Chapter 28 : The Fortress of Solitude

I stumbled through the snow, my legs feeling like lead. My breathing was labored, and my vision was beginning to blur. I knew I had to find the Fortress of Solitude soon, or I wouldn't make it.

As I trudged through the snow, my mind wandered back to the past few months. After Vespera's death, I had thrown myself into training, hoping that I could become strong enough to protect those I loved. But despite my efforts, I still felt like I was growing weaker every day.

Arthur and Okita had both mastered their new powers, and it seemed like they were only getting stronger. Arthur had finally learned to control his wings and had even discovered new abilities, while Okita's mastery of time manipulation had made him nearly invincible in battle.

But I felt like I was falling behind. No matter how hard I trained, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing strength. And then, a few days ago, I had realized what was happening to me.

I was dying.

My body was slowly deteriorating, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it. I had to go into a coma-like state, where my body would heal itself over the next four months. It was a risky move, but it was the only chance I had.

I had said goodbye to Arthur and Okita, knowing that they would be safe without me. Merlin had given me the location of the Fortress of Solitude, where I could rest and heal without anyone disturbing me.

And now, after days of wandering through the snow, I finally saw it in the distance. The Fortress of Solitude.

It was a massive structure, towering over the snowy landscape like a beacon of hope. As I drew closer, I could see the shimmering walls of ice, and the massive doors that led inside.

With a last burst of energy, I stumbled forward and collapsed against the doors. They opened with a hiss, and I fell inside, exhausted and barely conscious.

As I lay there, I could feel my body shutting down, the icy cold of the fortress slowly seeping into my bones. But even as my vision faded, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could survive this.

I closed my eyes and surrendered to the darkness, hoping that when I opened them again, I would be stronger, healthier, and ready to face whatever lay ahead.