The Reason We Fight

Epilogue

Lake Mobius stretched out endlessly from the deck, its surface kissed by the golden rays of the sun, creating a dazzling display of shimmering light. Each wave seemed to dance with brilliance, as if adorned with a thousand tiny diamonds. The horizon melded seamlessly with the sky, painting a breathtaking panorama that stretched to infinity. Kurapika lifted his hand to shield his eyes from the late afternoon sun.

"You've been avoiding me", Shuri said, not turning back but feeling his presence all the same.

He said nothing. Surely she must understand that he needed time to adjust. He stood next to her, looking out into the horizon, just as she was. They stood there for a while, together, not saying a word. Enjoying the tranquility and the calming breeze of the ocean.

"We were", he said, finally breaking the silence. Her head turned in his direction, her automaton eyes staring at him for a beat too long. "You asked me if we were in love". He paused, feeling grief wash over him. "We were".

The last of the day's sunlight hit her eyes like a speckle of silver fire. He saw something in them, a glow, but it disappeared just as quickly as it took shape, a trick of the light that had passed. She placed a hand on her belly and looked the other way, quiet.

"I'm sorry", she said. "I'm sorry I cannot be the person you loved".

The sky was aflame, twirling clouds of orange and red entwined like a blaze. Kurapika took a deep breath, trying to still his feelings. "I spoke to Cheadle. She said the herb from the Dark Continent expedition is almost guaranteed to fix your Vitum problem".

She closed her eyes, her face passive. "It isn't going to replenish my aura though, is it?"

"No", he said. "That seems unlikely". He looked down, dejected. "Maybe people like us are not meant to have that. You know... happiness".

Shuri glanced at him curiously, then mustered a half-smile. "There are no people like us".

The indigo dimness of twilight fell upon them. Suddenly, something in the water caught his eye. The lake came to life abruptly, illuminating the hull of the ship like a constellation of bright stars. The glow worms, Kurapika realized, captivated. That's where their migration ends. They danced and twinkled, each delicate glimmer painting the air with ethereal hues, casting a spell of enchantment over their faces. Shuri's eyes gleamed, and it reminded Kurapika of the time they have seen fireworks together. The soft glow of the worms brought a sense of wonder and magic to the night. In that moment, the truth hit him. Kurapika understood then, with perfect clarity, that he will succeed in healing and restoring her. Why else would he be given this sign?

"I'm not ready to give up on you", he said, resolute. "I'll do whatever it takes".

"But what if it's not enough? What if I never recover my old self?"

He gave him a rueful smile. "Then I'll learn to love the new you".

Shuri blinked, surprised, then took his hand, a gesture that took him totally off-guard by its unpredicted warmth. "I trust you", she said, and lolled her head on his shoulder.

Ahead of them, the gloomy silhouette of a landmass loomed on the horizon. The Dark Continent. His eyes glinted with determination... for Kurapika was given a new reason to fight.