie picking up Ling onto her head once again, seemingly rejuvenated. Nephis walked at a slightly slower pace, the cringe setting in at the realization of what everyone had just witnessed. Unfortunately she couldn't consolidate in Cassie, as she could still feel the gloom radiating off her. Valor and Song were both in thought about the revelation of Sunny having taken sides with Valor supposedly in the future. Rain was still despairing in confusion about how she should feel about her brother's relationship. The others were mostly looking forward to the potential fights they could see.

The only one who was strangely bored, was Mordret.

Originally, he had found enjoyment in tormenting Rain, who he had surmised was connected to Sunny. Her reactions were quite funny. But after everyone learned of her affiliation, that joy was short-lived. Sure, she was still uneasy around him, but the fear was not the same and constantly fleeting. Otherwise, he didn't really feel or see anything when he looked at her, like he did with any other human he didn't have an interest in. Morgan's agitation was another enjoyment, but conflicted with his overwhelming hatred he felt for her, and everyone else was quite boring.

Thus, the only person he held an interest in, was Sunny.

Absolutely not in a romantic sense, he couldn't and would never be able to understand human affection.

He was a never ending mystery, a spark of amusement that made him feel strangely alive in his existence, apart from his will to destroy his father and Valor, and everything related.

But after that, he didn't really know what he would do after.

Roll over and die?

Too boring.

Strangely, he was slightly giddy at the prospect of how Sunny had possibly been his friend, although he didn't understand what that meant. He was still fascinated by the display of depravity from the alternate version of him they had talked to, dare he say that was at a level that rivaled his own. If anything, he would maybe stick around him once his goals were achieved.

Maybe he could even work at his cafe…

He detested the idea of interacting with other people, but he could maybe tolerate it at the prospect of seeing some funny things by just being around him.

He swayed side to side in amusement at the thought.

"Interesting..interesting, so interesting….." he murmured

The silence continued as they continued to move, before one tiny voice spoke up.

"Is it possible to have the Cosmic viewing again?" Julius sheepishly asked, causing everyone to look at him with concern.

"Was it not you who warned of the dangers lurking in the Cosmos?" Daeron questioningly asked

Julius bit his lip, "Well….yes. But that doesn't change the opportunity we have to learn about the world outside our own….." he retorted in complaint.

Everyone stared at him in silence.

"We could ask if it's safe to look out" Windflower chimed in, as Telle nodded

"Also, we can ask for the viewing to be limited so there's less risk" Telle voiced in agreement.

Tyris, Roan and Daeron stared at the duo with confusion, slightly concerned at how quickly their bond was deepening. Heads turned around, as everyone shared looks of temptation. Well….it was true that they were all slightly curious, and their reasoning were intuitive. But it didn't remove the risk of what lurked outside.

"Then let's ask.." Cassie echoed, also seemingly motivated to distract herself from the previous screening.

Julius smiled as he adjusted his clothes, "Is there any malicious entity outside that poses a danger, and may we have the viewing with a limited time?" he echoed.

The air seemed to vibrate as statements formed.

[One entity detected]

[Neutral, but potentially dangerous]

[Viewing can be kept for one minute]

'Entity detected..'

Anticipation burned at the thought. While curiosity was said to have killed the cat, who's to say it was permanent? A cat had nine lives after all, and they were in the care of a mysterious God-like entity. Thus, they were slightly willing to push their luck.

"Could it be the girl again?" Kai questioned

"Possibly" Solvanne echoed,

Eyes twinkled at the idea. Previously, they had not learned much about the mysterious girl, and the thought of establishing a communication sounded almost too good.

It had to happen.

Eyes widened in anticipation, as the curtains once again shifted, creating small breaches that allowed everyone to look through. They all shuffled forward towards them, trying to catch a glimpse of her.

But there was nobody in sight.

Even more strange….

It wasn't the same nebula.

There was no eerie red, festering rod that encompassed the planets, nor were there any signs of corruption. It was just…peaceful. Different, untouched colors of all sorts, no different to the first moments of the previous cosmos viewing, different of course.

