Bakuzan waited again, alone.
Nihlorgue had already evaporated into the void, leaving behind only a thin tremor of shadow.
The silence of the plain stretched, pierced only by the distant crackling of a dying fire and the icy breath of the winds of Isissis.
Finally, two silhouettes emerged in the moonlight.
Sylongue and Nyxlongue returned to him, side by side.
Their steps no longer carried the heavy tension of before: their eyes shone with a gentler light.
Bakuzan: It seems things went well between you, didn't they?
Nyxlongue suddenly burst into joy, throwing herself at her sister in a lively embrace:
Nyxlongue: Yes! I missed her so much, my dear sister! I love her so much!
Sylongue laughed softly, slightly shaken by so much affection.
Sylongue: Easy now… haha. You know I'm pregnant, right?
Bakuzan raised an eyebrow, surprised but amused.
Sylongue, for her part, gave him a sincere grateful smile, one of those that asks for neither words nor thanks.
He responded with a slight nod, a thin smile.
Night fell slowly on this strange planet, wrapping their forms in a halo of embers and wind.
Around a small wood fire, their shadows danced on the rocks.
The silence was peaceful — one of those rare moments when even the cosmos seemed to hold its breath.
Nyxlongue produced an ancient scroll, sealed with a black and gold seal.
She handed it to Bakuzan.
Nyxlongue: Here. In this scroll there is a spell that will allow you to summon Lilith. Consider it a gift.
Bakuzan took the roll with care, turned it between his fingers, then nodded.
Bakuzan: Thank you. I suppose now that I've obtained what I wanted… it's time for me to leave.
He rose slowly, but Sylongue placed a hand on his forearm.
Sylongue: Wait...
Bakuzan looked at her in silence.
She met his gaze with a disarming warmth.
Sylongue: I just wanted to thank you. Thanks to you, Nyxlongue and I can reform our duo from before.
A discreet smile formed on the Black Grief's face.
But before he could reply, a vortex of golden light opened in the sky, swirling with a crash.
A magical breeze swept the glade, causing the fire's flames to waver.
A silhouette emerged: an elf with golden hair and emerald eyes, shining like dawn.
His gaze immediately landed on Sylongue.
??? : Sylongue! My love!
He ran toward her, but stopped abruptly when he spotted Bakuzan.
His pupils narrowed — out of fear, or instinct.
It was Oyuo, the deviant elf.
Recognizing the Black Grief, he stepped back, placing himself between the dragonesses and Bakuzan.
Oyuo: Do not approach them, monster!
Sylongue then laid a soothing hand on his shoulder.
Sylongue: Calm down, my dear. The Black Grief does not mean us any harm. He was about to leave.
Nyxlongue (arms crossed): Yeah, you just ruined the mood, Oyuo.
The elf stared at her, puzzled.
Oyuo: Wait… what? The Black Grief doesn't want to hurt anyone? And you, Nyxlongue, you don't even insult me before trying to kill me? No, I must have missed an episode here!
He seemed completely lost, his words mixing with his panting breath.
Sylongue, amused, tried to walk, but a pain made her put a hand to her belly.
Sylongue (softly laughing): Haha… It's funny to see a great mythical creature like me weakened by a pregnancy…
Oyuo: Rest, my love. You carry within your belly the child of two great mythical beings. You must conserve your strength.
Sylongue offered him a tender smile, then turned her gaze once more toward Bakuzan.
Sylongue: As I said… thank you for everything, Black Grief.
Nyxlongue stepped forward, a spark of defiance in her gaze.
Nyxlongue: I hope one day we'll have our revenge… you and I, Ebon Woe.
Bakuzan smiled in the shadows, his eyes gleaming with a golden light.
Then, without another word, his body slowly dissolved, like mist carried by the night.
The fire crackled one last time before dying out, leaving only the whisper of the wind and the echo of his presence in the cosmic silence.
The silence fell again on the glade.
The wind's breath still seemed to bear the imprint of Bakuzan, but there was nothing left to see.
Oyuo remained frozen, eyes fixed on the spot where the Black Grief had just vanished.
Oyuo (murmuring): He… he's gone… just like that…
Nyxlongue chuckled softly, but this time without malice.
Nyxlongue: Impressive, huh? Even you, Oyuo, must admit he's not an opponent you can ignore.
Oyuo averted his gaze, unsettled. His hands still clung to the air as if to hold something invisible.
Oyuo: No… it's not just an impression… What he… what he did… I think I understand…
Sylongue, placing a gentle hand on his belly, spoke with a calm that contrasted with the elf's agitation.
Sylongue: What did you understand, my love?
Oyuo (voice shaking): It's not just his strength… it's the way he is.
He does not fight to destroy or to dominate.
He erases what could harm… before it touches those he protects.
Nyxlongue shook her head, almost in disbelief.
Nyxlongue: Hmph… I thought I was tough… now I see I'm just a child in front of a real principle.
Oyuo, at last, calmed a little. He turned to Sylongue and murmured, his voice low but grave:
Oyuo: He has… he has saved everyone. And… he left his mark.
I don't know who the Black Grief really is, but… I think we all just understood a little more what it means to meet a being like him.
Sylongue looked at him tenderly, and her hand rested on Oyuo's.
Sylongue: Yes… and despite all that, he left us here, alive and free.
It is a gesture no force, no spell, no war… could equal.
Nyxlongue, wings still slightly folded, approached them. Her voice was softer, almost a whisper:
Nyxlongue: Maybe one day I could challenge you again, Ebon Woe…
But for now… thank you, Black Grief.
The wind blew, carrying away the battle's ashes, and the glade glowed with a lunar radiance.
Everything was in place, but everyone knew that the shadow of Isissis and the name of Bakuzan would remain forever etched in this world, like a silent promise of power, justice, and protection.