Technically, Zett wasn't breaking his promise. As long as he stayed hidden from the Shadow Line, he could go anywhere he pleased.
It's not like they can tell me what to do. he thought as he kept walking.
Besides, he hated being shut inside the Rainbow Line where there was always constant noise. The only things that made the rides bearable were Arya and all the light the others gave off. But sometimes, even that wasn't enough.
Perching himself within the branches of a tree, he closed his eyes, drowning himself in the cool shade.
You don't belong here.
Flicking his eyes open, he clutched the fabric around his heart "Grita?" he whispered.
No response.
Leaning back against the trunk of the tree, he forced his body to relax, despite his racing heart.
Then where do I belong? he thought bitterly, feeling his nails dig through his skin.
As if in response, wisps of darkness swirled around him, decaying the leaves they touched.
I'm not going back.
Brushing away the black coils that clung to his clothing, he spoke through gritted teeth "I'm never going back."
Silence.
It's not your decision.
Suddenly, pain flared inside his heart as darkness began to escape from his body, the leaves surrounding him falling helplessly to the ground as their bright colors turned to black. Curling in agony, Zett grabbed hold of a branch to steady himself from falling also.
Stop. he willed, the branch beginning to snap from his tight grip.
"Stop." he demanded more forcefully, completely tearing the limb of the tree off.
Wincing, he breathed out a sigh of relief as the pain began to slowly ebb away, the darkness evaporating into the air. Jumping down from the tree, he stalked away, bitterness and anger pulsing through his veins.
No one can tell me what to do.
"Ice Shadow, give up and surrender!" called Right.
Turning away from another one of his frozen victims, he sneered "ToQgers, huh? It took you long enough. I was beginning to wonder you didn't want to be another one of my ice sculptures."
Dodging his blizzard of snow, the ToQger surrounded him as they shot their ToQ blasters. However, he deflected their attacks easily by creating a shield of ice. Crashing through from above, Arya managed to land a hit directly on his arm.
"Empress of Light!" Ice Shadow stammered, cradling his injury.
Before he could say anything else, Akira came charging from behind and slashed at his back. Regrouping, everyone watched as the Shadow slowly got up.
"Not bad, ToQgers." he muttered "Now it's my turn."
Quickly, ice formed around their feet, holding them in place.
"What?" gasped Hikari, struggling to escape.
Cackling, Ice Shadow then attacked them with a stream of ice shards. Though Arya put up a shield of light just in time, her power was substantially weaker without the Heaven's Stone. The force of the attack to strong for her to handle, the barrier shattered, sending them all falling back. Hitting the ground with a sickening thud, Arya immediately felt her arm sting as warm blood began to drip onto the ground.
Too distracted by her injury, she didn't even notice that Ice Shadow had made his over to her. Grabbing her by the neck, Arya's eyes widened in shock as he slowly began to freeze her.
"Hmm, I believe you'll make a perfect sculpture." he mused.
Gasping, she helplessly clawed at his arm, her fingers beginning to go numb.
"Perfect, I love that look of horror on your face."
Her vision going blurry, Arya let her arms fall limply to her side.
"Arya!" cried the others as they struggled to get back up.
Just about completely frozen did a wave of darkness came crashing into Ice Shadow, releasing his hold and power on Arya.
Falling to the ground, she shifted her head weakly to see Zett make his way past her, an air of darkness surrounding him.
"Ice Shadow." he spoke threateningly.
"E-e-emperor o-of D-darkness." he stuttered "Y-your' re a-alive?!"
Not bothering to answer, he quickly summoned his sword as he charged at him, slashing continuously at his front side.
"How is this possible?!" exclaimed Ice Shadow, staggering back "You're suppose to be dead!"
Directing his dark eyes at him, he sent one final wave of darkness, shattering his body. Turning back to the others, Zett quickly made his way toward Arya, still laying on the ground. Scooping her into his arms, he began to walk back to the Rainbow Line, leaving just as quickly as he arrived.
"Your majesty!" cried Conductor "You could've been killed!"
Groaning, Arya looked up from her mug of hot chocolate "But I didn't!"
"That doesn't matter, you are now forbidden to fight the Shadows now!" he announced, stalking away.
"Conductor!" she complained, too cold to leave the warmth of the blankets she was wrapped in.
"More hot chocolate?" offered Wagon.
"Yes please." Arya mumbled, watching the steady flow of brown liquid.
Once Wagon left, both of them sat in silence. However, Zett couldn't help but notice her struggling to drink the hot liquid.
Sighing, he then spoke "I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" she questioned, setting down her mug.
"I broke my promise." he mumbled, staring out the window.
Smiling she scooted closer to him to the point her head rested on his shoulder "It's okay, I forgive you."
"Are you sure you're okay with me staying?" he asked, talking to the reflection.
"You can ask me that question a million times and my answer will always be the same. You belong here, Zett." Arya yawned, already beginning to drift off into sleep.
Looking down at her sleeping figure so peaceful, happy, and shining. Zett couldn't help but wonder how she managed to stay like this when she was near death just moments ago. But having her here, her warmth pressed against his, made him dismiss that thought immediately. Closing his eyes, he rested his head gently on top of hers, whispering one last goodnight before drifting off into sleep, also.