The final battle concludes and nothing will ever be the same again. Thanks again for all the reviews and support.
Although I do not normally do this, I would recommend that you play Almateria, the opening to the first Tales of Symphonia OVA, near the end of this chapter. I think that song really capture the feelings I have written. In either case, hope you enjoy.
Chapter 50: Eternal Sword
The Dark King slowly stood up and faced the stun group. His mana actually felt more intense than usual and he glared coldly over them.
"But, Zilveren and the Dark King are one being." Mithos sputtered in shock. "You should have died with him."
The Dark King chuckled.
"His soul was in conflict" Yuan muttered.
This caught Mithos' attention. "What?"
"Remember what Origin said." Yuan said. "He said that Zilveren's soul was conflicted. Could that somehow mean that his very soul has actually separated?"
The Dark King smiled darkly. "You are correct, Yuan. When Zilveren started down this road, he was contention about the path he had willingly chosen. He was about to abandon everything for the greater good of this world. Including his own heart. In order for him come to terms with what he was about to do, he created me to do his shield."
Kratos paled. "You mean he literally created another personality!"
"I originally started out as a guise to hide Zilveren's true identity from the Fahrer, but as time went on I became ever stronger. After awhile, Zilveren's soul completely shattered and I was fully born." The Dark King said.
"That explains why your mana is completely different from his." Yuan said as he took everything in. "I thought he somehow managed to alter his mana when he was disguise as you, but this whole time it was because you are literally a different person. Two completely different souls sharing the one body."
"But how?" Mithos asked as he shook his head. "That shouldn't be even possible."
Kratos then looked towards The Dark King's chest. "His Cruxis Crystal."
The Dark King nodded. "Indeed, a Cruxis Crystal merges with the soul of an individual as you can see from Martel. It can also divide and split a soul if the person's will is strong enough."
"In other words, Zilveren is truly dead, but Pluto only managed to take his soul to the otherworld." Mithos stated.
"That is about what it amounts to." The Dark King chuckled. "If Malachite had of known, she wouldn't had made such a careless move by summoning Pluto here. Although, I never expected for a moment that she was the Vessel of Daemonium from legends. If she had known my secret, she would have undoubtedly killed me. That is the highest compliment I can give her."
"You bastard." Mithos growled.
"Nonetheless, what she had done was meaningless." The Dark King stated slowly. "The Kharlan Tree will soon die and the final phase of Operation Symphonia will be put into action."
"I won't allow that!" Mithos yelled as he charged the elf. The Dark King easily blocked the sloppy assault and pushed him back. "Foolish boy. Without Zilveren's consciousness to hold me back, I am stronger than ever."
"Zilveren held you back?" Yuan asked in disbelief.
"There were times when Zilveren questioned his chosen path and even contemplated putting a stop to everything. I had to do allot of lecturing to keep him from straying."
"So you played puppet master with even him." Kratos said. "Unbelievable."
"None of that matters now." The Dark King sneered as he began a spell. "Without Zilveren, things will move much smoother now."
He quickly completely the spell as black runes appeared under him. "Dark Spear!" A giant light of red and purple hues exploded in the group's face sending them flying back. Yuan quickly perform Guardian to protect is friends.
"He is right. His spells are much stronger." Yuan noted.
Kratos sent a strong wave of mana at the Dark King, but he opened a portal with his sword, sending the wave elsewhere.
"As amusing as this is, I have little time now." The Dark King stated. "The Kharlan Tree is close to death and the everything must be ready for the revival of the Great Seed. For that, I must have your sword now." With those words, the Dark King slashed his sword across empty space, creating a giant portal. It then expanded suddenly and shallowed Mithos. The Dark King also disappeared as the portal shrunk.
"Mithos!" Kratos yelled as his apprentice disappeared.
"Damn, where did they go?" Yuan asked in frustration.
Kratos shook his head. "Where ever he is, it is out of our dimension. There is nothing we can do to help him."
Yuan growled in frustration as he slammed his Shallow into the floor. "We can only pray to the spirits now." He looked towards the Great Seed and also prayed to Martel to protect her brother.
Mithos felt the world spin as he fought to keep his lunch. Eventually, the spinning stopped and Mithos was able to regained himself. He was now standing what looked like a black space with stars surrounding him from all sides. He wasn't even sure how he was even standing since there was no ground.
