Inside the crystalline fortress, frost patterns danced across the walls like living art. Strider's skeletal form settled onto an throne-like formation of black ice, his ethereal blue glow casting strange shadows through the chamber.
"There is something you should know," Strider's hollow voice resonated through the cavern. "I am known by many names, but most commonly as the Wandering Spirit of Frost."
Eldo's eyes widened, flames flickering unconsciously around his fingers. "Spirit of Frost?"
"Yes." Strider's skull turned toward Eldo. "Just as you, young one, were briefly possessed by my eternal rival—the Spirit of Flame."
Winter leaned against an icy pillar, his expression darkening. "So that's what happened during our fight."
"Indeed." Frost swirled between Strider's bones as he continued. "For eons, we spirits have wandered this world, seeking vessels to continue our inevitable battle. And I..." He paused, the blue glow in his eye sockets dimming slightly. "I must confess something to you, Winter."
Kyo and Eldo exchanged glances as Winter straightened, suddenly alert.
"I manipulated you," Strider admitted, frost crystals falling from his skeletal fingers. "When you were near death, I saw an opportunity to gain an advantage over my flame-bound rival. I... I am not proud of this."
"The darkness I absorbed from you," Winter said quietly. "That was the price of survival."
Strider nodded, before he continued. "We were both forged in the fires of hell, creations of a singular demonic will. While the Flame Spirit craves control, seeking dominion over this world, I desire only freedom and isolation."
"That's why you offered us sanctuary," Eldo realized. "Now that the darkness in your soul is gone, you're trying to make amends."
"Perhaps," Strider's voice carried a hint of warmth despite its ethereal echo. "Or perhaps I simply grow tired of endless battle. Either way, I offer you this place not just as refuge, but as a chance to learn control—to master your gifts without being consumed by them."
Winter pushed off from the pillar, ice crackling beneath his feet. "Well then, I'd say we have work to do."