Shadows and Reflections

The Oracle fell silent for a moment, as if letting their words sink into the deepest part of us. The echoes in the hall vibrated with every breath, and I felt the air grow heavier around me.
—Chosen one… —I repeated under my breath, incredulous. —What kind of choice is sharing my soul with a god of shadows?
The hooded figure lifted their head, and though I could not see their eyes, I felt their gaze pierce me. —Every choice is a burden. The difference lies in what you do with it. As long as your will remains firm, you will be Kaoru. If you falter… you will be consumed.
Aria stepped forward, her voice trembling but full of resolve. —You said “part of their essence.” What does that mean exactly?
The Oracle turned slightly toward her. —It means the other part rests in another vessel. One close to you.
A chill ran down my spine. —Another vessel?
The Oracle raised a hand, and the chamber lit with floating images. There appeared Kiseki, her eyes burning with darkness, her figure wrapped in illusory chains.
Aria covered her mouth, her knees shaking. —No…
—Kiseki, —I whispered, feeling the world split in two.
The Oracle’s voice was as steady as a hammer striking truth. —Aria and Kiseki are united in essence. Two souls split at birth. That is why they are so alike, why their fates are intertwined. One light, one shadow. Two halves of the same being.
The silence that followed was overwhelming. Nara was the first to speak, breaking the tension with a disbelieving murmur. —So… if Kaoru tries to save Kiseki, does he put Aria at risk?
The Oracle nodded slowly. —The balance between them is fragile. What happens to one will affect the other.
Aria took a step back, one hand to her chest. —So if Kiseki falls deeper into darkness… I would too…?
—Not only you, —the Oracle said—. Everything that binds them will be tested.
I stepped forward, my heart burning. —Then tell me what I must do. How do I save Kiseki without losing Aria?
The Oracle did not answer at once. Their hands came together before them, and the room grew dim. —That is the choice that will define your fate. No oracle can give you the answer. Only your will will decide what weighs more: the duty to save, or the duty to protect.
The voice inside me laughed softly, mocking. “See… one of them must fall. And you will be the one to decide.”
I clenched my fists, refusing to accept those words.
Lysbeth stepped forward, her expression hardened. —Whatever it is, Kaoru will not bear that decision alone. If Kiseki is tied to Aria, then we must all fight for both.
Rei lowered his gaze, thoughtful. —I never trusted Kiseki… but if saving her also means protecting Aria, then I will fight by your side.
Nara sighed, rolling her eyes. —Damn it… I always end up involved in the most absurd tragedies. Fine. If Aria and Kiseki are two sides of the same coin, I won’t let one break.
The Oracle rose slowly from their throne. Their silhouette seemed to fade with every movement. —I have said what needed to be said. The path is in your hands. But remember: the closer you come to the truth, the stronger the shadow that lives in you, Kaoru, will become.
Their figure dissipated into thousands of sparks of light, and the hall lay empty.
Aria gripped my hand, trembling. —Kaoru… if one day I must choose between my life and Kiseki’s…
—Don’t say that, —I cut her off harshly, squeezing her fingers. —There will be no choice. I’m going to save them both, even if I have to face the very god that stalks me.
She looked at me steadily, and though her eyes were wet with tears, I found a spark of faith there.
In silence, we all understood that our lives had changed forever. Fate was asking us not only to fight external enemies, but also the invisible chains that bound our souls.
And I swore, deep in my being, that I would not let the shadow decide for me.