Chapter 39: The Story Goes On

The field stretched quiet beneath a wan sky, the sun veiled in a thin shroud of cloud that dulled the colors of the world. Rows of tombstones stood like forgotten sentinels in the open land, weathered and unmoving. Among them, a fresh grave yawned wide, and beside it stood a small group clad in black.

Sen stood at the front, motionless, his eyes vacant and unfocused. He didn’t blink. He didn’t breathe deeply. He was just like a statue carved from grief. Beside him were Dain, Zarnem, Shera, and Makota, each of them dressed in black. Shera leaned heavily into Makota’s shoulder, trembling with sobs. Dain kept a subtle watch on Sen, his brow creased not just in sorrow, but in worry. Zarnem said nothing. He never did in moments like this. His hands were behind his back, eyes fixed ahead. The silence around them was filled with the low, measured words of a pastor standing to the side, delivering a speech that faded before it ever reached Sen’s ears.

To Sen, the world had gone quiet. In the distance, seated beneath a sparse canopy, Esako and Jaze watched the burial in stillness. Even they had shown up, though their eyes remained downcast, unsure of what comfort to offer a grief that seemed too vast for words.

The casket, a sleek black adorned with threads of blue and white, was being slowly lowered into the earth. Sen watched it descend as if watching the last piece of a dream disappear into ash. His hands were limp at his sides. His heart didn’t beat any faster. The pain was too heavy to stir even panic. All he could feel was the quiet.

Kyto stood farther back, accompanied by Cayten, Lessa, and Esren. They were the only world leaders present. They remained a calculated distance away, cloaked in formality and veiled expressions of solemn respect. None of them cried. None of them bowed. They were just still statues in a political painting, there to be seen more than to mourn.

The sound of Shera’s cries was muffled in Makota’s shoulder. Sen didn’t turn. He didn’t offer words. His gaze never left the casket. The casket hit the bottom of the grave with a dull, final sound… a sound Sen would never forget.

The world had fractured into fragments— clinking glasses, muted sobs, the rustle of black fabric against chairs, but for Sen, it was all distant, like sound traveling underwater. The people moved like ghosts around him. The burial had ended, and now the mourners scattered like birds, forming small clusters of conversation. Some voices were warm with comfort and others were sharp with pity. None of them reached him.

He sat on the edge of a stone bench beneath a low-hanging tree, his hands resting in his lap, limp and cold. His fingers had gone numb some time ago. He wasn’t sure when. Maybe it had been when the casket touched the earth, or maybe it had been the moment Yerah’s body stopped moving, the moment the light left her eyes.

Kyto appeared beside him at one point, the polished, measured tone of his voice slicing into the silence. Sen could hear the man speaking. It was something about condolences, about sacrifice, about heroes, but the words passed through him. Kyto’s hand touched his shoulder, firm and deliberate. Sen didn’t move. He didn’t look up. He didn’t even breathe differently. Kyto stood there for a moment longer, then moved on.

The reception hall was a pale imitation of warmth. Tables draped in dark linens. Plates of untouched food. Glasses of water catching the reflections of a sun that Sen no longer believed in. He sat at a small table near the corner, away from the music, away from the comforters. Zarnem appeared beside him, lips moving, voice deliberate, but it might as well have been static. Sen could see his mouth shift, could see his hands make calm gestures, but none of it meant anything. The words were like smoke, dissolving before they ever took shape. Sen didn’t nod. Didn’t blink. Just stared forward, through Zarnem, into a wall that wasn’t there.

The ache inside was cold like ice creeping into his bones and freezing him from the inside. The room around him felt ten degrees colder than it should have. His body didn’t shiver. His stomach didn’t stir. He hadn’t eaten. He wouldn’t. His body no longer made requests. It only endured.

Makota and Shera eventually found him. Shera was crying again, her face red and raw with grief. Her voice shook as she spoke to him, words trembling from her lips like she was begging for some kind of understanding, or connection, or anything. Makota stood beside her, more composed but no less broken. He said something too. Something meant to comfort. Sen looked at them both. Looked through them. He didn’t move. He didn’t respond. He felt the emotion in their eyes, but it couldn’t get in. Shera reached for his hand. He didn’t stop her, but he didn’t respond either. Her fingers gripped his like she was trying to anchor him back to the world, but he was already adrift.

