Solomon returned to his palace following a long walk and who awaited him but the usual assortment of subjects unmoving from their usual locations.

The spider had vacated the premises but his stench still murked up the shadows.

The Vizier was standing between him and the throne, her fervent pacing etching a subtle trench into the carpet.

Solomon stared her down and she stalled in place, bowing with a hand before her chest, "Welcome back, my lord."

With a cheeky grin she prodded him for info, "I assume the problem has finally been dealt with...permanently?"

Solomon clutched his hands and walked past her, her not moving until he was standing before the throne. He did not take a seat, and instead brushed his hand out with incredible force to make an edict to his council.

"From here on out, the purpose of Obscura has changed."

Dread filled the Vizier's gut, curiosity tickled Dimentio's.

And so Solomon decreed, "We shall be giving this...'peace' of Sarajin's a try. Therefore, he will be accepted here as an ally."

The Vizier ended her bow with a frantic shout of, "Y-You must be joking me-"

"I do NOT...jest, Vizier." Solomon uttered with his eyes aglow.

Dimentio raised the back of their hand before their mouth and chuckled, "Well, I found it amusing. But...if this is where the script goes, I will play along with whatever role you decide for me."

He then flapped his hands down by his hips and admitted, "Ah, who doesn't love a good plot twist?"

The Vizier continued to grit her teeth and scowl, drawing Dimentio's attention her way so he could shrewdly comment, "Like a certain witch I could mention."

The Vizier brushed their hand up, tempted to fry the jester until the rest of their face was black but squeezed their fist and threw it in an arc before their chest.

Xiark stirred from his slumber with a quick note on the events unfolding, "Mmmm, finally swayed by his words?"

Solomon was silent and motionless, his motives only capable of being dissected by himself...and the parasite grinning in secrecy behind him.

Solomon then turned his hand around and tightened his fingertips near the palm, "There shall be plenty of work ahead of you. Perform within my expectations, or I will tolerate your presences no longer."

He glared at the Vizier in particular, "Am I clear...Vizier?"

The Vizier bit into their bottom lip and snarled, before submitting like a whimpering puppy, "O-Of course, Lord Solomon."

"...I will return to my chambers until Sarajin returns, from there we shall gauge our first strike against the enemy." Solomon then left his throne room behind entirely and ascended to his chambers.

Dimention was giggling softly with lunacy, "Oh this is going to be an exciting time, like running through a balloon shop with needles in your hands."

He then snapped his fingers and disappeared into his dimensions, leaving the Vizier to hunch over and continue to stew in her anger.

"H-How dare him...! Sarajin...Sarajin...Sarajin...! I do everything in my power to serve Lord Solomon, tirelessly mastering the darkness beyond such pitiful comprehension...and yet you would rather throw your trust in with that LOUT...?!"

As her footsteps neared the throne, the parasite began to chuckle inside of her head.

"You haven't made enough progress, that's all...Because you're still scared of the darkness' TRUE essssssence."

The Vizier faced the parasite grinning in its jar, "And besides...this is good, actually."

"What do you mean?" The Vizier murmured, "Lord Solomon is being swayed away from his grand destiny!"

"Is THAT what it looks like? Oh, my poor naive little child, ha ha ha ha...! Hee hee...!"

The Vizier furrowed her brows, "Worthless parasite...! I don't need you to gain his everlasting attention...!"

The Vizier marched off but the demon's laughter continued to rattle her inside, "If you just opened your eyes a little more you'd see the truth!"

And from there out, the parasite's voice was only his own to hear, "My patience will pay off..."

Behind the scaffolding of the throne, Atrax stood there with their back propped up against it, lowering the tips of their spare appendages away from it.

He breathed a heavy sigh of relief and chuckled, becoming briefly unhinged, "T-They're allying with each other. Good...good yes...that's...good."

"I can do it...this time...finally..."

Their heart was pumping so fast they could hardly breathe, and such illustrious excitement could only be punctuated with a single sentence.

A sentence that just so happens, the demon was also thinking this very moment...

"One step closer to success...!"

ACT 3: The Shadow of History

Chapter -42: Reset

Zeno kneeled on the couch of his home, only his eyes poking over the head, staring at the front door.

It felt like forever since he saw his dad and even his naive young mind picked up that something was wrong between his disappearance and his mom's silence.

He was starting to get tired from staring at the door all day and so prepared to lay down for a nap.

Then he heard a couple knock on the side of the door. Weak ones, but it carried a familiar rhythm.

He sprung up, eyes sparkling with kiddie joy as the cloth door parted and his dad, dirty and tired, came through the door.

His smile was strong and prevented the horrible state of his body from setting in.

"H-Hey, son." He said with a gasp of relief.

"DAD!" Zeno threw himself over the couch and his feet snagged the top and sent him face first towards the ground.

