Chapter 25: Krutone

The interior of the vehicle gleamed with quiet authority, every surface a polished sheen of black glass and brushed chrome. It wasn’t a car in the traditional sense— this machine hovered a few feet above the ground, humming with a smooth current of Intergy-powered force beneath its curved frame. The glass stretched seamlessly around them in a dome, offering a panoramic view of the world outside without any visible lines or supports. Holographic controls hovered near the driver’s console, flickering softly with data displays, navigation routes, and live surveillance feeds. President Kyto sat with calculated poise across from the crew, one leg crossed over the other. Two bodyguards, outfitted in tailored suits laced with defensive Intergy, sat silently behind him. The driver, masked in a thin interface visor, barely moved— his hands hovered above the console, never touching anything, the car responding to mere gestures.

Outside, Krutone unfolded. Towering spires pierced the clouds, their surfaces shifting colors in reaction to sunlight, turning from silver to gold to a burnished red as the vehicle passed. Skybridges connected many of the buildings, some filled with people walking in pressed uniforms, others lined with sleek drones transporting supplies across districts. Below the aerial roads, the city moved like a machine. Roads were etched with glowing lanes of light that guided vehicles into intersections with mathematical precision. Massive screens on building sides pulsed with live broadcasts— some touting economic victories, others showing carefully curated images of soldiers, families, and peace. Even the sky felt artificial, like someone had engineered the clouds to move in pleasing patterns.

Zarnem sat closest to the window, but he wasn’t looking out. His eyes were half-lidded, arms folded across his chest. Beside him, Sen leaned slightly forward, his elbows resting on his knees, eyes fixed on the view with an unreadable expression. This place was a monument to control, and it unsettled him more than he expected. Dain sat beside Sen, body relaxed but alert, his fingers rhythmically tapping the seam of his pants. He was soaking it all in— the technology, the architecture, the overwhelming sense of order. Makota, pressed back against the opposite window, letting his eyes track the hovercrafts that zipped by on vertical lanes outside. This was the kind of place that worshiped advancement. Shera sat quietly. It was eerie. Every building looked cloned, every voice outside was filtered, every motion rehearsed. Krutone wasn’t just a place— it was a performance.

Sen: Krutone… is massive.

Dain: Yeah, it is. This place is… insanely different.

Shera: This is amazing!

A small paused.

Shera (quietly): Ira would’ve loved this…

Makota: So, this is your home… Zarnem.

Zarnem doesn’t reply.

Kyto (with a slight smile, smooth and warm): It’s good to have you back, Zarnem. You’ve been missed by some… noticed by all.

Zarnem: Glad to be back home.

He lets the words hang for a moment before turning his gaze to the rest of the crew.

Kyto: Welcome to Krutone. The most advanced civilization this world has ever seen. What you’re witnessing now… is the culmination of vision, unity, and precision.

He gestures slightly, fingers gliding above a control panel. A portion of the dome's view zooms in, focusing on the sprawling towers outside.

Kyto: These buildings are alive with purpose. Each one calibrated for efficiency. Energy flows through the city like a circulatory system— Intergy, refined to its highest form, powering everything you see. Including this vehicle. No wheels. No friction. Just pure, responsive force.

He looks ahead, the hum of the craft underscoring his words.

Kyto: Our transportation systems are all synchronized. No crashes. No chaos. Every vehicle reads the one beside it, adjusting routes within milliseconds.

He leans slightly forward, his voice dropping into something almost reverent.

Kyto: Security is handled by drones— autonomous, emotionless, precise. Always watching. Always ready. And on the ground, you’ll find humanoid machines— robots, we call them—designed to serve, assist, and maintain order. Some prepare food. Others handle sanitation. Some greet our guests before they even reach the door.

He pauses, his eyes drifting to the glowing lanes outside as a few small delivery drones zip by, boxes held underneath them with magnetic locks.

Kyto: Everything is optimized. Everything… is earned. We reward those who serve the system and believe in it.

He shifts his gaze back to Sen, Dain, and the others— his voice still elegant, but a little firmer now.

Kyto: You are not just visitors now. You are honored guests, returning alongside Captain Zarnem.

