Everything felt so odd. Surreal. Wrong. Noisy. Chaotic. Isolated. So within the mind...

At least she was here. But he couldn't simply purge it out on her, both for her sake and his own. Those four years ago, his mother had to leave him - and because of what? Some creatures that shouldn't exist? What did that even mean? - and now he was gone for the reason, and she was gone, too, for some reason he didn't know. He didn't understand.

Fire. Energy. He lost everyone that way. At least Audrey was there, but she had a lot to take care of. They were her parents, after all. He couldn't imagine how she was feeling. He was afraid energy would take his best friend away, too, in some form or the other, so...

Yes. It is best to contain it. My energy, all of it, physical and abstract, with my thoughts and emotions and everything. Whatever even were thoughts and emotions? So odd. He could only exist for others, after all. That was his purpose, his wish; it was him. It burned him from the inside to help those around him. Perhaps something beyond compassion.

It is me. Whatever comes with it, I shall withstand it.

Suddenly, a gentle wind circled around Galen, calming his burning thoughts and bringing him back to the physical world. Galen chuckled, easily recognising his friend even before she came to a stop.

"Come on, let's give Audrey the biggest scare of all time, somehow. Disappear!" Evelyn said, the wind stopping and giving way to the composing breeze of Nature, perhaps being influenced by his friend's energy. He had always admired the control she had on her energy as if the two were friends who understood each other deeply. The air carried her sense of life and she carried its freedom.

Galen smiled.

- - - - -

Galen stood beside the fair Shadow, her somewhat tall and bright figure having a modest presence under the clouded atmosphere, the smell of possible rain slowly filling the air around. Galen wore a small smile of comfort, his own presence now diminishing in an effort to replicate Pranetra's, but the innocence of childhood shone on his face, and his mind made his nature stand out through his gentle aura.

"Aah this is going to be fun!" Audrey exclaimed as she pulled Clement towards the two, Ila and Jack following them closely. Jack wore a curious expression, particularly eyeing his sister whose excited aura gave him assurance but also a rather anxious intrigue... it was his first time training with someone other than his parents, although he had known Ila for quite some time.

"The switch should be interesting, though," Audrey said thoughtfully, facing her father, who nodded confidently. The smile on his face made her feel light and almost free... yet bound her to her duty which was, for the time being, to practice. A sudden light filled her vision and the little girl's smile stretched wide.

"All abilities fundamentally come from the same thing, which primarily splits into two important components: energy and aura. While you can have some standard techniques for each, it is important to understand the ways of all for they can be applied to the other abilities. For example..."

Clement's voice trailed off and he stopped, leaving Audrey confused, but she soon felt the presence of her friend beside her. She turned towards her left with narrowed eyes, allowing Galen to appear with a shy smile on his face. Galen walked back to where he previously stood and Audrey turned towards her right, a soft breeze compelling her to do so, the sun seeming brighter suddenly and the clouds clearing a little away, but the air and everything around was silent, still.

A moment of calm.

She turned back to her father, but her eyes widened at not finding him there. She moved her eyes rapidly, looking for his presence before she finally sighed in realisation.

Clement appeared towards her right, standing a little distance away, a smile on his face. He walked back to where he stood, although he began talking to quell Audrey's eagerness.

"Galen's presence was bold and you knew he was there, but mine compelled you to simply look in that direction. Similarly, while practising your ability, if you force a thought in a human rather than let it naturally come, it will wear off easily and its effect will be temporary."

"Is that like planting an idea?" Audrey asked in a soft tone.

Clement paused, then shook his head slightly. "Not quite. In a way, all ideas already exist in a living being's mind - anything that pertains to their situation, anyway. The being isn't necessarily aware of all of them, so triggering the thought can call it to their attention. It's like any stimuli to a human; they may be in a certain landscape, looking at the river, when suddenly a bright light shines in the corner of their eye. The being notices is it because it has crossed a threshold, and you must do the same. Don't make the difference that sharp, though. Let it grow."

Clement wore a smile as he observed his daughter's thoughtful expressions, and she returned a satisfied one.

"Also, you have to be 'invisible' in the being's mind. They shouldn't think the thought is foreign; it should be their own. What is thought through some mere influence isn't as personal and impactful as learning."

Audrey nodded, preparing herself for actually practising it, or whatever was to come. Clement smiled with humble pride at her neutral expression and her readiness to learn; he knew that as long as she valued experience and wisdom, she would be fine. Perhaps she'd help others be fine.

Galen smiled towards his friend as she continued to practice with Clement, proud. He had to be as willing as her. He turned towards the Shadow beside him, her serene smile bringing him immense joy as if emptying his mind of all worldly thoughts.

"Today we won't be honing your ability to turn invisible. Sensing a being's mental framework is a vital part of your power, as the being is alerted towards certain stimuli depending on their current situation."

