"I know your deeds, your perseverance, your hardships, and how you have endured it all by faith. Yet I have this against you: you easily followed any who claimed the name of Fate. Know where you have erred and repent. For you have not placed them to the test, and allowed yourself to be swayed by false spirits."
Zenon wished to defend himself against such allegations but in his heart, he knew that there was truth in those words. So he remained silent but began to wonder if this man was also a so-called "false spirit" himself, but the overwhelming aura that this man radiated was stronger than any he had ever felt. Could this be a god?
"Look towards the north. What do you see?"
Puzzled by the question, Zenon began to look around not knowing where north was regarding the location within the cave. Even if he could discern where north was; the cave was covered in darkness from all directions. Zenon replied
"Nothing here but darkness."
"You have spoken the truth. For just as darkness consumes this place, so too will darkness cover the face of this world. That neither human nor beast can distinguish their place in reality."
With his thoughts returning to Alba, Zenon refused to accept this apparent inevitable outcome.
"Please." Zenon attempted to stand only to fall on his hands and knees "it cannot end this way. Can nothing be done?!"
The man made his way to Zenon and knelt next to him. Raising one of his hands, he placed it on Zenon's shoulder and granted him a vision. The vision was about the gods of Remnant and how in their flawed wisdom allowed Salem to live; devoid of death's sting. The gods misplaced belief and Salem's choices paved the path to mankind's destruction.
"By gods was this plague brought upon the world and only by the blood of gods can the world be cleansed."
After seeing those visions and hearing those words Zenon wept. The man gazed over at Zenon with his hand still on Zenon's shoulder and asked
"Why do you weep?"
"Both here and in Lordran the gods have forsaken their duties. Neither in the heights of heavens nor in the pits of the abyss do the gods abide. Surely no might of gods dwell with mortals. All is lost."
Filled with anguish at the thought of Alba's fate, Zenon felt the small remaining light of his soul fade. Though he did not see it, his soul was kept alive by Anorra's careful tending. Whispering gentle words of encouragement, she would place a kiss upon the small and fragile soul allowing it to burn just a bit longer.
Inexplicable to Zenon, he remembered the love for Anorra: her words and deeds from years ago returning to him once more. For among all living beings it was Anorra who loved Zenon first. Not romantic but sacrificial; willing to give all for him. If he was blessed in receiving such love, why couldn't he give it to the only one he cared for in this world?
"A soul for a soul! What is my life but a vessel? Place upon me the burden of Alba's life so she could be spared of this accursed world." Zenon pleaded with the man
Silence followed Zenon's offer and the man broke the silence by asking a question
"What is this one life to you?"
"Everything!" Responded Zenon with fierce determination
"Just her soul?"
"What?" asked Zenon confused
"How about the souls that dwell in the cities?"
"If I can save them too I suppose I would as well."
"What of the world?"
"If I have to carry the weight of the whole world to at least save Alba, I will!"
Despite having no discernible mouth it was evident that the man was smiling.
"You have spoken well. So you have said and so shall it be."
Zenon was left speechless after such a declaration but did not back down.
"How can it be done?"
The man aided Zenon in getting up on his two feet and asked his own question
"Do you know where you have erred?"
Struggling to stand, Zenon leaned unto the man to support himself but was able to answer
"I never held true conviction. Always being swayed to whatever power was in play."
"You speak the truth. It is within you to choose a path and make it your fate."
"How can that be? Though I have chosen and I am determined, Fate still governs."
He was met with no response. In the sound of a snap they were no longer in a dark cave but instead roamed within the expanding cosmos. Left in awe Zenon failed to acknowledge the presence of two women whose radiance outshined even the brightest star. They wore white garments befitting royalty but their faces were covered by a veil. Without words being shared Zenon could easily distinguish that these two were no ordinary gods, if anything they were beyond such titles. His knees gave out and Zenon began to prostrate before them.