As the vehicle curved around one of the lower-tier roads, the pristine order of Krutone was momentarily interrupted. A crowd had gathered on a corner platform. Dozens of people stood behind barricades, holding signs scrawled with defiance. A few shouted at hovering drones overhead, while others simply stood in silent protest. The bodyguards didn’t flinch. Neither did Kyto.

Sen: Those people are angry.

Dain: Protesting.

Kyto (calmly): You can never please everyone. A system this perfect will always offend the unremarkable.

Then, rising like a monument carved into the future, stood the Prism Tower, the governing palace of Krutone. Its structure defied gravity, spiraling up from a foundation of obsidian and glass into a twisting column that seemed to blend with the sky. Veins of glowing Intergy ran along its surface like circuitry through a machine. Hovering platforms encircled the tower at various levels, each one guarded by humanoid sentries with emotionless faces. Automated gates opened before them with a whisper, and they stepped into a grand atrium that stretched over a hundred feet high. The silence inside was profound— not empty, but purposeful.

Kyto: Welcome to Prism Tower. You must be thrilled to be back, Zarnem.

Zarnem (emotionless): I am.

The group moved through the towering Prism Tower in silence, their footsteps echoing softly against polished obsidian floors that reflected light from unseen sources. The interior pulsed faintly with Intergy that wove through the walls like living circuitry, shifting hues in slow rhythm with the building’s energy. A set of elevator doors, sleek and seamless, opened without a sound. The moment they stepped inside, the glass chamber rose without jolt or vibration, accelerating upward through the tower's heart. Sen, Dain, Makota and Shera were startled at first, but remained calm. Outside the transparent walls, the city fell away in layers— streets, rooftops, and skybridges. When the elevator finally came to a smooth stop, the doors slid open into a vast, circular chamber bathed in pale blue light. At its center stood a massive, marbled table with edges rimmed in faintly glowing Intergy. Seated at the head was a stern man in a sleek black coat, his posture poised, eyes sharp, Cayten. On either side of him were two other figures: Jaze and Esako.

Esako: Well damn! It really is Zarnem!

Jaze: Welcome back, Captain! So nice seeing you again!

Cayten (calmly): A pleasure, Zarnem.

Zarnem nodded his head once to Cayten.

Without a word, Kyto gestured for the crew to sit and proceeded to take the main seat at the center. A moment of silence after everyone is seated as Kyto and Cayten open folders of papers. Cayten glances over to Sen then back to his papers.

Kyto: Lessa tells me that you might have some significant information to share with us regarding the Zagons and who may be behind it all. Please share.

Zarnem clears his throat.

Zarnem: Thank you President Kyto and Cayten for allowing me and my crew into Krutone. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share that I have some information about the Zagons. My former comrade, Captain Penim is working alongside names like Sicrus and Zan. Before, I thought it was Penim behind everything, but it appears that he’s working alongside several others. They can create portals that allow them to go from destination to destination. As to how they’re doing it, I’m unsure.

Cayten: How many others are there?

Zarnem thinks for a moment.

Zarnem: If I remember correctly, there are five. We all encountered each other in Allatora. We know Penim, Sicrus and Zan are amongst them. The other two, a blond man in his mid-twenties and another man with long hair and pale skin.

Cayten pulls out a picture of Mayzen and shows them.

Cayten: Is this the pale man you speak of?

Zarnem (shocked): Yes. Him.

Kyto: Mayzen…

Zarnem: Lessa mentioned him. Who is he?

Kyto: Mayzen worked with us once.

Zarnem: Is he dangerous?

Cayten: He’s dangerous in his own way. He’s quite the sensory type, able to sense all kinds of Intergy from long distances.

Zarnem: How far?

Cayten: He’s claimed he can feel Intergy from at least a hundred mile away. Some days more.

Zarnem: So, if he were anywhere around, he’d know how to find any of us.

Cayten: Yes, but that’s not what makes him dangerous.

The crew looked more focused, waiting to hear about Mayzen.

Cayten: An ability we’ve kept secret is that he can read memories of those that died.

Makota: Those that… died.

Shera: That’s wild to think of.

Cayten: Yes. All he needs is their brain. So what really makes him a threat is that he can get any information he wants so long as he has a corpse.

