Aboveground

After the treatment, the group sat in a circle munching on some energy bars and dried fruits as they discussed their next course of action. Stella interjected, insisting that they had to rescue Brandon first. Her voice grew increasingly frantic, prompting the group to remind her about the pixies.

"Stella, calm down," Sky soothed kindly, squeezing her shoulders as an act of comfort. "Now, what happened to Brandon?" Sky questioned, worried for his best friend.

Stella stays silent for a moment, her hands twisting in her lap, before spilling everything that happened in Downland; how she and Brandon were captured by trogs, how the lack of sunlight was slowly killing her, when Princess Amentia claimed Brandon as her new husband and captured him and how she couldn't stay to rescue him due to her ailing health.

"What about Kaneki? You haven't mentioned him at all," Aisha pointed out.

Kaneki. Stella froze. Her hands trembled, and the colour drained from her face. How could she have forgotten him, especially since she was the one who got him killed? The room felt colder, and her chest tightened. The others were staring at her, waiting for an answer. She swallowed hard and whispered, "He's dead."

Aisha looked to her quizzically. "No, he's not."

"He fell under the monster, and he wasn't moving. That was such a large fall. I can't see how he could have survived. You didn't see his body."

The three looked to one another before Sky chose to answer, "We followed after you guys. We saw the river, but Kaneki's body wasn't there."

Stella stared at them in disbelief. A single word passed her trembling lips. "What?"

"Not only that," Sky continued, "but the walls started to shake, forcing us to take shelter. When we got to the ground, it looked like a battle took place. I think he fought against some shadow monsters and then went off on his own."

"That's not possible," Stella muttered, though her voice wavered.

"Maybe, but it's better than thinking he's dead when we don't have a body. Until we have proof, we have to believe he's survived, and he's probably making his way to the Shadowhaunt if he's not already there."

Stella's shoulders slumped, her thoughts torn between hope and guilt. Had she abandoned him too soon? "Okay," she said finally. "What do we do now?"

"We rescue the pixies."

"But Brandon—"

"-will be fine," Sky assured gently. He placed a hand on Stella's shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze. "From what you've told us, this Amentia wants Brandon as her husband, so it's unlikely she'll harm him."

"Plus, even if she is a princess, she can't arrange a wedding in a day," Bloom pointed out. "We have time to save him, but the pixies may not have as much. "

Aisha nodded. "We'll rescue Brandon as soon as possible."

"Promise." The three of them reply in unison.

The group nodded in unison, their resolve solidifying. Stella let out a shaky breath. "Okay," she said quietly.

Sky smiled before turning to Exel, who was fussing over Bloom. "Exel, you know these tunnels like the back of your hand. Do you know where the Shadowhaunt is?"

Exel paused for a moment as she tried to recall such a place, but she couldn't. She shook her head with regret. "I've never heard of the Shadowhaunt." 

Stella remembered Brandon asking Sponsus about the Shadowhaunt, and he believed that they were talking about someplace else. Stella decided to bring it up. "Sponsus called it the forbidden temple."

The words hit Exel like a physical blow. She staggered back, her hand flying to her mouth. "The forbidden temple?" she whispered, her voice trembling with fear.

Aisha winced at her reaction. "That doesn't sound good."

"Is there any way to reach the forbidden temple?" 

Exel bit her lip as she rubbed her sweaty palms against her dress, wondering if she should truly tell them of the location. She's heard stories of the forbidden temple. Wicked, horrible stories that terrified her to her bones as a child.

"My parents..." she began, her voice trembling. "They used to warn me about that place. They said it was cursed, that it was a temple built on the bones of ancient horrors. They told me never to go near it, never to even speak of it, because it was... alive." Her voice faltered as she remembered their warnings. "They said there was a demon—a vile creature—bound to the temple. A creature who devours souls. It can smell the fear in your heart, and once it does, it'll hunt you down."

Bloom, Sky, and Stella exchanged uneasy glances, but they didn't waver. "We need to find it," Bloom insisted. "We have no choice. The pixies are trapped there, and they don't have long left. We need to rescue them before it's too late. Please, if you know anything that can help us, we need your guidance."

Exel's body stiffened, and her breath coming in shallow gasps as the memories of her childhood flooded her mind. The stories, the warnings of a forbidden place she had never dared to go near, had been so vivid in her mind. She remembered sitting by the fire at night, her parents' voices low and urgent, their hands shaking as they spoke of the terrible demon that guarded the temple, how it could pull you into its realm with just a glance, trapping your soul forever.

Her voice was barely above a whisper, Exel continued, "It's not just a place... it's a curse. I was always told never to even speak of it. That demon... once it knows you've entered its domain, it won't let you leave."

Sky stepped forward, his face firm but understanding. "We understand the danger. We've heard the stories, too. But we have to do this. If we don't, we'll lose everything."

Exel's eyes flickered with hesitation, her fear struggling against the knowledge that they were resolute in their mission. After a long, painful pause, she let out a heavy sigh. "Fine," she said, voice low and full of dread. "I'll tell you... But just so you know, I don't know the exact location, but if you head down the valley, you should be getting close. The crystals repel the demon and its minions, which is why Downland hasn't been overrun, so look for the paths that have little to no crystals."

Bloom nodded, taking in the directions. "Thank you. We'll be careful."

Exel looked at them sadly and shook her head. "Careful doesn't mean safe."

"We'll be fine as long as we stick together. Thank you for everything, Exel." Stella stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Exel in a warm embrace.

Exel returned the hug. She whispered into Stella's ear, "I pray for your safe return." Exel pulled away before addressing the rest, "When you get to Downland, I can offer you a place to stay. I hope you'll take it."

"Definitely."

Leaving Sky's cape on the ground, Exel jumps down to an overhang just below that was completely shaded. She used one hand to protect her eyes from the glare of the sun while using the other to wave goodbye before heading into the cave. 

"Now." Sky went over to the cliffs edge and placed both hands on his hips as he stared at the abyss below. "Let's figure a way down." 

With the Pixies

After Aisha's failed rescue attempt, Darkar thought it wise to move the pixies to another location so they were relocated to a side tower.

The pixies were barely holding on. They either floated or sat on the floor inside of the energy cell since they had nothing else to do. The atmosphere was suffocating, made worse by the constant screeches of the bat-like creatures that circled the tower, their leathery wings casting ominous shadows against the walls.

The air grew colder with each screech, the shadows from the bats stretching and twisting like dark tendrils, suffocating the pixies further.

Like a living storm, they surged toward the tower, swooping low and close. Their sharp wings sliced through the air as they darted past the window. The swarm circled the tower, engulfing the pixies in complete darkness.

"Kya!" Terrified, Amore threw her hands on top of her head and ducked down even though the monsters would not enter the tower, let alone their cages. 

The bats had a bad habit of trying to frighten the pixies with sudden, chaotic swarms, though they never dared to enter the open windows. The bats' unusual behaviour was Darkar's doing, a cruel punishment for the pixies' repeated defiance of his wishes.

Eventually, the bats dispersed, allowing the pixies to see well enough even with the dim light. 

Tune slowly got back up before huffing and brushing the dirt off her dress, not that it did her any good. "I find the sight of those monsters most unpleasant."

Fed up, Chatta strove to do something about those wicked creatures and stormed up to the edge of the cage. She waved her hands wildly, jumping up and down, in order to shoo away the ones that looked like they wanted to get in through the open window. "Go away, you horrible monsters!" 

"You've been shouting at them all day, and what has it done other than overload my audio input?" Digit scoffed, rolling her eyes at the impractical actions of Chatta.

"Listen to this if you're not too overloaded," Chatta snapped as she stomped over to Digit and grabbed her by the front of her shirt, and pulled her face close. "At least I'm doing something to drive away those revolting things, so instead of sitting there in your standing code–"

"Standby mode," Digit corrected with a yawn before slapping Chatta's hands off her shirt and laying down on her side to take a nap.

"Why you–" Chatta seethed and was about to jump Digit when Faith intervened by pulling Chatta back. 

"Guys, don't fight. We'll get out of here soon," Faith assured kindly. 

Chatta looked at him for a moment before turning her head and kissing her teeth in annoyance. "Just so you know, it's all Digit's fault."

Faith giggled and was about to say something when they heard the screeches come again. "So soon?" Faith gasped as the other pixies panicked, including Tune, who rushed to her feet and shook her head in desperation. 

"Oh, no. Uh-uh. Not again." Tune took a deep breath, her tiny chest swelling as she unleashed a deafening, high-pitched shrill that filled the entire tower. "Stop IIIITTTTT!!!!" Tune's voice turned into a shriek at the end. The force of her voice struck the bats mid-flight, disorienting them. They screeched in pain and panic, their swarm breaking apart as they veered wildly, crashing into each other and the walls of the tower, their cries fading into the distance as the rest scrambled to follow.

Silence fell, broken only by the faint echoes of Tune's scream. The pixies stared at her in stunned silence as the last of the bats fled.

"See? Shouting was the solution." Chatta gave Digit a smug smirk before throwing a thumbs up for Tune. "Great job, Tune."

"You're welcome," Tune mumbled, swaying back and forth on her feet as dizziness overtook her. "I'm glad to have helped. They were so unbearably rude..." she said, her voice faint and breathless.

"Whoa, I gotcha." Faith quickly grabbed Tune by her shoulders and helped her sit. "You doing okay?"

"Yes." Tune massaged her temples to soothe her pounding headache. "I just overexerted myself with that scream. I'll be fine once I rest for a bit."

"Here, you can also rest on my lap," Amore patted her thigh to invite Tune to rest her head but Tune refused since Lockette already occupied the space and she didn't want to disturb her friend who was still drained of magic after using it to transport Aisha and the other pixies out of danger.

"Let Lockette sleep. She needs it." Tune inched closer and started to pet Lockette, who sighed contently before snuggling her head into Amore's lap.

 "Yeah. If we're not careful, then she'll end up like the others," Faith said, his gaze drifting again to the far corners of the room. There, beneath the shadows and the grime, lay the tragic reminders of their fallen friends. 

Tattered dresses, tiny boots, delicate belts, and ribbons—all that remained of the pixies who hadn't survived the tower's cruel magic. Each item was dusted with the faintest shimmer of leftover magic, as if clinging to the hope of being reunited with its owner. But the owners were gone, their bodies dissolved into nothingness, their lights extinguished forever.

The others stare at the remnants of their lost friends in sadness, knowing that sooner or later, that more will join them in that fate.

The others stared at the remnants of their lost friends in sadness, knowing that, inevitably, more of them would meet the same fate.

Suddenly, a streak of red caught their attention. A serpent materialized from the ground just beyond the energy cage, its scales gleaming like fresh blood. The pixies whimpered and instinctively drew back, huddling together.

But Chatta stepped forward, intending to shield her friends. "Don't worry. The energy cage will protect us," she reassured while glaring at the snake with a defiant tilt of her chin. However, her confidence soon crumbled as the snake slithered effortlessly through the barrier, eliciting terrified gasps from the group. "Be still," Chatta ordered, sweat dripping down her forehead. "No sudden moves."

Frozen in place, they watched as the serpent coiled itself around them, its body tightening ominously, its movements slow and deliberate. His tail encompassing around their petite bodies almost as if wanting to squeeze the life out of them.

"You feeble little pixies," Darkar's voice hissed, low and venomous. "Your silence grates on my patience." He stopped beside Chatta, his tongue flicking out to leave a cold, slimy trail along her cheek.

The others gasped in horror, but Chatta didn't flinch. She stood frozen for a moment, her body rigid as revulsion crept across her face. Slowly, she wiped her cheek with the back of her hand, glaring at the snake with unyielding defiance.

"Our silence is what's keeping us alive," she said, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. "You need us. And as long as you need us, we're alive. So go ahead—hiss, slither, lick. It doesn't matter. We're not giving you anything."

Even as she spoke, Chatta's knees wobbled. Her bravery was thin ice, and the serpent's piercing gaze made every second feel like an eternity.

Darkar recoiled slightly, his glowing eyes narrowing in irriattion. He wasn't used to such defiance, especially from creatures so small and seemingly helpless. For a moment, the air crackled with tense silence, broken only by Darkar's hissing breaths.

Then, without warning, Darkar lunged at Chatta.

"Look out!" Chatta was shoved out of the way by Charmy, whose head and torso were trapped in the maw of the serpent.

The sound of teeth sinking into flesh was sickening, a wet crunch that made their stomachs churn.

The pixies were horrified as they heard Charmy's muffled shriek, her arms and legs flailed violently as she tried to free herself, when Darkar stopped her attempts by clamping his jaw shut.

There's a sickening crunch before Charmy's limbs fell to the ground, and her screams grew louder.

Darkar opened his jaw wide, revealing the crippled Charmy, his tongue wrapped around her tiny waist. She reached out to her friends with her stump of an arm that spewed blood.

"Guys... please... save me..." But the pixies were left frozen at the gruesome display. 

Their paralysis wasn't just fear—it was despair, the weight of knowing they were utterly powerless.

Before they knew it, Darkar clamped down his jaw and started chewing, his movement slow but powerful as he tore Charmy to shreds with his teeth until she had nothing but a lump of meat

Her screams of agony penetrated their minds and would linger in their nightmares for decades to come. 

Darkar made a grotesque display of his triumph, tilting his head back theatrically as he swallowed Charmy whole. His sharp, snake-like tongue flicked out to lick his lips, savouring the moment. 

"Delicious," he hissed, his voice dripping with malevolence. His glowing red eyes scanned the remaining pixies, relishing their horror. "I do hope you continue to defy me if only to satisfy my stomach."

With a dark chuckle, Darkar slithered out of the cage and vanished into the darkness.

The pixies remained frozen, their gazes fixed on the glowing remains of Charmy. Her stumps began to dissolve into gaint motes of light. The soft, golden flecks floated upward, dissipating one by one until nothing was left. 

For what felt like an eternity, none of them moved or spoke. The weight of what they had witnessed pressed down on them, a silent, suffocating grief that seemed to stretch time itself. The dim light of the room only deepened the shadows of despair etched on their faces.

Then, a piercing scream shattered the silence.

"CHARMY! CHARMY! CHAAAARRRRMMYY!!!" Chatta fell to her knees, her shriek echoing painfully in the chamber. She clawed at her scalp, yanking at her blonde hair with trembling hands as tears streamed down her face. Her entire body shook with the force of her anguish, and the sound of her cries raw and unrelenting.

The other pixies watched, their own tears falling silently, unable to find the words to comfort her. Amore covered her mouth, her small frame wracked with quiet sobs. Digit hovered nearby, her usual composure shattered, while Tune clutched her chest, overwhelmed by grief.

"Charmy..." Chatta wailed again, her voice breaking as she pounded her tiny fists against the ground. Her cries reverberated through the chamber, a haunting symphony of pain and guilt. "I should've stopped him! I should've—"

"Stop, Chatta," Tune said softly, though her own voice wavered. She reached out to touch Chatta's shoulder, but Chatta flinched away, curling into herself.

"You don't understand!" Chatta screamed, her voice hoarse. "It's my fault! If I hadn't—if I didn't—"

"It's not your fault," Faith firmly, stepping closer. His tear-streaked face was resolute as she knelt beside Chatta. "Darkar did this. He's the monster, not you."

Chatta shook her head violently, still clawing at her hair. "I provoked him! I made him mad, and now—now she's gone!" Her voice cracked into a whisper. "She's gone..."

