Dark walked through the forest, feeling every inch of life surrounding him. The connection he had with nature and the elements flowed effortlessly into him, making him feel more alive than ever. It wasn't just a connection—it was a symphony of life and death intertwining within him. His heightened senses picked up on every sound, from the rustle of a leaf to the subtle shift of the wind, everything around him alive with energy. He could hear it all, a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins as if nature itself was hyping him up.
A smile curled on his lips as he walked with his hands casually tucked into his pockets. There was nothing rushed about his steps, just a calm, steady pace as if he owned every inch of the ground beneath his feet. His eyes gleamed with energy, not in shock or fear, but in pure excitement. He felt powerful. He felt in control. Every part of him was alive with a heightened awareness.
As he approached Tier's house, his gaze lingered on the familiar sight for just a moment before he continued forward. Inside the house, Cron, Gilmuar, and Leona were on high alert. Tier's signal had detected someone approaching. Instantly, they grabbed their weapons, ready for a fight, their hearts pounding as they prepared for whatever threat was drawing near.
But when they saw him, everything stopped.
Their weapons slipped from their hands, clattering uselessly to the ground. Dark stood there, his smile widening at the sight of them. Leona's eyes filled with shock and disbelief, but then she rushed forward, closing the distance between them. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace.
Leona: Dark! You're... you're back!
Dark laughed, the sound warm and genuine as he hugged her back.
Dark: Yeah, I'm back. Zyke sent me. Said I had to cheat death just this once.
Cron stepped forward, his eyes scanning Dark as if trying to make sense of what he was seeing.
Cron: Zyke? The guy from the Death Empire? What the hell happened?
Dark pulled away from Leona, his smile never fading as he looked at his friends.
Dark: It's a long story. I ended up in the dead realm. Ran into Lozus there. You guys remember him, right?
Gilmuar's expression softened at the mention of Lozus. He nodded, a touch of sadness in his eyes.
Gilmuar: Yeah, I remember him. How... how is he?
Dark sighed, leaning back slightly as he recalled the conversation he had with Lozus.
Dark: He's... well, he's dead. I mean, what can I say? He told me what it's like being dead. Said it's not as bad as you'd think. It's... peaceful. But he was still the same Lozus, you know? Always joking, always trying to make light of the situation. He asked about all of you. Wanted to know how things were going here.
Leona's grip on Dark tightened slightly before she let go, stepping back to wipe a tear from her eye.
Leona: Lozus... I always wondered what happened to him after everything. I can't believe you saw him.
Cron frowned, looking between them, his confusion evident.
Cron: Lozus? Who's Lozus?
Tier turned to Cron, his voice quiet but firm.
Tier: Lozus was a student from the Academy. He... he was killed by Sukojo. Dark was there when it happened.
Dark nodded, his gaze distant for a moment as he remembered the event.
Dark: Yeah. Lozus... he didn't deserve what happened to him. But he's at peace now. He didn't hold any grudges. Just wanted to make sure we were all okay.
Gilmuar: And you... how are you, Dark? You came back from the dead. That's... not something that happens every day.
Dark chuckled, shaking his head.
Dark: Honestly? I don't know. I feel... different. Stronger, maybe. But Zyke said I wasn't done yet. So, here I am. Back from the dead and ready for whatever comes next.
Leona: (softly) We missed you, Dark. We thought... we thought you were gone for good.
Dark: (grinning) Takes more than death to get rid of me. Come on, let's go inside. We've got a lot to talk about.
They all nodded in agreement, picking up their weapons before heading back into Tier's house. Inside, they settled around the table, the atmosphere still heavy with the weight of everything that had happened. Dark leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest as he looked around at his friends.
Dark: So... what did I miss while I was gone?
Cron: (dryly) Not much. Just the usual chaos, fighting, and trying not to die.
Gilmuar: (smirking) You know, the usual.
Leona: (quietly) It wasn't the same without you, Dark. We... we tried to keep going, but it just didn't feel right.
Dark's smile softened, and for a moment, the cocky exterior faded.
Dark: I'm sorry I left you guys. But I'm here now. We've got a lot to figure out, but I promise, I'm not going anywhere this time.
Tier: (nodding) Good. We need you, Dark. We're stronger together.
Dark looked around the room, at the faces of the people who had fought alongside him, who had believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself. He nodded, a sense of resolve settling over him.
Dark: Then let's get to work. We've got a lot to do, and we're not done fighting yet.
The conversation continued late into the night, the weight of everything that had happened slowly lifting as they talked, laughed, and planned for the battles ahead. Dark was back, and with him, hope returned to their small group.
By morning, the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a gentle warmth over the landscape. Dark, Cron, Tier, Gilmuar, and Leona had spent the night talking, catching up on everything that had transpired since Dark's supposed death. Now, they decided to take a walk to clear their minds.
The air was crisp, and the forest around them was alive with the sounds of morning—birds chirping, leaves rustling in the breeze, and the faint trickle of a nearby stream. Dark walked ahead, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, while the others followed at a leisurely pace.