Makota: Wait… Ira!

Shera: Oh shit, Ira!

Cayten: Is there something we should know?

Zarnem: A comrade of ours from Clyden was found beheaded. You said Mayzen needs a brain?

Cayten: Yes. If that’s the case, Mayzen is aware of every experience Ira’s had with any of you, including her childhood and her upbringing. In a matter of seconds, he can download your entire life up to the point of your death.

Makota: He knows… everything Ira knows.

Cayten: Aside from that, that’s everything we know about him. He was never combat driven, but he’s the strategist that Krutone would use.

Zarnem: But why did he betray Krutone. Wasn’t he loyal?

Cayten: Yes. Very loyal. Never once did he question authority. Then one day, he disappeared. Right around then is when you joined our military, Zarnem. In fact, I should also mention that he once worked alongside your father, Zash.

Zarnem’s eyebrows raised. Sen and Dain looked over to Zarnem.

Zarnem: And he’s… working with Penim?

Cayten: He is. You have no intel on the blond man?

Zarnem: Nothing.

Kyto: Introduce us your soldiers, Zarnem.

Zarnem: Oh yes. I forget. My apologies.

Zarnem looks to his crew and points to each of them.

Zarnem: This is Shera and Makota. Over there is Dain. This is Yerah. And that’s Sen.

When Sen’s name was announced, Kyto and Cayten paid very close attention then turned away instantly.

Cayten: Shera. Makota. Dain. Yerah… and Sen you say?

Zarnem: Yes.

Cayten: Would any of them know anything about the blond soldier that you mentioned earlier? The one working with former Captain Penim.

Zarnem: I don’t have anything on him.

Sen: I might have something.

Kyto and Cayten looked toward Sen immediately with focus.

Kyto: Speak.

Sen: When we all clashed at Allatora, he held down my attack with his bare hands. But then, he looked… upset. Not the angry kind of upset, but the disappointed kind. Then whispered to me that he doesn’t understand things either. Then the one who you might call Sicrus told me they were coming back for me. I don’t know why, but they want something from me.

Cayten: Then it’s settled. You’re working with us.

Sen: Huh?

Cayten: They want something from you, so we take hold of you.

Sen: I’m bait?

Cayten: Yes, to put it simply.

Dain: You can’t just all of a sudden make him bait.

Cayten: You’re in Krutone now.

Sen: What if I don’t want to?

Zarnem: Sen, this could stop the Zagons.

Cayten: We don’t need you to fight alongside us. We just need you to cooperate is all.

Sen: But what does that mean?

Cayten: Allow them to come back, but for you. Then we strike.

Sen: So, I am bait.

Cayten: I never denied that part. I simply said you don’t have to fight.

Sen: But, what if I don’t feel safe doing it?

Cayten: It doesn’t matter.

Dain: It does matter though.

Cayten: And who are you again?

Sen: Well… talk to us like that, then I really won’t work with you.

Zarnem: Sen. Have some respect please.

Cayten: You’re in our place now.

Sen: And I can just leave.

Zarnem: Sen, your tone.

Cayten: Get your soldier in check, Zarnem. He’s acting up.

Kyto: Enough arguing. We just met.

Silence.

Kyto: Sen.

Sen looked to Kyto.

Kyto: Please do consider working with us. Do not mind Cayten’s behavior. Your cooperation could really save the world from these monsters that roam among us.

Sen doesn’t answer.

Kyto: We do not need a response now. Do take time to think it over. In a few days, the summit will take place. World leaders across different lands will arrive, and we will discuss matters on how to handle the Zagons. I hope by then you will attend the meeting and offer your assistance. We could really use you.

Sen remains silent.

Kyto: Again, you don’t need to answer me right away. Please do enjoy your time here in Krutone.

Zarnem: I can talk with Sen.

Kyto: No. Sen has autonomy. He can think for himself. If he seeks your advice, he will ask. Sen can make his own decisions.

Kyto looks to Sen.

Kyto: I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kyto then looks to Zarnem.

Kyto: I appreciate you coming back to Krutone with the news you bring. However, almost none of it was new material. We’ve always known about Penim. We’ve also known about Sicrus and Zan. Mayzen and the blond man you speak of is the only news.