"Welcome to X Space, young Mithos." The Dark King said. He was standing a few feet in front of Mithos.
"X Space?" Mithos questioned.
"A space between dimensions." The Dark King explained. "We are everywhere and nowhere."
"Why did you bring me here?" Mithos demanded.
"I couldn't allow the Great Seed to be harm." The Dark King stated. "Also, it would be quicker and easier to take the Sword of Dawn without the interference of your friends."
Mithos' eyes harden. "I won't be that easy to kill."
"Foolish boy, you are completely alone here and I won't hold back, unlike the spirits." The Dark King mocked as mana swirled around his body. "Bloody Lance!" Sharp spears of dark light formed and nearly sliced Mithos apart. However, he was cut in several places.
Mithos began his own chant. "The source of Heaven, Earth, and everything in between, the ruler of all. I summon thee. Come, Origin!" However, nothing happen.
"What the hell!" Mithos exclaimed.
The Dark King laughed viciously. "In this place, not even spirits can physically reach us. Your summons are completely neutralize."
"Damn." Mithos cursed.
"You depended on the strength of the spirits for too long." The Dark King mocked.
"I have other skills." Mithos said as he charged in and thrust his sword at The Dark King. He quickly deflected it.
"So, you challenge me to a duel?" The Dark King smiled. "So be it."
He pushed Mithos off and the two began a series of sword strikes. Mithos was quicker and more agile, but the Dark King was stronger and had far more experience. Mithos quickly found himself becoming overwhelm by him.
The Dark King pushed him off and started another spell. "Super Lightning Blade!" He thrust his sword at Mithos with enough force to create a burst of wind when it hit Mithos. It then was followed by a powerful strike of lightning that had Mithos screaming in pain. He hit the ground hard as he cradled his wounds.
"Did you actually think a mere boy could defeat me?" The Dark King asked. "A couple mouths of fighting are no matched for centuries worth of experience."
Mithos slowly began to stand up again. "I...I won't lost. Especially not to my sister's murder."
"What killed Martel was the greed and darkness that lives within the human heart." The Dark King said slowly. "It is this darkness that makes you half-elves dangerous. Which is why, I cannot allow any of you to live."
"No, it was the discrimination in the world that killed Martel." Martel said as he got to his feet. "Once I have dealt with you, I will end the discrimination of elves, half-elves, and humans."
"Well, lets see whose dream is stronger." The Dark King dared.
Mithos summoned his mana and his wings flash in a brilliance light. "Struggle against these holy chains, SHINING BIND!" A seal of light appeared around Mithos and the seal grew until it covered the entire area. Once enough energy had accumulated, the light rose up as towering pillars.
The Dark King was taken off-guard by the sudden burst of mana and was hit dead on by the pillars. He grunted in pain as he pushed back.
"Your skills with the Cruxis Crystal have greatly improved." The Dark King noted as he attempted to catch his breath. "The Shining Bind is one of the strongest techniques you can learn. It would seem I underestimated you a little."
"I am far from finish!" Mithos exclaimed as he charged in and performed a powerful upper slash, which cut deep into the Dark King's armor, but it did not penetrate all the way through.
The Dark King back away and hit Mithos across the face with the hilt of his sword. Mithos was sent flying back as the Dark King prepared for another assault. He changed in, but Mithos quickly parried. They were once again locked in a sword duel with Mithos aiming each of his attacks to be fatal. However, the Dark King was still easily able to block all his techniques. He even dodged an unexpected double demon fang.
Mithos was not sure how long the fight had been going on, but his arms began to become sore as he blocked and parried the Dark King's vicious attacks. Each swing of his sword made his arms feel like they were made from rocks. He couldn't last must longer like this. Mithos then realized in horror that the Dark King's mana was building at a rapid rate. It felt just like the huge influx of mana that killed Martel."
The Dark King suddenly broke off from his attack. "I have a dream to pursue! I will let none in my way, Indignate Judgment!"
Multiple lightning strikes rain down and struck everything in its path. Mithos quickly did a Guardian to protect himself, however, he felt the shield cracking. Before long, a sword imbued with holy power came crashing down on him and exploded into a burst of lightning. The sheer force of the attack broke through his shield and Mithos screamed as lightening racked through his body. He then fell down into a lifeless heap on the ground.