"Stand" said the man "for here they are not divine, nor are you a servant. Here all will speak as equals. You have perceived that they are an aspect of divinity and you have done well, for these two are Fate. Yet both differ in aspect. To your right is Moira: aspect of control and to your left is Nadia: aspect of will."
With much hesitance and struggle, Zenon was able to stand up. Moira and Nadia remained motionless throughout the meeting. The man turned to Zenon and said
"Since your arrival in the cave, time has been halted. Speak with Fate and speak to your heart's content. Once you believe that nothing else must be said I will return to you."
Just like that the mystery man disappeared, and Zenon was left with the two physical embodiments of Fate. Not knowing where or how to begin, Zenon asked the most basic question he could think off
"Why?"
Nadia responded with such frankness that it scared Zenon a little
[You were the perfect specimen. A being that could deny our will.]
After hearing her words, Zenon felt the souls within him tremble in fear. Whispering words that it was her who helped instigate rebellion and brought great struggles upon Zenon.
[After all] she said with a laugh so soft it was inaudible to Zenon [You are Moira's son.]
All sadness, grief, pain, anger, any emotion he felt was gone. Only the shocking sensation dominated his senses. Nadia stopped speaking, Moira remained motionless and did not say anything to refute such a claim.
Thoughts rushed back and forth trying to make sense of the new information: Moira, Fate, was his mother and he himself was her son. With his thoughts raging endlessly he stepped forward, trying to get closer to the woman before him. Was it true? Was it another trick of the spirits? Zenon believed that by just touching her hand he could determine the truth.
Did he want it to be true? If it was, what then? His "mom" used him, made him suffer, but so what? None of it matters now.
Before he knew it Zenon was standing right in front of Moira. She was a few inches shorter than Zenon, much to his surprise. Zenon gently grabbed a hold of one of her hands and Moira offered no resistance. As he held her hand Zenon's eyes began to shed tears as he spoke in a trembling voice
"Mom?"
Moira lifted her head to meet his gaze and with her free hand removed her veil. Instead of love, her eyes spoke only of disappointment.
"Zenon." she said gently
With tears rolling down his face and a smile, Zenon embraced Moira in a hug. Moira pondered everything that has led to this moment and wondered how her plan fell to such disarray.
{Oh Zenon, please find it in your heart to forgive me.} Moira said in a sweet maternal voice.
"Of course I'll forgive you. You are my mother after all." Zenon responded, hugging her even tighter
They held each other in a deep embrace as Zenon was about to ask the question he always wanted to ask the 'why of it all', but he refrained. He is undead and he must remember that it matters not the events that led to this moment. Instead he focused on what would have come if things went her way.
"Mother, I care not what has happened to me that led to this point but speak to me of what awaited me at the end of your plan?"
Moira looked at her son with a smile as she had awaited this day for ages. Her words would leave on Zenon an emotional and psychological wound that would never fully heal.
{Perpetual torment that led to preservation of Lordran.}
Zenon ceased to hug his mother as he stared at her in shock. Moira continued to speak unimpeded.
{Should you have continued down my oath and linked the flame you would have burned forever; day and night. In doing so you would end the cycle and bring peace to Lordran.}
Zenon's hands fell down in defeat.
"Preservation? No, you speak of stagnation! Only to halt the world in its current state. Do you not seek to save?"
{Your father, the man I came to love, loved Lordran. In his memory, I wished to maintain the world he desperately cared enough for himself to be a Lord of Cinder. You, my son, are the right tool to keep your father's wishes alive!}
Confused beyond measure, Zenon tried to wrap his brain around the new information given to him. Despite having more questions than answers, he still had a goal in mind.
"I may not agree with your goal but I do understand that sacrifice is necessary to achieve that which we desire, but eternal suffering? You wouldn't even grant me the peace of death should I link the flame?"
{Just like you said Zenon: sacrifice is necessary to achieve that which we desire.}
"What about Remnant? What about Alba?!"
