The fog grew thicker as Sunny ventured deeper into the woods. The trees seemed to close in around him, their branches swaying in the wind, almost as if whispering secrets in a language he couldn't understand. The chill in the air bit at his skin, but it was nothing compared to the gnawing emptiness inside of him.
With each step, the questions that had been brewing in his mind seemed to grow louder. What was the real truth? What had Lysander seen that made him turn down this path? He couldn't help but wonder if the answers were within his reach, or if the pursuit of truth would only lead him to more darkness.
He had come so far, through battles and betrayals, and yet there was still so much he didn't know about the world—or even himself. His powers, the ability to witness memories, had become both a gift and a curse. The knowledge he had gained from others' pasts had left scars of its own. He couldn't forget the faces, the moments of sorrow and anger. Sometimes, it felt like his own mind was unraveling under the weight of all the memories.
The further he walked, the more he could feel something shifting in the atmosphere. It was like the very land was alive, its pulse aligning with his own. Sunny's heartbeat quickened. Something was waiting for him, lurking just beyond his sight. He couldn't explain it, but he knew that this was no ordinary forest. There was power here—dark, ancient power.
Ahead, a clearing began to form, and in the distance, a shadow moved. Sunny tensed, ready for anything. He slowed his pace, cautious of whatever awaited him in the heart of these woods.
As he neared the clearing, the figure became clearer—a man standing in the center, his back to Sunny, cloaked in a dark robe. His presence seemed to command the very air around him. Sunny felt his heart race. Who is this?
The figure turned, revealing a sharp face, cold eyes that seemed to pierce through him like daggers. Sunny didn't need to be told who this was. He could feel it in the pit of his stomach—the oppressive aura, the certainty in those eyes. This was no ordinary man. This was the one who had haunted his thoughts for so long—the one who held the answers to everything.
Lysander.
"I knew you'd come," Lysander's voice echoed in the stillness of the woods. "You've been following the threads, haven't you? Gathering your strength, seeking the truth."
Sunny's heart thudded against his chest, and his fists clenched in frustration. He had been prepared for this moment, but now that it was here, he didn't know what to do. The truth he had been chasing had led him to the very person who had been shaping the world into a nightmare.
"You want answers, don't you?" Lysander continued, his voice dripping with calm amusement. "But not just any answers. You want the answers to your past, to your purpose. I understand. We're not so different, you and I."
Sunny stepped forward, his voice low, "You think I'll follow you? You think I'll believe in your vision?"
Lysander's smile was cold, almost knowing. "I don't need you to follow me, Sunny. I simply need you to understand. The world is broken, and you are a key player in its transformation. Your power—the gift of seeing others' memories—it is a curse, but it is also the key to unlocking the future."
The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, Sunny was silent, the weight of them pressing on his chest. "No one should hold that kind of power. It's not a gift—it's a burden. And I won't let you use me to carry out your twisted plans."
Lysander chuckled, stepping closer. "You misunderstand. It's not about using you. It's about showing you the truth. About showing you the price of peace. There is only one way to stop the pain in this world—to end it all and build something new."
The cold, hollow truth of his words sent a shiver down Sunny's spine. He was face-to-face with the man who could reshape the world—but at what cost? Was there truly no other way? Was Lysander the only one who understood what needed to be done?
The forest around them seemed to close in tighter, the wind picking up as if in response to their words. Sunny stood his ground, unwilling to be swayed.
"I'll stop you, Lysander. No matter what it takes."
Lysander's gaze softened, almost pitying. "You'll see, Sunny. You'll see that my path is the only one that will save us all."