The Demons of Shadow Moon

Part 93 - Help

Galaxy strolled through the underworld, following a dark river that wound through the caved areas. The air was damp and filled with the scent of earth and stone, mixing with the faint smell of ash as she approached the remnants of a once-grand home.

Charred beams and shattered stones lay scattered across the ground, remnants of a violent past. The broken structure seemed almost haunting, shadows dancing on the wreckage in the dim light.

Galaxy's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the scene. She didn't seem surprised to see the destruction.

"Do you know what the recipe was for that antidote? Maybe we could use it to make a new one?" Luna's words echoed in her mind.

She started rummaging through the broken bits of wood and stone, her movements growing more frantic with each passing second.

"Sorry, even if I did, I think it's already too late. The chemical has developed far more than we can understand. I mean, it still affected us pretty badly, even with Dad's antidote," Aki's voice replayed in her mind as she threw aside parts of the wreckage, growing desperate.

"Ughh, come on. There has to be something left..." she muttered under her breath, frustration evident in her tone.

"So, you really came back here..." Aki's voice interrupted, making Galaxy drop a piece of wood in surprise.

"Oh, boo, you still stalking me? You're like a little puppy dog following me everywhere," Galaxy taunted, rolling her eyes.

"Give it a rest. What are you doing back here?" Aki asked, crossing his arms.

Galaxy hesitated, not wanting to reveal her true intentions.

"...you're looking for it, aren't you?" Aki pressed, stepping closer.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Galaxy insisted, turning her back to him.

"The antidote. I'm not stupid," Aki retorted, his voice firm.

"But it seems you are. Looking for something so fragile in a wreckage like this? You do remember how my home was destroyed, right? They burned it down when they found us... everything's gone. It's all either burned or stolen by now," Aki kicked some wood to the side, his expression sombre.

"... I know. I came back here looking for you, remember?" Galaxy mentioned with resentment.

"..." Aki didn't reply, guilt washing over him.

"I'd sit here for hours... sometimes, I'd even try and rebuild parts, thinking I'd maybe somehow find something that could bring you back. But even then, all I found was myself sinking deeper in the loss and insanity..." Galaxy's voice trembled, her eyes reflecting the pain of her memories.

"... so why you come back now?" Aki asked gently.

"Because I didn't know there was a cure, you idiot!!" Galaxy growled, her frustration bubbling over.

"So you want a cure, after all. I thought you didn't want to change. That the girl you used to be was gone or whatever," Aki said, his tone challenging.

"Pff. It's nothing to do with who I used to be. It's about getting my magic back! Are you that dense?!" Galaxy snapped.

"Hah. What, did the temple really put things into perspective for you? Seeing how weak we all were... not even being able to use your seal. Having nothing to rely on..." Aki mocked.

"Hah. I am not weak. Do you even know what would happen if I got rid of this chemical trapping my magic?! I'd finally be able to think straight...!! Aki, dear, if I did cure this, you wouldn't dare call me weak. I'd soon become your biggest threat!!" Galaxy boasted, her eyes blazing with determination.