{What of them? Let them burn under the flames of their choosing. Oh my son, I know I have caused you great pain and you can always blame it on me. Just know that you will suffer in the service of something greater! Human life will always be filled with sorrow, so why not live it under the guidance of Fate?}
Tears began to flow as Zenon vigorously wiped them from his eyes. As he could only stare at his mother out of pity for her corrupted perception of life.
"Thank you mom. Because of you I have become the man I am today and with your teachings I shall prove you wrong."
With a wave of his hand Zenon dismissed Moira. Before she could protest, she vanished and only Nadia remained.
[You really did surprise me, my little Zenon.]
"Don't mock me." voiced Zenon menacingly
[Listen, there is no point going in circles so I'll be plain with you: I brought you here, I instigated the division within you and killed something essential to you.]
"To what end?"
[To the end of making you see that you can control your own Fate since you are of our blood. Your mother cared not for Remnant but I saw potential in this world. The potential of you becoming a god.]
As her words made their way to Zenon's ears, all he could hear was Mors claiming the same thing; that he could become the god he was destined to be. So in a sense he was right...right?
Little by little all the details started to connect but one thing still remained out of the equation.
"What about Lucero?"
[He was not part of my plan or Moira. An anomaly like yourself, I will let you handle that fallen creature. Oh and before I go]
As Nadia outstretched her hand to Zenon's chest, it began to glow and from it a small orb formed upon her palm. The orb began to take form and from it a small child appeared.
[What I have taken is now returned. Consider it my first and last gesture of goodwill. Good luck Zenon.]
Without further explanation she disappeared and all that remained was Zenon and a small boy that looked nearly identical to him. The boy looked around in bewilderment until his eyes saw Zenon, then instead of panic he relaxed and smiled.
"You're alive!" he ran and hugged Zenon. The child took a step back and looked at himself "Wait, I'm alive. We are both alive!"
With excitement in his voice the boy jumped and started to run circles around Zenon. Still confused, Zenon cleared his throat and asked the most obvious of questions.
"Who are you?"
"I'm you silly, and you are me." looking at Zenon and seeing him confused he sighed. "Come on and sit down. We have a lot of things to talk about." he said as he sat on the floor.
"So" Zenon said after being silent for what felt like hours "to summarize half of what you said: you are the me of compassion, love and mercy?"
The child smiled as he nodded his head.
"Of course! How else do you explain you forgiving people your first time in Remnant and the people in Lordran until recently. Since I was killed, you wanted to kill anyone and everything until you met that girl."
Zenon rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.
"ANYWAY!" Zenon tried to deviate the conversation. "Now that you are back I am whole once again, the next move must be how in the world will I save Alba? Let alone the whole world."
"Good question...I do not know." the boy said sheepishly "buuuuuut I know someone who does!"
Curious as to who he could be speaking about, Zenon looked at him with anticipation. His expression turned from curious to horror as he heard the boy speak the name of Anorra.
"Anorra! (he called out) Can you help us with this problem?"
Zenon froze as he heard light steps coming from behind. He quickly stood up but was too scared to turn and face the person that stood behind. The boy looked at Zenon with frustration as he said
"What are you waiting for? It's rude not to say hello."
Cursing his younger self, Zenon slowly turned to face Anorra. As his gaze fell upon Anorra he froze at the sight of the beauty that he has not seen in years. Unable to say words, she was the one to make the first move.
She raised her hands and placed them on Zenon's cheeks, tracing the outline of his face until reaching the outer part of his eyes.
"You have suffered much, haven't you, my beloved champion."
Relaxing at the sensation of her touch, Zenon chuckled
"Looking at you makes me forget all the pain that I have ever felt."
Grabbing her hands with his own he leaned closer and placed a kiss upon her lips. As they separated, Zenon was unable to find words.
"I-I-I…"
"There is no need for words, my love. All that counts is the here and now. I am with you and you are with me, that is all that matters."
Nodding in agreement Zenon hugged Anorra with all his might. Leading him to lift her up from the ground, to his surprise she ended up giggling at Zenon's display of affection. While the younger version of himself pretended to gag from disgust.
