The fire crackles low, throwing restless shadows across the floor. Night presses heavily against the walls, and no one dares break the silence after Moto's story.
Asher and Tinashe each rest a hand on his shoulders, steady anchors in the dark. They are there for the telling, but even they know—he has never spoken of how it truly feels until now.
Aemon sits rigid, mouth dry. His mind replays the cramped ride through Hwange, when he sneered that no one had suffered more than him. That arrogance now curdles in his chest. Moto's past burns away the pride he wears like armor, leaving only shame.
The silence stretches until Najo finally breaks it. "So you've been holding all that back the whole time?" His voice is gruff, stripped of its usual bravado.
Moto lets out a long breath, eyes fixed on his bandaged hands. "Not exactly. To use my fire now… it's like choosing death. Every time I burn, the pain drags me back. It makes me furious. A part of me doesn't even want to put the flames out." His voice thins, raw. "My mother used to sing to calm me when I lost control. But thinking of it now only makes me angrier. Because I would've rather stayed with her… than left her behind."
The truth hangs heavier than the smoke. Najo's jaw clenches, words failing him for once.
Aemon lowers his gaze. Even Grillet, usually quick with biting commentary, stays silent.
Asher looks around at the tense faces. "…I'll save my part for tomorrow. But please—cut my little brother some slack. The past is heavy, and this is the first time even I've heard him speak it aloud. Even now, he hasn't said what Mom truly meant to him… or about Elwin."
Moto stiffens at the name.
Tinashe exhales softly. "It's late. Let's rest. I'm sure none of us can wait for a new day."
One by one, the others drift toward their mats.
Moto lies awake long after, staring into the shadows. He can feel the live wire between him and Sheu, humming in the dark. He turns and sees her curled on her side, back toward him. Awake. Breathing steady, but awake.
He opens his mouth, then shuts it again. The words won't come. So he lies still, eyes closed, pretending to sleep, while the silence between them grows heavier.
Morning
At breakfast, the mood is no lighter. The silence presses in until Amber, swinging her legs at the table, finally asks: "Why's everyone so down?"
All eyes flick toward Moto. Sheu's especially sharp, expectant, daring him to choose between truth and another lie.
Moto feels the weight of her glare. No matter what he says, someone will be hurt. He chooses to bear it himself. "…We talked about something serious last night," he says carefully. "Everyone's still thinking about it."
Amber blinks. "Oh. Do you want to tell me?"
"Not yet," Moto says softly.
"Okay then. I trust you."
Her simple faith startles the others. She grins. "Now lighten up, okay? I know you'll leave again eventually, and I don't want a gloomy face to be my last memory."
Moto manages a smile. "You're a pretty wise kid, you know that?"
Amber puffs out her chest. "Yup."
The tension breaks just enough for Asher to lean forward. "Alright. Since everyone's here, let me tell you what I held back last night. Amber, you can listen too."
The Crimson Creed
Asher's tone sharpens. "Back in Gehen, a group of red-haired septuplets has seized power. You've met one of them—Kangetsu. Together, they call themselves the Crimson Creed. Their goal is to keep Gehen exactly as it is: lawless, chaotic."
He glances at Moto. "They're strong. Out of your league, for now. Don't provoke them."
Moto frowns. "But if they're holding Gehen captive, won't we have to fight them eventually?"
Asher's eyes narrow. "We'll have to come up with something. But first, you all need to get stronger, fast. And I need to assess this country. There's a great shift on the horizon."
Tanaka adjusts her glasses, smiling with anticipation. "I can help with that first part. I've already observed your fighting styles, and I have ideas."
Tinashe adds, "She has a very unique ability, too."
Najo raises a brow, studying her. Tanaka grins. "Just leave it to me."
"Alright," Asher says, standing. "Tinashe and I will head to the temple to see an old friend and gather intel. Meanwhile, you all train. Do your worst."
Tanaka's grin widens, mischievous. "Oh, don't worry. I will."
Pasi Temple
Later, Asher and Tinashe walk through the streets of Pasi. The once-white Denga crests that decorate the city are gone, replaced by a stark new symbol: the letter M.
"It's been a while since we've walked together like this," Tinashe says quietly.
"I know. I can't wait for the day when we can just… chill."
"Maybe you could visit more often."
Asher smirks. "You want to see me more, do you?"
"Isn't that obvious?"
He leans close. "Then let me make up for lost time. You know it's nighttime in Nirvana right now?"
"Oh?"
"Yeah. And Darkness still owes me a portal after the king's death."
Her cheeks warm. "Asher…"
They arrive at the Pasi temple, where prayers echo outside and scaffolds frame half-rebuilt walls. Inside, reverence hangs thick in the air.
The couple is greeted warmly before being ushered into the inner chamber, where the Holy Ten preside. Among them stands Darkness, Sifiso's older sister, her skin a deep vintage black, her alien-white eyes downcast.
Asher frowns. "First time I've seen you gloomy."
"Do I?" she asks. Light from stained glass dies against her skin.
"Just a little," Tinashe says gently.
Asher tries to lighten the air. "How's Sifiso? Haven't had to bail him out lately."
Darkness's face hardens. "He's dead."
Tinashe's hands clasp in sympathy. "That's terrible. I'm so sorry."
Asher's expression sharpens. "Who?"
"Don't waste your energy," Darkness says flatly. "He dies working for Chandler's firstborn. Alicia."
Asher hisses. "Why was he with her?"
"Who knows. Nothing makes sense anymore. Even Denga has a new king already, before the mourning period ends. And he's taken the Human Ore."
Tinashe's brow furrows. "Is that why people are gathered outside?"
"Yes. Everyone with radiation levels above four is sick. Some are dying. Saint Pathogen is trying to get His Majesty to return the Ore, but there's been no response. We don't know what to tell the people."
Asher exhales, grim. "So things really are uncertain."
Darkness shakes her head. "…I shouldn't be saying this much."
"I understand," Asher says. His tone softens. "And I'm sorry about your brother. Can you take us to Nirvana?"
Darkness hesitates, then nods. "How long?"
"Nine hours."
Tinashe blushes faintly.
Darkness sheds her white cloak, which shifts to black as it opens into a swirling portal. Beyond lies a sky of countless lights.
Asher and Tinashe clasp hands and leap through, leaving the uncertain world behind for just a little while.