Zarnem: So, you’ve known about Penim all along?

Cayten: Why do you continue to insult us like that? Even from the day you left us, you doubt Krutone’s ability to find answers.

Zarnem: My apologies. I don’t mean for it to come off as an insult. May I ask why you accepted us then?

Cayten: We have our reasons. We always do.

Zarnem kept silent.

Kyto: In the meantime, please make yourselves at home. Esako and Jaze will show you to the Krutone Suites nearby. We have prepaid bands that you all can use to make purchases across Krutone. Clothes. Food. Entertainment. But before you go, do any of you have any questions?

Silence.

Kyto: Then you’re dismissed. Sen, I look forward to hearing from you.

Sen remained expressionless. Esako stood from his seat with a full smile.

Esako: Follow me!

Esako left the room and Jaze followed, gesturing to the crew to follow. One by one, the crew left the room leaving only Kyto and Cayten behind still sitting calmly at the table. Cayten was there with his folder opened, looking at an image of what looked like Sen, but with a scar on his right cheek. Finally, everyone left the room.

Cayten: He looks just like Aku.

Kyto: That’s his twin. On file, it’s shown that Aku has a twin, does it not?

Cayten flips through some papers and reads through documents of the Troita Orphanage.

Cayten: Exactly right. Twin brother, Sen.

Kyto: I see. Then we can conclude that Aku wants Sen and that Sen is unaware of his brother.

Cayten: Why didn’t you want to tell him about who Aku is?

Kyto: It risks defiance.

Cayten: And you don’t think he’ll be even more defiant if he finds out we knew the truth?

Kyto: Who says we can’t act just as surprised?

Cayten: Ahh, I see.

Kyto: Either way, he’s in Krutone. Make him comfortable. Aku will show eventually.

Cayten: And from there we get The Orb back.

Kyto: Now you understand.

Esako led the way with a relaxed stride, his hands casually tucked into his jacket pockets, while Jaze followed at a slight angle behind him, his posture more formal but easygoing. They moved through a corridor of seamless white stone, the walls backlit with soft threads of Intergy that pulsed like a heartbeat. As the doors slid open with a whisper, the crew stepped into the Krutone Suites, and it was immediately clear they had entered a different world.

The Suites stretched outward like a private city, an entire district encased within a single structure. Towering glass ceilings arched high overhead, revealing a filtered version of the sky that shifted from morning blue to evening gold at carefully programmed intervals. The marble floors reflected their movements like mirrors, and the air was lightly scented with something fresh, engineered to evoke comfort without ever being overpowering. Sleek humanoid robots, adorned with elegant uniforms and polished metallic frames, glided silently across the floors, assisting workers and guests alike. Some carried trays of refreshments balanced with mechanical precision; others guided visitors with gentle holographic arrows projected from their palms. Real human staff clad in tailored black and white attire moved alongside the machines, each smile timed and measured, offering bows and greetings that felt both welcoming and rehearsed.

Lavish storefronts lined the inner streets, offering designer clothing, artisanal foods, and entertainment lounges equipped with state-of-the-art Intergy simulators. Elevated gardens floated above some of the pathways, held aloft by anti-gravity fields, dripping streams of green and gold ivy down from their edges like living chandeliers. Waterfalls of pure liquid light cascaded down some walls, a stunning display of Intergy manipulation serving no purpose other than to remind everyone how much power Krutone could afford to waste.

Sen slowed his pace slightly, his eyes darting from storefront to storefront, from robot to human to hologram. Dain walked beside him, openly impressed but guarded, while Makota and Shera fell a few steps behind, murmuring to each other about the extravagance. Yerah kept closer to Sen but quiet.

Zarnem, however, walked steadily forward, unmoved by the luxury surrounding them. His jaw was tight, his gaze set only on the path ahead, as if this world of polished perfection was something he had already long grown numb to.

Esako glanced over his shoulder with a boyish grin.

Esako: Hope you find comfort here!

Jaze (smiling faintly): Welcome to the high life. Courtesy of Krutone.

They continued deeper into the Suites, the world around them growing more surreal with every step.

