Sunny opened his eyes. He was lying on the edge of the bed, facing the window, which was still dark. He yawned, covering his mouth, and sat up, glancing over his shoulder at the sleeping woman with white hair.
"I'll let her sleep some more."
He left the bedroom and went to the living room. He walked through it, passing a few souvenirs on the shelves along the way, like a black lantern or not ordinary stone.
The kitchen was open, with a kitchen island in the center. He made himself coffee in a black mug with white lettering.
My beloved shadow.
He slowly walked out of the house onto the patio and headed toward the swing. He sat down and looked at the horizon. One of the two black suns remaining in the sky was setting far behind the Hollow Mountains.
He took a sip of his coffee. He smiled wistfully, observing the night sky.
"It's been six years since they defeated the dream god, and the earth was swallowed by the dream world. And it felt like yesterday."
Sunny was halfway through his coffee before a single black sun remained in the sky. It wasn't lonely for long. The first golden sun peeked out on the other side of the horizon.
"Of course, as in Ariel's tomb, both the black and golden suns weren't stars, but twelve of the fourteen soul cores of the divine Titans."
Golden light fell on the side of the distant white spire of the guardian of the north, illuminating the white marble in orange. It stood on the site of the former crimson spire, which had collapsed completely when he killed the black sea.
"Who else can say he killed the sea?"
He grimaced slightly.
"Well, him and Weaver, who, by using the gods as fuel for a nightmare spell, technically killed the storm god. But who cares? Who would argue with a reformed god of death?"
A sigh escaped Sunny's lips as he thought of the Daemon of Destiny.
"The bastard had planned his entire life, from his first nightmare to the breaking of fate, to achieve the higher goal of killing a forgotten god, subject to corruption. And the rest? What would become of the world and them? It didn't matter."
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment. He exhaled, surveying the landscape before him.
Majestic vistas unfolded from the high hill where they lived. Vast glades that had sprung from the scorched earth. Tall forests made of the heart god tree seeds recovered from the fifth nightmare, which had replaced the coral labyrinth.
The former bright castle was visible in the distance, with the outlines of other new cities.
"Of course, only Cassie knew what Weaver had planned before she erased all memories of their fate. Now the poor workaholic, along with their other friends, ruled the world as guardians of the north, living in a white spire while the reformed gods enjoyed their well-deserved rest."
The creak of the door caught his attention.
Nephis stood with her hand on the doorknob. Her white curls cascaded to the sides. She was in her flowing nightgown, which closely resembled the white tunic she'd worn during their third nightmare.
-You're here again- She stated calmly, her expression stoic. Sunny raised her mug higher before taking another sip.
-It's tradition. -He smiled warmly.
Nephis's hand slipped from the doorknob as she moved toward him. She gave him a small smile of her own, moving closer until she was a step away from him.
"Happy birthday. -She leaned over him and kissed him, cradling the sides of his head in her hands. Without hesitation, he kissed her back. When they finished, they gazed at each other for a moment, warmth evident in their eyes.
"Sunny could stare into those gray eyes for the rest of his life. In moments like these, he was even happier that they had succeeded. Despite becoming gods, they could finally enjoy a normal life."
She sat down next to him and, like he had before, looked out at the horizon. She leaned against his shoulder, allowing his hand to find a place on her legs. A silver wedding ring gleamed on one of her fingers. A comfortable silence fell between them, the kind where their mere presence was enough to comfort and bliss the moment.
He glanced at her. His special vision easily spotted the last of her soul cores. It glowed with a golden light, enabling it to function just like his own black core.
"Unlike Weaver, he didn't use their divine beings as fuel, but more as a vehicle, a machinery, as Rain called it. After death, the essence flowed into his cores as it once did into the shadow realm, but instead of simply dissipating, it was redirected into the interior of Nepphis's divine form, where it created new life. The resulting cycle ensured the eternal continuation of this world."
-I still can't get used to how this place has changed. -Her voice betrayed nothing, but he saw everything in her gaze: conflicting emotions as she recalled the old days, as he did.
-True?- He admitted. Long accustomed to unexpected statements. He shifted his gaze from her to the forgotten shore.
