Chapter 36: Reasons Unanswered

Sen and Zarnem sat in quiet stillness beneath the steel canopy of a rusted transport hangar, just outside the outer wall of Prism Tower. The twilight air hung heavy with dust, and the distant hum of Krutone’s machines barely reached them here. Sen sat hunched forward on a low step, arms resting on his knees, his gaze locked on nothing in particular. Zarnem leaned back against a faded pillar, arms crossed, his hulking frame cast in half-shadow.

Sen: You brought me here. Are you going to talk?

Zarnem signaled Sen to remove his wristband. Sen looked confused but followed.

Zarnem: They can hear us with those, as you know.

Sen: I’m aware. They’re also going to ask why I took it off.

Zarnem: You were getting tired of wearing it.

Sen: You want to talk in secret.

Zarnem: I want to know what they’re planning on doing and why they’re keeping me out of the equation.

Sen: Just to be clear, you’re referring to President Kyto?

Zarnem: And all of them.

Sen: We’re preparing for luring the ones responsible for everything.

Zarnem: By using you?

Sen: Yeah.

Zarnem: And you agreed?

Sen: Yeah.

Zarnem: What does Penim’s group want with you?

Sen: It’s not Penim’s group.

Zarnem: Why are they keeping everything secret from me?

Sen: Maybe because they don’t want you. Maybe you’re not important to them anymore.

Zarnem: And you are?

Sen: Well, I was in the room with them, was I not? And last I checked, you weren’t in there.

Zarnem: But why, is what I’m asking?

Sen: I can’t say.

Zarnem: And those were President Kyto’s orders?

Sen: I’m not supposed to share anything.

Zarnem paused to think what Kyto could be planning.

Sen: And to be fair, Zarnem—

Zarnem: They want to kill Penim.

Sen: What?

Zarnem: Zan. They’re all of Krutone’s mistake. The Sicrus person must have something to do with it—

Sen: No, Zarnem. You have it all wrong.

Zarnem: Can you not share even just a little bit of information?

Sen: No. Not that I would anyways.

Zarnem: Why do you say that?

Sen: Because, I just won’t. President Kyto didn’t want to, so why would I?

Zarnem: Because I brought you here.

Sen: And your point?

Zarnem: That’s no way to speak—

Sen: I don’t respect you.

Zarnem was stunned.

Sen: And why do you say you brought me here like you did me a favor? I did you the favor. Those Hybrid Zagons were dealt with because of every single one of us but you. Even Fex died. Ira isn’t here. Those were your colleagues.

Zarnem: Sen, if it’s because of how I spoke to Dain, I’m sorry.

Sen: I’m over that.

Zarnem: Then what is it?

No answer.

Zarnem: Can we talk about it?

Sen: About what?

Zarnem: About what we can do to fix this?

Sen: I don’t want any fixing. I don’t need any fixing.

Zarnem: Did you make a deal with President Kyto?

Sen: That doesn’t concern you, Zarnem.

Silence. Sen gets up to leave.

Sen: I don’t mean to be so harsh, but you haven’t really been the leader you said you were going to be.

Sen thinks back about his time meeting with Aku and what Aku had to say about Zarnem.

Sen: You might drag me down to save yourself.

Zarnem gives a slight glare to Sen.

Zarnem: Come again?

Sen: Well… I might end up like Fex because you decided to take on another responsibility. Or maybe I might end up like Ira because of this mess I was dragged into.

Zarnem didn’t know how to respond.

Sen: But… if that’s all you needed me for, I guess I’ll be heading out. If you want to know what’s going on, maybe you can ask President Kyto yourself?

Sen put on his wristband and stood up. He didn’t spare Zarnem another glance. His footsteps echoed softly as he walked away. Around the corner, Dain and Yerah waited in silence. They didn’t ask how it went. One look at Sen’s face told them everything. Without breaking stride, Sen walked past them, and they fell in beside him, saying nothing. The three of them moved together leaving Zarnem behind.

In the upper chamber of Prism Tower, the air was still, lit only by the ambient glow of floating data panels that pulsed with live surveillance feeds. Around the central table, President Kyto stood with arms behind his back, eyes narrowed at the holographic projection before them. Cayten leaned forward, one hand braced against the table, analyzing every nuance of the conversation. Queen Lessa sat poised, legs crossed, lips curved in a faint smirk. Beside her, Osin stood with the cold composure. Andin sat poised with amusement at the coldness of Sen. Esren watched with furrowed brows, and Forim remained silent, absorbing everything. The feed displayed Sen and Zarnem in the hangar, their voices crisp, the tension palpable.

Lessa: Oh, Zarnem thinks taking off the wristband means we can’t hear them.

Cayten: He’s not aware of our updates. It’s been years since he’s been in Krutone.

Kyto: We can trust Sen.

Osin: We definitely can.

Kyto: He refuses Zarnem and keeps silent.

Osin: Now that we know he’ll comply with us, we can easily move forward with capturing Aku. Retrieving The Orb is going to be that much easier.

Cayten: Historically, The Orb can be used to create Zagons right?

Osin: That’s what I remember.

Cayten: Do we know the number of Zagons we might be dealing with?