Then moments later, Dain. Sen didn’t hear him approach. He could see Dain was trying to say something, but like everyone else, he heard nothing. Then, he felt the sudden weight of arms wrapping around him. For a second, Sen remained unmoved. The hug was real, warm, and heavy. His body almost resisted. The grief told him to turn away and to reject the comfort. But it was Dain, so he hugged back. Not fully. Not tightly. But enough. Just enough for Dain to pull him in, to hold him close, to let Sen lean into someone— anyone— who knew, someone who wouldn’t try to fix it or try to explain it away.

Without a word, Dain guided him out of the room. Past the tables. Past the whispered condolences. Past the people who would never understand what it was like to lose someone they were falling in love with. They both stepped out into the cold air. The wind brushed Sen’s face, and it felt like nothing. Dain didn’t speak at first. He just stood beside him, letting the silence stretch, letting Sen stand in it, drown in it, and survive in it.

Sen looked at the sky. It wasn’t crying. It should’ve been. The sun should’ve turned its back, and the rain should’ve found its way to the ground. The clouds should’ve closed their mouths and the world should’ve stopped spinning, but everything just kept moving, like she hadn’t died, like the world didn’t care… And maybe it didn’t.

Sen’s voice broke through at last. A whisper, not meant for Dain. Maybe not even meant for himself.

Sen: She’s gone.

Sen’s breath shook. His hands trembled. His throat clenched around another sentence that never came. And for once… he didn’t try to stop the tears. Dain didn’t say anything. He let Sen be the rain that never showed up. Moments passed, and Dain stayed through it all. Finally, Sen stopped and wiped his eyes.

Sen: I want to go back to Clyden.

Dain didn’t know how to answer.

Dain: Will Kyto let?

Sen: I don’t care…

Dain: I’ll go with you. I don’t know how, but we can go back.

Sen doesn’t show gratitude.

Dain: I don’t think it’s wise for us. Maybe we should think about it first?

Sen stayed silent.

Dain: What if we’re attacked, and it’s just us?

Sen: I… want to kill him…

Dain: You mean?...

Sen: I want to kill Penim.

Dain: We will. We’ll kill him together… for Yerah.

A longer moment of silence.

Dain: I’m so sorry, Sen…

Sen didn’t move.

Dain: I’m sorry I wasn’t there.

Sen still didn’t reply.

Dain: If I didn’t train with Esako… I could’ve been with you both. I could’ve helped.

Sen doesn’t respond.

Dain: I hope… you’re not mad at me… as much as I’m mad at myself.

Sen stays quiet.

Dain: I promise I’m not trying to make this about myself… but I do want you to know, I will always support you.

Sen’s wristband buzzes.

Kyto (from Sen’s wristband): Sen. Please come to Prism Tower. Bring Dain with you.

Silence.

Dain: Are you going to go?

Sen thinks.

Dain: If you don’t want to, we can just stay here.

Kyto (from the wristband): Report to Prism Tower immediately. There is someone here who you must see.

Sen, uninterested, decides to head to Prism Tower. Dain follows without a word. Moments passed and both Sen and Dain entered the towering marble chamber of Prism Tower, their footsteps echoing softly beneath the high vaulted ceiling. The room was already full. Kyto sat with Cayten, Lessa, Osin, Andin, Forim, and Esren, each world leader flanked by quiet guards and veiled tension. Makota and Shera were off to the side, eyes weary and strained. Zarnem stood with arms crossed, unreadable. All heads turned as the final two entered. But the air shifted not because of Sen and Dain’s arrival, but because of who sat at the center of the room, shackled with Intergy chains and silent. His hands were bound in glowing cuffs, and Esako and Jaze flanked him like statues. Sen’s breath hitched. Dain froze beside him. There, restrained but eerily calm, was him.

Sen (quietly): Josar.

Kyto: Sen. Dain. Take a seat.