"Of course he understood. Years ago, they had come to this place, a rat from the outskirts and a lonely princess of a fallen clan. And like them, this place had changed beyond recognition. They, in fact, they had changed even more. They were gods whose existences had become the boundaries of the world."
He savored the moment at Neph's side. Together, they watched as the first golden sun fully rose, while the last of the black suns still lingered in the sky. The sight was breathtaking, as light and darkness gradually faded into each other, until it was unclear where one began and the other ended.
"Unfortunately, having become the foundation of the world, they could no longer live in it. But Sunny was a greedy man. So when he used the Nightmare Spell as the basis for his own creation, using one of their cores to create their new bodies, they lost their aspects, flaws, and all their power in the process, but they were able to function in this new world."
He finished his coffee and grinned. And he put the rest of the spell to good use. He was still proud of how he'd handled it.
-Sunny. -Nephis's whisper snapped him out of his thoughts. Anyone else might have missed the slight nervousness in her voice. The smile vanished from his face.
"Of course he noticed. She rarely showed it, but she certainly had emotions. He remembered the fear in her voice when they found the seventh nightmare. And the rare nervousness at certain moments.
-Yes? -He asked quietly, turning his head toward her. Nephis didn't answer immediately, taking a deep breath.
"Sunny remembered the last time she'd shown such nervousness. He remembered that day well. It was their wedding, after all."
***
The ceremony wasn't as well-attended as one might expect for the wedding of two gods. Most of humanity thought they were protecting the world, unaware that they had retired. Many people didn't know the true state of affairs, but each of them was important to them.
Their closest friends: Kai, Cassie, Jet, Effie and her family. Rain, with her camera memory, capturing every moment. Tamar, who had been her right-hand since his sister took over as Shadow Clan leader.
There was also room for his cohort from Antarctica, Beth who got together with Dorn, Aiko, Julius's teacher, and many others.
They chose a secluded clearing as the venue. Adding to this the modest decor gave the event an intimate feel, which suited them both. The wedding was over, but they were persuaded to open the guests' gifts before they had time to themselves.
Nephis sat beside him in a beautiful, simple white dress, contrasting with the black suit Kai had helped him choose. Guests sat around them at nearby tables or pulled out chairs, reacting to the gifts based on what they opened.
However, they realized the whole idea had been a terrible mistake when they unwrapped Effie's gift. Jet barely contained her laughter, a few people coughed, and some including Sunny and Nephis shot the huntress reproachfully look. She, however, ignored it; she simply smiled wider, laughing softly.
-That was... the last one. -Nephis, looking calm but actually just as embarrassed by the gift as Sunny, placed the box on the table next to the unwrapped gifts.
Sunny's gaze followed her.
-No... there's one more from me. -He smiled, standing up. Nephis looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
-You'd better get up. -He said, offering Nephis his hand. She accepted, following his advice, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. At the same time, golden sparks flashed in his free hand, from which a black box the size of a Rubik's Cube emerged.
-What's this? -Neph's voice betrayed no curiosity, but her eyes examined the object intently.
Instead of answering, Sunny activated the enhancement that open the box. Nephis raised her eyebrows, staring at its contents. Sunny dismissed the box, leaving a ball of silver threads moving as if alive, levitating in mid-air.
-Who would I be if I couldn't fulfill my wife's greatest desire? -He released her hand, and more golden sparks formed into black scissors.
He offered them to her without hesitation. She took them, turning the divine memory over, freezing when she noticed the engraved inscription. Her eyes widened even further. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Engraved on the scissors were two words:
Changing Star.
"They both lost their true names, but the changing star did not die. An entity whose sole purpose was to destroy the nightmare spell. A girl who had lost everything, and because of that, her existence had become based on revenge and hatred. She was still there."
Everyone present watched the silver ball with curiosity and intrigue, most not understanding what it was, but after Nephis's reaction, they didn't dare interrupt the moment with a word.
"The scissors themselves were single-use, the symbolism was obvious. Once she destroyed the spell once and for all, she would finally be able to leave everything behind. All her hatred and pain, and move into the future, their future, without regret."
–So, ready to finally destroy the spell? -he grinned.
