All right, this may well be the chapter that finally brings it all together, including Alex's part.
The Dark Truth
Dateline, August 27th, 1206.
We were on board the Courageous II and since it was a lot bigger than the Merkabah, it was just the ideal ship we needed to support all of us. On the bridge, we met Olivert in person, as well as Michael which confirmed what he meant by 'plans of his own'. There was also Vivi, Linde, Becky and Mint, so we had finally found everyone who worked at the Branch Campus. As well as the campus students, alumni or not.
"Despite being a new model of the ship, the system you see here largely emulates most of the previous Courageous." Michael said. "Our operations manual only covers the bare minimum. Should you find anything lacking, you'll have to figure it out as you go."
"Understood. I'll make sure to pass it to everyone else." Towa replied.
"Damn, this whole ship is like something from the future." I said. "I gotta get me one of these!"
Emma giggled. "And that computer's one of the Epstein Foundation's next-generation models. Weren't they only just developed?"
"That's right. And its hull has the latest innovations in hydrodynamic engineering, courtesy of the Roer Institutes of Technology." Alisa answered. "Plus. It seems to be outfitted with ZCF's newest next-gen orbal engine, too."
"It only gets more and more unbelievable every time I hear it." Machias said. "Just how did you manage to construct a cutting-edge ship like this abroad in total secrecy, without anyone finding out?"
"As I stated earlier, there are a great deal of individuals who helped me make this happen." Olivert replied. "Such as Mr. Gwyn here, for instance."
Oh yeah, we noticed that Gwyn was among the ship too which made Alisa feel a lot better.
"So that being said, how exactly were you saved by Bleublanc?" I asked.
He then explained what happened, which also confirmed that Victor had lost his left arm and that Olivert lost his left eye too. Toval was the only one who came out of it with just a few bruises. That was weeks ago and he had fully healed since then. At least both he and Olivert were back with us again.
"Power is but an extension of oneself, and what is a sword if not power wrought in steel?" Rean quoted. "But ultimately, it's not the might of one's blade, but will and strength of spirit that decided the battle."
"Yeah, he said that to us over two years ago." I sighed. "It rings so true, even now."
"Given who we're talking about, I expect he'll only emerge stronger from the experience." Kurt said.
"If that's the case, this could well become the most difficult trial we've faced yet." Altina added.
"Whatever the case may be, we've got our part to play for now." I said. "Besides, we made a promise to our new friends and allies."
Rean nodded. "Yeah, after the meeting we all had yesterday."
We then thought back to our big group meeting with Roselia and Thomas in regard to the Rivalry of the Seven.
"But I must say, I didn't expect Lloyd to offer me a place in the SSS." I said.
"And I thought you were crazy to think about it." Juna replied.
"That's because I don't believe I've earned a place. Should we win, if we save this world, and should I overcome my burden, then I'll finally accept that I have earned my place in the SSS."
"Alex..." Emma said.
"Anyways, we also have the Luna Shrine to deal with, and you know we have to do that."
"Yes. And I don't know what my grandmother's intentions are, but we should prepare ourselves for anything."
Celine said. "But why me as well? I'm not even part of Class VII."
"You say that, but you've been with us since the moment I first heard your voice." I replied.
"Ah, what fortuitous youth!" Olivert said. "Once everyone's done their little tour around the Courageous II, we can head for Lake Gala."
"It would probably be wise to land out on the water, to put a little distance between ourselves and Milsante." Colonel Mueller added. "Learning to switch between the silent navigation and optical camouflage modes is going to be critical here."
"Next, our plan is to head ashore, with each group making their approach from the target locations." Patrick said.
"The others are already a step ahead in gathering intel, including the one you asked for, Alex." Schera added. "I'm sure they'll get a hit on something useful by the time you get out."
Oh yeah, the intel on where we can find Sharon and George, since I've decided to go after those two.
"We'll be expecting good news, guys." Toval said. "But seriously though, take care of yourselves out there."
"Right. That goes for you, too." Rean replied. "Class VII, it's time to make sure your preparations are set. We'll need every pair of hands we can get around, so those of you in a position to pitch in, please do so."
"RIGHT!" Every one of us responded.
We broke off and I chose to take a few things off my mind by speaking with the music band I supported.
"Hey there, looks like you're getting the hang of the controls," I said.
"Aye, she's already lookin' like a real pro." Pablo replied.
"She's been working hard non-stop." Gustaf added.