Pranetra said softly to Galen, and the little boy nodded his head eagerly.

"I will think of something with a certain principal emotion. You must tell me what that is. For now, you can take your time and do whatever you need to do. You will only get one chance, though."

Galen exhaled deeply, once again nodding his head. Pranetra sat down where she stood, closing her eyes. Galen recognised the light breeze around him, the warm sun settling its cooling effect. The life around chirped playfully and... suddenly, the breeze decreased its pace and became heavy. The humidity increased ever so slightly, and the temperature around seemed to increase.

"Frustration?" Galen asked softly, and Pranetra nodded her head. Galen smiled and noticed his surroundings began to change immediately. Galen paid the most attention he ever did, eager to impress his teacher.

They practised for a while and Galen got each right. The breeze became light again and the mood settled into the one that existed when they began the exercise. However, Pranetra remained in her position and Galen realised he was still supposed to answer. This weather always seemed pleasant to him, but it didn't seem particularly happy.

"Neutrality?"

Pranetra shook her head and opened her eyes. Galen's gaze drooped towards the floor.

"Don't feel bad Galen, your learning is only just beginning. You've performed wonderfully for a 4-year old boy. Make sure you learn from this, though.

"Do not focus too much on your surroundings, on the physical parameters, as they are subject to time and other physical aspects. The aura of the person is your main point of interest as that is what you are working on."

Galen nodded his head, ingraining his teacher's words completely. Prantera stood up and the air around turned warmer. 

"Invisibility is a delicate ability and can also cause changes in the physical world. To be truly invisible, you must be completely out of the physical phase, and even try to be translucent in the mental phase. Your work is similar to Audrey's in this regard."

Galen and Audrey turned to each other, grinning. They nodded, promising each other to work on it together.

-----

Galen sat beside Audrey on the bench of the piano, his head resting on her shoulder as he slept peacefully. Ila's peace had long passed, but Audrey continued to play little improvised tunes on the piano, not wanting to disturb her friend with silence. She especially liked to play music for him, to be there for him. Her fingers felt quite past any physical state as if her fingers pressing the keys and her leg pressing the pedal was now only a physical representation of something more abstract. The tunes, in her mind, translated into something loose and raw.

That's when she realised her friend was letting his mind free, at least to her.

"How long have you been playing for?" Galen asked softly as he woke up, immediately retracting his aura, a sharp silence replacing the quietude, but the piano continued.

"I... am not sure," Audrey replied, looking outside the window at the night sky. Galen did the same, closing his eyes to see the aura of the atmosphere.

"I think it has been... twelve hours? Audrey, that's not good for you. Your fingers will be exhausted. You better get some rest, now."

Galen's worried tone prompted a chuckle from Audrey. "I'm alright! Honestly. I don't think physical things exert too much on us. Besides, when it comes to playing the piano, well, that is something I can do for eternity! Especially if it's for you."

Galen's eyes widened, but his expression immediately after melted into a warm smile. He patted Audrey on the head, soft gratitude shining amongst his aura.

"Come on, let's go outside."

Audrey nodded immediately, and the two friends stood up, heading to a place beneath the cosmos, leaving their other feelings behind.

At least for the moment.

----

"You have a rather special Shadow here to help you train today," Jay announced proudly as he addressed the six. Audrey's eyes beamed at the sight of the lady who stood next to Jay, doing her best to contain her excitement as she vibrated in her place. She turned towards her friends, a mix of curiosity and intrigue on their faces and for once, Galen was somewhat jittery with excitement. Audrey now wore a more humble smile as she turned back towards her elders.

Pranetra chuckled modestly, waving away Jay's compliments, but the latter nodded to affirm his statement.

"She looks at things differently, so be sure to follow her carefully."

Jay glanced at his students. As expected, a speculating expression was on Trina's face, a seemingly plain but understanding expression on Conrad's, Evelyn bubbled with excitement and Elek was curious, but also patient, wearing a small smile.

Audrey was just happy to see her mother, and Galen wore a knowing smile. The two looked at each other and Audrey took a look around. Her mother didn't typically teach groups, as far as she could recall, so she did feel rather special. Even if it only was one session.

The six stood in a neat and well-spaced line and Pranetra approached them with a silent walk, standing about six feet away from them.

"Good morning, everyone. How are you doing today?"

Her light voice echoed through the light atmosphere powerfully, provoking a fresh breath through the senses of her students. A light flickered around the Shadow, but perhaps it was only a visual effect. Elek's contagious smile brightened, and Galen made no effort in hiding his own.

"Gooooood," Audrey stretched the word with a grin and Evelyn nodded furiously. Trina's frown relaxed, her eyes curious for the sake of knowledge.

