Darkwood: The Crimson Cavalier

Atonement

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The town lay eerily silent, the moon casting long shadows over the deserted streets. Onyx moved through the alleys, his heart heavy with guilt and despair. Each step felt like a weight dragging him deeper into his own darkness. He avoided the main roads, hiding in the shadows to escape the prying eyes of the townsfolk and, more importantly, his friends.

He stumbled upon a small, secluded pond on the outskirts of town, the water reflecting the moonlight like a mirror. Onyx stared at the still surface, his mind racing. “What have I done?” he whispered to himself. “I’m a monster…”

---

Meanwhile, Greyson, Sterling, Xul, Tixo, and Wei searched the town with increasing desperation. Every corner they turned, every shadow they passed, they hoped to find Onyx. They split up, covering more ground, their worry for him growing by the minute.

“Where could he be?” Greyson muttered, scanning the darkened streets. “He couldn’t have gone far.”

“He’s hurting, just like Ren,” Sterling said softly. “We need to find him before he sinks any deeper.”

As they continued their search, Wei drifted away from the group, his keen eyes catching a faint movement in the distance. He followed the trail, sensing Onyx’s presence through the bond they shared as part of their makeshift family.

---

Onyx stood at the edge of the pond, his heart pounding. The reflection in the water showed a tormented figure, a shadow of the person he once was. In his despair, he waded into the water, feeling the cold embrace around him. “I deserve this… I have to atone…”

He moved deeper into the pond, the water rising to his chest, then his shoulders. He took a deep breath and submerged himself completely, the cold water closing over his head. His mind filled with chaotic thoughts, the guilt and pain overwhelming him.

Suddenly, a pair of strong hands grabbed him, pulling him up and out of the water. Onyx gasped for air, coughing and sputtering. He looked up to see Wei standing there, his eyes wide with concern and sadness.

“Wei…” Onyx whispered, his voice cracking.

Wei knelt beside him, his expression a mix of empathy and determination. He gently held Onyx's shoulders, steadying him. Then, he pulled out a small notepad and began to write, his gestures careful and deliberate.

*We care about you, Onyx. We’re all worried.*

Onyx read the words, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks. “I don’t deserve it,” he choked out. “I hurt Ren… I hurt everyone…”

Wei shook his head, his expression firm yet gentle. He wrote again, this time with more urgency.

*Ren forgives you. We all do. You’re not a monster. You’re our friend.*

Onyx’s breath hitched as he read the words, the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. “But I—”

Wei placed a hand over Onyx’s, squeezing gently. He gestured toward his heart, then pointed to Onyx, his eyes shining with sincerity.

*Especially Ren. He cares about you so much.*

Onyx’s heart ached at the reminder of Ren’s feelings. “Ren… he said he cared. But I hurt him…”

Wei nodded, his expression softening. He wrote again, his words a lifeline in the darkness.

*Ren needs you. We all do. Please come back with me.*

Onyx looked at Wei, seeing the unwavering support in his eyes. The isolation he had felt began to crack, a glimmer of hope seeping through. “I… I don’t know if I can face them…”