Chapter 28: A Profound Enigma

Wendy

Wendy and Bebe sit quietly on the couch. Wendy's trembling had stopped, but she still appears unnerved. She can't stop thinking about the voice she heard when she attempted to Purify Kyle's little brother. They sounded inhumanely hostile, and somehow, they cancelled the Purification spell instantaneously. She wonders if Emerald heard a similar voice back when she tried to free Bebe from corruption. She did ask the Mixed spirit for some tips, but she basically repeated the same thing Elena told her, that it would take a lot of years for her to be proficient at the spell. She also told Wendy that there was a quicker way to bolster Purification, however it was too complex for her to comprehend.

Wendy feels a hand place itself on top of hers that's on her lap. "You don't need to feel bad, at least you tried."

Wendy's face doesn't change, though she is grateful for the comforting gesture and words. "It's...not that. The voice that told me not to interfere...I can't stop thinking about it."

"Then think about something else."

Wendy shakes her head. "It's not that easy-"

"Yes, it is." Wendy looks over at Bebe to see her smiling a little. It appears to Wendy that Bebe wants to distract herself from her own troubling thoughts. "We can continue our conversation about that cartoon."

Wendy straightens her lips into a line. She doesn't want to sit here and do nothing but prattle about a children's cartoon. "Or better yet, we can look for Stan and Kenny."

Bebe's smile drops. "Kyle said it's too dangerous to go out there, remember?"

Wendy looks away, staring at the television. She can see hers and Bebe's reflections in the blank screen. "But what if they don't come back?"

"I'm sure they will, just have faith," Bebe says softly.

"I Also Believe They Will Return Safe And Sound," says Elena. "Sharon Marsh Is A Force To Be Reckoned With, So Whatever Enemy That Gave Off That Forbidding Energy Earlier Will Not Stand A Chance Against Her."

Wendy has never heard her Inner Guardian sound so hopeful before. She closes her eyes, heaving a sigh. "Right, sorry." She opens her eyes halfway. "I don't...know why I'm being so negative." She hates feeling this way, yet there's this nagging suspicion that hasn't left her mind ever since Kyle told them that Stan and Kenny left without a word. She doesn't understand why they would do something so risky. Bebe pats her tensed hand.

"So, about that cartoon..."

Sharon

"Let's stop here."

Sharon, Clyde, and Craig stop near some train tracks covered almost entirely in snow. Only the teens are out of breath, Clyde hunching over and placing his hands on his knees while Craig puts his hands on his hips. They've been running for over five minutes, the snowfall came to an end at some point earlier. They didn't encounter a single monster while out here, which made Sharon more wary than she already was. It's gotten darker, meaning it's nighttime now. The monsters are normally more active and belligerent around this time. At first, Sharon thought that the reason they didn't see any enemies was because Stan and Kenny had caught their full attention somewhere. But that harrowing prospect left her mind seconds ago, making her feel very slightly at ease. Past the train tracks are homes reduced to ruin along with a multitude of trash and other random junk on the ground blanketed in snow. Sharon has been sensing a strong presence of magic far up ahead. She knows it's not coming from Stan or Kenny, which can only mean that they're fighting...a Being of Darkness. The Being of Darkness must've been the powerful enemy Sharon suspected was lying in waiting. Those things haven't been seen much the past few months. Perhaps it was a strategy the Dark Master forged to lower their guards, or to think that there was a new monster they had to worry about.

Sharon takes a deep breath to ebb her built-up anxiety. She must keep a level head, and not envision the worst. Both her son and Kenny are strong, even more so if they work together. She turns around to face Clyde and Craig. "Have you two practiced broadening the range of your Inner Aura Detection?" She asks them.

No longer tired, Craig shakes his head. "I never got around to doing it."

"Phew, same," says Clyde as he stands up straight, his breathing regulated.

"Well, one of you will be able to get some practice in right now." Sharon cracks a small smile. "Let's let the birthday boy do it."

"Eh?" Clyde blinks, then his eyes widen. "W-wait, me?! B-but wait, you remembered my birthday?!" He clearly doesn't know what to be more shocked at. Craig smacks him upside the head. "Ow! Hey!"

"I didn't even hit you that hard."

Sharon giggles. "When have I ever forgotten your birthday?"

Rubbing his head, Clyde smiles, touched. "Yeah, you have a point." She may have been late to mention his birthday, but at least she didn't forget it. She never has. He stops soothing his head. "So, how do I go about increasing the range?"

"First, enter the Perception State," Sharon says. "Then I or your Inner Guardian will explain."

