Location: Echohold-09 (Outside Area)

  Time of Day: Morning

  Then, one by one, she dragged them closer together, positioning Lumina, Slayer, and Captain in a small cluster where she could watch them all at once. She remained there, kneeling in front of them, her eyes scanning their faces as she waited. "Now... for the waiting game."

  Hikari waited in silence for them to wake up.

  From within Hikari’s coat pocket, the Black Star Artifact gave a faint pulse. THUMP! A soft voice followed. “Um… Hikari?” Akari asked quietly. “A-Are they going to be okay…?”

  Hikari glanced down at her coat pocket, eyes softening. “Oh, Akari… I almost forgot you were here.” She lifted her gaze toward the others, then smiled reassuringly. “Yeah. I’m sure they’ll be okay. Nothing to worry about.”

  Just then, Lumina let out a faint groan. She lifted a hand to her head, wincing as she slowly sat up. “Ugh…”

  Hikari’s face lit up. “Lumina! You’re awake.”

  Lumina rubbed the back of her head, eyes settling on Hikari. “Hikari? What… happened…?” Then her gaze sharpened as the memory rushed back. She inhaled sharply, reaching for the katana behind her back, her voice firm with urgency. “Serava. Where is she?”

  Hikari quickly raised both hands in front of her. “It’s okay, Lumina. It’s just us. She’s not here anymore.”

  Lumina froze. “…She’s gone?”

  “Yeah.” Hikari nodded. “She left not too long ago. You’re good to ease up now.”

  Lumina let out a slow breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Oh… I see.” Her gaze shifted to the two figures lying beside her.

  Slayer stirred next. He rolled onto his side, letting out a loud yawn. “Mmm… just five more minutes…” Without thinking, he wrapped an arm around the nearest body. It was Captain.

  A second later, Slayer’s eyes snapped open. “…Huh?” He looked down. “AHH, WHAT THE-?!” He shot upright in a panic, then scrambled backward a few steps.

  Hikari couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. Lumina just sighed.

  Slayer pointed at Captain, flustered. “Why was I sleeping next to him?!”

  Hikari crossed her arms, a small smirk on her face. “Because Serava blew you up, and I had to drag you all the way over here next to him.” She planted both hands on her hips. “By the way, it wasn’t easy. That armor of yours is heavy, you know.”

  Slayer blinked. “…Oh.” He scratched the back of his helmet. “I mean, I kinda remember… but also forgot. Actually, I don’t remember it happening at all.”

  Hikari rolled her eyes. “Only when it’s convenient to you.”

  Beside them, Captain finally began to stir. He groaned as he pushed himself upright, rubbing the back of his neck. “…Nngh…”

  Hikari turned toward him. “Oh, Captain! I’m glad you’re awake as well.”

  Captain squinted at her. “Hikari…?” Then his gaze shifted to the others sitting nearby. “…Oh. You guys are back from the dead too?”

  Lumina shot him a flat look. “Very funny, Captain.”

  Slayer crossed his arms. “Hah. Looks like someone’s in the mood to crack some jokes.”

  Captain let out a soft breath that almost sounded like a chuckle. Then his expression sharpened as memory caught up to him. He gripped his rifle, eyes scanning the clearing. “…Serava.”

  Hikari looked at Captain, studying his face. “Looks like your emotion is back. That’s good.”

  Captain’s eyes widened slightly. “Huh? Oh, right. I can feel that slight anger toward her again.” He clenched his hand.

  Hikari nodded. “Must’ve just been a temporary effect, then.”

  Captain gave a short nod. “Yeah, most definitely.”

  Lumina glanced between them. “What are you two talking about?”

  Slayer leaned forward a little. “Yeah, fill us in here, will ya? What’s this emotion stuff you’re talking about?”

  Hikari turned to them. “Oh, sorry for leaving you guys out.” She took a breath. “Basically, what happened was…”

  She went on to explain how Serava used her Heartfract Prism to steal emotions, and how she took Captain’s anger to bring him down.

  Lumina’s eyes narrowed. “Sounds like a dangerous weapon she’s carrying.”

  Slayer let out a low whistle. “No kidding. So on top of her diamond shards being able to blow up… she can also use them to steal emotions?” He shook his head. “Man, at this point, that thing might as well steal Emanations, too.”

  Hikari gave a half smile as she closed her eyes. “Well… hate to say it, but you just might’ve hit that spot on.”

  Slayer stared at her. “What? Are you serious right now?”

  Lumina tilted her head slightly. “Hm? You mean she can also steal Emanations?”

  Captain’s brow furrowed. “That can’t be good.”

