Rising Ashes

So Few. So Proud. So Emotional.

Clancy crouched low in the dark, damp sewers beneath Dema, the NED antlers clenched tightly in his hand. The air was thick with the scent of mildew, but he pushed the discomfort aside, driven by a singular purpose: to save Aimee from the Bishops’ grasp.

As he navigated the twisting tunnels, the distant sounds of battle echoed through the ground above him—the clash of metal, the cries of the Banditos, a cacophony of chaos that fueled his determination. He needed to get to her, to pull her back from the brink before it was too late.

Clancy emerged from the shadows, pushing up through a rusty grate that creaked ominously as he clambered onto the cobblestone streets of Dema. The scene around him was one of turmoil and confusion; Banditos were fighting the monstrous Glorious Gone, their neon gravestones flashing in the dim light.

Taking a moment to gather his bearings, Clancy steeled himself. He had to get to the tallest tower—the very heart of the Bishops’ power—and rescue Aimee before their dark magic consumed her entirely.

Without hesitation, he began to scale the side of the tower, his fingers finding purchase on the rough stone. He climbed swiftly, the antlers clutched securely under his arm, using his telekinesis to propel himself upward. Each movement was a blend of desperation and resolve, his heart racing with the urgency of the moment.

As he neared the top, Clancy could see the glowing energy radiating from the tower’s apex, a beacon of dark magic illuminating the night sky. He knew Aimee was up there, trapped in a web of malevolent intent, and he would do whatever it took to bring her back.

With one final push, he hoisted himself onto the tower's ledge, panting but undeterred. Clancy took a moment to gather his thoughts, focusing on the task ahead. He was here to fight, to reclaim Aimee from the clutches of the Bishops, and nothing would stop him.

Clancy pushed through the window, the glass shattering as he landed inside the tower with a thud. Dust and debris swirled around him, momentarily obscuring his vision. As the haze cleared, he found himself in a dimly lit chamber filled with dark robes and flickering candles. The Bishops, startled by his sudden entrance, turned to face him, their expressions shifting from surprise to malice.

Aimee lay on the floor, her vacant eyes staring up at the ceiling. Clancy’s heart sank at the sight of her, a hollow shell of the girl he had known. When their eyes met, he called out, "Aimee! It’s me, Clancy!"

But there was no spark of recognition in her gaze. Instead, she flinched, her body instinctively recoiling as if he were a threat, just like the others in the room. His heart clenched in despair, but there was no time to waste. He had to act.

Summoning the power of the NED antlers, Clancy unleashed a wave of telekinetic energy. The force blasted through the room, sending the Bishops sprawling backward, their dark robes billowing as they hit the ground. He pushed through the chaos, eyes fixed on Aimee, determined to reach her before it was too late.

Just as he began to make his way toward her, a figure emerged from the shadows—Nico. With a swift motion, he lunged at Clancy, his hands gripping tightly around Clancy's throat, cutting off his breath.

“You think you can just waltz in here and take her?” Nico hissed, his voice low and menacing. “She’s ours now.”

Clancy struggled against Nico’s grip, his vision blurring as panic surged through him. “Aimee!” he gasped, fighting to break free. He could see her lying on the ground, the remnants of her will flickering like a dying flame.

Nico’s grip tightened, and Clancy felt the cold tendrils of darkness creeping into his mind.

Nico leaned in, his voice a low, mocking whisper, "So few. So proud. So emotional. Hello, Clancy."