Sarajin slid onto his knees and caught him, pulling him back onto his feet but embracing him in a hug, "Sorry to keep you waiting..."

Zeno patted him on the back and whispered with a little cockiness, "I knew you'd come home."

"...I knew I would too." He whispered back.

As Sarajin rose he heard a faint panting sound behind him and his heart started to shake. Standing under the door frame was his loving wife, having run herself into a sweating fit and her pupils shrunken in disbelief.

Sarajin turned aside and his smile was like fading sunlight. Her heart was wrenched and tears began to fall per her gasp.

She ran at him and wanted to throw her arms around him and hold him down until he submitted. She wanted him to surrender to the heartbreak she felt and never leave him again...

But all she managed was grabbing hold of his arms and staring at him with her damp eyes, which made her irises glisten like the far-off cosmos.

Sarajin cocked his smile and with his eyes subdued, he nodded and whispered, "I'll do a better job of listening to you from now on."

"Y-You better...!" She gasped, raising her own smile in tune with his, "Lord, I thought I had lost you forever..."

"I was lost for a long time," Sarajin humbly admitted, "...But I've found my way back."

He then reached out to hold her by the shoulders and stare lovingly into her eyes, "I'm done relentlessly pursuing strength. Now...I just want to be the best person I can be to everyone around me, starting with you, my family."

The two broke away so Auris could wipe her face dry with her sleeve. With clearer eyes she saw her husband in a different light than before.

His face was softer, his expression more zen. There was a faint halo of sunlight around his head.

So, she felt relaxed, and could trust in this renewed vow of his.

Sarajin then flinched with his more innocent demeanor and looked at his son to say, "Hey Zeno, can you go upstairs for a bit so your mom and dad can talk in private?"

Zeno nodded and then ran up the stairs to leave them be. The two then went over to the couch, where Sarajin sank into the cushion and moaned out all of his remaining stress.

"I missed this..." He said.

Auris sat next to him and started rubbing some of the dirt off his skin, feeling the density of his bones beneath it, which briefly reignited her concern.

But then he leaned out and cupped his hands over his lap, telling her straight up, "I'll never be able to look at my body the same way again after what I did. Every time I see my reflection, I'll always see blood on it."

That little depressing anecdote was immediately followed by him sighing and letting out a smile, "The 'higher-ups' want me to take a year-long break from helping them out and honestly? I'm going to take full advantage of it to rethink what it means to help this world."

Auris glanced aside with eyes laced with ire and murmured, "Why help them at all after this...? THEY pushed you past your limits."

Sarajin shook his head, "No, it's all my fault. I kept thinking the way to make the world a better place was to keep moving forward and making progress, and nothing else mattered."

"...I still have plenty of years left in me. I can afford to take it slow and think things over."

"As for them, yeah, maybe some of these other worlds give nothing back, but...I still can't in good conscience leave them to their fate."

"You probably only saw the Lunarians' society through your clairvoyance...You didn't experience it directly like I did. It was humanity having evolved into the worst possible state it could have."

"...If I can't stop evil like that on my own, then I have to keep the worlds safe so someday someone can rise up against them."

He then turned to his wife and asked her, "But if you say I shouldn't keep doing it, I'll stop."

Auris closed her eyes and pinched the space between her eyes, "I don't want to stop you from doing what you think is right...I'll just trust that you'll be more careful from now on, and not push yourself to take missions that are so morally complex."

"I can do that," Sarajin agreed, "Actually...I've already thought ahead on a way to make it easier on me next time."

There was a slight feeling of dread in those words that made Auris' stomach churn.

He then turned to face her fully and said with some mild excitement coming through, "Anyways, I haven't told you the best news though! Solomon finally agreed to ally with us to bring peace to the world!"

Auris' face briefly lost its luscious glow and she stammered, "S-Solomon...? As in the ruler of Obscura, THAT Solomon?"

Sarajin picked up on her rocky tone and remarked, "I-I know it's not going to be easy for you or anyone else to trust him, but he's willing to make an effort, so I think we should respect that."

"..." Auris tensely nibbled her lower lip, the depths of her distasteful feelings towards that man going unspoken and had she had her way, it would have remained as such...

But…this WAS progress, incredible progress at that. So for now she'll stow her words and simply advise her husband on what to do next, "You should introduce him to the others as soon as possible."

"O-Oh yeah, everyone…mom, dad…" Sarajin was pained by thoughts of guilt but steadied himself to gesture his hand up from his arms, "We'll have Atrax contact the others and let them know I'm ok."

"I'll take a few days to rest here, eat, get my body back in shape. Then I'll go visit my parents for a bit to reassure them."

"And you'll take Solomon around after that?" Auris wondered, her tone a little sour.

Sarajin nodded and then smiled, "You know, officially, this makes him our representative of darkness in the Genesis Samurais."