The room grew heavy with sorrow again, Chatta's sobs the only sound. The pixies drew closer, offering quiet comfort in the only way they knew how—by simply being there. But in their hearts, each of them wrestled with their own helplessness, their own grief.

With Kaneki

"Where am I?" Kaneki scratched the back of his head as he exited another stairwell only to end up in a long stretch of a hallway. This place is like a maze, a frustrating maze with too many dead-ends.

Kaneki's been wandering around for about an hour now. At this point, he should give up navigating through this labyrinth and just scale the outer walls, but there are no windows in this area of the castle, so he walked down the hall. He spotted a set of doors in the distance and walked towards them. 

His footsteps falter, however, when he is close enough to see exactly what was on the doors.

The stone doors were massive, almost three times his height. Its surface is carved with grotesque images of demons, their twisted forms locked in expressions of agony and malice. Around the edges of the door, skeletons protrude from the stone, their bones half-merged with the rock as though they had been frozen mid-struggle. Some skeletons grip the edges of the door as if trying to push it closed—or hold it shut.

"Creepy," Kaneki noted with a frown.

A door like this should be avoided, especially when there's the faint scent of fresh blood wafting in through the gap of those doors. If Kaneki had learned anything from reading his horror books and watching terrible movies with Hide, it was that you should avoid things that were obviously going to get you killed. But, he didn't have that luxury.

He stepped closer, hesitantly running his fingers along the stone carvings. The demons felt unnervingly lifelike beneath his touch, their eyes seeming to follow him. The air grew colder, almost unnatural, and a whisper brushed against his ear. He jerked his hand back and pulled at his ears, trying to shake off the whispers.

He pushed open the stone doors. They creaked as they slowly parted, revealing a narrow spiral staircase carved into the stone, disappearing into an abyss of blackness below.

Kaneki's gaze flickered to the walls, where the dim light of the hallway revealed numerous sconces lined up against the stone, evenly spaced apart. Each sconce held an unlit wooden torch, but the wood was worn and aged, their presence almost mocking him that they would offer no light while he wallowed in the darkness.

He grabbed a torch since there was no way he'd venture into this abyss without a decent source of light, but how would he go about lighting it? He doesn't have a lighter, and he's pretty sure the stones in this castle aren't the type to produce sparks when you strike them against each other.

Should he use magic? Kaneki glanced at his free hand and thought back to his duel with Codatorta, where he had accidentally discharged a powerful blast. If Codatorta hadn't reacted in time, he could have ended up killing him. His magic was chaotic and uncontrollable, and he hadn't taken any lessons to control it.

 Even now, Kaneki could remember the blast exploding into the sky with such force that the very air seemed to shatter. The thought of what could've happened—what should've happened—if the blast had gone sideways - sent a cold chill down his spine. He couldn't afford to make that mistake again.

But he was alone here. No one else would get hurt if he failed. He could regenerate after all.

He closed his eyes and focused, summoning the smallest spark of magic he could manage. Fire. He just needed a small flame to light the torch. He reached inward, trying to find just a sliver of power, but the magic surged in response—alive, raw, and unrelenting, like a beast trapped in a cage. It seemed insulted that he only wanted a tiny piece of it.

It seemed insulted that he only wanted the sliver.

Huffing in annoyance, Kaneki ignored the surge and instead focused on that thin thread of power that he needed. The air around him seemed to crackle, a pulse of energy humming through his chest before travelling to his hand, which held the torch. His magic still felt like a foreign thing to him, like trying to hold water in his cupped hands.

There was a sharp burst of heat, and a black flame tinged with red engulfed the torch in seconds. Kaneki instinctively jerked his head back as the fire licked at his face and singed his hair.

"Shit!" Kaneki yelped, throwing the torch. It bounced off the stone steps, each impact sending a cascade of sparks before clattering to a stop a few meters down. He stood there, his pulse hammering in his chest, sweat trickling down his forehead. "Could've gone worse," he muttered before picking up another torch and descending the stairs, carefully making his way to the first torch, which no longer burned black. He used that flame to light his current torch before making his way down the stairs.

As he descended, something started to change. The air grew heavier, colder... and the stench.

It started as a faint, almost imperceptible odor—something earthy, like the smell of wet soil. But it quickly became overpowering, filling his nostrils with the rancid reek of rot and decay. His stomach lurched. He gagged, covering his nose with his sleeve, but the stench only grew stronger, more suffocating, as if the very walls of the staircase were alive with death.

"Ugh, it's getting worse," Kaneki complained as he rubbed his watery eyes. The stench eventually grew so unbearable to the point that Kaneki desperately wanted to turn back, but he couldn't he had to move forward, so he did until he couldn't take it anymore. 

Kaneki ducked down into a squat and threw his hand over his mouth as the bile dug its claws in his throat. He heaved, whether he wanted the bile to come out or retreat back into his stomach he didn't know. He wipes away the drool that dribbled out the corners of his mouth before standing back up.

The path led to an old and rickety wooden door, which had warped out of its frame, Kaneki tried the door knob which jiggled about and frowned. Looks like he has no other choice but to break it down. Taking a few steps back and delivered a swift kick to the door, which sent it crashing to the ground, which Kaneki regretted instantly because once that door was opened, a new wave of putrid miasma overwhelmed him. 

He fled on instinct, dropping his torch, which clattered to the stone floor. In his haste, he tripped over his own feet, crashing to the ground. He barely managed to get onto all fours before vomiting.

The smell... Kaneki heaved after spitting out the extra liquid stuck in his mouth... it's burrowing through his insides and settling into his lungs. Kaneki lifted his head and looked back at the entrance to see an endless row of cells, which means he must have arrived at the prisons. This might be where the pixies are. Kaneki wiped the remaining liquid that dribbled out the corners of his mouth and got back onto his feet.

Groaning, Kaneki covered his mouth and tredged forward down the linear path. He was essentially breathing in his own sick, but that was far more preferable compared to the rancid air of this prison.

As Kaneki reached the first row of cells, he understood where the foul smell came from. He scrunched his nose in disgust as his torchlight passed over another corpse chained to the wall, its face cinched in sorrow and agony.

This is... this is horrifying.

This place, it's bringing back memories that he desperately wants to keep locked away. About to the room with the checkered floor. He remembered how the tiles would shine under the pale light of the single bulb that the room had before his blood splattered onto the ceramic. He remembered the squeaks of the wheels of that rusty surgical tray that held all of...

Kaneki slapped himself to snap his mind from returning to those times. He hit himself harder than expected and actually stumbled from the blow.

Sighing, Kaneki squatted and held his head in his hands, taking deep breaths to calm himself. Should he leave? Despite wanting to, Kaneki knew that wasn't an option. He had a mission to complete. Besides, if the pixies were truly locked in this depraved oubliette, he couldn't let them suffer any longer.

Kaneki walked cautiously, his boots scuffing against the uneven floor. His torchlight passed over empty cells, piles of rotting straw, and skeletal remains slumped against the walls. Then, he saw something that made his blood run cold.

A man, barely more than a shadow at first, hangs by his wrists from rusted chains bolted to the ceiling. His feet dangle inches from the ground, his body slack but twitching faintly. He's shirtless, his torso marred by fresh and old wounds. Kaneki caught a glimpse of his face; pale gaunt, dark circles under his eyes, and streaks of dried blood on his temple.

Without hesitation, Kaneki grabbed the rusted iron bars of the cell door and yanked it free before tossing the door aside. He stepped inside the cell. The stench of sweat, blood, and despair thickened the air, but Kaneki forced himself to push past it.

Up close, the sight of the man made Kaneki's stomach churn. The man's wrists were raw and bloodied where the chains bit into his flesh, his battered body trembling faintly with each shallow breath.

Kaneki rushed to him, reaching for the corroded links of the chains. His hands closed around the rusted metal, testing their tension. They were brittle, the iron old and weakened, so they should break easily under his ghoul strength, yet they held on strong. His hands trembled around the rusted links as he tried again. 

What's a thousand minus seven?

Kaneki froze as Yamori's voice reverberated through his mind like a taunting whisper.

Stop it. He's fine. He's left that room.

The familiar panic tightened around his chest like a vice. His breathing quickened, shallow gasps escaping him. He needed to stop, to breathe, but he couldn't. His throat felt constricted as if invisible hands clutched at his neck, their nails digging into his skin. There was no one there, yet the suffocation was all too real.

He has to... he has to... get out of here? No. He has to free this man. He needs to undo the cuffs, but why won't his hands work? He was holding onto the cuffs, but his hands... they were shaking. Move. He had to move, but it was no use. His hands were disconnected from his brain. 

Darkness was encroaching on all sides of his vision. Does this mean he's dying? Stop. He wants this to stop.

Suddenly, a kind voice brings him back. "Hey, hey, it's alright. I'm here. Listen to the sound of my voice. What I want you to do is breathe through your mouth. Inhale, 2, 3, 4, 5. Now, exhale, 2, 3, 4, 5."

Kaneki obeyed, his breaths shaky at first but gradually evening out as he followed the calming rhythm. The darkness receded, and the panic faded away.

"There we go. Are you okay, young man?"

Kaneki's throat tightened again, this time with shame. Tears welled in his eyes as he turned his face away. A panic attack? Here? Now? And having this stranger comfort him, when he was the one who had been tortured... How pathetic.

He gritted his teeth, cursing himself. "I-I-I'm fine." And now he was stuttering.

Avalon gave a faint smile, his voice hoarse yet calm. "Who are you?"

"My name is Kaneki," he muttered, avoiding Avalon's gaze as he returned to the chains. "And I assume you are Avalon, the new teacher at Alfea?"

"Did Faragonda send you to find me?"

"Not exactly. A bunch of students snuck into the Black Caverns to rescue the pixies that were kidnapped." 

"The pixies..." Avalon murmured, his voice distant. "I remember Darkar mentioning them... I think a young fairy tried to rescue them but failed..."

"Aisha. She survived," Kaneki answered as he worked on the left cuff, finally managing to unfasten it.

"Tough enough she must be to survive an encounter with Darkar." Avalon had a small smile on his face. Suddenly, the smile dropped from his face, and he started trembling.

Kaneki was about to ask what was wrong, but when he opened his mouth to say something, he struggled to find his voice. "...I... ah..." His hands. Why are they shaking? They shook so much that he couldn't get a proper grip on the cuffs.

"Run." Avalon clawed at his right wrist that was still cuffed. You need to run!"

"There's nowhere to run," a voice hissed.

Kaneki felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand straight, and he slowly turned around to the cells entrance to see this... this thing is standing there.

Its body was thin, almost stick-like, and solid black with gangly fingers fingers and toes that end with sharp, dagger-like points. But its face was what was most disturbing. A stark white face composed of only smooth and polished bone with its frowning maw filled with serrated teeth and those eyes...

Kaneki was desperate to tear his gaze away, but he just couldn't. Those deep, black, lifeless eyes that sucked everything into its void drew him in further. There was nothing else that he could see.

"Look out!" Kaneki had the wind knocked out of his lungs when a leg kicked his side, sending him stumbling into the wall. He had no time to question what had happened when the creature flew past him seconds later.

"Don't look into its eyes!" Kaneki barely had time to register Avalon's words before the creature pounced at him, trying to slash him with its claws. He swiftly dodged then countered with a punch to its face. In the corner of his eye, he saw Avalon struggling against his restraints, and knew the fight couldn't continue here—not with Avalon trapped and vulnerable— so he surged forward, grabbing the creature by its neck and flinging it out of the cell.

Kaneki stumbled before bending forwards with his hands on his knees. He huffed and panted as the creature's suffocating aura dissipated, which finally allowed him to finally breathe As he was bent over, he saw drops of water splash onto the stone below, his furrowed his brows in confusion before reaching up to touch his face. It wasn't just his face, but his entire body was also soaked in sweat.

Just how scared was he of that thing?

Kaneki is snapped out of his thoughts when the creature lets out an ear-piercing shrill. Shit. 

Kaneki turned his head towards Avalon, who was still swinging from his single cuff, and knew he had to defeat that thing before he could release Avalon. "I'll be back for you, I promise," Kaneki said, his voice steady despite the fear clawing at his insides.

"Wait! You can't defeat it!" Avalon shouted, reaching out for Kaneki, who had already charged out of the cell. Avalon cursed as his body swung fiercely back and forth, his entire body weight reposed onto his right wrist that was still cuffed above his head. He clawed at his wrist, hoping to tear away enough of the fat of his flesh to slip out of his restrainsts. Blood drips onto his face, but it doesn't phase him.

Kaneki charged out of the cell only to duck down as the creature lunged over him. It crashed into the ground before hissing and getting back to its feet.

"You are seriously ugly," Kaneki couldn't help but comment with a humourless chuckle. He could feel his heart pounding out of his chest as fear struck his being, but he noted the effects seemed weaker. He can fight this thing.

"How dare you spit on my Master's mercy," the creature hissed as it flexed its long, gangly fingers with a sickeningly stiff and rigid motion, like a puppet jerked by unseen strings. "He saw promise in your abilities, One-Eyed King."

"We'll see." Kaneki struck first with a brutal punch to the creature's chest before throwing a barrage of blows. He refused to allow even a single moment for the creature to counter.

 This creature isn't all that powerful. Its advantage lies in its ability to paralyse its opponent in fear, but the effects grow weaker with every use, meaning that the creature is weaker than it actually appears.

A final kick to its midsection sends it sprawling to the ground. As it writhed in pain, Kaneki stepped forward to finish it, but in that brief moment, his gaze locked with its void-black eyes.

Time seemed to slow down. The world blurred around him, and all he could see were those endless voids—pulling, suffocating, dragging his mind into the dark. A rush of sheer terror flooded through him, more intense than before, as if all his fears and failures were laid bare at once. His chest tightened, his vision narrowed, and his legs nearly buckled beneath him.

Without thinking, Kaneki thrusted his hand forward. A surge of brilliant energy exploded from his palm—uncontrolled and blinding. The air shuddered with the force of it, the blast crashing into the creature like a tidal wave. The creature shrieked, its long limbs flailing as the magical energy hurled it backwards, sending it careening out of the dungeon corridor and through the castle's wall.

Kaneki fell to his knees as the energy dissipated, his body shaking from the sudden discharge. Dust and debris rained down from the broken wall, and a gust of cold wind rushed into the dungeon. Getting back up, he stumbled to the edge of the shattered opening, peering out just in time to see the creature's black form plummet into the vast lake far below. The water churned violently on impact, sending ripples spreading outward into the dark.

Kaneki stared for a moment longer, his chest heaving with ragged breaths before his legs gave out. He slumped against the cold stone, his back sliding down the wall until he was sitting on the floor.

A sharp, wet cough forced its way from his throat, and when he glanced at his hand, he saw it streaked with blood. His other hand was still trembling, faint arcs of magic crackling between his fingers before fizzling into nothingness.

Kaneki stared at the fresh crimson liquid staining his palm. Something felt... wrong. 

His body felt heavy, like the life had been siphoned out of him, and his chest hurt but not in the physical sense. This hadn't happened the last few times he had used his magic. It seemed that each time he tapped into his magic, the toll seemed to grow worse. Was it because of the castle's magic-draining properties? Or was something else at play?

The thought sent a shiver through him, but he had no time to dwell on it. He needed to free Avalon. Picking himself up, Kaneki turned towards the direction of the cell and made his way back to Avalon. 

Kaneki stopped in front of Avalon's cell, his breaths ragged, leaning heavily against the doorframe. His gaze fell on Avalon, who was straining against the remaining cuff. Blood ran in thin rivulets down his arm, his wrist raw and swollen as the iron bit deeper into his skin

"Don't do that!" Kaneki gasped as he saw the state of Avalon's wrist and rushed over to unlatch the remaining cuff. With a metallic click, the cuff sprang open, and Avalon collapsed onto Kaneki, who instinctively caught him.