Esako and Jaze led the group through one of the many winding corridors, the air cool and clean, the hum of distant Intergy running underfoot like a barely audible current. As they reached a grand archway embedded into the wall, Jaze tapped a holographic panel beside it. With a soft chime, the doors separated, revealing a polished lobby lined with shimmering crystal sculptures and gold-threaded carpets that led to private residential wings.

Jaze turned to the group, flashing a friendly smile.

Jaze: Alright, here’s where you’ll be staying for the time being.

He moved with ease down the hallway, stopping at the first door.

Jaze: Zarnem, this one's yours. Welcome back.

The door slid open to reveal a spacious room layered in dark marble and muted gold, the window stretching from floor to ceiling, offering a sweeping view of Krutone’s skyline. Zarnem offered a small nod and stepped inside without a word, disappearing behind the door as it shut soundlessly.

They continued down the hallway.

Jaze: Yerah, right? Yours is here.

Her door opened into a room dressed in soft shades of silver and blue, modern yet strangely warm. A massive bed with velvet sheets dominated the center, and a wall of translucent shelves displayed flickering holograms of Krutone’s achievements, artificial waterfalls, towering gardens, crystalline cities. Yerah stood there a moment longer, taking it all in before stepping inside, her expression unreadable.

Farther down, Jaze stopped again.

Jaze: Makota, Shera, since you two wanted to share, here’s yours.

He opened the next door to a suite lined with warm oak and soft lighting. Shera gave Makota a playful bump with her hip as they entered, murmuring something only he could hear. Makota chuckled quietly as they disappeared inside.

Dain was next. His room smelled faintly of cedar and earth, a refreshing contrast to the sterile air outside. A massive bed sat at the center, framed by black stone pillars and soft blue lighting. Dain dropped his bag inside, whistling low at the quality, then turned to glance down the hall toward Jaze showing Sen to his room.

Sen lingered at the end of the corridor, standing before his door. When he finally stepped forward, the door slid. Everything inside was monochromatic—shades of black, gray, and silver. The window revealed nothing but the distant spires of Krutone’s skyline. No simulated gardens. No floating plants. Just glass, stone, and light. He stepped inside slowly.

Jaze: If you have any questions, you can call me with your bands around your arms. Input your Intergy and look for my name or you can say my name in voice command. It’ll ring me and I’ll be able to speak with you. Same works for Esako.

Sen nodded to Jaze. Jaze left.

Sen sat on the edge of the bed, his elbows resting loosely on his knees, staring at the gray-on-gray reflection of himself in the glass. He didn’t move for a while. Just breathed. The silence pressed heavier here, as if the walls themselves were waiting for him to break. Then, a soft knock sounded at the door. Sen blinked out of his haze, pushing himself upright. He crossed the room and tapped the panel. The door slid open, and there stood Yerah, her hands clasped lightly in front of her, eyes uncertain but steady.

Sen: Oh, Yerah. Hey. What’s up?

Yerah: Hey. Can we talk?

Sen: Uh, sure yeah.

Yerah: Is Dain in there?

Sen: No, just me.

Yerah walks in as Sen gestures her to enter. Sen doesn’t push the button to shut the door.

Sen: What did you want to talk about?

Yerah: About what happened in Luria.

Sen: Hm?

Yerah: I just want to get straight to it. I’m sorry for kissing you so suddenly.

Sen: Oh, that.

Yerah: Yes, oh that.

Silence. Sen scratched the back of his neck, not sure where to look, so he stared at the ground. Anything to avoid eye contact.

Yerah: But I want to talk.

Sen: Um, ok.

Yerah: So, I know I said I wasn’t interested in you.

Sen: Well, technically, you didn’t say anything.

Yerah paused.

Yerah: Right. But it was implied I didn’t like you.

Sen: Yeah…

Yerah: Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. Wasn’t trying to offend you.

Another moment of silence.

Yerah: And I know it’s probably confusing because I kissed you after our fight with that guy in Luria.

Sen: Mm-hm.

Yerah: And you’re probably unsure how to feel about it. And then after our meeting with President Kyto, you’re most likely under a lot of stress.

Sen doesn’t make a sound.

Yerah: And so, it only felt right that I come up to talk about it so you have one less thing off your mind.

Sen glanced at Yerah and looked back to the ground.

