Thusly, Betrayal Did Sting

For a time, Tysco was able to continue his work without any further interruption. He managed to learn quite a lot about the fissure in general, and he was more than confident that he could repair the damages done to it, or at best alleviate the root of the problem— all of that magical taint that drove the world under his feet into undue suffering.

His focus remained steadfast and ironclad since no creature whatsoever— even the normally territorial and aggressive ones— seemed brave enough to linger for long in the general area or make move to approach for that matter. It seemed as though no other person was going to be around for a good few miles... That is, until Tysco’s heightened senses felt a somewhat familiar soul within his field of perception hidden behind a charred and cracked boulder close by. Tysco quickly packed up his research into a capsule and stowed it away safely before cautiously making his way towards the one he had sensed.

Poking his head around the boulder, Tysco was honestly quite surprised at who he had found. “W-wait, Miss Hyuki—?” Tysco looked Hyuki over— she didn’t look too good at the moment. “Hey, are you alright? What’s going on?” It seemed she was preparing a ritual of sorts, Tysco had an inkling as to what it might be, and knew well enough not to disturb the runic circle. As such, he avoided it completely as he tried to approach the wizened old demon to offer his support. “Is something wrong..?” Something wasn’t quite right, Hyuki being out here all alone in such a ragged state was enough cause for the worry. Tysco couldn’t sense Sensoa around either though, which in his mind was a blessing. “Wwwwhere is Barban?” Tysco asked, getting increasingly nervous since he could not sense Barban nearby at all.

Given what Tysco observed of Hyuki’s current state, he was both surprised and incredibly glad that she still at least had the strength to speak. What she spoke of, however, was something that Tysco had not been prepared for. The normally talkative and ramble-prone young man found himself in stunned silence. If Sensoa’s own brother could so callously double cross him and kill their father figure then it made sense that Sensoa could have his own streak of betrayals. Tysco spaced out and simply stared forward trying to process everything, only snapping back into reality when Hyuki spoke of her plan to revive Barban.

“Wait, then..?” He raised a brow, looking to the runic circle once more. Now everything began to piece itself together in Tysco’s head— from his studies, he knew this as a Greater Restoration ritual. Something of this magnitude required a lot of resources. Did Hyuki gather it all on her lonesome? Tysco could hardly imagine the hardships she had endured to get them, let alone stay stable with seemingly no help! That would of course end, right in that moment. Tysco made an educated guess as to what final resource Hyuki needed, already conjuring a small spare vial of his own as well as a tiny knife in the palm of his hand.

Without so much as a word, Tysco drew the required amount of blood via a cut made on one of his fingers. It stung, sure, but it would not sting any more than seeing someone innocent in all of this suffer alone. Once he had performed this deed, he dispelled the knife and focused on the hand he had made the wound on— thereafter conjuring the appropriate series of bandages that matched his skin tone directly around the wound. As soon as that was sorted, he offered the closed vial to Hyuki. “Not as sudden as that, I’m sure?” He asked with a slight chuckle.

Tysco’s heart sank at the mention of the wish he and Sensoa had planned to surprise Hyuki with, and the frills around his eyes drooped as a result. “The bravest thing that he ever did in his life, was ask me for help. It's a shame that whatever I managed to offer didn’t amount to much in the end....” The Sensoa that existed then was probably long gone in a spiritual sense, and Tysco had already accepted this tragic fact. “I still plan to make that wish, you know. I’ll do it with or without Sensoa. I am a man of my word, after all.”

Seeing Hyuki almost go into a full breakdown made Tysco all the more furious with Sensoa. First he went on a rampage because Saizomaru pissed him off, now this!? Sure, he had ‘gone mad with grief’ apparently— it was no excuse to abandon those he supposedly loved! Was there any worse form of betrayal?! Tysco shook the thought out of his mind confidently spoke up in an attempt to alleviate Hyuki’s concerns. “You are not alone anymore. I’m here. Soon Barban will be once again as well. Let’s see what this ritual can do!”

There was a small swell of pride in Tysco’s heart, though he thought little of Sensoa at this point he understood why Hyuki said what she did, however late her words might have been. For as short of a time as said friendship lived, it at least meant something to someone other than Tysco. “I... Guess so? It’s kind of hard for me to believe he ever thought that of me.” Tysco mumbled, shrugging lightly. He found it best if he didn't give it any further thought.

Tysco stayed as close as possible to Hyuki and the ritual circle. He did not want to inadvertently ruin everything, but he was more than ready to assist at a moment's notice should Hyuki need it. Soon enough, the ritual would begin, and the scholar’s soul that dwelled within the young man was growing indescribably excited as things Hyuki brought together the last few ingredients needed. “Heh.. You don’t need to repay me anything. Your happiness is reward enough.”

Tysco would soon becoming witness to a very intricate and risky feat of magic. Things began slowly at first, and after one last smile from Hyuki, everything picked up. Tysco was far more than stunned by what was unfolding in front of him. In some way he was a tiny child let loose in a candy store. He had read about this exact ritual in many old tomes and somewhat vaguely modern textbooks but never in his life did he think he would ever see it for real. He had to contain his excitement however, the results of the ritual were more important— as such he stayed guard, ready to counter whatever could disrupt it.

Despite the pain Hyuki was clearly in, Tysco dare not directly intervene; instead he offered some of his own magical power to Hyuki, in an attempt to lessen the recoil effects on her. While he focussed to give as much as he was able to, Barban’s body began to form. Tysco couldn’t help smirking, but there was more to be done.

It was grueling and difficult, but in the end; a success! The magic circle flashed one last time, releasing everyone from the ritual. Tysco shook his head and moved instinctively to catch the falling Hyuki. It was as Tysco said; she wasn’t alone— especially now that Barban was back! “... He’s back. I can sense his soul is fully intact. You did it Miss Hyuki, you did it!” Taking a few breaths Tysco decided to spare Barban the embarrassment of waking up without clothes so he raised a free hand and summoned the magic of creation in his palm. After a moment of concentration he released the magic he had gathered and let it wrap around Barban if Hyuki did not stop him. If successful, Barban would be bestowed some new clothing; both befitting of his normal style and now his newfound youth.

Moments later, Sabriia had made her arrival, only just missing the action! “What in the world..?” Understandably she was confused, but Tysco quickly filled her in on the situation. Sabriia, much like Tysco had nothing nice to say about Sensoa now, nor his brother Hakai given what had been revealed to them. She was however glad that Hyuki and Barban were now back together! “Honestly, Tysco, it seems we cannot catch a break. Now then, shall we get these two to a safer place so they may recover in peace?” Sabriia put her hands on her hips and tapped a foot idly on the charred sandstone. “Yeah, for sure. Research on the chasm can wait, this is more important.”