"I'd rather you explain it to me. Leon's explanation will take forever," Clyde says. He closes his eyes while putting two fingers up to each side of his temple. A white and black aura emanates at the tips of his fingers separately.

"Simply put, you have to concentrate harder than usual to increase the ring's radius. The harder you focus, the broader the distance becomes. But don't go beyond your limit. Stop when it becomes too much for you to endure."

Clyde merely nods, and his eyebrows knit together.

"Good luck," Craig says.

While Clyde attempts to follow Sharon's instructions, the woman herself surveys the area, checking if there are any creatures lurking nearby. Thankfully, there are no bright red eyes within sight, or anywhere for that matter.

"There's another reason you're having Clyde do this," Craig murmurs, intuitive.

Sharon faces forward, gazing into the wide walkway that leads into darkness. "You sense it too, don't you?"

"Yeah, but just to be sure, ordinary monsters can't use magic, right?"

"They can't. I believe a Being of Darkness is somewhere over there, and Stan and Kenny are battling it."

"How come you didn't sense their location instead? We could be heading their way by now."

Sharon doesn't blame Craig for being curious, but she has her reasons, and it concerns everyone's safety. Especially if her hunch is correct. "This is going to sound selfish, but..." She balls her hands into fists. "I need to save every bit of my energy to kill it in one shot."

Craig just hums, ending the conversation.

Minutes tick by without a sound. It is ominously quiet.

Sharon turns around, becoming worried when she sees Clyde is still motionless. It's been almost ten minutes. She nor Craig can disrupt his concentration or else they'll cause him harm. Fortunately, the auras from his fingertips start disappearing, indicating that he's done. He groans.

"Ugh, shit." Lowering one of his arms, the brunette places a palm over his forehead.

"You idiot, why didn't you stop sooner?" Craig practically demands, evidently worried despite his vexed tone.

"Relax, I'm fine. Just...my head feels a little fuzzy." Clyde blinks his eyes open as he lowers his hand from his forehead.

"Proof that you pushed yourself too hard," Craig says strictly.

"How long have I been at it?"

"Eight minutes," Sharon answers.

"Huh." Clyde makes a face—a tired and perplexed face. "It honestly didn't feel that long."

"Were you able to sense them?" Sharon asks.

"No, I was blocked by a barrier."

That confirms the Being of Darkness' presence. "How far away is it?" Sharon asks.

"I'm not sure, but I don't think it's too far from us."

"Hmm, best to proceed on foot if that's the case," Sharon says.

"Ugh, great. More running," Clyde grumbles.

"Want me to hold your hand, so you don't face-plant into the snow?" Craig asks with a faint grin. Sharon can tell that he doesn't completely believe that Clyde is fine, but masked his doubts behind a lighthearted attitude.

Clyde grimaces in mock disgust. "No thanks."

"Let's go," Sharon says.

They take off into the poor and just as desolate side of South Park. A small string of blood leaks out from one of Clyde's nostrils. He quickly wipes it off on his jacket sleeve.

Stan

"It's been awhile."

Stan is genuinely surprised to see the fake Kyle again, young in appearance and still gives off an insouciant vibe. They're in the peaceful haven Stan dreamt when he was a child, standing underneath the large tree with white leaves. He's been here a total of three times now. He figured he would've forgotten everything about this place since it's been so long, but he remembers every minimal detail. Nothing has changed. The only difference is that the clouds aren't generating any wind, allowing him to hear the ocean gently lapping against the grassy shore more clearly without the wind's assistance. The sun is beaming down warm rays. Only in a lucid dream can Stan relish Spring.

He focuses on the little redhead. "Why am I seeing you again?"

The fake Kyle gives him an inscrutable smile. "Good question, why do you think?"

Stan frowns, annoyed. This imposter is still a sassy brat. "Don't tell me you're gonna nag at me cuz I let Chris take over my body, are you?"

The smile fades from the boy's face. Stan keeps his body from reacting to the chills that run down his spine. "If I cared that much about you, I would've appeared before you the three times you allowed him control."

Stan purses his lips, ignoring the rude part of the faker's reply. The only reason he let Chris take control of his body those few times was to assess how long the 'Power Link' lasted. Chris didn't know the exact duration, and Stan was curious. They discovered that it didn't exceed past one hour. So, if he and Chris aren't the reason he's meeting the fake Kyle again... "Then...is it about Kyle?"