Yerah: Ugh… how do I say this?

Sen glanced one more.

Yerah: So, I said I wasn’t interested… no, I implied I wasn’t interested.

Sen listened closely.

Yerah: But the thing is, I sort of did like you too, and I just never shared it.

Sen met eye to eye with Yerah.

Yerah: And then, when I overheard you and Dain talking about it—

Sen: You heard Dain and I talk about it?

Yerah: Yeah. Back in— ugh, that doesn’t matter right now. I mean, it does matter, but like—ummm, I’m not what I’m saying exactly.

Sen gave an expression of confusion with a slight smile.

Yerah: What I mean is, I didn’t know how to answer you when you told me back in Luria. And then I lied to Dain. I told him I didn’t like you—

Sen: Wait, Dain knew?

Yerah: Yeah, back in—

There was a noise behind the unshut door. Someone was eavesdropping.

Sen: Hello?

No response.

Sen: Who’s there?

Slowly, Dain poked his head from around the corner.

Sen: Dain?

Dain (grinning): Hi. Um, I was just going to ask if you wanted to eat—

Sen: Bro, you spying on us?

Dain: I wanted to ask for food! And then you two started talking! And then it got interesting! And then I wanted to hear what was going on! And then I—

Sen: Just come on in.

Sen walks up to Dain, grabs him by the arm and pulls him in. Sen shuts the door this time.

Sen (looking at Yerah): Is it fine if he’s here?

Yerah: Yeah, I mean, at this point he’s been in the loop of things anyways.

Dain (grinning): Hehe.

Silence.

Yerah: My point is… I don’t want a romantic relationship either.

Dain: Well damn, that was fast.

Sen rolls his eyes at Dain’s response then looks to Yerah.

Sen: That’s ok. I understand.

Yerah: But what I’m also saying is…

Sen and Dain listened closely.

Yerah: After this whole Zagon thing is over, I would like to be in one.

Yerah looks at Sen.

Yerah: With you, that is.

Sen: Oh…

Yerah: Right now, it’s just… like you said… war… It’s just not a good time right now. But I want you to know, that I like you too. I really do.

Sen smiled, trying to contain it as much possible.

Yerah: I think you’re a good person. When I see how you are with Dain… and how you argued with Zarnem to help those in Revano, I could tell you are genuine.

Sen’s smile faded, not with disappointment, but with comfort and understanding.

Yerah: And I also appreciate how eager you are to stand by me. You’ve gone out of your way to help me several times, even though I never asked. But I want to ask, why though? Why do you do all that for me? What did I ever do for you?

More silence. Dain looked to Sen to see what answers he would come up with. Sen sighed slowly and Yerah waited patiently.

Sen: I didn’t think you’d join Dain and I in our talks. You know, the ones back when we were travelling through Eztan, Troita and Allatora. Those places.

Yerah listened closer.

Sen: I’ll admit, at first it was just infatuation. Because it’s obvious you’re pretty.

Yerah smiled gently.

Sen: But, after I got to hear you talk about your opinions, I grew to like you more. You see, when Dain I talk, sometimes it can get a little heavy. I really do enjoy talking to him even though sometimes it’s a bit… negative. But every time you had something to say, it was almost always an optimistic way to look at things… and well… I felt the urge to protect that… to protect you. Because your hope kinda gives… it kinda gives me hope.

A moment of silence.

Sen: So, not right now, but after?

Yerah slightly chuckles.

Yerah: Definitely afterwards.

Dain: Aww, so beautiful.

Sen: Dude, shut up.

Dain (slightly laughing): I’m serious!

Yerah: And when all of this is over, I can finally try some of your cooking.

Dain: Oh yeah! This man can cook!

Sen smiles lightly and rubs his forearm gently.

Dain: And he’ll have spices this time around. Not like when we were traveling in the middle of nowhere.

Sen: Ha! Right.

Yerah: I wonder, can we cook here? Krutone has got to have plenty of ingredients we can get right?

Dain: Yeah, but let’s try the food this place has to offer first!

Sen: Haha. Yeah. I can always make food for us later. Let’s enjoy Krutone while we’re at it?

Yerah: I’m totally ok with that.