"Thank you," Avalon murmured hoarsely, cradling his wrist gingerly as he straightened up. But when he looked up to meet Kaneki's eyes, his breath caught. The patch Kaneki usually wore over his left eye was gone, likely lost in the chaos of the fight. In its place was something unnatural, something that practically glowed in the dim light: a vivid crimson iris surrounded by a pitch-black sclera that pulsed faintly, almost alive.

Kaneki didn't notice at first, but Avalon's fixed stare made him pause before realising exactly what Avalon was staring at. His hand shot up to his face, and his stomach dropped as his fingers brushed bare skin where his eyepatch should have been. 

He recoiled, shame burning through him like wildfire. "I—I didn't mean for you to see that," Kaneki stammered, covering his kakugan with his hand. His voice cracked under the weight of his embarrassment.

Avalon blinked, his expression shifting from shock to something gentler. He shook his head, his voice calm despite the exhaustion in his tone. "Your eye... it's..."

"A curse," Kaneki interrupted bitterly. "I know. It's not human. It's not normal." His voice faltered, heavy with frustration and despair. He felt Avalon's gaze lingering, like it was burning into him, making his stomach twist with a mixture of dread and confusion. But Avalon surprised him, his voice steady despite his exhaustion.

"Kaneki... could you please move your hand?" Avalon requested gently.

Kaneki hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest, but he reluctantly lowered his hand, fully revealing his kakugan. He averted his gaze, expecting disgust or fear, but he received nothing like that.

Avalon's expression softened, his tired face lighting up with something Kaneki couldn't quite name. Awe? Compassion? "It's beautiful," Avalon said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kaneki's head jerked up, his breath catching in his throat as his mouth parted in disbelief. He stared at Avalon, trying to process the words that hung between them. His face flushed a deep red, and his voice stumbled out in disarray. "What? How could you say that? It's not... It's—"

But Avalon reached out, his fingers brushing against Kaneki's cheek with an unexpected tenderness. His thumb gently stroked the soft skin under Kaneki's left eye, and the contact sent a jolt through Kaneki's chest. The touch was so gentle, so caring, it was almost surreal, a stark contrast to the raw, battered state Avalon was in. Avalon's gaze was unwavering, intense, and it sent a shiver crawling down Kaneki's spine.

"I've never seen anything like it," Avalon continued, his voice steady but low, almost reverent. "It's... stunning."

Kaneki's mind raced. Stunning? Beautiful? He just couldn't understand it. How could Avalon look at him that way? How is he not scared? The idea felt impossible. He had expected repulsion, maybe even fear, but Avalon was looking at him as if... as if he were something worthy of admiration. His heart pounded in his chest, a mix of disbelief and something else he couldn't place—something hopeful but terrifying.

His pulse quickened, his cheeks flushing at the praise, at the way Avalon seemed so unfazed. Is this how Touka felt when Kimi called her beautiful?

Is this how Touka felt when Kimi called her beautiful?

For a moment, they just stood there, locked in a quiet stare. Avalon's gaze didn't falter; he wasn't repelled or disgusted, as Kaneki had expected. Instead, there was something else there—something softer, something genuine, something accepting. Kaneki had never experienced such a look directed at him before.

Kaneki swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper. "You... you're not scared?"

Avalon shook his head slightly and offered Kaneki a small, reassuring smile. "You saved me. You fought against that thing for me. Why would I care about something as small as this?"

Kaneki blinked, unable to come up with anything to say. Avalon's words cut through his fear and shame, offering a lifeline he didn't know he needed. Kaneki spoke softly yet still uncertain, "You... really don't care?"

Avalon's smile widened ever so slightly, and his voice was steady, earnest. "Not one bit. I've seen far worse things in this world, Kaneki. You're not one of them."

The weight of Avalon's words hit him like a wave, and for the first time, Kaneki felt the grip of his own shame start to loosen. There was something in Avalon's voice—so calm and certain—that made Kaneki want to believe him, even though he felt undeserving of such compassion. He swallowed hard, but the feeling of being seen, truly seen, made him turn his gaze away. His voice barely reached above a whisper. "You haven't seen me."

Avalon's expression softened, his voice gentle but firm. "I've seen enough."

Kaneki turned to face him, his kakugan glowing faintly in the dim light of the dungeon. "No, you haven't!" he snapped, the words bursting out of him before he could stop them. "You don't know what I'm capable of. What I've done. This... thing—" he gestured towards his eye, his voice trembling, "—this isn't human. It's monstrous."

Avalon didn't flinch, didn't waver. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, his voice calm but unwavering and full of conviction. "I don't care what your eye looks like, Kaneki. Or what power it holds. I care about what you've done here—what you did to save me. You're not a monster."

Kaneki stared at him, his breath catching in his throat. "You say that now," he murmured, his gaze falling to the ground. "But if you knew the truth..."

Avalon reached out, his hand resting lightly on Kaneki shoulder. The touch was grounding, steady. "The truth is, you fought to save me. You risked your life and unleashed magic you barely control to help someone who was helpless. Monsters don't do that, Kaneki. People do."

Kaneki's jaw tightened, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. Shame and fear warred with the faint flicker of hope Avalon's words ignited. "You don't understand," he whispered, his voice cracking.

"Maybe not everything," Avalon admitted, his voice softening. "But I understand enough. Enough to know that you're not defined by your eye, or your magic, or even your past. You're defined by what you choose to do. And what I see right now is someone who chose to be kind. Someone who chose to fight for someone else, even when all odds are stacked against him."

Kaneki's chest tightened, and for a moment, he couldn't speak. Avalon's words struck something deep within him, something he'd tried to bury under months of guilt and fear. He swallowed hard, blinking back the sting in his eyes. "You really... don't think I'm a monster?"

Avalon's smile was faint but warm. "Not even close."

Kaneki met Avalon's gaze. For the first time in a long while, he felt the faintest spark of hope. He nodded, "Let's get out of here."

Avalon, however, was in no condition to walk on his own. His injuries were too severe, his body weak and trembling. Without hesitation, Kaneki crouched down and hoisted Avalon onto his back, securing his arms over his shoulders with surprising care.

"You don't have to carry me," Avalon murmured, his voice faint but tinged with gratitude.

Kaneki shook his head, his tone resolute. "You can't walk, and I'm not leaving you behind. Don't worry about me—I'm stronger than I look."

Avalon chuckled softly despite himself. "I've already seen that."

Kaneki climbed back up the spiral staircase, his breath laboured but steady. Avalon's weight pressed against his back, his arms draped weakly over Kaneki's shoulders, but Kaneki didn't find the extra weight bothersome at all. 

At the top of the stairs, Kaneki steps into a quiet hallway. The air feels lighter here, the oppressive darkness of the dungeon left behind. Ahead, a large stone sink caught his attention, its surface worn and cracked with age. Clear water pools within, fed by a steady stream from a lone gargoyle statue that spat the water from its mouth.

Kaneki carefully set Avalon down, leaning him against the wall. Avalon's eyes are barely open, his breathing shallow and his body slack from exhaustion. Kaneki crouched by the sink, cupping his hands to scoop the cool water.

"Here, drink this. It'll help," Kaneki said softly as he knelt down and brought the water to Avalon's lips, but the man barely responded, his head lolling to the side. Kaneki frowned, his heart tightening with worry. He tried again, but Avalon was too weak to drink on his own.

Glancing between Avalon and the water in his hands, Kaneki steeled himself as he knew there was no other choice. He scooped up another handful of water and brought it to his own lips, drinking deeply before leaning down toward Avalon. Gently, he pressed his lips to Avalon's, transferring the water to him in a tender kiss.

Avalon instinctively swallowed, the cool water easing his parched throat. After a moment, his eyes fluttered open, and his soft gaze met Kaneki's. In the dim light, Avalon sees Kaneki's face framed by the flickering glow, his features etched with concern and care. 

For a moment, Avalon's thoughts drift, his lips parting slightly as he mumbled weakly, "Are you... an angel?"

Kaneki blinked before Avalon's words fully registered in his mind. His face immediately turned red as he pulled back quickly, rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding Avalon's gaze. "D-Don't be ridiculous. I'm not an angel," Kaneki stammered, his face flustered. 

Avalon's lips twitch into the faintest smile, his gaze still soft as he watched Kaneki fumble for composure. Even in his weakened state, he can see the kindness and strength in Kaneki, the way he fights so hard to protect others.

"You look like one..." Avalon murmured softly as his cracked lips curved into a faint smile.

Kaneki's blush deepened, and he busied himself by scooping more water to offer Avalon, refusing to acknowledge the compliment. Despite his embarrassment, a warmth bloomed in his chest at Avalon's words. He helped Avalon drink, his touch gentle as he steadied him.

As the moments pass, a quiet understanding settles between them. Avalon's eyes lingered on Kaneki, grateful for his care, while Kaneki avoided meeting his gaze, afraid his flustered feelings might show too much. The air between them feels charged, not with fear or tension, but with something softer, something unspoken yet undeniable.

Clearing his throat, Kaneki spoke, trying to sound casual, "You're stronger than you look, you know. You'll be back on your feet in no time."

Avalon nodded, smiling faintly. "Thanks to you."

Kaneki's gaze flicked to Avalon, their eyes meeting briefly. The look of quiet appreciation in Avalon's eyes made Kaneki's heart skip a beat, and he quickly glanced away again, his cheeks still tinted pink. Avalon chuckled weakly, the sound soft but genuine.

Despite the dire circumstances, there's a flicker of light between them—a connection that feels rare and precious.

Clearing his throat, Kaneki broke the silence. "We need to keep moving. I have to find the others before Darkar does." 

Avalon nodded, though he was clearly still too weak to stand on his own. Without hesitation, Kaneki crouched down and hoisted him onto his back again, securing him carefully. As they continued down the corridor, Avalon's head rested lightly against Kaneki's shoulder, and the faint smile on his lips never faded.

With the Group 

The group was still sat near the edge of a sheer cliff. 

"The only option we have is to climb down," Sky said, voice tinged with frustration as he held up the grappling hook.

"All of us with one grappling gun?" Aisha countered with a raised brow. "That'll take too long. We need a faster method."

Bloom winced as she shifted slightly, her injuries still fresh and raw. Her arms were wrapped tightly around her knees as she looked down the daunting cliffside. "I don't even know if I can handle that," she admitted, her voice quiet, almost apologetic.

"Should we call for backup?" Stella suggested as she twirled a lock of her blonde hair.

Sky sighed and shook his head. "No, we're too far underground. We don't know how long it will take them to find us."

Every idea they've had has been shot down, and the frustration is getting to all of them. Aisha sighed before letting herself fall onto her back. She seized her ankles to prevent her crossed legs from uncrossing. She opted to stare at the clear blue sky while the others continued the discussion. Out of sheer boredom, she moved her head back, ignoring how the rocky ground scraped her scalp and noticed a pile of something dark sitting a few feet away.

Aisha rolled onto her front and shuffled towards the pile on her hands on knees, much to the bafflement of the others.

"What's wrong, Aisha?" Bloom called out.

"I think I just found a way to get down there," Aisha acclaimed, brimming with excitement as she held up the piece of wood above her head.

"Wood?" Stella questions, tilting her head to the side.

"I get it. We can board down." Sky caught the board that Aisha threw to him, and they both positioned themselves at the cliff's edge. Without hesitation, they leapt off and glided down the rocky slope, their movements smooth and controlled. 

"Hey, you're pretty good."

"Sports are my passion," Aisha replies, grinning as the wind whips through her long locks. Upon reaching the bottom, she and Sky gracefully slide to a halt before grinning at one another.

"I hope you brought enough passion for everyone." Sky winced as he heard Bloom and Stella scream as they slid down the slope, their board wobbling dangerously as it hit uneven rocks. 

Just as they neared the bottom, the board struck a rock jutting out of the ground, sending them airborne. Stella reacted instinctively, wrapping her arms around Bloom and twisting her body to take the brunt of the fall.

The two of them landed hard, slamming into a boulder. There was a loud crack as the boulder shattered into pieces.

"Stella! Bloom!" Sky and Aisha ran toward them, concern etched across their faces.

Bloom groaned as she pushed herself up, disoriented, while Stella just grumbled at the rough ride.

"This is ridiculous," Stella grunted in indignation, caressing the back of her head. "Brandon better buy me a new dress to thank me for this."

Sky knelt down and picked up a fragment of the shattered boulder before easily crushing it in his fist. "Hey, look, you were lucky Stella, you could have broken your neck. The rock here is dangerously brittle."

Stella rolled her eyes but muttered, "That's one silver lining, I guess."

A faint hum of moisture in the air tugged at Aisha's senses, drawing her toward the thick stone wall ahead. She stopped, placing her hands against the cold rock, her brow furrowing in concentration. Slowly, she pressed her ear against it, her water magic stirring faintly.

"There's something behind this," Aisha murmured, catching everyones attention. Her voice was quiet but filled with certainty. "I can feel it—a large body of water. A waterfall. And... more." She pulled back and turned to the others, her expression resolute. "The Shadowhaunt must be on the other side."

"If so, then I suppose it's time to use this." Sky pulled out the demoleculariser.

"Would it work?" Bloom inquired. "We don't know how thick the wall is."

"Luckily, it has a function to check." Sky plastered the demoleculariser to the wall and pressed some buttons, the machine beeps, and the group waits patiently until it beeps rapidly, and the light finally flashed green. 

"Yes! Our luck is finally looking up."

"Gather close and hold hands. The magic will only last for 25 seconds, and there's a lot of rock to get through. As soon as the portal opens, jump through." The group formed a tight circle, their hands gripping tight onto one another.

"Are you sure that dehumidifier is safe?" Stella questioned, not trusting it in the slightest. She's ignored as Sky activated the demoleculariser, and a bright light enveloped the group. "Bloom, if something happens, you can have all my outfits!" 

The group is spat out as Sky, Bloom, and then Aisha, but there was no sign of Stella. Bloom breathed heavily through her nose, digging her nails in the dirt as the fall jostled her wounds. She rose to her hands and knees and looked around before realising that Stella was nowhere to be found. 

"Wait... where's Stella?" Bloom's voice broke, her eyes darting frantically. "She's not here!"

Sky and Aisha froze, looking around. "What?" Sky said, panic creeping into his voice. "She was right here—she was holding onto you!"

"She was!" Bloom said, her voice rising in despair. "What if the teleporter... left her behind?"

Bloom rushed to the wall and started bashing her fists against the rock, crying Stella's name when a second portal appeared on the wall. Energy crackled as Stella came tumbling out, landing unceremoniously on her back. She groaned, sitting up and shaking dust from her hair.

"We are not using that thing again!" Stella huffed, glaring at Sky, who held his hands up in surrender. 

Relief washed over the group as Bloom ran to Stella, pulling her into a hug. "Stella, thank goodness! I thought..." She trailed off, her voice trembling.

"Thought what?" Stella tilted her head to the side, oblivious to what happened. "Did something happen?"

"A malfunction, probably. You didn't come out with us, and we got worried." Sky inspected the teleporter with a grim expression before putting it away. "It'd be best not to use this again. We got lucky this time round."

Bloom noticed something moving in Stella's hair. Her eyes widened, and she reached out hesitantly, "There's something moving in your hair."

