The smell of arson choked Audrey's throat and her eyes were wide with fear, her entire being frozen. Within seconds did Chaos take over her mind, the sound of her home burning crumbling her previously elated state. The heat felt unnatural; an energy that was beyond foreign to her attempted to make its way into her delicate system.

"Audrey!"

Audrey stood still as Ava pulled her into a consoling embrace, protecting her from the threatening surroundings. The flames reflected kindly in the older girl's eyes, but Audrey knew the brave face was for her.

"We have to get out of here, right? Come, follow me."

Ava's hold was gentle, sending minuscule ripples of comfort through Audrey's skin. Even so, the knot of fear remained in her throat, and all she could do was follow Ava.

As they ran through the bare sage areas, Ava spotted a little boy moving on his own, his concern overshadowing his fear. Ava ran towards him and Audrey followed, as the two pulled him close, sighing with relief.

"Jack! Are you alright?"

Jack mumbled positively, but his eyes still frantically searched for the others.

Suddenly, Audrey jerked her head towards the right, catching onto the familiar, peaceful aura.

"M-mum...? Dad?"

Ava paused, eyeing Audrey carefully. How the little girl had managed to evade that demon's power was unknown to her, but the fact that she could sense them in such a fire...

Hey, Audrey.

Her mother's gentle tone echoed in her mind and she felt time stop. Her eyes saw nothing but darkness as what lay around her faded out of sight.

You need to go, dear. Don't worry about us.

Audrey felt immobilized, barely shaking her head. Her hands reached towards their presence and the vigorous flames were only inches away from her fingertips. The intensity tormented her skin, but Audrey paid no attention to it.

Ava immediately pulled her back, gasping as her face was twisted with effort. Her eyes frantically followed the path of escape, but something held her back.

It's alright, Ava. Please, take them and go. I know you are worried about us, about Holly, your option now is only one. Save yourselves.

Take care of Audrey and Jack, Ava. You are like my child, and so is Holly. I will protect her.

Ava's body was hesitant despite her mind's urge to escape. She eyed the two children with a fragile expression when their sorrowful eyes made her decision.

Ava picked up Jack gently, taking Audrey's palm in her own. Audrey and Jack both wanted to resist, but simply for each other's sake, they followed the older girl.

The raging heat was strenuous on her mind, but Ava withstood the pressure, focusing on her objective. Slowly, the exterior came into her view, but the intensity of the fire was far too much. Ava gritted her teeth with a subtle, bitter expression, turning her concentration towards the fire.

She took a deep breath as she assembled an invisible shield around the two and herself, and the fire no more reached towards her. She disliked using the energy of such a fire as a source for her Technique of Solis, but she saw no other choice. The smoke that was emitted around her had sent Audrey into a fit of coughing, but now, the shield alleviated her throat.

The three finally made it out, but Ava's eyes grew wide as she spotted a man running towards her. The distraught expression was foreign to his usual calm demeanour, and she couldn't help but lose hope.

Ava shook her head, a firm look flickering onto her face. He deserved a break from his duties, and she was more than happy to be the support in his times of exhaustion.

"Jay, stop."

Jay ignored the girl's word, trying to make it into his sister's house, but was stopped by a firm hand grasping his arm. Jay did not withdraw his sight from the disastrous scene, pulling his arm away.

"I have to go. I'll be fine. Take care of Audrey and Jack."

Jay's stoic tone unsettled Ava, but she shook off the feeling, disapproval weighing on her eyes.

Jay sighed and turned towards Ava with a smile. A surge of reassuring waves passed through Ava's mind with that simple gesture, catching her off guard. Jay then rushed into the flames, disappearing from Ava's sight as she stood still, unsure of what to do. She no more understood the situation, but all she could feel was the aura of protection around her, and wrapped her arms around the two children.

Suddenly, Audrey's hand went limp as she fell unconscious to the ground. Ava immediately dropped to her knees in a gentle mannerism, holding Jack and Audrey close to her heart with a determined look in her eyes.

I don't know what's going on, but I swear I will protect you both with everything I've got.

-----

Jay could recognise the heinous aura in any second of his lifetime. It was his fire, he was certain of it. But that didn't bother him in the least.

Pranetra!

Jay's thoughts echoed across the darkness as he closed his eyes while staying mindful, anxiously waiting for the reply. He knew how great her power was - he simply wasn't ready to believe that she would perish in such a fire.

Hello, brother.

Jay's emotions elevated at level he had possibly experienced only once before, the sight of the soft, white light comforting him immediately. His sibling's tone was the gentlest of all, reminding him of all the good and their creator.

Pranetra, where are you? We have to get of here. Do you know where the others are? Are they safe?

Jay's response was firm as he dared to hope, his own grey light emerging with an elusive glow.

Jay, you need to leave.

He didn't understand.

I'm sorry, brother. I can say nothing about the others as far as my knowledge extends. And neither am I still alive. You need to go back to them.

Jay shook his head, laughing nervously.

That's not possible. This fire cannot harm you.

Silence filled the dimension, and Jay's thoughts began to churn. He knew he wasn't being irrational; what he said was simply the truth. The sister he idolised so greatly was strong - that was a fact.

Then why...?

You know my energy was largely used ten years ago. Perhaps my power is still extensive, but as long as I am materialised and live near her, her power will not awaken.

Jay, you must understand her core. Words are merely created by humans to convey their thoughts, but you know this dimension is the home of all thoughts and information, the domain of consciousness and our powers. Sense, then understand.

Silence followed the perspicacious words as the wisdom slowly made its way into Jay's thoughts. His light began to diminish from the dimension, the others glowing gradually as they welcomed the altruistic entity. He began to feel the fire once more, slipping away from the abyss of light.

You've had to endure so much, brother. You've been a great leader, and you still have a long way to go. For now, your duty lies with them.

The words calmed the man's mind, but he didn't fully believe them.

You are their leader, and the consciousness of our planet shall help you, as it has been helping leaders for aeons. But for that, you need to free yourself from the higher constraints. Let me take your painful past away. When the time comes, this information will be returned to you.

Ataraxic leisure followed in as the burden of the past slowly submerged into the hidden depths of Jay's mind. He remembered nothing; not this exchange, nor his true nature. He was now a Shadow, and his journey to realise had begun.

Jay ran towards the exit, his determined expression reflecting his resolve. He knew what he had to do, his morals solely focused on leading his kind as best as he could.

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

Audrey couldn't believe it. Or more specifically, she didn't want to.

Was that right? Did she understand it right?

Did her mother really die for her powers?

Audrey shook her head as a bitter smile came on her face. Her eyes were closed, steadying her circuit to tune it with the land's energy, only partially successful in diminish her guilt.

She sighed, turning her head towards the grass, it's prickly touch bringing her back to the illusionary reality.

"Tell me, what should I do? What's even happening right now? What situation are we in?"

Audrey shook her head at the naïve questions, composing her mind as she was determined to do what her duty called.

"I suppose that is what you are doing."