In the darkness, the melodic tinkling of a small musical box cut the silence. The darkness slowly receded, revealing the outlines of an ancient church. Two children, one with a blonde knot in her ponytail and the other with a braid of white hair, rushed towards the sacred building.
The boy grabbed the girl's hand, indicating with silent gestures that they should proceed cautiously as they entered the church. The music of the snare drum suddenly ceased, and in its place emerged the solemn echo of a pipe organ.
Sitting in front of the imposing instrument, whose tones resonated strongly in harmony with the melody of the music box, was a 20-year-old young man. His hip-length blonde hair with white tips flowed in time with the music. Next to him rested a white spear, a work of art in repose, adding a touch of majesty to the stage illuminated by the dim light of the church.
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Both children remained motionless, absorbed in the young man's music, until it stopped abruptly. The blonde-haired boy jumped up, eager to leave, and hurriedly tried to take the girl away.
"Otto".
The call stopped Otto, his older brother saying his name. "Hehehehe, they caught us," the girl laughed, scratching her head sheepishly.
The young man stood up and approached the two children.
"Brother..." Otto uttered, anticipating a scolding as he saw the young man's hand rise. He closed his eyes, prepared for the reprimand, only to feel the young man's soft caress caressing both boys' heads.
Opening his eyes, Otto found the warm smile on his brother's face. "Come on, I have prepared food for us."
A smile lit up Otto's face, and he took his brother's hand. The girl laughed and grabbed the other hand as well, piggybacking them towards the church entrance. An aura of complicity and affection filled the space as they headed together toward the light emanating from the exit.
Meanwhile, the music box began to resonate again, enveloping the scene with its melody as the three walked away towards the light in time with the music.
XxX
Otto Apocalypse opened his eyes slowly, finding himself in front of an antique music box that exuded an air of mystery in the room. The heavy door of the room swung, revealing the figure of Amber, his daughter and his loyal assistant.
"Father, Raiden Mei has reached critical levels of Honkai Energy; she will soon become a Herrscher," Amber reported in a worried tone, to which Otto responded with a serious expression, nodding in understanding.
"Should we tell Theresa?" Amber asked calmly.
"No," Otto replied.
"Alright, I'm leaving."
Amber left the room, leaving Otto alone in his introspection. "Let us see your ascension to the throne of darkness, brother," Otto murmured, sinking into his thoughts as the music box's melody continued to fill the room with its melancholy charm.