Sen took a seat, keeping his eyes on Josar and unsure what to think. Dain followed. Josar sat tall in the center of the chamber, head bowed and eyes fixed on the floor. There was no fight left in his eyes like someone who hadn’t just lost a battle, but had willingly laid down his arms. His breaths were shallow, almost reluctant, and he didn’t flinch or speak as the others stared. Sen sighed, and as soon as Josar heard, he looked to Sen. Josar saw emptiness in Sen’s eyes. It wasn’t the same as the first time they encountered in Allatora.

Kyto: An unregistered citizen was found on surveillance. As some of you may know, this is Josar. He was discovered on the streets of Krutone, offering himself to be arrested.

Kyto turns on a hologram footage of Josar opening his palms. Krutone Officers are capturing him, placing him in cuffs and waiting for orders to kill him. One Krutone Officer has an Intergy knife to Josar’s throat but hears a command to keep Josar detained instead, pulling away the blade. The hologram closed.

Cayten: Josar had surrendered himself to us.

Zarnem: And you didn’t kill him when you had the chance?

Cayten: We almost did but figured he might be useful to us. He’s giving himself to us after all. Perhaps he comes with important information. Or we could even torture it out of him.

Zarnem: Is it a set up?

Josar: I’m not here to trap any of you. I’m… here to help.

Osin: Something happen with your group?

Josar: I don’t… believe in their philosophy.

Kyto: You align with us?

Josar pauses for a moment.

Josar: I don’t know. I just know that I don’t believe in how any of this is working out.

Cayten: Do you plan to fight alongside us?

Josar: I’m not sure.

Cayten: Then how do you intend on helping us?

Josar: I can… share answers you may want to know.

Lessa: Oh, he’s an innocent looking man. Let me try first. Tell me, Josar, do you know who killed my niece and her son? They were found dead at my castle.

Josar immediately recalled the incident.

Josar: Scray. I was there. I couldn’t stop him.

Lessa: Oh, Scray you say? And you were there?

Lessa’s face turned fierce.

Lessa (firmly): Oh, if it wasn’t for Kyto being here, I’d skin you slowly.

Josar doesn’t flinch.

Zarnem: How can we trust his word?

Josar: I… I’ve never killed anyone.

Forim: There’s no way to confirm that.

Osin: Tell us, Josar. Is there a way you can help us trust you? How do we know you’re not trying to feed us false testimony?

Josar thinks.

Josar: I cannot. I can’t prove trust. I can only share with you information… and you can decide if you want to believe it or not.

Kyto: Who is Zan?

Josar looks to Kyto, slightly unsure how to answer.

Josar: Zan is an acid user. He’s a mutant made from Krutone’s experiments. His main agenda is to kill his father and Cayten.

Cayten smiles.

Josar: Zan killed his father here in Krutone just recently.

Kyto: Who is Scray?

Josar: Scray is a dual blade wielder. He was framed for one of Lessa’s quiet crimes and is now seeking to get her killed.

Lessa: Oh, that same bastard that killed my family?

Josar: You got his family killed too.

Lessa: Oh, you know the full story?

Josar ignores Lessa.

Kyto: Who is Mayzen?

Josar: Mayzen is also a Krutone mutant who served under you once. His unique ability is to extract memories from any dead body by using his veins to connect with the nerves on the brain. He believes in overthrowing Krutone’s government.

Kyto: How many left of you are there?

Josar: There used to be seven. Now there should be five left. I turned away and another one by the name of Penim turned away also.

Sen’s finger twitched at the name of Penim being said.

Kyto: Name me the five remaining.

Josar: Scray, Zan, Mayzen, Sicrus, and Aku.

Sen’s leg shifted quietly hearing Aku’s name. Then, a moment of silence.

Kyto: He tells basic truth. All reports thus far are not false.

Osin: Do you have any actual valuable information to share?

Josar sighed.

Josar: I do. I know Aku’s plans when they strike.

Kyto remained stoic but was now very interested.

Kyto: Please share.

Josar: Well… Aku has more or less ten thousand Zagons ready to invade Krutone.

Forim: Ten thousand!?

Josar: He’s been busy while the rest of us have been igniting bombs and releasing Zagons for tests.

Andin: For tests?

