Chapter Two – Worry of the Warlock
"Sephiroth."
His name. Those tones. There was something, just beyond the reach of his memory, familiar about it...
"Yes. You have the knowledge to reach through all the memory blocks in your mind – if you so wish. You can recall – that in cycles past – you were one of my chosen warriors."
"Cosmos." Sephiroth turned and faced her. "I used to be many things, in the past. None of that matters now."
The goddess regarded him for a long moment, then nodded. "I know." Her eyes appeared a little sad, and a soft smile touched her lips. "You were a very focused and effective hero of the light, in the past."
"I should not be seen talking with you. What do you want?" Sephiroth affected a bored air.
"Direct, as always. As to what I want..." Cosmos looked upward as if searching for the right words. "I want to help you. I want – to give you the information you need – to succeed in your plan."
Sephiroth stared at her, lifted a highly skeptical eyebrow, then turned to walk away from her.
"The cycle can be broken – rather, warriors can be pulled free from the cycle. There is a way."
Sephiroth's back stiffened at her words, but he kept walking. Cosmos sighed and faded from sight.
Reappearing in her sanctuary, Cosmos wondered how long she could delay. Chaos wasn't delaying. His warriors were certainly not delaying. Each of her chosen champions had been sent to their individual after-death recovery places at least once. If she didn't do something – soon – she would forfeit, which would upset the one or ones who oversaw this conflict or worse – lose the faith of her own warriors.
She lifted her eyes up from her bemused thoughts. A familiar soul had wandered close enough for its distinctive signature to brush up against her magical senses. She rose, and walked with unhurried and seemingly aimless steps toward one of the taller structures in this arena. The giant, curving, shell-like screen should offer what would be perceived as enough cover for her visitor to feel comfortable nearing enough to converse with her.
"My lady," Golbez bowed his head respectfully. He always approached her with the same almost apologetic formality. "Do not be alarmed. I mean you no harm."
"I know, Golbez. I am pleased you came."
The Dark Warlock shook his head, as if in confusion. "I am not worthy to approach so near to you, but..."
"You are fully worthy to come here, Golbez," Cosmos interrupted him. "But that is a discussion for another time. For now, there is information I must give you. It is of critical importance."
"There are plots against you, lady. Beyond that which Chaos desires."
Cosmos smiled. Golbez always came to warn her of the machinations of the warriors of Chaos. He was one of the most orderly of all the warriors of either side and held honor as high as his brother's. "I know, but I do thank you for your warning. I wish you would consider joining..."
"No." Golbez dared to interrupt her to prevent her from completing her invitation to join the side of light. "I don't deserve... Chaos summoned me. That alone is proof that I'm not worthy to stand by my brother's side – or in your regard."
Cosmos exclaimed in surprise. "But, you are in my regard! Perhaps even more so because of the danger to you in bringing me this warning. If you could only see your own soul as I do... But, there is no time for us to rehash this tired, old discussion. There is something I need to speak with you about – information you need for your plan with Sephiroth to come to fruition." Golbez started at her words. "I am fully aware of your plan. More, not only do I approve of it, I need it to succeed. If it does not, and my stalling action no longer hampers my own warriors, your brother is in the gravest danger."
"My brother? Cecil? What – what danger is he facing? Where is he? I will...!"
"Calm yourself, Golbez. I will have a chance to explain more fully later. For now, please, listen. It is vitally important if you wish to save your brother from a final, true death."
Golbez stopped floating in the air so abruptly he crashed onto his feet on the ground. He staggered. The goddess merely touched him on the arm, yet somehow imparted enough support for him to recover his balance.
"Final death?"
"Yes. It is too dangerous to go into it now, but I promise I will explain fully once it is safe to do so. For now, let me tell you one thing; cross souls are the only way Sephiroth's plan will work. You should be able to figure out how to make use of this clue – once in the Lunar Subterrane and once in the Planet's Core. But before that, light and darkness will chase each other across the sky. That is where willing souls may cross, when meteors fly."
"Willing souls? Meteors? What are you trying to tell me, Cosmos?"
"I am not able to tell you any more clearly – but I am confident you and Sephiroth will figure it out."
Author's note –
Next chapter: Chapter Three - Enigma of the Eclipse