Valerie sighed. "Please, it's only just normal work."
"By the way, I 'ear ya have a tail an' some new ears now?" Pablo asked.
"Well yeah...but I'm not gonna show them here." I rubbed my head. "I don't wanna freak everyone out."
"Haha, you shouldn't worry too much, Alex." Olivert said from his commanders chair. "Alfin has already made those of whom she trusts aware of your own situation."
"Oh, she has?"
"Indeed. Free yourself from those shackles, and let your mind and body be laid bare for the world to see!"
I frowned. "Okay, that's a bit too much."
"You don't have to show it." Valerie said.
"Still, it's a bit sad we can't do much for you." Gustaf added.
"It's fine, having you support me every step of the way is more than enough for me." I replied. "But I have a way to get back to normal. And when we do, I'll make sure we'll have a comeback concert, with me involved, for one night only."
Pablo nodded. "Aye! Now we're talkin'!"
"Yeah, it'd be kinda cool to hear you sing again." Valerie said.
"All right, then it's a promise. I'll make damn sure to keep it." I replied. "Anyways, I better get ready for later, we'll talk again soon."
"Sure thing, take care, Alex." Gustaf said.
The others said the same and I left the bridge before going down to the lowest floor where I spotted Elliot, along with Mint and Kenneth.
"There he is, so good to see you again, Alex." Mint said.
"Same to you, it's been too long, Mint." I replied. "Talk about a little music club reunion."
Elliot nodded. "Yeah, it's a shame that Bridget and Hibelle couldn't be here though."
"True, I still remember the time she played the piano whilst I gave out a vocal sample."
"Hehe, looks like you guys go way back." Kenneth said. "Although I'm no different, since I'm a graduate myself."
"Yeah, you were quite the lead when it came to the fishing club." I replied. "Speaking of which, have you been able to catch up with Anabelle?"
"Sadly, no, but I have faith that we'll meet again one day. And when we do, I'm going to tell her exactly how I feel about her."
"Wow, that sounds so romantic." Mint said.
Just then, we heard an announcement.
"To all passengers, we will soon be concluding our orientation flight, and chartering a course to the Luna Shrine, we'll be landing on Lake Gala in 30 minutes."
"Looks like it's time." I said. "Let's go, Elliot."
"Yeah, we'll see you soon, Mint." Elliot added.
"Sure, you both take care." She replied.
We made our way to the bridge whilst the Courageous travelled over the Lamare region and then over to Lake Gala where the ship landed on the water. We then got off the ship using a small boat and we were on the solid ground, close to the Luna Shrine.
"Here we are at the Luna Shrine again." Juna said.
"Yes. But it feels different this time." Kurt added.
We then noticed that a few crystals and lots of aura that was glowing on top of the shrine.
"Rose did say that the spirit veins are becoming more active, so perhaps that's why." Altina reminded.
I hummed. "All the more reason for us to see this through."
"Feels like it's still being contained inside the shrine, though." Gaius said.
Emma nodded. "That makes sense. This is the only shrine that's been overseen by the wandering witches for generations. My mother came here to purify its waters countless times throughout her life. Or so I've heard."
I blinked. "That may be the first time I'm hearing that."
"I've heard stories that she was a witch of rare and superb talent." Celine said. "But all this happened before I was born, so stories are all I have to go on."
Emma nodded. "I was really little when she passed away, so I don't remember much about her. But Grandmother told me all about this Shrine. Deep within, beyond the altar, we'll find the reflecting pool. Gazing into it should light our way."
"Well, who doesn't love a conveniently omniscient magical artifact?" Crow asked.
"Some of us apparently." I replied. "But joking aside, let's be ready for what's waiting inside."
"Just a minute." Rean said before he called for Valimar to appear.
We then got ready to go inside and made our way down the stairs until we reached the altar part where there was now a tall portal present.
"Huh? That wasn't there before." I commented. "And what's with the symbol, it's similar to the ones we've seen before from our foes."
"Indeed. There must be a connection to either the Gnomes or the Great One." Jusis guessed.
"What about the witches?" Crow asked.
"Them, too." Emma replied. "This crest was used by both the Gnomes and the witches until about 900 years ago. But the Hexen Clan's lost any knowledge regarding its true meaning and uses by now."
"Hopefully, we can uncover more details about that as we continue with our investigations." Altina said.
"Correct. All you must do is continue to move forward." A voice replied.
"Of course you'd be here, Roselia. Got anything new to share?" I asked.