Josar: Yes… Aku and Penim figured out to make Hybrid Zagons. They’re like mutants but for Zagons. They’ll be using these to strike Krutone at different angles. Sicrus is to attack the north side of Krutone to wipe out your war machines. Zan will attack the south side to break down the Intergy Power Plant.

Cayten: And the Zagons?

Josar: As far as I know, they’ll be split. Five thousand across Krutone and another five thousand to break down Krutone’s walls. The real fear is the Komodo Zagon.

Kyto: Describe the Komodo.

Josar: I’ve never seen it. I don’t even know what it does. I just hear it in conversation and how much destruction it can cause.

Cayten: They think Zan and Sicrus alone can stop our soldiers? Are they assisted by any Zagons?

Josar: Zan and Sicrus… will most likely handle their jobs themselves.

Osin: You give them too much credit.

Josar: I give them too little credit. In case you didn’t know, Zan took down Yumitra on his own. Sicrus blew out Allatora. He had Zagons but he could’ve done it himself if he wanted.

Zarnem (ringing in): What can Sicrus do?

Josar sighed.

Josar: Sicrus has no ability in particular. Just raw Intergy. He fires it through his fingers. Bullets. They’re fast and can pierce through almost anything.

Zarnem: And Mayzen?

Josar: He has never fought. Only gathered memories.

Cayten: What about Aku?

Josar: Dark and light. Although, as you might know, Aku can hide in shadows and keep his presence unknown if he chooses to. Unless you have sight of him, you’d never hear or sense him. It’s like he freezes his existence in darkness or something.

Kyto: And you?

Josar breathes.

Josar: I’m a lightning and wind user.

Osin: You mention Penim. He was just here last night.

Josar looked down.

Josar: I know. I could feel his Intergy from where I was hiding.

Cayten: Where were you hiding?

Josar: Mayzen showed us various places that Krutone lacks in security. Penim could be in any one of those. Unless you have a sensory user like Mayzen himself, you’d never find him. Krutone has enough holes for us to stay hidden. Aside from that, we can always return in and out of the Void.

Kyto: The Void. The place is only granted by The Orb.

Josar: Yes… except, Aku learned how to make these shards that allow for us to go in and out of the place. We can always return if we leave a trace of the Intergy behind, no matter how small. It’s how we move from place to place so quickly.

Kyto: Fascinating.

Cayten: You mentioned bombs earlier. How did you get a hold of Krutone’s weapons?

Jaze looked interested suddenly.

Josar: Mayzen told us about the bombs. That’s when Aku snuck in and stole your weapons before strengthening your Intergy walls around Krutone.

Cayten: I see, I see.

Kyto: When will Aku strike?

Josar: After Mayzen confirms Penim’s death. Aku’s afraid Penim might ruin the plan out of spite.

Kyto: What is Aku’s main mission?

Josar looked around the room.

Josar: To kill all you world leaders.

The room went silent.

Josar: This is his method for bringing unity to humanity.

Sen knew exactly what Josar was talking about, but for everyone else who didn’t, they leaned in.

Josar: Aku hates how the world works. He justifies his actions because he already believes his life was meaningless. This is how he gives himself purpose. Aku’s usually a very selfless person, so this is how he convinced himself of self-sacrifice.

Cayten: Where did you two meet?

Josar: Troita Orphanage.

Andin’s head tilted.

Josar (looking at Andin): His biggest money maker…

Josar looks to Esren next.

Josar: … and his business model…

Esren’s brows furrowed.

Josar turns to Kyto next.

Josar: … and his funding. That’s why Sicrus wants Kyto killed. Kyto makes all of it possible.

Forim (jokingly): Am I the only one not guilty of anything?

Josar: You starve your people to keep them quiet. Both you and Osin. Different methods but same results. You keep your people alive but weak enough to stay quiet because you know hungry people can’t fight back. You starve them from basic needs of survival. Your practices are dirty and evil.

That last sentence hit a nerve in Osin.

Kyto looks up at a machine that was reading the room. The small red light never blinked aggressively.

Kyto: He continues to tell the truth.

Josar: I’ve not lied once in this meeting. I’ve answered everything to the best of my knowledge and understanding…

Kyto: By sharing all of this, you’ve essentially agreed to side with us. Am I correct?

