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Chapter 19: Chains and Oaths
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Malik — Recovery of the Storm
The cave smelled of blood and ozone. Malik's body lay on a stone bed, his wounds stitched with both lightning and shadow. Nyx stood watch, her arms crossed, crimson aura radiating calm menace.
The Principal's hands glowed as she stabilized his trembling core. The fusion of Speed Force and Blacklight Virus was unstable after Fiona's devastating strikes.
When Malik's eyes finally opened, the world around him pulsed with sharper clarity. Every flicker of fire, every drop of water, every heartbeat nearby — he felt them all.
"You nearly died," the Principal said flatly.
"But I didn't," Malik replied, voice hoarse but steady. His eyes burned violet, stormfire simmering beneath.
It was then the shadows shifted, and Nabila stepped into the chamber.
Their eyes met.
For a moment, the storm stilled.
"I need you," she said quietly, her voice trembling with the weight of betrayal. "Najima… she's gone. Knull has her. But I won't let her be consumed. Not alone. Help me bring her back."
Malik studied her, silence heavy. Then, with a faint, grim smile, he extended his hand.
"…We'll tear the void apart together."
Their pact was sealed.
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Dick — The Dark Knight's Rebirth
Far above, in the royal capital, screams echoed through the dungeon.
Dick stood drenched in blood — not his own. Around him lay the shattered bodies of condemned criminals and captured beasts, their souls siphoned by the shadow crest now etched into his chest.
The King observed from the balcony, eyes glinting with cold satisfaction.
"You're no longer the boy who failed. You are my weapon. The Dark Knight."
Dick's wings of shadow unfurled, blotting the light of the torches. His voice dripped venom.
"I'll kill Malik. I'll take Nabila. And when I do, not even dawn will rise again."
The King smirked. "Then let the world tremble."
Later that night, Fiona entered the chamber. The siblings' eyes met, golden light against abyssal shadow.
"Brother," Fiona said softly.
"Fiona," Dick replied with a grin too sharp to be sane. "I've missed you. Tell me… will you stand in my way?"
Fiona's hand hovered over her blade. The silence between them crackled — loyalty against madness, dawn against night.
But then, Fiona lowered her hand.
"…No. I will fight Chaos. You will fight your demons. Until the King commands otherwise."
Dick chuckled, stepping past her. "Then let's see who destroys him first."
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Nabila — The Breaking of Chains
Nabila stood at Najima's abandoned chamber, the faint traces of her sister's old aura lingering. Her hands trembled as she touched the bed where Najima once slept.
Memories of laughter. Fights. Tears. All poisoned now by Knull's whispers.
Nyx appeared beside her, silent.
"You'll damn yourself for this path," Nyx said finally.
"I don't care," Nabila whispered, eyes glistening. "She's my sister. I'll save her… even if I have to walk into the void itself."
Nyx's crimson eyes softened. "Then may your chains be strong enough to hold her."
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