"Moving?" Stella's question is answered when Bloom plucks a worm off of her hair and holds it up to her line of sight. Stella shrieked, jumping back.

"Ew! Gross! I need to shower four times!"

"Just for a worm?" Bloom couldn't help but laugh, despite the tension.

Stella huffed and pouted, crossing her arms. "Not just for the worm. We've been down here for a whole day, I'm covered in dirt, mud, blood, and who knows what else. I need a deep scrub just to get rid of the first layer."

"Has it really been a day?" Bloom asked as if she really couldn't believe it.

"Yep, when I was recharging my powers, I saw that it was sunrise about 5 in the morning."

Bloom glanced at the darkened cavern ceiling, worry flickering across her face. "Do you think the teachers have arrived at the Black Caverns yet?"

"Most likely," Sky replied, his tone serious. "But we can't waste any more time. We have to rescue the pixies, find Kaneki, and then head to Downland to free Brandon. There's a lot to do, and the clock's ticking."

"Yes. Let's hurry so we can all go back to our nice soft beds in our well heated rooms after a long hot shower."

Bloom chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood. "Maybe Brandon can buy you some new shampoos when we get back."

Stella's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Yes, apple-scented, to go with the worm."

The group burst into laughter, the shared humour offering a momentary reprieve from the tension of their journey. Even Sky allowed himself a small smile, the camaraderie lifting his spirits.

The levity, however, was short-lived as a piercing shriek echoed through the cavern. The group froze, their laughter replaced by a tense silence. Above them, a swarm of bats took flight, their chaotic movements unsettling the stillness.

They turned toward the source of the sound and saw it—the underground castle. The structure loomed like a forgotten relic of a bygone era, its spires jagged and sharp, illuminated faintly by the phosphorescent glow of nearby waterfalls.

Aisha, despite having seen it once before, was struck again by its sheer magnitude and eerie beauty. "Even knowing it's here... it's still unbelievable," she murmured. "The Shadowhaunt."

"Looks friendly," Bloom commented, chuckling.

"Plenty of sunshine," Stella drawled.

"The pixies should be up there," Aisha told them as she pointed at a distant section of the castle.

"Didn't Kaneki say that the pixies might have been moved?" Stella reminded.

Aisha flinched slightly but stood firm. "It's still the best place to start."

Sky sighed, looking up at the castle's enormous size. "This place is massive. Searching it will take forever." His gaze drifted to a narrow rope bridge stretching precariously across a deep chasm. "And that bridge is the only way across," he said, pointing at it.

The group stared at the precarious bridge, its wooden planks creaking with the faintest breeze.

"Maybe we could teleport?" Bloom looked to Stella, hopefully.

"Uh, I'd rather not use my powers just yet. I might have a reserve, but who knows how long that'll last."

"I agree with Stella." Sky nodded. "You should save your powers for when we really need it."

"Let's go, guys," Aisha called, so the group hike their way to the rickety bridge. "Hang on tight. This bridge is going to swing like a boat during a hurricane," Aisha warned.

Bloom stepped onto the bridge next, her steps light and purposeful. She glanced around, unbothered by the height or the way the bridge swung. "No problem, I used to spend my summers at Six Flags Hurricane Harbour."

"You were on a boat?" Sky questioned as he followed her closely behind to support her in case she faints or her knees buckle.

"First, we gotta go get the pixies, and we gotta do it on foot. How long will Brandon have to wait?" Stella grumbled, clutching the rope for dear life. "We better get there before he says, 'I do'."

As they made their way closer to the castle, Aisha glanced toward the towering structure, her thoughts turning to Kaneki. "Do you think Kaneki's here already?"  

Sky answered. "If we're lucky, then yes. Hopefully, he's not in any trouble."

Suddenly, a deafening explosion ripped through the air. The castle shook, sending chunks of stone tumbling down into the lake below.

"What was that?" Stella cried, gripping the ropes tightly as the bridge swayed violently.

Before anyone could respond, a shrill, bone-chilling scream echoed through the cavern. A dark, screaming figure hurtled from one of the castle's upper levels, plummeting into the lake with a loud splash.

"What was that?" Bloom looked over the edge of the bridge to get a better look at the figure that just fell.

"Don't know." Sky's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. "But it might be best to avoid that part of the castle. We don't want to run into whatever made that explosion."

Aisha nodded, though her eyes lingered on the lake below, a deep unease settling over her. "Let's keep moving. We're almost there."

With Icy and Darcy

From a tall, arched window high in the castle, Icy and Darcy observed the group on the swaying rope bridge below. Icy leaned against the stone frame, her pale lips curling into a sneer. "Look at them. It's like watching clueless sheep stumble into a wolf's den."

Darcy crossed her arms, her dark eyes narrowing as she studied the group. "Clumsy, unprepared, and painfully optimistic. Typical fairy behaviour."

Icy smirked, turning to her sister. "Do you think any of them actually have a plan? Or are they just hoping their little 'teamwork' nonsense will carry them through?"

"My money's on the latter. It always is with fairies," Darcy chuckled. 

Icy's gaze hardened as it drifted across the bridge and toward the castle's outer walls. "Where's Stormy? She's usually the first one ready to jump into a fight."

Darcy shrugged, her voice tinged with amusement. "She said something about checking on Darkar's special prisoner. Figured she'd rough him up a bit for fun."

Icy arched a brow. "Still, she should've been back by now."

"Forget about her for now. They're almost across the bridge. If we wait too long, they'll reach the castle."

"Then let's stop waiting," Icy said, her voice cold as ice. "We don't need Stormy for this. We can handle them ourselves." She held out her hand, her icy blue magic swirling in her palm.

Darcy nodded, her shadows coalescing into a dark, pulsing orb. "A convergence spell will do the trick. We'll scatter them, pick them off one by one. They'll never know what hit them."

Together, the two witches raised their hands, their magic intertwining and growing stronger. A swirling vortex of ice and shadows formed between them, crackling with dark energy.

The group reached the end of the bridge, with Sky helping Stella off the last plank. 

"You alright?" Sky asked kindly as he remembered her fear of heights.

"Just fine." Stella asssured.

Sky nodded before drawing his phanto-blade. "Let's stay sharp. Something feels—"

Before he could finish, a sudden surge of magic erupted from above. A violent gust of icy wind and swirling darkness slammed into the ground near them, forcing the group to scatter.

"What the—?!" Stella cried as the force sent her stumbling backwards.

The air shimmered, and Icy and Darcy descended from the sky, their magic radiating menace. Icy's laughter echoed off the walls of the cavern. "Surprise, losers! Did you miss us?"

Darcy smirked, her voice dripping with mockery. "Don't bother trying to regroup. You're better off running while you still can."

Sky had his phanto-blade drawn and ready. "Icy! Darcy! What are you doing here?"

Bloom pushed herself up from where she'd been thrown by the blast, her eyes wide with shock. "Weren't they shipped off to Light Rock? Faragonda said it's impossible to escape from there."

Icy chuckled, her icy magic swirling around her hand as she stepped forward. "Oh, don't act so surprised. Did you really think Lightrock could hold us forever?"

Darcy smirked, her shadows curling like smoke around her. "Let's just say we got a little... recruitment offer. And with it, a serious upgrade." She gestured to her circlet gloomix, her aura of dark magic pulsing ominously. "Like it? We're not the same witches you fought before."

Stella narrowed her eyes, her voice cutting through the tension. "Where's your third wheel? Stormy's usually the first one to throw a tantrum. Don't tell me she chickened out?"

Icy's expression darkened, though her smirk remained. "Stormy's busy. She went to deal with Darkar's special prisoner. Some guy with white hair and an eyepatch."

At those words, the group's expressions shifted from confusion to alarm.

Aisha's fists clenched at her sides. "That's Kaneki. Where is he? What have you done to him?"

Icy raised an eyebrow, her expression one of exaggerated boredom. "Us? Nothing."

Darcy added with a mock shrug, "Can't say the same for Stormy, though. She's a bit... unpredictable."

Their casual dismissal only fueled Aisha's rage. Memories of their brief yet impactful time together flashed through her mind, intensifying her anger.

He had been the one who dived into the lake to save her, pulling her out when she was barely conscious, his strong arms lifting her to safety. She remembered the desperate look in his eyes as he gave her CPR, refusing to let her go without a fight.

She clenched her fists tighter, her nails digging into her palms. He hadn't just saved her physically. Kaneki had stopped her from running away from Alfea when her fear and guilt over the pixies' capture had nearly consumed her. He had sat with her, listened to her story, and comforted her when she was at her lowest.

Aisha's heart twisted at the thought of him now, locked in some dark cell being tortured by witch. He didn't deserve any of this. He hadn't hesitated to help her when she needed it most. And though she hadn't known him for long, he had already become someone she trusted. 

"I swear," Aisha said through gritted teeth, her voice trembling with emotion, "if Stormy's done anything to him, I'll make her regret it."

Icy smirked, clearly enjoying Aisha's reaction. "Aw, isn't that sweet? You're really worked up over him, aren't you? It's almost touching."

Darcy chuckled darkly, her shadows curling around her. "Too bad you'll never see him again if we have anything to say about it."

Sky shouted a warning, but it was too late. The convergence spell activated, splitting into tendrils of magic that lashed out in every direction. The group tried to dodge, but the spell was too fast. 

The convergence spell swirled with a violent energy, its tendrils of magic reaching out like serpents toward each member of the group. Aisha, Sky, Bloom, and Stella barely had time to react before the glowing tendrils coiled around them, their magic too strong to resist.

"Aisha!" Sky shouted as he tried to lunge toward her, but the tendril wrapped around his waist, yanking him back.

"Bloom!" Stella cried, struggling against the cold, shadowy force pulling her away.

"Aisha, Sky, hold on!" Bloom called out, her voice strained as she tried to summon her magic.

The spell pulsed, and in an instant, each of them was engulfed by the swirling magic. The world around them blurred into a chaotic storm of light and shadow. When the magic disappeared, they found themselves alone in different sections of the castle.

"Divide and conquer," Icy said with a smirk. "This is almost too easy."

Darcy nodded in satisfaction, her shadowy magic curling around her like a living creature. "Let's go hunting."

The two witches stalked toward their separated prey, their sinister laughter filling the cavern.

Unknown

In the safety and comfort of her ethereal realm, Fate laid comfortably on her side on her chaise lounge as she watched the events unfold in the mortal plane. 

"Let's spice things up a bit," Fate mused, twirling threads of golden magic between her fingers. "After all, a little chaos never hurt anyone. Much."

She reached out, weaving her magic into the tendrils of Icy and Darcy's convergence spell. The threads of their spell shifted under her influence, redirecting the destinations of each group member. Fate leaned back, a sly smile on her lips. "Let's see how they handle my little adjustments."

Aisha's Arrival

Aisha landed with a soft thud in a dimly lit hallway, her breath hitching as she took in her surroundings. The walls were covered in jagged stone, and faint torches flickered with eerie green flames. She groaned, brushing dirt off her hands.

"Where am I now?" she muttered, her water magic swirling instinctively around her fists.

As she stepped forward, she froze, hearing faint cheering echoing through the corridor. She strained her ears, her heart skipping a beat when she recognized the high-pitched voices.

"The pixies!"

Without hesitation, she ran toward the noise, her boots pounding against the floor. The sound grew louder with each step, pushing her forward. 

With Sky

Sky stumbled as he was flung into an ornate dining hall. He steadied himself quickly, his phanto-blade still in hand. The room was massive, with a long table set for a feast that had long since turned to dust. Cobwebs draped over the chandeliers, and the once-elegant wallpaper was peeling from the walls.

He moved cautiously, his shoes echoing on the tiled floor. "Bloom? Aisha? Stella?" he called out, but the only answer was silence.

Sky cursed under his breath as he realised that this must be part of Icy's and Darcy's plan. Divide and conquer. 

He can't let that happen. 

Determined to regroup with the others, he pushed open a heavy door at the far end of the room. As he stepped into the corridor, a low growl froze him in place, and, from the shadows, a small horde of shadow monsters emerged, their beastly eyes fixed on him 

Sky tightened his grip on his phanto-blade. "Alright," he said, taking a defensive stance. "If this is how it's going to be, let's get it over with."

With Stella

Stella landed with a loud thud on the floor of a dusty, abandoned bedroom. She groaned, pushing herself up onto her hands and knees and spotting the bed just a few feet away from where she was on the floor. "Really?" She grumbled, brushing dirt off her knees. "There was a bed right there, and I missed it?"

The room was dim, lit only by a single cracked window that let in faint light. Dust specks danced in the air as she stood, taking in the faded decor—tattered curtains, a broken mirror, and a wardrobe hanging on its last hinge.

"This is disgusting," she muttered, wrinkling her nose. "I hate old, creepy places."

Stella moved to the door and yanked it open, eager to leave the room behind. As she stepped into the corridor, her sharp ears picked up distant noises—a low growl followed by the clang of a phanto-blade meeting something solid.

Her heart skipped a beat. Sky.

Without hesitation, she sprinted toward the sound, her magic at the ready. "Hang on, Sky! I'm coming!"

With Bloom

Bloom landed in a cold, empty hallway, her legs buckling beneath her from the force of the spell. She hissed as the pain from her earlier wounds flared up again. 

Clutching her ribs, she pushed herself upright and examined  the empty hallway. "Sky? Stella? Aisha?" she called, her voice echoing down the long corridor.

No response. A chill ran down her spine as she realized she was completely alone. 

Bloom clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay calm. "Alright. They're out there somewhere. I just have to find them."

Princess Amentia's Castle 

After the guards unceremoniously dumped him in his new bedroom, Brandon was left pacing back and forth, contemplating whether or not Stella had reached the surface, thus making it safe for him to escape Amentia. Unfortunately, the guards were posted right out his doors, and without his weapons or any weapons, he likely won't stand a chance against them. There was option number two where he could have scaled out the window, but his room was far too high, and the rock was too smooth for proper grip, so the likelihood of him breaking his neck was high.

When he finally decides to get some shut eye, these trogs barged into his room and, without any explanation, dragged him across the castle, all while furiously muttering to themselves. His complaints were ignored as they stripped of his uniform, not even giving him the decency of a towel to cover up as rid of every hair below his neck until he was as smooth as a newborn baby. He was waxed in places that he didn't even know could be waxed.

Which begs the question, why do people wax? It's just so painful. 

Without even giving him a moment to breathe, they shoved him into the bath where his nails are clipped, product is kneeded painfully into his scalp, and his skin is scrubbed until left raw and red. After the ordeal is over, they hand him a beige skirt and a loincloth for underwear, then stick him on a pedestal where they examine every part of him before getting to work, poking him with pins. 

"Ow! Will you quit it?!" Brandon hissed as he was stabbed with a needle as one trog tried to sew on a blue sash around his waist, but the trog ignored him.

"Ow! That's it!" After being stabbed for the umpteenth time, Brandon's had enough and shoved the trogs away as he demanded for Amentia to show. "Look, I gotta convince that nutcase that this marriage is an enormous mistake."

Horrified gasps come from the trogs, and one punishes him by poking him again with the needle. Fed up, Brandon retaliated by swiping the objects left on a nearby table. Boxes of jewellery scatter to the ground, delicate boutonnaires buds bent and misshapen, and rolls of fabric are now crumpled and wrinkled.

Brandon felt a dash of guilt as a trog, somewhat younger compared to his companions, began to cry as he and the others fervently worked to clean the mess. Eventually, another slapped him and scolded him for his tears, reminding him that they'll all have something to cry about if the princess discovers this mess.