"Perhaps. Now hurry along inside. And...Celine? You may wish to steel yourself."
We steeled ourselves and entered through the portal. Before we knew it, we were somehow in some kind of outdoor dungeon with various waterfalls in odd places.
"Wow...talk about the place doing a 180." I sighed.
"We must be deep inside the Luna Shrine now." Musse said. "Or perhaps, it'd be more accurate to say we've reached its very core."
"And that Roselia is waiting for us at the end of the very core."
"Correct. It's a mystical space outside of our dimension." Emma said.
Celine then suddenly turned into her human form, I guess Roselia got impaitent.
"I advised you to steel yourself for a reason. The Luna Sanctuary is a hallowed ground that unveils the truth."
That was when Roselia appeared, but in her more grown up appearence.
"Heh, I guess it's the same here, as it is in the labyrinth?" I asked.
"Indeed. The energies in this sacred realm allow me to assume my original form with ease." Roselia replied. "And perhaps, even my true form."
"You...have another form?" Emma asked.
"In the depths of the shrine sits the reflecting pool, a holy relic maintained by wandering witches throughout the ages. Mirrored within it are the echoes of the Empire's hidden past, intertwined with the secrets held in the Imperial family's Black Records. It should show you everything, now that the Great Twilight is upon us."
"Even Revelio?" I asked.
She smiled. "But before you can glimpse into the past, a trial awaits you."
"So the ritual has to be preceded by battles." Rean said.
Vita then appeared. "It would appear you're finally starting to catch on."
"We said goodbye yesterday, what are you doing here?" Sara asked.
"The reason I had to bid you farewell in the first place was so I could assist Grandmother with her preperations. As such, I will be the opening act for your trial. Oh, and I've brought a guest performer. I do hope you like surprises."
Vita then disappeared.
"Ahem...This is not quite what I had in mind." Roselia said. "But I will allow her to do as she wishes, so long as she fufills her role. As for yours...aim for the deepest recesses of the shrine as if your lives depend on it. Because that may, in fact, be just the case."
She then left too.
"So it's trial time, just like we've done many times before." I said. "I'm ready to give this my all...within reason of course."
"Class VII, let's go." Rean added.
We began making our way through the first section of the sanctuary and after we got to the end of the first part, Vita was waiting.
"There you are. Are you ready to begin the show?"
"Can't even enjoy a peaceful walk without someone wanting to fight me." Crow said.
"Aren't your hands full without having to deal with us?" Alisa asked.
"Well, preperations for Operation Mille Mirage are underway, and I'm dealing with the other Anguis on my trail." Vita replied. "I'm more than willing to help out if I'll be getting a glimpse at what the reflecting pool has to show. Additionally, I've taken it upon myself to continue the research carried out by a certain wandering witch...Isola."
"Mother..." Emma said quietly.
'Huh, so Isola is her mother's name.' I thought.
"You were very attached to her, weren't you?" Celine asked.
"What was this task passed from one generations of wandering witches to another?" Rean added.
"Why, investigating the Rivalries and the purpose of the Hexen Clan, of course." Vita replied. "It was her influence that made me begin my own research, which led to my chance meeting with the Grandmaster. I'm doing this to honor her memory, and for Grianos, too."
"Well, I'm curious to know more about the Grandmaster, but we don't have the time." I said. "I'm ready to roll right now."
"So you should be, don't hold back for my sake, everyone."
*Battle Skip*
We managed to win against her, despite powering up.
"Heh, not bad." Vita praised.
"That's an overstatement..." I sighed.
"Are you leaving now?" Emma asked.
"I'm a very busy witch. Can't get held up here for too long." Vita replied. "Give my regards to the elder and you-know-who."
Vita then disappeared, and we entered the second section of the trial. Battling a few monsters that got in our way before we reached a small halfway area where another familiar face was waiting.
"No way! Prinicpal?!" I exclaimed.
"Hm, so you've gotten this far." She replied. "I know this is meant to be for all of you to overcome, but I believe it's finally time you showed me your best strength, Alex."
"Oh right, because of those private requests I did for you in getting stronger."
"Indeed. I can sense how powerful you've gotten since then. This should be your greatest chance to control that power more effectively, but only if you're able to win."
I nodded. "All right, I'll give you what I can do, and show great control while I'm at it."
"The rest of you, I ask that you do the same."
"Heh, you sure know how to make people feel special, huh?" Crow asked.
