9 years before the events of White Light: Rising...

The halls of the shelter were dark and cold without her light. It didn't help that the shelter was atop a tall hill, giving a magnificent view of the land along with the chill of the sky. Ethan could see the ocean surrounding the isle along with the orange trees the island held. He always loved how the leaves would change color.

He turned his head from the window and back into the room. It was a small bedroom with a fireplace in the center of the back wall. A rug lay in front of it and a bass guitar rested next to the fireplace, leaning against the wall. There were two beds on opposite sides of the room, both had blankets knitted by someone. Ethan sat on one while an older boy with black and white hair, Ashe, sat holding his legs close to him.

Ethan wanted to help him. He needed to make him feel better... but nothing would work. Ashe had lost everything. Well, he hadn't lost Ethan, but everything still felt... empty. Ashe had gotten better, but he still had these moments where all the sadness and grief would rush back to him.

With nothing else he could do, Ethan sighed and turn back to the window. The cloudy sky made everything as dull as it felt. Until something shined in the distance.

Looking again, Ethan could see the figure of a person surfing towards the island on a wave of blue light. They're fast.

This can't be happening.

Ethan looked at Ashe, who was still sitting on his bed. He looked back at the person. They're moving fast. He could now see it was a woman. It was a Light.

Go!

Ethan got off his bed, grabbing his rapier from beside the bed. He focused his energy into the prism in its guard, moving it in the air as it started glowing red before pointing towards the wall near Ashe. The sword's red glow shot out of the blade, smashing a hole in the wall.

Ashe jumped off his bed,

"Ethan!" Ashe yelled, startled, "What are you doi-"

He was interrupted and Ethan, outlined in yellow light, grabbed his arm. Ashe felt the yellow light surround his body as Ethan jumped out of the building at a blinding speed, taking Ashe with him.

They landed on the ground, but Ethan ran, still dragging Ashe with him. The wind from the speed was harsh but caused him no pain. Before he knew it, water was splashing him in the face.

Ethan was running across the water, away from the isle.

They kept going, running onto a different piece of land. They didn't stop. Dirt and rocks painlessly hit Ashe in the face as his body was pulled along by Ethan's speed. They didn't stop for a few seconds until they were deep in the woods. The yellow light had worn off as Ethan caught his breath.

"Why would you do that?" Ashe yelled as he regained his stance on the ground. His legs felt tired even though he hadn't used them to travel.

"I- I saw a Light," Ethan stuttered, "I was afraid they were going to hurt you and I..." he trailed off.

"Do you know where we are?" Ashe continued to yell. "We might be somewhere even more dangerous and you used a lot of energy just to get us here! What if I can't... Ugh!" Ashe looked around frustratedly, searching for a clue for where they were.

Ethan's breathing was heavy. His mind was racing. His eyes were watering. It wasn't until his sword fell from his hand and hit the wet ground; the grass squishing under it. Ashe snapped out of his frustration and looked at Ethan. They're both scared and tired and... wet.

It's raining.

"Come on," Ashe said, "We need to find shelter." He grabbed Ethan's sword and handed it to him before picking Ethan up and carrying him through the rain.

It wasn't long before they found a small cave near a lake to hide in. He set Ethan down and gathered the sticks that were scattered on the ground. He placed them in the center of the cave before snapping his fingers, creating a small fire for them to share, the white flames illuminating the area.

They sat in silence. Both tired and confused. The rain outside helped them relax, even with their clothes getting muddy from the ground.

"I'm sorry..." Ethan said. Ashe looked up at his sad face, staring into the fire. "I'm supposed to be your Keeper, but I just put us both in danger. How am I supposed to save you from this?"

"Didn't you already save me?" Ashe asked. Ethan looked up. "You saw the potential danger and got me out of harm's way. I think that's what saving is."

"But now look where we are. Stranded in the middle of nowhere."

"I think it could be a good thing," Ashe said. "A change of scenery might be what I need to feel better again."

"I wish the change could have been to somewhere nicer than just some woods,"

"Woods," Ashe repeated, "Is that what this kind of place is called?"

"Yes. Once it stops raining, I'll be able to show you the other aspects of nature I know. We might even get to see some humans."

"Really?" Ashe asked, excitedly. "Mom would tell us so many stories about the humans. I hope we get to meet some. Do you think we'll get to meet Vas?"

"No," Ethan said, "From what your mother told me, Vas lived a long time ago. Humans don't live that long, so he's most likely dead."

"Dang," Ashe said. The cave got quiet until Ashe spoke up again. "Y'know, even if we don't get to see any humans, there is one cool thing I got to see today,"

"Oh? What's that?"

"I got to see you act impulsively," Ashe smiled.

"What?" Ethan sputtered, blushing. "That's not 'cool' that's embarrassing!"

"It's totally cool. Usually, I'm the impulsive one while you're all methodical and cautious. I liked seeing the new side of you."

"Don't get used to it," Ethan smirked, still blushing. Ashe gave a small laugh before the room went quiet. No noise was heard.

It stopped raining.

Ashe almost spoke until they heard nearby a woman's voice.

"Hello?" the woman called, her voice beautiful and kind. "Is anyone here?"

 Ashe and Ethan looked at each other. Ethan grabbed his sword and nodded. They slowly crept out of the cave, looking for the woman.

"Hello?" she called again. She's right around the corner. They snap around the corner and point the sword at her, causing her to jump.

"A Light?" Ethan says, confused. She had short cyan hair, matching the color of her eyes. Standing at seven feet tall, her skin was pale with a slim physique. She wore a turquoise blazer with a pastel pink inside, a teal top underneath, slim royal blue pants, and pastel pink heels.

She quickly relaxes as her eyes drift over to Ashe. A surprised look grows on her face.

"The Twilight?" She says, confused. "Sorry, that's not what you like to be called. Your mother said you go by the name 'Ashe', correct?"

"You knew my mom?" Ashe asked, stepping forward.

"I did." She then looked at Ethan. "You must be his Keeper. The first of your kind. What do you go by?"

"Why should I tell you anything?" Ethan spat at her.

"Ethan!" Ashe said.

"No, that's fair," she said. "You have no reason to trust me. As curious as I am as to why or how you're even here, it's not my place to ask. Although, your clothes are rather muddy. I have a place you two can stay at for a while until you know where you'd like to go. It would be much more comfortable than a cave."

"What are you doing away from the Palace of Light?" Ethan asked.

"Straight to the big question," she smiled. "Same thing you are, hiding from those who would rather see us harmed. In fact, I've gotten into a habit of taking in others who are in the same position. I have a Shadow living with me, along with my two daughters. One is a Violet Light, her name is Ever, and the other is... something else. I think you two would really fit in here."

Ethan lowered his sword, still eyeing the woman cautiously. He looked at Ashe, asking what they should do without saying a word.

"Um," Ashe spoke, "What is your name?"

"Oh!" The woman looked surprised. "Where are my manners?" she giggled. "My name is Cyan Light."

Ashe and Ethan will return in White Light: Rising.