Pranetra smiled, closing her eyes for a pause, and took a deep breath. "That is good to know. I hope you all feel loose and free, unstrained by worries. As someone with an abstract ability that has far-reaching effects of all sorts, I understand the importance of thoughts more than other factors. Naturally, I will do my best to convey my understanding to you, as much as possible in a single session. After that, you must discover your own understanding of your own time. Do not worry about what is "right" and "wrong" at this age."

Pranetra's gaze lingered on each shadow, but perhaps it stayed longer on Galen. The boy became cautious as soon as he realised it but relaxed immediately after he noticed Pranetra's smile.

"The first thing that I want you all to do is to project your thoughts in the space that lies between us."

Everyone other than Audrey and Elek wore a confused expression.

"Projection? As in a physical display of information?" Trina asked immediately.

"Perhaps. I am not looking for a fixed action, just a way in which you can convey your thoughts to me without making it evident. Only I, Jay and the rest of you should be able to see it."

"Like a hologram that can only be viewed at certain angles of light?" Trina asked as quickly, and Pranetra smiled.

"Perhaps."

Trina nodded, and she could feel the excitement bubbling inside her. Elek was already in deep thought. Silence filled the atmosphere and time passed like a still moment, breaking its trance as silence broke.

"Conrad, would you like to go first?" Pranetra offered, sensing everyone had come to a plan. Conrad nodded, staying still in his place, though his friends stepped aside to give him space.

"Stay where you are, please," Pranetra instructed as the children walked, immediately returning to their places.

Conrad took a deep breath and closed his eyes, listening closely to the wind's voice. He tensed his fingers and relaxed them, moving them from side to side as if warming them. Audrey eyed them curiously, wondering what she'd do if she had his ability. Despite sound being an important part of her, she couldn't quite come up with anything good enough.

At a calculated moment, he flicked a finger diagonally upwards towards Pranetra, staying motionless for a few moments until the wave reached her. Pranetra exhaled after reaching it, wearing a smile.

"What thought do the rest of you think was sent to me?"

Audrey and Trina raised their hands, and Elek followed after them, previously hesitating whether or not to respond.

"Yes, Trina?"

Each shadow lowered their hand and Trina began immediately. "I think it was a sort of image about vibrations, describing the phenomenon."

Pranetra nodded thoughtfully. "Anyone else?"

Audrey raised her hand again and Pranetra nodded. Trina wore a look of anticipation, but Elek held her hand briefly in an attempt to comfort her. Trina took a deep breath, smiling, now curious to see her friend's interpretation.

"It was similar for me, but rather than an image I heard it being described. Vibrations, oscillations, movement and so on, surrounded by a sound of oscillating frequency."

Pranetra smiled, and her gaze landed on Elek.

"I could sense each particle that was influenced by Conrad's ability, and I think they didn't carry a sound or an image. Only the concept of illusion."

Conrad's stoic expression broke immediately as he smiled with wonder, and Elek immediately wore a shy expression. Audrey and Trina suddenly widened their eyes, now feeling as if the answer was obvious.

"I thought the same as Trina, well sort of. I heard a sound," Evelyn said with a laugh.

"You saw the same thing as Elek, didn't you, Galen?" Pranetra asked Galen who nodded shyly, and Audrey seemed especially proud.

"That is very impressive, Conrad," Pranetra said, causing the boy to blush. "Your brother Clay trains you, right? No wonder. I haven't done this exercise with him but I have seen him in action. Quite remarkable."

Conrad suppressed a smile - that compliment made his day - no of course not, his year - and he let the expression break smile.

"Who would like to go next? Perhaps Trina?"

The young shadow hesitated in her mind but instinctively nodded. She took a deep breath, deciding to have fun. She wondered what her mentor Zeno would do and say.

"Come up with something wacky!" was the first thought that had popped in her mind when they were given time. Yeah, of course, she thought, smiling. As Trina fell into deep thought the others became curious. Trina had the most physical ability, so it might be difficult for her to do the exercise. She had only recently begun her training with Zeno, but she was excited about this challenge. There was always a way, always something left to be discovered.

Trina grinned. She covered her arms with blue-green feathers for the briefest moment possible. She focused on the space between her and her instructor, picturing the image clearly so that she could incorporate it. Raising her arms in front of her, she shot the feathers so that they could come together and form the image, placing it under the sun's rays such that only the intended ones could see it. The image had several blind spots, so it could only be seen from certain positions due to the nature of the feathers.

Trina let the image linger for a while until she was sure everyone had seen it properly. She smiled as she took a deep breath, relaxing.

Evelyn's mouth fell wide open, nudging Trina's shoulder playfully. Evelyn raised her hand and Praentra nodded to her.

"So I saw a bunch of feathers sort of glued together in the air. They were mostly blue or slightly green. Parts of it were a dark shade of the colour, outlining the features such as Trina laughing as she sat on Mr. Zeno's shoulders. And she pulled on his hair? Oh yeah, only his hair was purple."

