After a few moments, Elena opened her eyes to find herself standing in a place of sheer majesty: The Library of Universes. She looked around in awe, her face filled with wonder, yet she felt no sense of ease. Instead, she was weighed down by the heavy grandeur of a realm that transcended the laws of time, space, and logic.
Noticing her bewildered expression, Rash asked with a warm smile,
"What is it, Elena?"
She rubbed her forehead in confusion and replied,
"My father told me this was the Library of Universes, but I don't see any books."
Rash offered a quiet smile and nodded.
"Look around you."
Elena turned slowly, taking in the labyrinth of branching and intersecting corridors. Floating everywhere were small crystal orbs, woven into the very fabric of the maze. They were modest in size, yet within them lay the greatest revelations one could ever discover about oneself. Her wide eyes trembled as she spoke.
"Rash… what are these floating crystals?"
Rash leaned slightly to the side, a faint smile playing on his lips as he whispered,
"They are not crystals, but the Visions of the Nezarin. Their visions take shape as guidance, experiences, or knowledge regarding anyone within these universes. They are not the future itself, but they offer glimpses of lines both fixed and fluid—possibilities that may or may not come to pass, depending on your choices. They help you understand your capabilities and actions on a much deeper level."
Elena asked, the confusion still etched on her face,
"Wouldn't it be better if the future remained unknown?"
Rash stood before her and gestured for her to turn around.
"Look closely, Elena. Observe. The future has never truly been unknown; our actions weave its tapestry. Then, there is the future we can never truly know—the one we ceaselessly strive to change. We might succeed, or we might fail. Sometimes, as much as we loathe it, our very actions lead us straight into its arms. No one truly knows what is good or evil, for the vibrations of the future are never static. They shift with every passing moment."
Elena noted with interest,
"What you say is true… but the Shadows of Light do not choose. They only carry out the will of Azaveria."
"You misunderstand," Rash countered. "It is true that we cannot lie, deceive, or act unjustly… but that does not make us weak. We choose silence over falsehood. We choose a smile over rage. This is part of our nature; it is who we desire to be. Moreover, there are gifts granted to us that are denied to others in these universes. We choose whom we love, our children, and our passions."
Still troubled, Elena said,
"I don't think that's true, Rash. You, I, and most in Azaveria carry three marks at the base of our backs."
Rash replied in a gentle tone,
"Your marks were given to you within a human womb, which is why you didn't notice the choice. But when one is within the womb of Azaveria, every soul chooses its three marks—those that grant them the best version of who they can be. Azaveria always bestows upon every soul what suits its nature best."
Elena whispered, looking uneasy,
"I find that difficult to grasp."
Rash smiled. "Do not worry; you will find your answers. Just do not rush. Now come, let us seek permission. We must obtain the consent of the Nezarin to witness their visions of you."
The two of them walked through the branching corridors, where sight would have been impossible if not for the glow of the crystals drifting above. Elena and Rash came to a halt before a massive door that seemed to reach the very heavens. It was ancient, solid, and formidable. Rash raised his voice with deep respect:
"Do you grant us permission to enter now?"
The door swung open with a profound groan that shook the entire realm. A shiver ran through Elena's body. She grabbed the back of Rash's shirt, whispering in a trembling, fearful voice,
"Rash… I feel a piercing cold… I'm afraid."
He stepped closer, gently taking her hand and patting her shoulder to reassure her.
Suddenly, a thunderous voice boomed, as if the mountains themselves were speaking:
"Silence… do not utter the word fear."
Elena trembled even more, but Rash's radiant eyes offered her a warmth that made her feel as though the entire universe stood by her side.
Before them stood the three Nezarin. Their bodies were incredibly tall and slender, glowing like luminous lamps, with green veins extending down into the earth. They had no faces, only two vertical slits where eyes might have been. Their aura was pure, possessing an unshakable majesty.
The first spoke in a deep resonance,
"Elena… at last, the eternal wish of Azaveria stands here."
Elena whispered to herself, "A wish… I am a wish?"
The second answered, as if reading her thoughts, "Yes, you are her most precious wish." He paused, then added in a tone of strange wonder, "But what of your own wish? You granted it to a human."
Her eyes widened. She stammered, "A human? I… I don't understand."
The third spoke with a powerful, piercing voice,
"When you were within the womb of Azaveria, did you not see that wretched infant—the one who had only a few hours left to live? Your heart ached for him, a heart not yet fully formed, and you wished for him to live a long life. Azaveria cherishes you so deeply that she granted your wish. She gave him a portion of her eternal light to live anew. His life was sealed because of you… he is your destined companion, Ryo."
Elena froze in shock, tears streaming down her cheeks as she whispered,
"Rash… did you know? I… I felt it. I felt that I was connected to him."
Rash looked at her, a flicker of jealousy passing through his eyes despite his attempts to hide it. Inside, he wondered: Could it be… that she harbors feelings for him? Confusion burned within him like a silent battle.
The voices of the three Nezarin came at once, mighty and imposing:
"Elena, time is passing. Ask for permission."
Elena stood in hesitation, unsure of what to do. She glanced toward Rash. He sent flashes of light toward her, signaling:
"Say: 'I ask for permission to see your visions of me.'"
Elena did exactly as Rash guided.
The middle Nezarin spoke: "We grant you permission, but your time is limited."
He added, "Do not ask for this again. What they see of yourself will come to you; do not touch any of it. Keep your hands down. Keep what you see to yourself."
Elena agreed to all the conditions and thanked them sincerely.
Rash gestured, saying, "Let us move forward… once permission is granted, the clock begins to tick. If time runs out, the visions will return to their place and shall never return. This is the first and the last time."
They moved swiftly through the branching paths, treading upon unknown ground. The echo of their breath resonated in the void. Elena's heart was pounding violently; she felt every throb as if a hammer were striking her chest.
As she walked cautiously through the darkness with Rash beside her, he slowly reached out and took her hands firmly, their eyes meeting in a reassuring gaze. Elena felt a warmth she had sensed even before she had seen him.
They reached an open space, dark and boundless—no visible walls, no sky—as if they were standing in an infinite void. Elena stood mesmerized, looking in every direction. Shivering, she whispered,
"W-what is this place?"
Rash stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. He leaned toward her, his gaze tender and his voice low yet steady.
"Stay here… Elena. This is the Reception Hall of the Nezarin Visions."
Moments after his words, a strange sound reached them—thousands of voices speaking at once, overlapping, creating a mysterious melody caught between laughter and weeping, threat and reassurance.
Elena gasped, clinging to Rash.
"Rash… what are these voices?"
Rash tried to soothe her with his gaze, smiling as he whispered,
"These are the visions… they are coming."