____________

The sun falls quicker than its time to rise. .
Days are eclipsed into night. .
It is such a cold demise.
Why not end in delight?

shadow_17705 Presents

Traveler of Light .
Chapter 18: Serene Night, Part IV
____________

Tonight, the suffering finally ends...

I had doubts. Ever since I met Lucero and his friends, I had doubts. Was I really going to kill these innocent people for the Final X... and for some dead person? Through the many battles, I tortured myself... and I tortured those around me.

I was forced to betray them...

I felt I was possessed...

I could not control myself...

Then, I forced Faith to betray her true love... .
.
Lucero: I would never leave you to die. You're my life, Faith!
Saku: Like he never said that to some other girl before. Don't trust him. You don't need him.
Lucero: Faith, no!
Faith: ......SHUT UP!!!

This outcome was beyond what I expected. I never knew my powers of manipulation would tear apart such innocence.

It was then I saw Faith point the gun I had given her at Lucero.

I was petrified of what I've done. I broke free from being possessed. I can practically feel the chains disappearing... Redemption... Salvation... Liberation...

In an instant, the sound a gunshot pierced the air...

This was my final chance. I refused to break apart a strong relationship. Before any seconds passed by, I rushed into the bullet's path... in order to save the enemies that are my friends. Lucero... Faith, forgive me...

The storm had passed... It is just calm rain... No disorder...

A very slim amount of blood released into the air, glistening in the moonlight...

The crimson liquid looked so graceful...

His eyes stared at the moon's peaceful presence... .
.
I never noticed how perfect the moon is. I wanted to scream at it. Display my inner hatred...

How much I hated the Final X.
How much I hated someone I never knew.

It was too late to scream. .
.
They were once tense and green... This tension faded to tranquility... The green faded to a lifeless black.

He gave a weak chuckle...

____________

FLASHBACK:

The bell of the clock tower rang to count out the hours: two in the afternoon. On the park bench, was Saku. His left forearm was uncovered from the gauze that was wrapped tightly, revealing many long, scars. In his right hand, was a pocket knife. He sighed and carved deeply into his left forearm.

Saku (thinking): No matter how much wounds I have given, I cannot feel the pain and I cannot bleed...

He carved another empty gash.
____________

Saku: At last........ I finally bleed...

He grinned. Behind Saku, was Lucero... absolutely traumatized. In front of Saku, was Faith... holding the Desert Eagle with smoke coming from the barrel. A shining tear was coming from her eye. Saku started falling towards the ground. .
.
Lucero: S-Saku...

Lucero broke his fall...

Saku: ......Lucero?

Faith and Rival run up to Saku. Saku was gently placed on the ground.

Saku: ...Faith? .......Rival?
Faith: Saku! Please don't die!

They are true friends. They try to save me, but all is vain. I examined my own blood. I was losing countless amounts of it. I stared at the Final X with disdain. I looked at their emotionless expressions. However, Nara's expression was what created a gash in my soul.

We were never related, but Nara was like a sister to me. She would always tell me what was on her mind... what made her concerned... what was bothering her. Nara trusted me. One day, I told her that if I died, she wouldn't cry... that she would be brave. .
.
Nara didn't fully break into sorrow. She stood still in her place like the others. However, in her eyes, I sensed she was suffering inside. She's just a tortured soul, like me. Her perfectly straight, long, platinum hair flowed with the breeze. She was the only one who had worn a dress: black with a silver trimming. Her blue-green eyes were the only ones that were not corrupted. .
.
When Nara was concerned about Faith, I told her the truth: Faith loved Lucero and I was just her friend. I've heard from Zeto that I'm the only important person on her mind. Abyss stressed the fact that Nara loved me. If only I could tell her how I'd feel...

I then looked at the puzzle. It opened to unveil the Twilight Diamond. I had a choice. I have to decide between what I cherish most and my lust for power... Like any sane person, I cherished my life... my liberation... my friends...
.
In a matter of moments, I would lose them all. We needed THREE of the five Twilight Diamonds and a soul of a remnant.

The Final X initially had one Twilight Diamond. Lucero had another Twilight Diamond. Vladimir, the Traveler of Fire, had the third. I easily defeated Vladimir and obtained his Diamond. I demanded that Faith would meet me at Sidus Cemetery (the setting where this event is currently taking place) and bring Lucero's Twilight Diamond. She gave the Twilight Diamond to me. The Final X had the three Twilight Diamonds in their grasp.

The soul of a remnant... A remnant like Lucero, Nara, or any of the other Final X. I ended up assuming the role of relinquishing my soul... .
.
I was speechless... I had to respond to what was going around me, but I hardly could.

Saku: My blood.... I've never seen any blood before...
Lucero: It's... It's my fault! It's my fault that you're... dying. Why?

Saku gave a weak chuckle.

Again, speechless.

Saku: It's not..... your fault. It's not..... Faith's fault...... nor Rival's. It's my fault...
Faith: No, it's not. Rival: Don't be ridiculous, Saku.
Lucero: I was supposed to die. Why did you save me?! .
.
Saku smiled.

What should I tell him as I was my life was slipping away within his sight?

Saku: Because....... you are like a book, Lucero............. waiting to be opened..... waiting to be read...

With that statement, Saku solemnly closed his once fierce eyes. I wish I could smile. I wish I could tell Lucero, Faith, and Rival that everything will be alright...

My mind, heart, and body departed into the heavenly and peaceful part of my own oblivion...

Lucero: Saku... SAKU! SAKU!!! WAKE UP!!!!!!

He grabbed Saku's shoulders. Lucero shook Saku's dead body, desperately trying to believe he was only sleeping and he could wake up. He glared at the Final X members. The Final X members were staring at Lucero, as if he was only a psychotic madman. One of the Final X members was holding the puzzle that contained the Twilight Diamond. It was opened. The diamond glistened in the hands of the more orderly members: Xavier. Xavier's silver hair was long, wavy and curly. His emerald green eyes pierced Lucero.

Lucero: You... YOU DID THIS!!!
Xavier: Me?

A melodic laugh came from Xavier. It wasn't maniacal like Saku's. It was similar to a musical instrument.

Xavier: This was Saku's plan, you naive remnant... .
.
He stepped out of his place and elegantly glided across the ground to Saku's body.

Xavier: ...The fragment...

Lucero began to lunge at Xavier. Then it all came in a blur. With a simple flick of his wrist, Xavier uncovered his gleaming rapier. Before Lucero could even pull out his sword, Xavier flicked his wrist again... this time it was more pronounced. Xavier's rapier carved deeply into Lucero's leg. Before Lucero could even bleed, Scythe and Abyss stepped in and seized Lucero from further attacking. Other Final X members seized both Faith and Rival.

Xavier: Why the sudden protectiveness? A moment ago, you were at his throat...

Lucero said nothing as Xavier let out a drawn sigh.

Xavier: Friendship. It is such a burden...

Xavier then stared at his left hand. Within seconds, all the veins in his left arm glowed with an emerald luster. He raised it in the air. A strong zephyr passed; Xavier's entire left arm was engulfed in green flames. The fire then shot out into the air. Moments later, emerald green flames surrounded Saku's body. Saku's peaceful body floated in the air. It emitted a white, silvery light. A shining orb with color of ice blue was released from Saku... his soul. However, not all of his soul was ice blue for it was corrupted with a lime green... apparently it was the fragment of Shadesu's soul. Xavier had spread his hands across the sky. Shadesu's green fragment separated from Saku's ice blue soul. Saku's ice blue soul crumbled and rained upon Saku's corpse. It seemed that it was absorbed.

Xavier held Shadesu's soul fragment in the air. He then grabbed Shadesu's sword. Xavier walked to Shadesu's grave. He crumbled the green fragment and let it pieces rain upon the grave - it was soon absorbed into the ground.

Xavier: The Diamonds...

