Shadow Beings

29. Hednas

As silence filled the air, as the thin layer of clouds came to a stop, as the wind stopped pacing, as the grass let go of its hold on us, as the world came to a pause... everything felt still. Fragile, complicated, uncertain, but with time things could indeed be okay.

Evelyn's smile was as bright as ever, but it held a demure touch that reflected the stillness - or perhaps influenced it - and an aura of calm like none other overcame the land. Still hopeful for the last Wind Phoenexia, still wary of Vlad, but it felt as if the spirit let go of a warped, tensed, unnerving bundle of energy. Perhaps it still hovered somewhere and didn't quite leave her surroundings, but she no longer held onto it. 

Guessing Vlad's intentions... such a thought was scary. Still, my mind couldn't help but wander to at least Holly's contemplations. What effect do human beings and other living things have on Earth? On the physical world? On our world? Are they aware of it? Are we aware of it?

The equilibrium energy is in a delicate balance... why exactly? What caused it, and will killing Vlad solve it all?

I turned towards Holly, her head slightly bowed to the ground that hid her thoughts, outshone by her sweet smile. Demons being beings of suffering, learning from struggles... that seemed like something fitting to Holly, at least to some extent, in all the good senses. She was a strong shadow in so many ways and I firmly believed that.

Besides, without the demons, there would be no wisdom, no 'good'. What about the demonic creatures, then? Where do they fit?

What's going on? What does Vlad aim for? Who is Vlad?

A soft whisper roused something distant within me.

What was happening to us Shadows? Demons to bring out the hurt, Phoenexias to heal. What of the Angels? And where did we shadow-trappers?

How much do these contemplations matter right now, at this moment? Vlad wished to exterminate all demonic creatures and that simply cannot be allowed. Maybe he'll go after all living things next. All of sentience gone in a blink, and us abstract beings will be left behind to salvage a physically destroyed world, if we will be spared.

No.

The wind whistled through the tiny gaps between the tall trees situated in the woods opposite to us, as if reminiscing a dear memory.

"I appreciate your optimism, Evelyn. You really are welcome here whenever you wish to be. Perhaps you shadows can reach Vlad and show him the error of his thoughts."

"That would be idealistic," Evelyn admitted with a slight bitterness, but her positive aura persisted over all else.

"Holly's connection to Nature is especially interesting, I do not think it is limited to or by your ability. I believe an interaction between you and Vlad would be interesting and beneficial for all of us, as daunting as it may be. I know you are brave, though, and I do not think Vlad would take drastic action against you. I am not sure why, it is just a feeling."

"I am happy to know you have such faith in me." Holly smiled, slightly flustered. The wind gently blew through her hair with comfort, spreading a smile on my face, too.

"Ultimately, the light's child has a lot in front of her, including the trust of many shadows. You now have mine, too."

I hesitated, unsure of what to say, and decided to simply bow my head.

Thank you... Zephyr.

"As much as I've enjoyed your company," The wind picked up a streamlined pace, "I believe it's time for you to go the Land of Hearth."