"Principal Le Guin, we accept your challenge." Kurt said.
"We've got more people, but we're not shooting ourselves in the foot just to make things fair." Ash added.
Aurelia then powered up and the battle started.
*Battle Skip*
Even though she was powerful, we still came out on top, and a flow of mana passed through us.
"Heh, the sanctuary has accepted you." Aurelia said. "But one more trial awaits you up ahead. You've made it this far, don't lose now."
"We won't, Principal." I replied. "And thanks for all you've done for me."
She nodded and then disappared in the same way Vita did. We carried on going forward until we reached the end of the second section where a teleport took us to the third and last section. We made our way upwards and reached the end where Roselia was waiting for us.
"So you've arrived at last. Well done." She said.
"Hello, Grandmother." Emma responded.
"Is that the reflecting pool?" Rean asked.
"Yes. Though the proper name for it is the Spectral Moon Mirror." Roselia replied.
We then saw a large pool at the very end with lots of glowing smoke.
"The water's so crystal clear." Alisa said.
"So this is what the wandering witches spend so many generations watching over." Kurt added.
"Now I see...it's actually an artifact, isn't it?" Gaius asked.
Altina hummed. "It does emanate a certain aura, not unlike that of the Bell of Crossbell."
"Very astute. That particular artfact was passed down through the Crois family." Roselia said. "It is but one of many. The Tetracycli Towers of Liberl, the Recluse Cube of the Liber Ark, the Black Records of the Arnor family. Even Prince Olivert's Sonorous Seashell."
"So these artifacts were given to the ancestors of those who were involved in each one?" I asked.
"Correct. The Spectral Moon Mirror works in tandem with the Black Records, and is itself connected to the Spirit Shrine scattered about the land. It is also the source of the many visions you have experienced. Nevertheless, is it quite a rarity for its power to manifest, even for us witches. But everything changed the moment we congregated together in this shrine."
"How so?"
"Emma, the wandering witch, and Celine, her familiar. Schwarzer, the cursed Sacrifice, and I, the elder of the Hexen Clan. The Great Twilight is upon us, and a frienzied thirst for blood sweeps over the land."
"And what about Revelio?"
"Of course. That was a fated scenario that wasn't accounted for. However, it also has become interwined with the Great Twilight. You already know what needs to be done, so you must commit to it to the very end, as I am sure you will."
She then powered up.
"Gah...so we're really doing this?" Celine asked.
"Red Moon Rose...the true ancestor of the vampires." Musse said.
Roselia giggled. "The term 'vampire' is little more than slander. A myth that masks the reality of my kin. Although, when it comes to manipulating vitality, I suppose there is a hint of truth to the tales."
Her eyes glowed and suddenly, her entire form changed.
"What the hell?!" I exclaimed.
"A holy beast?" Emma asked in surprise.
"The name 'Roselia', was once borne by an ancient creature." She replied. "1,200 years ago, it fused with the Kin of Fire's Elder to prevent a great calamity of thier time. This creature was the Holy Beast sent forth by the Goddess, the Burning Sphinx."
"G-Grandmother..." Emma said, quietly.
"So you're the one the church has been searching for...the other Holy Beast, long thought to have disappeared." Gaius added.
"Damn. Who woulda guessed?" Crow asked.
"But to think you would have the form of a giant cat in some way." I said. "But even so, you're right. I have to see my involvement in this to the very end. And if we have to overcome you in order to seek the path towards the ending we all want, then that's what we're gonna do!"
"Convincing words, Alexander." Roselia replied. "However, do bear in mind that our clash with the Gnomes is approaching. The scenario is different this time since you bear the soul of Revelio that once stood against the world 1,000 years ago. As long as you stay focused with us, this world will always have future generations to watch over all walks of life, including successors."
"Successors?" Celine asked.
"Wh-what do you mean, Grandmother?" Emma added. "Are you saying..."
"Nothing so drastic as dying, I assure you." She answered. "But we must account for every possibility. Filling the air with strife will cause the reflecting pool to show us visions linked to the Black Records. Having a wandering witch, a demon lord, and the ultimate Sacrifice here should allow us to see the truth of this curse in its entirety."
"I see." Rean said. "We need to uncover the full vision. All the glimpses we saw in the other shrines were just pieces of it."
"And in order to trigger it, we need to fight." Kurt added.
I looked up at Roselia. "In that case...I'll do it. I'm ready to take you on."
"Please do so...and to show me that you are telling the truth, battle me with your power unhinged!" She replied.