Kyto: We do not. This is why we prepare with everyone at this table. We prepare for the worst case scenario.

Osin: Do you think Aku will make his move anytime soon?

Kyto: Zan’s father passed away a few nights ago. The report says it was in his sleep—at the hospital.

A pause.

Cayten: What about it, sir?

Kyto: The autopsy revealed traces of acid in his bloodstream. The only individual capable of that... is Zan. There were no recordings. No footage. No sensory detection. Not a single trace. Only Aku can mask presence in such a way.

Lessa: Oh, how interesting.

Kyto: Which means they’ve already arrived. They’re not coming. They’re here.

A tense silence settles.

Kyto: So, to answer your question, Osin— they’ll make their move soon. Very soon.

In the hushed stillness of the Void, Josar moved quietly, his steps deliberate but heavy. The air rippled faintly with the energy of Zagons sleeping in the distance. He was leaving. Not running, not retreating—just walking away, as if the weight of everything had finally demanded space. But he wasn’t alone. From the shadows, Sicrus stepped forward, arms crossed, his expression unreadable but tense.

Sicrus: Where are you headed?

Josar: You’re waiting for me.

Sicrus: Did you think I wouldn’t notice?

Josar didn’t stop walking but slowed, eyes low, his jaw locked.

Josar: How did you know?

Sicrus: Scray told me everything.

Josar turned slightly, eyes narrowing.

Josar: How did you know where I was going to leave?

Sicrus: I kept watch… You know I always do. Every time Mayzen wasn’t around, you would walk this way, all the way around these stones deeper into these woods.

Josar doesn’t reply or look at Sicrus. His fingers tighten around the edge of his jacket.

Sicrus: Why Josar?... Why? Can we talk?

Josar: We’ve done enough talking.

A gust of cold air passed between them. The trees behind whispered like they were holding their breath.

Sicrus: You can’t be serious… You’re not actually leaving us, right?

Josar: I am. And you’re not going to stop me.

Sicrus took a sharp step forward, then stopped himself. His arms fell to his sides, clenched fists trembling.

Sicrus: What makes you so sure of that?

Josar: Because I know you. You won’t.

That struck deeper than he wanted to admit. Sicrus faltered for a beat.

Sicrus: Josar, please. You can’t leave us like that. Why now?

Josar: I chose now because Aku left to see Sen. And Mayzen is with him to find Sen. Now is my time.

Sicrus: That’s not what I meant… I meant… why now? Why when we’ve already gotten this far?

Josar finally turned his full body toward Sicrus. His voice came low, like something restrained too long.

Josar: Sicrus… you always knew I was going to leave at some—

Sicrus: I did, but I was hoping for the off chance that you chose to stay.

The silence cracked. Josar’s shoulders tightened.

Josar: Well, that hope was pointless. You know this isn’t who I am… and it isn’t you either.

Sicrus’s face changed. The calm mask shattered. His eyes darkened. His breathing quickened.

Sicrus: So that’s just it huh? You’re leaving us just like that!?

Josar’s voice rose.

Josar: I am! Damn it, Sicrus! We can’t keep doing this! This is wrong, and you know it!

Sicrus exhaled sharply, chest heaving. He looked away for a split second like he couldn’t bear to look Josar in the eye.

Sicrus: Aku has a point, Josar! And you practically agreed with him too.

Josar’s rose even more with frustration.

Josar: Yeah, well I’m choosing to be me this time!

Sicrus’s voice turned desperate.

Sicrus: Josar, you can’t be a mindless bot like them! Those people in Krutone, or Luria, or Allatora, or you name it— they’re all mindless bots, and they don’t even know it. You can’t go out there and be like them! That’s not who you are.

Josar: I’m not! I’m making my own damn choices.

Sicrus stepped forward again. His voice lowered, dangerous.

Sicrus: So, what are you going to do then? Fight by their side? You’re going to help monsters like Kyto and Osin? Evil like Lessa and Andin? Andin profits off of orphans like us! You’re going to support that!? You’re going to fight by them?

Josar’s voice faltered, but only for a moment.

Josar: I don’t know what I’m going to do, Sicrus!

Sicrus: Well, clearly you do by the looks of it. You’re leaving us, and I’m trying to help you stay! You’re going to save these people from being controlled by those leaders? You’re going to continue the cycle!? You know better! We must make change!

Josar’s eyes lit with fury.

Josar: And this is not how we do it!

Sicrus: Then how!? Tell me how!?

Josar (shouting): I DON’T KNOW! I just know it’s not like this!

Sicrus’s tone turned cruel.

Sicrus: You might as well be a machine of Krutone’s. A bot. Aimless!

Josar’s whole body tensed. His fists shook at his sides.

Josar: No, Sicrus! You’re the aimless one! You follow Aku’s orders even if you disagree with him!

Sicrus: It’s called loyalty! Try it out, Josar!

Josar: I am being loyal! I’m being loyal to me this time!

Sicrus: And your loyalty protects those lost souls. All those people may as well as be those walking Krutone robots also! They’re all controlled by their leaders!

Josar took a step forward.

Josar: And you’re the same. You’re also aimless!