"Don't jump ahead," She said in a haste, then took a deep breath to calm herself, "Let him…prove himself first."

"I hope he does. Then we'd only be missing someone to represent Light."

"Aren't you already?" Auris suggested, earning his surprise.

But then he thought about it and, "Y-Yeah, I guess so? …I am the only one who can use Light."

"And your father already covers the Wind."

"W-Wow…so all Tribes are represented in our group," Sarajin's smile melted into a wobbly shape, "Then we can do it…this time, I feel it…!"

He then took a deep breath to relax, and stared his wife in the eyes with some trouble, "I-I think I'm starting to run out of steam…"

Auris flinched onto her feet with a gasp, then leaned in and told him, "You wait right here. For the next few days, relax. I will spoil you as much as you can handle."

Sarajin leaned into the couch and shook his head fondly, "I missed you so much."

"...Sarajin. I…will also strive to be a better person as well."

He had already started to drift off for a long overdue nap. She glided her hand up upon his cheek and gave him a couple gentle pats, holding on and briefly puckering her lips.

A long sigh followed, and she left for the kitchen to make him the best meal he'll ever have.

Thus began a few days calm for this small family, and the skies began to regain their luster.

Sarajin washed the dirt and blood off his skin, Auris restitched his poncho, though could not infuse it with a mother's warmth.

A few days of food and rest helped him become lean and fit again, with his cheeks warm and pink once more.

He took a couple extra days off to spend time with his son and help him learn how to control his fire better. For the rest of the time they goofed off around the house playing hide and seek.

And once he was all ready to go it was right in the morning, after a delicious breakfast and a kiss blown from his wife.

His son was there to see him off, and Sarajin made sire to lift him high in the biggest hug he'd ever received.

Then he turned and headed for the door, "Alright, I'll be gone a bit to be with my parents, so Zeno? Listen to what your mom says."

Zeno murmured with a dull nod. Before his dad left again, he pulled away from his mom with a shout, "I-I want to fight alongside you next time…!"

Sarajin was stunned and looked back over his shoulder to see his son's eyes basking in the glow of determination.

His sin swung his fists like a pair of rattles and declared, "I can save the world too!"

Sarajin looked at his wife and she was looking at their son before looking back at him. The two weren't certain how to proceed and Sarajin felt like there was no good answer that would make him feel comfortable.

But he couldn't ignore how proud he felt that his son wanted to protect something so important to him at such a young age.

He tilted his head at Auris and she closed her eyes with a sigh before addressing their fiery little boy, "If your father is OK with it, I won't say anything."

Zeno pleaded with his wide eyes and a little whimper. Sarajin tossed this heavy weight off his shoulders and told him, "You'll have to train first."

Zeno gasped.

"But if you want to be by my side, how can I say no?" Sarajin said fondly, a slight crack in his voice.

Zeno ran over and hugged his dad's leg, "THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!"

He then pulled away and shouted, "I'll be the best hero of fire EVER!"

"A-A hero huh…? Already thinking big, that's good." Sarajin then continued to exit the hohouse, catching his breath after being winded by that last comment.

He then held his hand against his chest and murmured, "Hope, inspiration, love…"

He formed a fist, nodded, then took flight for his old home in the sky.

Meanwhile, Auris tensed up and then bent down to look her son in the eyes, with him still high off excitement.

"Mom, I want to start training NOW!"

"Well, mommy has to go outside real quick first."

"Aaaaaawwww…" Zeno pouted and kicked the air.

She wagged her finger up and threw him a bone, "But don't worry, I'll invite Gabriel over to watch over you, and he'll teach you some of the basics."

She poked him on the nose and he wondered, "Where are you going?"

She stood up and the arch of her brows was obscured behind her chest, "To take care of a loose end…"

She gathered her spirits, her sword and her shield and set off towards the south…

Sarajin took his time flying home as his equilibrium was still a little off, but along the way there was one thing he was hoping to take care of real quick.

That is assuming, of course, that they would be willing to listen to him...

He looked up towards the sky and spoke, "Yen Sid? Can you hear me?"

There was no response, so he tried again with a little patience, "...I just need to talk for a little bit, is that alright?"

"Very well," The wise sage spoke into his head, "I seem to have found you in better spirits already. Have you reflected on your actions?"

"Not enough, but...I'm working on it. I'm just...happy to be back with my family right now."

"I'm going to take that entire year off like Futanji suggested, but there's something different I want to do when it's over."

"There's someone I've known for a while. There was a lot of friction between us, but now he wants to act as an ally. His name's Solomon. He wields the power of Darkness."

"Mrrr..." Yen Sid's discomfort could be felt in Sarajin's soul.

"Hmm?"

"Is that power his own?"

"In a sense? It was passed down to him by his mother...why do you ask?"

"I am aware that a primal demon of darkness has been contained on your world. Are you SURE that his whispers have not breached your ally's heart?"