I nodded and transformed. "Okay, Roselia, I won't hold back!"
"Let's go, everyone!" Rean said.
"Right. It's now or never!" Sara added.
And so, our greatest trial to ever exist had come to us.
*Battle Skip*
I hadn't felt exhausted after a giant battle since yesterday, and yet, I was still raring for more, perhaps I am getting stronger.
"Wow...my god...even with my powers free." I panted.
"How'd you like that, huh?" Ash asked, catching his breath.
"That was tough, but I think we did it." Fie said.
"Ggh...I didn't expect you to be able to old your ground so fiercely, children." Roselia replied. "Now I understand how Ragnard and ****** must have felt after facing your kind."
"Huh? I didn't quite catch that word." I replied. "But it sounded like Arianrhod, but without the 'rhod' part on the end."
"Hehe, it is a name that has passed from this world into obvlivion. But back to the matter at hand. You have all passed the trial set before you. As for what comes next. You had best brace yourselves."
Roselia moved back and the big pool glew brighter.
"I'll guide you all through the path, be ready." Emma said.
"What is happening to our view?" Altina asked.
"The fragments of the past preserved in the Black Records. A reality even I have yet to see." Roselia answered. "Do not avert your eyes, this...is the truth!"
And then, the entire vision began to play. The first one was of Alberich reviving Rutger from the dead before he was sent to complete a trial and become an awakener, and then a pawn for the Rivalry of the Seven.
The second vision was of the Emperor sitting, staring at the very dark being before it vanished when Lianne showed up. It did mention Argent, is that the name we didn't hear earlier? And the more I hear its voice, the more I'm starting to believe that the evil form could be Ishmelga itself.
Personally, I felt so relieved that I do not share the same surname as Dreichels.
But the thrid vision was a new one, it was all about Georg and how he became George when he got to Thors Military Academy and that he was in charge of reviving Crow for the sake of the Rivalries. And that behind the Gnomes back, he chose to recruit Angelica with her mind manipulated instead of killing her, and that he made sure that Olivert, Toval and Victor were saved before the Courageous blew up.
That whole vision made me feel conflicted, I should be hating him for his betrayal. And yet...is this what Michael meant when he said that I shouldn't see everything as black and white?
The fourth vision was then of the day Rean was born, with his real mother, Kasia, and Obsorne. But we then saw Lianne watching over the two of them which shocked me. Then we saw another vision, it was of Franz Reinford, Alisa's father, and he was looking over drafts of a panzer soldat. Then we heard that same dark voice again before Sharon appeared, I already knew what followed then.
'So the dark soul possessed Franz and was renamed as Black Alberich?'
The fifth vision was then a quick background of how Osborne and Kasia met, and Osborne said that a voice was asking to relinqush his soul. The attack on his family home was shown and he was begging for Rean to be saved, the dark voice was heard yet again. Then the shadow of a Divine Knight appeared, it was like the one Osborne called for, which finally confirmed my theory.
'Ishmelga...the evil dark being, so that is the one behind this entire calamity.' I thought.
"Ishmelga?! So that wandering soul is still alive!"
I then had my own vision that blocked the others. "Reef?!"
"Pardon me for intruding, my lord. But when I heard the name, it stirred a memory from Revelio's soul."
"It did? Does that mean Revelio and Ishmelga...have met before"?
"Indeed, my lord. Whilst the origins of Ishmelga are unknown, the archives once mentioned a tale of how it and Revelio first met on the barren fields to the north of Erebonia. This was just after Revelio became the demon lord of the mountains. He once had me to write down his encounters in his journal. One of which mentioned a 'final showdown' between himself and Ishmelga."
"And who won the battle?"
"Revelio was the victor, but Ishmelga refused to bow down and so, for his act of defiance, he was sent to the prison area and placed inside a sealed barrier so it would never escape. But his confinement did not last forever."
"Because of the assult on Revelio's castle by the witches, right?"
"Yes. Revelio was soundly defeated, his castle was crushed, and all of his minions had perished. But the dark being, Ishmelga, it must've survived the ordeal and has been roaming across the enitre world, looking for a host to possess in order to plan for its revenge."
My eyes opened wide. "Oh my god...so then Osborne and Alberich are actually..."
"Correct, my lord. Giliath Osborne and Franz Reinford are only being kept alive because of Ishmegla's power."
I sighed. "Well, that explains a lot. I must tell everyone about this."