The assembled group immediately understood what the ball of silver threads was. Everyone stared at the small object that was supposed to be a nightmare spell, with various emotions written on their faces. The source of all their misfortunes, but also what had shaped them into who they were now.
He, on the other hand, watched Nephis. Her widened eyes, the subtle tension in her shoulders—everything suggested she was stunned. Finally, she released the shuddering breath she'd been holding.
-I never… I never imagined it like this. -She whispered, barely audible, as if speaking to herself. Sunny took a step toward her. She immediately looked at him. Her face was calm, composed, but her eyes betrayed her. He saw her emotions as always. Disbelief, bitterness, sadness, anger, hatred all accumulated over the years. All the things that had accumulated over the years.
"He could only guess how she envisioned it. How she would tear the spell apart, even if she had to sacrifice herself in the process. She had embraced the idea of remaking the spell as a basis for a new world. But accepting and coming to terms with it was another matter. He knew this, so he extracted the spell's core when he was finished."
He walked over to her and wordlessly intertwined his fingers with hers. Nephis glanced down at their joined hands and looked up, meeting his gaze. They said nothing. He felt her grip tighten on his, to which he responded without hesitation.
"He knew full well it wasn't about hesitation, but about what it would mean. Because who was Nephis without her purpose? What would she be left with after fulfilling it? That's why he wanted her to know that he was with her, that she would have him."
Nephis slowly turned to what remained of the nightmare spell. She took a step forward, not letting go of his hand. She extended her hand to the level of the floating ball of thread, widening the blades of the scissors.
Everyone watched in suspense as the blades stopped just short of the silver ball. One movement was enough to destroy it. After what seemed like an eternity, she lowered her hand.
Sunny raised his eyebrows. The rustle of the wind seemed to practically scream in the ensuing silence, stirring the grass underfoot, the tablecloths. But his entire world focused on her face, her hair billowing in the breeze.
-When I was young, I imagined these moments a thousand times. -Nephis took a breath.
-How I would destroy the spell in a hundred ways, no matter what I had to sacrifice… I was always alone in them.
The corners of Nephis's mouth lifted, and his eyes filled with warmth.
-But I didn't get here alone. -She surveyed the gathered crowd.
-I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my grandmother, who, even when the clan was crumbling, did everything she could to protect me... I wouldn't have made it here if it weren't for you and Cassie. Both those here and those gone have contributed to me standing here today.
Her gaze lingered on him, and he saw warmth and affection in her gaze.
"I wouldn't have made it this far if I hadn't resolved to achieve one more goal along the way, one that awaits me."
Sunny swallowed.
-What goal? -He asked uncertainly, tilting his head to the side.
-Be with you. -She replied without hesitation, her voice full of conviction, smiling warmy.
-So… how can I do this if not with you? -She lifted their joined hands, guiding his hand to the scissors.
Their eyes met.
-Ready? –Sunny smiled fondly at Nephis, snapping out of his daze.
-Of course.
They both turned to the silver ball before them. Everyone around them seemed to hold their breath again.
This time, without hesitation, the scissors' blades cut the ball in half.
Immediately after that, the scissors began to disintegrate in golden sparks. Simultaneously, the silver threads, previously vibrant, began to fade and spread in all directions, slowly disappearing. No one dared to speak as the golden and silver lights rose into the sky.
-Now I'm all yours. -Nephis whispered, looking up at the sparks.
-I couldn't ask for more. -He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, Nephis leaned against him. Standing on tiptoe to kiss her forehead. It wasn't easy, as there was still a slight height difference between them. They watched in silence as the last sparks vanished into thin air.
The nightmare spell was destroyed.
***
-Is everything okay? -Sunny stared at her. Just as he had that day, he noticed it immediately: the subtle tension in her shoulders and the nervousness in her eyes.
-Yes, I just… I have to tell you something. -Nephis admitted, keeping her gaze fixed on the horizon. Sunny didn't press further, giving her time to say it when she was ready.
He noticed her taking a deep breath.
-I… I'm pregnant. -Her chest dropped.
The cup slipped from Sunny's hand. He fell to the floor with a thud, but he paid no attention to it.
-What… did you say? -He blinked, wanting to be sure he hadn't misheard.