As if to further torment the trogs, Amentia chose that moment to arrive, arms spread wide as she intended to embrace her husband to be in a hug when she spotted her staff standing suspiciously side by side. They cowered under the scrutiny of her sharp gaze. 

"Move," she commanded, and they obeyed, revealing a pile of scrunched fabric, jewellery; some of which are cracked, and wilting flowers. 

"We deserve to be punished!" They wailed as they dropped to their knees, prostrating themselves to her. They rise with their arms above their heads, then bow and repeat this motion as they await Amentia's judgement. 

Amentia grabbed the closest one by the face and lifted him into the air, digging her nails into his flesh, causing dark droplets to run down his cheeks and down her hand. "Was it you?" 

Brandon realised it was the one who was crying earlier if his tear stained eyes had anything to say about it.

The trog stammered unable to form any coherent words that would get him out of his situation, he knew no other trog would speak up for him solely to save their own necks and he couldn't blame them for that.

"It was me." Amentia let go of the young trog before turning to Brandon, who had his hand up. She stalked closer. He immediately lowered his gaze in response, but she gripped his chin and forced him to look at her.

"And why would you that, my love? I hope you still aren't thinking about escaping after giving me your word."

"It's not that! It just... I'm really tired. I've been walking in these caves for hours then I fall into a river and get washed ashore and I don't know how long it's been since I got a proper rest, it's really taken a toll on me. Humans need 8-10 of sleep. Otherwise, we're prone to anger."

Amentia rubbed her chin, deep in thought. "Hmm, yes, I have heard of this. I believe uplanders call it beauty sleep. If you require sleep to be beautiful, then I can't deny you this. We both must be at our most beautiful for our wedding to be perfect. Is his outfit ready?"

"Almost princess. We have altered his outfit to fit him perfectly. All we have left is add the embroidery, beading, and designs. We do not need the groom for this process."

"Excellent. Guards, escort my husband back to his room and ensure that no one disturbs his beauty sleep. And you better make sure his outfit is ready before the wedding. Otherwise, I'll shred you with my nails, dip you in sewage, fry you in acid, and finally, I'll cancel your health insurance."

The last point didn't seem all that threatening, yet the trogs in the room began to tremble, even the guards were beginning to sweat. 

With a flip of her hair, Amentia sauntered out of the room and the guards immediately head to Brandon and inform him that they'll escort him to his bedroom, a subtle plead in their voice for him to obey. He listened since he's already caused enough trouble for today, plus he's exhausted, so there's not a lot he could do now.

Brandon glanced back at the trogs who fervently work to clean up the mess and happens to meet the gaze of the trog who was the focus of Amentia's wrath, he quickly nodded to Brandon as thanks just as the brunet leaves the room.

Alfea - Winx Dorm 

Tecna hummed a small tune as she dabbed away the water droplets from her hair before wrapping it up and then throwing on her bathrobe. She strolled out the bathroom, where Kiko desperately tried to grab her attention by jumping up and down on the sofa while flailing his arms about.

"What's wrong, Kiko?" Tecna inquired, and Kiko leapt onto the table beside Tecna's laptop and pointed to it. Tecna walked over and saw the screen was static again. "It crashed again?" Tecna groused as she took a seat and tried to re-establish the connection.

"Have you seen Piff?" Musa inquired, examining the room for the baby.

"I hope I didn't lose any data." Tecna didn't look up, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she attempted to reconnect to the server that linked them to their friends on the pixie rescue mission.

Musa rolled her eyes, knowing better than to expect an answer while Tecna was troubleshooting. She stood and began searching the room, peeking under cushions and behind furniture. Finally, her eyes landed on her bed, where Flora was curled up, fast asleep with Piff snuggled against her.

Musa's lips curved into a warm smile. "Aww," she whispered, pulling out her phone to snap a series of pictures. She couldn't help herself—Piff's tiny, peaceful face resting against Flora's arm was just too cute.

After snapping enough pics, Musa tucked her phone away and sat on the edge of the bed. Her hand reached out to gently stroke Piff's soft hat. Her smile faded slightly as her thoughts wandered to her friends and the danger they could be facing. 

"What if something's happened to them?" she said softly, her voice tinged with worry.

Tecna glanced up briefly, catching Musa's pensive expression. "It can't be helped. You remember what happened during the simulator."

"But still."

"They'll be fine," Tecna cut in, though her tone wasn't unkind. She turned her attention back to her laptop, only to let out a frustrated sigh when the screen still remained static no matter what she did so she stood up and walked over to the balcony with her laptop. "Maybe this will improve reception." Tecna held her laptop up, and the screen returned to normal. "Finally!" she exclaimed, but her relief was short-lived as the screen went black.

"Why don't you try calling Timmy?" Musa suggested helpfully.

Tecna was about to reply when something small and fast collided with the back of her laptop, almost knocking it out of her hands. "What the—!" Tecna's grip tightened as she brought the laptop down and turned it over. Stuck to the back was a tiny, dazed pixie.

Musa rushed to her side, her curiosity piqued. "What is that?"

Tecna peeled the little pixie off the laptop by pinching the back of her shirt and lifting her up to get a better look.

The newest pixie had sandy blonde hair, which had a curly flip with a magenta teardrop shaped hair clip. She had bright sea blue eyes with sky blue eyeshadow that curves upwards. She wore a blue and light green colored shirt that resembled an envelope, blue shorts with a single dark blue line going down the side and sky blue wristbands and angel wing anklets. Her wings are blue and sparkly, resembling insect wings.

"Hey, what's your name?" Musa inquired gently while bending down to get to her eye level. In response, the pixie squirmed while flailing her arms about in an attempt to free herself from Tecna's fingers. "Tecna, let her go," Musa chastised, and Tecna released her hold on Livy.

"Are you alright?" Tecna asked.

"Just fine!" The pixie replied exuberantly, who hovered unsteadily in the air before doing a quick lap around the room. "See? Just fi–" she rocketed up, only to crash her head under the table and knock herself out.

There is a moment of silence before Musa turned to Tecna and asked, "What do we do now?"

"Wait for her to wake up," Tecna said as if it were obvious, so that's what they do. Musa plucked the pixie off of the floor and placed her on top of the table. Six minutes later, she woke up and gushed about how quick she was to wake up this time, indicating that she tended to knock herself out regularly. 

She introduced herself as Livy the Pixie of Messages before explaining what happened at the autumn festival. "We waited and waited, but Aisha never came back. Ninfea eventually called for a meeting, and it was decided that we needed help, so I was sent to come to Alfea. I'm one of the fastest pixies, and I know the terrain well enough, so if I came across any monsters, then I can evade them effortlessly, but—"

The tears spilt over, and Livy buried her face in her hands. Tecna leaned closer, her usually stoic expression softening. She placed a hand on Livy's shoulder. "It's alright, Livy. You did the right thing coming here. We'll figure this out together."

"You're right." Livy sniffled and nodded, wiping her eyes. She stood up and pumped a fist into the air with a determined expression. "And you know what? I'll never cry again. I promise!"

Her voice startled Piff, who stirred from her nap and blinked sleepily. Livy's face lit up, and she zipped over to the bed, wrapping Piff in a tight hug.

"Hey, that's Piff. You're alive!" Livy cried, tears flowing freely despite her earlier promise. Livy leapt towards Piff and embraced her in a tight bear hug, rubbing her cheek against Piff's soft chubby ones.

Still groggy, Piff squeaked in surprise as the two pixies bumped into Flora's face. The impact jolted her awake, and she sat up with a start.

"Huh? What's going on?" Flora mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

Musa and Tecna exchanged a look before bursting into laughter. Flora stared at them in confusion, but soon, a small smile tugged at her lips.

"Okay, what did I miss?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

With Kaneki

"Goddammit," Kaneki let out an aggravated huff as he trudged down, yet another winding corridor with Avalon slumped against his back. The castle's layout was nothing short of maddening, a chaotic labyrinth where the stairs seemed to defy logic, scattered haphazardly and often leading nowhere. Some didn't even connect to all the floors, leaving him to backtrack and search for another route time and time again. "I swear that guy is a nutjob for designing his castle like this," Kaneki muttered under his breath, his frustration bubbling to the surface.

Avalon mumbled something inaudible, his exhaustion leaving him barely conscious. His weight was a constant reminder of his dwindling time. Every second spent wandering these halls felt like a lifetime, and Kaneki soon developed a gnawing sense of urgency. They've been down here too long. 

His thoughts drifted to Aisha and the others. Were they safe? Had they reached the castle, or are they still wandering the tunnels of the Black Caverns? Now that he thinks about it, would the teachers have reached the Black Caverns by now? If they have then Kaneki had no idea how to explain that he'd been separated from the others. 

His chest tightened with guilt. He was supposed to keep the students safe. That's why Faragonda and Saladin sent him ahead, to ensure the group didn't get themselves killed, but he had just had to get kidnapped by Darkar and locked up in that room for who knows how long. 

At this rate, Kaneki might have to abandon the pixies and focus all his efforts on finding the others. It sounded harsh, but the longer they stayed, the greater the risk to everyone.

Rounding a corner, Kaneki eventually comes across a large door less opening, which makes him curious. He peeked inside and saw the pixies huddled up together. "The pixies," Kaneki breathed, relief flooding through him.

As soon as he stepped into the room, the pixies turned to him, their small faces etched with suspicion. Chatta stood up and walked up to the edge of the cage, glaring at Kaneki, "Who are you? One of Darkar's goons?"

Gripping Avalon's thighs tighter, Kaneki adjusted his hold on Avalon so the injured man doesn't slip off his back before approaching the pixies' cages. He was about to introduce himself when a gasp interrupted him. Kaneki met the starry gaze of Faith and felt a connection with the pixie despite it being their first meeting.

Faith zipped around the cage with renewed vigour, his bird-like wings fluttering with excitement. "I can't believe it! He's my fairy! My own bonded fairy!" Faith beamed, twirling in midair as he hovered in line with Kaneki's face. "You look so cool! What's your power? You look super strong! Do you like me? I mean, you have to like me, right?"

Kaneki blinked, taking a small step back as Faith continued his barrage of questions. "Uh... I... well..." he started, struggling to find words amid the onslaught. 

Something about the pixie's boundless energy and the way his words tumbled out without pause triggered a flicker of memory in Kaneki's mind. That infectious enthusiasm, the way he seemed to pull Kaneki into his orbit without warning or hesitation—it was familiar. It reminded him of Hide. The same overwhelming energy, the same boundless excitement that always seemed one step ahead of him. A small, involuntary smile tugged at the corners of Kaneki's lips.

"Faith," Tune interrupted in a calm voice. She had a small frown and both hands on her hips like a mother scolding her child. "I understand you're excited, but please keep in mind our current situation."

Faith's excitement dimmed slightly, his grin turning sheepish as he rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, right. Sorry, everyone." He floated back, though his wings still fluttered with barely contained energy.

Amore stepped forward hesitantly and looked up at Kaneki with pleading eyes. "Could you help us break out?"

"But what if he's-" Chatta cut in, her tone urgent.

"I don't care," Digit interrupted gruffly. "He and that other guy are the only humanoids we've seen in a while, and we can't exactly be picky about our rescuers. It's a risk we have to take."

Chatta hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. The seal is over there." She pointed toward a stone tablet embedded in the wall, its surface etched with a gargoyle's face with its eyes faintly glowing.

Kaneki gently leaned Avalon against a pillar, crouching to check on him. Despite the pallor in his face, Avalon managed a faint smile, his voice steady but quiet. "I'm fine. Just go. They need you more right now."

Kaneki nodded before walking closer  to the tablet and studied it closely. It pulsed faintly with magic, radiating an oppressive energy that made the air feel heavy. "This thing?"

"Yes," Chatta replied, folding her arms. "But it's designed to absorb-"

Before she could finish, Kaneki pulled back his leg and aimed a powerful kick at the tablet. The impact echoed through the chamber, causing the stone to crack slightly. The glow of the gargoyle's eyes flickered, and the faint hum of the energy cages around the pixies wavered for a brief moment.

"I saw it!" Yin exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement. "I saw it! The barrier faltered!"

The other pixies erupted into murmurs of hope and excitement, their wings fluttering faster.

Kaneki stepped back and adjusted his stance, readying himself. "Guess I'll have to hit it a couple more times," he muttered, glancing at the tablet. The oppressive energy radiating from it was strong but not unbreakable.

He kicked again, the crack deepening. The energy cages flickered more violently this time, the magical hum sputtering like a dying flame.

"Almost there!" Amore called, her voice trembling with anticipation.

Gritting his teeth, Kaneki summoned all his strength for the final blow. His boot connected with the tablet once more, and the stone shattered into countless pieces.

The energy cages disappeared in a flash, leaving the room silent for a brief moment before a wave of shimmering light surged outward. The pixies gasped as the magic drained from them by the cages was returned in full, their wings glowing brighter and their energy visibly restored.

"We're free!" Faith shouted, his voice cracking with joy as he twirled in the air.

The other pixies cheered, their voices filling the chamber with a newfound sense of hope. They zipped around the room, testing their newly returned magic, their movements jubilant and unrestrained.

Kaneki stepped back, brushing his hands off on his pants as he watched the scene. A small smile crept across his face, his chest warming at the sight of their happiness. 

"Booyah!" Chatta cheered while flying around in loops.

"Mmh, I feel so much better." Lockette, who had been slumped weakly in the corner earlier, rose with renewed vigour. Her soft lavender glow brightened as she laughed, joining the others in the air. Tune and Amore rushed to her, pulling her into a tearful embrace.

The sound of rapid footsteps echoed from the corridor, sharp against the stone walls. Kaneki turned quickly, his body tensing, but he relaxed slightly when Aisha burst into the room. Her expression was a mix of relief, joy, and exhaustion.

"Kaneki!" she called, her voice breaking with emotion as she ran toward him.

Before Kaneki could react, she threw her arms around him, the force of her hug nearly knocking him off balance. Her grip was firm, and she buried her face in his shoulder, letting out a shaky breath.

"Aisha," Kaneki said, startled but not displeased. He awkwardly patted her back, his voice soft. "Good to see you too."

Aisha pulled back slightly, her hands gripping his shoulders as she looked up at him. Her eyes shimmered with gratitude. "I was so worried. When you disappeared... I thought..."

"Sorry about that," Kaneki murmured, glancing away. He didn't want to tell her the truth about being captured by Darkar—not yet. "But I'm here now."

Aisha's gaze swept the room, her eyes widening as she noticed the pixies soaring around. "You freed them?"

Kaneki nodded. "Yeah. Found the seal and broke it."

The pixies, noticing Aisha, swarmed toward her in a flurry of glowing light.

"You're okay!"

"We missed you!"

"Darkar is horrible—he threw you over the cliff!"

Aisha smiled warmly at their concern, her heart aching at their resilience. "I'm fine now, thanks to you all staying strong."

But as her gaze scanned the room, her smile faltered. The pixie group was smaller than it should have been. The absence of certain familiar faces was impossible to ignore. Her heart sank. "Not everyone's here," she said softly, her voice heavy with regret. "I'm sorry I took so long. If I'd been faster—"

The pixies fell silent, their wings drooping. Chatta broke the stillness, her voice trembling. "Darkar... he killed Charmy." Her hands balled into tiny fists as tears rolled down her cheeks. "It was horrible. He—he did it because of me! I antagonized him, and then he—" Her voice cracked into sobs. "It's all my fault!"

Tune fluttered closer, wrapping Chatta in a comforting hug. "It's not your fault," she said gently, her own voice thick with emotion.

