The Shadows of Nature

9.2. Is

Iris and Evelyn walked in unison on the wide path made of stone, almost sparkling under the bright sunlight. Not a single other shadow was in sight as everyone had dispersed earlier that day after the exercise had been completed. Trina, as always, had managed to take all the demonic creatures that participated that day back to the Land of Tenebris on her own, a task she always did gladly.

The two shadows had decided to stay back for a while, sitting in the comfort of the Earth, but chose not stay for too long as they had duties to go back to.

"Come with me to Paliv Verasel for a bit."

Evelyn caught a slight glint of mischief in Iris's eyes as she said those words, piquing her curiosity and halfway convincing her to go with the girl.

"We do not usually go there as we shouldn't disturb it. Why now?"

"I think now is a good time, considering that it is nearly time for the departure. I know Paliv Verasel is aware of everything, but I think we should speak to it once before it all takes place."

"That makes sense, but is that really the reason?"

Iris laughed - such a gentle laugh hers was, like it was simply another sound of Nature - and responded with a smile

"Also, Audrey just told me to go there."

Now Evelyn was really curious, but she controlled her urge to sprint there and was happier to accompany Iris, anyway.

The path to Paliv Verasel was made of a stone that felt otherworldly, its colour a deep grey just a shade darker than Audrey's eyes. The path had developed only a few months ago, as if it had grown overnight. It propagated no aura, no energy, no information from which anyone could discern anything as if it were an illusion, but it felt more real than anything else in the headquarters.

Like a shadow.

Every time Evelyn walked her gaze would be on the horizon or the sky, but this was the one path that always kept her attention, allowing herself to be lost in thoughts which were usually empty, as if her mind was being pulled in a vacuum. This time, however, a familiar spark of energy compelled her to look up once she was close enough to her destination.

Her energy increased its pace and hands vibrated. Her pupils dilated and her sight was fixed on the familiar figure that stood beside Audrey.

Shock. Evelyn started feeling human.

The shadow forgot everything else and, like a swift gush of the wind, ran forward. She hugged the figure immediately and pressed her face against his shoulder, closing her eyes tightly. Evelyn did not care how human this action was - she never disliked humanity in any sense, any way. She wished to never let go, but she also wished to see his face.

"I have missed you so much."

Evelyn wore an enormous smile as she let go, looking deep into those yellow eyes. His hair was as messy as ever and he still was incredibly short compared to her, but somehow it felt as if his eyes were at the same level as hers, as if perception made that difference in height insignificant.

He smiled back, the only thing he could do because for the first time ever, he was at a loss of words.

"Hello, Elek."

Iris's voice was like a melancholic melody, but those words felt so incredibly odd and surreal and...

Wonderful. 

Elek turned to the girl who was only slightly taller than him, offering a deep smile, the likes of which Iris had never seen before.

"Hello."