Trina looked towards the ground shyly. Elek and Evelyn burst out laughing while the latter hung her arm around Trina. Conrad tried to push her off poor Trina unsuccessfully.

Pranetra smiled. Trina made good use of her ability, but she added an element of the Technique of Solis. Solis, at the beginning level, was the safest technique and she knew Trina was in good hands. Now she understood why that stubborn Shadow chose to mentor this little one. She had natural talent.

Trina also did exactly as Pranetra asked - conveying her happiness with Zeno - without being interpretive, secretive, or something else. Pranetra had come to understand that simplicity was an impressive thing in their world.

She turned towards Elek to find herself surprised, then not surprised. She wondered if the boy knew about the technique and almost expected him to, but saw even him hide his confusion amongst his laughter. Pranetra turned towards Jay, but he was too busy giving Trina a proud smile.

"How did you do that?" Conrad asked curiously. Trina shrugged, smiling shyly. "Honestly, I just tried something randomly." Trina turned towards Evelyn, nodding. Both girls had been hesitant to begin the exercise, one afraid of being uninventive and the other of messing up, but Trina's attempt gave Evelyn some reassurance.

"I think I'll go now," Evelyn said shyly and Pranetra nodded sweetly. Evelyn closed her eyes as the world around her lifted up - or rather, she seemed to leave it - and she focused on her image. A huge smile came on her face as she focused on the sound of life, the vivid colours of a place she'd never been to, but one that still felt like home.

A gush of wind circled Pranetra who immediately smiled, now focusing on the little girl's thin figure. Evelyn opened her eyes, excitedly looking around. She caught Elek smiling at her, full of pride and even intrigue.

"It's a moving image of a valley, almost like a hybrid of a real picture and a two-dimensional artwork. There's an ebullient sense of energy bursting around it. Also, if I listen to it very closely, I think I can hear one of Audrey's pieces playing amongst the chirping of birds, the flow of the water, the soft breeze... I could go on."

Evelyn knew Elek would be the first one to reply, but she didn't understand why he looked so proud. It was just a simple image to her. A nice one, though. She was happy with it.

She's finally understanding her ties to time, Elek thought satisfactorily. Last year's incident took a huge toll on his friend, and even though she seemed to remember only parts of it, he could see it slowly affect her energy negatively. Perhaps training with Clay helped her.

"There's also a liberating feeling coming from it if you focus only on the picture and ignore the environment," Trina added softly. "As if being granted freedom from worldly ties..."

Evelyn's eyes shone at that, and Audrey went to her to pat her on the head. Evelyn gave a smug smile to Conrad who looked away. Naturally, Evelyn did not stop staring until Conrad too gave her a congratulatory pat on the shoulder.

"Today Trina was spontaneous and Evelyn planned what she did. Are you sure you two didn't swap bodies?" Elek asked with a grin, and Evelyn hit him lightly on the head.

"That's not possible, weirdo," Trina added quietly to which Elek raised an eyebrow. Trina chuckled.

Pranetra's eyes immediately darted towards Galen. The little boy stared at the ground. He seemed fine until Trina spoke, and that's when she knew.

Everyone other than Galen could experience the effect of Evelyn's picture. What happened in the Shadow Dimension all those years ago shouldn't be affecting him so much. Unless...

Pranetra looked at Conrad, focusing on his aura. The boy was in a confused state, so he couldn't help Galen unburden the Demons' emotional turmoil. Still, she could see light traces of Demonic energy in his mind... so someone close to him was doing a part of his work. Then ever since Ila took Galen into the Shadow Dimension, the boy had become painfully aware of how heavy emotions could be.

Pranetra closed her eyes. She stopped herself from blaming Conrad - he was still a child, and Vlad was growing increasingly disturbed every day. It became harder to predict what could come next.

The group had come together only a few months ago. Some had built strong individual friendships, but some were still strangers. As she thought about it, she realised Galen and Conrad had only interacted a few times. Was it because of their opposing nature? That didn't seem likely, there was no animosity between them.

"May I go next?" Elek asked, taking Pranetra away from her thoughts. She stared at his shining smile, and her eyes widened with surprise. He was the only one who had formed a friendship with all of his teammates.

Pranetra nodded, observing the boy closely. Elek closed his eyes and a moment later opened them. His expression was still, devoid of any emotion yet calming. Pranetra nodded satisfactorily.

All of Elek's friends were bewildered, and even Jay was now curious. The leader recognised what Elek sent - or perhaps did not send - but he was confused about its essence. What was Elek's thought?

"It was nothing. I sent nothing. Just a moment of time passed."

Pranetra smiled. "The passage of time... that is an interesting way of describing it."

Evelyn frowned, confused yet intrigued. "Wait so did he actually not do anything?"

