The Key

A dimly-lit cellar underneath a shoddy shack in the Sunlight City. Miranda paces back and forth, biting her lip. Blood is drawn. Then, bursting through the door and panting heavily, comes Hodan. Aeleus and Sapporo. Miranda stares at them in anticipation. After a long period of silence, her exasperation bursts forward.   “Well?!”   Hodan lifts himself from his hunched forward position, and simply shakes his head between gasping breaths. Aeleus slumps down in the corner with a defeated look on his face. Miranda, taking a moment to process, finally addresses the three.   “What happened?”   Sapporo glares dismissively. “They obviously knew we were coming.”   Hodan looks to the door, then to Aeleus. “You said Gin was behind us.”   Aeleus, quite out-of-character, lets out a small sob before composing himself with much effort, just enough for words. “There were archers… I didn’t… He was hit, and…”   Finally, Miranda realizes the severity of the situation. Exasperation turns to regret. “I’m sorry.”   Sapporo scoffs. “Sorry won’t fix your lack of intel.”   She glances at Hodan, treading cautiously. “Do you at least still have yours?”   Hodan takes a deep breath and supports himself against the wall. As he does so, he reaches below his tunic and pulls out a golden key, seemingly glowing. Miranda looks surprised.   “Is it always glowing like that?”   Hodan and Sapporo exchange a look. Sapporo steps forward. “There’s something you need to know.”   Information is passed. The moon cycles ever-onward. Once informed, Miranda utters under her breath. “…fuck.”   Sapporo manages a chuckle in spite of recent events. “First time I’ve seen you break composure.”   Hodan, now sitting at the table, turns his key over in his hands, staring at it intensely. The glow had begun to fade.   “I don’t know why exactly Einbrik wants the amulet. But frankly, I don’t care anymore.”   He tucks the key away, a new resolve burning in his eyes.   “He’ll never get it. This seal will never leave my body so long as there is air in my lungs.”   A somber air fills the room.   “Because otherwise… I doubt any else will draw breath again.”