The ruined temple was silent, its ancient stone walls cracked and overgrown with vines. Moonlight filtered through a collapsed roof, casting a ghostly glow over the chamber. Nico knelt in the center, his tall, thin figure shrouded in dim light. His black hair obscured his masked face, hiding the growing despair in his eyes. In his trembling hands, he held a radiant blue moon crystal, glowing softly like a piece of the night sky.
Behind him, Hunter, a massive white leopard with red eyes, lay resting on the cold stone, watching his human companion intently. Hunter's ears twitched, sensing Nico’s desperation as the man prepared for another attempt at a miracle.
Nico placed the moon crystal on the stone floor before him, the gem shining brighter as it touched the ground. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to the cold stone, hands clasped in prayer. His voice, tired and raw, echoed softly through the temple.
— "Please... if there’s anyone left out there—any god, any being who still cares—hear me now."
His voice cracked with emotion, each word filled with longing and loss.
— “I've searched for so long, faced horrors, and fought to survive, all for a chance to see them again. My family... they didn’t deserve this. All I want is to bring them back."
Silence filled the temple as the moon crystal’s light flickered, reacting to Nico’s plea. Hunter's red eyes were fixed on the gem, waiting for a sign. Minutes stretched on, and still, nothing happened. The crystal’s glow began to fade, dimming like a dying ember.
Nico’s shoulders sagged as he remained kneeling, tears hidden behind his mask.
— “Please,"
he whispered again, voice breaking.
— “I just want them back... I just want my family back."
The silence of the temple continued, unbroken except for the soft rustling of wind through the crumbling walls. Nico stayed there, a lone figure lost in prayer, clinging to a hope that seemed to drift further away with every passing moment.