  Hikari opened her eyes again, her tone more serious. “Unfortunately, yes. And it nearly ended me. But she had to use her other form to do it.”

  Captain looked at her sharply. “Other form?”

  Hikari lifted a finger. “Yes. It was the same black aura that wrapped around Stagmandros.” She drew a slow breath. “She unleashed that same power, but it wasn’t unsteady or disobedient. She was able to control it like it was her own.” Then she turned quickly to Lumina. “Maybe you know something about it, Lumina.”

  Lumina shook her head. “Sorry, Hikari. I’ve got nothing. I’ve never heard of someone possessing two types of aura at once.” Her brows knit slightly. “I’m not sure how Serava got that kind of Emanation, but she must’ve used a method we’ve never heard of before to reach it.”

  Captain glanced between them. “Is something like that even possible?”

  Lumina met his gaze. “Anything is possible with Emanation. Like I said before, back at Xevia when we were training.” She spoke calmly, but firmly. “That your Emanation can change into a completely different aura.” After a beat, she added, “One method I know is through sanctuaries that guardians may deem you worthy of.”

  Hikari nodded slightly. “Oh yeah, I remember you mentioned that before. You really think Serava went through one of those to get her power?” She tilted her head. “She is from your world after all, so it’s possible.”

  Lumina folded her arms, thinking. “Hard to say for sure. But I’m certain she used some kind of method to alter her Emanation… I just can’t figure out how exactly besides using sanctuaries.”

  Slayer shrugged. “Well, I think it’s best not to overthink it for now. I’m sure we can ask Serava if she ever shows up again.” He punched his palm. “And this time, it won’t be the same as our previous fight.”

  Captain shot him a look. “Someone’s ready to get blown up again.”

  Slayer waved it off. “Ha-ha. Very hilarious.”

  Hikari chuckled lightly.

  Lumina glanced around the clearing. “So where did Serava go, anyway?”

  Hikari glanced at the others. “Oh, that’s another thing. She left through a portal similar to the one we used with the Artifact.” She frowned slightly. “I’m not sure how she did it without using it, but she did. Perhaps her power was what allowed her to do something like that?”

  Lumina nodded slowly. “Most likely that’s the case. I wonder where she headed off to, though.”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Hikari looked at them. “She said she was heading back with the Obsidian Veil. Also said that they’re always watching or something like that.”

  Slayer waved it off. “Eh, they can watch all they want, but they’ll never get to see what’s underneath this beautiful armor.” He flexed his arms proudly.

  Lumina let out a sigh. “Get it together, will ya?”

  Captain turned back to Hikari, expression serious. “So what exactly happened once we were all down?”

  Hikari opened her mouth. “Well-”

  From within her coat pocket, the Black Star Artifact gave a faint pulse. THUMP. A soft voice followed. “Uhm... D-Do you want me to explain it to them, Hikari…?”

  The team stiffened.

  Slayer’s head snapped around. “Huh… what was that voice just now?”

  “Oh right-! Sorry, here.” Hikari said as she pulled the Black Star Artifact from her coat pocket. She held it out toward the team. “Allow me to introduce you guys to… Akari.”

  Captain raised an eyebrow. “…D-Did you just call the Artifact Akari?”

  Lumina’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Hmm... It’s awakened, hasn’t it, Hikari?”

  Hikari nodded. “Yeah. She’s the voice within the Artifact. The one that said she would soon be able to communicate with us.”

  Slayer’s visor tilted in disbelief. “Ain’t no way… for real?”

  “Y-Yeah,” the voice replied, a little nervous now. “I-I’m the voice inside the Artifact.” She hesitated, then spoke more clearly. “A-And it’s… finally nice to meet you all.”

  Silence fell over the group.

  Slayer gestured a hand toward it. “So like… are you a ghost or something that got trapped in the Artifact?”

  “G-Ghost?” Akari replied. “Uhm… I don’t think I am?”

  Slayer leaned a bit closer. “How about a demon?”

  “D-Don’t think so…”

  He leaned in even more, curiosity getting the better of him. “So is your true form… a human body?”

  “U-Uhm… uhm…” Akari stammered.

  “Slayer,” Lumina snapped, arms crossed. “Stop asking her those kinds of questions already.”

  Captain grabbed the back of Slayer’s armor and pulled him away. “And give her some space, jeez.”

  Slayer scratched the back of his helmet. “Sorry… I just really wanted to know if she was human or not.”

  Hikari gave a small smile. “It’s okay, Slayer. I kind of did the same thing when she first awakened.”