Before Chatta could argue, Avalon's voice cut through the sorrow, weak but steady.

"It wasn't your fault," Avalon's voice cut through the air, firm yet gentle. He leaned against the pillar, his body weak but his gaze steady. "Darkar thrives on cruelty and suffering. Something like this was inevitable. Believe me, I know his evil all too well."

Kaneki nodded, stepping closer. "Avalon's right. What matters now is that you're free. All of you. And we're getting you out of here—for good."

Aisha placed a reassuring hand on Chatta's shoulder, her voice firm. "No one gets left behind. Not here, not in the Black Caverns, not in the Shadowhaunt. We're taking you all to Alfea. You'll be safe there."

The pixies nodded, their tear-streaked faces filled with a flicker of hope. Chatta wiped her eyes, sniffling. "Thank you... all of you."

With Bloom

As Bloom crept through the dim, silent hallway, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong. Why was this place so empty? The Trix found them, so shouldn't Lord Darkar know they're here? Shouldn't he have sent his monsters after them? It'd be easier to deal with them now that they're all separated, but there was nothing to reveal their presence, not their booming footsteps or their loud animalistic growls.

As she pressed on, a sudden wave of malevolent energy washed over her. It was dark and suffocating, the kind of energy she recognized but hadn't felt in a long time. Her body tensed, her instincts screaming at her to prepare for a fight.

But before she could react, something stirred deep within her—the Dragon's Fire.

A sudden surge of heat erupted from her soul, spreading through her body like an inferno. It didn't hurt, but the intensity of it was overwhelming. Her knees buckled, and she clutched her chest as her vision blurred.

"What's... happening?" Bloom gasped, her voice trembling.

The heat intensified, consuming her completely. She felt her consciousness slipping away, and just before everything went black, a voice echoed in her mind.Forgive me, child. Rest now. I have unfinished business with my brother.

Her body went still, and when she opened her eyes again, they were no longer the soft blue they once were. Instead, they glowed with the fierce golden light of a living flame.

The Great Dragon had awakened.

The Great Dragon took a deep breath, feeling the constraints of the mortal body he now inhabited. "This form..." he murmured, his voice low and rumbling, not entirely Bloom's own. "It is... limiting."

He flexed Bloom's fingers experimentally, flames sparking at her fingertips. The sensation was foreign but not entirely unpleasant. With each movement, the Great Dragon became more accustomed to the mortal shell, though he couldn't help but feel its fragility.

"This form is limiting," he mused, rolling Bloom's shoulders and cracking her neck. "But it will serve my purpose."

With heavy, confident steps, the Great Dragon strode through the castle halls, his golden gaze unwavering. The air around him seemed to ripple with heat and energy.

Throwing open the doors, the Great Dragon strode in, his steps purposeful, his presence commanding. The flames of his aura illuminated the chamber, casting long, flickering shadows.

Darkar sat on his ornate throne, a bored expression on his face. "Well, well. Isn't this a surprise," he drawled, resting his chin on his hand. "It's been a long time, brother."

The Great Dragon halted a few paces from the throne, his fiery gaze fixed on the Shadow Phoenix. "Not long enough, it seems." His voice was steady but carried an undercurrent of sadness. "What have you become, Shadow Phoenix?"

"No one calls me that anymore. I am Darkar now," Darkar corrected. "My name strikes fear across the realms. Far more fitting for what I've become."

The Great Dragon's gaze was heavy with disdain. "You've changed, but not for the better."

Darkar's lips twisted into a cruel smirk. "Spare me your sanctimonious drivel. It's my right as a god to rule and conquer. To make my mark on this world, unlike you, who squandered your power playing saviour to ungrateful mortals."

The Great Dragon's expression hardened, but he did not interrupt.

Darkar leaned forward, his voice dripping with mockery. "And don't pretend you're so righteous. You were just as destructive as me once, brother. You destroyed your creations on a whim, playing with life as if it were a toy. Or have you forgotten the chaos you wrought before your precious Maia was born?"

At the mention of Maia, the Great Dragon's gaze flickered with pain. Darkar hissed her name like a curse, his disdain palpable.

"You changed after her," Darkar continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "You became soft and weak. You were a god, and you threw it all away for a child."

The Great Dragon's gaze softened, but his voice remained firm. "She didn't make me weak. Maia taught me the value of life, the beauty of creation beyond its destruction. She showed me what I could not see on my own—that our power should be used to protect, not to destroy."

Darkar's laughter echoed hollowly through the chamber. "Protect? You were a god of fire and fury! Do you not remember how we shaped worlds, only to watch them crumble under the weight of our talons? That was our purpose. Our joy!"

The Great Dragon shook his head. "It was never joy, Darkar. It was emptiness disguised as power. Maia's existence opened my eyes. She made me see the horror of what I had become. I chose to change because I wanted to be better—for her and for myself."

"And look where it led you," Darkar chastised in disappointment. 

The Great Dragon's voice wavered slightly, filled with a deep sorrow. "Do you hate me, brother?"

Darkar paused at the unexpected question, his expression briefly conflicted. "I did," he admitted after a moment. "For a long time. But hatred fades with time. Now, I simply look to the future rather than dwell on the past."

The Great Dragon pressed forward, his voice firm. "Then why desecrate my resting place? Why allow your followers to corrupt what I left behind?"

Darkar scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "I had no part in that. The Ancestral Witches acted on their own after I refused to share my power. Greedy fools. If I had given them even a fragment, they would have betrayed me the moment they had the opportunity to."

The Great Dragon clenched his fists, flames licking at his skin as he tried desperately to restrain his fury. He remembered that day. He had watched as the Ancestral Witches descended upon the kingdom, their power insidious and their intentions clear, while he was unable to counter or defend his home — his true body having long perished into ashes aeons ago.

The sound of stone crumbling beneath dark forces, the wails of those who had been caught in the storm, the screams of families torn apart. These were the things he had witnessed.

His spirit shrieked and raged for the injustice, but he could do nothing. He was a ghost, a shadow of what he had been, and thus, he could only watch in sorrow as he watched his final sanctuary turn to stone before it fell in the pits of the cursed realm of Obsidian, an eternal prison lost to time and despair.

The Great Dragon's gaze burned with an intensity that seemed to make the very air in the throne room shimmer. "Domino," he said, his voice low and trembling with suppressed fury. "I watched as it fell, unable to do anything as your followers turned it to ruin."

Darkar leaned back on his throne, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "What happened to Domino was a tragedy, I suppose," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand, his tone utterly devoid of empathy. "But not my tragedy, Brother. The Ancestral Witches acted of their own volition. Their greed was their undoing—and yours, apparently."

The Great Dragon's golden eyes burned with fury as memories of Domino's fall consumed him. His voice, deep and trembling with emotion, reverberated through the throne room. "Domino was my sanctuary, my final resting place. I watched as the Ancestral Witches laid it to waste, reduced it to rubble, and plunged it into the cursed realm of Obsidian. You—" he pointed a clawed hand at Darkar, his tone a growl "—you allowed it to happen."

Darkar chuckled softly, an infuriating sound that only stoked the Great Dragon's anger further. "I allowed nothing, Brother. The Witches acted of their own accord, driven by their insatiable greed. I don't micromanage their ambitions, nor do I care to."

The Great Dragon took a step forward, his presence filling the room with heat and intensity. "You didn't care," he repeated, his voice low and dangerous. "You didn't care as they burned a kingdom to the ground. You didn't care as they desecrated the resting place of your own brother!"

Darkar raised an eyebrow, his expression blasé. "Domino was never my concern, nor was your resting place. I gave the Witches their orders; what they did beyond those orders was none of my business."

The Great Dragon's flames flared around him, his fury barely contained. "You unleashed them into the world, knowing what they were capable of. Knowing the destruction they would bring."

Darkar's lips curled into a faint smirk, his tone utterly detached. "They were tools, Brother. Like all things, they serve a purpose. If they brought Domino to ruin in their pursuit of power, so be it. Their ambitions did not concern me as long as they followed my commands."

The Great Dragon's flames surged, lighting the room in a brilliant blaze. "You are no god, Darkar. You are a coward. You let others do your bidding while you sit here, on this throne, surrounded by shadows and lies. You call them tools, but the truth is you fear them—you fear the Ancestral Witches as much as they fear you!"

Darkar's calm demeanour fractured, his fists clenching as shadows coiled and writhed around him. His voice, sharp and laced with venom, lashed out. "Coward? You dare call me a coward?" He stepped forward, his dark aura swelling like a storm. "You, who conspired with those treacherous wizards to lock up our sister in the Golden Kingdom!

The Great Dragon froze, his flames faltering for a moment. His eyes burned with sadness, not anger. "Darkar..."

But Darkar wasn't finished. His words came faster, sharper, his tone like a blade. "Do not look at me with pity, Brother. You betrayed her. Our sister, Cosmic, who loved and trusted you above all. You chose to side with mortals over your own blood, casting her into another realm because you deemed her too dangerous. Do not lecture me on cowardice!"

The Great Dragon closed his eyes, the memories of that day flooding back. He spoke softly, his voice heavy with sorrow. "It wasn't out of hatred or fear. Maia was born, and for the first time, I understood the value of creation. Of life. I saw my behavior—all of our behavior—for what it was: senseless destruction." He opened his eyes, meeting Darkar's furious gaze. "I made a choice, not as a god, but as a father. I had to protect her. That's what love does, Darkar. It changes you. It teaches you to grow beyond yourself."

Darkar scoffed. "And look where love got you. A spirit clinging to the body of a mortal girl. Is this the mighty Great Dragon who once burned stars into existence? You have fallen far."

The Great Dragon's voice softened, but his resolve did not waver. "Love did not make me weak, Darkar. It made me see more. It gave me purpose beyond destruction and power. And whether you admit it or not, there are those you love too."

Darkar's laughter was sharp and bitter, his eyes glinting with defiance. "Love? Do not insult me. I love nothing and no one. Love is a chain that binds, and I have long since freed myself from its grasp."

The Great Dragon stepped closer, his gaze steady. "Valtor."

The corner of Darkar's mouth twitched, but he sneered, feigning indifference. "Valtor is nothing more than a tool. A living receptacle, crafted by the Ancestral Witches to hold the combined essence of our flames. A weapon moulded to perfection. Nothing more."

The Great Dragon's gaze remained unwavering. "And yet, you named him. Not just any name, but one from our ancient tongue—a name that hasn't been spoken since the dawn of the universe. 'Valtor.' To rule them all. That name was a gift, Brother. One only you could have given."

Darkar's shadows seemed to writhe in agitation, but he refused to meet his brother's gaze. "The name was... practical," he said, his tone clipped. "It suited his purpose. Nothing more."

The Great Dragon tilted his head, a faint, knowing smile on his lips. "You can lie to yourself, but you can't lie to me, Brother. I know you better than anyone. I know what it means to name something—a weapon doesn't need a name, but a child does."

Darkar's voice rose in anger, the shadows around him lashing out like whips. "Enough! Valtor is nothing to me! He was a gift from the Witches, a tool to be wielded, not a son to be cherished!"

But the Great Dragon was relentless. "And what of Zephyrine?" he asked softly, his tone piercing through Darkar's defences like a blade.

Darkar flinched, his eyes snapping back to his brother, filled with fury and something deeper—fear. "How do you know that name?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous.

The Great Dragon's gaze was steady, but his voice carried a note of sadness. "Even in death, I am connected to you. We are twins, Darkar. The first forms of life at the dawn of the universe. Your thoughts and emotions—they leave echoes in the cosmic fabric we share. Zephyrine was no mere tool to you."

Darkar's fists clenched, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger and sorrow. "Yes, I loved her. I loved Zephyrine more than I have ever loved anyone. But love is irrelevant. It changes nothing."

The Great Dragon's golden eyes widened slightly in surprise. He had not expected his brother to admit it. "If you loved her, why did you betray her?"

Darkar's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Because ambition outweighed love. Zephyrine was a Nymph, a guardian of the Magic Dimension sworn to protect it. I was a god of destruction, a being born to conquer. Our paths were never meant to align." He paused, his voice softening. "So I let her go."

The Great Dragon's voice was filled with quiet sorrow. "You didn't have to. You could have found a way to make it work."

Darkar shook his head, his expression hardening once more. "Love is a liability, Brother. It makes you vulnerable, blinds you to the realities of the world. I do not need it. I never will."

The Great Dragon regarded him for a long moment, his expression a mixture of sadness and understanding. "Perhaps you believe that now. But I think you still feel it, deep down. Love is not something you can erase, no matter how much you try to bury it."

Darkar said nothing, his gaze distant.

The Great Dragon stepped back, his flames dimming. "Think about what I've said, Brother. It's not too late to find love again."

With that, the Great Dragon turned and walked away, leaving Darkar alone in the shadows of his throne room. For a moment, Darkar stood there, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, his hand tightened into a fist, and his shadows surged around him like a storm, as if trying to drown out the emotions his brother's words had stirred.

But deep within, a part of him—a small, buried part—remembered.

And it hurt.

With Bloom/Great Dragon 

The Great Dragon stood just outside the doors of Darkar's throne room, his fiery aura dimmed but still radiant in the cold, dark expanse of the castle. He turned his head. His golden eyes lingered on the massive doors behind him, and he felt a pang of sadness deep within his spirit, the weight of centuries-old regret pressing heavily upon him.

He thought of his brother, of their conversation. The pain in Darkar's words was evident, even beneath his anger and disdain. There was still a spark of the sibling he once knew, buried deep beneath centuries of bitterness and ambition. But could that spark ever grow again?

Sighing, the Great Dragon shook his head. He shouldn't dwell on this any longer than he already has. He must return control of this body back to Bloom, but first, he should find a safe place to leave her. He wouldn't want her to run into any shadow monsters, or heaven forbid, find herself wandering back to his brother.

Closing his eyes, the Great Dragon extended his senses, his flames pulsing faintly as he reached out through the castle's sprawling halls. The magic of the place clouded his vision, but eventually, he felt it—two bright auras, close and familiar. Stella and Sky. They were battling nearby, their energies flaring as they clashed against something dark and chaotic.

The Great Dragon opened his eyes, determination hardening his gaze. He took a step forward, and in a flash of golden light, he vanished.

With Stella and Sky 

The sound of battle echoed faintly in the distance as the Great Dragon appeared some distance away from the skirmish. He stood motionless for a moment, his fiery aura crackling softly around him.

"It is time." Taking in a deep breath, the Great Dragon placed a gentle hand over Bloom's heart and allowed his power to recede. Golden flames began seeping from her body like smoke, dissipating into the air.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity you've given me," he said softly. "Now, go and save your friends."

Bloom stirred as the last of his essence left her. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked rapidly, taking in her surroundings. "Did this hallway change?" Bloom muttered to herself as she rubbed the back of her head in confusion. It looked similar with its dark stone walls glowing faintly with an eerie light, but something about it didn't feel right. 

Before she could question the scenery change any further, a familiar battle cry jolted her back to reality. Is that... Stella and Sky's voices? Without hesitation, Bloom sprinted towards the noise, her boots echoing against the cold stone floors.

Upon reaching a wide chamber, Bloom skidded to a halt and assessed the situation in front of her. Stella and Sky were locked in combat against a swarm of shadow monsters led by Darcy. Stella's bright magic illuminated the dark creatures, her golden beams cutting through them like sunlight piercing through a storm.

Sky moved with precision, his phanto-blade a blur as he struck down one creature after another. Despite their efforts, the sheer number of enemies was overwhelming.

