Shadow Beings

64. Until We Meet Again

Everything blurred around me. The colour from my face drained when the three lines pierced through the shield, their edges sharper than anything I had ever seen.

I ran forward, stretching an arm towards the three. All of my collected energy was directed in front of Iris. The centre of the shield began to develop quickly, spreading towards Clay and Jay. My hands threatened to shake and my throat felt choked, condensing my aura into something unstable. I flexed my muscle, hoping the tension would increase the flow of energy and its power.

How could such an action possibly help?

Ariana realised what had happened and just in time her energy towards the small shield I formed. All the energy hit the centre, and I could see its waves float towards the edges. A bright, white shield with great strength.

I sighed in relief as the first spear collapsed the moment it hit the shield in front of Iris. I reached towards her, hugging her protectively while sitting on my knees. I felt something graze my neck, but it probably was only the harsh wind, an otherwise comforting feel bringing anything but comfort to me.

I thought I could finally breathe freely, until the other two spears cut through the weak shield, piercing Jay and Clay in their chest.

No... I thought with horror. I raised my shivering palm with fear in my eyes. The hands that were proud of creating so many sounds... drenched with their blood. But it wasn't actually there. But in a way it was.

But it wasn't your fault.

But I could've done better.

But it is my responsibility.

Who was I speaking to?

I loosened my grip around Iris, my hands shaking. She opened her eyes, looking at me with a confused look. Her small hand gave me a small pat on my head, but I was unable to feel anything good. Iris almost moved her eyes towards Jay but I gently put my hand on her eyes, not letting her see him. Not that way.

Everyone rushed towards us, panic filling the air. The demons still stayed unconscious, a pile of black stretching for a long distance. Jack rushed to my side, gently picking up Iris and taking her away from the crowd. I moved my head from the left to right in disbelief, unable to comprehend any of this.

Golden blood oozed out of their wounds, though nothing was drenched in the colour. My hands fell onto the ground, shaking profusely now. Something cold touched it, seeping into every gap.

"Clay!" Conrad cried, his agonising scream tearing through the atmosphere as he gently lifted his brother's head onto his lap. He fought his tears, turning his eyes towards Jay and back to Clay, unable to feel anything but grief. Evelyn stood by his side and Ava put one hand beneath Clay's head, and the other one rubbed Theo's back consolingly. I had only twice before seen Ava struggle to keep her emotions in.

"You said I could end it. Why couldn't I do it?" Conrad said with deep frustration and sorrow, the emotion propagating all around until it finally converged onto me.

"You did end it, Conrad. Without you, Vlad would've been bitter in the end. The three entities would not be united."

"Wh-what do you mean?" Conrad whimpered, his voice faint. Evelyn now stepped aside to give Conrad space. "And he was bitter. He tried to take you and Jay!"

Conrad's tears suddenly stopped and he buried his face in Clay's chest.

"Please... please don't let him take you away from me again."

Deep guilt reflected in my eyes. Clay momentarily turned towards me, sharing my expression as he shook his head.

"Conrad, everything and everyone has its time. Always remember this. Vlad was never bitter."