It feels hopeful.
A new partner.
"From now on, I will call you Nox," I say.
A low sound replies. We are already connected.
"Let's ride!" I shout.
The space beneath its hooves darkens.
Reality bends. A path begins to form.
"Umbra!" I command.
Nox steps into Umbra.
I mount.
The path stretches endlessly.
It feels like riding a Pegasus through the stars.
Nox is obedient, powerful, and loyal.
I don't know where we are going, but I trust him.
He cannot speak, yet he understands. I understand him.
Stars float around me. The universe is unimaginable.
A planet appears at the path's end.
We land. Nox disappears.
True silence presses in.
Dark Ora controls everything. Unease creeps in.
A hand strikes.
I block and leap.
A moving statue lunges.
"Ora Guardian!" a man shouts.
I slash my sword.
Clean cut.
The crowd watches, fear in their eyes.
Ora Guardians rush.
I focus my Ora.
A wide slash sends them flying, cutting through the first wave.
"Nox!" I call.
He appears. I mount.
The Guardians follow. We rush…