A cloaked Final X member placed the three Twilight Diamonds on top of the grave. It soon gave off a bright blue luster. They floated in the air and began orbiting around the tombstone. As the diamonds spun at uncharted speeds, the distance between the tombstone and the revolving diamonds gradually increased. Earthquakes erupted. At an instant, Shadesu's grave emitted a bright, green light. Afterwards, a giant green beam had shot into the night sky, from Shadesu's grave. This beam had split the clouds apart, unveiling the magnificent stars behind it. The cemetery slowly turned into a massacre. The boulders, tombstones, and the bones that lay beneath them, were flying in the air, orbiting around the green beam - as if this beam was the center of gravity for everything in the cemetery. The iron gates and surrounding buildings caved in. The only ones that were not affected by the small gravitational pull (compared to the Earth's) were the mortals.

In the midst of everything, Lucero, Faith and Rival broke free from the Final X members' clutches. They sprinted towards Saku's body, dodging the oncoming tombstones. Once they were a few feet away from Saku's body, Lucero, Faith, Rival, and Saku disappeared.

Soon, the flying, rotating objects stopped and gently fell to the ground. The Twilight Diamonds had stopped shining and, like the other objects, dropped to the ground. A dark figure walked out of the green pillar of light. The Final X members kneeled in reaction. The green beam then disintegrated behind the deity. Xavier presented Shadesu's sword - a blood-stained, scratched 6-foot long blade. Silently, the shadowy character gripped the sword and examined it briefly. The figure simply walked past the members into a spot that was dimly lit, unveiling his features. .
.
He was a male hedgehog. His fur was whiter than the snow, paler than any of the remnants. As empty this white can be, ironically, small rainbows can be seen in an angle. His hair was long - down to his waist. A few small locks of his hair had spiked out. The bangs (or fringes) that perfectly curtained his face were shoulder length. His face was solemn as he stared at the Final X members. His vibrant green eyes pierced the souls of the Final X members. Xavier stood up.

Xavier: Sh-Shadesu?
____________

Four figures were at a beach in the middle of the night. One was standing on the shoreline, looking out into the horizon... deep in thought. Another one was sitting in the sand, also in thought. Beside them, was another figure lying on the sand, apparently dead. The last, a feminine figure, was crouched beside the dead one.

____________

The sun falls quicker than its time to rise.

Days are eclipsed into night.

It is such a cold demise.

Why not end in delight?

shadow_17705 Presents

Traveler of Light
Chapter 17: Serene Night, Part III

____________

Everything was completely drenched in rain. Rival's eyes were focused on the two members of the Final X - Saku and Zeto. Saku broke into laughter.

Saku: Ironic... Funny how darkness saves the light and... how evil saves-

Rival: Darkness is not associated with evil.

Saku continues.

Saku: Good and evil... Light and darkness... How can you not associate them?

Zeto: Enough...

Zeto threw his giant sword at Rival. Rival deflected the sword back to him. Zeto had then caught it. Rival dashed towards Zeto and sliced him up with his two swords. Afterwards, Zeto forcefully swung his sword at Rival. Rival dodged by doing a barrel roll, and in the process, having a few hairs cut off by the enormously large sword. Rival then jumped on top of a large tombstone. His hand then emitted a pitch black aura. Within seconds, he had fired a massive amount of dark spears. Both Saku and Zeto dodged the spears with ease.

Saku then rushed up to Rival and slashed his sword repeatedly at him. Rival tried to guard the millions of sword motions - vertical, horizontal, and diagonal - but had lost his step. Rival was caught off guard and got cut up instantly.

Saku: Chaos Oblivion!

Rival gets pummeled through the ground, forming another crater.

Rival: Ugh...

Saku jumped in the crater as Rival stumbled to get up.

Saku: What? No more fighting? Why? Things got a little more interesting.

Saku jabbed his fist into Rival's stomach. With a growl, Rival then smashed his fist into Saku's face. Saku stumbled backwards. Rival rushed up to him and attempted to kick his face. However Saku had done a back flip and avoided the oncoming kick to the face. Saku dashed towards Rival and grasps his neck. Even though he is a little shorter than Rival (Saku's height is the same as Lucero's), Saku lifted Rival's body up and then battered him into the ground. He forcefully threw various vigorous punches at Rival's increasingly strained body.

However, with such persistence, Rival clenched his hands into the mud the rain had formed. His aching bones were strained even further. Rival slowly got up, letting the heavy rain drown his face. It seemed useless to continue. He dragged his feet towards Saku. Rival had just noticed that Saku was laughing quietly. They then exchanged punches and kicks. After some time, Saku is caught off guard. He then falls on the ground.

Rival then reaches for his sword. With a smirk, Saku grabs a handful of dry dirt (found under a boulder that had shielded it from the rain) nearby and throws it at Rival's eyes. This temporarily blinds Rival. He growls at the agonizing sting. Saku picks up Shadesu's sword. He slashes horizontally at Rival's head. Without any sense, Rival ducked as he felt the sharp, fierce wind beating against his face. Saku's sword had sliced through air and the rain.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Lucero jumps in to defend Rival.

Lucero: Rival!

Rival: Lucero?

Within seconds, Rival could see.

Saku: Lucero... Back so soon?

Rival hands Lucero's sword back to its owner. Saku readies Shadesu's long sword. Soon, a white aura surrounded Lucero. A green aura surrounded Saku.

Saku: So... Will this end up like our last fight? Will it be absolutely dull? Or will it be entertaining?

The rain fell from the sky with complete, brute force. The rain pounded on the ground, tombstones, far away houses and buildings, and everyone that is outside in the middle of the storm. It was practically raining everywhere you will see.

Lucero and Saku both clashed their swords. The ringing sound of the sword impacts echoed throughout the air. Clash after clash, sharp sound after sound, it was apparent that Lucero and Saku were evenly matched. Soon, they locked their swords. They both forced their swords against the other. The swords were unable to move, grinding against each other. Sparks were flying in all directions. The sound of thunder rumbled throughout the air. The thunder grew louder as Lucero and Saku levitated in the air. The grinds of rage between the two swords continued. The ear-splitting sound of thunder grew as the swords had thrust against the other. The swords had then parted with a shrieking screech. Soon, lightning had exploded out of the rainy clouds and into the skies. The two blades continued to crash, but no blood had spilled. Lightning and thunder continued as Lucero and Saku brawled endlessly.

Saku: Chaos...

Lucero: Chaos...

Lucero and Saku: OBLIVION!

The two remnants had fired their Chaos Oblivions at each other at the same second. Half of the cemetery was demolished due to the power. Tombstones, rocks, dust, and rain were flying in several directions. Saku flew into the ground near Faith and Rival - who were seized by the members of the Final X, and Shadesu's grave. Lucero was flung into the side of a mountain. He then crashed down into the ground Saku slowly got up, laughing.

Saku: This.....This relieved... my boredom. I'm a little surprised, Lucero. If only it was a little longer...

Saku pulled out a Desert Eagle handgun. Lucero rushed at Saku, but he stopped when Saku pointed the gun at Faith's head. Saku chuckled.

Saku: I suppose you have some sort of weakness...

Lucero: Don't do it...

Saku: Of course I won't. I wouldn't do anything to harm Faith.

Lucero: Let her go!

Saku: Not yet, Lucero. I just want to use her in this little experiment...

Lucero: Experiment?

Saku: If we can't put an end to this...

He hands the gun to Faith.

Saku: ...she will.

Lucero: Faith?

Saku: This is how cruel irony can be...

Faith: This is insane. I'm not going to kill anyone.

Saku: Why not?

Faith: I love Lucero and I still consider you as a friend.

Saku: You're relationship with him will end sooner or later. Stop the sorrow now.

Lucero: Friend?! Saku was using us the whole time.

Saku: And soon Lucero would manipulate you as well... He doesn't love you.

Lucero: He was going to kill you if I hadn't shown up in time.

Saku: Lucero never confessed his love to you. You already doubt him.

Lucero: I would never leave you to die. You're my life, Faith!

Saku: Like he never said that to some other girl before. Don't trust him. You don't need him.

Lucero: Faith, no!

Faith: ......SHUT UP!!!

In an instant, the sound a gunshot pierced the air...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Yeah. I hope you enjoy it. I don't have anything else to say. Lol. I'll try to get Traveler of Light Chapter 16: Serene Night, Part III by New Years... hopefully. Later!

