Chapter 28: Twilight


'All will be revealed in this twilight...'


The web glows an ominous green in this twilight. The entire world is ensnared by it. The prior cycle of awarenesses is null, as the web moves no longer. I have been in the current awareness for a long time.

The squares blink in and out of existence far more often now that the world is paralyzed. It's a cryptic tune. I wonder how it exists in this twilit world.

There is a slight altercation in the world's tune as I scour it for any unparalyzed areas. It's an odd altercation, for there is no wind to cause the whistle.

The pattern of the whistling is odd. Six notes sound through the air, repeated only once before a new set of six notes sound. Though focused on finding the source, I still feel the chill the lament strikes in my bones.

There! A stone stands on a cliff, a perfect circle carved straight through it. The web has not touched this land, for the wind bellows across the opening.

A figure stands before it. It turns, facing me.

"You came."

I nod in response.

"I knew you would. Welcome, Shinx and Shadow."

A chattering noise sounds from my shadow. Odd. How can I have a shadow when there is no sun?

"This is my realm now. Once, many eons ago, it was another's, but no longer. Tell me, how do you like it?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Why, the web, of course! It's a creation I am so very proud of, you know."

"It's horrible!"

"Why, thank you!"

More chattering from my shadow.

"What? Oh, why am I doing this, you ask? It is quite simplistic, really. You see, this paralyzed world houses a treasure of immense worth. What is this treasure? Simple."

The figure pulls back the cloak, revealing itself as a dark-skinned man with pitch black eyes.

"It's hope."

The man giggles and jumps on top of the howling stone.

"My name is K, destroyer of hope, devourer of will. Remember it well, Shinx and Shadow, for I am the last person you shall ever meet."


'When the will of the world is destroyed, the essence of hope shall appear to right the wrongs.'


"Milord, the three will soon be neutralized."

"Very good. Send word."

"Unnecessary, milord. He already knows."

"Of course. It is his underlings that carry out the task."

"Of course, milord."


'When the essence of hope is stolen, the first of the three shall bow to the whims of the fallen.'


An arrow pierces the man's hand. Shame. I was aiming for the heart.

"Oh, what fun! A battle, perhaps, to the death? I do so love a battle to the death."

The man giggles as he pulls a knife from his cloak.

"Shall we play a game?"

He rushes me, slashing at my face. I duck underneath the bloodied blade and tackle his middle. He groans as electricity flows into him.

I blink, and the man is standing in front of the stone, fully healed.

"This is my world, infidel."

An arrow through his head stops his giggle.

"My, my, my! What manners!"

"How?! That should've killed you!"

He giggles again, holding a bloody arrow in his hand. His head turns slightly, and I am stunned to find no puncture wound.

"Have you forgotten? This is my world! I control the awarenesses!"

He rushes at me again, striking a blow against my leg. Blood mats my fur as the man giggles.

"Such fun!"

Several more strikes.

"Such wonder!"

I cry out in pain as my skin turns red.

"Such perfection!"

I feel my hold on consciousness slipping.

"What? Master, no!"

One eye opens slowly to see the man holding a hand to his ear.

"But why? Aww, you're no fun, master. Fine."

He turns to me and giggles again.

"Well, you got lucky today. See, my master wants you alive, for some reason. Anyways, I got what I came here for."

He taunts me by waving a cloth at me.

"See ya, Red!"

He vanishes into a million black particles as my consciousness fades.


'Oh, how the mighty have fallen!'