Pranetra's smile grew wider. "I'll let you guess."

"Elek wouldn't not do anything, that's sort of cheating," Trina started immediately. "The passage of time... to 'see' that thought, one has to be aware of it, so I'm guessing Elek would eliminate other distracting elements of Nature. That or bring attention to the passage of time. Not sure how he could achieve either."

Elek nodded, proud of Trina, and the latter realised she was close to the answer.

No one else seemed to have any other input, so Pranetra gestured towards Elek.

"Hmm, I don't think I'll tell you just yet. There should be some mysteries in life," Elek replied with a grin.

"There are plenty of mysteries in this world!" Audrey protested, and Elek chuckled.

"Huh. Hmm. Okay." Audrey smiled, nodding understandingly. "I'll go now then!"

Audrey closed her eyes, focusing on the pace of the wind as she emptied her thoughts. The focus shifted to her breathing and the sound drowned out the chaos of her surroundings. A simple beat, repetitive yet reminiscent. In a split second, an image was sent, and Audrey opened her eyes.

Pranetra smiled at first but her eyes momentarily widened, and she remembered she wasn't a Shadow Being. The image of the energy bursting, disappearing into nothingness. Unable to take its usual route due to the absence of the Earth. A scene that took place so long ago in an esoteric dimension.

Something Audrey shouldn't remember. Not yet.

Galen's crying snapped Pranetra out of her haze. Audrey raised her eyebrows, surprised, but it relaxed into a guiltier expression. She immediately ran to Galen, patting him on the head. She didn't say anything, but Galen soon calmed down. Elek turned to him, worried, but Galen wore a weak smile.

"I'm not very good at recognising mental images, but I think I saw the burst of energy. Maybe it's the death of a star?" Trina asked in a quiet voice, now standing beside Audrey as she held her friend's hand.

Pranetra was still confused, but she shook her head.

"That's very close, but I think it's the death of a Shadow. Specifically that of a past leader of the Shadow-Trappers."

Galen nodded, taking deep breaths now. "Why did you send that image?"

"I'm sorry Galen. I didn't put much thought into it, just whatever came on instinct."

"That came on instinct to you?"

Elek smiled and Galen turned towards him. "Maybe Audrey will be our future leader, so she was able to see a past leader's death. Some say she was the best of all the leaders, although I think there is no best leader."

"No way. Jay is the best leader," Audrey said, frowning. She then gave a nervous laugh, speaking quietly now. "Also, I could never be a leader." Elek simply smiled, and Audrey looked away.

"Trina, that was very impressive, seeing how physical your ability is. Mind-control has physical elements too, but to get your picture you would have to identify all of them. Galen and Elek, you too. I hope you're feeling better now, Galen. Death is quite delicate."

The three students nodded, and Pranetra smiled. Pride shone in her eyes, but she had to avoid seeing Audrey. One glance would open the dam that held her sorrow in. She knew death wasn't the reason Galen cried. Of course not.

"You can't give Galen and Elek credit. Galen knows me too well, so that's cheating," Audrey said with a stubborn expression, and Galen ruffled her hair in a teasing manner.

"What about Elek?"

"He knows everyone well."

"That makes no sense." Trina shook her head as if she were an old lady handling a six-year-old.

"Yeah, it does!"

"Audrey..."

"Uhhh okay fine fine. They're good. All of you though." Audrey wore a proud smile, and so did her mother.

"And lastly, it's Galen's turn." Pranetra smiled. Galen looked a little nervous so Audrey squeezed his hand, smiling. She then let it go, giving him enough space to do what he needed to do. It was in that moment that Pranetra realised.

The group was breaking up, but the Shadow of Hearth could bring them closer. The promise she made all those years ago was nearing its fulfilment. Perhaps a piece of her angelic powers could heal the rift.

For the time being, Pranetra returned her focus to the session. She could see powerful individual friendships.

Galen took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he turned invisible. The world around faded away and Galen's focus concentrated on himself and Pranetra. He smiled as tears welled in his eyes. He didn't know why, but in that moment he felt quite oblivious of space, time and life. No sensations, thoughts or emotions, and the world felt calming. His image split from himself as he delivered it to its destination.

Galen slowly opened his eyes, the noise of life returning though it was quietened by Audrey's comforting hold of his hand. He looked at Pranetra, taken aback by her look of shock/

Prantera took a deep breath, blinking slowly. "Did anyone else see what Galen projected?" Everyone shook their heads, including Jay. Pranetra closely observed Elek, but even he genuinely couldn't see it.

"That's because Galen projected an afterimage of his own body only to me. When one turns invisible, the world around retains the image for longer. Galen held it for a longer period of time and sent it only to me, rather than letting the world keep it. It's generally very difficult to see the after image, though."