"We're in a new nebula" Kim whispered,

"But then where's the entity? There's just nothing" Effie questioned in a serious tone

Everyone leaned forward more, as they continued to search, and they did not have to for long, as an approaching movement in the distance became apparent. Eyes widened. Not in fear, but in sheer bewilderment.

It wasn't a human.

It wasn't even some biological creature.

…a train?

No….a metro? A smooth, white, modern day metro that barrelled with precision through the Cosmos, its destination unknown. It was a human creation all right, but nobody was knowledgeable about vehicles to know about what region of the world it would supposedly come from.

"A metal snake?" Noctis mumbled in confusion

"Train…" Cassie mumbled, still in disbelief

"Rain?" He replied in confusion

"Die in vain…." Solvanne muttered

Noctis turned to her, a look of stupefied annoyance on his face

"You don't even know what it is," he retorted in a sing-song voice. Solvanne's eye twitched, as she turned to Cassie for an answer.

"It's a train, a form of transport used back in the modern world" she replied in a flat tone, still absorbed by the scene.

"You have such versatile transport?" he questioned, seemingly challenged at the idea of his ship being outmatched, and out of date.

Cassie shook her head, "They're only meant for land, this is the first and only time we'll ever see such a thing" she murmured.

Noctis stared at her, before looking back at the approaching train. Slowly, he brought his hands to his face, imitating a crude prayer form.

"Gods…I love this place" he whispered, tears almost forming in his eyes.

Everyone held their breath in anticipation as the metro continued to rapidly approach them, until it finally came within distance, moving parallel to them. Its speed didn't falter, meaning their window of opportunity would be brief.

Effie frowned,

"How are we supposed to converse, let alone communicate with a train?" she grumbled, as Ling fidgeted on her shoulders, captivated by what he was seeing.

Nephis narrowed her eyes,

"Further down, there's a person" she echoed, as everyone turned their heads, squinting.

As the metro continued to move past them, they finally saw it.

By one of the windows, there was a man.

He was also….human

His stature was normal, as he wore a white trench coat over normal clothes, his hair was black, especially flat, hinting at a possible asian ethnicity. While his attire was plain, his face was strangely….blurry. They couldn't discern any noticeable features, and the more they looked, the more different he seemed to look by the waking second. However, the most peculiar feature about him was a pair of grand, dark, nebulous wings attached to his back, similar in that of appearance to a raven.

He stood motionless next to the window, as if reminiscing about something in deep thought.

Nephis shuddered at the appearance, the wings were very similar to the ones that formed in her Transcendent form. Were they also a part of a "form", or directly part of his biology? Her eyes strained as she focused on his back. To her surprise, they were directly fused with him, unlike hers which didn't directly connect.

"Nephilim..?" she mumbled in thought.

Daeron stepped forward, his eyes deep and narrow, "Someone from your world?" his voice reverberated.

"I-It would look like it, the train does look like something from our world" Luster mumbled,

"A being from a parallel world?" Julius mumbled in thought.

"Who cares about that, look at the wings! He looks like an Angel!" Effie chimed in amusement, causing Noctis and Solvanne to shudder.

"Too harmless to be an Angel" Noctis echoed, his tone careful, causing everyone to look at him in confusion.

"Don't bring up those beings so casually" he warned, his tone devoid of his usual banter, cursing people to shudder.

They looked back to the metro only to stop. As just like before, the being outside had also seemed to sense their existence. It's head turned to look at them, causing the space to violently shake. The very fabric of the world groaned under the weight of its attention.

Everyone spaced their feet and braced themselves for balance, as fear began to creep in. This was the most violently the place had ever reacted, as a words soon began to form and rapidly blink in alarm

[A Great existence is looking]

[Warning]

The only one who wasn't in shock was Ling, unaware of the situation as he bounced around on his mothers shoulders giggling. He turned his head to look at the metro, spotting the blurry figure. The figure also seemed to sense his gaze as he shifted to look up and meet Ling's gaze.

Ling smiled, as he vigorously waved at him.

At the sight, the being seemed….to waver. The shaking lessened as everyone found their grounding, noticing how its gaze was focused on Ling. Alarmed Effie stood rooted on the spot, wanting to defend and protect her child, but unsure of how to do so. She slightly flinched as it raised its hand.

