Shadow Beings

33. Nature's Time

Isn't it funny to see fear in the eyes of one, so evident, yet a serenity in the eyes of their beloved? The brown light lost in the face of fear, yet the green gaze held a gentle glow, as if they had never felt more content, at peace.

"No!" Jack's cry tore through the air, the power of the raised shadows amplifying. We still wouldn't be able to beat the demons, there were far too many of them, but Jack could care no more. Sparkles of water filled his eyes as his expression finally relaxed to show his debilitating exhaustion, his aura draining at a dangerous rate.

What should I do, what should I do...

My mind moved with haste and a sense of duty as everything around me continued to grow entropic. I moved into each demon's mind faster than I had ever done anything before, while simultaneously aiming for their ankles. They fell to the ground - unconscious - but it still wasn't enough. Whatever I did, it simply wasn't enough, and I couldn't continue to deplete my energy with such an impetuous course of action.

Suddenly, the demons looked absolutely daunted and for the first time, their artificial confidence cowered in fear. The conscious demons picked up the fallen ones, aiding their companions as they ran away. My eyes widened with confusion, travelling to my right. 

Clay stood near the gate, holding onto the door for support. His knees finally gave away and he fell to the ground. I tried to run forward to help him but my feet didn't move, and I looked back to the pained duo.

A bright ball of dark brown and nature's green light caught my eye, paralysing me. 

Something out of nothing? No...

I realised that as soon as Holly had been stabbed, her and Jack's mental connection broke, releasing a burst of pure, absolute energy from both of them. Both colours shone vibrantly and as the sphere spun, taking in energies from its surroundings, more colours poured in.

Red, dark green, brown, yellow, orange, blue, grey, more and more unfathomable by the sense of sight... though the brown remained dominant, like a blanket protecting all else. Its aura was difficult for me to comprehend, a mix of softness and strength that reminded me so much of a certain leader.

I shook my head. Come back to reality, Audrey.

Jack remained fixated on Holly. His tears traced a gentle path along his face, moving soundlessly as his face was twisted into a daunted and bleak emotion that I didn't wish to understand. I felt impassive and my hands hung loosely by my side, my senses sensing nothing.

Then, it hit me. Holly was stabbed.

I rushed to her side, panicking. "I can heal her! Jack, move a little, I can heal her." 

Jack shook a little as he turned towards me, his sight in a daze. Holly raised her arm with effort, holding mine and spreading an immense wave of comfort.

"No," Holly said, her voice weak, but never wavered. "even the greatest angels wouldn't be able to heal me. A shadow's fatal spot, a shadow's heart once stabbed with such vigour cannot be revived. Jack and I's connection broke, that itself says enough."

She's like an illusion now, nearly being gone... 

Nearly.

"The Demon Knight's weapon borrowed energy from Vlad's Sïnder Arger. Besides, you know what this spinning sphere is, it's a mix of mine and Jack's energy. In time, it will lead to a Zeal Santan, a new Shadow-Trapper, Iris. This is what Aqdas was talking about all that time ago. It always knew. This always had to happen."

Jack's eyes narrowed as they held back everything he felt. All I could do was stare.

"I'm sorry, Jack, about this pain you feel. I know it's especially harsh for you, but the moment Iris comes, it will all be gone. Do not think of her as my after image because only part of my energy is in her; she has come for Earth, and you need to be there for her. It will all make sense in time. It always does."