I made 2 different endings for this story, so hopefully there's one you readers like better or more fitting than the other. Just review and let me know what you think
For some reason Antony was only allowed to speak with his mother for a very short time the next day, with these short arrangements there's no way he could get her to remember anything. He was already arguing with the Emperor at this point, saying he needed more time when there were several shouts coming from all around.
A Gelfling guard ran in panting hard before blurting out, "My apologies on the intrusion my lord's but the human…she…she…come see!"
Antony wasn't the only one who rushed to her chamber, many wanted to see what the commotion was about. He scanned the room before hesitantly approaching the balcony, taking a deep breath as he traced a finger along a small amount of red liquid on the edge.
Blood.
There didn't seem to be any struggle in the room suggesting a murder, but she wasn't there and the door was locked from the outside.
Mother….please tell me you didn't….
He leaped down the castle walls and checked every nook and cranny until he reached the bottom, but he couldn't find her.
Antony scanned the area slowly until he stumbled upon his father. "Father?" The Hunter didn't say anything except growl in irritation under his breath before handing a large, bloodied scrap of clothing to his son.
Instantly, Antony felt like his whole world was shattered. He stood where his father was but saw there was no body, just blood spatters on a large rock and what was handed to him.
Why didn't you wait just a little longer?
*Just like that. It was like she never existed. The news spread of the human who leaped to her own demise.
The Emperor wasn't fazed naturally, things were to go back to like they once were. Chamberlain was livid having been deprived of his fun and wondering where she could've bred him an offspring of his own. The Scientist seemed the most upset out of the Skeksis surprisingly, "Such a waste of a rare species. I wanted to observe her some more and that offspring too."
He would never get the chance now for Skekton left without a word and located his father. Angry with him that he didn't seemed to care at all. Kill something out of anger….anything to show he was distressed.
Just about when he was going to argue Antony heard a noise, tilting his head to the side he heard it a little more clearly. What is that?
The Hunter heard it as well apparently and quickly followed it with his son right on his tail. They didn't have to go far when the noise grew louder.
"Ah-ah, ah-ah~"
"Mother!?"
*Antony saw her in the flower field and spun her around after scooping her up high in the air. He couldn't find the words but the fact she was alive…that's all that mattered.
She took a much-needed deep breath before holding her hands up in apology after he let her go. "I can explain, please don't hurt me."
Skekmal indeed looked like he was going to which is why she hid behind her son.
They all sat in the field and kept silent as she explained the best she could.
"After your father's stunt last night…somehow my memories came back by the time morning came. Luckily, I wasn't given much Null root at all which is a plus."
"What did father do!?"
"Uh…don't worry about it son. Anyway, I hastily came up with a plan to fake my death. I sought out Gurjin, he's been a good friend and he helped me in secret. I had him cut my arm and we ripped one of my dresses, tying some of the material to a large rock and throwing it over. I made sure to smear some blood on the edge of the balcony. For extra measure I had Gurjin go down and place some more of the bloody dress in a spot near the water where it was sure to look like I hit my head or something before it got caught on a branch or stuck between the rocks."
"It needed to at least look convincing, which is why I didn't tell either of you. I knew the Emperor or Chamberlain would be able to tell if something was up and you might've known something…they're not stupid. I felt like it was the best thing to do to get them to leave us alone. Maybe now, we'll be left in peace."
*The silent was excruciating. She found it very hard to look either one of them in the eye considering the circumstances. It was Skekton that spoke first after they stood back up, "All that matters to me, is that you're alive and we can find a new home."
She smirked, "I know I have to make sure I'm hidden for right now just to be safe, but moving might not be a bad idea….Skekmal?"
The Hunter was still livid which was plan as day, but his next action shocked them all.
1st Ending
*He pulled her in close and just held her a moment before threatening, "Don't ever do that again Farida." She quickly shook her head no, "Definitely not." Suddenly she gasped when she felt something cool slip on her forearm.
Antony arched a brow, curious to how his father found the bracelet, but then again, Skekmal had his ways. As to whether they were moving or not they didn't know, they just followed The Hunter to see where he was going to lead them next. Maybe a paradise this time.
2nd Ending
*He pulled her in close and just held her for a moment. Antony already had begun walking away, thinking they would need some privacy, but he was wrong.
Suddenly she gasped in pain as Skekmal held her more tightly; he had run his blade through her stomach. Skekton stood there frozen, he could only focus on the blade sticking out from her back and yelled, "What have you done!?"
Skekmal gently lowered the woman to the ground when he pulled out the sword, breaking off his necklace and placing it in her hand whispering low, "Never again."
Antony quickly snapped out of it and rushed to his mother, she was bleeding excessively and there was nothing he could do.
He was about to curse his father but was stopped when that cold gaze turned to him, "If you value your life boy, you'll never come near me again."
"Antony…it…its ok."
He shook his head in disbelief, "No, no it's not! I just got you back." "I'm sorry…I…I love you…be yourself…do what you always wanted to do."
"I love you too mother…..I promise I will."
She took a few more shallowed breaths before it was all over. Her son held it together the best he could, there was more pressing matters to attend to.
He carried her all the way to the sanctuary tree, which seemed the fitting place for her to be laid to rest. He didn't bury her just yet, he wanted to hold her a little longer. She was the only creature that expressed her emotions to him and showed him love. He could never tell with his father, it was just all a guessing game.
"Childling. I hoped your next visit here wouldn't be under such sadness and remorse."
"I don't understand Uncle Archer, why…why did he…."
Archer caressed Skekton's tresses before the woman's face murmuring, "As I've said before, a creature like Skekmal shouldn't have any understanding of love. I could tell my other half did care for Farida, but it proved too much for him to comprehend in the end. I do believe his actions was to make sure he'd never feel it again."
"So, he's erasing any kind of happiness he had with us?"
"In a matter of speaking. He IS still a Skeksis and the most dangerous one among the rest. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your mother. I should've urged him more often to let you two live with me and the other Mystics."
He shook his head and gently leaned his mother in between two large branches, leaving her bracelet on and placing the necklace around her neck. Kissing her forehead as a last farewell.
He gasped when the Sanctuary Tree began to move on its on accord. The Archer held him back when they saw the branches slowly and carefully wrap around her body and pulled it underneath the ground.
"Such a blessing that eases my heartache. The tree itself gave your mother a most honorable burial…look Skekton….Antony….she still lives on as part of Thra."
He wiped away a few tears, but a smile was already on his face. There where she just was, were lovely different types of flowers in bloom.
"What will you do now?"
"Travel the lands as I always wanted to do. Make some new friends, memories, and maybe find love. Until the day I'm reunited with my mother...and even father."
"I as well, await the day to where I too will be reunited with my other half. To finally be as one with him and to also join Farida and yourself."
The End.