This is a spin-off of Traveler of Light. I wrote this during a writer's block while beginning Chapter 16 of Traveler of Light. .
__________

My name is Damien. I have been racing against time.

I let my face get drenched in rain. After all, water is my natural enemy. Why not cleanse my burning soul... of everything? .
.
I left everyone. I left the Travelers in fear. I left Jacob and April, my fake friends, to drown in a flood. I left Cross, probably my closest friend. Most of all, I let Luna get captured... .
.
Now, I have no choice but to face death. Death is my punishment. Like how the stars burn out, everything comes to an end. What about life? Isn't that one of greatest death sentences? .
.
Soon, rage consumes me as a figure steps closer. I hear him laugh silently. I try not to unleash the entire burning wrath from my fingertips. This inferno burns at my insides.

The figure proceeds into telling an endless monologue. I desperately tried to refrain from shredding apart his limbs. This ignorant figure has Luna hostage.

I figure out that life is a gift and not a punishment. It was at this point, my right arm was engulfed in fire.

Rage... Anger... Wrath... Fury... Passion...

This is the way everything burns....

____________

The sun falls quicker than its time to rise.

Days are eclipsed into night.

It is such a cold demise.

Why not end in delight?

shadow_17705 Presents

Traveler of Light
Chapter 16: Serene Night, Part II

____________

Lucero: S-Saku?

It begins to rain heavily as Saku continued to laugh crazily. He walks closer to Lucero, Abyss, and Scythe. His maniacal green eyes pierced Lucero.

Saku: He's almost here, Lucero! Can't you hear him?!

He waits for an answer. Nothing. Saku's expression turns from maniacal to mellow. He walks towards the tombstone. Scythe pushes Lucero into the mud. Faith struggles in anger against the two who are grabbing hold of her. Saku glances at Faith.

Saku: Does that... enrage you?

Lucero: Hurt her, and I'll rip every bone in your body.

Saku laugh.

Saku: That's a little gruesome for you. It's highly doubtful, considering it's not in your nature.

He walks up to Lucero. He crouches to look at Lucero at eye level.

Saku: It's disappointing, Lucero. Everyone nowadays can be easily manipulated. We only needed three Twilight Diamonds and a soul of a remnant.

Lucero: Remnant?

Saku: You don't know?

Saku: A remnant is a being that has a fragment of Shadesu's soul. When he died, his soul was shattered and those who were chosen had his or her soul combined with Shadesu's soul fragment. We are both remnants. That's why you have been experiencing strange premonitions. That was why you were in the hospital.

Saku stands up and proceeds to pace.

Saku: I admit it can be hard to carry out a plan. In the beginning, the Final X had only one Twilight Diamond.

Lucero: Final X?

Saku abruptly stopped pacing and moaned a drawn-out sigh.

Saku: The Final X is currently composed of eight remnants.

He addressed the members' names from the top of his head.

Saku: Nara, Zeto, Xavier, Dusk, Abyss, Scythe, Hollow, and myself.

Lucero: What about the other two?

Saku: You're the ninth; Lucero. You're one of us.

Lucero: I'll never be like you!

Saku grinned and stated the tenth member.

Saku: Shadesu is the last....

Saku continued his pacing as Lucero stared angrily at him.

Saku: We needed two Twilight Diamonds. We had one in the beginning. We knew you existed and posed somewhat of a threat. We had to ask Kadozimaru.

Lucero winced at the name

Saku: Kadozimaru was just a pathetic fool who worshipped Shadesu. We only used him for he knew the hiding place for one of the Twilight Diamonds. We would end up killing him once we found him in possession of the diamond.

Saku: However, Kadozimaru knew that we had to kill you, Lucero. He had Rival to help him kill you. He failed. From that failure, we precisely knew you were... a remnant.

Saku: We then ordered Kadozimaru not to kill you. We only needed the Twilight Diamond, after all. However, being ignorant in the middle of battle, Kadozimaru committed suicide. Apparently you, with a team of Sky Pirates, possessed the Twilight Diamond.

Saku: I had to visit your neighborhood and personally meet you and your friends. Since then, I began to have doubts. I soon found out that Vladimir had a Twilight Diamond locked in a puzzle. I invited you for fencing so I can test your way of thinking. After that, I challenged Vladimir in order to get the puzzle. The fight was simply boring. I won the puzzle. Afterwards, I sent my message to Faith. So far, the puzzle was disappointing. I conquered two-thirds of it with ease.

Saku stepped next to Faith. He looked into her eyes.

Saku: However, the last part is tearing my brain apart. I have a choice. I have to decide between what I cherish most and my lust for power.

Saku pulls out a handgun and presses it against Faith's head.

Saku: Would you like to decide?

Saku laughs maniacally. Lucero gets up.

Lucero: Leave her out of this!

He grabs his sword.

Saku: Hmph.

Saku puts away his gun. He picks up a 7-foot long sword that was behind him. Lucero was struck with fear when he realized that this weapon was from his dreams.

Saku: Do you remember this blade? ....You should.

Saku runs and slashes his sword at Lucero. They both try to push each other's sword out the way. Sparks fly everywhere. Lucero decides to kick Saku. Saku jumps in the air. He back flips on top of another random grave. Lucero rushes at Saku and slashes his sword at him. Saku defended - his sword simply clashed. Saku rams his knee into Lucero's chest. He then kicks Lucero into the ground. He struggles to get up. He spits blood. Lucero looks up to see Saku's hand in front of him. Saku laughs.

Saku: ........Chaos Oblivion...

Before Lucero could gasp for air, he was pummeled endlessly until he lost every feeling he had. Lucero crashes into the tall gates of the cemetery. Lucero collapsed on the ground.

Saku sighs and walks towards Lucero.

Saku: Life is full of disappointments. This, sadly, is no exception. You hardly had put up any resistance. I suppose this will suffice for the beginning of a new era...

He grabs Lucero by the neck and presses him against the gates. Lucero struggles and drops his sword.

Saku: It's been a good time, Lucero.

All of the sudden, another force interfered. Its black waves interrupted Saku and enraged him. This battered Saku into the ground. A familiar silhouette appeared.

Saku: Ugh....... Ri-Rival?!

Rival: Skip the explanations. I overheard everything.

Lucero: *pant*.... Ugh... You....*pant*.... *pant*.... could've come sooner.......

Rival: I wanted to see what you would do. I wanted to see the way you handle responsibilities as a Traveler. Rest, Lucero... you'll need it.

Rival pulls out his sword. He picks up Lucero's as well.

Saku: Ignorant as always... Zeto!

One of the Final X members stepped in. He had a rather large body frame. Zeto's long messy hair was slicked back. His dominant facial feature was a long scar that stretched from the forehead, over his eye, and stopped at the side of his cheekbone. His green eyes were completely dull and lifeless, compared to the others. Zeto pulls out a large, blood-stained sword.

Rival: Two against one? Hmph...

TO BE CONTINUED...

____________

The sun falls quicker than its time to rise.

Days are eclipsed into night.

It is such a cold demise.

Why not end in delight?

shadow_17705 Presents

Traveler of Light
Chapter 15: Serene Night, Part I

____________

A white hedgehog stood in the mountains. His fur was whiter than the snow and the ice that surrounds him. As empty this white can be, ironically, small rainbows can be seen in an angle.

A white girl hedgehog came running after the luminous one. Her fur color had a slight golden tint due to her one golden highlight. Her smile however echoed the boy's flawless fur.

They embraced. The boy's fingers caressed the girl's hair. The girl sighed as the boy's stern face was severed slightly into a smile.

Boy Hedgehog: You came? Why?

Girl Hedgehog: Why wouldn't I?

Boy Hedgehog: It's... odd...

Girl Hedgehog: ...That I don't fit in?

Boy Hedgehog: That you would keep your promise.

Girl Hedgehog: ...Why?

Boy Hedgehog: I never met anyone who kept their promises.

The boy hedgehog sighs.

Girl Hedgehog: Don't be like that.

Boy Hedgehog: Hmm?

Girl Hedgehog: Try to have a positive outlook on life. Don't be negative.

Boy Hedgehog: Is that even possible?

Girl Hedgehog: Of course!