Josar: I… don’t want to side with anyone.

Kyto: But you are here.

Josar: I don’t want Aku to kill anymore people… I don’t want anymore unnecessary deaths… I’m trying to save as much humanity from Aku as I can.

Kyto looks up again checking for any rapid blinking lights. Nothing.

Kyto: So, you’re hoping we end his run… You realize that means his death, right?

Josar: Or maybe… you can just stop him… and imprison him.

Lessa: Oh, he’s so sweet. If only I could relate!

Kyto: Do you have anymore to share?

Josar thinks.

Josar: I believe I’ve shared just about every important detail I can think of unless you have more questions.

Sen: How do you kill Penim?

The room went quiet again. Josar looked at Sen and saw pain in his eyes.

Sen: What are Penim’s weaknesses?

Josar took in a slow breath.

Josar: Penim is a tricky one, but it’s very doable. Penim is not the best when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. Anything up close is where he’s weak. Anyone who tries to approach him, he’ll do what he can to push them away or pin them down with gravity, his mutant ability. Although, you can resist his gravity if you outpower it with your own Intergy.

Sen recalled his fight with Penim and remembered everything. It was true.

Josar: His other mutant ability is his Rift. Penim thrives in long distance fights because his Rift can absorb anything Intergy based and fire it back. If you aren’t skilled up close, you’re climbing an uphill battle.

Sen remembered Yerah. He realized she was at a disadvantage from the start.

Josar: But there is a way around his Rift.

Sen and Dain listened in more.

Josar: He can only do one at once when battling: either absorb or release. Never both at the same time. After absorbing an attack, he needs to make it his own before he can fire it back. Technically, he can open two Rifts at a time. The first Rift is combined with his gravity, using it as a dome to trap him and his enemies in a confined arena. Any outside attack will get absorbed and used in his tool, so I recommend not attempting to break his barrier. His Rift also can’t absorb life for whatever reason. I don’t understand its properties, but that’s exactly why he won’t engage in close combat. He can’t absorb people.

The room was quiet for some time.

Kyto: You’ve been helpful. You trust we won’t kill you after this?

Josar: I would hope not.

Lessa: Oh, what a brave boy you are.

Cayten: Does that mean you’ll fight by us?

Josar sighs slowly.

Josar: I said before that I’ve never shed blood… and I intend on keeping it that way. So, no. I won’t fight by your side. I won’t kill anyone.

Osin: Do you have anymore important details to share?

Josar: Not that I can think of.

Osin: Ok. Then we’re done with you. Shall we kill him now?

The room tense as slight movement and gasps were made. Some were shocked and some remained unentertained.

Josar: Wait, you—

Osin: You did your job. You can rest now.

Lessa: Oh, that’s so fucked.

Sen: He just helped us!

Osin: Yeah, and he insulted my government.

Sen: You can’t just—

Kyto raised his hand forward.

Kyto: I don’t appreciate this kind of behavior in my chamber.

The room went back to being quiet. Kyto turned to Josar.

Kyto: Thank you for your help. You’ve truly been everything we needed to answer back at Aku. We will not execute you. Instead, you’ll be placed in a confined space. Food and water will be provided. Osin’s and Forim’s dirty evil methods as you say will not be used on you.

Kyto turned to Jaze standing behind Josar.

Kyto: Remove the cuffs.

Jaze followed orders.

Kyto: You will not be shackled. You will have free movement, but only in your confined space. Eyes will be on you, so do not make any movements that we may find suspicious.

Josar: What will you do with me later?

Kyto: We may need you for more questions later down the road. Until this war with Aku is over, you’ll be working for us, and if you live through it all, we’ll grant you citizenship here in Krutone, but only here in Krutone.

Jaze stepped forward and gently guided Josar out of the center of the room. The Intergy cuffs were gone, but the weight of every gaze still pressed down on him like chains. He didn’t look at anyone as he passed. Sen watched him closely. He didn’t know what he was expecting. Perhaps a glance, a word, or some kind of gesture. Josar had done nothing to him directly, and yet, as Josar walked past, their eyes didn’t meet. Maybe it was on purpose.