Pranetra sighed, turning towards Galen. He was confused, staring at the ground, his hand still held by Audrey. His friends were worried, but Elek reassured them gently, smiling, giving Galen and Pranetra some space.

"Galen, you are impeccably great at concealing your presence, I can sense it only because I'm so familiar with yours and because I've been practising my ability for a long time."

Galen pursed his lips, smiling shyly, and Pranetra knelt down, a proud smile that hid a hint of worry, something only Jay could see.

"But know this: you don't need to conceal yourself from your team, your friends. They can know you, share your thoughts. It's the freedom of information that comes with being firm about yourself, perhaps. Just a little so that they are aware of your presence and you are aware of them, and you can deliver your duties like a team."

Galen nodded slowly, twiddling his fingers momentarily. A distant sorrow reflected in Pranetra's mind for the briefest moment.

It's so odd, thought Pranetra. Shadows did not have to take on their parent regarding their physical appearance, and yet he looked so similar to Ila, he felt similar. The kind energy, the compassion and wisdom that came with patience, the little sparks of energy that ignited randomly - even if Galen didn't show it as much as his mother did - and yet it was devoid of something fundamental, something that marked his mother's presence...

Innocence.

"It's okay! It'll take time - everything takes time, but we're all here for you! Always," Elek said with a grin as he patted Galen's shoulder. Everyone wore smiles - even Trina, although it was small - and Galen couldn't help but smile, too.

It would take time, but at least it could happen.

Innocence once lost can be found again.

----

Galen walked through the cooling breeze, a small and quiet smile on his face radiating a grey aura in contrast to the silver sky above, and they produced something repressing yet free.

"Hello Galen," came a light voice from his right, immediately shrouding the Shadow in a blanket of comfort, a moment that left something soft, however short it was.

Galen turned to Elek, the latter's bright smile almost allowing Galen's aura to radiate white light. Somehow, it felt as if time slowed for him. Separate from the rest of the world, more precious.

Galen nodded with a small smile and the two walked together. Silence came naturally as if their thoughts and memories were somehow being shared without any interaction. Then again, each aura crossed the other.

"Do you remember her lectures? Even now?"

Elek smiled, nodding firmly. "They're very important to me. They've facilitated a large part of what I've been doing with my time here."

A thoughtful look crossed Galen's eyes, but he smiled immediately after, looking at Elek with both curiosity and happiness.

"Do you know where she's gone? I mean, I know where... but does she remember me?"

A look of surprise came in Galen's eyes, but even that was overridden by his thought.

A brown leaf fell through the dwindling wind and Elek placed his hand in the air, letting it fall gently.

"I think our existence here is like a dream. It becomes a part of the soul, a part of the string of timeless memories, but perhaps that information is personal to the soul. It is all there, but perhaps the emotion has vanished. Or it never existed for the soul. Only for the physical Shadow."

The clouds had moved a little by then, soft sunlight brightening the green of the grass.

"Do you know about your mother?"

Elek closed his eyes, Galen's curiosity immediately falling back. His support radiated from him - a wave that created space for thoughts.

"I never met her, but I know enough. Perhaps not know about her, but I do understand, and that is enough for me. At least for the time being."

Galen stared at the green grass below his feet. He noticed the dull brown marks scattered here and there, the tingling comforting, but an odd sense of guilt suddenly came over him.

"Shall we walk on the stone path?" Galen asked suddenly. Elek darted his eyes towards the grass and then back at Galen.

A hesitation.

Elek nodded with a smile, and the two immediately shifted onto the harder path. So much more firm. So much more real. Crafted by someone.

So much more... stark.

"I know there are many things that you do not say, but I just wanted to say that if you ever need to say any of them to anyone, I'm here."

A surprise shone in Elek's eyes but they were immediately filled with gratitude, his brown light softening.

"I know. You've been there before, and I thank you for that. Trust me when I say that I tell plenty of things to others. You, on the other hand...

Elek sighed with a smile, and Galen felt odd.

"Not just I, but all of us, are here for you. Especially her. Remember what your mother said?"

"Expression is sharing, and sharing is caring," the two said in unison. Elek had something similar before, Galen was sure if it. Or was it really... before? He didn't know, but he couldn't believe that something so familiar, so within him, had been away from him for so long...

"You don't have to hide from yourself, Galen. We don't know who we are, but we will never see any part of ourselves if we never search."

"I'm not... hiding..."

Elek smiled, turning towards Galen. His friend wore an unreadable expression, but such an obvious aura hung around. 

"Ever since... forever, I've always felt that my duty is to take in everything and spread comfort in silence. An abyss of repressed negativity."

"Why?"

"Doesn't that make sense, seeing how the original Shadows are? They-"

Silence suddenly fell, seeming to last for an eternity, before Galen's uncertainty broke it.

"They were quiet, knowledgeable, free and so on... I suppose."