Anorra and Zenon laughed at the boy's childish nature.
"So tell me" continued Zenon "Think you can help me with my current predicament?"
"Zenon, always seeking the impossible, such is who you are. I would recommend to focus not on what to do but the why."
"The why?"
"Yes. You have heard Fate speak of why she did what she did. Despite it being admirable, it was wrong. So the question is my champion: why do you want to save Alba? Why save the world?"
Zenon stared at Anorra with a blank expression as he had to ponder on a good answer.
"For Alba, and to show that the gods were wrong in their way of making the world work."
Not satisfied with that answer, Anorra summoned three souls that live within Zenon. At first Zenon did not understand what was happening but after seeing the three souls, he was ready to fight. Anorra placed her hands upon his to calm his anxiety.
"Stay your hand my love. They are here to aid, such is my command to them. They do not seek to destroy but to instruct on the steps to follow."
So towered the three souls over Zenon: the slayer of gods and demons alike. Before him stood The Nameless King, Sister Friede, and Slave Knight Gael. All three gathered in hopes of guiding Zenon to a more prosperous future. Trusting Anorra's plan, Zenon refrained from fighting; choosing to embrace the perceptions of these defeated souls.
"Speak, former heirs of fire who have chosen darkness over fire. Grant me insight of why did you all turn away from the First Flame?" Spoke Zenon with an authority granted only to the victors.
The words spoken in that moment are known to none but Zenon and Anorra alone. All that matters is that those words steeled his soul and within grew an ambition. The ambition not only to protect but also led him down the path of conquest. In the end all would bend the knee in order to establish peace. Peace, not as the world knows it for it will be everlasting and true.
After having finished consulting with the three souls, he spoke with Anorra.
"I know what I must do and why I must do it. I must return to the kiln of the First Flame."
"What course would you take? Only four paths lie before you and none shall grant you what you seek."
"Believe in me Anorra." He said while holding her hands. "Believe, and I shall show you great wonders."
Anorra looked upon her champion and her love with a smile that showed pride and conviction.
"Very well then. Let us grant death to the old gods of Lordran."
Zenon spoke out into the distance.
"I've got what I came for! I'm ready."
The man that brought him to the strange place appeared as distorted and mysterious as before.
"Very well. I can send you to any place you want and your keeper can do the rest."
"There is a place I would like to visit first."
Anorra nodded in agreement knowing what he planned, then the child got in between and asked
"What about me?"
Laughing at the boy's need not to be forgotten he said
"You are a part of me are you not? Come, for we are going to change the world."
The kid high-fived Zenon and both merged together, truly becoming whole. With a bit of power, the man took Zenon and placed him at Terra's house where Alba should be. He appeared in the living room and he saw her laying down on the sofa crying. The sudden flash of light spooked her and after cleaning the tears from her eyes she saw that it was Zenon.
Crying with more intensity she ran and hugged Zenon. Zenon knelt down to her level and returned the hug.
"I am sorry for worrying you but I am glad you are safe."
Her sobbing was slowly beginning to cease but still sniffled through deep breaths.
"Alba, listen to me. I need you to be a big girl right now. Can you do that?"
Alba wanted to protest but just nodded in agreement. Zenon helped wipe away the few remaining tears from her eyes.
"I know I just got here but I must go and where I go you cannot follow. Don't be sad or cry for me and instead find strength. I have something to do and while I am gone I have a mission for you."
Her eyes began to light up at the sound of her having something real important to do. Zenon continued to explain
"Practice what I have taught you and build upon your faith. For by faith will you achieve everything you set out to do. Here, I grant you an ancient miracle that will aid you when the evils of the world surround you."
With his outstretched hand, ash formed on his palm and from it a single page of an ancient book was formed.
"Study this miracle, for when your faith is great your enemies will know the Wrath of the Gods."
Alba no longer was weeping and instead held within new found determination.