The door slid open. Josar disappeared behind it, followed by silent guards. For a long while, no one spoke.

Kyto (to Sen): Take time to rest. Do not engage with Penim. We’ll handle him ourselves.

Sen didn’t reply.

Sen rose slowly, his body aching from more than just the fight. Dain followed without a word. They walked out together, the chamber doors shutting behind them with a soft mechanical hiss. In the hallway, Dain glanced sideways to Sen.

Dain: You believe him? Josar?

Sen: I don’t know what I believe anymore.

They kept walking down the long halls toward a world still at war.

The next morning, light above Josar's head pulsed in a quiet rhythm, soft, artificial, and cold. He lay on the cot in the center of his cell, hands laced over his chest, staring blankly at the ceiling. The room was still. Not silent exactly. Machines hummed faintly in the walls, and the filtered air let out a steady hiss, but it was the kind of stillness that made a person feel forgotten. There were no other cells and no other prisoners. This place wasn’t meant for incarceration. It was for containment, and he was alone.

The walls were smooth and seamless, reinforced by layers of Intergy-imbued alloy that shimmered faintly. Even the door looked more like a slab of glowing stone than a passageway, etched with runes that flickered faintly in time with the security system’s pulse. Two Krutone officers stood on the other side, unmoving, stationed like statues.

Josar hadn’t spoken at all. He hadn’t even sat up. Then, the seal on the door unlocked. A chime sounded a hollow echo, and the Intergy barrier peeled open with a hiss. Josar didn’t sit up. Not at first. Only when he heard the footsteps, slow and deliberate, did he move, sitting up to see his guest. It was Sen.

Josar: Sen, right?

Sen nodded once, his cold eyes meeting with Josar’s.

Josar: You’re Aku’s twin.

Sen made no answer.

Josar: Did you come alone?

Sen: I did.

Josar looked to the side to see if anyone else was around.

Sen: It’s just me.

Josar: What brings you here?

Sen: I have more questions for you.

Josar: Did Kyto send you?

Sen: No. I only got permission, but I’m here by choice.

Josar sighed quietly.

Sen: Everything you said yesterday was true?

Josar nodded.

Sen: I still don’t know why you want to help. What are your real intentions?

Josar: I’m not exactly sure how to say this.

Sen: Just say it.

Josar: I’m doing this for Aku and Sicrus. I want to stop them from killing anymore people. I think I mentioned that yesterday.

Sen: What’s another life when he’s already killed thousands? Maybe even millions. Don’t you think your idea’s a little flawed?

Josar doesn’t reply.

Sen: That’s why I don’t believe you. So, why are you here?

Josar looks at Sen’s hands.

Sen: I removed the band right before entering. Kyto can’t hear us.

Josar looked at Sen with question.

Sen: I want to hear you out. You come here with everything we need to know, and you freely let yourself get locked in here. What’s the deal? Did Aku send you for me?

Josar took in a slow breath.

Josar: Can you stop Aku? I turned from him.

Sen listened.

Josar: I don’t agree with his philosophy… and I don’t want to support it. So, no, Aku did not send me for you.

Sen: Then why?

Josar: Aku’s important to me. Same with Sicrus. But I believe they’re going about all of this wrong. I’m hoping… you could convince Aku to stop.

Sen: But doesn’t that mean you’ll be aligning with Kyto?

Josar: I don’t align with Kyto. He killed more than Aku has ever. Maybe an agreement can be arranged. I can’t see Aku and Sicrus the same. It pains me to see who they’ve become.

Silence.

Josar: You look different, Sen.

Sen: What do you mean?

Josar: When we first met in Allatora, you had eyes of determination. It reminded me a lot of Aku when we were much younger. Perhaps that’s what Aku needs to be saved if there is any saving left. Maybe you’re what Aku and Sicrus need since I’m not enough… But now, you look… cold.

Sen didn’t flinch.

Josar: So, in a way. You’re right. I did come for you, but not by Aku’s orders… But now that I’m here, you look emptier. You look like… something is breaking in you.

Sen: I lost someone.

Josar looked up at Sen’s cold eyes.

Josar: I’m sorry.