Boy Hedgehog: Hmph. It's not normal to be positive. Always.... happy. It's just not right.

Girl Hedgehog: You don't have to be happy all the time.

Boy Hedgehog: But-

Girl Hedgehog: Think about the things that make you positive. What ma-?

The boy hedgehog hugged her.

Boy Hedgehog: I'm with you... right?

They smiled at each other and kissed.

__________________

Faith had finished writing a rather long diary entry. She sighed as she closed her red, leather notebook. On the back, engraved, were the letters L and F enclosed in a heart. There was no plus sign between them. Faith thought the plus sign meant separation between them.

Tonight, my goal will finally be achieved...

Lucero was running from the outskirts of the city into the suburban neighborhood near the ocean. The sun was setting.

I find it funny that all of the gears started turning only a few weeks ago...

Lucero ran through the terraces and boulevards. He speeded into a familiar street. He stopped at Faith's house. He knocked on the door. No answer.

Lucero: Faith!

No answer. Lucero proceeded by opening the door, but it was locked. Lucero forcefully kicked the door open.

Lucero: Faith!

No answer.

It was too easy...

Faith was no where to be seen or heard. Lucero ran upstairs to Faith's bedroom. She was no where in sight. However, on a desk, was a red diary with black binding. The front cover was faced down. The back with the heart was shown. Beside it, were two notes, one of them was crumbled. Lucero unfolded the crumbled one first. The words scribbled on it were stressed.

__________

FAITH,

I NEED YOU TO MEET ME BY SIDUS CEMETERY IN THE CITY BY EXACTLY SEVEN IN THE AFTERNOON. EVERYTHING WILL BE EXPLAINED ONCE YOU GET THERE.

SAKU

P.S. BRING YOUR TWILIGHT DIAMOND.

__________

Lucero gawked at the pressured letters. He snatched the second note, written by Faith.

__________

Lucero,

If you get this note, you have most likely come back from Saku's game of fencing. I have gone to the cemetery. His handwriting was different than his usual. I don't like it. I'm truly sorry for stealing the Twilight Diamond. I'm sure I am coming back in the next couple of hours.

I love you.

Faith

__________

I mastered the first two stages of the puzzle with ease.

Lucero grabbed the two notes and Faith's diary without any second thoughts. He stormed out of the seaside neighborhood and into the city. The clouds thicken. Mist was everywhere

I admit the first stage, the 3D puzzle, was a little more challenging than the second. It took me four tries just to complete it.

The second stage was simple. I had to get the key out before needles punctured my fingers. Fortunately, I never bled before and never felt pain.

Lucero turns around the corner of an abandoned street.

The third and final stage made me think. So, I devised a plan just to complete it.

I laugh at the difficulty of the whole puzzle. This was just to get a mere Twilight Diamond!

We needed THREE of the five Twilight Diamonds and a soul of a remnant. A remnant like me. A remnant like Lucero. But why must WE die? ANY remnant would do...

Lucero enters Sidus Cemetery.

Lucero: FAITH!

He scans the cemetery in search for either Faith or Saku. Two dark figures glided past Lucero's vision. The figures had voices. One of them was a male's voice.

???: Is that him Abyss?

The female voice, Abyss, laughed.

Abyss: Why, yes it is, Scythe. I didn't expect him to come...

Scythe: Hmph...

Lucero: Where are you?

Lucero pulls out his sword. A feminine figure stood in his vision, hands in the air.

Abyss: No need to get into rash fights! My name is Abyss.

Lucero: Abyss?

Abyss pranced around the misty tombstones. She walked up to Lucero. Abyss's height was much shorter than Lucero's.

Abyss: Don't be alarmed.

She giggled. Abyss's face was unveiled. She was a very young female hedgehog. Her fur color was gray, which was much darker than the snow white color of Lucero. Her hair was tied in a rather loose bun with hair sticking out in every direction. One of her eyes was green while the other was blue.

Abyss: You must be Lucero! The creepy guy wants to see you.

The other shrouded figure, Scythe, appeared behind and seizes Lucero. Lucero struggles and drops Faith's diary and the two messages.

Lucero: What the-?

Abyss: I'll take that!

She steals Lucero's sword. She notices the diary and the notes.

Abyss: What's this?

Abyss picks up the diary and the crumpled messages. After a quick read through, she crumples both notes into a paper ball and throws it at Lucero's head. Lucero couldn't catch them, due to being held against his will. Abyss giggles as she opens the diary. She skims through the pages, laughing silently as she reads.

Abyss: Awwww... It's like a love story!!! Hehehehe....

She tosses the book at Lucero. It falls on the ground next to the crumpled messages.

Abyss: It's a little sad, though. Such an innocent, tortured soul...

Lucero: What are you talking about?

Abyss picks up the diary and messages that were on the ground.

Abyss: Don't you get it? She loves you. And you...

She turns her back on Lucero.

Abyss: Well, you never had spoken of your love to her.

Lucero: But-

Abyss: She doubts you...

Scythe: Abyss!

Abyss: You're certainly not the one for conversations, Scythe. Hmph. Fine, I'll get you to the creepy guy...

Abyss leads Lucero, who is still seized by Scythe through the cemetery. They pass by unfamiliar tombstones covered in dirt and dust. However, in the back of the cemetery, were dark figures gathered around a large tombstone. Lucero noticed only two from the crowd: Saku and Faith. Faith was seized by two dark figures. Saku stood in front of the tomb. A sinister grin stretched across his face.

Saku: Lucero! You finally came...

He laughed.

TO BE CONTINUED...

I found a great anime, called Elfen Lied. I find it very emotional throughout almost all the episodes (although the English voices are not quite good). However, watch at your own risk! There is nudity, graphic violence, gore, and the portrayal of the dark side of human nature. This is meant for a mature audience of ages 18 and up. You'll find it disturbing, but it's really a very nice story.

http://www.vbox7.com/byuser:iotz89?&ord=name&page=1

____________

Two weeks passed since the incident. The abyss widens to engulf all that stands in its way... only to throw itself into oblivion.

shadow_17705 Presents

Traveler of Light
Chapter 14: Disorder

____________

PROLOGUE

The white hedgehog stands in the hospital's courtyard. A harmonious ring echoed through the clear air. It abruptly stops, followed by a melodic voice.

???: Nara?

Nara: Saku?

Saku: Speaking...

Nara: We found another diamond.

Saku: Yes... It's locked in a puzzle... carried by some old black wolf.

Nara: You knew?

Saku: ... Precisely.

Nara: Saku... I'm worried.

Saku: You have no reason, Nara.

Nara: Zeto's impatient.

Saku: Let's not have Zeto create havoc just yet.

Nara: But-

Saku: He'll have his favorite moments, Nara. But wait, I have a plan...

Nara: Be careful.

Saku: Bye, my love.

THREE DAYS LATER

The bell of the clock tower rang to count out the hours: two in the afternoon. On the park bench, was Saku. His left forearm was uncovered from the gauze that was wrapped tightly, revealing many long, scars. In his right hand, was a pocket knife. He sighed and carved deeply into his left forearm.

Saku (thinking): No matter how much wounds I have given, I cannot feel the pain and I cannot bleed...

He carved another empty gash.

Saku (thinking): Soon, Shadesu... soon...

He puts away the pocket knife. He carefully rewraps the gauze around his wounds. He looks at the familiar figure.

Saku: Lucero.... It's a quarter after three. You're late.

Lucero: Well, I agreed to your fencing match. So, I though it might be interesting. Anyway, I'm here.

Saku stood up.

Saku: Follow me! I know this... good place. It's not far from here, you know.

Saku walked, leading Lucero. Lucero glared at Saku, wondering.

Lucero: What were you doing just now?

Saku: Oh nothing. Just a little habit...

Lucero (thinking): A habit?

Soon, the two snow-white hedgehogs walked to a large mansion. Saku walked up the steps, gesturing Lucero to follow. Saku then rang a doorbell and waited for what seemed to be an eternity for someone to open the large doors. A 10-year-old male wolf with jet black fur and cobalt blue streaks on his arms and legs and a blue tip on his tail opened the doors, looking up at the two white hedgehogs. Behind the wolf, was a 9-year-old male crimson-red hedgehog. They were both holding wooden swords, staring innocently at Lucero and Saku.

