Chapter 25A: Loss

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Author's Note:

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Author's Note:

• Iron Claw - Fourth Raikage A's move that entails him squeezing the target's face with his hand

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

• Iron Claw - Fourth Raikage A's move that entails him squeezing the target's face with his hand. He always uses this technique on his brother, Killer B (a.k.a. Uncle Bee) whenever he gets irritated by his behavior.

• Word Count Notice: 4,402 words

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Am I dead?

There is only darkness. I can't see where I am, but I can only feel. I am floating. And within me, there's a blank stillness -- a serene happiness of the mind. Existing in this time and in this space -- I'm devoid of rage and of fear. Free from the shackles of who I am and everything I have left behind.

Have I succumbed to the eternal night? Am I-

Twing. Twing.

A gentle, crystalline sound of a lone harp plays a wistful lullaby. My sight returns and I regain control of my body. I'm here... in a place that I am not familiar with -- standing at the bottom of a long stone tunnel. Behind me, there's nothing but darkness. But there, at the end of the tunnel, there's a wrought iron gate adorned with various symmetrical spirals. The gate is barely opened, and light enters from the spaces between the panels. Curious, I slowly take small steps forward. My right hand glides against the thick wet moss and lush vines on the surface of the cold stone. Clusters of opalescent passion flowers are spread all over the walls of the cave. Their strange, ethereal glow draws my attention and provides a faint luminescence that helps guide my way. I inch closer and wrap my fingers on the ornate bars and push the gate open.

Taking a step forward, I find myself amongst rustling mango trees. And there, a few paces away, a blonde woman with a small wicker basket kneels beside an abundant patch of lemongrass. The butterfly sleeves in her flowy chiffon dress billow in the cool evening wind. Rays of moonlight shine from above and fall upon her long, silky hair. Even if she has her back to me, I know full well who that person is.

Mom.

"Come over here, Minako." she turns and waves her hand back and forth to urge me to come to her.

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