The Unified Soul

Neither Here Nor There

After running into Blaze and Daniel, Aaron, Kawaii~Chan and Airis felt relief in seeing a few familiar and friendly faces in their time of need. Blaze and Daniel happily led them to where they were hiding for the time being, just until everything settled down enough to come out. 

Airis, however, didn't feel as much relief as the others, since she could feel everyone's fear and chaotic souls. Though Livana assures her that everything will end with smiled and a happy note, the girl wouldn't feel any kind of happiness or relief until this war with the demon was over.

They walked until they reached the waterfall, which rushed over a large cave opening hidden to the public. This was where they were staying and hiding. It was a secure location, true, but only for a little while.

"Where are we?" Kawaii~Chan asked.

"This path will lead us to our camp. It's the place we've been hiding out." Blaze explained as they walked further through the winding cave path, "We've been here since the Guardian Forces started detaining werewolves."

"They're looking for the Ultima." Daniel said.

"I don't they know who the Ultima is." Blaze cut Daniel off sharply, "Which is why every werewolf is a suspect."

Kawaii~Chan looked sadly at her friend and her niece, knowing exactly what was happening. Airis looked completely terrified, though she didn't show it on her face directly, her eyes painted a different picture. Thankfully, only Aaron and Kawaii~Chan were able to notice that fear.

Aaron looked down in shame, thinking about his curse and it had affected everyone around him, including his own daughter who shared the same curse. As he glanced down at her, he noticed that her hair was turning even more white, changing color at a much faster pace.

"That's... awful." Kawaii~Chan said.

"Yeah.." Blaze said sadly, his fists clenched in anger, "A lot of us have been captured already. Ryland... Maria.."

"Uncle Ryland and Auntie Maria are captured?!" Airis exclaimed.

"What happened?" Aaron asked.

"It was the day the Guardian Forces landed. Ryland and Daniel were on the beach and Maria tried to save them both." Blaze turned away, "I couldn't stop them."

Daniel, sensing the tension in the area, smiled at Kawaii~Chan and Airis.

"Hey, Kawaii~Chan, Airis, let me show you this cool geode up ahead." He invited them.

"Huh?" Kawaii~Chan questioned, "Um... okay? Airis?"

Airis looked up at Aaron who smiled at her and nodded for her to go with Kawaii~Chan and Daniel. The girl nodded and let go of her father before clutching onto Kawaii~Chan and walking over with Daniel to see the geode. This left Blaze and Aaron all alone.

"Everything all right?" Aaron hesitantly asked his distressed friend.

"Aaron..." Blaze called to him, "I need to ask you something, and don't lie to me." Blaze turned to face him, "Are you the Ultima?"

Aaron's eyes widened at the sudden question.

"I know the Ultima is just a story, but the severity of this search has me thinking otherwise. I keep thinking about that moment on the beach, Aphmau standing in front of you with her eyes closed. Melissa later explained to me that you have anger issues. But then, why would Aphmau close her eyes in front of you? At the time, I didn't think anything of it, but now, thinking back, that moment just stands out in my mind. I'm not trying to point fingers, but I'm not blind either. Why is your family wanted? Why are they working so hard to find you? And why are they saying that you kidnapped Airis? Are you the Ultima?"