Black Wolf and Crimson Hedgehog (in unison): Um........ Hi?

Saku: Damien...

The young black wolf nodded.

Saku: Cross...

The crimson hedgehog shuddered.

Saku: Do you know where Vladimir is?

Damien nodded again and ran through the hallway. Cross retreated, panicking, and ran after Damien.

Damien: Dad! Mr. Saku and some other guy's here to see you.

A rough voice answered.

Vladimir: Very well then...

Damien and Cross came back to the door where Lucero and Saku stood. Soon, Vladimir was behind the children. His appearance was much like Damien's, only older and wiser. Vladimir's eyes were gray, despite his son's being a bright, innocent blue. He didn't have any blue on his fur that Damien has. Vladimir was rather. Vladimir had worn gauntlets which had numerous wristbands and bracelets. Around his neck, were a few chains. His pants were torn and his boots were damaged.

Vladimir: Saku. I didn't expect to see you here.

Saku was about to speak, almost excited, but was interrupted.

Vladimir: ...and who's this?

Saku: Lucero! H-He's-

Vladimir: Lucero... Yes.... I've heard of you before. I am Vladimir.

Saku glanced at Lucero, wondering. Vladimir grinned, flashing his sharp teeth.

Vladimir: Takashi told me about you. Come, come!

Vladimir led Lucero and Saku through the giant halls, passing both Damien and Cross.

Cross: Damien?

Damien: Yeah?

Cross: There's something about Saku...

________________

Two rapiers clash against each other in an open courtyard. Lucero and Saku, without any armor, anticipate each other's move... waiting for any opening to strike. Sparks fly towards the ground. Saku soon pokes his sword at Lucero.

Saku: Hmph.

Lucero: What? You win.

Saku: Are you even trying?

Lucero: Fine... Best two out of three.

Saku twirled his rapier with his fingers. He slashed up, only to be parried by Lucero. Saku then thrusts his sword at Lucero, again to be denied. He slashed up only to have his sword locked with Lucero's.

Saku: Ah... You were holding back.

Saku kicks Lucero down. Saku grins and then begins to plunge his sword into Lucero's body. However, Lucero rolled on the ground to the left, dodging the oncoming, threatening attack. He gets up and slices right, which knocks Saku's rapier out of his hand. Saku straightens and holds his hands up, while Lucero points his sword at him.

Saku: We're tied. That was rather quick...

Lucero: Let's leave it at that.

Lucero and Saku re-entered Vladimir's manor.

Lucero: Saku.

Saku: Hm?

Lucero: I've been noticing, you seem a bit edgier that usual.

Saku: I-I don't understand what you're saying L-Lucero.

Lucero: You were eager to pay Vladimir a visit. What are you thinking?

Saku: ......Vladimir!

Vladimir: Back so soon? I thought it would take longer. Lost interest?

Saku chuckled as he led Lucero to the front door.

Saku: Speaking of which, Lucero, why don't you leave?

Lucero: What?

Saku: I... I hear Faith needed to talk to you immediately.

Saku opens the door, gesturing Lucero to go.

Saku: Well go on. I don't want you to keep Faith waiting.

Lucero moves in front of Saku. He turns to face Saku, confused.

Saku: Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Hurry, before she gets impatient.

Lucero doesn't move. Saku's face changes from friendly to stern and serious.

Saku: No, really. Go.

He pushes Lucero out, closing and locking the door behind him. Saku sighs.

Saku: Well, Vladimir... How about a little battle?

Vladimir: If you insist.

Saku: But let's make it interesting. If I win,

He points to a mysterious orb.

Saku: ...I get that puzzle.

Vladimir: The puzzle? It seems impossible to solve. However, I already know what's inside it: a Twilight Diamond. There are three stages to it.

Vladimir: In the first stage, you have to dismantle the pieces to get to the second stage. It's like a 3-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, but you have to press on the pieces in order to take that piece out. There are 337 pieces and they have to be dismantled in a certain order, so if you press the wrong piece at any point, you will have to completely redo the entire first stage. Be fast, because you're under a time limit of exactly 90 seconds and then you will have to restart the whole stage again if you fail.

Vladimir: Although I haven't completed the first stage, I've heard what's after this stage. The second stage is a smaller orb that was closed within the first stage. This stage encases a key and the third stage. The second stage has a hole in it. You have to put your fingers in it and take the key out. You have 5 seconds to get it out before needles come out and puncture your fingers. That key opens the second stage to reveal the third and final stage.

Vladimir: The Twilight Diamond is enclosed within a glass orb. The final stage is simple: you have a choice. You have to decide between what you cherish most and your lust for power.

Saku: It must be quite a burden.

Vladimir: You might say it is.

Saku: So... if you win...

Vladimir: You join the Travelers as Traveler of Oblivion.

Saku: Very well... I agree.

I just got Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood. I decided to take a little break from it. It's very good. I'm trying to create as much SonAmy moments as I can. Rouge is very funny. She'll never get Sonic!!! Anyway, great game! The Marauders are very interesting and I'm glad that you can say different kinds of things. Why hasn't GS wrote a review yet?!?!

____________

Eight silhouettes of darkness had blocked the shining light. The worst is yet to come...

shadow_17705 Presents

Traveler of Light
Chapter 13: Waking Up

____________



Eight figures were shrouded in darkness. Their identities are anonymous... until now.

??? 1: Ugh.... How long must we wait?
??? 2: Please, have patience Zeto.
??? 3: Nara is correct. You must have patience.
Zeto: He gets to have most of the fun, though.
Nara: Hmm......
??? 3: What do you see?
Nara: He successfully came in contact with Lucero.
??? 3: And the Twilight Diamonds?
Nara: Lucero only has one...
Zeto: Hmph.

Another interrupted.

??? 4: I'm guessing you're jealous Zeto!

The rest of the group stayed silent only to be broken by the third figure.

??? 3: We need three Twilight Diamonds and Lucero, the tenth member, in order to resurrect HIM.
Nara: Wait... I found another Twilight Diamond.
Zeto: ...AND?
Nara: It's locked in a strange puzzle. Zeto and I will aid Saku.

She threw Zeto a glance.

Nara: .....Are you happy?

_________


Lucero was in a hospital bed, with wires connecting him to monitors. There were four chairs: only two of them were occupied. The bed beside Lucero's was vacant. The low-quality televisions were off. The two chairs were huddled together. A silver girl hedgehog was being cuddled by the mysterious, brooding, white hedgehog. She was sobbing. An anxious snow wolf was pacing near the doorway.

Zane: I think I should find Rival before he starts drinking... again.
Saku: Rival... drinks?
Zane: I dunno why he does it. He thinks that bad things happen because of him. There could something we're missing.

Zane leaves the room as Saku takes a glance at Lucero's sleeping body.

Saku (thinking): Could Rival's drinking is influenced by something else?

His thinking was halted temporarily by Faith's weeping.

Faith: Saku... I'm... I'm so stupid! I wish I could have been there for him... What....... happened?

Saku (thinking): He knows... He knew.

He could feel his journal paper in his pocket: the one that Lucero had read.

Saku: He loves you, you know...

He felt Faith nod.

Saku: I'll leave you two be... in case he wakes. You can handle yourself, can you?

Faith nodded and Saku left the room.

_________


Saku takes a walk in the hospital's courtyard. It was strangely cloudy. Saku sighs as he takes out his journal entry that Lucero had came across. He folded out the many creases. Strangely, it had a blood stain on it.

Saku (thinking): Blood? He's not resurrected yet. How could blood spill? Surely there weren't any self-inflicted injuries. We've all had experienced pain in visions of HIM before, but... blood? Hm....... Maybe his connection is closer than any of our connections. That must be it: it's Lucero's fragment.

Saku's cell phone buzzed a droning noise. He pulled it out to see who was calling.

Saku (thinking): Hmph. Good timing, Nara...

_________


Lucero's eyes warily opened to see Faith looming over him, half-concerned and half-worried. At an instant, Faith cried happily over him. Lucero was uncomfortable.