"Where will you go?" she asked
"I have things that I must do but our paths will eventually lead to Vacuo."
"I'm going to Vacuo? When? How?" asked Alba in excitement of seeing new places
"This shall be your sign: when fear grips the nation and desperation paves way for darkness, hope will emerge. Do not hesitate and walk the path of hope. But do not think you are safe for when a trial is over, a greater one will take its place. In that moment, faith will guide you."
Zenon hugged Alba one last time before he needed to depart and a tear escaped his eye. As they released each other from the hug, Alba noticed the tear and wiped it away. Saying with a cheerful smile and excitement
"Keep the faith!"
With a smile of his own Zenon placed a hand on top of her head.
"Everything around you will scream that the end is here but you must always keep the faith."
Having said his last words, Zenon in a flash of light particles disappeared. Alba looked around with a hint of sadness that the one she held dearest was gone once again. Still, her drive did not falter but grew. Little did she know how great her purpose would be: for she will herald in the coming of the last and greatest Lord of Cinder.
Zenon with the help of Anorra found himself standing over a hill that overlooked the now destroyed Beacon. The eyes of a firekeeper that he is using gave him brief clairvoyance; that this world will be consumed with darkness and all living beings will perish. With new resolve he looked beyond and saw small flames dancing across the darkness.
At his request Anorra created a portal that led back to his home of Lordran. Without words being exchanged between them, Zenon and Anorra stepped through the portal. His plan was to become Lord, save Lordran and redeem Remnant by snatching it from the hands of the gods.
As he beheld the distorted end of the world he walked up a pathway that led to the kiln of the first flame. When he approached the kiln Zenon beheld the site of white flowers scattered upon the field, filled with rusted weapons of age gone warriors. Upon closer inspection he noticed a humanoid figure sitting next to a bonfire, of which its flames were like dimmed embers.
The being noticed Zenon's presence and stood as his height reached 12 ft, greatly towering over Zenon but Zenon was used to defeating foes twice or more his size. The name of this individual was lost to the ages but it is simply known as the Soul of Cinder. The Soul of Cinder drew his weapon and rushed Zenon, waiting for nothing. Zenon in turn readied his own weapons and armor, preparing for the defining moment of his life.
Greater still is the fact that he did not stand alone for the combined might of all the Lords, Heirs, Demons and other powerful souls granted him strength. The culmination of the Lords of Cinders against the culmination of scattered souls. Who shall remain standing?
-30 minutes later-
Zenon emerged victorious as he stood before the bonfire all bloodied, battered and bruised. He did seek to consume the Flame nor he would allow the Flame to consume him. For his plan to succeed he needed to become one with it on equal ground. satind next to the bonfire he said
"You shall not consume me nor shall I consume you. We shall be one for all time and let my blood be a perpetual pact of unity."
Grabbing a knife Zenon slit the palm of his hand and placed the hand over the bonfire. As the blood dripped and was being consumed by fire: a pillar of fire shot towards the sky above as an explosion consumed the surrounding area. The Flame was pleased for it was given immortal blood and its hunger will forever be sated. For the soul lies also in the blood.
Zenon was now a true Lord of Cinder. He felt his body being rejuvenated and the undead curse was lifted. One by one all Lords that have existed since the beginning made their appearance and paid homage to the one true Lord.
It is said that Zenon went on to declare war against Londor, as well as other nations and cities that followed and made a pact with the darkness or the Abyss. He also went on to kill and exterminate all the so called gods of Lordran; for they are nothing but charlatans, misleading those that seek truth and salvation.
Are not the rest of his wondrous acts and terrible deeds written in the Chronicles of Pyre?
As his efforts of uniting Lordran continued, Zenon never forgot Remnant. Once Lordran became his, Zenon would set his sights on redeeming the once forsaken world of Remnant.
-Timeskip: Fall and Destruction of Atlas and Mantel-
Walking along the streets of Vacuo's capital, Zenon wore his Conjurator armor since it helped him deal with the harsh environment of Vacuo. Roaming through the market he notices a tall, dark haired, tanned man struggling with carrying his goods since he is missing his right arm. Zenon approaches the man and offers his assistance.
