To those of you searching for your place in this world,
And to those of you struggling to love yourselves –
This story is for you.
- Viva-Taquitos
Lifestream Black 4
When the man had burst through the surface, he had anticipated his nemesis to fight, yet the man had no intention of losing the fight. Despite the influence of his mother's cells, Cloud overcame the man once more, sending him into the Lifesteam for a third time.
His mother's legacy, too, diminished into the current. The darkness that he had once sent coursing through the Lifestream faded away and finally ceased. Halfway across the planet, he felt the woman's contentment at her work. Even in death, her will was as strong as his. She brought about a cure for the legacy, and eased the souls of those already perished.
But the man was resilient. He has abandoned his earlier memories and made Cloud the center of his being. In doing so, he solidified his spirit. "I have not yet succumbed to the Planet, and therefore have not yet become just a memory." The man knew if Cloud still feared him in the physical world, his existence would be eternal.
His will, too, was resilient. Though weaken, it still existed. He followed the flow of energy until he trailed the woman, careful not to let his own aura disturb her. The man was surprised when he found a piece of his will, still clinging to the Planet's waters and taking refuge with the woman. His counterparts had joined the Lifestream upon entering it, and yet the young boy felt a need to remain. The maiden's kindness and own will helped the boy's fragile mind rest at ease.
The man, angry and curious at his remnant's actions, wanted to rip the spirit away from the influence. It was still his own will, and therefore he claimed ownership.
Yet the idea of a second rebirth intrigued the man. If he could will a presence to be born of the tainted Lifestream once, then the man could certainly do it again. He would simply be more cautious in the execution.
He observed the boy and the maiden, his anger subsiding. "You will be my puppet once more," thought the man, "And I will make you suffer for your atonement."
Disclaimer: I own nothing. 'Lifestream Black 4' inspired by "On the Way to a Smile: Case of the Lifestream."