Back to the bridge. I never thought that we'd go back there. Especially with Syd, Gazzy, and Nate. It's weird. After all this time... the High Priestess finds it the right time to bring us to the bridge.

You do know that whatever the reasons are, that they must have been made after a lot of deciding and choices.

I know Kuro, I know. I'm still mad at you for showing yourself to Gazzy and Nate. It's one thing to tell them that you're a spirit that resides in me, but to tell Gazzy that you're the reason he can't read my mind? That was stupid.

I am aware of how idiotic it was. I was merely notifying them of what I thought was important. I do apologize for my actions.

Whatever. For now, we should just focus on getting back to the bridge. We've been walking for ten minutes... we can't be that far.

"I see you've arrived."

What the-

"Devan, Sydney, Clay, Nathaniel. It's good to see you all again."

The High Priestess stood- Hovered over the ground a few feet in front of us. Her long white hair flowed in the wind as snow surrounded us. She seemingly disappeared into the white blanket as the breeze picked up speed and blinded us.

"What the hell?!"

I heard Syd yell... God, he pissed me off.

Stay calm. We don't need to panic-

I know Kuro!

"Ma'am? Where did you go?"

"I have a job for the four of you boys. There is a Unique that escaped the Priests and Priestesses and is on the other side of the bridge."

A Unique? Over there?

"What do you want us to do?"

I question with a hint of annoyance in my voice. I twitch when her quiet laugh echoed throughout the area.

"I would like you four to retrieve this Unique and bring them back to me."

"What are you gonna do with them when we bring them to you?"

She sighed as I continued searching through the blanket of snow.

"Must I tell you?"

"Yes."

"Understood. They will get the punishment that they deserve-"

"Death? For crossing the bridge?"

"That... is an option for them, yes. Why? Does it bother you, Devan?"

Does it bother me?! Hell yeah, it does! This lady expects me to-

"Ma'am, don't listen to Devan. If you see fit to punish someone with death, then so be it. We will find this person for you."

Gazzy! What the hell?

How peculiar. I did not expect your friend to be so merciless.

Shut up Kuro! I don't need your opinion right now!

"Thank you, Clay. You four will be rewarded for your assistance."

I can FEEL her smile. God... this pisses me the fuck off!

Suddenly, dragging me from my thoughts, the snow cleared and the High Priestess was gone. Great! What is wrong with her?!

I think I may know.

What?

This might all be like a game to her.

You're right, Kuro. I can't believe Gazzy just went and said sure.

"Dev, let's get going."

"Wait! We're actually crossing the bridge? Gaz, you don't expect us not to be punished, do you? Nate and Zavier I understand, they ARE Regulars, we aren't!"

"Syd! Calm down. It'll be fine. The High Priestess asked us to go, so I'm betting that you and Gazzy won't be punished. If you do, I'll take it for you instead."

"You better not!"

It looks like they're having fun. Jesus. I hate everything right now! This is so frustrating. First, Nate brings Syd to our house, next, the High Priestess summons us to the Bridge, and finally, we have to find another Unique on the other side of the bridge. What more could happen? You know what? Never mind, forget I said that.

"Dev, let's get going. Last time I checked, the High Priestess doesn't like to wait. Syd and I can... I don't know, go first?"

"We will NOT go first! Gazzy and/or Zavier can go first!"

Nate and Syd then continued to argue, somewhat, about who should go first. Oh my... While they're doing that, I turn towards the Bridge and sigh. That same group of kids are still there, leaning against that same pillar. Their arms crossed as they curiously stared at all of us. I wonder what they're thinking right now. I know that they recognize me, but what about Nate... and they sure as hell wouldn't know Syd and Gazzy. I know that for a fact.

"Nate, don't worry about it. I'll go first."

I say before taking my first step towards the Bridge once again. Nate choked on his words and immediately gave up, letting silence overcome him. I could hear Syd and Gazzy come up behind me, as if to let me know that they have my back. As if Syd would EVER have MY back. It's gross just thinking about it. Then again, the only reason he ever would... it would have to be Nate, right? I mean, they look all buddy buddy now. Nate is confusing when he doesn't even know it. Scratch that. Nate is ALWAYS confusing. I don't know why though. He just is.

"Hey! What the hell? Devan Zavier. Is that you, man? What the hell are you doing on that side of the Bridge?"

I chuckle as my foot landed on the warm ground of my home town. That feels good. No doubt about it. I DID miss this place. Kind of, but still. In a gesture of acknowledgement, I nod towards the group of kids and smile, then immediately turn my attention to behind me, where Syd, Nate and Gazzy were appearing from the Bridge. The two Uniques of the group looked kind of shocked to set foot on this side, but Nate looked happy to be home. I scoffed as Syd flinched when a leaf landed on his shoulder. Then, in response to that, Nate gingerly plucked the leaf off his jacket and giggled. Oh god... I don't think I can handle much more of this.

When did you start thinking like that? Last time I checked, you were all gun ho about your best friend.

Kuro, that was before he brought SYD to our house.

The problem?

Problem?! Where is there NOT a problem?! Nate made friends with Syd, the guy who made fun of him on the first fucking day! Not only that, but Gazzy has more to him than he initially told us! ALSO! Might I add the fact that you, Kuro, showed yourself to those two?!

Ah. I understand-

No you don't! You can't possibly understand any of this!  You killed your own master for fucks sake!

"Hey! Dev! Earth to Devan!"

"What?!"

I snapped at Nate, who was waving his hand in front of my face. He blinked and backed away, inhaling sharply.

"S-Sorry...  I didn't mean to y-yell at you. I'm just-"

"Distracted."

I spun my head around to look at Syd, who had his arms crossed. His eyes were focused on Nate, and yet... I could tell that he was still talking to me.

"You- We don't have the privilege of getting distracted right now. We have a job to do, why don't we do it?"

He said with annoyance laced in his voice. He says one more thing... and I'm going to-

"Hey! Whoa! Whoa! Look! That girl has white ha- Liza...?"