Only…to wave back

They couldn't see his face clearly, but they could tell he was smiling.

….a sad smile

As if it was remembering something, maybe the past. In line with his reaction to Ling, others seemed to realize that he was a kind entity. Maybe it had children of sorts of its own, which explained its soft response to Ling.

Or maybe it was just a kind and selfless being in general.

But if so…..then why was it all alone out here?

Questions would never come to pass, as in the next moment the curtains moved once again, shifting back to normal, the statement in the air now blinking again.

[Cosmos viewing has ended]

Effie immediately grabbed Ling from her shoulders and brought him down, a panicked look on her face.

"ARE YOU OKAY!? Do you feel weird or hurt anywhere?!?" she hurriedly exclaimed, looking across his body for any differences.

Ling giggled as he was moved around like a large plushie,

"That tickles" he yelped, causing Effie to pause. She smiled before tossing him up and grabbing him as he fell down.

"Of course you are! What was I thinking, you're the strongest four year-old in existence!" she pridefully shouted, causing Ling to laugh.

"No great….great exis…great existence could ever harm you…." she slowly worded, her voice trailing off, as she once again checked him all over for any signs of harm.

Jet breathed a sigh of relief at the sight.

"He was nice" Ling mumbled as everyone looked at him

'Great existence…'

Everyone turned to Julius for a response, or at least one of his bright hypotheses. He rubbed his chin in contemplation, before turning to everyone.

"I assume a Great existence in this context would hint at a being at the level of Gods, possibly even more. The subjective use of "great" as a descriptive adjective gives plausibility and more value that just flat out calling it a God. While we have been here, this place has used subjective wording in relation to positive or negative aspect, but never such at one of a high level"

"Meaning….."

He paused, rubbing his eyes to double check his thought process, before a ridiculous smile formed on his face.

"Ladies and Gentleman, we have just looked at a being that is above the level of a God" he echoed in celebration.

Silence.

Not a heartbeat sounded as the words sunk into the minds and body of everyone. Above the level of the Gods. Inconceivable, no, impossible. It just was…too much, too damn much for anyone to register. Not even the defiant Gilead could muster the pride to say otherwise. Every single moment they thought they were adapting and getting used to the absurdity of the whole experience, they were once again rocked to their core.

They were almost tempted to ask if they could go back and watch more of Nephis's and Sunny's love life, but it had already told them one viewing.

Some people became lightheaded at the realization, while others formed thoughts of self-dejection.

'Ah, so i'm just that weak and insignificant'

"Aahh…I thought I was old enough to have seen everything" Ananke sighed, a complicated smile on her face.

"Lets..let's… just go back and watch some violent stuff to turn our brains off…." Kai mumbled, as heads solemnly nodded in unison.

Everyone once again began their pace, as they went over the event in their head, continuously failing to make it any clearer and probable. The only person who wasn't slumped was Rain, who was quite happy.

For once, she had finally experienced something similar to the level of her brother, maybe even higher!

The prospect of finally not being a complete bum in comparison to him, was mood lifting, like the realization of one's first employment.

She beamed, her pace quickening as she slightly skipped.

"I guess it does run in the blood" she hummed,

Eventually, they made it back, and all moved back to their respective seats; although Rain was a little saddened to be split apart from Telle and Windflower, but obliged and joined the front with Ananke and Rain. They all adjusted themselves, as Julius stood up and looked around, silent nods signalling him to proceed, and also ask the last question they had saved.

[Welcome back to the Cinema of Forgotten]

[Would you like to see the viewing options?]

He coughed,

"Yes"

The screen churned, as two refreshing statements popped up.

[Hermit of Legacies]

[or]

[Shadow of Godgrave]

"What is the context behind the two viewing choices?" he questioned, as everyone leaned forward to read the slowly forming paragraphs.