"Obviously," says the fake Kyle, rolling his dark lime-green eyes. "Seems you weren't able to notice the start to his aloof behavior. Instead, turns out your immortal friend was the perceptive one. It was a lapse of judgement to assume that you would've kept a close eye on your 'super best friend'."

Stan narrows his eyes into a glare. How dare this faker pin the blame on him. "I did keep a close eye on him. It's your fucking fault for not telling me a way to prevent him from turning into an asshole."

The fake Kyle crosses his arms. "Well, apparently, you didn't. However, you're right. I admit it was rather foolish of me to expect much from you since you were so young." He pauses, frowning as he uncrosses his arms. "The outcome wouldn't have altered in any way if you weren't the one who had seen Kyle's changes first."

Knowing that he actually could've made a positive change in Kyle's future upsets Stan all over again. "So, it's too late, huh?"

"Not necessarily." Stan doesn't feel any hope when he sees the frown still present on the boy's face. "It will only be too late when the moon ceases to exist."

That's news to Stan. "What? When the moon ceases to exist?"

The fake Kyle's mien morphs into irritation. He sighs. "Your Inner Guardian was supposed to had warned you about this upon your first meeting." He shakes his head, disappointed. "A Being of Darkness will destroy the moon. I don't know when or where it will occur."

Stan is immediately suspicious. "Do you really not know or are you just refusing to tell me?"

"I speak the truth when I say I do not know. The time and place are uncertain."

The slow-moving ocean currents fill the absence of verbal sound. The first question that springs into Stan's mind is, what's the purpose of eradicating the moon? He can't formulate any logical solutions right off the bat, but his intuition tells him that the Dark Master has an ulterior motive for wanting the moon gone. Stan decides to ask the fake Kyle, perhaps he'll have an answer. "Do you know what will happen if the moon is destroyed?"

The boy stares deeply into sapphire eyes. "Just know, everyone except Kyle will die."

His grim response makes Stan grimace. He...figured as much. "But how come the Dark Master wants it gone in the first place?"

"To ensure absolute victory." The fake Kyle walks away, his footsteps are silent. Stan watches him for a moment before following, feeling as though he's walking on air. Once they're away from the big tree, they stop. The fake Kyle faces the expansive horizon of the ocean, then looks up at the beautiful sky. Stan does the same. "The Dark Master may be a threat to both the spirits and humanity, however even he has his fears that hinder him from accomplishing his goal. And the moon is one of them."

Stan furrows his eyebrows. "Why's he scared of the moon?"

"It produces light, not as brightly as the sun, but it can be just as obtrusive. It is an obstacle that the darkness won't be able to bypass, so for now..." When the fake Kyle pauses, Stan looks down and over at him to meet his blank gaze. "The darkness has stopped moving."

Stan can't contain his excitement. "Wait, really?!"

"Yes, but do not get your hopes up." Stan's elation visibly diminishes. "The longer the darkness remains idle, the Dark Master will inevitably become impatient. If he wanted to, he could have one of his minions get rid of the moon right at this very moment."

The fake Kyle returns his attention to the sky. Stan once again does the same thing. "Then what about the sun? Is he gonna destroy that too?" Stan asks.

"Hmm, I do not think so. Clouds tainted by darkness cover the earth's skies—logically, sunlight is supposed to be able to gleam through the clouds, no matter how thick they are. I'm sure you've noticed the dark clouds brightening ever so slightly at certain durations of the day, correct?"

"I have," Stan says. Even if there wasn't such indication, there are alarm clocks at home that have been more than helpful accurately distinguishing whether it's morning, the afternoon, the evening, or nighttime. "So, you're basically saying that the sun isn't strong enough to be considered a threat to the Dark Master?"

"Yes, and it is because of a certain someone's doing."

Stan lowers his gaze towards the fake Kyle again, eyebrows raised. "Who?"

The child chuckles. "I'm afraid I cannot disclose their identity. You will just have to meet them yourself, though their purpose for weakening the sun was a very good idea."

Of course he would keep them a secret from Stan. He's left to believe that they're an incredibly powerful being, and is someone the Dark Master also fears.

Stan stares across the clear ocean. He's received quite a lot of information from a young and fake version of Kyle Broflovski. Why did he have to learn about the moon's unfortunate demise from a spirit that's still a stranger to him and not his own Inner Guardian? It doesn't make a lick of sense! It's been twelve years, was Chris not ever going to tell him? Not just Chris, but Kenny and the real Kyle, how come they never mentioned it to him? Did they not deem it important enough to tell him or something? Was it information he wasn't supposed to know?

"Stanley."

