"In their attempt to salvage Norvrandt from the flood of light and end its influence once and for all…They have given their lives to save our lives. They succeeded in destroying the light at a very great cost…."

Echoes of Lyna's speech still echoed in Ryne's head once it was long over and the night had set its darkened sky above Crystarium. It was a dreadful revelation for all of them, Lyna herself could barely withhold her emotions by the end of this speech. In a few minutes, people's hope for the future and an existence free of the past sorrow was shattered, turning into uncertainty and terror.

Lyna knew little about ascians, expecting them to be a threat behind the lightwardens. Regular people of the city knew nothing of them at all. She could have lied and said that the crisis was over despite sacrifices, but Lyna knew better than to lie. She told them that a threat was still present, that their battle was not yet over. Ryne understood her. It was better to go through fear and realization now than when Emet-Selch appears at their door.

Emet-Selch…

As Ryne wandered around quiet city streets, she couldn't let go of his name or image. There were few people outside, most hid in their houses to ponder what the future might bring, but the girl did not feel alone even for a single moment. She thought back to their battle with Emet. The voices echoed in her head…

"We define our worth, not the circumstances of our creation!"

"But they are your worlds! Our homes! Full of life and love and hope!"

"To take what steps we may, and thus mark the road for those who would follow. To strive for the best of all futures…Be this not also thy purpose?"

"Fight it…You have to hold on!"

"Very well. Let us proceed to your final judgment."

The last moment of hope…Before they all died. Ryne recounted all of this once again. She had no wish to, but her mind forced her to come back and relive this dreadful moment time and time again. First, it was Alisaie, giving her life to her brother. Then Urianger valiantly sacrifices his life force for others. Y'shtola, buying them a few precious minutes with her spells. Alphinaud consumed by horror at seeing the lifeless corpse of his own sister. Then…No, no, she mentally pleaded for it to stop.

But there was nothing else to think about apart from the murderer himself. Ryne looked behind occasionally, just reflexively making sure that no one was behind her back. The ascian had powers of teleportation; you could never know when he would emerge. Nothing would stop him anymore. No one would protect them. This thought was horrifying.

But her mind would soon gain a brief respite. As the girl passed by the bar, she noticed the only full table. There were five sittings there with some drinks along with them. Occasionally they would discuss something and then go quiet at other times. There was miqo'te with blue hair and ears, seemingly the most talkative out of them. Near him sat a huyran man and a young elezen boy by his side. Ryne could barely notice their short companion, seemingly of dwarven descent. The last face was familiar. Granson sat at the table and listened to others' stories before noticing the girl. He waved to Ryne as soon as he spotted her.

"Hey there!" - He said with a glimmer of positivity. He was happy to see her. Hearing a natural voice was very relieving for Ryne. The girl approached the table to say hello to her newfound acquaintance. Funny, it would seem she had no one to talk to except Lyna and a man she met this morning.

"Hi, Granson…" - She let out a faint smile as she approached them.

"Greetings and salutations!" - The miqo'te said in a juvenile tone.

"This is Ryne; I met her a little earlier today." - Granson explained to his comrades. "Ryne, these are my occasional brothers in…Well, getting our arses into life-or-death situation seems the most common trait." - He smirked slightly.

"That is if you forget hunting cardinal virtues and actually succeeding." - The huyr said.

"That's exactly what I said." - Granson shrugged and replied sarcastically, causing some to laugh. At first, Ryne was surprised by their seeming positivity, but it did not take long to discern that it was far from everything. Everything that went around them, they felt just as much. "Why don't you introduce yourselves?"

"Cerigg, a somewhat lucky bounty Hunter…And here's my friend, Taynor." - The huyr gestured to the elezen boy, who smiled at Ryne.

"Lue-Reeq, the famous…Not particularly famous, maybe, but hey, I still have some time for that." - The miqo'te said.

"And I'm Giott, a traveler looking for home still. Thought I guess I have some places to go now." - The dwarf smiled.

"It's lovely to meet you all… I'm Ryne." - She smiled and introduced herself. They were so friendly and open that Ryne finally began to relax. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Oh, not at all, we just have a night's drink." - Reeq said, immediately followed up by Giott.

"In fact, we wouldn't mind you to join for a drink or two." - The dwarf winked.

"What did I tell you about getting children drunk?" - Cerigg said jokingly.

"As if we will tell anybody!" - Reeq added, but then the realization kicked in. He looked at Ryne, noticing that she was a little awkward. "If that's what you want, of course."

"We've been…Discussing the future, you know?" - Granson said with some regret. "We tried to, anyway, but we just up thinking about the past." - Ryne couldn't blame him; thinking about the future now would not be the most relieving way to cope. "We were talking about Edwin and adventures we all shared with him… If you'd like to have a listen, you're more than welcome."

Ryne had a reflex to refuse, but she quickly realized that this would be for her own good more than anything. Were she to remain alone, she'd still think about them, albeit in less healthy ways.

"Yes, if you don't mind." - The girl said while sitting on the last chair at the table. "No drinking, though; I wouldn't risk it."

