Shadows of Alliance

"Echoes of Nyxara ?"

Dark's determination was palpable as he activated the portal. A swirling vortex of energy formed, its harsh glow casting shadows over his face. Demi, his expression a mix of resolve and fear, gripped Dark's arm tightly.

"Ready?" Dark asked.

Demi nodded. "Let's finish this."

They stepped into the portal and emerged on **Nyxara**, a planet of striking contrasts. The ground was a smooth, reflective black, and bioluminescent plants cast eerie blue glows against an indigo sky.

They quickly made their way to the central fortress, where Luca held Zeo captive. The fortress was an imposing structure of dark stone and metal, its spires reaching up into the turbulent sky.

Inside the fortress, Luca stood triumphantly before the Noma Diamond, which radiated a sinister light. Zeo, shackled and visibly weak, was slumped against a wall. Luca's triumphant laughter filled the chamber.

Dark and Demi launched a coordinated assault. The battle was fierce and chaotic, but they managed to shatter the Noma Diamond, dispersing its dark energy. Luca's fury was immediate and intense. He unleashed a torrent of dark magic, gravely injuring both Dark and Demi. The brothers fell, barely conscious, as Luca bound them and Zeo with iron chains.

"What are your last wishes?" Luca sneered.

Dark, gasping in pain, said, "Stop burning the life books."

Luca's smile widened. "Very well, but don't mistake this for mercy."

When Luca turned to Demi, Dark braced for an inconsequential wish. To his surprise, Demi said, "Give my wish to Dark."

Luca raised an eyebrow. "And what is it?"

Demi replied, "Let Zeo go and let her have one last fight with you."

Luca's grin broadened. "Agreed. But first, Zeo, what is your wish?"

Zeo looked at Luca with a mix of recognition and confusion. "What's your name?"

Luca's smile widened. "I am Luca Louise."

The name struck Zeo like a lightning bolt. Memories of her first love, from when she was twelve, flooded back. Luca had been her first romantic connection, and their separation when she left her home planet at fourteen had been heart-wrenching. Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled their lost love.

Dark, seeing Zeo's turmoil, warned her. "Focus. This is not the time for sentiment."

Luca released Zeo from her chains, and she attacked with a fierce intensity. Each blow was driven by her anguish and anger. Luca fought back fiercely, but eventually, Zeo drove a knife into his stomach. He fell to the ground, gasping his last breaths.

Zeo, sobbing uncontrollably, cradled Luca's lifeless body. Dark, battered and drained, managed to open the portal again. Demi tried to comfort Zeo, but her grief turned into anger. She screamed at him, blaming Dark for everything.

"Why did you let him do this? You're so cruel!"

Dark, despite his own pain, pulled her through the portal. They reappeared on Earth, at Stella's house. Aunt Allister was there, trying to maintain order. The rituals in the church were performed, and Aunt Allister whispered to Stella, "I accept you as my daughter-in-law," but the mood remained somber.

In the graveyard, Dark found Zeo crying again. Frustrated, he scolded her. "You need to move on. Joseph is here for you. Dwelling on the past won't help."

Zeo's frustration boiled over. "You don't understand what I've been through!"

Their argument escalated, and in a moment of anger, Dark slapped Zeo. Shocked and hurt, she turned away, her sobs echoing in the night.