Lucero: ...Faith?
Faith: Oh, Lucero!! I shouldn't have left you!
Lucero: Where is he?
Faith: Hm?
Lucero: Where's Saku...
Faith: ......S-Saku?
Lucero: I need to talk to him.
Faith: Hmph.

She pulled away from Lucero.

Faith: You're definitely in no condition to see him!

She poked Lucero's covered wounds... rather playfully than angrily. Lucero winced, which worked in Faith's intended favor. Then, Faith walked over to the other side of his bed. She pulled up a chair.

Faith: Lucero...

He waited for whatever Faith had to say.

Faith: Do... Do you love me?

The two have been interrupted when Zane, followed by Rival, come in the room.

Rival: For da lass time Mickey, I'm... not..... drunk.
Zane: First of all... it's not Mickey. Second... you're lucky I found you before anything dangerous happened!
Rival: What about -

He hiccupped.

Rival: - third?
Zane: Ugh...
Rival: Ya see Ricky? ...Der's nothing... ta' worry ah-bout! Buh-sides! Since when do me and uh..... alcah-hol.......mix? .......Hey!!

Another hiccup.

Rival: Louie's here!!!
Lucero: It's... Lucero.
Rival: How ya been, Louie!?
Lucero: Er.....Good? I don't know about you-
Rival: I'm glad yer swell!
Faith: Are you feeling okay? It sounds like you're drunk.
Rival: I'm not... No... I... am... not.

Another hiccup.

Zane: I think I should get him home... before anything else happens.

Rival and Zane exit the hospital room. They leave the hospital. With a few moments to spare, Lucero holds Faith's hand... smiling.

I am leaving GameSpot... again. (Yes, this had happened before, in which the duration of this break was around 3 months) I will still be checking on the forums, but I will be offline.I may come back, whenever I feel like it. As for the RPG, you may close it. As for the Traveler of Light series, I will be putting up comic versions on DeviantART as Sonic-Storm. As for my characters, I will not give them away to anyone. If you want, make sure to check out my DeviantART userpage for things I had put up. My current projects I'm working on are:

Traveler of Light: Chapter 1 (Comic) Here's the Cover

Traveler of Light: Chapter 13 - Waking Up

Yeah. I just joined. Here's my profile:

http://sonic-storm.deviantart.com/

____________

The nightmare has been re-enacted. The sound of the heart beating was echoing through the grim atmosphere. All... was black.

shadow_17705 Presents

Traveler of Light
Chapter 12: Fading Away

Season 2

____________

There was nothing unusual about school; Lucero knew that for a fact. He simply waited at the front of the school. It seemed this day was like any other... at the beginning. It was a misty morning. Rival and Zane were in their same places; in the shade. After a while since the first day, Lucero noticed Zane and Rival talking to each other. However, there was something missing from the puzzle... someone, Faith. Lucero also found that someone else was missing too. The disturbing, white hedgehog; Saku.

_____

Faith was staring into the fierce, but strangely friendly, green eyes. Saku's face was inches away from her eyes. Faith was shocked. They were in a hallway inside the school.

Saku: Why hello. I couldn't help but notice your deep blue eyes...

Faith couldn't ignore Saku's velvety voice.

Saku: You look tense. ...Is everything all right?

Faith couldn't reply. Saku tilted his head.

Saku: ....Is it me?

Faith: N-No.

Saku smirked a little.

Saku: I was wondering...

He was whispering into Faith's ear.

Saku: Do you mind if we go out? See a movie?

Both Saku and Faith could hear Faith's heartbeat racing.

Saku: Is that a yes... or a no?

The bell had rung.

Faith: Well... um...

She was blushing.

Faith: Y-Yeah...

Saku: Very well then. I'll pick you up... 6 PM?

Faith nodded. It was just then Lucero had appeared, furious. He pummeled Saku into the lockers.

Lucero: Don't you ever hit on my girlfriend, got that?

Saku: You seem a bit overprotective. I was just asking Faith about the homework I'd missed yesterday.

It was true. Saku was absent.

Faith: Y-Yeah... pages 237 through 238, numbers 14 through 40.

Saku: Thank you.

He got up and walked to his locker which was distant from where Lucero and Faith were standing. Faith went inside the room. Saku closed his locker door and went inside as well. However, he dropped a piece of paper. Lucero went over and picked it up. He glanced at the neat scribbles on it. He folded it and put it in his pocket. Lucero went inside.

Faith was looking at a small piece of paper, which were apparently the plans Saku had made with her. It also has his phone number. He simply slipped it into her pocket before Lucero came earlier. Lucero couldn't take a glance, due to an interruption by the teacher. Faith then put it back into her pocket. She then heard Saku's voice again.

Saku: Thanks again for the missing homework, Faith.

The rest of the school day went by rather quickly. At the end of the day, Lucero, with Faith, silently drove home. It was terribly quiet... someone had to break it.

Faith: Why are you driving me home? Usually I let Zane drive me around with Rival, to the library, diners-

Lucero: Is Zane your boyfriend? Is Rival your boyfriend? What about? -

Faith: They're just friends! And you, of all people, should acknowledge - Lucero, slow down!!!

Lucero ignored the fact he was speeding.

Faith: What happened if-

Lucero: They won't.

Before Faith knew it, they were at Faith's home. Lucero then broke the silence.

Lucero: What are you thinking? Tell me.

Faith: I don't even know if I should tell you. Saku was right. You are overprotective.

Faith opened the door, but Lucero stopped her from getting out. He whispered in her ear.

Lucero: I'm happy if you're happy.

Faith got out of the car and waved at him. She walked inside. Lucero then parked the car in his driveway of his house that was next to Faith's. Lucero walked inside. He then looks out the window to see a silver Aston Martin DBS in front of Faith's driveway. It made Lucero's Nissan Maxima look insignificant. Faith walked out. She was dressed casually. Saku got out of the driver's side. He walked around the front and opened the passenger door for Faith.

Faith: Thank you.

Saku nodded and closed the door gently. He walked over and sat in the driver's seat. He closed the door as he stared into Faith's eyes.

Faith: Do you mind if we drive slowly?

Saku: Don't worry.

Saku's Aston Martin drove slowly out of Lucero's sight. Hours of silence and boredom past, only to be broken by the anxiety of whatever that was written on Saku's paper that he dropped. Lucero decided to lock himself in his room. He takes out Saku's written paper. Lucero unfolded the paper to study it's words:

_____

Xavier must be right. This hedgehog is perfectly like him... What was his name? Lucas? Lucian? Lucero? Does Lucero know him, like the other ones do? Does he know Shadesu? If so, how? He seemed to be in pain when we came in contact the first day. Was he having visions? What about his friends? Do they know this? What about Faith? She looked like his girlfriend. Too bad: she looked... amazing. Why couldn't she say anything? I would like to meet with her again...

_____

Lucero (thinking): ...Xavier? ....Sh-Sha-

In that very second, his body was engulfed in pain. He had limited vision and the only things he had seen was the torn paper from Saku's journal and a figure looming over him. A silent chuckle emitted from the back of the silhouette's throat.

???: Lucero.

Lucero: Sh...SHADESU?!

His weak hand struggled to hold on to this figure from his nightmares, which was now known as Shadesu, no matter what chaotic things will happen. Shadesu grinned, showing his perfect, glistening teeth. Then, Lucero blacked out.

____________

What is behind those bright green eyes? Bliss? Torture? A sensitive stranger? A relentless killer? .
.
shadow_17705 Presents

Traveler of Light .
Chapter 11: Breakdown
Season 2
____________ .
.
.
.
Faith's body had been traumatized. She was unable to turn away. She had no choice but to succumb into Saku's bright, sharp eyes. It was the most intense thing in the brooding character. Faith didn't think it was hard to find Saku's eyes through his emo hair. They both stared at each other for such a prolonged period. Saku studied Faith's uneasy expression; his grin lengthened a little. Faith could feel her heart pulse speed up, crushing against her chest. She was unable to speak. All of the sudden, Faith had seen Saku's eyes quickly glanced to Faith's left. .
.
Faith (thinking): Ugh... What happened? Wh-Why didn't I talk to him some... more? And why did he-?

