The Sun won't rise again [English Version]

Together

When he ran into him, Korutopi had the feeling he already knew what he had found. He extended his arms to touch what felt like a man's torso, with clothing he had already seen before, confirming his suspicions. That person was...

《- Shalnark? Is that you?

Oh, Topi... You're here too... Of course...》

His voice sounded deeply sad, more than it should have been in such a situation in the eyes of the small one. Something important must have happened...

《- What's wrong? Did something happen?

- If something happened? I-》

Shalnark stopped talking immediately as he realized what the other's reaction meant.

《- Did something happen to you? How did you get here?》Shalnark asked, turning the question around.

《- Hum... I can't really tell... I just appeared here suddenly, I don't know how, I don't know why... And you? Do you know?

- It's not that important...》

He took a deep breath. So Korutopi was oblivious to his own death...

《- Yes, it is important. You sound like you know what's going on, why don't you want to tell me? That's crucial information to get out of here.

- Get out of here, huh? That's not really an easy task...

- What do you mean? You know this place?

- I... no, I don't. I just have this feeling it won't be easy...

- ...》

The silence surprised the young man who knew the truth.

《- You're not talking anymore?

- What? No, I just... I don't know, I feel like you're not telling me everything... How much do you really know? And why won't you say anything to me?》

Shalnark was thinking about what to answer when his thoughts were interrupted by the apparition of a small light far away behind Korutopi.

《- Did you see that?

- What are you on about?

- Right there, in front of me! Light!

- I can't see it... Ah! I saw it!

- Let's go closer!》

He gave the small one a pat on the shoulder and left his hand there, making sure to keep contact so that they wouldn't lose each other, and started walking towards the light.

After a few minutes of slow-paced walk, the two of them could distinguish what looked like a candle in the distance.

To ensure their safety, Shalnark gave his friend the incentive to stay behind his back by moving his shoulder. Korutopi went along the idea, knowing that his own fighting abilities were limited.

Now close enough to see the face of the one holding the candle, the young man repressed a surprised gasp.

In front of him stood Pakunoda. Still getting closer, he could also see Uvogin.

Ignoring what to do, he kept Korutopi's shoulder right behind him.

《- Shal... You're here now?》 Asked the familiar voice of the woman.

《- Yeah... I'm joining earlier than expected...》 Answered the former number six.

Even from behind his back, Korutopi recognized instantly the voice. He instantly stepped out of Shalnark's shadow, discovering the scene around the candlelight.

《- Pakunoda? But... you are... dead... Why are you here? And Uvo? He too...

- Oh, so you don't know yet?

- I don't know what?

- We're all dead here!》 Exclaimed the giant, who hadn't spoken until then.

Only silence was to be heard.

Korutopi fell down on his knees out of shock and disbelief at the revelation. Shalnark extended his arm, but stopped halfway, unlike Pakunoda, who went right at the long-haired boy and hugged him.

Uvogin looked at them, then caught all three in a hug.

There was a sad smile on his face, not that anyone could see it, or smile back.

They stayed this way for a moment that could have been seconds or hours.

As they let go of each other, they kept silent.

But they knew what it meant. And it didn't mattered if they wouldn't ever see the sun rise over them again in this otherworldly realm.

***

"Let's wait for everyone together"