The noirette blinks once, and his eyes widen. The sky has darkened, resembling nightfall, but the sun is still up there, shining like the brightest star. What a...mystifying sight.

"Wha-what happened?" Stan asks.

"This is your dream, so it will naturally be effected by your emotions." The fake Kyle turns to him. "I'm willing to conciliate your anger by lending an ear."

Stan shakes his head. He's...not really angry, just hurt. He'd rather not discuss his troubles to someone he barely knows...

Wait.

Since there's plenty of time left until the 'Power Link' ends, he should make use of this opportunity to learn about this supposed child's identity.

"Actually," Stan meets the redhead's vacant gaze with a small smile. "How about you conciliate my curiosity instead?"

The fake Kyle is stunned for a brief moment, then his lips spread into an amused grin. "Oh? What are you curious about?"

"You. What kind of spirit are you? An you Inner Guardian or are you, like, an ancient being or something?" Stan also wants to know why this spirit took on his super best friend's appearance, and has stayed this way after all these years. Now that Stan thinks about it, he went through a similar situation with Chris, but he eventually showed him his real form.

The fake Kyle arches an eyebrow, still smiling amusedly. "What makes you think I'll tell you?"

Stan rolls his eyes. "Oh, c'mon. What's the harm in telling me? Could it be...that you're ugly?"

The fake Kyle looks deeply offended. "I am most definitely not."

It appears he cares about his looks. Stan's grin grows slightly bigger. "Then prove it." Blue starts to color the sky.

The fake Kyle glares at him, but then he smirks. "Hmph, nice try. Such an obvious bait will not work on me."

Stan scowls back, miffed. Why's he being so damn difficult? Black filters over the blue in the sky. "Fine, whatever. Can I know your name, at least?"

The fake Kyle protrudes his bottom lip. "Hmm, I suppose I can tell you...If I remembered it."

Stan stares at the child's face to discern if he's joking. It only takes several seconds for him to give up, unable to ascertain anything from those dark lime-green orbs. With a huff, he drops to the smooth ground on his butt.

"Is this how you'll behave when the real Kyle refuses to answer your questions? Like a child that couldn't have his way?"

Stan responds with a middle finger. The redhead chuckles.

"Well, I'll leave you to wallow in your indignation since you plan to keep whatever's troubling you to yourself. Perhaps...before our next meeting, I'll have recounted my name."

The instant Stan turns his head back, he finds out he's alone. He sighs and looks away. He now has quite a lot of questions centered around the spirit that just departed from his dream.

Chris

It has been twenty minutes and thirteen seconds.

Now, less than forty minutes remain.

Chris lets out a sigh. He is so bored. He's waiting for the two blobs to regenerate themselves—one is a splattered mess and the other is a bubbling puddle. Had Stanley been the one still dealing with them, their slow recovery would've been beneficial for him. But it's not the same for Chris. He merely took over just to ease his boredom. Sadly, two opponents weren't as fun to deal with like he hoped. He saunters forward, going in between the deformed creatures. He could've recalled Stanley's katana into his possession, but he needs something to do while he waits. He already healed the injuries Stanley sustained in the shoulders using a small portion of his own aura. He bends down to pick up the weapon and saya, sheathing the katana. The dried blood has seeped deeply into the snow. He turns around, looking at the bungalow. The Nullification Barrier that's surrounding it, he can easily break it. Perhaps he should do it, Kenneth could definitely use the help.

If he hasn't been killed yet.

Chris clenches his host's weapon, his eyes narrowing, conflicted. He shouldn't hesitate—if Kenneth loses his life here, then that will be a huge loss for their side. Marked or not, the Dark Master will find some way to utilize the immortal human for his benefit. Even so, 'Power Link' currently has thirty-nine minutes and fifty-four seconds left. He wants to use it up to its fullest, as well as satiate his thirst for battle. He doesn't want things to end just yet.

"Tch." He returns to his previous standing spot. He knew he was going to regret not partaking in this evening's skirmish. Those crow monsters were just small fries, so he saw no point in helping Stanley. Plus, it was his fault for running into such a blatant trap. The fool. Chris thinks it's comical that Stanley knew coming here was a trap, but not the crow monster leading him into one. The teen handled the flock well in the end though, just like he knew he would.

"Y-you...fiend."

Stopping, Chris turns around. A mouth of sharp teeth have formed in the puddle that is gradually emerging like a lump.

"Could you hurry up?" Chris deadpans impatiently. "I expected faster regeneration speed from a Being of Darkness' pet."