The Dark King was breathing hard as he looked down at his fallen adversary. "Now do you see how futile your struggle truly was? This is the only path to salvation. Maybe from the afterlife you will see things more clearly." He slowly walked over to claim Mithos' sword. He grabbed the blade, but somehow the young summoner kept his iron grip on the blade.
"Like hell." Mithos whispered weakly. "I...I won't let you win. For Martel, I can't die here."
The Dark King was very annoyed. "You're still hanging on to life. It is all in vain. Once I shatter the Sword of Dawn, all its powers will be transfer into my sword, created the ultimate blade."
I won't allow that!" Mithos exclaimed as he jumped back up again and used his mana to pushed the Dark King back. "I'm unable beat you in terms of skill, so I will just have to defeat you in one hit."
The Dark King snickered lightly. "One last attack. Then, I will grant your wish by using the same spell that sent your dear sister to her grave." He began to build his mana again.
"He is going to use Indignate Judgment again." Mithos realized. "I will die if that attack hit me again. This is truly is all or nothing," He also ready his last attack.
"Lets see who the spirits truly favors, Indignate Judgment!" The Dark King yelled.
Mithos felt his Cruxis Crystal flash with power that filled every part of him. It was like someone dropped knowledge into his head. Within seconds, a spell flowed from his chant. "The spirits has sided with me this day, Divine Judgment!"
The two spells filled the void, leaving everything covered in a bright light. Both battled to overwhelm each other, but it was a deadlock.
"How could this child..." The Dark King muttered. "It couldn't be?"
"For all the pain you have cause. For all the lives you have stolen. For my sister and my friends. BURN IN HELL!" Mithos screamed as he pushed all his mana into his spell, overwhelming the Dark King.
The Dark King's eyes widen in surprise. "How could this happen!" His spell was shattered before him and the beam of light hit him dead on. His body wreathed in pain as the light torn into him. His Cruxis Crystal exploded by the sheer force of the mana tearing through his body and his wings disappeared in a sparkle of light. Oddly, he didn't scream as he fall to his knees. Smoke rose steadily from his body and his eyes were blank.
Mithos also fall to one knee as he attempted to catch his breath. He was completely exhausted. "Is it over?" He looked up to stare at the Dark King. He still was not moving. "Martel, I have truly avenged you."
"Zilveren, even in the end you managed to stand against me." The Dark King whispered. Blood dripped steadily from his lips.
Mithos' head shot up. "What...what does Zilveren has to do with any of this?"
The Dark King chuckled humorlessly. "Your crystal is an exact replica of mines. That is how I have been able to see your thoughts, fears, and manipulate you through your journey. It was meant for you the entire time and it was to be formally given you in Kriton."
Mithos' mouth fall opened. "Impossible! I just happen to come across it when the Fahrer attacked that convey."
The Dark King smiled. "How naive. Those soldiers were working for me or should I say Zilveren. It was a favor from the Tethe'allan. However, my underling, Lucious, somehow learned about your crystal and did everything in his power to stop me."
Mithos grasped. Lucious' words now made perfect sense.
"Ironically, it all worked out in the end." The Dark King chuckled.
"Why are you telling me this!" Mithos demanded.
"Since your crystal is a clone of mines, it holds a little piece of my soul." The Dark King stated. "It also holds a piece of Zilveren. It still remains even in his death."
Mithos shook his head. "Are you telling me Zilveren helped me? He's the one who started all this mess."
"Yes, but he also had doubts. Like Malachite, he began to think you half-elves might someday be able to control your gifts." The Dark King spat. "Which is why he gave you more guidance than necessary. I truly believe he wanted you to stop him and become the new Beschermer. In the end, what remains of his spirit sided with you. Betrayer to the end. He could not see the righteousness of his own goal." He smiled at the last part.
Mithos was speechless.
"However, he acted too late." The Dark King chuckled. "Even if you left now, it is far too late to save the Kharlan Tree."
Mithos paled when he heard those words. "You're lying."
"It is no lie." The Dark King said. "Within a couple years, the world will fade away and die as the remaining mana on the planet is used up. Crops will wither, rivers will dry, and the people of this world will suffer a slow cruel death."
"No, we still have the Great Seed." Mithos said firmly.
"The question is, however, will you plant it?" The Dark King mocked.
"What are you talking about?" Mithos growled.