[Shadows, silent, cold, and meek. Watching, though they never speak. Yet loathe are they to stand and see. Another rise where they could be. One king, with pride and boundless might,

Defied the dark, challenging it to a fight. He laughed at threats, dismissed the toll, Unaware it would claim his soul. Patience frays, and darkness calls, even the mightiest of empires must fall. Amidst a sea of blood and pain. Two beings clashed in fierce disdain. Their wrathful eyes, like storms untamed. Lost in the depths from which they came. He broke the king—his form, his pride, and took the throne he left behind. The crown was seized, the rule undone. In the dark, the shadow won. It placed the crown upon its head. And laughed above the fallen dead]

[or]

[Two mighty realms prepare to fight, their banners raised in bloodstained light. Amidst the ash where warriors tread, their pride fierce, their foes lie dead. Yet, in the haze of war's embrace. A shadow waits with silent grace. With blinded rage, they charge in vain, their banners high, their glory's chain. But with a breath, a fleeting glance. The shadow ends their grand expanse. Their pride, their strength, their grand design, devoured whole for all in sight. He crushed their pride, their bodies fell. And took their sisters as silence dwelled. Around the ruin, laughter sounded from him. For their fate had long been decided by his whim. And such, an end was bound to be. The shadows laughed at their misery in glee, as such to their ruler, a Calamity's cold decree]

Noctis choked,

"I don't know whether to be more shocked by the absurdity of these statements or the fact that the poetry is somehow evolving even further," he mumbled, looking at Solvanne.

But she didn't respond, seemingly mesmerized by the words, her eyes glistening.

"Glory…" she whispered, causing Nocits to shudder, his gaze turning cold.

Everyone stared at the options, eyes wavering. They had been craving to witness a glorious fight, and it seemed the cinema had responded, and delivered more than anticipated. Simply put, they were insane, these supposed fights sounded like long lost legends, something Odyssey or Hercules would perform under the watch of the gods.

And yet Sunny had done so alone.

He alone, through sheer will and spite, had clashed in such fights.

It seemed that everything that stood in his path was fated to meet a terrible demise, and be devoured by the shadows.

Fitting, what other fate would one meet….

When fighting not a man,

But a walking Calamity. 

The shadow loved by the Daemons.

Rain slumped back in her chair, her short lived pride of her recent achievement having already been snuffed out.

"I give up" she grumbled, but nobody heard her, their minds raising to correlate the viewings with people, as the air in the room became dark.

In the first choice….it was clearly referring to Daeron.

Eyes moved as they recalled the earlier claim of the cohort, how Sunny had supposedly defeated Daeron, a Supreme, as a mere Master. Still incomprehensible, they all wanted to watch it, but hesitated. Because they were watching Daeron be defeated. As a Supreme and a King, he would without a doubt object, and nobody had the gall to step up to his refusal.

That left the second option…

Which hinted at a grand slaughter in GodGrave.

A slaughter where Sunny decimated the Blood Sisters of Song, all while laughing…

It was chilling.

While being Divine, a Transcendent was still a Transcendent in comparison to another. So how in the Spell's name did he supposedly slaughter a group of Saints…

Again,

All while laughing

Morgan's eyes gleamed, her mood lifting, as her perception of Sunny turned to a positive light. She slowly turned around to look at Song, as they already glared at her, fire burning in their eyes as they dared her to move her wicked tongue.

The only one who didn't hold her gaze, was BeastMaster, who held a conflicted look.

As one part of her was deeply enamoured and drawn to him, while another was shocked that he supposedly had slaughtered the pride of Song. It was an inexcusable offense, but like her before, her actions were not completely guided by reason and logic.

Thus, she was having a very hard time with herself.

"I guess he can only be a toy then…." she muttered in dejection

"I suggest the second option" Gilead said quietly, causing the Blood Sisters to rise from their seats.

"AS IF!" Silent stalker roared

Jest cocked his eyebrow, "You object then?" he questioned, motioning to Daeron.

The Blood Sisters hesitated, as they glanced at the still silent king, who had yet to move. But their hesitation didn't linger as they straightened their shoulders. They refused to let the image of Song be publicly tarnished, to let what their mother had built up be shamefully torn apart.

And they were willing to go against a Supreme.

Their mother meant that much to them.

"Yes, as a part of the audience, we hold a right to choose what is chosen," Seishan said in a low tone, causing Morgan's mad look to intensify. She opened her mouth to kick back, but a low voice cut her off.

