(ch25)the tree and journey to it

The pair woke up, invigorated after the eventful day they had experienced. She gently shifted, facing him, as they lay in close proximity, savoring the tranquility of the morning.

*Good morning*

*Morning*

His face bore a somber expression, clearly reflecting deep contemplation about what he had witnessed the day before.

*You still thinking about that water*

*I'm the Child of Shadows. Why do I have to be afraid of my own domain?*

*You're not the only thing that hides in the shadows Sunny*

*Yeah.... I know, and thats what unnerves me*

However, it's crucial to note that darkness and shadow, often confused by many, possess distinct characteristics. Shadows emerge when light is absent, essentially embodying emptiness. On the flip side, genuine darkness stands as a unique entity in its own right.

However, it's crucial to note that darkness and shadow, often confused by many, possess distinct characteristics. Shadows emerge when light is absent, essentially embodying emptiness. On the flip side, genuine darkness stands as a unique entity in its own right.

In a way, shadows have a closer connection to light than to darkness, as if they're more aligned with the luminous than the obscure.

She sighed and stopped thinking about Sunnys internal conflicts and focused on herself Summonings her runes

[Name: rin lunar]

[Aspect: sharingan]

[Aspect Rank: divine]

Ability: [Kotoamatsukami]

Ability Descriptions: [a powerful genjutsu that manipulates a target's thoughts completely without any, including the target, having the slightest idea that they were being controlled. Must have eye contact and this technique can only be used once every couple of weeks]

[True name:ghost of the red clan]

[Flaw Descriptions: the use of Sharingan or it's aspect ability worsens the sickness you have....end result: death]

Attributes: [essence pathway], [genin], [a Shadows friend] [sensory technique]

[Light fragments 132/1000]

[Memories :Widows bane]

[Memory rank: tier five awakened memory]

She was getting to one thousand light fragments quicker than she thought she would, but then again she didn't think she would be dropped in the middle of a hell hole full of deadly creatures

She discovered this intriguing new attribute within herself—an oddity that captivated her attention. Delving into its essence, she carefully absorbed the details encapsulated in its description.

[Attribute:Sensory technique]

[Attribute description: Enhancing one's perception of the world through essence, this age-old skill transcends the limitations of human senses, enabling a heightened and swifter understanding. Passed down through generations, this technique is a sacred tradition, imparted from mother to daughter, from seasoned Kunoichi to aspiring ones. Exclusive access granted solely to individuals of the red clans' lineage.]

She vividly recalls the moment when her mother tenderly placed her on her lap. She serenely ran her fingers through the luxurious ebony strands of her long, flowing hair. The air filled with a soothing melody as she shared stories of their ancestral traditions. In those cherished moments, her mother spoke of the timeless technique passed down through generations, emphasizing its unlockable potential and practical applications.

'guess even in death you can help me mama, lets try the technique again'

Attempting once more, she decided to tweak the settings, directing the waves of essence outward with a specific focus on extending the range. However, the result was a distorted image of her surroundings. The strain on her brain and essence proved too much, causing a weakened state that made it challenging to sustain the clarity she desired.

'guess i have something else to practice besides the sword swings i have to do'

Letting out a brief groan, they each sat up, leisurely stretching their arms and indulging in a satisfying yawn.

"Good morning."

Sunny's voice struggled to be heard over the lively rush of water echoing around. As the sun made its ascent, the deep sea eagerly receded, creating a sense of urgency. Rin, now bathed in the dawn's light, could finally let go and find some relief.

"Morning, you too Rin good morning"

Nephis, having stood sentinel over the camp in the late hours of the night, found herself already awake. Engaging in her customary routine, she meditated with closed eyes. In the profound darkness that enveloped the night, the concept of "keeping watch" took on a more auditory nature, where listening for any peculiar sounds held more significance than merely relying on open eyes.

For everyone except Sunny, that is, who had perfect night vision thanks to his Attributes and Rin who watched though his Shadow.

Over the last fortnight, Nephis dedicated herself to training with a fervor that might even surpass the duos. Surprisingly, her focus wasn't on honing her sword skills.

Rather, she embarked on a mission to grasp the intricacies of human behavior. Consequently, their interactions saw a noticeable reduction in awkwardness, creating a more natural connection between them.