"If they really are so free, do you think it is fair or right to describe them by a human language?"

Galen knew Elek would say something of that sort. He sighed, closing his eyes. 

"We don't really know how they were," Elek said. "Not with absolute surety yet. Besides, I don't think that's your reason."

Galen fell in deep thought, but no matter how he tried, he found no reason.

"I don't know. Maybe I just am like this, my personality or whatever. That's the wrong word but you get the idea."

"It could be something you will learn in time. Something that is branched in a way you don't understand yet."

"Do you know?" Galen asked to Elek's surprise. Elek was simultaneously happy and worried that his friend put so much faith in him.

"No. I don't think anyone other than you will ever know."

Silence fell again. The breeze ran softly and the two shadows could hear the distant voices of others in the headquarters going about their daily lives. Laughter, excited movement of feet, language, words... sounds of the living in the absence of any living.

Elek stood up, and Galen couldn't see his friend's face. His aura withdrew and it felt like emptiness surrounded Galen.

"Galen, you are the kindest being I have ever met. However, your kindness is self-destructive."

A tone of surprise flickered in his eyes, his eyebrows being raised ever so slightly. He relaxed as he sighed, closing his eyes.

"It is who I am."

"Maybe. Maybe not."

Elek turned towards his friend. Moments passed. Unmeasurable yet important moments that were felt after they were over.

White replaced the emptiness, faintly.

I've been afraid to face myself, huh.

Galen stood up and the two walked back to the main building.

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

Audrey opened her eyes to the bright sunlight, the presence of somewhat dull clouds subduing its shine to release soft warmth that was accompanied by a gentle, alternating breeze. Her footsteps were slow, steady, soft and silent on the damp grass, a feeling she quite liked, but it was no longer a mere feeling for her; a familiar sensation that had transformed into something meant for a pure sense.

A smile tugged on her face as she nodded to the many Shadows passing her that afternoon - in groups and pairs and alone, a silence prominent amongst the trappers, often understanding each other merely through the other's aura and energy, although some chatter was present, conveying the soft ring of life scattered about the pervading quietude of Shadows.

Audrey found him sitting under the tree she so often fell asleep under. His back was upright, a calmness radiating from his relaxed face. His eyes remained close and the bright light fell through the gaps between the small leaves of the tree, shrouding him in a humble brightness. Despite the scene, Audrey knew he was very much awake and aware of his surroundings.

Galen opened his eyes, smiling immediately upon sensing his friend.

"Hello."

"Hello."

Both tones were soft, and the wind simply swayed with it, the kindness and duty interfering to result in an unknown understanding. Audrey smiled, walking towards him, sitting under the tree. The sun was quite bright and the weather was warm, but at that place she felt cool. Perhaps it was the shade, perhaps the memory, perhaps her friend...

Small unknowns and big unknowns. Audrey found all equally intriguing.

"It's funny how the first person I've ever killed was such an entity..."

"Audrey-"

"I know he isn't living, but still..."

Silence pervaded and Audrey closed her eyes. Her friend's comforting aura couldn't reach her, so he let everything be still. No need for speech as his thoughts broke the silence.

"To live is to see, experience, suffer, learn, be, exist... to be alive. It is painful and it is joyful and it is beautiful... yet so sad. Rage is a part of all life - moreover, a part of the conscious - but it is not life. Vlad had already been here for three millennia. No, it was in this plane of reality for some time but it was existing in the Shadow dimension, where a second is an eternity and eternity a second, where experience is absent yet there is everlasting learning.

"The simultaneity of life and death, perhaps nature's projection of experiences and the unknown.

"At least, that's how I see it."

As Galen paused, Audrey's gaze fell to the ground. Such thoughtful cut-outs of the stone... what need was there to make such a thing?

"Audrey, you freed Rage from Vlad, letting it return to its rightful place. Just like we all go back.

I think for us death is like a traveller returning home after a meaningful journey. Others journey to be alive, we journey life."

As everything fell silent, his gentle voice spoke softly, waking Audrey from her oblivion.

"In the space of oblivion, there exists

nought but the notion of time

as it unravels and shows itself

as it wraps in your timeless wishes

as it steals it all away

and gives rise to your awareness.

To reach here is a task most difficult

yet a wish come natural.

To reach out of the suppressed emotions

all the noisy thoughts

an entanglement of life

the simultaneity of

accompanied by learning

and Nature

and shadows

to the solitude of understanding

and death

and life

and time

and duty

and freedom

and kindness.

And silence."

The wind stopped with the last world, and the world around quietened. For a brief moment, it felt like Elek was amongst them, and the world suddenly felt comforting. Audrey closed her eyes, smiling. 

"What is that?"

Galen took a deep breath. "It is a poem of sorts. I read it in Entity."