She followed to where Saku was looking: Lucero.

Faith (thinking): He looks like him...
Faith: Um...

Saku looked back at Faith, curious about what she was about to say. Faith was rendered speechless. They look at each other; one simply curious and the other simply disappointed at herself. Saku chuckled silently and turned to face the front. .
.
Saku: ....Shakespeare.
Faith (thinking): Shakespeare?

She looked beyond Saku to see the professor. The professor was disappointed to find that Saku was not caught off guard. Saku was paying attention even though he was clearly looking at Faith. .
.
Faith (thinking): Class had started?

She looked at the clock; ten minutes into the class. She continued to stare into Saku's snow white hair. She seemed lost, only to be called upon by the professor once. Whenever Saku glanced back at Faith, she blushed. And then... she winced at the thought.

Faith (thinking): What would Lucero think?

She took a small glance at Lucero again. Lucero's eyes were serious. He was studying Saku's personality and appearance. .
.
Lucero (thinking): There's something about him... He's quite suspicious... What... is it?

From his angle, he spotted Saku's grin...

Lucero (thinking): What is he thinking?

The bell shattered their thoughts. Saku stood up and quietly exited the classroom, buried in his own thoughts. Lucero stood up.

Zane: See you Faith... Lucero.

Zane left.

Rival: That was interesting... Later.

It was apparent he wasn't talking about the class. Rival followed. Then, Faith came up to him.

Faith: Is... Is he your....... brother? .
.
She looked at Lucero through her hair.

Faith: He looks a lot like you.

Yesterday, I finally saw The Dark Knight. It was amazing. Heath Ledger's Joker simply outperformed both Bale and Eckheart. I'd like to tell you more, but I don't want to give spoilers to those who didn't see it yet.

____________

The mystical philosophy that many people fear: the balance is in great danger. A new chapter begins.

shadow_17705 Presents

Traveler of Light
Chapter 10: Another Day .
Season 2
____________ .
.
.
.
Lucero sighed as he looked down on his schedule. He then heard a familiar voice that called to him

???: Lucero! .
.
Quite pitied and without a choice, Lucero turned around. Faith, accompanied by Rival, walked towards them. Behind them was a silvery-white, arctic wolf. He wore a blue knit cap and goggles that acted as a band for the cap. Lucero wondered, confused.

Lucero: Hi... um...
Faith: This is Zane. I met him at the library a week ago
Zane: Hi...

The arctic wolf's voice had a hint of nervousness. .
.
Lucero: I'm Lucero.
Zane: Nice to meet you.

Faith interrupted.

Faith: What classes do you have? .
.
Lucero handed her his schedule. She jumped in joy. .
.
Faith: We're all together this year!
Rival: What a surprise... .
.
There was such sarcasm in his voice. Zane chuckled in response. .
.
Zane: See you in homeroom then. .
.
He walked into the shade. .
.
Rival: I'll leave you two be. .
.
Rival walks away, picturing Lucero's internal response in his mind. He snickered. After, a long silence, Faith finally brings up a subject.

Faith: It seemed like yesterday was the last time we saw Takashi.
________

FLASHBACK:

Takashi was with Lucero and Faith on the shorelines. .
.
Takashi: Listen, one of you has to keep this Twilight Diamond safe.
Faith: Why can't you keep it then?
Takashi: I'm bound to lose it. Besides, Twilight Diamonds are rare. There are only 5 in the world and they have mystical powers. Each one has the power to have a greater control of the balance of light and darkness. There used to be hundreds, but they were destroyed in the fear of people who use them to bend reality to their own will... and in hopes of becoming gods or something. The five are the remains while the Travelers are considered to be the successors. .
.
He gives the Twilight Diamond to Lucero. Lucero's expression was gravely confused.

Takashi: I suggest you keep it; mainly because you're one of the Travelers. And I admit, you're far more responsible than I am.

Takashi grinned at his remark at himself.

Lucero (thinking): Travelers are the successors of the Twilight Diamonds? Hmm...

He stared into the shining diamond.

_________

The sound of the bell had cut Lucero off from his flashback. He had seen Faith, along with Rival and Zane, walking inside already. He looked back to see around twenty students behind him scramble to the entrance. .
.
However, there was a strange white male hedgehog next Lucero. This hedgehog's muzzle was quite pale, paler than Lucero's. This newcomer's hair was neat and straight. His hair bangs (or fringes) highlighted his face. He also has one long hair bang thick enough to cover a half of his face (which gave him a very emo-like appearance). The white hedgehog's forearms were covered in gauze bandages. Lucero couldn't help but notice the mysterious stranger's eye color. It was a sharper green. His eyes were striking, because this white hedgehog used thick, black eyeliner and under his eyes were shadows of black and purple, which made people, suggest that this stranger never slept and was filled with fatigue... or rage. .
.
The white hedgehog looked up from the paper he was holding. Lucero didn't notice what he had in his hand. The de-saturated stranger stared around; studying everything in the background. His eyes then met Lucero's for a second. In that second, Lucero had seen such fierceness in his eyes. The stranger seemed to be studying Lucero's appearance. The stranger then dragged his feet inside.

It was then; there was a sharp, brutal, agonizing pain that came up in the back of Lucero's head. Lucero looked behind him to see a couple of random students and staff. However, there was the strange figure... the one from his nightmares. The figure was standing in the shade of a tree, laughing... mockingly laughing. Frightened, Lucero quickly walked inside, where he then hears a voice.

???: Calm down... The pain will fade away before you know it...

Lucero snapped out of his fear. As the voice said, the sharp pain had faded away. He didn't notice he was walking with the mysterious, white male hedgehog he noticed earlier.

Lucero (thinking): How does he know? Did he see-? Who is this guy?

The stranger walked inside a classroom. Lucero looked at his schedule to find out that this hedgehog is in his class. He sighed as he followed him inside. He found out Faith saved him a seat by the window. Zane was sitting in front of him, Rival was sitting behind him and Faith was sitting to the right of him. On Lucero's right, was the window. Lucero noticed the seat in front of Faith was empty, only then to be occupied by the mysterious, white hedgehog. Faith, feeling excited about meeting new people, decided to talk to the stranger.

Faith: Hi there!
???: ...........Hey.
Faith: I'm Faith!
???: ........Faith?.......... Pleasure to meet you.......I'm Saku...

After a second, Saku looked behind him to see Faith. He wore a perfect grin. Mesmerized, Faith looked into Saku's eyes.

I'm ditching the name in caps and the word "the". Inside, is a compilation of the 9 chapters in the first season. Plus, a little bonus. I hope you enjoy it... or not. All links lead to the Sonic RPG Union chapter updates and not the ones here (I posted this there first).

Traveler of Light Season 1

Chapter 1: New Origins
Chapter 2: Fates Intertwined
Chapter 3: Fearful Runaway
Chapter 4: Burning Seas
Chapter 5: Wrapped in Regrets
Chapter 6: When the Time Comes...
Chapter 7: Disaster in the Skies, Part I
Chapter 8: Disaster in the Skies, Part II
Chapter 9: Disaster in the Skies, Part III

Now, I present to you the bonus...


***SPOILER***

____________

Scars of a thousand battles will never lead to one's redemption...
Salvation is just a dream once you look at it...
Locked up in the countless, severed nights...

shadow_17705 Presents

The Traveler of Light
Chapter 9: Disaster in the Skies, Part III
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Behind the monument, was an abandoned church. Only one figure was inside, sitting on one of the benches. Its head was down, only looking at its feet. Another figure walked through the large, entrance doors. The first figure's head looked at the dusty bench that was in front of him. .
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??? #1: You know... you need to make this place more secure.
??? #2: I'm terribly sorry.
??? #1: Hmph. At least you're not late.

The second figure whom entered, sat beside the first.

??? #2: Why the sudden meeting?
??? #1: Where is it? Where's the Twilight Diamond that we asked for?
??? #2: Er.......

The first figure stands up. .

??? #1: Are you telling me you don't know where it is?

The second figure stayed silent.

??? #1: It's always that silent act, Kadozimaru. Why am I not surprised? You always try your best to have a good relationship of those higher than you so that we gain your trust. When you're under pressure...

