"You are not here. A shadow that no one notices, a part of the air that simply moves by each being unnoticed, scarcely felt."

Clement's words were almost silent, audible only to Galen. The little boy stood absolutely still and straight, his eyes open little but were alert. Clement was invisible to every eye, but Galen could still feel his presence and aimed to make his own similar. His body gradually faded out of light's sight and it felt as if the particles constituting his body were slowly separating; he felt weightless.

Galen's eyes were now wide open and the world's was closed - at least for him. No shadow was present for a very long distance - they were deep inside Sylva Vita, after all - and the evening sky's warm glow evaded his sense of touch, or perhaps he evaded it. Galen took a brief turn around before his eyes settled on Clement who appeared to look directly at him, but Galen knew Clement never depended on his eyes. The boy give a small, proud smile, and the other Shadow returned it.

Clement recognised everything. Galen admired his empathy and understanding in all aspects.

"Papa!" said a girl suddenly as she rushed towards Clement, an enormous smile on her face. Galen held back a giggle as she came to a stop, a winsome expression accompanying her pleasant presence.

"What are you doing? If you're free maybe we can take a walk?"

Clement smiled, although before he could say anything Audrey's expression turned dull and she raised her hand, as if holding something. Clement chuckled as Galen gradually appeared.

"Not bad, kiddo. Surprised you recognised me," Audrey replied, the same neutrality remaining on her face. "You think I do nothing, don't you? I rarely train with Jay since he's so busy, yes, but there's always Mum. She's awesome."

Clement chuckled, patting Audrey's head. "She's awesome, huh?"

"Yes! She gives me a different perspective on pretty much everything about the ability. It doesn't always fit me, but I think she experiences it differently.

"You know what? Forget walking. Just lie down. This is good, yes."

Audrey landed with a soft thud on the bushy grass, the few droplets of water giving her a tingling sensation. Galen nodded happily and followed her advice, though Clement stood still for a while, chuckling gently.

The two children now lay on either side of Clement, the three holding each other's sides. Long moments of peace and silent passed, their eyes staring into something beyond the sky. Soon the night sky settled in. A billion stars and the glow of their galaxy covered their sight and the three felt different emotions of tranquillity, being in both solitary and unitary solace. Perhaps united under the bright force in the sky.

Oblivion lays by my side, thought Clement. His mind was devoid of most thoughts and emotions, though little curiosity and anticipation was in his mind.

Have you found the land? I hope you have.

Clement gently entered the deeper aura lines of the Shadow of Oblivion, sifting through the various waves in hopes of spotting a familiar one.

You do not deserve to feel guilty, especially after all you've done for them all. Duty demands it, and duty must be fulfilled. That is all you've done. That is all he has done.

Silence and a Night Sky was present.

"The moonlight shines bright."

- - - - - - -

"Be aware of your surroundings."

A gentle breeze carried Clement's soft voice to the senses of the Shadows present. They sat on the bushy grass with their backs straight, their eyes closed and their mind following the notions their teacher gave. Children of many ages were present with the youngest being five and the oldest being twelve.

"Recognise the information for what it is. The atmosphere, the particles, the energies and especially the entropy around. Raw data is in your mind and it paints the whole, big picture."

Silence pervaded now as each student let go of their senses gradually. The breeze was cold no more, the grass was wet no more, their bodies seemed weightless, they were momentarily massless.

However a sound played in the distant, keeping the Shadows tied to the concrete world. The Earth's gravity began to be felt again and they recognised a muscular effort in keeping their eyes closed, even if it was very little. Their bodies were a weight, the warmth of the sun was felt.

Yet the overall tone of the atmosphere remained tranquil and abstract. The auras of two boys dominated the other thirteen's. One was neutral for eternity, as if untouched and unacknowledged by the fundamental physical forces, although the Shadow himself was ever of each force around him, each effect. The other reverberated silence that appeared to shield the Shadows from the sound, though no one but Clement understood that. These dominant auras really were personal and hidden, but the rest of the Shadows present could recognise such abstract waves and saw that they were the closest to equilibrium.

The waves laid out a path for the others to follow, away from the world's sensations. Slowly and gradually did the shield leave the atmosphere, settling silently in their personal minds only for each growth, each learning and each endeavour was personal.

Each was alone. But they were alone together.

This collective aura was now the only sight in Clement's mind; all different colours, all emanating a different vibe, but the total information that projected each wave was same. Each Shadow was aware of all the information surrounding them, but they chose to protect it in divergent lights.

Clement was satisfied. Although Clement had told the students that this was a class to understand the meaning of a physical body and how to recognise all the elements surrounding us, it really was a class to rather vaguely introduce them to the technique of Liber; to be able to 'control' all particles, especially those associated with themselves.

Perhaps it was because this was the first session, but the Shadows broke away from that state, their mind still in a trance but all sensations physical again. This did not mean that each Shadow could practice the Technique or was even aware of it, but this certainly would influence their actions and the way they used their ability.