"Just a moment, my lord, you may not have to do so."
"What do you mean?"
I then saw the final vision, along with everyone else who watched it. It was a vision of a dark soul facing off against a giant demon that looked exactly like Revelio.
"YOU! DO NOT GET IN MY WAY!"
"And then what? Leave this world to be ruined in your vision?! Such impudence! Do you forget who I am?!"
"WHAT YOU ARE, MATTERS NOT! BE GONE OR FACE YOUR END!"
"I'll never agree to your desire! This world is meant to be ruled by my forces who serve this demon lord. Your ambitions for this world will lead to the extinction of all life. A world that is under my rule is the only way forward."
"THEN I SHALL OVERWHELM YOU BY FORCE!"
"Very well, Ishmelga. I'll show you that I will one day become the Demon King of the world!"
And the final vision ended, then our view was back to normal.
"There it is, then...the whole truth." Crow said.
"So the duel the boss died in was rigged from the start." Fie added.
Sara nodded. "By Black Alberich, but even he was just a puppet."
"George too. Though his circumstances were a bit different." Emma said. "But the last one..."
"Yeah...so that's how our fates became intertwined." I added. "Ishmelga...the dark being, is the one behind everything."
"So when the Gnomes turned against the Hexen Clan, it was because of Ishmelga?" Gaius asked.
"Was it the one that also possessed Alisa's dad?" Machias added.
"It would seem so. The being that possessed him has achieved immortality through means different from mine." Roselia replied. "I suspect it lives on by becoming one with any descendant of the Gnomes it deems worthy. Almost akin to a parasite of sorts."
"Father..." Alisa said quietly.
"But even I am surprised that Ishmelga and Revelio knew each other."
"Yeah, and after seeing that vision, it's finally come together." I sighed. "Ishmelga is plotting to destroy the world as payback for when it lost to Revelio over 1,000 years ago, and it's using the Gnomes and it's future successors to accomplish that goal."
"We also learned the truth about Arianrhod...or Lianne Sandlot, as she was once known." Laura said. "She spent 250 years watching over the Empire...as well as the man she loved most."
"As for how she was able to stay alive for that long, maybe we'll find out once the Rivalry against her arrives."
"But that means the guy she spent all that time watching over is..." Juna paused.
"Yes. I did have my suspcisions." Jusis said. "Why for instance, did Emperor Eugent go to such lengths to support the chancellor?"
"You're right, it all makes sense now." Elliot added. "His Majesty had the entire truth in his hands this whole time, the Black Records!"
"He knew that the Lionheart Emperor, founder of Thors, Father of the Rensissance, and victor of the War of the Lions, 250 years back...had been reborn as Giliath Osborne, the Blood and Iron Chancellor himself." Gaius stated.
"So Osborne...is Dreichels reincarnated." I muttered.
"Yeah." Rean nodded.
"I never imagined reincarnation would be possible." Altina said.
"Paranormal bullcrap, 'cept it's for real this time, isn't it?" Ash asked.
"Yes. For all the things for the visions to show us." Roselia said who was back in her normal form. "Those witless fools! Why didn't Lianne and Dreichels come to me?! Did they not say we were friends?! Was it all just a lie?! No...I am the one at fault. How could I have been so blind for centuries?"
"Grandmother..." Emma said.
"Rose." Celine added.
I looked at Rean, I had a feeling that he was going to want answers from me.
"Alex, what can either you or Rose tell us about this...Ishmelga?" Rean asked.
"It radiates an aura unlike any other Divine Knight we've encountered." Kurt added.
"I wish I knew more, but from what else I found in my vision, is that Ishmelga and Revelio never got along, they both wanted the world." I answered. "One wished to destroy it, and the other wished to rule it as not just a lord, but as the Demon King of the world."
"Demon King?" Machias asked.
"But the day to become the world's demon king never arrived, because long after his victory against Ishmelga who was then locked away in a dark prison with a sealed barrier, he was defeated by the members of the Hexen Clan and his domain was crushed. However, one being survived that battle...Ishmelga itself, and it had been wandering across the entire world ever since. Until it discovered the Gnomes, and from there, it's quest for revenge began."
"Unbelievable." Laura whispered.
"So the ancestors...indirectly aided its escape?!" Emma asked in surprise.
I nodded.
"As for me, I may not know as much about Ishemlga itself. But what I do know is that this paticular Divine Knight has remained mostly hidden for over a thousand years." Roselia said. "It was absent from both the War of the Lions 250 years ago, and the Dark Dragon's appearence 900 years ago. However..."
