SPIRITBINDER: The Boy Without A Mark
Chapter 90: The Reawakening

Chapter 90: The Reawakening

Months had passed since the tragic events that tore apart the lives of many. The shadows of the past still loomed, but today, something different was in the air. Today, the reattempted awakening was upon them. It was set to take place in Katakwan once again, a land now tainted by loss and pain, but still holding the hope of what was to come.

The day of the reawakening had arrived, and the grand plaza of Katakwan was filled with kingdom rulers, citizens, and hopeful souls eager to finally unlock the powers that had eluded them in the first attempt. The air was thick with anticipation as the rulers made their way to the stage.

Crimson, the King of Katakwan, stood before the crowd, his figure regal and commanding, his voice powerful as he began his speech.

"People of Katakwan," Crimson’s voice boomed, "I stand before you today, not as a king, but as a man who has witnessed both the hopes and failures of the awakening process. The first attempt may have left many of you without the powers you sought, but I say to you now, this second chance is our opportunity. This time, we will succeed. We will awaken the powers that lie dormant within each of you."

The crowd murmured, their excitement rising. Crimson’s words had stirred something deep within them.

"We will no longer be shackled by the failures of the past," he continued, "and today, we will rise again. Together, we will become more than what we were before. I believe in you all, and I believe in our success. Let us see what destiny has in store for us."

With a final wave of his hand, the kingdom rulers took their places, standing beside Crimson in unity. The ceremonial chants began. The air seemed to hum with energy as the chanting grew louder, filling the plaza with an almost tangible force.

Then, just as the final chants rang out, a streak of light pierced the heavens. It shot down, a brilliant beam that lit up the sky and illuminated the plaza below. The crowd gasped in awe as the light enveloped them.

For a moment, everything seemed still. Then, as if on cue, every single person in the crowd felt it—the surge of power, a new energy awakening within them.

The air around them crackled with elemental forces, and people could feel their powers manifesting. Some discovered elemental abilities—control over fire, water, earth, and air. Others found their gifts in healing, their touch bringing life and restoration. And still others discovered unique abilities that none could have predicted—abilities that made each individual special, a force to be reckoned with in their own right.

The sky above seemed to pulse with the success of the awakening. It was no longer just a dream; it had become a reality.

The crowd erupted in cheers, joy, and disbelief as they embraced the newfound power coursing through them. People cried tears of joy, their hearts overflowing with hope, excitement, and the promise of what lay ahead.

Crimson stood at the center, watching the jubilant scene unfold. His heart swelled with pride. This was only the beginning. The reawakening was not just the unlocking of power—it was the birth of a new era.

The same day of reawakening, the sun shining over the Ketamran’s village, yet Luna felt an uneasy weight on her heart. It had been months since the fateful events had transpired, and though her resolve to change things had never wavered, she felt a quiet sorrow settle within her. The loss, the broken friendships, the confusion—all of it weighed heavily on her.

And then, as if summoned by her own thoughts, Kali appeared before her. The air around them shifted, and Luna knew what was to come.

"I’m coming back now," Kali spoke with a certain finality. "I’m here to remind you of our deal. You said yes about becoming an angel."

Luna’s heart sank. She had tried to ignore it, hoping that time would heal the wounds, but deep down, she knew she couldn’t avoid her destiny forever. She looked at Kali, her eyes filled with doubt.

"I changed my mind," Luna said softly. "I don’t think I fit to be an angel. I can’t even do anything between Esmael and the demon. I failed. My words didn’t reach their hearts." Her voice cracked, and tears started to well in her eyes. "I couldn’t stop them from fighting. I couldn’t stop the destruction."

Kali looked at her with a steady, unwavering gaze. "Maybe because, at first, you had no chance of changing their minds. Their fates were already predetermined. And so are yours. You made a deal with me, and we must follow that path."

Luna sighed deeply, feeling the weight of it all. "Okay. But can you give me more time? Just to say something to the people I love... to my family, to Morvane?"

Kali nodded, her expression softening. "Yes, Luna. You may take the time you need. But know that our time here is limited."

Kali accompanied Luna to her family’s home first. Her parents, who had always supported her, were initially reluctant. The idea of Luna becoming an angel, leaving them behind forever, was too much to bear. But after much discussion, guided by Kali’s persuasive words, they accepted. It wasn’t easy, but they understood Luna’s path had been chosen long ago.

Afterward, they went to see Medas, Morvane, and Drevon. Kali introduced herself and explained that Luna would be replacing Meira as an angel. The room grew heavy with tension.