Dain: Alrighty then! Let’s find a place to eat.

Sen and Yerah looked at each other again, both gently smiling at each other. Then Sen looked over to Dain who is obviously excited to eat. He takes a deep breath, and they leave the room.

Josar sat alone, his back pressed against the rough surface of a towering stone jutting out of the endless darkness. The Void stretched out in every direction, an infinite canvas of black pierced only by the pale glow of distant moons overhead. He watched them one by one, letting his gaze linger on each cold light, as if searching for something hidden in their silent faces. His arms rested loosely over his knees, his body still but heavy with thought. The sound of soft footsteps broke the silence, barely more than a whisper against the dust. Josar didn’t turn. He didn’t need to. Aku lowered himself beside him but neither acknowledging the closeness with words. They both sat there, looking upward—two broken silhouettes.

Aku: Thank you for pulling through. I know this isn’t comfortable for you.

Josar doesn’t answer.

Aku: What was he like? Sen. When you saw him.

Josar sighs.

Josar: Well, for starters, he looks like you… minus the scar.

Aku laughs quietly and touches the scar on his face.

Josar: He’s lost also.

Aku: Did he say something?

Josar: Not much… After I held down his attack, I told him we don’t have to fight… and he just said he doesn’t get it.

Aku: And what did you say back?

Josar hesitated.

Josar: That I don’t get it either… why all of this is happening.

Aku: Mmm. I see.

Josar: When are you going to make your move?

Aku: Tonight. Tonight, I will go see Sen.

Josar looks over to Aku.

Josar: Already?

Aku: No point in waiting. Sen should be in Krutone by now.

Josar: Does Sicrus know?

Aku: No.

Josar: Are you going to tell him?

Aku: He’ll find out.

Josar: Do you… need me to come with you?

Aku: You don’t have to. I know you don’t want to.

Josar: Do you think Sen will accept you?

Aku: I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you about him.

Josar: Oh… I see. Well, he seems like he has good intentions.

Aku: That’s good. That’s all I needed to know.

Josar: What are you going to tell him?

Aku: Nothing much really. I don’t need to tell him anything.

Josar: What do you mean?

Aku: The situation we’re all in will tell him everything.

Josar: And you think he’ll choose us?

Aku: That’s my hope.

Josar: And if he doesn’t?

Aku: Then that’s ok too.

Josar sighs.

Josar: I hate all of this.

Aku: I know… I know you do.

Josar: Does it really have to turn out this way?

Aku: It does.

Josar: Why?

Aku: Because we have to put an end to it all. We’ve been through this.

Josar: This isn’t the way though.

Aku: Are we going to argue about this again?

Josar doesn’t reply. Minutes of silence go by.

Aku: I do appreciate you though.

Josar: I haven’t done much.

Aku: You’ve done more than enough.

Josar: Just getting us into Krutone?

Aku: That was everything we needed. That’s what we spent so much time doing.

Josar: Yeah… and people died.

Aku doesn’t reply.

Josar: Even our own… Aetrem. Lilan… Baylene, Tyla, Norad, Fletris. And we don’t even know when the summit is going to take place.

Aku: But we’re a step closer.

Josar: Yeah… to the biggest mess we’re going to make.

Aku: It’s for change, Josar.

Josar sighs and stands up, dusting off the dirt from his jeans. Aku follows.

Aku: I kept my promise though.

Josar: What promise?

Aku: No blood on your hands.

Josar: That shouldn’t even be a promise that needs to be made in the first place.

They stand there for a few more minutes of silence.

Aku: Well, we’re here now. I just wanted to mention my thanks to you. Just standing with me says more than I can ask for.

Josar looks down, away from the moons.

Aku: That’s why you and Sicrus are my best friends.

Aku pats Josar on the back.

Aku: I’ll be going soon.

Josar doesn’t say anything.

Aku: If Sicrus asks, you can let him know where I went.

Aku gave a final, quiet pat to Josar’s back, then turned without another word. His footsteps faded into the endless dark. Josar was still, his hands dangling loosely at his sides. The silence grew heavier in Aku’s absence as he stayed there, alone beneath the pale moons, staring at the place where his friend had disappeared— wishing, just for a second, that things could have been different.