Shuo lay there for three days.
He never opened his eyes, lying quietly on a wooden plank amid the ruins, his face so pale it was almost translucent.
Kaguya stayed beside him without moving an inch, sitting quietly, her gaze never leaving him for a moment.
Isshiki stood three meters away, just as motionless, the black aura around him having faded somewhat.
Little Black crouched on Shuo's chest, his short legs tucked beneath him, staring at that bloodless face and rocking a little now and then.
"His heart's still beating," Little Black spoke first, his voice soft.
Kaguya said nothing, her gaze still resting on Shuo.
"He's breathing too. Very steadily."
Little Black added another sentence, but still no one answered.
He tilted his little head and couldn't help asking, "Then why hasn't he woken up yet?"
Only then did Kaguya slowly raise her eyes, her voice terribly hoarse. "He's tired. Far too tired."
Little Black nodded, only half understanding. "Then let him get some good sleep."
Kaguya looked at the palm-sized little black ball. A faint golden glow surrounded him, sharing the same origin as Isshiki beside them, yet he had a softer air about him. She couldn't help asking, "Aren't you worried?"
Little Black blinked his pale golden eyes. "About what?"
"If he's gone, your light will be gone too."
Kaguya said it bluntly.
Little Black looked down at the golden light on his body. The points of light pulsed steadily, in perfect time with Shuo's heartbeat. "He won't die," he said with certainty.
Kaguya froze. "How do you know?"
Little Black pointed at his little body. "There's something of his in here. It can't be severed."
Then he turned toward Isshiki beside them. "He's got it too."
Isshiki walked slowly over and stood beside Little Black. Looking