"Let's chose option one"

It was Daeron. To everyone's shock, he was actually advocating for the option where he brutally lost. Was he mad? Or was so morally upright, that people seeing his defeat was beneath him. It was a complete mystery, as his eyes were empty, deep and mysterious.

"You would like to see option one?" Seishan repeated, echoed, a hint of hope in her voice.

Daeron remained silent, before slowly nodding,

"I would like to learn the truth….but the other option should also be saved. This one is before he became Transcendent, while the other is clearly after."

"The gap in his growth is too large, and cannot be cast away"

Morgan smiled triumphantly, as she looked to Song for an answer. All the Blood Sister glanced at Seishan as she remained silent, before slowly replying.

"Alright" she echoed, causing the eyes of Song to widen

She turned around her voice now a hush, "While it is humiliating, the future is not completely set with fate still broken, meaning the more we learn of how we lost and about his abilities, the higher possibility we can crush him in the future"

The Blood Sisters nodded solemnly in agreement as they lowered themselves.

"[Hermit of Legacies]" Daeron boomed, as the screen began to shift. Everyone adjusted their posture as the colors began to shift. Windflower reached over and gingerly grabbed his palm, as he looked at her with soft eyes.

"Is this okay?" she whispered with concern.

Daeron quietly looked at her, raising his hand to brush her hair.

"Nothing is forever, that's what makes it have meaning" he lamented, as a slow smile grew on his lips.

"It is also strangely…invigorating. I am glad to know that I went out kicking till the last breath, not to mention having clashed with such an accomplished man"

Windflower slowly nodded as she moved back, leaving him alone, his face complicated as he turned back to the screen.

He had no knowledge of why the Cinema had described both of them in wrath when fighting, nor did he understand how Fate had brought them together. The corruption in his time was already eating away at his kingdom, and threatened to take it all away. Hope seemed to only lie in the Tomb of Ariel, but he had no clue whether his lineage and people would survive.

He loved them all dearly, but their lives were not for him to decide. He was merely the guardian who paved and led the path, nothing more or less.

But it seemed his actions were not for naught, as although conflicted by the idea, his crown supposedly was still carried on. A simple but meaningful piece of iron, that carried the legacy of his culture. The past may be pushed away, but it will never die, it will always reflect itself in the future as long as a remnant survives.

And after seeing bits of Sunny's story, accomplishments and life.

He felt….content.

Truly, beside his own blood, no better person deserved to represent and be his heir.

A sigh escaped his lips, as he leaned back, a look of anticipation on his face.

"I hope you give me a good show….my supposed heir" he whispered, as the screen flashed.

As he looked, the water suddenly foamed, and a giant serpentine head rose from its depths.

A familiar gaze pierced him, brimming with hatred and madness.

The Azure Serpent... did not look too good, just like the carcass of the Black Turtle, which had once seemed grand and indestructible, was now pitiful and hollow, the Great Beast was in a dire state. One of its cloudy eyes was gone, replaced by a bloody hole. Half of the terrifying fangs in its obliterating maw were either cracked or broken. Whole chunks of flesh were missing from its long neck, revealing red meat and white bone.

And yet... the Azure Serpent was undeterred.

It was just the same.

Its fury was the same, its hunger was the same, and it's mad determination to kill the two humans was the same.

Daeron's stomach dropped at the sight of the screen, as the vigor drained from his eyes.

So….

…this is how it was.

He silently stared at the maddened version of himself in silence. The usual proud light and demeanor that shone in his eyes was absent, simply replaced by eternal madness. In the end…it seemed like he had even succumbed to the corruption.

Even going so far as to hunt Sunny down and try and end his life….

His head lowered as he looked at the ground silently. Others didn't seem to notice his mood shift, as their eyes were glued to the screen.

"What the shit! You actually fought that thing Neph!?!" Effie yelled in disbelief, as Jet sighed and silently pulled Ling back to her lap.

Eyes turned to Nephis in anticipation as she stared at the screen.

She silently shook her head, "I don't remember, and since I don't…"

"..."

"He indeed killed him alone"

Mouth dropped as people glanced at Daeron and back at the screen, in disbelief.