"To hell with you!" The thing snarls. The few scattered remains of its counterpart begin to transfer over to its swelling body, causing it to bubble again.

Intrigued, Chris allows it to do whatever it intends to do. "Well, while you're doing that..." He faces the house and flicks the tsuba with his thumb, propelling the blade out of its sheath by a few inches. He places his other hand on the handle, however he pauses upon hearing multiple footsteps.

"Stan?! Kenny?!"

Chris recognizes that panicked voice. Sharon is very late. If she was that worried about her son and his friend, she would've came looking for them more than twenty minutes ago. How incompetent. She also brought along the hosts of the Light and Mixed Inner Guardians, which reminds Chris that he forgot to notify Stanley of their arrival at the house earlier.

Oh well.

"I'm back here!" Chris shouts.

The trio hurries to the back, Sharon gaping at the noirette, though the relief swiftly leaves her face. Clyde and Craig have their shocked eyes towards the newly formed creature behind him.

"Save the chit-chat for later." Chris nudges his head back. "I'll take care of the thing behind me while you three destroy the Nullification Barrier."

"As if I'll let you!" Exclaims a guttural and hoarse voice.

Pulling the katana out, Chris swivels around, swinging the blade across the enemy's neck.

"Wow..." Clyde says, awestruck at his speed. Craig is speechless.

Chris studies the creature's new form. The sole feature it has are fangs. It is a tad bit tall, and its physique is skinny. "Your humanoid form still won't guarantee my defeat," Chris taunts.

The man-looking entity smiles as its neck starts to froth. A mere second later, the laceration is nonexistent. "You may be right, but killing you is no longer my goal." Chris instantly picks up on its true intentions. The moment it raises an arm, Chris slices it off. As it falls to the ground and dissolves, a fresh new limb quickly takes its place. The Dark figure chuckles. "Was this the recovery speed you were yearning for?"

"Yes, however I am your opponent. Not them."

"Not anymore!" The entity's arms morph and sharpen into spikes, and it rushes at the three humans.

Chris intercepts its path, blocking one of its pointed limbs with the katana. The high-pitched sound and the sparks that fly out upon impact make it seem like the spiked limb is also comprised of steel. Chris shoots the humans an annoyed glare. "Go and get rid of the damn barrier!"

Sharon narrows her eyes. "You better not let Stan's body get hurt again," she warns him. "C'mon, let's return to the front," she tells Clyde and Craig. She runs away, the two teens gawking at Chris and the humanoid monster a moment longer before following after her.

Feeling itself losing its edge in terms of strength, the faceless creature uses its other spike-shaped arm to stab Chris in the head. Chris shoves it back, and dodges slightly to the side, avoiding being stabbed. He puts a hand on its 'face', his palm emanating a red aura.

The monster shrieks, its 'face' sizzling under the heat. "Y-you bast-" Chris slams it down to the ground with one hand, then blasts its head to bits. He stands up shaking his hand, flinging the remnants of its 'flesh' off. He watches the plump substances reconstruct its head in a hurry. As soon as the head is situated back on its neck, Chris shoots down a projectile at its head, making it explode again. The regeneration process begins promptly. Chris stabs the blade into the humanoid entity's chest. Once its head has completely reformed, it yelps, its fangs curved into a frown. "Y-you're gonna pay for this!" Its arms revert to hands, and it grips the blade, trying to pull it out.

Chris chuckles. He puts a hand on the hilt, keeping the katana from moving. "What's this?" Smirking, he drums his fingers on the handle. "Are you unable to slither away?" The creature growls. It grabs his leg with its adjacent hand, and a spike pierces through flesh and bone. Chris doesn't make a sound when pain flares throughout his body. "I'll take that as a yes."

"I'll wipe that smug grin off your face by ridding you full of holes," the creature threatens, smiling wickedly.

"Oh, will you now?" Chris retorts, challenging its threat without any fear. Coincidentally, a pleasing idea pops up into his head, and his teal-colored eyes gleam with excitement. He'll make sure his host's body doesn't take too much damage amidst him carrying out his plan. He wordlessly summons his own katana, it appears in a red glow beside him. He grasps the handle, prompting it to show its features. The blade is a pristine sliver, the tip glinting like a small beacon in the dark. The handle is red and black, and has a gold tassel attached to the hilt. The tsuba is made from copper and has the unique design of a wave on the left side. Chris points the blade at the now nervous entity. "Good luck trying while I torture you to my heart's content."

Time left before 'Power Link' ends: thirty-four minutes and twenty seconds.