Sicrus: I’m the same!?

Josar: You follow Aku like you’re a robot too!

Sicrus: Those people and robots have no idea what’s going on. I do! Don’t compare me with those scum!

Josar didn’t flinch. His words were ice.

Josar: And that’s exactly why you’re worse than them!

Sicrus threw his arms up in disbelief.

Sicrus: I’m worse!? What the hell, Josar!?

Josar: Yes! Because you know exactly what’s going on and you still choose what you don’t believe! Those people are lost! They don’t know any better! You on the other hand— you know! And you’re still choosing what’s wrong!

Josar opened his hands to Sicrus, slightly shaking them in frustration.

Josar: Look deeper, Sicrus!

Sicrus: Oh, don’t start with that fucking shit now.

Josar (firmly, with heartbreak): I’m so damn serious, Sicrus! I’m not the aimless one here. You are!

Sicrus threw his arms out, voice rising to a roar.

Sicrus: Quit fucking calling me aimless! How the FUCK does that make any sense!?

Josar took step forward.

Josar: YOU HAVE AN IDENTITY TOO, SICRUS!

The Void was quiet. Even the sleeping Zagons in the distance seemed to hush.

Josar (softer): You have a heart also. You are conscious. You’re not a weapon… You’re human.

Sicrus didn’t respond. His jaw twitched. His fingers trembled like he didn’t know what to do with them anymore.

Sicrus (quietly): Don’t leave, Josar.

Josar: You can make your own choices too…

Sicrus: Don’t leave. Please.

Josar: I’m going, and you’re not stopping me… This is what making a choice looks like…

Sicrus: Don’t leave…

A quiet pulse of light and shadow opened beside Josar. A portal. He stepped one foot through. Then paused. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the black and white shard.

Josar: You can take that back. I won’t be needing this portal anymore. I’m not returning.

He tossed it. It clattered at Sicrus’s feet, spinning once before settling.

Sicrus (hoarse): Josar… please don’t turn on us. You can change your mind.

Josar shook his head. Not bitterly. Just… resolved.

He walked through. The portal snapped shut behind him with a cold hiss. Sicrus stood alone, breathing hard, eyes locked on the ground. The shard stared back at him in silence.

In Krutone, Sen, Dain, and Yerah walked quietly through the long marble corridors of the Krutone Suites, the echo of their footsteps softened by the distant hum of the city outside. The dining hall had faded behind them, its warmth and laughter now replaced by a muted stillness. Sen’s hands were in his pockets, eyes low, still chewing on thoughts more than food. Dain carried the remnants of their laughter, a half-smile lingering on his face, while Yerah moved between them with a calm presence, her gaze flicking occasionally to Sen as if reading the silence that hung between them. They didn’t talk much— maybe because they didn’t need to. The dinner had been casual, even comforting, but beneath it all, something unspoken stirred in each of them. They were together, but the weight of war, of politics, of personal cracks barely stitched together, followed them like shadows.

Dain: That is kind of crazy though, how you spoke to Captain Zarnem.

Yerah: Right?

Sen: Yeah, well, he’s not the one in charge anymore.

Dain: So, what then? You’re just going to follow orders from President Kyto then?

Sen: That seems to be the case from this point on.

Yerah: Geez.

Sen: But it’ll be fine. We shouldn’t take our enemies all that lightly, but we should be fine so long as we’re focused on all of this.

They reach their rooms.

Sen: Alright, so I’ll see you all in the morning?

Dain: Yeah! I might actually be with Esako though.

Yerah: You’re meeting with General Esako?

Sen: What for?

Dain: Yeah, he and I had some time to talk and he said he’d be glad to spar with me some more.

Sen: Seriously?

Dain: Yeah. To be honest, I’d like to learn a few things from him.

Sen: Ok. Cool.

Dain: Yeah. And he mentioned liking how well I control flames or something like that.

Sen: That’s nice.

Dain: Don’t think I’m replacing you as my sparring partner though. Haha!

Sen: Oh, no. Not at all, haha.

Dain: It’s just he’s also a fire user, and when we last went toe to toe, it felt different. Usually, I’m the better fire user. It was nice fighting flames with flames.

Sen: Haha. Dain, you don’t need to explain yourself. I was never bothered by it.

Dain: Haha. Cool. Just making sure. We should get a training session going between us soon though. It’s been a long while.

Sen: Yeah. We used to do it almost daily back in Clyden.

Dain: But, let’s get some dinner at least. The three of us.

Yerah: Sounds good to me.

Sen: Yeah, I’d like that.

Yerah: And maybe while Dain is training with Esako, we could maybe hang out some more, Sen?

Dain glanced over with a grin.

Sen: Of course!

Dain: Alright, well have a good night you two.

Sen: Yeah, night.

Yerah: Good night.

Sen stepped into his room and quietly shut the door behind him, the soft click echoing louder than expected in the silence. The lights were low, shadows stretching long across the polished floor. But he didn’t need to look far—his breath caught before he could take a full step. There, sitting in the same couch where they’d last spoken, was Aku. Sen’s fingers twitched slightly at his side. Aku smiled, glad to see his brother.