  “I-I’m sure all of you have many questions,” Akari said gently. “I’ll try my best to answer them.” She paused. “But first… let me explain what happened.”

  “It’s okay, Akari,” Hikari replied. “I can fill them in on what happened.”

  “O-Okay,” Akari said softly. “Please do, then.”

  Hikari spent the next few minutes explaining everything - Serava’s final clash, her sudden retreat, and the moment the Artifact itself had spoken when Hikari contained Stagmandros. She told them about the voice. And about what little the spirit could remember. By the time she finished, the group stood in a loose circle, all eyes drifting back to the Black Star Artifact in her hands.

  Slayer scratched the back of his helmet. “Man… first Echos, then a weird diamond lady, and now the rock talks.” He chuckled nervously. “Guess there's something deeper going on around here, huh?”

  Hikari nodded. “Yeah. Maybe all of this is connected to the breach somehow but can't say for certain. We just need to search for those answers.”

  Lumina rested a hand on her chin. “Going by what Serava said, she probably knows more about the Black Star Artifact… and why Akari is attached to it.” She crossed her arms. “But why would she leave it behind if she wanted it so badly in the first place?”

  Hikari shook her head slightly. “She said that there was no point in taking something that can protect itself.”

  Captain narrowed his eyes. “Was it really that strong for Serava to just say something like that?”

  Slayer nodded. “Right. Serava wiped the floor with us, and for Akari to stop her and make her retreat… that means she’s definitely strong.”

  “Definitely was,” Hikari agreed. “Akari really pushed her back with those chains of hers.”

  Slayer tilted his helmet slightly. “You mean the shadow chains that come out every time it seals an Echo?”

  Hikari nodded again. “Hm-hm. Exactly those.”

  “Th-Thanks…” Akari replied shyly. “But my power still hasn’t reached its full potential yet. I can only do so much with what I have right now…” Her voice softened. “So I won’t be able to support you all that much.”

  Captain blinked. “Whoa… and you’re not even at full power yet, huh?”

  Lumina rested a hand on her chin. “So how does your power grow even stronger then?”

  “Well…” Akari replied softly. “Containing Echos has proved useful since it helped me regain my voice. If we can seal more of them, I’m sure I’ll be able to regain more of my strength.” She hesitated. “I-If that’s okay with everyone, of course.”

  Hikari looked around at the others, hands resting at her sides. “I don’t see why not. But… what do you guys think?”

  Captain folded his arms, jaw tight. “I don’t know. Can we trust her? Serava warned us about what she’s trying to do once her power returns, so we have to be careful with how we approach this.”

  Slayer scratched the back of his helmet. “Hmm… I don’t know. She doesn’t sound like she wants to cause any harm. If anything, she did good by holding Serava off by herself for us.” He turned toward Lumina. “What do you think, Lumina?”

  Lumina lowered her gaze slightly, thinking. “It’s definitely a tough decision. And one we can’t simply decide within this second. If we go by what Serava said, we’d be best off not taking a risk here by helping it. But if we go based off our first impressions of her, then I’d say we help it.” She lifted her eyes again, a hand on her hip. “I believe the real question is whether we trust Serava… or we trust Akari.”

  Silence settled over the group. This was a choice that could guide them forward on their journey… or bring chaos down on them if they weren’t careful enough.

  Hikari turned toward the Artifact, her expression calm but serious. “Well, Akari… can we trust you?”

  Akari’s voice wavered. “U-Uhm… I-I swear I’m not here to cause any harm. P-Please believe me.” She drew a small breath. “I’ll do my best to help you guys contain more Echos, a-and even help you fight off Serava if she ever comes back again.”

  Hikari hesitated, then asked gently, “I just have one question, Akari. And this isn’t to decide whether we help you or not, but… why are you choosing to help us?” She tilted her head slightly. “I mean, I’m glad we can use your power to contain Echos, but if you wanted to… you could easily overpower us in your current state.”

  For a moment, Akari was quiet. Then she answered, softer. “I-It’s because I’ve grown to like you guys. Ever since your journey started, I felt like I was already part of the team.” Her voice steadied just a little. “I was helping in ways that maybe weren’t thought of much at first, but… I was definitely there to help you all in your battles.”

  Slayer tilted his helmet. “W-Wait… you mean you did more than just contain Echos?”

  Akari replied softly. “Hm-hm. Back during the training at Verdant Ridge, I powered up Hikari slightly when she threw that kick at your shield, Slayer.”

  For a split second, the world blurred-

  - FLASHBACK -

  “Don’t underestimate… my Legs of Justice!” Hikari shot back, her strike surging with aura. From within her coat pocket PULSE! The artifact faintly glowed, the timing syncing perfectly with her next kick. BOOOOM! Her heel smashed into Slayer’s shield with explosive force, sending him skidding back across the stone.

