Snow whipped through the air as the shockwave settled.
Ren pulled himself to his feet, shaking snow from his hair, eyes on the sky.
The jagged crack hung like a wound in the heavens, glowing faintly with gold and green light. Lightning danced within the breach.
Lilith joined him, her knives already drawn. Her face was pale but focused.
Thorn groaned beside them, coughing as the wind picked up, blowing snow all over the peak. "What the hell was that?!" He muttered, horrified.
Across the clearing, Nero stood still. His mask had been cracked down one side, blood trailing from a gash on his forehead. He was laughing.
A deep, maddened chuckle that grew into full, breathless laughter.
"Heh... so it begins." He muttered. He lifted his face to the sky, still grinning. "Ren. We're on your side. Always have been. The World Tree is the enemy. That hasn't changed."
Ren narrowed his eyes. "Then why all the games?"
