Chapter 64

Julian and Octavia gasped when they reached the shoreline and saw nothing where Ebot's Rock had been.

"It's gone!" said Octavia as she fell on her knees.

Julian sat and sighed. "It may be for the best."

"How can you say that?" demanded a tearful Octavia.

"Maybe we weren't meant to use power like this," he replied.

She hung her head.

"At any rate, the survivors are going to blame us," said Julian, "We have to hide."

"I'm staying here," said Octavia sniffling.

"Octavia," began Julian.

"Go if you want to!" she snapped, "I'm not leaving my friends!"

"And I won't leave mine," said Julian as he put his arm over her shoulder.

They watched the crimson sunset together.

Far to the south the Blood Rose landed next to the crumbling fort in Verdigris. Cyrus climbed out and was met by an honor guard.

"General MacKenzie, welcome back!" said Captain as he saluted.

Cyrus groaned. "Who promoted me?"

"The men Sir," said the Captain, "We agreed you should rule Golgatha."

"Golgatha is gone," said Cyrus returning the salute, "We must rebuild what's left of it."

"Yes sir!" said the Captain.

Cyrus turned to Cid and Kelvin.

"Will you help me?" he asked.

Cid nodded. "Sure thing,"

"You'll need all the help you can get General," said Kelvin.

"Maybe we learned a lesson here," said Cyrus grimly as he shouldered his lance, "But I doubt it."

They followed him into the fort.

To the east Ganamede followed the Espers into the hole left by the Temple of Doom. They reached a long and twisting path through lava fields. Ifrit placed the Atma Key in a chest and threw it into a pool of lava. Shiva took his arm and smiled up at him. He grinned back at her toothily. They climbed a massive staircase and reached long and narrow bridge. On the other side was a cave entrance.

"There's our new home," said Ramuh, "The Esper World."

"Siren, I'm sorry," said Ganamede.

Siren held an oil lamp close to her chest. "I know."

"I'll never hunt Espers again," she said.

"There will be no more Espers to hunt," said Alexander.

Ganamede nodded and hugged Alexander's leg. "Take care old friend."

[Race you to it!]

(No way!)

Carbuncle and Shoat rushed into the cave, nearly knocking Ganamede and Ramuh over.

"Hey!" said Ganamede.

One by one the other Espers filed across the bridge and into the cave. Finally only Shiva, Ifrit, and Ramuh stayed behind.

"You won't tell anyone about this place?" asked Ramuh.

"Of course not!" replied Ganamede, "My friend's in there too!"

"Good," said Shiva.

"We'd ask you to visit," said Ifrit, "But, you know."

"I know," said Ganamede.

"Look after the humans for us," said Ifrit.

Ganamede nodded. "I will."

The three Espers looked at each other. Ramuh walked into the cave, followed by Shiva then Ifrit.

"What do you want for supper?" asked Shiva.

"You can cook?" asked Ifrit.

She punched him in the shoulder. Ifrit rubbed his shoulder while grinning slightly.

The massive stone doors slid shut from either side at met together in the center with a colossal bang. Ganamede stood there silently for a minute then turned and left. She flung the torch she was holding into the pit on one side of the bridge. As it plunged down, it took the last of the light with it.

The darkness consumed everything.

The End