"Solomon had the power of darkness before that demon arrived, that demon has no hold over him."

"...Forgive my pressure on the subject. I will trust your word. So, what is your suggestion for this...Solomon?"

"That he's allowed to come with me to other worlds," Sarajin said with a more serious tone, "I think it would be a good idea to have someone who can keep me in check, or handle the pressure on matters I can't."

"Hmmm...And who will keep HIM in check should his darkness take control over his heart's desires?"

"Give me a year to work alongside him, and you won't have to worry about that. I swear it."

"Very well. Bring him before us in a year's time, and we shall judge whether he is capable of completing your request."

"...Thank you for hearing me out, Yen Sid. And...sorry for my behavior recently."

"To reflect upon one's misgivings shows a greater strength of heart than most would care to admit. I will be honored...to work once more alongside the man you will become in a year's time."

"S-Same here. Ok, no more communication until then, alright?"

"Very well. Take care, Sarajin Stratos."

That was all that he needed to get off his shoulders. And with a steadier flight, he made his way towards his old home for some much needed reconnecting with his parents...

As a new day dawns on Obscura, Solomon finds himself seated upon his throne with purpose. Now taking considerable consideration towards what he shall do with this newfound allegiance, he continued to stare out towards the front doors, wondering when Sarajin would make a reappearance.

Dimentio filled the dull air with snark directed at him, "My my, once you wanted him gone like a circus of fleas, now you want him near you, like a bee to honey."

The Vizier snarled from a distance, "Do you EVER tire of those useless metaphors?"

Dimentio bowed and chuckled sincerely, "I am a boundless lexicon of witty repertoire."

This was all the Vizier could do to fill the time, saying anything against her lord was futile.

But this wouldn't be dull for much longer. Something stirred in the air. Something powerful, something fierce. Something...coming straight for them.

Solomon's gaze stirred and Xiark raised his head from his paws, "Oh?"

A shadow silhouetted through the door raised their hand and then slashed the doors down, immediately lunging through the gap quicker than any wind to engage Solomon at his throne, sword bearing down upon his neck.

A powerful gale blew through the room and knocked the Vizier back and sent Dimentio tumbling into the hallway, while Xiark's imitation skin flaps fluttered everywhere.

Solomon did not flinch and stared down the aggressor, Auris, with an air of surprise and nostalgia surrounding him.

Auris' eyes were intense and her pupils barely visible. The sheer cold of a thousand nights pierced the darkness shrouding Solomon's face and only grew stronger with time.

Solomon leaned into his fist and murmured, "Has it been over a decade? Yet you haven't changed in the slightest. To what...do I owe our reunion to?"

Auris grit her teeth and growl in a haste, "This is how easy it will be for me to kill you. Remember that...!"

The Vizier and Dimentio surrounded Auris on both sides and raised their hands but Solomon flicked his fingers off his chin and remarked, "There is no use in trying. This is merely a message."

Auris slanted her brows and roared, "Do I make myself clear then?!"

"Crystal..." Solomon uttered coldly with his eyes narrowing, "But answer me one question first..."

Auris kept her sword gripped tightly against his neck as he spoke.

"You chose Sarajin over me for a reason. Have you been left...satisfied by your expectations of him?"

"He will always keep fighting the good fight, I believe in that now more than ever! And if you prey on his good-heart or betray him, there is nowhere in this world, in the light OR in the shadows, that will keep you safe from me...!"

"Aaah..." Solomon stirred with a subtle creak of intrigue inside his armor.

He then matched Auris' intensity to tell her, "I have no intention of betraying his trust. Following his plan, his 'peace', may perhaps be the only way I can answer the question 'Who am I?'"

Auris pulled away and held her head high with a scoff of contempt, "If that is what you seek to gain from this then you're wasting your time."

She turned and began to march away, leaving him with one last bitter remark, "You'll never find what's most important, and that's the capacity to love."

Solomon tapped his fingertips along the side of his helmet and rose against his throne, "I was wrong about one thing. There IS something different about you."

Auris paused halfway to the door, a chill crawling up her spine as he spoke, "Your eyes...they've been damaged by warmth. It seems...I no longer have an interest in you."

Auris spun and flung her sword at his head. He turned and the blade sliced off the bottom left side of his helmet and knocked down the entire back wall.

Auris panted and then closed her hand to call the sword back in a small flurry of light. Solomon readjusted his body and then laid his hands on the arms of the chair, "Since you're here, take Sarajin's sword back to him. It rests upon the hill where my mother was laid to rest."

Auris arched her brows and scowled, then chose to leave this matter be while she still had discipline over her emotions.

Once she departed, Solomon felt her final words to him echoing inside, forever and ever, leaving him gripping his throne until the wood snapped apart...

Next Time: Blade of Ambition