Sen: You don’t have to be. You didn’t do anything.

Josar: Can I ask who?

Sen: She was someone… I was… falling in love with.

Josar tried thinking, recalling everyone back in Allatora. Then, he remembered.

Josar: Her.

Sen: Her name was Yerah. Penim is responsible.

Josar sighed slowly, looking away.

Josar: I see… that’s why you asked about him… I’m sorry.

Sen: I already said you don’t have to be.

A slight pause.

Josar: This is also why I’m here… because there is no winning side.

Sen: What are you on about?

Josar: This war… There is no winning… It doesn’t matter if Aku or Kyto stands in the end. There so much loss that… we all lose in the end.

Sen: But you’re here because you don’t want to lose sight of the Aku that you remember, and I’m the closest thing to it.

Josar doesn’t reply.

Sen: I may want your help.

Josar looked back up to Sen.

Sen: I want to find him. Penim.

Josar: You’re… going to hunt him down?

Sen nodded once.

Josar: You’re… going to seek revenge?

Sen: There can’t be that many hiding spots in Krutone. Tell me the places he can hide.

Josar sighs. Sen’s eyes were not only cold, not only determined, but now both.

In the endless quiet of the Void, Aku lay on his back against the cold, fractured stone, eyes fixed on the sky above. Beside him, The Orb rested silently, its surface pulsing with a soft glow of white and black. Its light spilled across Aku’s face, casting gentle patterns on the contours of his jaw, his brow, the tired corners of his eyes. He didn’t move. He just stared upward. Sicrus approached without much sound, barely disturbing the dust as he stepped beside Aku. He looked down at him for a moment, then sat slowly at his side, knees bent, arms resting loosely over them.

Sicrus: It’s unlike you to be here. You’re usually pretty far away.

Aku didn’t look at him. His voice came slow, distant.

Aku: I wanted a different view.

Sicrus: How are you so calm?

Aku remained quiet.

Sicrus: We still have no answer from Sen… and Josar is probably going to get killed.

Aku: Are you mad?

Sicrus: I am. If I could, I’d blow up Krutone right now.

The anger in Sicrus’s voice was barely restrained. His jaw tightened as he stared across the Void, hands balling into fists at his knees.

Aku: What angers you?

Sicrus: Josar. Sometimes that bastard just pisses me off. I don’t get his point.

Aku: About not fighting?

Sicrus gave a half-scoff, half-snarl.

Sicrus: That too. Does the dumbass really think pacifism is going to stop Kyto? What kind of idiot fantasy is he living in? Is he choosing to be blind? And then to top it off, he leaves and helps Kyto with whatever the hell it is he thinks he can help with.

Aku: He won’t fight us.

Sicrus: I know. But that only means one thing: he’s sharing Kyto information about us. What else could he be doing there to stay alive?

Aku’s eyes flicked briefly toward The Orb. Its glow remained steady and serene.

Aku: It doesn’t matter. We’ll still succeed either way. It won’t matter if we follow the plan or go in there swinging.

Sicrus sighed, his voice softening just a little.

Sicrus: I know… it’s not that we get the job done… it’s that Josar is making these choices.

There was an ache in his voice now, raw and bitter.

Aku: I think Josar’s aware. He knows sharing anything to Kyto won’t be enough. It’s just enough so he doesn’t get executed. Truly, the only way Josar can get in our way is to actually fight… and he won’t.

Sicrus: So then why? Why even go to them in the first place?

Aku: Perhaps he just wants a way out. He might come back.

Sicrus: You think he’ll return?

Aku: I hope so.

Sicrus let the words hang.

Sicrus: How long do you give him?

Aku: As much time as he needs.

Sicrus ran a hand through his hair, frustrated, but too tired to argue.

Sicrus: That dumbass, I swear…

The quiet returned.

Aku: Do you think he’s talking to Sen?

Sicrus looked sideways, studying Aku’s face for a beat.

Aku: I wonder if those two might see eye to eye.

Sicrus: We don’t know Sen like that. He may be your brother, but he’s still his own person.

Aku: I know. It’s just, Sen looks a bit lost too. Indecisive like Josar. Maybe those two could help each other get up.

