Constellation Level

A piercing light engulfed me as I drifted in and out of consciousness. The weight of my body felt unbearable, heavy with fatigue and guilt.

Gradually, awareness crept back in. I saw my friends, their faces pale and bruised.

"Shido…" Yuki whispered, trembling.

"What happened? Are you all okay?" I asked, panic rising.

"You collapsed after fighting off the minions," Zuki replied, his voice hoarse. "But we're not okay. Kado—he…"

Before he could finish, the heavy door creaked open. Kado stepped in, a sinister smile on his face.

"Ah, my little prisoners. So, the hero has finally returned," he sneered, stepping into the dim light.

"Get away from them!" I yelled, struggling against my bonds.

Kado leaned closer. "I'd never touch you, Shido. Watching you crumble as your friends suffer is too..."

"enjoyable."

His laughter echoed, filling me with anger. "I will, I will kill you!" 

"With what power?" he mocked. "You're all too weak, and I will savor breaking your spirits."

Desperation surged within me. I couldn't let this continue. I focused on the dim light reflecting off the walls—a remnant of my Xora energy.

"What is that light?" Yuki asked, eyes wide with hope.

"I think…" I hesitated.

"I can still connect with my power."

"Then do it!" Hiro urged.

"Focus, Shido!"

Nodding, I closed my eyes. I envisioned the blue glow wrapping around me, reminding me of what I could become.

"Please, let this work," I murmured, channeling my energy towards my friends.

Suddenly, the restraints snapped, and I was free.

"We can break free if we work together!" I shouted.

"Do it!" Zuki encouraged, determination shining in his eyes.

With a rush of energy, my friends broke their chains too. Kado's amused expression vanished.

"No! You can't escape!" he roared, lunging forward.

We were ready. I summoned energy, guiding it toward my friends.

"Together!" I cried.

"Harness our bond!"

Fuzuko's shadows intertwined with my blue glow, forming a swirling vortex. Hiro and Zuki joined in, their energies amplifying our power.

"Let's finish this!" Yuki commanded, her guitar resonating with energy.

The air pulsed with life, charging our attacks. Kado now looked uncertain, his earlier arrogance fading.

"No! You can't!" he shouted.

With one final surge, we channeled our power into an attack aimed at Kado. The blast erupted, sending him crashing against the wall.

Breathless, we stood amidst the bright light, the energy swirling around us. 

"This isn't over!" Kado spat, scrambling to his feet, fury in his eyes.

"You've hurt us for the last time!" I declared, stepping forward.

With our energy surging together, we enveloped Kado, driving him back into the shadows.

As darkness encroached, he cursed,

"You may have won this battle, but I will be back!"

In a final blast, he disappeared, leaving us gasping and exhausted but victorious.

Relief flooded through us as we exchanged glances.

"We made it!" Zuki exclaimed, joy washing over his face.

Yet, fear returned to me. What if Kado came back? The darkness still lingered.

"Shido…" Yuki said softly, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"We'll face whatever comes together."

I looked around at my friends: battered but unyielding.

"Together," I nodded, my voice steady.

"No matter what Kado throws our way, we will always stand as one."

With renewed determination, we turned toward the exit, ready to face whatever awaited us outside. United, we could conquer anything—side by side, until the end.