Cron: (jokingly) You know, Dark, you come back from the dead, and somehow, you're still leading the charge.
Dark: (smirking) Someone's got to keep things moving. Can't let you guys slack off.
Tier: (grinning) Yeah, like we could ever keep up with you, anyway.
As they walked, Leona found herself unable to take her eyes off Dark. There was something about the way he moved, the calm confidence in his steps, that made her heart race. She had spent so long thinking she'd never see him again, and now that he was back, it felt almost unreal.
Leona: (thinking) He's really here... He's actually back.
Without thinking, she picked up her pace, her smile widening as she closed the distance between them. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, she ran up to Dark and jumped onto his back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
Leona: (playfully) Gotcha!
Dark, caught slightly off guard, instinctively grabbed her legs to support her weight. He looked over his shoulder with a grin.
Dark: (chuckling) You're getting way too comfortable there.
Leona: (teasingly) What? You're strong enough to carry me. Besides, it's been too long since I've done this.
Cron, Tier, and Gilmuar exchanged amused glances as they watched the scene unfold. There was a lightness to the moment, a sense of relief that had been absent for too long.
Cron: (smiling) Well, looks like some things never change.
Tier: (grinning) Yeah, and I'm not complaining.
Gilmuar: (softly) It's good to see her happy again.
Dark carried Leona on his back, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder. He could feel her warmth against him, and for a moment, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the peace of it all. The weight of everything he had been through—the fights, the deaths, the uncertainties—felt lighter with her so close.
Dark: (thinking) Maybe... just maybe... things can be different this time.
But even as that thought crossed his mind, Dark knew that peace never lasted for long. There were always challenges ahead, always new threats lurking in the shadows. For now, though, he let himself enjoy the quiet morning walk with his friends.
Leona: (whispering) I missed you, Dark. So much.
Dark: (softly) I missed you too, Leona. But I'm here now. We've got time.
The group walked in silence for a while, the peacefulness of the morning settling over them like a warm blanket. The air was fresh, the kind of air that felt alive with possibility. Leona rested her head on Dark's shoulder, a content smile playing on her lips. Dark, for his part, let the moment linger, savoring the simplicity of it all.
Eventually, they came to a small clearing where a gentle stream flowed through the forest. Dark stopped, allowing Leona to slip off his back. She landed softly, brushing her hair away from her face as she looked at him with a playful grin.
Leona: (teasing) What? Tired of carrying me already?
Dark: (smirking) Hardly. Just thought you might want to stretch your legs a bit.
Cron wandered over to the edge of the stream, crouching down to let the water flow through his fingers. He glanced over his shoulder at Dark.
Cron: (curious) So, what's next for you, Dark? I mean, after... well, everything.
Dark paused for a moment, considering the question. He hadn't really thought about it—what his next move would be, what he was supposed to do now that he was back. The fight with Nen, his own death, the journey through the realm of the dead—it had all been a whirlwind, and now that he was here, he wasn't sure what the next step was.
Dark: (calmly) Honestly... I don't know. I've been going from one fight to the next for so long. Maybe it's time to figure that out.
Tier: (thoughtfully) You've been through more than anyone should ever have to. Maybe it's okay to take a step back for a bit.
Gilmuar, who had been quiet for most of the walk, finally spoke up. His voice was low, almost contemplative.
Gilmuar: (seriously) But we know it won't stay quiet for long. Something always comes, doesn't it?
Dark: (nodding) Yeah... it does. But for now, I think I'll take what peace I can get.
Leona took a step closer to Dark, her hand brushing against his.
Leona: (softly) We'll figure it out together, whatever comes next. You don't have to carry everything alone anymore.
Dark looked at her, his gaze softening. It was a strange feeling—this sense of being home, of being surrounded by people who cared about him. He wasn't used to it, wasn't used to letting his guard down. But maybe, just maybe, he could try.
Dark: (smiling faintly) Yeah... together.
The group lingered by the stream for a while longer, enjoying the rare moment of calm. Eventually, they turned back toward Tier's house, the path winding through the trees as they walked in companionable silence. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting long shadows on the ground as they made their way home.
There were no words for what lay ahead, no certainty about the future. But for the first time in a long time, Dark felt a glimmer of hope—a small, fragile thing, but real nonetheless. And as they walked together, side by side, he allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, they could carve out a future worth fighting for.
They made their way back home, the warmth of the sun dipping into a golden glow as the afternoon stretched on. When they arrived, the familiar training grounds beckoned, a place of both memories and growth.
Dark stopped in front of the field, turning to face the others. His gaze was steady, a playful glint in his eyes that hadn't been there in a long time. The others lined up instinctively, standing shoulder to shoulder, a united front.
Dark: Alright, team. Here's the deal. All of you, together—try to make me drop to the ground. If you can, that is.
He grinned, a challenge sparking in his words, and the air around them thickened with anticipation. The others exchanged glances, smiles playing on their lips as they prepared for what was to come. They knew Dark wouldn't go easy on them, but neither would they.
End Of Arc 2 Chapter 8.