"As if that's a problem, we can get you some juice in no time!" - Reeq exclaimed and called the waitress, informing her of an additional order.

Ryne sat between Taynor and Giott, swiftly receiving a packaging of grape juice before her. The girl breathed, trying to relax. It was better here. At least she could stop thinking about him for a moment…

"So, Reeq, you haven't finished with your story yet. Something about inconveniences…" - Granson prompted.

"Oh, that's been a disappointment, although I should have been more understanding. When Andreia appeared, Edwin caught a glimpse of his echo while she got away. I got furious that time and decided to hunt her down alone…Gods, I was such a fool. And even after being so rude to the warrior of darkness, he still came to my aid…We fought her together and prevailed…Funny, that was exactly what that vision has shown to him." - Lue-Reeq smiled. "We parted ways, but I learned a lot about true companionship…If only you knew how glad I am to have you all here."

"I think we all took a valuable lesson from him; perhaps that's what makes him a real hero." - Granson said.

"And what about your story, Cerigg? Considering you met Taynor while on this quest, it sounds like a blast!" - Giott asked.

"Oh, you wouldn't believe it if you heard it!"

"And would you believe in a hero from another world that will come and stop the light a few months ago? Hell, we're all used to it." - Reeq said.

"Where do I start…" - Cerigg looked at Taynor with a smile. The boy nodded, and Cerigg continued. Edwin and I were hunting the cardinal virtue, and then complete accident…Edwin pulled Taynor out of an inter-dimensional rift!" - Cerigg recounted.

"Now that's a start." - Granson listened with interest.

"At first, he was unsure of what's going on; we were trying to figure it out…."

Ryne sat there and listened to these tales. How Edwin fought with Cerigg and Taynor against Nyelbert and the tragedy of the boy's story. Being lost in the dark abyss and learning that a century has passed upon your return…And your friend is long gone after spending his life trying to save you. When the story ended, she looked at Taynor. Ryne saw a genuine smile on his face as he spent his time in this company. For him, the shock and horror must have been so recent…

"Are you alright? After all of this, I mean…" - She spoke for the first time since sitting.

"It's been difficult, but… I've seen him for one last time." - Taynor answered as bittersweet memories flooded him. "I said my goodbyes, and now I can only live… That's what he would want. If Nyelbert still watches from somewhere, I hope he has finally found peace."

Was Thancred watching from somewhere too? Was he hoping for Ryne to finally move on? If only she could, if only…

"And how are you?" - Taynor asked with care. "We heard what you've gone through and… It's hard to even fathom, isn't it? And if you need any help, we'll be here for you." - As Taynor said this, he gradually got more confident and got the attention of other adventurers. They looked at Ryne with empathy and understanding. She would accept it. They all had difficult lives and found solace in others who understood their pain; perhaps she could as well.

"It's… It's been a time to remember." - Ryne smiled with underlying grief and looked at adventurers. "I remember that day when I saw the night's sky for the first time…How beautiful and peaceful it was. It was then that I knew that a true hero had come to our world. When I first met him, he saved me along with his friends…I became one of them in Il Mheg. We fought lightwardens together, helped people in need, traveled across Norvrandt…It was dangerous and never easy, but I felt at home. More than I ever could before. I learned that Edwin was more than just a powerful man…He listened. When I was distraught, when I didn't know what the future holds, what my worth is…" - Ryne felt her heart aching again. The moment she anticipated ever since awakening, her emotions finally broke out. Edwin was gone, her friends were gone, but their memories will stay with her forever… "He taught me to resist, fight on and never give up. He told me to believe in myself…" - Ryne could hardly speak as tears streamed down her eyes. Her mind was finally clear for the first time since Amaurot, yet the pain would not disappear. Perhaps it never will…Ryne was caught off-guard by Taynor hugging her lightly.

"Oh…You don't have to…" - She began to talk meekly.

"It's alright, we understand…As much as we can." - He said with kindness and care in his voice, finally allowing Ryne to feel the warmth. Life will go on, despite the tragedy that has occurred. Yet at this moment, behind all her grief and pain…Ryne knew that was worth living. Worth fighting, ascians, or anything else to secure a bright future for their world.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, not knowing what to say. Eventually, the last tear fell, and Ryne was starting to regain her calm. She felt more confident now that she wasn't alone.

"The woman I loved died before my eyes…" - Granson said gravely. "I did not react well; no one would. But others have taught me to carry on. To look in the face of life despite anything it throws at you…Similar to your lessons. Edwin was one of those who helped me see the light, to not hide my pain from those I cared about…It is brave you to open up and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." - He said while looking at Ryne with pride.

"Yes, and if you ever want to talk, I'll be glad to." - Taynor smiled.

Others nodded in agreement, offering Ryne words of encouragement. She felt hopeful, something that she was afraid of never achieving.

"Thank you, thank you all…It means a lot to me." - She said as she wiped her eyes.

"Anytime!" - Reeq encouraged her.