She acknowledged Changing Star's endeavors, resonating with them as they mirrored a phase she herself navigated years ago after an initial crash landing. Frequently, she found herself attentively watching Cassie's interactions, intrigued by her mannerisms. Eventually, Neph spontaneously began incorporating subtle nuances of her friend's behavior into her own. The results were a mixed bag, to say the least.

'I had a good laugh that morning watching Sunny freak out and pull out a sword when she greeted him with a smile.'

Nephis was sharp and determined. Her polite smile seemed almost effortless today.

*Shes improving*

*Yeah its kinda creepy*

She couldn't quite fathom why Changing Star chose to hone her social skills amidst the daunting odyssey through the monster-ridden abyss that was the Forgotten Shore. Yet, in the midst of this perilous journey, the timing seemed oddly fitting, and she found herself embracing the idea without any objections – after all, there's no time like the present to enhance one's social prowess.

It was actually rather entertaining to watch!

Witnessing Nephis put herself through the wringer daily, enduring immense pain in a quest to master her Aspect Ability, wasn't an enjoyable spectacle for Rin and Sunny. Even though it was an unspoken understanding, both Rin and Sunny were well aware that every time Nephis feigned meditation, she was truly immersing herself in the excruciating torment of her Flaw.

*I feel a bit sorry for her when she subjects herself to pain just to learn, what is this feeling called its like my heart aches*

*I think thats called compassion Sunny*

*Huh*

*Strange i know*

After enjoying their breakfast, Nephis rose from her seat, her gaze drawn to the gentle stream of sunlight filtering through the closest opening between the colossal vertebrae. Addressing the duo, she remarked:

"Let's study the surroundings."

They had to familiarize themselves with the terrain and figure out their next move. This typically involved scouting for nearby elevated natural landmarks that could keep them above the sea level, then deliberating on which one to aim for in their journey.

After a couple of days dedicated to scouting and hunting, the team decided it was time to relocate the camp to that specific spot. Sunny acknowledged the decision with a nod a Rin stood up.

"Alright."

Sunny called upon the Echo, entrusting it with the task of safeguarding Cassie during their absence. To ensure an extra layer of vigilance, Sunny left the shadow behind, poised to intervene if any unforeseen events transpired. The pair then trailed alongside Nephis as they ventured toward the gap.

Sunny gave her a boost up the gap, marveling as Changing Star gracefully soared through the air. She almost seemed to defy gravity, effortlessly running up the wall before launching herself off, reaching new heights before skillfully grasping onto a jutting bone. With sheer upper body strength, she climbed up and vanished into the shimmering light. In no time, a golden rope descended, inviting both of them to join the adventure.

Rin took the lead, gracefully navigating the rope before extending a helping hand to assist Sunny. Together, they conquered the towering spine, perching atop it. Rin stood tall, turning to face the west, while Sunny, following suit, shook off the tension in his hands. Anticipating the familiar scene, they scanned the horizon—a vast crimson labyrinth, punctuated by sporadic elevated points.

The trio stood in stunned silence as their eyes beheld an astonishing sight.

Not too far off, the labyrinth lost its vibrant hues, transforming the once crimson blades of coral into a dull, misshapen gray. It appeared as if an unknown ailment had befallen the coral, sapping it of vitality. The stony material took on a brittle, fragile appearance, as if it might crumble into dust at any given moment.

The expanse of lifeless coral stretched out as far as one could see. In the distance, the labyrinth's walls seemed to have succumbed, collapsing into a vast sea of ash-grey sand. This alien and peculiar ashen wasteland struck Rin with an eerie sensation, especially after weeks of navigating through the seemingly endless crimson pathways. A shiver ran down her spine at the surreal contrast before her.

Noticing not a single creature stirring in the mud below heightened her unease.

*That area, its dangerous*

*Yeah agreed*

To the west, a lone elevated spot caught their attention. In the distance, the terrain ascended, shaping itself into a substantial hill. This hill, the most sizable they'd encountered, could transform into a veritable island as the water levels increased come nightfall.

The hill, blanketed in the silvery sand remnants of deceased coral, took on the appearance of an ash-coated mountain, proudly adorned with a colossal tree at its summit.

