Some connections were forged in fire.
Others in blood.
And some—
in silence so deep that speaking of it would only reopen old wounds.
Rose Arcwell and Nightveil shared such a connection.
How they knew each other.
Why their voices carried familiarity instead of hatred.
No one knew.
(That's a story for later)
◆ ◆ ◆
Raze Arcwell woke up the next morning to sunlight slipping through thin white curtains.
It took him a moment to remember where he was.
The beeping of machines.
The faint antiseptic smell.
The heaviness in his chest.
Pain followed soon after—dull, layered, and wrapped tightly beneath thick bandages. His ribs ached when he breathed too deeply. His arms felt stiff, his legs heavier than usual.
But he was alive.
That realization grounded him.
He turned his head slowly.
And froze.
Luna sat beside his bed, arms crossed tightly, head lowered. Dark circles rested under her eyes—proof she hadn't slept much, if at all.
Roland stood near the window, arms behind his back, staring out at the city skyline like he was guarding it with sheer willpower.
Rose sat closest to him, her hand gently wrapped around his.
And Lily—
Lily was sprawled across his chest, bandaged arms and all, fast asleep, clinging to him like he might disappear again if she loosened her grip.
Raze swallowed.
"…Am I allowed to breathe?" he murmured weakly.
Luna's head snapped up.
Her eyes widened.
Then narrowed.
"You're awake."
Before he could say anything else, she leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his arm.
"You scared me," she said quietly. "Don't do that again."
Raze smiled faintly.
"…I'll put it on my list of things not to do."
Lily stirred.
Then shot upright like a spring.
"BIG BROTHER!!"
She hugged him carefully—but fiercely.
"I thought you went to the sky place!" she sniffed. "You didn't even say bye!"
Raze winced at the pressure but hugged her back anyway.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I came back."
Rose let out a long breath she'd been holding since the night before.
Roland turned around slowly.
"…Good morning," he said, voice steady—but softer than usual.
◆ ◆ ◆
The doctors were not pleased.
Multiple fractures.
Severe exhaustion.
Radiation strain from Abyss Alloy exposure.
"It's only this bad, because you didn't get treated immediately after the match, your academy healer should have healed you, even if she can't heal you fully, but Nightveil intervened, it's not your fault, but be careful for a few days."
Raze nodded obediently.
He didn't argue.
For once, he didn't want to.
By noon, he was discharged under strict supervision.
Bandaged.
Supported.
Surrounded.
Luna stayed glued to his side, glaring at anyone who walked too close.
Lily refused to let go of his sleeve.
They took him home.
◆ ◆ ◆
The Arcwell estate welcomed him with warmth and quiet.
No alarms.
No emergency meetings.
No crowds.
Just familiar walls and soft light.
Raze rested on the living room couch while Lily sat beside him, occasionally poking his bandages like she was checking if he was real.
That evening, when the house finally grew still—
Raze told them everything.
About waking up in a metal room.
About Nightveil examining Starbreaker.
About the offer.
"He asked me to join him," Raze said quietly.
Luna stiffened instantly.
"…And?"
"I said no."
Rose closed her eyes briefly.
"…Thank you."
Roland said nothing—but his jaw tightened, hands clenching at his sides.
"He said he'd tell me the truth," Raze continued. "About the world. About the Abyss. About the Frays."
Luna scoffed bitterly.
"He lies."
"Maybe," Raze said. "But I think… some of what he said was real."
Silence followed.
"That man doesn't move without purpose," Roland said finally. "Letting you go wasn't mercy."
"I know," Raze replied.
◆ ◆ ◆
Visitors arrived soon after.
Roger burst in first, dramatically pointing at Raze.
"You disappear for one night and become national news—dude."
Rain followed quietly, placing a small charm beside him.
"For recovery," she said.
Gray stood near the doorway, arms crossed.
"…Good to see you breathing."
Raze smiled.
"Likewise."
They stayed for hours—talking, joking, pretending things were normal again.
For a little while—
they were.
◆ ◆ ◆
Astra arrived later that night.
She stood at the doorway longer than necessary, hands clenched, golden hair tied loosely.
"…May I come in?"
Raze nodded.
She stepped forward—and bowed.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "If I hadn't pushed so hard—"
Raze cut her off gently.
"It was a match."
She looked up.
"You made me fight seriously," Astra said. "For the first time."
Her voice wavered.
"…I'm proud of you."
Raze smiled.
"And I'm proud I made Astra Noire give everything she had."
She laughed quietly, eyes shining.
They sat together without speaking for a long moment.
Comfortable.
Quiet.
◆ ◆ ◆
Night settled over the Arcwell estate.
Lights dimmed.
The city slept.
Raze lay in his room, Lily curled beside him, breathing softly.
His body hurt.
His mind hurt more.
Questions lingered—about Nightveil, about the Abyss, about the truth waiting beyond what heroes allowed themselves to know.
But for tonight—
He was home.
Safe.
Alive.
And that was enough.
Somewhere far away, Nightveil watched the city lights and smiled faintly.
The boy had returned.
But the game—
had only just begun.