Sicrus: Or maybe they’re just two idiots with no direction. I can’t imagine two blind people leading each other in the right way.

Aku smiled faintly, barely enough to notice.

Aku: Well… we just hope then. Not like we can do anything else anyways.

Sicrus leaned back, the Orb’s glow catching faintly in his eyes. Hope. Frustration. Loyalty. It all lived here in the silence.

Krutone. Sen and Dain moved through the streets of Krutone with quiet steps, their presence blending into the pulse of the city. They didn’t speak much. Towering walls of polished metal loomed on either side, humming with faint energy as they passed from district to district. Sen’s eyes scanned rooftops and alleyways, searching for patterns in the crowds, gaps in surveillance, or any flicker of foreign Intergy. Dain stayed close behind, just as alert, his gaze catching on corners and blind spots. They’d already checked three sectors, circling locations Josar pointed out, but so far, nothing.

Sen (whispering to Dain): Only one place left.

Sen paused.

Sen: Dain, you don’t have to come with me. It’s going to get messy.

Dain: I know I don’t have to. I want to. Yerah was my friend too… And he hurt you too.

Sen: You should go and let me fall in case things go wrong. He’s dangerous.

Dain: I know. I would rather lose with you than win without you.

Sen had no reply. Dain nodded and they continued.

From the upper levels of Prism Tower, Kyto and Cayten stood before a curved wall of screens, each one streaming live footage from various parts of Krutone. On the central display, Sen and Dain could be seen weaving through the city’s sectors, their movements quiet but purposeful. Cayten leaned slightly forward, arms folded, eyes narrowing as he tracked their progress. Kyto stood motionless beside him, hands clasped behind his back, gaze cold and unreadable.

Cayten: You’re sure they’re looking for Penim?

Kyto: Positive.

Cayten looked closer at the screen.

Cayten: They really thought removing their bands would mean we won’t keep watch.

Kyto said nothing.

Cayten: I didn’t realize we had that many holes in our surveillances.

Kyto still said nothing.

Cayten: Shall we send troops to deal with Penim now?

Kyto: No.

Cayten looks to Kyto.

Cayten: I thought you said we would.

Kyto: Sen was able to hold his ground during his first fight with Penim. Now that he has Dain, I want to see if they’ll manage. General Esako spoke highly of Dain. We may not need to lift a finger.

Cayten: But, Sen’s on the line. Don’t we need him?

Kyto: Sen is gradually becoming defiant. We have Josar as leverage now.

Cayten: Yeah, but Josar betrayed Aku. I don’t think Aku would want him back.

Kyto: I see it differently. The records confirm they were raised together in the Troita Orphanage. Humans, more often than not, stay tethered to their history. If Sen dies or becomes expendable, Josar will serve as useful leverage.

The city of Krutone at night. Streetlights flickered overhead, casting narrow cones of pale light onto the empty roads. The wind bit sharper, sweeping through alleys and forgotten corridors like it too was looking for someone. Sen and Dain moved like shadows. The last sector. The last alleyway.

They had passed through ruins of commerce and comfort, past the neon signs of shut-down food stalls, the steel scaffolding of collapsed bridges, the rusted skeletons of what used to be vehicles. Homeless men and women curled against heat vents or huddled in clusters beneath old blankets, barely noticing the two figures moving past. Sen turned a corner. At the far end of the alleyway, slumped beneath a broken pipe spilling steam into the street, was a figure. Sen could feel the pressure in the air. That subtle wrongness. The weight of gravity that seemed too heavy for this small space. Dain tensed behind him. Sen took a step forward. The figure stirred. Penim opened his eyes. Their gazes locked, and the moment froze. Penim’s expression flickered, recognizing Sen.

Penim (low): …You?

He stood slowly, the steam wrapping around his frame like smoke from a dying fire. His coat shifted with the motion, revealing the faint shimmer of the Rift pulsing behind his back.

Sen didn’t blink. Dain stood with caution. Penim took a breath.

Penim: You hunted me out… You shouldn’t have. My problem is not with you. It’s with Zarnem.

Sen glared with restraint.

Sen: Trust me. Your problem is me.