"But still! Divine or not, the difference is too big!" Luster whined in complaint, as everyone nodded in agreement.

"...This is a corrupted version of Daeron, so he's not as his full power or potential" she echoed, causing faces to slightly lift in relief.

"But….a Supreme is still a Supreme, it doesn't change the insanity behind this act" her voice reverberated with triumph.

"Would you also take the fight?" Morgan asked with a curious tone. Valor grew silent, waiting for her answer, which would reveal her real intentions with Anvil and the future of Valor.

Nephis paused, seemingly going over different fight scenarios in her head, as a slow smile crept her lips.

"I'm not that crazy" she said in a rare joking tone.

"But he is…."

"...because he's Sunny" she announced, causing eyes to glisten in admiration

Noctis doubled back as he laughed, vigorously clapping his hands,

"Well said! Well said!"

Rain silently tilted her head down to look at her Shadow, as it sensed her gaze and turned to her

"What do you think?" she whispered, as he Shadows hands moved to respond,

"SNAKE. YUMMY"

She shuddered as her gaze left him and moved back to the screen. She seemed to have forgotten that it was not Sunny in her shadow, but the Mad Prince.

A cataclysm with its own unique category.

And yet... the Azure Serpent was undeterred.

It was just the same. Its fury was the same, its hunger was the same, and its mad determination to kill the two humans was the same.

The Great Beast stared at Sunny, and Sunny stared at the Great Beast.

"Aren't you a persistent one?" His voice sounded grim and hoarse. Sunny remained silent for a while, then suddenly spat: "But what do you even know? Do you think you're so special? I know fury, too. I know hunger, too. I know madness, too! Oh... and I've killed plenty of creatures more powerful than me, too."

A dark smile appeared on his face. "Who are you to dare stare me down, beast? I am **** **** ****, who was born from the shadows. I am the rightful heir of death and the bastard son of fate. Wherever I go, ruin follows. If you had any sense, you would have run away as soon as you saw me."

Everyone shifted in confusion at the scene. While it was impressive and captivating, there was weird bleeping at certain moments, something that hadn't happened before.

"What is this…." Revel murmured

"It's censoring his damn True Name!" Beastmaster whined in complaint.

Cassie shifted, "Didn't he not have a true name in his ruins?" she questioned out loud.

"How do you even lose a true name?" Saint Roan repeated in confusion.

"I would love to know what it is…" Saint Cor murmured.

Before anyone could theories how or why he lost his name, uncontrollable laughter sounded from the second row, as everyone turned their heads to look.

Jest immediately kicked back as he laughed uncontrollably, slapping his knees as tears began to form in his eyes.

"Ahahah See! See! I told you, he gave himself the names! Nobody can tell me otherwise that I can't do the same when I get back!" he howled in amusement.

Gilead shifted,

"You fight a Supreme then to get the accreditation to do so" he flatly responded.

Jest turned to Gilead, a look of pride in his eyes.

"Oh, I've changed the diaper of a Supreme, I think that gives me more than enough credit!" he chortled, slapping his knee with more violence.

Gilead slips twisted into a sneer, as he turned away in disgust,

"You're courting death" he muttered under his breath.

"They are quite pretentious" Jest cooed,

"He is the only one worthy of them" Tyris echoed flatly, a rare look of admiration in her eyes.

The scene shifted again, the new image causing people to rise in alarm. On the screen, Sunny was now standing at the edge of the cliff.

Except he was engulfed in roaring white flames that pulsed around his body, causing him to glow strangely in contrast with his usual appearance devoid of light.

He felt the purifying warmth flowing into his body and soul, strengthening both.

At the same time, all five of his shadows wrapped themselves around him. In an instant, Sunny felt strong enough to crush the black rocks with his bare fists, and shake the entire world with his steps.

Effie looked at Neph in alarm, as her arms flailed in panic,

"Neph, why are you burning your wife!" she yelled in panic, causing Kai to double over in a coughing fit.

Nephis held Effie's gaze in confusion as she slightly tilted her in question.

"Wife…?" she repeated in an oblivious tone, causing Effie to roll her eyes in annoyance.