"...it must've found and posessed the Ebon Knight and remained there for many centuries, until..." I paused.
"Yes. It may have been the one behind them." Musse finished. "Or perhaps, the one behind every tragic event in Erebonia's dark history."
I then had a flashback of the visions and memories we witnessed.
"But because they all happened in Erebonia, Ishmelga perhaps did not take into account that it would once again meet the very being that stood against it." I said before I sighed. "Which now brings me to a grim reality that I must accept."
"A grim reality?" Elliot asked.
"The infamous funfair riot in Crossbell...it wasn't a coincidence, it was fated to happen, so that Revelio's fragmented soul could find a host that was mentally weakened yet filled with potential to rebuild his powers inside over time. It must've controlled whoever was responsible for it, and then left the host after the event passed, before it found me."
"Oh my god..." Juna said.
"Whatever was left of Revelio must've survived and just like Ishmelga, it was wandering around the world. However, it took several centuries longer because his body was crushed under the weight of the mountains and the castle he ruled under. So his soul was fragmented, but it still possessed enough strength to survive for so long before finding me."
"What are you exactly saying?" Alisa asked.
"Well, it's something that I figured out just now." I cleared my throat. "Me being given the demon power, letting it build inside me, learning to accept it, and experimenting with various spells and magic in order to become powerful. It's all in preperation for the day when Revelio and Ishmelga face off again, with the world as it's prize."
"So then...on the first day of the new year, the final battle for the world is between Ishmegla and Revelio?" Gaius asked. "Does that mean the Great One..."
"I thought so as well. I believe that whichever awakener is the last one standing, Ishmelga will reveal its true self, and possess the victor's Divine Knight, becoming the Great One. That's how the final battle will be forced upon the world."
"Damn...so that's how it all comes together at the very end." Sara said.
"So when it roamed around, it must've taken over the Gnomes and made them into its followers." Crow added. "Well, that's the nice way of putting it I guess. In reality, they're nothing more than its brainwashed minions."
Fie nodded. "And so, they got involved with all sorts of shady stuff. Including the boss' death. Moving their evil plans forward the whole time."
I then looked down. 'Is this the reason why McBurn was willing to accept the showdown? He must've known, too...'
"But is Alex right, is its end goal becoming the Great One?" Alisa asked. "Or is it trying to win the Rivalry of the Seven, to become the Great One itself?"
"Is that what the OZ units were created for? What I was created for?" Altina added. "What Millium...gave her life for?"
"Just the thought of it make me sick..." Juna said.
"...we can't let this stand." Rean spoke.
We then noticed Rean having a red aura around him.
I gasped. "Shit! He's losing control!"
"That thing is the reason for all this suffering...not only in Erebonia, but in every country surrounding it. Crow, the Lance Maiden, and the Jaeger King were all made into immortals and forced into its game. It took Millium's life, and the lives of so many others. Major Lechter's father...Major Claire's family, and others still...innocent people, all made into its victims. Alisa's father...George...my mother, even Chancellor Osborne himself."
"Don't you dare start this now, Rean!" I grabbed him by the shoulders. "Don't let that curse take hold of you!"
"It seems the truth was too much for him to handle." Roselia said.
"Calm yourself, my awakener." Valimar then appeared.
Just then, we were then teleported away to a completely different area, it was vast and yet soothing.
"Where are we?" Juna asked.
"Is this the phase space where Divine Knights and Awakeners make thier contracts?" Celine guessed.
"Nah, I get the feelin' we're somewhere else entirely." Crow answered.
Rean raised his hand out to him. "Valimar...you can speak again?"
"Correct. It seems the curse has temporarily loosened its grip on me." Valimar replied. "My means of expression remain limited however. Perhaps I will recover the ability to speak in the real world at some point."
The red aura then faded from Rean. "I hope so."
"Hear my words, Awakener and secondary contractors. The Ebon Knight is not the only one to blame for all the tragedies you named. Mankind's weakness contributed to bringing them about. If you fail to understand this, you have no hope of prevailing in the Rivalries ahead...even with the sword."
We then saw the sword above Valimar, and Rean went inside, grabbing the sword. That was when the red color on the sword changed to a light blue color.
"Awright, it worked!"
We then saw Millium appear, floating above us. Now that's a miracle...
"Millium!" Jusis and Altina said at the same time.