"No," Drevon said sharply, his voice filled with concern. "This is not a good idea. You should not trust the gods. Esmael trusted the God of War, and now look at where he is."

Kali’s expression softened, but her voice was firm. "The path Esmael chose is different from the path Luna will take. Luna is pure, and the heavens need her."

Morvane’s eyes darkened with suspicion. "How sure are we that the gods won’t do to Luna what they did to Meira? You gods are evil."

Kali’s voice was gentle, soothing. "Please, don’t misunderstand the gods. We only want what’s best for her."

Luna’s heart ached, but she stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "I have already made up my mind. I’m not here to hear objections. I’m here to say goodbye and to ask for your support on my journey."

Morvane stepped closer, his voice cracking with emotion. "But Luna..."

She shook her head, her expression resolute. "Morvane, I respect our friendship, but I feel like this is my destiny. This is the path I need to choose. Just like Esmael said, not all friends are meant to walk the same path. There will be times when we must walk in different directions."

Drevon, though worried, looked at her with a fatherly concern. "I just want you to be sure about this decision. This is a big one. You can never go back."

Kali’s voice was urgent now, as the time was growing short. "We don’t have much time, Luna. I will reawaken you now."

Luna took a deep breath, and as Kali gestured to her, the air around them shimmered. Light engulfed Luna, and her body began to transform. Her wings unfurled from her back, majestic and glowing with a divine radiance. Her power surged, and her presence was overwhelming, yet serene. But there was one change that stunned everyone.

A mask appeared on Luna’s face—smooth, featureless, with no holes for her eyes or nose. She was transformed, yet hidden behind the mask.

Morvane’s voice broke through the stunned silence. "Wait, why is her face covered in a mask?"

Kali turned toward him, her voice calm but firm. "That’s how angels are. They wear masks because they should not judge others. They should not see with their eyes or breathe with their noses... for their purpose is to guide, not to condemn."

Luna felt the weight of her transformation, but she stood tall, her heart firm in her decision. She was no longer just Luna—the girl who had tried to change fate. She was now an angel, with a new purpose, a new destiny.

Morvane looked at her, his heart torn. He wanted to stop her, to tell her not to go, but he couldn’t change her mind. All he could do was watch as Luna stepped into her new role. Her fate had been sealed, and so had his.

Luna spread her magnificent wings, her heart heavy with both determination and sadness. As she prepared to fly toward her new life, she turned one last time to look at Morvane, though her mask obscured her eyes. There was no need for her to see him—the connection they once shared was enough.

Morvane’s voice broke through the silence, thick with emotion. "Will I be seeing you again?"

Luna hesitated, the weight of his words settling deeply within her. But she did not answer. Instead, with a final, graceful motion, she spread her wings wide, her form illuminated by the light of the heavens. She soared upward, disappearing into the skies above, leaving everything behind.

Morvane stood still, watching the empty space where she had been moments before. He felt the emptiness linger, knowing deep down that he had lost something precious. A friend, a part of his past.

But before he could fully process the emotions, Kali approached him, her presence steady and unwavering.

"I want you to be careful," Kali said, her voice low but firm. "The heavens are in chaos now. Don’t think of Luna. I will be by her side, guiding her. Think of yourself, Morvane. The gods are watching you."

Her words carried weight, and Morvane felt a chill run down his spine. The tension between the realms, the gods’ watchful eyes—it all seemed like a distant storm gathering on the horizon. But before he could respond, Kali turned her attention to Drevon, her gaze sharp.

"You," she began, addressing Drevon with a tone that brooked no argument. "I don’t despise demons, so please do your job to guide and protect him, and not lead him down the wrong path."

Drevon’s gaze softened slightly, acknowledging her words, but he remained silent.

Kali’s final words hung in the air as she turned, her form becoming more ethereal. "Goodbye," she said, before vanishing into the ether, leaving Morvane and Drevon standing in the stillness of the palace.

The weight of her parting words lingered in the air, and the silence that followed seemed to stretch on for eternity. Morvane’s heart felt heavy with loss, but he knew that his path, just like Luna’s, was now set. He couldn’t go back. And perhaps... just perhaps, the future he was meant to walk was one where he had to face the gods and his own destiny.

As the echoes of Kali’s presence faded, Morvane exhaled deeply, his fists clenched at his sides. There was still so much ahead of him—so many choices to make. And somewhere in the back of his mind, he wondered what Luna’s future would hold, knowing that their paths had irrevocably diverged.

But for now, the journey was his to face alone.