"Stella! Sky!" Bloom called out, running toward them.

The duo glanced back in surprise, relief flashing across their faces.

"Bloom! Where have you been?" Stella shouted, blasting a shadow monster to ash with a wave of her sceptre.

"No time to explain!" Bloom replied, her hands glowing with the familiar warmth of her Dragon Flame. To her surprise, she unleashed a torrent of fire which was much stronger than she expected it be considering just how long she's been down here, the flames sweeping through the chamber and incinerating several shadow creatures at once.

With Bloom's help, the battle quickly turned in their favour. The shadow monsters fell one by one, their dark forms dissipating into piles of ash under the combined force of the trio's attacks.

Darcy, who had been observing the fight from a distance, frowned as the tide turned against her. She narrowed her eyes at Bloom, her lips curling into a snarl.

"This isn't over," she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. With a flick of her wrist, she vanished into a swirl of dark energy, retreating into the shadows.

The room fell silent, the last echoes of the battle faded into nothingness. Bloom turned to her friends, panting slightly from the exertion.

"Are you guys okay?" she asked, her eyes scanning them for injuries.

"We're fine," Sky replied, sheathing his phanto-blade. "Luckily, the spell put us in close vicinity to each other. What about you?"

"I'm fine," Bloom assured. "Although, there is something weird... I feel like I just woke up from a dream or something."

Stella raised an eyebrow. "Dream? What kind of dream?"

"I don't know." Bloom shook her head. "I can't remember. I'm pretty sure I was in a different section, but somehow, I ended up here."

Stella frowned, concern flickering across her face. "You can't remember anything? Not even how you got here?"

Bloom hesitated, her mind still a fog. "No. It's like there's a gap in my memory."

Sky exchanged a glance with Stella, but neither said anything.

"Well," Bloom said, forcing a small smile, "whatever happened, I'm just glad I found you guys."

Stella grinned, placing a hand on Bloom's shoulder. "Same here. Let's stick together this time, okay?"

"Agreed," Sky added. "We're stronger as a team."

Bloom nodded, though a nagging feeling lingered in the back of her mind. Something about her missing memory didn't sit right with her. But for now, she pushed the thought aside.

"Let's go," she said, leading the way forward.

As the group moved on, the faint glow of the Great Dragon's essence shimmered briefly in the air before fading completely.

Darkar Throne Room 

The throne room was silent, save for the faint crackle of shadows that danced like restless spirits along the dark walls. Darkar sat slumped in his obsidian throne, his usual commanding presence subdued. His gaze was fixed on the floor, his thoughts a tangled web of anger, confusion, and longing.

The conversation with his brother lingered like an unwanted spectre, replaying in his mind with cruel clarity.

"Find love again," the Great Dragon had said, his voice laced with a maddening mix of hope and pity. Darkar sneered, his clawed hand gripping the arm of his throne tightly. The very idea felt insulting. Love had done nothing but betray him, twist him, leave him empty.

And yet...

Zephyrine's face floated unbidden into his thoughts, as vivid as if she were standing before him now. Her piercing gaze, her unyielding strength, her smile that softened even the harshest corners of his soul. It had been lifetimes since he last saw her, but she remained etched into his memory like a scar.

His thoughts shifted, and another face emerged—one that unnerved him in its uncanny resemblance. The King.

At first, Darkar had been unable to recognise the young man before him as the legendary One-Eyed Dragon of lore - he looked like any other mortal that one would come across within the Magic Dimension. All he could see was the striking similarity to Zephyrine, and it had ignited something dangerous within him.

Driven by an impulse he couldn't explain, Darkar had voluntarily left the confines of his castle to seek out the young man. He had found him broken and bleeding at the base of a cliff, alongside one of his shadow creatures.

At first, Darkar had been disappointed. This boy—this supposed king—was far too fragile. Zephyrine would never have been brought so low by such a petty skirmish. But then, he had watched as the king defied death itself, rising to his feet with a feral determination that sent shivers down Darkar's spine.

Darkar's lips curved into a faint smirk as he recalled that moment. He had watched as the boy's wounds knitted themselves together with astonishing speed, his strength returning in a surge of raw power. Even diminished, the King had proven himself a beast in battle, his ferocity unmatched. He was the One-Eyed Ghoul King of Legend, even if his power was not yet fully realized.

Darkar's fingers brushed his lips absentmindedly as another memory surfaced—their fight. The kiss.

It had been impulsive, a whim during the heat of battle. The king had been stunned, frozen in place, his mismatched eyes wide with shock. Darkar hadn't cared. He had noted the taste of coffee on the boy's lips, bitter and sharp, unlike Zephyrine's, who had always carried the tang of spice from her favourite foods.

The difference was startling, yet it had felt right. The way their lips fit together, like pieces of a puzzle snapping into place.

Was it destiny?

Darkar shook his head sharply, irritated by the direction of his thoughts. "Destiny," he muttered bitterly, his voice echoing in the empty chamber. "Ridiculous." He was not a being ruled by fate or sentiment. He had abandoned love long ago and severed it from his existence like a rotting limb.

"Love," he hissed, his voice venomous. "It's a poison. A curse." 

He thought of the Great Dragon, who had abandoned him and their sister in favour of his daughter. A betrayal that still burned like a fresh wound. He thought of Zephyrine, who fell not to an enemy worthy of her power, but to the recklessness of her students—a great Nymph felled by her own compassion. Love, he had learned, brought only suffering.

He had sworn it off, buried it deep beneath ambition and power.

And yet...

His gaze softened, his mind circling back to the impossible question: Could he have it all?

Could he achieve his ambitions, ascend to his rightful place as ruler of all existence, and still hold onto something—someone—who mattered? Could he find a balance between power and love, or were the two destined to destroy each other?

Darkar's hand tightened into a fist as frustration bubbled within him. "Foolish," he muttered, trying to dismiss the thoughts. But they clung to him, refusing to let go.

He stood abruptly, the room plunged deeper into shadow. "I don't need love," he growled, as if trying to convince himself. "It will only get in the way."

But even as he said the words, a part of him—the part that still remembered Zephyrine's touch, the part that couldn't forget the way the King's  lips felt against his—whispered a quiet, treacherous question.

What if it didn't?

Darkar's thoughts churned, a maelstrom of confusion and longing as he paced the shadowed throne room. The flickering flames of his torches danced in rhythm with his unease. The idea of having it all—a kingdom to rule and someone to share it with—refused to leave him. He thought of the King, the fiery determination in his eyes, the strength in his defiance.

Could he truly have it all?

Darkar gritted his teeth, his patience worn thin by the endless tug-of-war in his mind. He couldn't afford to let these distractions consume him. The King was a pivotal piece in his plans, a force that would tip the balance of the universe in his favour. Yet, he had refused his earlier offer to join him, his rejection laced with venom and resolve.

Darkar had been certain the King would come around. He had left him in one of the castle's most secure chambers to think over his decision, guarded by unyielding wards. But now, a flicker of unease crept into his thoughts. With a sharp gesture, he summoned his shadowy portal and stepped through, the air around him thick with malice and intent.

He materialized into the dimly lit chamber. Once his feet touched the cold stone floor, his eyes widened at the chaos before him. The room was in shambles— furniture overturned and scorch marks lining the walls.

But most importantly, the King was gone.

Darkar's gaze snapped to the unconscious form sprawled on the floor. Stormy lay there, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth. Rage babbled within him as realisation struck.

Stormy. She had interfered.

Darkar's eyes burned with fury as he pieced it together. She must have come here, ignoring his explicit orders, and entered the room without bothering to lock or seal it with magic. Her arrogance, her foolish pride, had given the King the perfect opportunity to escape. 

"Imbecile!" Darkar roared, his voice reverberating through the room like thunder.

He strode over to her prone form, his footsteps heavy and deliberate. Without hesitation, he raised his foot and brought it down on her stomach with crushing force. Stormy's body jolted, her eyes snapping open as she gasped in pain, blood spilling from her lips as she choked.

She barely had time to comprehend her surroundings before Darkar's hand shot out, grabbing her by the neck. He lifted her effortlessly, her feet dangling above the ground as she clawed weakly at his hand,her breaths ragged and laboured. 

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Darkar hissed, his voice low and venomous. His crimson eyes blazed as he stared into hers, his grip tightening with every word.

Stormy wheezed, her voice audible. "I-I thought... I could handle him..."

Darkar's laugh was cold and cruel. "Handle him?" He leaned in closer, his shadowy aura pressing down on her like a physical weight. "You couldn't even contain him! Your arrogance has cost me everything!"

Stormy's vision blurred as she struggled for air, her body trembling under his crushing grip. "P-Please... I..."

"Silence!" Darkad bellowed, slamming her against the wall. The impact sent cracks spiderwebbing through the stone, and Stormy cried out in pain. "Your incompetence has given him a head start, and now I have to waste time cleaning up your mess!"

He stared at her for a moment, his grip tightening as if he were about to end her life right then and there. But then, with a growl of frustration, he threw her to the ground like a discarded rag.

Stormy collapsed in a heap, coughing and gasping for breath, blood staining her lips.

Darkar loomed over her, his voice cold and commanding. "Pray that I find him quickly, Stormy,if I don't..." He let the threat hang in the air, his ominous presence speaking louder than words.

Stormy, trembling and clutching her bruised neck, nodded erratically in fear, her wide eyes never leaving Darkar's menacing form. She scrambled to her feet, tripping over herself in her desperation to flee. Without another word, she bolted from the room, her breaths ragged and panicked as she disappeared down the corridor.

Darkar watched her retreat, his expression a twisted mask of fury and contempt. Once she was out of sight, his anger boiled over, erupting in a deafening roar that shook the very walls of the castle. The sound echoed through the halls, a chilling reminder of the raw power he wielded.

The shadows around him pulsed and writhed as his body began to change. His form expanded and morphed, the dark energy enveloping him like a cocoon. Crimson flames erupted from his body, consuming the room in intense heat.

Within moments, Darkar stood fully transformed, his phoenix formed a terrifying sight to behold. His massive, shadowy wings stretched wide, each feather radiating with an ominous, fiery glow. His eyes burned with malevolence, twin orbs of molten red that promised destruction to any who dared oppose him.

With a single, powerful beat of his wings, Darkar took to the air, his form passing through the walls of his castle like smoke. The search for the King had begun, and he would scour every inch of his domain to find him.

Reunited

Kaneki and Aisha stood at the centre of the chamber, their voices hushed but urgent as they discussed their next move. Kaneki's eyes shifted to Avalon, who was kneeling against a nearby pillar. The man looked pale and exhausted, his injuries taking a visible toll. A few pixies hovered around him, their tiny voices filled with concern as they tried to lift his spirits.

Kaneki worry deepened as he took in the extent of Avalon's injuries. "Avalon's not looking good. He needs help soon."

"I do know some healing magic," Aisha piped in, "but the castle has already drained my reserves. We need to leave this domain soon for my magic to recuperate."

"Do you have any idea where the others could be?"

Aisha shook her head. "These two witches, Icy and Darcy, used a convergence spell to separate us. Other than Brandon, I have no idea where the others are."

"Where is Brandon?"

"Locked away in Downland by a trog princess," Aisha answered. "Not only that, but according to Stella, the princess is a bit of a psycho."

"Dammit."

"We should get moving. I don't want to be here when darkar realises that we've freed—"

Her words were cut off by a sudden burst of ice magic that streaked across the room, narrowly missing the two. They turned to see Icy, standing in the doorway with a smug grin plastered on her face.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Icy drawled, her icy blue eyes gleaming with malice. "The runaway boy, the little fairy, and some pixies. Oh, and an injured old man who's practically at Death's door. I don't even have to deal with you, old man."

Without warning, Kaneki stepped forward and punched Icy square in the face. The force of the blow sent her crashing to the ground, unconscious, just like how he had done to Stormy.

Aisha blinked in astonishment. "You just... knocked her out."

Kaneki shrugged, shaking his fist slightly. "In a fight, you strike first and strike hard. No point in letting her monologue."

The pixies cheered, their high-pitched voices filling the air.

"Yay for violence!"

"That's my Kenny!" Faith flew over and hugged Kaneki's cheek, who was startled by both the hug and the nickname, but he let it slide.

With Icy dealt with, the group decided to move quickly and navigate around the labyrinthine castle. The winding corridors and ever-shifting shadows made it a disorienting journey, but eventually, they stepped out onto one of the many stone bridges connecting the castle's towers.

"Over here!" Stella's voice rang out, high and clear.

Aisha and Kaneki looked up to see Stella, Sky, and Bloom standing on an upper bridge. Bloom waved excitedly while Sky leaned over the railing.

"Aisha!" Sky called. "You're alright."

Aisha cupped her hands over her mouth and called back, "Not only that, but I found Kaneki and the pixies!"

"Hold on. We're coming down." Stella summoned her sceptre, the golden light radiating from it, and slammed it against the ground. Her group is enveloped in a warm golden light before they appear on the lower bridge.

The moment they landed, the reunion was chaotic but joyful. Bloom ran to Aisha, hugging her tightly, while Sky walked up to Kaneki, giving him a firm pat on the shoulder. "I'm glad to see you made it out in one piece," he said, his tone genuine.

Kaneki nodded, managing a small smile. "Same here. This place is a nightmare, but we're still kicking."

As the cheerful reunion continued, one figure stayed off to the side. Stella stood apart from the group, her usually confident demeanour replaced with visible unease. She fidgeted with her staff, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

It didn't take long for the others to notice.

"Stella?" Aisha asked, stepping closer. "What's wrong?"

Stella bit her lip, hesitating as her guilt bubbled to the surface. "I... I have to say something." She looked at Kaneki, her voice wavering. "Kaneki, I'm so sorry."

Kaneki blinked, his brow furrowing. "Sorry? For what?"

Stella took a deep breath, her hands trembling as she gripped her staff tighter. "When you and Brandon fell off that cliff... I panicked. I—I wasn't thinking straight. I only thought about Brandon, and I forgot about you." Her voice cracked, and she looked down, shame flooding her expression. "I didn't mean to let you fall. I just... I wasn't fast enough, and I..."

Her words trailed off, and the bridge fell silent.

Kaneki stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. For a moment, he didn't know how to respond. Then, he stepped forward.

"Stella."

She hesitated, glancing up at him.

"I'm not mad," Kaneki assured softly. "Look, I'm not saying it didn't hurt—falling off a cliff isn't exactly fun—but I get it. You were scared, and you acted on instinct. It's not like you wanted me to fall."

"But—" Stella started, her voice breaking.

"Besides," Kaneki cut in, "look at me now. Injury-free. You don't need to feel guilty anymore."

Stella blinked, the guilt slowly lifting from her face. "You... you mean that?"

"Of course," Kaneki said firmly. "We've all made mistakes. What matters is that we're all here now, safe and together."

The others smiled, the tension dissipating as Stella finally let herself relax.

Bloom placed a comforting hand on Stella's shoulder. "See? Everything's okay now."

Stella smiled weakly, wiping at her eyes. "Thanks... everyone."

Aisha gave her a reassuring nod. "Kaneki's right. Let's focus on getting out of this place."

As the group prepared to move on, Bloom's gaze fell on Avalon, slumped against Kaneki's back. The teacher's injuries were severe—his torso was a mess of bruises, cuts, and dried blood, and his face was pale, his breathing shallow but steady. Bloom's eyes widened in concern.

"Wait," she said, stepping closer. "Who's this? Is he okay?"