As the students began to leave, Clement searched the crowd for the two boys. The older one had already left, as if being as discreet as a shadow, and no remnants of his aura remained so that Clement could follow a trail. The younger, however, remained seated on the ground in the same position, his eyes closed and his aura invisible and focused, and yet oddly calming. Clement recognised him; the boy quite often went to Ila's lectures no matter what the minimum age was. He suspected the boy had a rather strong curiosity, but he was humble about it.

The boy slowly opened his eyes, revealing a gentle brown gaze. It's glow was kind and yet... distant from the present. He noticed Clement and swiftly moved his eyes to see the Shadow, a small smile coming on his face.

Clement felt ease and an odd sense of... attachment, as if their energy itself was similar. No, as if the boy looked after his nature, his kind of energy.

The feeling soon subsided and the boy left, and Clement was all alone. For long distances, nothing was present except Earth's Nature.

Clement was in solitary quietude.

- - - - - - -

"Audrey, don't run! You don't want to hurt yourself."

"Piano!" Audrey exclaimed, ignoring her father's concern and earning a chuckle from him. She wore a hearty grin as she rushed into the music room, now treading carefully towards the instrument. The sunlight reflected softly of the polished wood, entering the room through the tall, wide windows. Audrey gently opened them, embracing the calming breeze that followed while closing her eyes. Moments of silence passed and she stood still, taking a deep breath before she walked towards her seat.

Gentle notes reverberated across the room, Audrey's fingers delivering every note delicately. The sound translated into little notions and emotions as she heard them, and she gradually felt herself move away from reality. Movements with vibrations, mind with pure senses. However, sentience was no doubt there.

She was unaware, but she saw beauty.

Clement took a seat by the wall of the large hall, making not a single sound and choosing to remain out of Audrey's sight. He let his head lean on the cold metal surface, closing his eyes and falling into a conscious, soft sleep.

Audrey remained immersed in the sea of sound. She oddly felt a deep connection to the headquarters across time, perhaps not because of the piece itself but simply because of its feel. Gentle articulation, an interpretation without thought - all effortless, simply pouring own raw sentiment.

A minor chord finished the piece but somehow, Audrey felt as if the melody continued. Nevertheless she opened her eyes to continue with reality, subconscious sounds continuing to perform in her mind. She gently turned around with a small smile that changed to confusion and subsequently to little embarrassment.

Five shadows sat by the wall in a line, a similar look of peace on each's face and an especially bright smile at the little boy's. As Audrey glanced at her little brother she felt a momentary tingle in the mind, reiterating the feel she got from the piece. Although she was distracted from that when everyone opened their eyes.

"When did you all come in here," she mumbled, eyeing them with shyness. Ila and Ava stood up slowly while Clement and Galen remained seated with Jack in Clement's lap. Ava was now already by Audrey's side.

Ila wore a proud smile and she ruffled Audrey's hair soothingly. Audrey gave the Shadow a rather nervous but delighted smile with a small bow as she remained seated. Ila now turned to Galen, raising an eyebrow.

"Audrey plays the piano. Ava plays the violin. What can you do? Huh?"

Galen scowled, burying his head in Clement's arm. The Shadow chuckled and gently pushed Galen's head to face his mother.

"Leave the boy alone, Ila. He is great with his ability."

"Yeah but it's kind of lonely playing the accordion alone."

"I love to listen to you!" Galen protested, and Ila knew his statement was genuine. After moments of silence she laughed gently, prompting Galen to give her a smile.

"You like Beethoven quite a lot, don't you?" Ava asked gently.

Audrey gave a small smile, unsure of what to say but eventually gave a response. "I don't really have a favourite composer but yes, Beethoven's compositions are highly intriguing and remarkable. He was forced into music, sort of, or to at least become a 'child prodigy'. Yet he found beauty in that art, sincerely committing his life to express himself through music. He suffered a lot in his life, but music expressed it all. But most surprisingly, Beethoven's works after he turned dead were more delicate that the ones he composed before. There was less rage, less vigour and more appeasing emotions. It was almost paradoxical, I suppose, but it makes sense. Perhaps he gained some sort of insight into something. Perhaps patience, or simply to cherish each moment. Perhaps he didn't truly understand his own emotions and let music explain them to him.

"Of course becoming deaf wasn't all that 'inspired' him but... it certainly did something. Robbing him of his dearest sense had a profound effect, but I'm not sure what.

"I respect him."

Audrey gave Ava that shy smile again. Ila's smile was warm and she and Clements shared a mutual emotion and thought, both very proud of the little girl. Audrey suddenly felt a somewhat urge to face her father, and Clement gave the Shadow a small nod and a smile, hints of understanding in his eyes.

Perhaps a certain entity is not too different, Clement thought. It did not wish to commit that deed but it must fulfil its duty. Duty attached it to the world. However, it let go of it emotions. It never understood it. It never understood sentience. It could only be understood by those who didn't require expression to understand information, to exercise empathy.