This towering tree stretched towards the heavens, akin to a majestic tower, its expansive branches casting a cooling shadow that embraced the entirety of the island. The bark of this monumental tree mirrored the inky depths of the surrounding dark sea, while its leaves exhibited a striking red hue reminiscent of flowing blood.

Set against the backdrop of the somber grey sky, the vivid crimson crown of this awe-inspiring tree emanated a vibrancy and magnificence that stood out in stark contrast.

*What… the hell… is that?*

*That tree has hella bad juju*

Nephis found herself lost in thought, contemplating silently or perhaps just grappling with the absence of words. Her gaze fixated on the distant horizon, a subtle furrow decorating her face.

In the midst of this contemplative moment, a radiant glint caught her attention beneath the tree. The sparkle, resembling a sunbeam dancing off a grand mirror, effortlessly reached their view. It vanished momentarily, only to reappear a few heartbeats later, creating an enchanting rhythm of presence and absence.

*A mirror…*

Rin noticed that Sunny visibly shivered, indicating a possible recollection of the previous night. The once radiant glimmer inexplicably transformed into an unsettling presence, creating an unexpected shift in the atmosphere.

*How are you feeling?*

*Like i really dont want to go there*

*I dont think theres a choice there bud*

After a little while had gone by, Sunny turned to Neph and began to speak:

"What do you think?"

She hesitated for a moment before directing her attention towards him. As Changing Star pondered over her words, Rin tuned into their conversation, stealing occasional glances at the desolate landscape. After a thoughtful pause, Nephis finally broke the silence and spoke:

"This is the only way west."

Sunny grimaced and looked away.

*I really, REALLY dont like this idea*

"So, we are going?"

Nephis shifted her gaze towards the towering tree, captivated by its majestic presence. Feeling a sense of awe, she hesitated for a moment before giving a hesitant shrug.

"Do we have a choice?"

***

After a while, they left behind the remnants of the colossal sea monster and headed west, intending to explore the conditions within the desolate expanse separating them from the Ashen Barrow.

At first, the peculiar island wasn't on their radar for exploration. Nevertheless, as they delved into the wasteland, things took an unexpected turn.

With the cool touch of grey sand beneath their feet and the eerie embrace of lifeless coral walls encircling them, the group stood poised, ready to confront the lurking unknown. Despite the absence of any visible monster traversing the expanse atop the leviathan's spine, Rin, Sunny, and Nephis harbored a lingering skepticism that danger wouldn't find them in this enigmatic sector of the labyrinth.

The possibilities for Nightmare Creatures to elude detection were myriad, and the trio remained acutely aware that this peculiar region held secrets that could threaten their existence. The time spent on the Forgotten Shore had instilled in the Sleepers a profound understanding – everything within this realm was either a peril in itself or harboring the potential to unleash lethal consequences. The memory of their initial encounter with the carnivorous worms remained etched in their minds, leaving an indelible mark of trauma.

Yet, their usual instincts failed them this time. The desolate expanse lay silent and barren, devoid of any hint of vitality. Strangely, the lack of menacing creatures should have provided solace to Rin, but, in reality, it heightened her usual unease, leaving her more anxious than ever before.

*Its way too quiet*

The air was thick with an unmistakable sense of danger, a feeling that hung in the atmosphere like a heavy cloud. Everything about this situation seemed odd and unnerving, prompting a natural instinct to question the very fabric of reality.

As they ventured further into the desolate wasteland, it struck a chord of curiosity – why would even the monsters, creatures accustomed to the perils of their surroundings, hesitate to approach this particular place? It begged the question: What drove these individuals to willingly tread deeper into a landscape that radiated an aura of foreboding?

In the face of such palpable risk, one might wonder about the sanity of continuing the journey. Were they perhaps displaying a touch of foolishness by not hastily turning around and making a swift retreat? The mysteries of their motivations lingered, challenging the rationality of their choices in this eerie environment.

Eventually, they arrived at the spot where the labyrinth's walls had decayed into nothing but dust. In front of them stretched a wide landscape of grey sand, leading up to the hill adorned with a majestic giant tree.

The barren expanse left no room for concealment.

Yet, at the same time, it meant that no one could hide from the watchful eyes of any observer.

Sunny spoke to Nephis again.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Changing Star frowned, lowering her chin in a moment of contemplation. Shifting her gaze ahead, she expressed her discontent with a scowl and remarked:

"Let's go."