Kaneki adjusted Avalon slightly, making sure the injured man was secure on his back. "His name is Avalon. He was a prisoner here."

Bloom's brow furrowed, her concern deepening. "Avalon? As in Professor Avalon? The teacher who went missing?"

Kaneki nodded. "Yeah. I found him chained up in the dungeon. He's in bad shape, but he's alive."

Sky stepped forward, his expression serious as he examined Avalon more closely. "Those wounds..." he muttered, shaking his head. "They're bad. He needs medical attention, and soon."

"I had completely forgotten about Avalon," Bloom admitted with a guilty look. "Imagine if you hadn't found him..."

"But I did." Kaneki shifted his grip on Avalon, his face set in determination. "And now that we have him and the pixies, we can get out of here."

"We still need to find Brandon."

"And we will," Sky assured firmly. "But we should get as far away from the Shadowhaunt as possible. Once we do that, your powers will recover, and it will be that much easier to rescue Brandon."

"I can use my sceptre to teleport us straight to Downland," Stella said, gripping her sceptre tightly.

The group exchanged glances, relieved to have a plan. Stella focused, her golden magic beginning to swirl around them.

But before the spell could complete, a deafening, thunderous roar echoed through the castle, reverberating through the stone walls and shaking the ground beneath their feet. The sheer force of it made everyone freeze in place, their eyes wide with fear.

Stella let out a startled yelp, fumbling her sceptre as it slipped from her grasp. The golden staff clattered to the ground, rolling a few feet away.

"It's Darkar," Kaneki said grimly. His fists clenched, and he scanned the darkened halls, half-expecting the phoenix-like figure to emerge from the shadows at any moment.

Panic swept through the group. The roar carried a palpable menace, as if it were a promise of destruction.

"We need to move now!" Aisha urged, her voice sharp with urgency.

Stella scrambled to pick up her sceptre, her hands shaking as she gripped it tightly. She closed her eyes, channelling her magic once more. The golden energy enveloped the group, but Stella's panic caused her magic to falter.

In a flash of searing light, the group vanished from the castle.

When the light finally dimmed, they found themselves near the shores of a vast underground lake. Jagged stalactites loomed overhead, their edges shimmering faintly with an emerald hue, while clusters of glowing green crystals jutted from the cavern walls and floor. The soft luminescence of algae rippling across the water's surface gave the cavern an otherworldly, almost ethereal feel, casting faint reflections of green and blue light on their faces.

Kaneki scanned the cavern, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Where are we?"

"This must be where Brandon and I washed up earlier when we got separated from the group," Stella said, exhaling in frustration. She pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face, her voice tinged with guilt. "I must've fumbled the spell." She gestured toward the uneven rocky shore.

Aisha knelt by the lake's edge, her fingers skimming the water's surface. The liquid was cool and still, rippling faintly beneath her touch. "At least it's safe for now," she said, her voice calm but firm. "We can take a moment to breathe and figure out our next move."

Kaneki carefully laid Avalon on the ground, his movements deliberate as he tried to avoid worsening the man's injuries. The pixies fluttered nervously around him, their tiny voices overlapping in worried chatter.

Nearby, Bloom stepped closer to Stella, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Stella," she said, her voice soft and reassuring. "You did the best you could."

Stella let out a shaky breath, her confidence clearly rattled. She nodded, her voice low as she whispered, "I'll get it right next time. I promise."

Sky, meanwhile, was at the far end of the cavern, peering into the darkness. His hand rested instinctively on the hilt of his phanto-blade. "We can't stay here too long," he said, his tone cautious. "Darkar won't stop until he finds us."

"Actually..." Stella interrupted, her eyes lighting up as a memory clicked into place. "We might be able to stay here. Remember what Exel said about the crystals repelling demons and their minions?"

Sky turned, his expression skeptical. "What do you mean?"

Stella crossed her arms, glancing at the glowing crystals around them. "Remember what Exel said about these kinds of crystals? They're supposed to repel demons and their minions."

"You think she was talking about Darkar?" Bloom asked, her voice hopeful.

"It's possible," Sky said thoughtfully, his gaze sweeping over the shimmering crystals. "If the crystals really do repel him, this might be the safest place we can rest for now. We'll make camp here."

The group exchanged relieved glances. Exhaustion was etched into their faces, but now, for the first time in hours, they allowed themselves to relax.

Bloom summoned a fire with her magic, its warm glow filling the cavern and chasing away the cold. The pixies hovered closest to the fire, chirping happily at the warmth.

Sky spotted flickers of movement in the lake's crystal-clear waters and knelt at the edge, scanning for fish. "These fish are safe to consume," he called over his shoulder, already reaching for his knife. "We can stretch our rations."

Stella rummaged through their supplies, pulling out what little food and water they had left.

Kaneki worked quietly, his attention on Avalon. Gently, he checked the man's injuries, his hands moving with careful precision. 

Once enough of her magic recovered, Aisha knelt beside Kaneki to take over. "Let me take over," Aisha said softly. She placed her hands over Avalon's injuries, a faint pink glow emanating from her palms. "I'm not great at healing magic, but this should do the trick."

Colour began returning to Avalon's pale face. He managed a weak smile. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice hoarse.

The group settled around the fire as they ate. Bloom and Stella laughed softly as they played with their respective pixies, Lockette and Amore. The small creatures flitted excitedly, thrilled to have finally met their bonded fairies.

Kaneki, however, didn't eat. Instead, he focused on Faith, who sat perched on his shoulder with Glim. Both pixies were stuffing their faces with food, crumbs scattering everywhere as they devoured their meal. Faith's excitement was palpable as he spoke, his words coming out in rapid, garbled bursts between bites.

"You're going to choke if you keep eating like that," Kaneki said, a laugh slipping through his usually stoic demeanor.

"I never ch—" Faith's words were cut off as he started choking, his face turning red.

Kaneki panicked, instinctively patting Faith's back as the tiny pixie wheezed.

"Don't worry," Chatta said with a resigned sigh. "This happens all the time."

"No matter how many lessons I give him on table manners, he still doesn't learn," Tune said, crossing her arms in disapproval.

After the whole fiasco, the group began to settle down for the night. Sleeping arrangements were made, and Kaneki volunteered to take the first watch.

"Wake me in three hours," Sky said, stretching out on his makeshift bedroll. "I'll take over after that."

Kaneki nodded, moving to a spot near the cavern's edge. Faith, still brimming with energy, refused to sleep and sat beside him. The pixie bombarded Kaneki with endless questions about their bond, his curious nature shining through.

Kaneki answered most of Faith's questions with amused patience, his lips twitching into faint smiles as the pixie buzzed with excitement. Faith's curiosity seemed boundless, darting from questions about Kaneki's past to wild speculations about his newfound powers. Despite himself, Kaneki felt oddly at ease with the tiny creature. They'd only just met, yet there was a warmth—a familiarity—that felt impossible to explain.

Was this the bond between a fairy and their pixie? Or... was it something else.

Faith's enthusiasm reminded him of someone—someone who had always filled the silences in his life with lighthearted chatter and unshakable optimism. Hide.

He could still see Hide's grin, wide and unapologetic as he leaned over the counter at Anteiku, teasing Kaneki for his taste in books. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, grounding him in a moment that now felt like a lifetime ago.

Kaneki's smile faltered, the name cutting through his thoughts like a blade. How long had it been since he last saw his best friend? Too long. The memories came unbidden, sharp and relentless.

But Kaneki had thrown all of that away, hadn't he? He chose to leave with the pitiful lie of wanting to protect them. He'd abandoned the place that had become his home—Anteiku—and the people who had shown him kindness when no one else would.

No, it wasn't kindness or bravery that had driven him to hunt the ghoul restaurants and chase after Kanou. It was fear. Touka had been right. He wasn't trying to protect his friends or shield them from the monsters lurking in the shadows. He was running. Running from the crushing fear that if he stayed, they'd leave him first. So he'd left before they had the chance.

A bitter laugh rose in his throat, but he swallowed it down, his chest tight. Did Hide think he was dead? Likely. He'd been missing for more than a year now. Did Hide mourn? Did he cry? Or had he searched for him, scouring the city for any trace of his reckless, cowardly friend?

Maybe he'd stopped looking.

'Maybe it's better that way,' Kaneki thought, the weight of his guilt pressing down on him like a physical thing. Hide deserved better—a better friend, a better person. Not someone who disappeared into the darkness without a word. Not someone who hurt everyone he cared about just to protect himself.

"Kenny?" Faith's voice pulled him from his spiraling thoughts. The pixie tilted his head, concern etched into his tiny features. "Are you okay? You've got that... sad look in your eyes."

Kaneki blinked, his composure slipping for a fraction of a second before he forced a small smile. "I'm fine, Faith," he said softly.

But Faith wasn't convinced. He flitted closer, narrowing his eyes as he studied Kaneki's face. "No, you're not. You look like you're crying on the inside."

Kaneki's smile wavered, but he kept it in place. "I'm just a little homesick," he admitted.

While that was true, Faith could tell there was more to it. His wings drooped slightly, his usual energetic spark dimmed by the sadness radiating from his bonded fairy. Still, Faith straightened, determination lighting up his face.

"Well, I don't know much about your home," Faith began, his voice soft but firm, "but I do know this: you're not alone anymore, Kenny. We're bonded now. And no matter what, I'll stick by your side through thick and thin. You can count on me, okay?"

Kaneki blinked, startled by the pixie's outburst. Faith's small frame trembled slightly, but his sincerity was undeniable. For a moment, Kaneki was at a loss for words, his chest tightening in a different way this time.

"Thanks, Faith," he said finally, his voice quieter than usual. "That... means a lot to me."

Faith beamed, his earlier worry melting away. "Good! Because I'm not going anywhere!"

Kaneki let out a soft chuckle, the sound surprising even himself. The guilt and sadness still lingered in his chest, but Faith's words had managed to carve out a small pocket of warmth amidst the cold.

As Faith began rambling again, his voice animated and full of life, Kaneki found himself thinking that maybe, just maybe, this new bond wasn't such a bad thing. Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of a sharp sigh.

Unable to sleep, Avalon lay tossing and turning, his breath uneven despite the stillness of the cavern. The warmth of the fire flickered faintly in the distance, its soft crackle breaking the oppressive silence of the underground. Finally, with a frustrated sigh, he sat up, his movements stiff and sluggish from both exhaustion and lingering pain. Seeing that Kaneki was looking in his direction, he made his way toward the fire and sat nearby.

"You should be resting," Kaneki said, his tone somewhere between concern and reprimand. He adjusted the logs in the fire, the orange embers glowing brighter as a result.

Avalon shrugged, pulling his cloak tighter around his shoulders. He sat down carefully, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames. "I can't sleep," he admitted, his voice low and almost hollow.

"Every time I close my eyes, I'm back there." His voice trembled, his tone raw. "I can hear the clink of chains, the scrape of sabaton boots on stone. The air was always cold, damp... choking. I'd count the seconds between their visits, praying they wouldn't come back, but knowing they always would." His hands gripped the edge of his cloak, his knuckles white. "It's like I can still feel it—like it's all happening again." His tone cracked slightly, but he quickly recovered, shaking his head. "I thought it might be nice to talk to you instead."

Kaneki softened at that, though his expression remained guarded. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Anything," Avalon replied, his voice tinged with desperation, as if just the sound of conversation might help him forget.

"Ooh, ooh!" Faith, perched nearby on Kaneki's shoulder, piped up, his tiny hand raised like a student in a classroom. "What's your favorite food? Mine's honey drops, but you knew that already!"

Kaneki chuckled despite himself. "I didn't ask."

Avalon's lips twitched, just barely hinting at a smile. "I guess I don't really have one. But if I had to pick... maybe roasted chestnuts? My mother used to make them in the winter." His voice faltered as the memory surfaced, distant and bittersweet.

From there, the conversation meandered. Faith continued to chime in with lighthearted questions—favorite colors, childhood dreams—but gradually, the playful tone faded, leaving only Kaneki and Avalon speaking. Faith, sensing the shift, quietly nestled himself in Kaneki's shirt and observed.

"Sometimes," Avalon said after a long pause, staring into the fire as if hypnotized, "I think this is all a dream." His voice was heavy with sorrow, his words trembling. "That I'm still there... trapped in that cell." He swallowed hard, gripping the edge of his cloak as though grounding himself. "It's hard to believe I'm free."

Kaneki's expression turned somber. He watched Avalon for a moment, his usual stoicism softening into something almost tender. "It's not something you'll forget," he said quietly. "It'll leave a mark, whether you want it to or not."

Avalon turned to him, catching something in Kaneki's tone—something deeper than sympathy. "You're speaking from experience," he said softly, studying the other man's face. "Aren't you?"

Kaneki watched Avalon, his heart tightening at the older man's trembling voice. He knew that hollow tone all too well—it echoed the emptiness he'd carried for so long. The weight of Anteiku, Hide, and everything he'd lost pressed against his chest like a familiar ache. For a moment, he hesitated, unsure if offering comfort would be enough. But then, he forced himself to speak. "It stays with you," he said quietly. "Even when you're free, the chains don't always come off. You just... learn to carry them."

For a while, neither of them spoke. The fire crackled between them, filling the silence with its steady rhythm. 

A faint rumble echoed through the cavern, distant but ominous. Avalon flinched at the sound, his hands tightening their grip on the cloak. Kaneki's gaze darted toward the entrance, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It's probably just the rocks settling," he said, though his eyes lingered on the shadows for a moment longer than necessary. Avalon swallowed, his breath hitching slightly. The sound faded, but the unease lingered. 

Eventually, Avalon broke the quiet. "As I learn to carry my chains, would you... would you stay by my side?"

Kaneki froze, his eyes widening in shock. He turned to Avalon, searching his face as though trying to gauge whether he was serious. Avalon's expression was open, vulnerable, his eyes reflecting the firelight.

Kaneki's throat felt tight. "Yes," he said eventually, the word soft but firm. His cheeks flushed slightly, and he looked down, suddenly shy. "If that's what you need."

Faith, who had remained silent for longer than usual, peeked out from his perch on Kaneki's shoulder. For once, he kept his thoughts to himself, recognizing the intimacy of the moment. But inside, he was practically buzzing with excitement. 'They like each other!' he thought with glee. 'They're not saying it, but they totally do!'

The quiet between Kaneki and Avalon wasn't awkward; it was warm, almost comforting. They didn't need to say anything else.

Eventually, Kaneki glanced at the pocket watch Sky had lent him. The time had come to swap shifts. He stood, brushing off his coat. "I'll wake Sky," he said softly.

Avalon nodded, watching as Kaneki strode off to the other side of the camp.

When Kaneki returned a few minutes later, Sky had taken his place by the fire, and the others were stirring faintly in their sleep. Kaneki laid down a few feet away from Avalon, turned to face the older man.

Avalon hesitated before murmuring, "Thank you."

"Get some rest," Kaneki said, his voice softer than usual. "I'll be right here."

Avalon didn't reply. He didn't need to. As he lay back down, the faint glow of the crystals above seemed a little less cold, and the flickering fire a little more welcoming. For the first time in days, he felt safe enough to let his guard down.

Kaneki closed his eyes, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Despite everything, the strange warmth in his chest made him feel like maybe, just maybe, they'd all make it through this.

The end of this chapter.

Dammit, this took forever. Honestly, I'm suffering from writer's block, and life is piling up, so I had to use chat gpt for help, which is why my work seems more developed.

I'm sorry. I heard that some people don't want AI in fanfiction since it's considered cheating and unfair to other writers but this is still my work with my plot and dialogue.