Inside Umbra's Ruins ✓ [Umbra's Fate #2]

ᴇɪɢʜᴛ: ꜱᴛᴇꜰᴀɴ

Is it possible to go back to a mundane life after having a taste of power? The last few weeks Stefan had been wondering what would happen to the villagers if everything went back to normal. The abilities they received didn't belong to them, and yet, the inhabitants absorbed them as a part of their being. How will it feel to let them go? Would it be like abandoning a part of their soul? 

The more time passed the more the leader forgot who he was without his power, without the Protectors. He'll have to find himself once again, or maybe he could create a new version of Stefan, one that he'll be finally proud of. When there's no choice.

When there are no alternatives, actions that seem impossible take force, even leaving behind everything one comes to consider home. The man kept reminding himself that it was best for everyone, that Momotaro would do a great job. He wouldn't have been there, in the courtyard of his house, interrupting his last opportunity to enjoy the beautiful view of the garden, if it wasn't for the fact that he believed in Momo's potential.

"I don't want your power," said the young man, bringing Stefan back to reality. "I can't take it away from you."

The oldest sighed, he hoped not to have to make an effort to convince the other, perhaps luck had deserted him that afternoon.

"You won't. The power will still be mine, I'm giving you the possibility of using a part of it." 

"The power of controlling the tattoos I guess." 

"Seems like you're starting to catch up. You'll need the power if you want to keep the members in check. It's the most practical way of communicating, and the one they're used to. Trying to set up a new system right now would be a waste of time." Stefan extended his right arm, showing the symbol of the Protectors. "Show me yours." 

Momotaro did as his leader asked and stretched out his arm next to the other's. The ink present on both of their bodies began to move. The crescent moons transformed into snakes that escaped from their forearms and passed through the space between them to meet in the middle. 

A warm and tingling sensation spread through Stefan as he concentrated on sensing his power. He calmed his breathing and commanded his energy to pool around his chest, from there he sent it towards his arm. The snakes worked as a bridge between them, allowing the oldest to transfer his power to Momotaro. 

Tiredness washed over Stefan the instant some of his energy left him. On the other side, Momo seemed more radiant than ever, all weariness gone from his face. Slowly the serpents receded and the crescent moons appeared once more. 

"Can you feel it?" Asked Stefan.

"Your energy? I do." Momotaro brought his hand to his chest. "It's not as strong as what I felt with the scepter, but it's pretty close. It feels like an electric current has taken hold of my heart." 

"It should settle down once you learn to control it. You'll have to work on it like you did with your power." 

"I can already tell that I'll be harder to control, I can feel how it's trying to move."

"Each power has a different nature, you should know after training so many members. Mine is made to be in constant motion, to take on different forms and reach out to others." 

To confirm his words the man pointed to his tattoo. The ink did not stop moving, sometimes it changed its position traveling through the arm, other times it changed its shape.

"Is it always like that?" Asked Momo.

"Yes, and I imagine yours will start doing the same very soon."