The first figure chuckles.

??? #1: From the looks of it, you're just another worthless being.
Kadozimaru: I-I guarantee that I will bring the Twilight Diamond and Lucero's body to you.
??? #1: Fine. You're lucky I'm more forgiving than the others. We're envisioning a perfect world. We can not afford to have any unneeded obstacles. Chaos Control.

The first figure disappeared. A soldier came running in.

Soldier: Sir!

Kadozimaru took a quick glance behind him.

Soldier: The Twilight Diamond is secured. It's in the building behind this one.
Kadozimaru: Hmph.....
Soldier: However, the Sky Pirates have infiltrated the perimeters.
Kadozimaru: Do they have Lucero with them?
Soldier: Yes.
Kadozimaru: ...Perfect.
Soldier: Permission to fire at will?
Kadozimaru: Of course. However, don't kill him. Bring him to me.
Soldier: Very well then.

The soldier exits the church.

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Surprisingly, Faith is behind the church. She was eavesdropping on Kadozimaru.

Faith (thinking): Hm... This is interesting. We must be close to that Twilight Diamond. Also, this Kadozimaru seems to know about Lucero... but how? ....And who was that other voice earlier? The Perfect World? What's that all about? ... And where's Takashi?

Takashi was out of breath when he finally reached where Faith is.

Takashi: ................So. Heh............ What happened?
Faith: Kadozimaru's army has the Twilight Diamond secured.
Takashi: Ok... how hard could it be? I also sent my crew to help Lucero and Rival.
Faith: Let's get going.
Takashi: ..........You go on ahead. I need to catch a breath.
Faith: Okay then.

Faith continues on. Beyond the church is another larger dilapidated building where soldiers take guard.

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Lucero and Rival, accompanied by the Sky Pirates, infiltrate Kadozimaru's forces. Bullets shredded the air and were lodged into many bodies. Blood-stained blades clashed and chipped away at each other. Blood was sprayed everywhere. A soldier was shooting until Rival sneaked up behind, twisted the soldier's arm, so the gun would point at his chest. Rival took a hold of the gun and shot the soldier he sneaked up on. He took the gun and fired at three other soldiers, one was aimed at the chest. The other two were aimed at the head. Nearby, a Sky Pirate pulled a knife and threw it at another soldier. It was carved into the neck, which led blood gushing everywhere due to the damage of major arteries. It was such a graphic event. Lucero was trying to fend off surrounding soldiers. His sword is one of the many that grind against flesh. However, it wasn't long when Lucero found himself in a chokehold. He dropped his sword and the same soldier picked it up with his free hand. Another soldier came up to the first soldier who has Lucero in the chokehold.

Soldier: Careful. He's dangerous. Bring him to Kadozimaru in the church. I'll cover you.

Lucero squirmed within the soldier's grasp as he forces him towards the church. For a second, the soldier and Lucero look behind them to see the covering soldier's head get shot off. Soon, Lucero and the soldier finally get to the church. The soldier throws Lucero on the ground. He then tosses Lucero's sword as well. .
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Soldier: Here's the white hedgehog.

The soldier leaves while a figure walks up to him. Lucero looks at the yellow eyes that occupy the eye holes in the blank white mask. .

Lucero: Ugh... Kadozimaru?
Kadozimaru: Lucero.
Lucero: .........................Wow.

Lucero gets up and grabs his sword.

Lucero: What's up with the mask?

Kadozimaru pulls out a rapier sword.

Lucero: We don't even know what you look like.

Kadozimaru strikes. Lucero blocks.

Kadozimaru: I'm keeping my identity secret. Kadozimaru is an alias.
Lucero: Makes sense.

Lucero pushes Kadozimaru's blade back. He grins.

Lucero: I guess I'll just have to find out what's behind the mask...

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Meanwhile, Faith and Takashi are attempting to infiltrate the dilapidated building behind the church. There are only three soldiers guarding.

Takashi: This is where the Twilight Diamond is?
Faith: Yeah. That's what the soldier said.
Takashi: Ok.
Faith: How are we going to get in?
Takashi: Watch and learn.

Takashi picks up a stone. He throws it at a window. It shatters, causing the soldiers to be alert.

Soldier #1: What was that?
Soldier #2: Let's check it out. You stay here.
Soldier #3: Alright.

The first soldier goes inside. The second one investigates around the corner while the third keeps guard.

Takashi: See?
Faith: What about the one keeping guard?
Takashi: Hold on.

Takashi gets a little closer. He finds a sharper, jagged rock and picks it up. He throws it at the guarding soldier in the front. The soldier gets knocked out. Faith and Takashi runs to the entrance. Takashi picks up the unconscious soldier's pistol. They walk in.

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Lucero's katana clashes against Kadozimaru's rapier sword. Sparks shoot out of the clash points. Kadozimaru raised his sword; however it was knocked out of his hand. Lucero then slashes up against Kadozimaru's mask, carving it in half.

Kadozimaru: AAAUGH!

He held up one half of the mask as the other slid off and hit the ground. His messy dark hair covered most of his face. His muzzle was paper white wearing a crooked grin. His face was disfigured from hundreds of massive burns and scars. His eyes were bloodshot. There was dry blood everywhere on his face. The gash that Lucero made was bleeding uncontrollably. There were unfinished stitches across his face. His eyes were twitching. Kadozimaru was maniacally laughing as he lets go of the mask's other half. .

Kadozimaru: Lucero... Do you realize what's going to happen? A CREATION OF THE NEW WORLD!

All of the sudden, Kadozimaru gets shot in the chest. Lucero looks back.

Kadozimaru: RIVAL!!! DON'T MESS WITH ME!!!! DO YOU KNOW WHO THE $#&% YOU'RE DEALING WITH?!!!

Rival enters the church holding a Desert Eagle.

Kadozimaru: THEY COME AFTER YOU NO MATTER WHAT!!!
Lucero: Rival, wait.
Rival: No. He killed my entire family.

Rival shoots again in Kadozimaru's chest. .

Kadozimaru: I CONFESS! I WAS THE ONE WHO KILLED ALL YOUR WORTHLESS RELATIVES!!! .

Rival reloaded the gun.

Lucero: Wait. What do you mean about, "A creation of the new world"?

Kadozimaru staggered to get his knife. .

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Faith and Takashi were running away from the dilapidated building, followed by numerous soldiers.

Faith: Did you have the Twilight Diamond!?
Takashi: .....Yeah. .
Faith: How are we going to lose them?

Takashi pulls out a smoke grenade. They took a sharp turn around the church. .

Soldier: Where'd they go!?

The soldiers continued to move forwards, back to the battleground.

Faith: Where'd you get that?
Takashi: Stole it from one of the soldiers.

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Rival aimed the gun at Kadozimaru's head. Kadozimaru silently chuckled as he gazed at his knife. He pointed the knife at himself. Without another moment, he plunged the knife into his heart. Blood was flying everywhere, splattering on the walls and the floor. Shocked, Lucero and Rival move away by a few inches. Within a few moments, Kadozimaru fell down with an echoing thud. Soon, Faith and Takashi ran inside the church. .
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Faith: Lucero! Rival! We have the-

She screams at Kadozimaru's body which is covered with blood. .
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Rival: He committed suicide.
Takashi: I think we should get going, before the soldiers find us again.

He shows the gleaming Twilight Diamond.

I've finally seen the ending of Death Note (I know it's a little late). I began to watch Death Note episodes on the internet about a week and a half before the final episode aired. I honestly think it was a pretty good conclusion. Though, it was sad. Some parts made me laugh (Light's new laugh and IT'S A TRAP!!!) I felt a little disappointed when no one died in the warehouse, though Mikami's death was shocking (It felt like Sweeney Todd where gallons of blood were thrown everywhere). I also thought Misa would die. This is my favorite anime. Anyway, other than that, the progress on TRAVELER OF LIGHT Chapter 9: Disaster in the Skies, Part III is going well. Expect it to be very long. I want to end the 1st season on that chapter.

Traveler of Light Chapter 9: Disaster in the Skies, Part III has been postponed. Mainly writers block or that I'm not used to writing battle scenes. Also, I have other projects.