"Hehe, hey guys, did ya miss me?" She asked. "I've been watching over you guys the whole time. Every time you got in a pickle, and every time you whooped your way right out of it. Guess I should say sorry, though...for not being strong enough. I wanted to say I saved the day. That I helped protect everyone."
"Well if you ask me, you sure did." I replied. "Oh, I can finally say it now. Thank you for saving me, and I'm sorry that I didn't believe you back at the Gral. I was just hurt, but I knew deep down that you would always be one of us to the very end."
"Hehe, I knew you were gonna say that, Alex. But if I'm honest, I never thought I'd cause you guys all this grief."
"Millium..." Elliot said.
"You don't have to apologize." Alisa added.
Jusis was already emotional. "Not in the slightest...you did more for us than we ever could've asked."
"I'm guessing the two of you appeared to tell us something important, right?" Rean asked.
"Yeah. Being stuck like this helped us finally figure a few things out." Millium replied. "First off, you were right about the Rivalries being struggles for power between the Divine Knights. Crow's an immortal, so he should've totally vanished from our world after he was defeated. But it seems like you guys figured it out. Making him your kin like that bought some more time. Though when it comes to the end of the Great Twilight, um...I probably don't even need to say it."
Crow nodded. "Heh, that's me. Livin' with a death sentence over my head."
"There is one more thing to mention regarding the Ebon Knight." Valimar said. "His power is immense, beyond the reach or understanding of this realm. He could defeat every one of us. However, this would not make him whole again. He requires a worthy opponent.
"So Ishmelga would need to do something else before becoming the Great One?" I asked.
"Correct. As such, I expect the following will occur. The Ebon Knight will wait until one knight has absorbed the power of the other five, in order to have his worthy opponent. However, because this opponent has such power, it is at this point Ishmelga could potentially be defeated."
So for Rean, in addition to have defeated Crow, he would have to defeat Rutger, Lianne, Cedric and Rufus before he faces off against Osborne.
"So in other words, there is no other choice." I said. "Should Rean emerge the winner in the Rivalies to come, he will absorb a part of his rival's Divine Knight, and the ones who are immortal will just vanish away. In that case..."
"Got something on your mind?" Celine asked.
I nodded quietly as I preferred to keep it to myself.
"I've made my decision, Valimar. Not as the Sacrifice, and not as an ogre, but as myself." Rean said. "We're going to see these Rivalries through to the very end! With you and Millium at our side!"
"Well said, my Awakener." Valimar replied.
"That's what I like to hear!" Millium said. "I'll be right there with you all the way!"
And just then, the whole area vanished and we were back in the sanctuary.
"Now I see...she was never gone, she was here all along." Jusis said as he cried a little.
"My big sister..." Altina sniffed.
"What exactly was that, Grandmother?" Emma asked.
"A liminal space between dreams and reality, bestowed onto you by the Spectral Moon Mirror." Roselia replied. "Something similar happened back when I inherited my predecessor's responsibilities. The mirror has granted us more than expected. All those centuries of watching over it were well worth it."
Celine nodded. "Yeah, they really were."
"Well if you ask me, I think we're ready to head back." I stretched. "But before that, I hate to steal Rean's thunder, but we wanna thank you for everything, Roselia, Celine, and most of all, you too, Emma."
"Alex..." Emma replied before she held my hands.
"And with that, I believe we can finally face the rest of our challenges with no more doubts in our minds. Whatever we have to face in the days to come, we! Will! Triumph!"
"Defintely." Alisa agreed. "I'm finally ready to face my father and Sharon again."
"I was just glad that I was able to carry out my duty as a wandering witch. But I couldn't have done it if our family hadn't worked so hard to protect this sacred place." Emma said before she took Roselia's hands. "So thank you, Grandmother. For guiding our clan for so many years. And more than...for making me the person I am today."
"What do you think you're doing?!" Roselia blushed. "Are you trying to bring your poor granny to tears? This old heart of mine can only take so many surprises."
'Well, you may end up getting one more surprise, should we all survive and that I'm able to have a future with your granddaughter.'
"My word." Celine said.
"Anyways, time to go back, everyone." I declared.
Rean nodded. "Yeah, let us be off. Back to the Courageous II!"
And with our minds focused and our goals perfectly aligned, we left the sanctuary and got back to the ship.
Woo-wee! Thinking back on that whole event, it got me in the feels all over again.
Next time! Sharon and George are the next two foes to stand in their way.