"Martel is now part of the Great Seed." The Dark King said. "As I have said before, once the seed is planted, her soul will become part of the spirit of the new Kharlan Tree and the Martel you know will be lost for all eternity."
Mithos paled even more. He had somehow forgotten about that.
"You have chosen Martel over the world once, will you do it again?" The Dark King questioned coldly. "Two paths lies before you, Mithos. I can tell you now that one of those paths will lead you to damnation beyond redemption. And when you reach the end of that road, your shadow shall stand before you as you stand before me."
"My shadow?" Mithos whispered.
"The role of the Beschermer is self correcting." The Dark King stated evenly. "When one show themselves to be unworthy, a new one will appear to take their place. You have succeeded me Mithos and one shall succeed you one day. So, chose wisely. For this decision shall control the outcome of your entire life and I shall be watching."
The Dark King smiled evilly and his eyes glowed with malice. "Watching through the eyes of your crystal and I will see for myself if the brutal nature of you half-elves will destroy this world." He began to laugh loudly as blood ran down his mouth. Before long, his laugh stopped and his body went still. However, he stood on his knees and a smile remained on his frozen face.
Mithos stood completely still as he stared at the motionless body of the Dark King. He was not sure what to do now.
"The old master of the pact is no more." Origin's voice filled the void. "My powers belong to you and you alone now as the sole Beschermer."
Mithos snapped out of his stupor. "Origin, how are you here?"
"Although I am unable to physically be by you, my conscious still reaches you through the Sword of Dawn." Origin stated.
"Origin, can you take me out of this place?" Mithos asked.
"Impossible." Origin's voice said. "The Sword of Dawn cannot rip through the fabric of dimensions. Only the power of the Sword of Dusk can take you back to your friends."
"So, I have to wield both swords?" Mithos questioned.
There was a strange silence. "By shattering the Sword of Dusk, you will inherit all of its powers when it transfer itself into the Sword of Dawn."
"Just as the Dark King planned to do." Mithos said in awe.
"Yes, except the Sword of Dawn will be the base." Origin said. "As such, no one without the blood of an half-elf can use the new blade. Even if a new pact is made with me."
Mithos slowly stood up. He was still weak on his knees. "Then, that is what I will do." He walked over the Dark King's body and removed the black blade from the Dark King's limps hands. Once he had placed it on the ground, he raised his own sword and slammed it into the Sword of Dusk with all his might. The blade shattered on impact and Mithos felt a wave of power flow through him.
His blade vibrated violently as it morphed before his eyes. The sword went from brilliance white to a bright purple and it grew bigger in shape. It was heavier than before and strange markings appeared in the middle of the blade. It was like nothing Mithos has seen or felt in his life.
"The blade you now wield is neither of the Swords of Dusk or Dawn." Origin said. "What you now hold is the Eternal Sword. With it, you are capable of controlling time, space, and dimension itself."
Mithos nodded in understand. "I ask of you Origin, take me back to my friends."
"Done." Origin's voice filled him as he disappeared in a flash of light.
Mithos once again appeared in the chamber of the Great Seed and Yuan and Kratos stood before him.
"You're alive!" Yuan exclaimed happily.
"Then, the Dark King is dead." Kratos concluded.
Mithos nodded as he held up his new sword. "And I now hold the ultimate sword of Origin."
Yuan shook his head. "This victory came too late. The Kharlan Tree is all but dead. The only way to save the world now is to plant the Great Seed."
Kratos nodded. "Mithos, please use the sword to plant the new tree."
Mithos stared intensely at the Great Seed and then held up the Eternal Sword. "Origin, is there is nothing you can do for Martel? Her spirit is still here and can be brought back."
"That is not possible." Origin voice stated. "Although her soul is still trap in your realm, her soul no longer has a vessel to inherit."
"Can't we just get an empty body to place her soul in?" Mithos asked. Kratos did not like this line of questioning.
"No." Origin said firmly. "A soul can only withstand itself if the vessel held a mana signature similar to itself. It is nearly impossible to find one that is a close match and her original shell no longer exist."
"Mithos, there is nothing we can do for Martel." Yuan said sadly. "I want her back too more than anything, but her spirit must be made to move on. Maybe, she will find happiness as part of the new tree."
"NO!" Mithos yelled. His screamed echoed across the halls of the Great Seed. "I lost Martel once for the sake of the world. I won't do it again!"
