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Oboro had accounted for the fact that the travelers might show up. No matter. The shadow would still consume all. He said his last few words and then cast his body backwards, into the pit of purple flame. He closed his eyes, waiting for the sweet embrace of nothingness.
But before another moment passed, he felt himself jerk to a halt. "No, Kazan!" There was pain in his arm. He opened his eyes and looked up.
Evidentially, he had not accounted for how fast Hikari Ku could run. He had grabbed him by the forearm, pulling with both hands in a pointless attempt to lift him up, out of the reach of the dark flame.
"Let me go!" He shook his arm, trying to break free of Hikari's grip. His other arm reached back to ready his dagger. If the king would not let him go quietly, he would force his way free.
He plunged the dagger into the back of Hikari's palm. Once would not be enough. He pulled out the dagger and stabbed again. Blood that was a mixture of Oboro's and his erstwhile king's splattered on his face.
But Hikari did not let go. And now he was being pulled from behind by Osvald, the physically strongest of the group. The flame licking at Oboro's feet grew distant, and he screamed. "NO!! Release me!" He tried to jump back towards the pit, to complete the sacrifice. But Hikari was holding him down, and the king wouldn't budge. "Why won't you let me burn?!"
"I will do no such thing. You are my friend, Kazan." The man's voice was trembling slightly, but the grip was firm.
He realize the eight travelers were now standing in a circle around the pit. Inquisitor Temenos, supported by Castti the Apothecary, held his staff and chanted in soft, holy tones. Blast after blast of light poured into the pit.
Kazan could see through tears of frustration that the shadow was receding. He had to complete the ritual soon, or all his efforts, the loss of his sister would all be for naught. He opened his jaw, preparing to bite down on his own tongue.
But before he could bite down, there was a bleeding hand in his mouth. Hikari's blood. His king spoke to him. "You are my friend, Kazan. And, as your king, I will have you answer for your actions."
"No, NO! NOoOO!!!" You can't do this. This can't be happening. He watched in horror as blast after blast of light struck down into the pit, his teeth gnashing against the bones in Hikari's hand as the shadow receded. And then, there was a final, soul-shattering scream as the isle of Vidania began to crumble into the ocean.
Hikari hefted Oboro over his shoulder, and somehow managed to run with the others on their way back to the boat. Ochette and Throné
kept an eye on him while Castti dressed the wounds on his hand.
"Kazan." Now bandaged up, Hikari bent down on one knee to meet his former companion at eye level. "You are charged with theft of the Darkblood Blade, conspiracy to assassinate King Jigo, and the murder of General Ageha, among other crimes. We will hear your defense once you are arraigned in Ku." Then his face softened. "How are you, friend?"
Oboro spat in the king's face. "You dare speak of friendship to me? You're a fool, Hikari Ku. A damned fool. You'll live to regret not killing me, I'll make sure of that."
"Perhaps, perhaps not." Hikari let the spit roll down his cheek, not wiping it off. "But you are my friend, and I will not abandon you."
"Damn you to hell!"
Hikari shook his head. "No, if there is hell on this earth, friend, I'm sure it's something you and I have already endured. I will take responsibility for my actions, and I will see the same hold true for you."
"This changes nothing!" Oboro cursed at the king as he turned away. "Others will find the shadow, and will find a way to bring the curtain down on this accursed world."
He did not turn around. "No, Kazan. We will make a better world. One where no one has cause to curse the world itself. I would like very much if you someday chose to be a part of it."
Oboro was left speechless by the strength of conviction in that voice. He sat there, silent, watching his only friend walk away.
~End~