-I'm pregnant. -Nephis's voice was firmer, as if saying it once had already taken all the weight off it.
-Since, you know… -Sunny's tongue was tangled. His eyes were wide and his mouth was dry, staring at her calm face.
-Since… when?
-I found out a week ago... I thought today would be the best opportunity. -Nephis glanced at him, then quickly looked away.
The second half of her statement sounded like an attempt to explain her reasoning, as if she were explaining her combat philosophy, not her decision to tell him they were expecting a child.
Sunny took a deep breath. He felt his heart swell as the meaning of her words slowly sank in. His lips involuntarily curved into a smile. He tried to speak, but his voice failed him.
"But he noticed how his silence affected Nephis. The tension in her shoulders grew, betraying her nervousness... Sensing it would take him a moment to gather his words, he decided to tear a page from Nephis's handbook. Do, don't say."
He reached out, placing his hands on her cheeks. He gently turned her head toward him and kissed her without hesitation. It was a long, tender kiss, intended to convey everything he felt. When they pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes.
-I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful gift. -He whispered, opening his eyes and meeting hers.
A small smile appeared on Nephis's face, the tension that had been clinging to her finally faded, as if she were relieved.
"We'll have to come up with a name," Sunny said, frowning in embarrassment. He pulled away, removing his hands from the sides of her head.
Nephis blinked.
Sunny covered his mouth with his hand, moving his index finger rhythmically as he pondered such an important matter.
He heard a snort above him. He looked up to see Nephis covering her mouth with her hand, just like him. Unlike him, however, she was doing it to hold back a quiet giggle. Noticing his gaze, she composed herself, clenching her fist. She cleared her throat into it, closing her eyes for a second.
"Don't worry, I've already thought of a few options we can choose from." She placed her hands on her lap again, gracefully and composedly, as if she hadn't been laughing at him a moment ago.
-I won't have a say in choosing my own child's name? -Sunny raised an eyebrow, sounding offended.
He opened his mouth to say something, but she placed a finger to his lips, silencing him.
-If I let you come up with a name, it would end up being something like 'the child. -Nephis tilted her head, a smile playing at the edge of her lips, barely contained amusement in her voice.
-Not true. -He denied it immediately when she removed her finger.
-Perhaps I would believe you if you still had your flaw... and I'm sure you'll like them. -She looked ahead at the second rising sun.
-For a boy, Obel or Noctic, who were very important to you. I was also considering Julius, for reasons I probably don't need to explain... And for a girl, Ananke or Laura. It was my grandmother's name.
Nephis smiled melancholy, as if remembering her.
-What do you think? -She looked at him. She spoke without expression, but Sunny knew she wanted him to like them.
-I like them. -He admitted with a small smile.
-But I'm still mad at you for not even letting me try to come up with something. - He crossed his arms over his chest, turning his head away with a scowl.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Nephis tilt her head and raise an eyebrow. She had that damned beautiful, amused smile on her face again.
She leaned toward him and kissed his cheek.
-I'll make it up to you later. Now, let's go eat breakfast before the guests arrive. -She whispered in his ear.
"Nephis was speaking, of course, of their friends. Who, as guardians of the directions of the world, as they were called, tried to guide humanity. This, however, made it difficult for them to meet together. Despite this, they met as a group several times a year."
She stood up, turned on her heel, and walked to the door, where she glanced at him one last time over her shoulder.
-Since it's your birthday, I'm cooking today. -she smiled mischievously and disappeared through the door.
"She rarely cooked, as he had long since surpassed her in that art, but she knew well,how much he liked her cooking. And use this against him, like now.
"she knows how to please him"
Sunny smiled absently. Without keeping her waiting, he picked up the cup, which was thankfully intact, and stood up. he walked to the door slowly.
He glanced back once more at the transformed landscape of the forgotten shore, with two golden suns in the sky.
Looking at this image, Sunny couldn't help but think of how far he had come.
"If he had to tell his younger self if it was worth it, he wouldn't have hesitated. Because despite the hardships, the pain, and the suffering."
He smiled to himself, turned, and entered the house, closing the door behind him.
"He felt like the happiest man in two worlds... One world in fact."