"Later! Whatever! You'll get it once we see more freaky moments of you two, more importantly why is he on fire with your flames!" she yelped in alarm.

Nephis remained rooted, still trying to process what Effie meant, as she slowly shook her head and analyzed the footage, her eyes squinting.

"He's not burning….he's empowered…" she mumbled in confusion.

"Empowered?" Morgan mimicked, leaning forward with a smile, clearly fishing for more information about Nephis's aspect.

Nephis glared at her, but nothing more as she felt the others look at her in anticipation. Hesitantly she answered,

"Normally…empowering is something I can only do to myself…I don't how he is doing so" she said in a low tone, causing the eyes of Valor and Song to glint like hungry beasts.

Nephis eyes lowered, as she tried to understand how it was possible.

Maybe their bond was indeed deeper than just affection…

But more importantly, she looked at the screen with unease as she watched him approach the cliff. She knew this was the turtle she had been trapped on for a month, and yet she had blurry memories of it all.

And yet….he was going so far as to fight a Supreme to save them.

Her lips slightly quivered,

"Charmer…" she mumbled.

Turning to the Great River, he took a deep breath and whispered. "**** **** *****, remember. This is your name..."

Then, he opened the gate of the Shadow Lantern and allowed a flood of shadows to flow out of it, drowning the slopes of the island. They flowed down like an avalanche of darkness, eventually touching the water.

Sunny closed his eyes and dissolved into the shadows.

...In the next moment, the shadows moved, and something tore free from their dark embrace.

Everyone leaned forward, as they watched the unidentifiable shape move through the water, growing in size, as confusion and fear started to grow.

"He's manifesting some sort of shadow?" Saint Cor mumbled

"No, no, it's moving like it's alive…" Julius mumbled in deep thought.

"But his Aspect is tied to Shadows and Avatars, how does that make any sense?" Jet contemplated aloud.

Everyone's eyes darkened at the realization.

Had they understood his aspect wrong the entire time?

Their answer seemed to be close, as on the screen, the sea began to change. What was before deep blue, was now….becoming crimson red.

"What is happ-" Rain yelped, cut off as the image changed, the water erupting violently in all directions, twinkling in the moonlight as corpses of unknown creatures of the deep flew all over the place.

Everyone abruptly stood up at the absurdity of what they were seeing, fireworks shooting in their mind.

"HOLY FUCK" Effie yelled in disbelief,

"Now this, is entertainment! Noctis shouted, throwing his arms in the air.

"By the gods…." Ananke whispered.

Anyone who didn't join them in shouting, silently screamed so in their mind, as they were too absorbed by what they were seeing.

On the screen, two colossal serpents tore through the raging waters, their titanic forms coiling and clashing with a fury that sent tremors through the world itself.

One, an Azure leviathan, its scales shimmering like shattered sapphires. The other, an Onyx beast, darker than the abyss, a living void that devoured the light.

They twisted, thrashed, and collided, their battle shaking the very fabric of reality. Their roars weren't just sound—they were shockwaves, vibrating through bones, rattling the walls, igniting the air with raw, unrelenting power.

Above them, seven burning suns blazed like divine beacons, casting their radiance over the unfolding apocalypse.

There was only one word for this.

Ragnarok.

Their eyes burned—not with hatred, but something deeper. A fury primordial. An ancient anger. A rage uncontainable.

They didn't fight.

They obliterated.

Blood erupted in the air, painting the river a crimson tapestry of shattered royalty and broken chains.

A King and a Slave. Opposites by birth. Equals in destruction.

Because in the end, for both, there was only one destination.

Doom.

Sunny had sworn to fulfill his duty as the Heir of Death, and drag Daeron's corpse into the Abyss.

And the moment those words left his lips…

It was as if the universe itself understood—

Nothing could stop him now.

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I had to rewrite the last bit quite a few times

But I finally got it to the "Aura" level I wanted :)

Next chapter will be quite the action packed feast, might even have to call it a superhero movie lol

I know people were complaining about the lack of action in recent chapters

So instead of arguing, why not give them a chapter so good,

They can only want more? (˵ •̀ᴗ•́˵)و

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