The dark ocean crashed into the shore. Inside the raging sea, only turmoil existed. Creatures of all sizes swam in the waters devouring each other as if in a never-ending war.
One of those creatures, however, wasn't corrupted like the rest, and while it did claw, bite, and mutilate just like the others, its form was much more human.
Despite its sharp teeth, razor-like claws, and gills, everything else was purely human.
Of course, that didn't stop it from pulverizing creatures until it arrived at the shore.
Handprints embedded into the gray sand as it climbed onto the shore. Hair as black as the water popped out as it stood.
"Damnation! Why did it put me back in the ocean!"
Sunny wrung out his hair as he looked at the familiar scenery. To think he was back this soon. Well, he should have come earlier in all honesty. Taking those days of rest was harmful to the long journey. Hopefully Cassie didn't make it too far by now.
Shortly after that thought, the shadows around him stirred. Creatures who had latched onto his scent followed him out of the water.
"Is this how you guys are welcoming me back... really...? Well, I would prefer this over the sappy reunion I all but deserve anyways."
A smile split his face as he extended his claws. He was getting quite hungry anyways.
***
Nephis looked down at the pods that were side by side. Inside lay a black-haired boy and a blonde-haired girl.
"You of all people should know how it feels to be left alone... so why wouldn't you take me with you?"
A heavy thud resounded around the room as her fists slammed down on his pod.
"Why didn't you take me as well?! You damn... you selfish bastard..."
Though of course, no response came from the boy.
"Perhaps this is for the best... no, perhaps this is how things ought to be."
A sad smile spread across her face as her hand drifted across the stained glass. In the end, his decision was his alone. They both knew what the worst-case scenario would be if Cassie wasn't helped.
But why did he have to be the one to sacrifice himself? Why couldn't they have fallen back into that hell together?
Did he have no trust in her capabilities, or was this another pathetic attempt to play hero once more?
She had no idea, and it's most likely she wouldn't find out even after he came back, if he came back at all.
She was the only one who could reverse what his Aspect did to him, meaning without her being there, the perils he'd have to face alone would cause a drastic transformation. It was simply inevitable.
"You damned fool... now I have to go on and become your hero."
Hours later, an academy nurse walked in. The sight she saw made her drop her noteboard.
There were now three pods filled in this metal room, the third one adorned by Changing Star.
***
A screech echoed through the barren land as it was pierced by a floating rapier. Soon after, the creature fell and a figure wearing a demonic mask walked out of the shadows.
Lying next to the fallen creature was the body of a girl who seemed to have only just made it into the Dream Realm not too long ago.
The figure approached the mauled body before bending over and closing its eyes for a final time.
"Rest now... your nightmare is over."
A soft feminine voice came from under the mask, and as the figure stood up, her long blonde hair cascaded across her back.
Growls followed the figure rising slowly from the forest that was obscured in darkness. Creatures that looked wolf-like and made of chitin came into view.
Cassie let Quiet Dancer take flight once more before letting out a tired sigh.
"I really can't catch a break, can I?"
For the second time, the three of them had arrived at the Forgotten Shore.