"Mithos, if we don't plant the new tree, this world will die." Kratos said firmly. "You and I both know that Martel would never want such a thing."
Mithos stared at the Eternal Sword and thought of the Dark King's last words. His eyes closed and his breathing slowed as he laid his forehead against the cold steal of his sword. "No, there is a way to save both Martel and this world."
Yuan felt his stomach drop. "Mithos, what do you have plan?"
"I will create a system where neither Sylvarant and Tethe'alla can ever abuse magitechnology again. This same system will be use to maintain the world until we can free Martel from the Great Seed." Mithos said in a far off voice. "The Eternal Sword has shown me how."
"Mithos, think about what you are going to do." Kratos said in a desperate voice. He had a terrible feeling.
"Origin, heed my command!" Mithos yelled as his eyes snapped opened and he held his sword into the sky. "Divide this world in two. Forever separating the kingdoms of Sylvarant and Tethe'alla!" Both Yuan and Kratos grasped in shock.
There was a very long pause. "Done!" Origin's voice boom.
On the planet below, Ratatosk stared angrily at his tree as it turned gray and wither. The last of the leaves fall off and red sap covered the bark of the tree. Soon, Ratatosk felt no mana whatsoever from the once great tree.
"The Kharlan Tree is dead." Ratatosk said in disgust. "Those fools failed to stop Zilveren."
Noishe whimpered sadly as he mourned the passing of the World Tree.
"There is still hope." Eric said firmly. "They can still plant the Great Seed, right?"
"What is the point?" Ratatosk spat as he touched the bark of his tree, allowing the sap to run his hands. It was like a piece of his heart had been torn out. "You humans and half-elves will just kill it like you have my tree." Suddenly, an earthquake shook the land around them.
"What is happen!" Eric exclaimed.
Noise whined as he tried to keep his footing.
Ratatosk's eyes widen. "This...this is Origin's power. What the hell is going on!" He looked over and saw both Eric and Noishe fading in and out of existence. Soon they both disappear.
"This...space itself is moving. Zilveren couldn't..." Ratatosk suddenly remembered that Mithos' blade could control time and space. "Mithos, did you betray us as well?"
In Heimdall, Johnov and the other elves also felt the violent shaking. Some of the buildings actually collapsed and there was a wide panic. Johnov stood outside of his house and looked into the sky. He could see one of the moons disappearing from the sky as well as some of the stars.
"The planet itself is shifting." Johnov noted. "It is like someone is literally splitting the world in two. Only Origin could do such a thing. Did Zilveren and that half-elf caused this? Dammit, I knew the half-elves would only cause ruin to the world. Damn you Origin for making a pact with such a creature."
In Balacruf, Rose hugged her daughter's as the world shook. Crystal was still very ill and had a high fever. She was not completely all there and was scared to the point of tears. Rose made smoothing noise as the city itself went into chaos.
"Yuan, I truly wish you were here." Rose whispered sadly. "Crystal needs you now."
In the desert city of Triet, Krilla looked into the night's sky as the fire temple shook. All the priest gathered in pray to the spirits as well as the many citizens that were still staying in the temple.
"Yuan." Krilla whispered.
Even in the great city of Meltokio, everyone was screaming and in a blind panic. Many thought it was the end of the world as they fall to their knees and prayed to the forgotten sprits.
In her mansion, Lady Aurion stood steadfast by her window as she stared into the chaos on the street.
"Lady Aurion, you must leave for safety." Brook insisted. "There surely will be people coming for you in this chaos. If you're allow to be caught, only the spirits will know what will happen to you."
Lady Aurion shook her head. "I will not leave my family's home or honor." She said firmly. "If this is truly the end of the world, I want to face it with dignity. Just as my husband stared down his death."
"Lady Aurion." Brook whispered before he bowed. "As you wish, madam."
She pressed her hand against the window and a single tear ran down her pale cheek. "Please be safe, Kratos."
On this date on the Aselia calendar the world was forever changed. Mithos, the great hero of what would be known as the Kharlan War, used the power of Origin to divide the world. These worlds would be known as Sylvarant and Tethe'alla after the two mighty kingdoms. As thus it would remind for millenniums.
The hero Mithos also started his decent into darkness on this day. A day that would evidently be forgotten in the pages of history.
Thus, the circle is complete. Final chapter coming soon.
