The Spire (POV)

Log 7

> You say "So that's what Shadow Guards look like"

> You say "Hmm, I wonder if there's still Actytaczyl ore in this town..."

As you approach the town, the shadowy figures stand and begin marching towards you.

> You say "Shit! I think we were seen!"

"Ya think?! Get a fucking gun, man!" Uzu shouts. You almost laugh at the foul-mouthed Uzu

You pull out your gun and prepare to fire, but the figures are upon you in seconds.

> You fire at the Shadows.

You fire the gun, and you hit one in the leg. He curses in some strange language.

Shadowy tentacles burst from the ground and bind your legs.

> You say "Uzu! Run!"

Uzu runs, but the Shadows are quicker. They leap at you and force you to the ground.

They press their cold hands to your neck. "Do you yield?"

"Wha... no!"

The Shdadow presses its claws harder on your neck. "Tzraaa!"

Your blood pours out and mixes with the sand.

Uzu clutches her staff, then fires a bolt of bright light at the assaulting shadow behind you. It disintegrates when it hit the Shadow. You see other Shadows attempt to stop her, but she frees you from your bindings.

"Come on! Hurry!", Uzu says as she helps you to your feet. You walk after her, but notice you're limping.

With your gun now out of bullets, you stick it in your belt and pull out a dagger. "I'm fine"

"You dummy! You clearly aren't!", she says. As much as you want to argue, she's right. If you continue to fight as you are, you'll most likely end up a carcass in the desert. "Fine! you're right!, you say.

"Come on, let's hurry to the dunes, I have a plan"

As you walk, you feel lightheaded. "I'm not going to make it."

"You will! And I'm going to be there for it!", Uzu replies.

"That's sweet, but I'm not sure if I'll make it that far."

Uzu leads you through the endless sands, and to your surprise, it isn't as bad as you thought.

You reach the Dune Valley. The Shadows don't seem to follow you beyond the town's vicinity, so you should be safe for a while.

You and Uzu are shielded by the huge dunes from the sun. You sit down and rest. "I can last about five minutes more."

"Would you stop saying that?! I'm here for you, ok?!", Uzu is almost in tears. You manage a weak smile. "Thanks." "Don't worry, I'll protect you from all those Shadows out there.", she replies.

You're starting to feel the embrace of death. You didn't want to leave Uzu this way, but it would seem inevitable at this point.

You have a sudden urge to run, to charge into the sun and embrace it. You could join your old team and Sam, you would finally be at peace.

> You say "Perhaps, this is for the best, Uzu"

You hear a sniffle. You open your eyes and find Uzu, crying.

"I'm sorry.", you say.

"No, it's fine. I'm just having a moment here"

> You contact your handler on your comms device.