"Sunrise"

The endless stars collapsed, and those distant, brilliant starlights silently caved in once more, becoming a human being. Duncan returned from the starlight to a dimension Vana, Morris, and the others could understand—yet his voice seemed to still be reverberating in some higher dimension, and the layered whispers and noise within reason and perception left Vana barely able to think.

After an unknown length of time—though in truth it may have only been an instant—the noise in Vana's mind finally subsided somewhat. Rubbing her forehead, she saw Morris across from her slowly taking a pipe from his coat. The old gentleman trembled as he lit it, muttering, "...You get used to it..."

"Fucking thrilling..." A'gou lay sprawled at Shirley's feet. "I think I saw the Holy Lord again just now."

Nina, on the other hand, did not seem greatly affected. She only stood blankly for a moment before recovering, then seemed to sink into thought. Every so often, she would steal a glance at Duncan, a trace of sorrow seemingly lingering in her eyes.

Duncan merely gazed calmly into "Helena's" eyes. Through those pupils that seemed to reflect distant waves, he silently looked upon that remote and ancient being.

After a long time, a voice finally reached everyone's ears along with the gentle sound of waves. "I understand... We will meet again."

The sound of the waves faded, and the damp, fishy salt scent that had filled the air gradually dispersed as well. Helena blinked, and all manner of inhuman, distorted traits swiftly receded from her body. Then she suddenly bent over, violent dry heaves accompanying her ragged breaths. Vana reacted at once, hurrying forward to support the Female Pope by the arm while helping steady her breathing and healing her injuries with divine arts.

It took quite a while