"I can help you my good sir, if you like."
The man who was at least a foot over Zenon in height looked at Zenon with a stern expression.
"Do you believe me weak and useless that I can't do this by myself?"
He was practically shouting at Zenon and he responded
"I know in Vacuo you need to fend for yourself but even tribes need to work together in order to survive in this world. So come on, let me help you."
Zenon picked up a small crate of fruit and a few bags.
"Where too?" he asked the man
Not wanting to argue, the man simply kept walking to his house with Zenon next to him. In the whole trip neither spoke a word, not even when he let Zenon enter his house to leave the items he was carrying.
Deciding to push his luck Zenon asked
"Can I have something to eat please?"
Bewildered and annoyed the man looked at Zenon saying
"Is that the reason you helped me? To take advantage and get a bite to eat? You better get out of my house before.."
"Vida, I know that your anger stems from your arm being lost to the Grimm back in your youth as a huntsman. Your team left you for dead but you were able to preserve your life in exchange for your arm."
"How do you know my name? Wait, how do you know what happened to me?"
"We can focus and talk about how I know or we can discuss your right arm."
"What about my right arm?"
Vida looked down to where his right arm should be and noticed that it was no longer missing. He was in shock as he used his left hand to touch it and make sure it was real. Vida continued to move his arm and hand, overjoyed that after all these years he was healed.
"Who are you?"
"I am Zenon and I have come a long way searching for you Vida." said Zenon with a warm and gentle expression.
"But why? What do you want from me?"
"I've come to save the world of Remnant from the Grimm, the gods and themselves. And I want you to be a part of it."
Consumed by questions and bewilderment Vida could barely understand anything and sat in a chair to gather his bearings.
"So are you a prophet or priest of a new god? Because I'm sorry to say that I am not a religious guy at all but what you did is nothing short of a miracle."
"I do not seek religion, I seek only devotion and obedience. I do not ask what you can or can't do, what I want to know is: do you trust me?"
A moment of silence filled the room as Vida said
"I do. But I don't know anything or have any special skills to offer you. Ever since my aura stopped working."
Zenon released a soft laugh
"Don't worry about the details at this moment, for I will give you what you need at the correct time."
"Ok, so where do we begin?"
At this point Vida had completely forgotten all his troubles, worries, and things he had to do that day since he could only focus on Zenon. Pondering for a moment Zenon had an answer
"To understand my work and you part in it we must start at the beginning so pay close attention."
Vida, like a child, listened attentively to what Zenon had to say. The first words that came out where words etched into the souls of every being that lived in the world of Lordran.
"In the Age of Ancients the world was unformed, shrouded by fog. A land of gray crags, Archtrees and Everlasting Dragons. But then there was Fire and with fire came disparity. Heat and cold, life and death, and of course, light and dark."
With these words being said, it marked the beginning of a long process in redeeming Remnant. Many struggles awaited in the future, along with pain, loss and suffering. But change always requires pain to fully take effect. As Zenon told his story to Vida, through his new eyes, he saw the souls of all the friends that had helped him in his journey. Zenon smiled seeing them for he knew that he was never alone.
Note: An update after so long. To cut things short a close friend of mine passed away months ago and as a result i lost interest in a lot of things that once made life enjoyable. I am slowly getting back into my usual self and that's why I updated this story. In truth I hate nothing more than an unfinished story. I prefer to have an ending whether it was a good or bad ending. A problem I have been struggling with for a while is how do i end this story? Considering that RWBY has not ended (I can always end it prematurely just doing my own thing) I don't know where to take the story at the current moment.
Just letting those who are reading this know that i have not forgotten this story and it will be finished. Leave reviews and/or suggestions if you have ways in which i can do better. Not just for this story but i can take those reviews and do a better job on the next story (if there's ever a new story). Thanks!