Omnipresent Watcher: The Eye Of The Multiverse

CH1XXIII: Light, Shines Bright

XXIII. Light, Shines Bright

Heid stood above the crumpled forms of Glacius and Aqualis, the abyssal power still swirling around him like a dark storm. His eyes blazed with the crimson glow of his newfound primal strength, his wings spread wide, casting an intimidating shadow over the battlefield. He was lost in the power, his transformation complete—but something stirred in the distance, a familiar presence.

“Heid...” a soft voice echoed through the shadows.

The words cut through the darkness like a blade, freezing Heid in place. He blinked, his mind struggling to break free from the primal rage that had consumed him. The glow in his eyes flickered for a moment, as the voice became clearer.

“Heid, stop!” The voice was stronger now, filled with warmth and concern. It was Caerus, his light cutting through the abyss.

Heid’s wings faltered, his gaze snapping toward the source of the voice. He saw Caerus standing a short distance away, his golden light radiating gently, his eyes wide with worry. His presence alone was enough to cause the dark aura around Heid to waver.

“Heid,” Caerus repeated, his voice steady but filled with urgency, “this isn’t you. You’re not just the abyss.”

The words pierced through the fog of Heid’s rage. His fists, clenched tightly with power moments before, began to relax. He could feel the pull of his abyssal form, the raw strength that had coursed through him, but Caerus’ voice reminded him of who he truly was—of his bond, of their friendship.

The dark energy surrounding Heid began to dissipate, his wings retracting into his back as the horns atop his head receded. His crimson eyes dimmed, returning to their normal hue. He stumbled, suddenly feeling the weight of exhaustion from the transformation.

Caerus moved quickly to his side, placing a steadying hand on Heid’s shoulder.

“You did it, Heid,” Caerus said softly, a reassuring smile on his face. “But that power... it was consuming you.”

Heid took a deep breath, his body trembling slightly from the aftershocks of the transformation. “I... I couldn’t stop it. It was like I was sinking into it, deeper and deeper.”

“You’re stronger than that,” Caerus said firmly. “You’re not just a vessel for the abyss—you’re Heid. And you’re my friend.”

The warmth of Caerus’ light was like a balm to the darkness inside Heid. He looked at the fallen forms of Glacius and Aqualis, now defeated but alive. A small part of him shuddered at the thought of what he could have done had Caerus not called him back.

“I could’ve killed them,” Heid muttered, guilt flashing across his face.

“But you didn’t,” Caerus replied. “And that’s what matters.”

For a moment, there was only silence between them, broken only by the faint rustling of the wind through the trees. Heid’s transformation had saved them, but it had also shown them both the dangerous line he now walked.

As Heid stood there, regaining his composure, Caerus tightened his grip on his friend’s shoulder.

“Whatever happens, we’re in this together. You don’t have to carry this burden alone.”

Heid nodded, the weight of the moment settling on him. He had reached new heights of power, but Caerus had brought him back from the brink.

After a few moments of recovery, the tension between Heid and Caerus began to lighten.

“Though, I got more cooler, right?” Heid joked, trying to shake off the seriousness.

Caerus, with a soft chuckle, nodded. “Yeah, that’s cooler, but I don’t want to see you like that again. It’s... scary.” His voice trailed off, betraying the concern that lingered despite his attempt to smile.

“I get it,” Heid said, his voice dropping slightly. “I got scared too. My own blood was trembling during that berserk moment.” He tried to keep his tone light, but there was an edge of truth to his words. Then, trying to change the mood, he quickly asked, “Oh, by the way, how’s up there?”

“Well,” Caerus began, smiling a little now, “I finally get to accept who I am, being the Caerus Divinus-Celeste. But honestly, they just gave me advice up there, nothing too intense.”

Heid raised a brow. “Wait... Light. Did you just change your hair? I just noticed. Did you dye it before we got here? Or is this some celestial trend I’m not aware of?”

Caerus blinked, a little caught off guard. “Huh, I don’t know... maybe some sort of transformation? You know, like an ‘acceptance trend,’” he teased. “Does it suit me, though?”

Heid tilted his head, giving Caerus a once-over. “Suits you well, to be honest. You look more handsome with it, not gonna lie. Grey color with white highlights, long and straight—well, you look... cute.”

Caerus, unexpectedly, blushed.

“Light... you’re blushing,” Heid grinned, noticing the faint pink rising in Caerus’ cheeks.

“I’m not!” Caerus shot back, quickly turning away.

“You are,” Heid teased, stepping closer with a wide grin.

“I’m not!”

“Obviously, you are.”

The two shared a moment of laughter, the light banter bringing a sense of normalcy after everything they had been through.

Heid wiped a tear of laughter from his eye, then suddenly snapped his fingers as an idea struck him. “You know what, Light? We should celebrate. I mean, look at us—we just faced two Elementalists and survived. That calls for something.”

“Yeah! Let’s celebrate!” Caerus lit up at the thought, suddenly filled with energy. “I could really use a drink right about now.”

Heid’s face fell instantly. “Whoa, whoa, hold up, Light. You’re sixteen. Absolutely not.”

Caerus pouted. “Come on, it’s just one drink.”

“Nope. I’m the responsible one here, and I say no,” Heid said, crossing his arms and shaking his head firmly. “I never had record of drinking, even though I'm already seventeen, so no for you.”

“But you said we should celebrate!” Caerus whined, giving him an exaggerated look of disappointment.

“We will celebrate. But not like that. No alcohol,” Heid said, standing his ground.

“I don’t see what the big deal is! I just wanted to try one, One drink, Heid!” Caerus protested, stepping up to face him.

“Absolutely not,” Heid replied, equally stubborn.

Caerus, growing more determined, folded his arms, mirroring Heid. “Fine, I’ll get my own.”

Heid rolled his eyes. “Oh, no, you don’t. I can see you sneaking off already.”

Before Caerus could respond, Heid grabbed him by the wrist, gently but firmly. “Come on, Light. Let’s get some food instead. No drinks.”

Caerus pulled his hand back dramatically, “You’re no fun!”

“I’m saving you from yourself,” Heid replied, amused. “Trust me, when you’re older, you’ll thank me.”

Reluctantly, Caerus agreed, but not without a last playful grumble. “Fine, fine. But this better be a great celebration.”

Heid laughed, ruffling Caerus’ long, newly transformed hair. “You’re impossible, but don’t worry. We’ll make it one to remember.”

The two of them continued walking, looking for a place to rest and celebrate properly, the weight of their earlier battles fading as they shared stories and teased each other. Despite the near-constant threats they faced, the bond between them remained unshakable.