  Slayer’s visor flared. “What the-? That force…”

  - END FLASHBACK -

  The memory snapped away. Slayer threw his hands up slightly. “Seriously?! That was your doing?!”

  Akari’s voice wavered from within the Artifact. “Y-Yes… S-Sorry for intervening!”

  Captain let out a short huff. “Hmph. Don’t be. He deserved it.”

  Slayer snapped his head toward him. “Oh, shut it, Captain.”

  Hikari couldn’t help but chuckle. “So where else did you support us, Akari?”

  Akari paused, thinking. “Uhm… oh. Back in the field, during the battle with the Clockwork Reaper, when you were down.” Her voice softened. “I boosted your aura, and with that… you managed to get back up.”

  - FLASHBACK -

  The Artifact in her coat pulsed. THUMMMP! A faint dark glow bled through the fabric, as if answering a silent call for help. A voice slipped into Hikari’s mind, soft but firm. “Wake up… Hikari… they still need you…”

  - END FLASHBACK -

  The memory faded. Hikari’s eyes widened. “Wow… so that was actually you all along.”

  Akari answered softly. “Y-Yes. I’m glad you were able to stand back up.”

  Lumina nodded once, her gaze steady. “I guess that settles it, then. I’d say that’s enough proof for us to trust her for the time being. But we’ll still be watching closely.” She added calmly, “Don’t take it personally, Akari. We’re just trying to be careful here. Of course… that could change depending on how we see things with you as we continue.”

  Akari’s voice came softly, the Black Star glowing with each word. “I-It’s okay, Lumina. I completely understand where you’re coming from.” There was a small pause before she added, a little brighter, “I’m just glad I’m able to come along too.”

  Slayer suddenly threw both clenched fists into the air. “Aww yeah! I guess that officially makes her a member of the team! Welcome to the Slayer Knight Guild!”

  Captain shot him a look. “Since when the hell did we have an official team name? And I don’t remember joining a guild with you.”

  Slayer’s arms dropped sloppily to his sides. “Man… and I worked so hard on coming up with that name too.”

  Hikari gave a half smile, glancing at him. “Don’t worry, tin can. I’m sure one day someone’s gonna wanna join your guild.”

  Slayer let out a small sigh. “So in other words, you don’t wanna be part of it either… bummer.”

  Lumina crossed her arms. “Anyway, now that you’re part of the team, Akari… I’ll be looking forward to seeing your abilities unfold as we contain more Echos.”

  Akari’s voice answered quickly. “Th-Thank you, Lumina. I promise I won’t fail you.”

  Lumina nodded, a faint smile touching her lips.

  Hikari glanced at the artifact. “Let’s also hope more of her memories come back as we contain more Echos and she regains more of her power. Maybe then we’ll be able to learn more about her past… and why the Obsidian Veil is after her.”

  Akari’s voice answered softly. “Y-Yes… I would love to know more about my past memories, and why I’m in this Artifact to begin with as well.” She hesitated. “I’m sure I’m human like you guys… but I can’t say for certain just yet.”

  Slayer leaned forward slightly, then clenched a fist with confidence. “Don’t worry, Akari. I’m sure you are. We’ll help you unveil who you really are soon enough.”

  A small chuckle came from the Artifact. “Thanks… Slayer. Really.”

  Hikari smiled at the scene, then slipped the artifact back into her coat pocket. “Well, how is it in there, Akari?”

  Akari’s voice answered softly. “I-It’s warm… thanks, Hikari. I’ll be looking forward to assisting you guys from here.”

  Hikari nodded down at it, then glanced around at everyone. “Now, everyone. Let’s continue. No more stops.” Her gaze settled forward. “This time, we go inside Echohold-09.”

  The group turned toward Echohold-09, standing in the distance. A place where more threats were likely waiting for them… and where they hoped Dr. Naru would still be there for their arrival.

  Hikari drew in a breath, her thoughts drifting inward. ("Now that we have an unexpected member joining us, the odds against us have decreased. I’m sure we’ll be able to use her power to help us push through. Although we don’t know much about her origins, or why there’s a voice within the Artifact, I just hope Serava was lying about her causing harm to this world. Even so, something tells me we can trust Akari’s words. For now, at least. I’m sure we’ll learn more about her as we go. But for now… our destination awaits us ahead.")

  With that, the team set off toward Echohold-09, the looming structure drawing nearer with every step… step until it finally stood before them.

  Merry Christmas, and have a good one!