Audrey opened her eyes, but her smile was replaced with sorrow. "It might be a journey home, that makes sense. And I know this is irrational but I can't help it. What good is a life that is full of suffering? Nevertheless, death is the end of life."

"His death is on all of us."

"No. His death is my responsibility, and mine alone. I understand the need for everything but... perhaps a little more time is all I need, and I am fortunate enough to have that. And I am so fortunate to have you and the others as my friends, who made my duty so much easier for me. Jack's love. Holly's kindness. Ava's support. Clay's sacrifice. Conrad helping me understand what's happening. Evelyn and just her energy. Trina's wisdom.  Elek's friendship. You taking on the emotional turmoil and guilt every time we had to fight the Demonic Creatures. And so many more. Thank you."

A moment of silence passed. Galen listened.

"You don't have to do that anymore. Never again. I know we don't go out to fight anymore, but still. Before we meet the Demonic Creatures again. The Demons, too. Not even when you're sitting under this tree, going into the Shadow Dimension. Don't look surprised, I'm not that ignorant."

Galen chuckled and Audrey smiled, leaning her head on the tree. The roughness of the bark brought her an earthly comfort.

"I am the cause of Vlad's death. And I don't just mean delivering the final blow, all of you helped me with that. It is said that in such situations, the responsibility of a being's death is transferred to the leader. By the time the actual battle began, the leadership had already transferred to me. It wasn't just because of my angelic powers that I controlled everyone's energy. It had become my responsibility.

"Besides, don't you know what happened three millennia ago? When Paliv Verasel showed the story to me, at least and the rest of our team, Jack and Ava were made aware of it too, right? I orchestrated all these events. Setting Vlad up as the antagonist, even before he materialised in the physical plane. Before everything, in a pocket in the Shadow Dimension, where time did not progress. I mean I suppose I didn't personally do it, Mildred did, but it was me."

"You didn't actually do that. Vlad already had some conviction when he spoke to you. And you and Mildred are not the same person."

"Maybe we're not the same, but we're close enough. The same essence. Vlad was about to let go of his plan. I reinforced the idea that he has to play the role of a destructive entity. Then, as he sat in the Shadow Dimension - the Dimension of influence and information - he actually made those intentions his own. 

"If we really needed an antagonist, maybe I should've become one instead of making Vlad one."

Silence passed, emptying all possible thoughts from Audrey. She couldn't help but think about all the Shadows she had lost, and how it could've been prevented.

"Audrey," Galen started, and his friend gently turned towards him. "Do you want to know what I think about all of this?"

Audrey hesitated, taken aback by his question, but she smiled with a small nod. "Of course."

"You cannot become the antagonist. It goes against your nature. You literally cannot do the things Vlad did. And you didn't reinforce anything, you simply stated truths. A sweet truth gave him hope, but the bitter truth reminded him of reality. Think. Remember properly. You never said that what he was doing is right. You always told Vlad that his course of action was a temporary solution. No, it was something that would create a worse situation.

"Do you still not understand the effect you have on different people? Healing Trina's burn wasn't effective because of your mother's powers. Out of us six, she was the one who was most hurt by the demons. Yet it is your friendship that let her open up to you. Vlad's fire was so strong that it took in everything that held her down and made it heavy, so when you removed it she opened up to you. That requires faith, trust.

"Do you think Vlad could lead all of us towards the first step of change? Do you think anyone else is ready to do that in your place, as of now? Do you think anyone else could've saved me from being consumed from the Shadow Dimension on the day of my mother's death? Your music is that powerful.

"Do you still believe in yourself only because Jay did? Or do you finally..."

Galen stopped, sighing. He felt flustered, blushing. Audrey looked towards him with a proud smile.

This was the first time he had spoken so truthfully. For Audrey, it was okay if it wasn't all about him.

Audrey sighed, nodding her head.

"I do understand, and I do trust myself. So far it looks as if the information being given to the rest of the Shadow Beings and Demonic Creatures is at the right pace. Zelda and the other leaders - even the Phoenexias - are getting along well. Of course, if Aurelia was the leader they would all be best buddies."

A gleam shone in Audrey's eyes and Galen chuckled. "You really love Aurelia, don't you?"

Audrey nodded slowly. She didn't just remind Audrey of her mother, but also of home. Probably because the fire of hearth burnt brightest in her.

Audrey took a deep breath, exhaling slowly while speaking. "It's just this Vlad thing that remains unresolved."

"Resolution takes time."

"Yeah. I can wait a little longer. I still have much to learn, after all. His death is for the best, I'm sure... it's just that taking someone's life is still a huge responsibility. Don't worry though, I'll come to terms with it."

Silence passed and the world became still.

"Thank you, Galen.'

"You never have to thank me, little Raven."

Audrey smiled, satisfied. She stood up and Galen closed his eyes as his friend left him to his solitary peace.