Dragon Age: The Helldiver Saga - The Blight

Chapter 21

Hey Guys! Here's the end to the Cliffhanger you've all been waiting for!

Also, There are going to be some depressing parts in the Fanfic, but none too much. Just to add a little spiciness to the Story. I'll try not to depress you out of the reading...

Anyway, Here's the Outcome!

Austin's heart was racing, Merrill was still thinking, looking at the ground. It seems to beat faster as every minute passed while time slowed down.

Merrill's feelings were still in conflict. Marethari's Steel gaze was upon her, as well as Austin's, but his was gentle. Soon, her wars came to an end. Her Heart overruled her mind.

She looked up at the Keeper, then to Austin. A smile formed on her lips, answering his conflicts in his mind and heart. Austin smiled back in delight.

"I want to Stay with Austin, Keeper Marethari." Merrill told the Keeper.

The Keeper simply nodded, "If that is what you want, Da'len."

"I know I made the right choice." Merrill replied, smiling at Austin one more time.

Austin's Heart was overjoyed. He was blowing up inside.

"If you can come with me. You can retrieve your possessions before we head up north." The Keeper told her.

Merrill nodded, then looked at Austin, who smiled and gestured for her to go ahead.

She smiled back as she followed the Keeper to her Ara'vel.

Austin Sighed a heavy relief. He was grateful that Merrill chose to stay with them. Well, him, anyway. Everybody else in his crew were still strangers to her, despite the introductions.

He stood patiently, He looked back to see his group still waiting. Sarah waved at him and he waved back. She held her arms out in a questioning pose, getting the message, Austin responded with a thumbs up. He had no idea how, but she saw it. She jumped and clapped, gaining the attention of nearby companions, she turned to tell them.

Austin turned back around, he saw Merrill and Keeper Marethari walking towards him. Merrill had a small pack with her. She smiled again at Austin, who did the same back.

Merrill stepped to his side to face the Keeper.

"It's not too late, Da'len. You can always come back." Marethari said to her.

"Like I said Keeper, I have chosen my path." Merrill replied.

She nodded, "Very Well. Dar'eth Shiral, Merrill."

"Dar'eth Shiral, Keeper."

Marethari nodded one last time before turning around towards the Ara'vels.

Austin and Merrill looked at each other.

"Ready to go?" Austin asked.

"Yes, Let's Go." Merrill answered.

Austin nodded and turned to go back to their waiting miniature army. Merrill followed, Side-by-side. She stopped momentarily, looking back at the now-moving Ara'vels. A single tear came to her eye. Austin, noticing her expression, wrapped an arm around her. Merrill gave in, she buried herself in his chest. He wrapped his other arm around her, holding her tight as she let loose. Her tears rolled down her cheeks and down his armor, then hitting the ground below.

The Clan may have been harsh to her, but they were her clan. The Connection has been severed and she felt even more lonely than she has before, but maybe, just maybe, she's found a new family.

Austin stroked her back with his arm. Letting Merrill let it out.

"It's Alright, Take your time." Austin told her.

He felt her nod, she went from weeping to sobbing. Austin hoped he understood. He cannot imagine being cut off from the only people he knew. Such as His Crew, Sul, Glenn, Selina, and everybody else, but out of all, His Mother and Sarah, they were the most important.

After a few more minutes, Austin held her out.

"Need any more time?" He asked.

She wiped a few visible tears away as she shook her head, "I think I'm fine."

Austin nodded, and released her. She stood there for a minute, staring at the ground. Austin stepped to her side to wrap his arm around her, she didn't object. It helped her, letting her know she's not alone. They restarted their way to the convoy.

They got there, Austin took a distance from The Crew.

Austin stopped them, "Wait here, I'll get us going again. I'll be back as fast as I can, is that ok?" He asked Merrill.

She nodded, wiping a few more tears away, he took off quickly to get back to her.

The Crew turned their attention to Their approaching Commander, curious on what he has to say.

"Merrill has decided to stay with us." Austin said

The Group erupted to applause, but Austin stopped them,

"And She's going through a hard time. She's going to isolate from the group, and I'm going to be with her. If you don't mind."

Everybody nodded, understanding, they all snapped into seriousness and sympathy. Alena, especially, knowing too well what it felt like.

"Ok, We're burning daylight, let's get to moving, I need to get back to Merrill." Austin said.

Again, Everybody nodded, Austin turned to run back to Merrill.

He got to her, She looked up and gave a weak smile for coming back to her so fast. Her face was evident of tears.

"We're Moving." Austin told her.

She nodded, then turned to start walking. Austin did the same at her side. They begun their journey once again.

It's a short one, I know! It's just to end that desperate Cliffhanger everybody loves!

I hope the aftermath makes up for the Midget Chapter!

Thanks for reading and please leave a Review!

~Dark