It develops itself with time, but time can be funny, especially for it. Its present form may be in the past, its past in the present, its mind and body conflicted by time, its presence in the timeless dimension confounding its sense of meaning and Truth.

Nevertheless, even considering all the help it got it is brave. It is worthy of respect.

Audrey's smile was warmer.

He is worthy of respect. And he shall indeed return home.

Soon.

- - - - - - -

Galen's head rested on Audrey's shoulder, his eyes closed and his mind in an uncomfortable but deep sleep. Audrey very gently used only her other hand to play a simple melody, her eyes too lowered in exhaustion but the sound powering her energy and alleviating her friend.

Clement had stood by the door for a while, now, sorrow reflecting in his yellow eyes. The air around him was still, traces of grief and comfort entangled in the oddest manners but giving the right vibration. Ila had died while doing the same thing his father did, to the same creatures, probably because she was an ordinary Shadow-Trapper and because much of her energy had been spent in forming Galen. But perhaps... perhaps she anticipated such a thing. Perhaps Paliv Verasel indirectly showed her something. Perhaps that's why Galen was formed by solely her in the first place. She was one of the Shadow-Trappers formed solely by earth's energy, after all.

Nevertheless, she had failed just as his father had. One more Shadow was required before the entire ordeal would be done, once and for all. Clement could deduce who it would be.

Clement did not like it. But he could do nothing.

Clement now wore the smallest smile as his eyes rested on Galen, maintaining his aura to be composed and comforting. The boy's energy evidently showed the properties of his land, but his mother's vigour and compassion was unmistakable. Even though she got her angelic energy from her mother, she was a Shadow from her father's energy. Jack got Solis from his father but Shadow from his mother. That was why Pranetra's vigour had weakened so much.

Solis had to be returned to Oblivion, but the Solis in Jack purely belonged to Earth. Perhaps Galen's presence had something to do with the kindness.

I promise to look after him, Ila, for as long as I can.

He is not alone.

Clement left quietly.

- - - - - - -

Such bright flames. Such vigour. Such power. Such heat.

Such rage.

All was anticipated.

Clement turned his head to see Pranetra's gentle smile fade away. The fire overpowered even her brightness, threatening to consume and destroy her angelic energy. However it only ensured that that energy would remain protected.

Pranetra closed her eyes, taking full control of her body. Liber enabled herself to shatter her vessel into its atoms and she did just that. All of her energy was immediately transferred to Oblivion, and its absence on Earth awakened something else.

She gave one last look to Clement.

It's your turn now.

Goodbye, Clement.

Clement took a deep breath. Absolute serenity was his expression, comforted by his string's end. Vibrant energy had coursed through his circuits for so long, shedding light on his dark origin. His neutral energy was created by the odd mix, and he had of course not forgotten the kindness of Grace. However, the energy of three foreign lands, no matter how in balance they were, were akin to an entity's energy. The child was never blamed, however.

It was always the parent.

Clement sat cross legged on the wooden floor of Agni. His sight was solely focused on his vessel's heart, his senses so very distant from the concrete world. Flashes of his life played before his vision for a quantum amount of time, before all sentience was lost.

He couldn't help but think of Jack, who's ability was powered by such vigour, and Audrey who had the strongest bond with the homely fire. He didn't wish for the incident to harm them. 

Thus energy entered Clement's children, as little as it was. But the zeal was alleviating enough.

His neutrality mollified the aura of arson around him, but he let go of the energy with care and ease. Gaps in the atmosphere took it to a pure Earth, and Grace was returned. Clement now wore a small smile for a small moment, using the connection between the lands to follow the energy as it travelled to that land. An old man sat under the gentle shade of an ancient tree, absolute peace and wisdom the only element of his aura, though sparks of energy were present now and then. Clement recognised an emotion, and odd sense of melancholy, but he expressed nothing.

You're quite like him, aren't you Father?

The conflict of energy was burning within him. The two could not be met, or a fire much greater than the one he was in would be created. All his life he had kept the two apart.

Now he could let go of it.

Thus Oblivion and Chaos returned. Clement was free.

It is okay, Father. It is okay.

I forgive you.

And so was Solis.

----- -------

Audrey remembered the sights from The Grey Smile with a sorrowful aura, though her expression reflected serenity. Now she understood what exactly had happened then.

Her father could do nothing not because of destiny, but because of his being itself. He was born out of the energy of a great conflict and thus he could never himself participate in conflict. Of course, Clement was fine with that. He could help in other ways.

Audrey looked up at Paliv Verasel with a smile.

Such powerful energies run throughout each being...

She looked at her own hands now, focusing on the energy that run through her vessel, was deeper than the vessel. There was the solitude of Shadow-Trappers and the gentle warmth of a fire.

In that single moment, Audrey was at peace.