"It's been quite a day…Especially for you, Ryne." - Cerigg said with compassion, looking back at others. "But what will we do now? If Crystarium is under the threat of attack by these maniacs…."

"We certainly won't leave, not after what happened." - Granson said. "We need someone to defend the people. I don't know about you, but I am ready to stand up for them any day." Granson said confidently.

"Yes, looks like we found ourselves a new home." - Giott smiled in support. Others agreed. Ryne was proud to see them as well. They had no powers that matched some of the scions, much less Edwin. But they had the courage and a desire to do good, something they shared with the heroes. There was no doubt in Ryne's mind that their bravery would be retained when the time came to defend Crystarium.

"Never has tomorrow be so uncertain…" - Cerigg said.

"Whatever happens tomorrow, we will face it with pride; I know we will." - Granson looked over their team. "And today…One more drink?"

"Finally, straight to the point!" - Giott exclaimed and raised her mug. "For the Warrior of Darkness!"

"For the Warrior of Darkness!"

…

During the countless years that have passed, never have G'raha felt so numb. Even as the world around him crumbled, the absolute despair he witnessed after being awakened from his slumber in the Crystal Tower, nothing could match the hollowness he felt. His hero, his role model, his close friend was gone…And not just him. The heroes he dragged into this world against their will, made them fight the sin eaters to save Norvrandt. Of course, they happily obliged, but the choice was never theirs. And here was where it led to devastation and oblivion in which there were no winners.

The tears shed, and agony of his mind caused G'raha to forget about his surroundings. He was weakened and left at the mercy of two ascians who greatly exceeded him in their power. He should've looked for the moment to run, trick them, and escape this imprisonment but could barely force himself. And so, he followed…

Followed them through a dark portal beyond which an empty desert emerged. It was full of withered light, a forgotten place. The Exarch stood chained behind the ascians, looking around without energy for awe. Was this how it looked beyond the flood? There must have been living here once, once-great civilizations annihilated by ascian schemes. G'raha looked up and noticed the azure sky with the sun rising at its heart. At least there was some merit to all of this…To Edwin's sacrifice.

"And here we are." - Elidibus said in a monotonous voice as the three looked at the image in front of them. A gigantic corpse of a sin-eater was reminiscent of both a creature and machine. A being once piercing the skies of Norvrandt, now reduced to a forgotten relic. But with the ascians, this would not remain so for long.

"Impressive, I must say." - Emet approved. "Vauthry would never match this potential." - He looked over the sin eater.

"All that remains of Mitron now. Naught left, but a mindless beast." - Elidibus noted with some regret in his voice. G'raha wondered if he was genuinely mourning the loss of his comrade. Until recently, he would not consider ascians to care, but Emet-Selch proved this to be slightly wrong.

"Ah, Mitron, Mitron…Even after his defeat, he served one last purpose before joining oblivion. Commendable, is it not?" - He said with pride for Mitron's actions.

"He is gone now; no point in reminiscing."

"Yes, of course. We should spread its wings, but I doubt it would be of any use without additional energy." - Emet stated, receiving a nod from Elidibus.

"A creature of light needs replenishment with its own element. Perhaps, Eve, someone attuned with light to become its essence. I could draw some of remaining light from this waste, but it would hardly be pure and enough." - Elidibus looked back, and G'raha noticed his gaze. The ascian approached him with interest.

"What did I tell you about ignoring our guest of honor?" - Emet crossed his hands in disapproval.

"Perhaps he might be a suitable vessel. The one not marked by darkness to control the light…" - Elidibus considered, G'raha was a few steps away to becoming their test subject or fuel for this creature.

"If you want to release me for it… I'll do everything to see this last chance of yours destroyed." - G'raha said with attempted spite, which did not carry onto his tone.

"Your brashness and simple-mindedness are becoming an annoyance." - Elidibus responded, only to have Emet stand between them.

"Enough with that for now. The Exarch has not in tune with light. Trying to use him, especially in his current physical state, would render him obsolete and, therefore, useless. Is that clear?" - Emet looked at Elidibus with confidence. What he said was true, but G'raha would never use it as an excuse to lose an opportunity to fight the ascians.

"Do you have any other ideas?" - The emissary asked.

"I have one. After lightwardens were defeated, the sin eaters were left without their strongest. There are plenty that remains in the wilderness of Norvrandt, scattered and without purpose but still containing a figment of that energy. They can be used as fuel for this creature if only we manage to get them here." - Emet suggested.

"Hm…That is true, but I have my doubts whether it will be enough."

"Either way, it is a start. These are mindless beasts that will get drawn to any light source strong enough for them to sense. I am sure you can create a beacon."

Elidibus nodded once again and turned back to the sin eater. It would seem that this ascian was different from Emet-Selch. Where he could only use the power of darkness, the emissary appeared to maintain a semblance of balance, being able to temper with light.

Elidibus raised his hands above and began to manufacture light's power in his hands without further words. There was no aether in this place, only the raw power of an element that will bring sin eaters here, or at least those who will be able to reach it. They will fuel the creature, slowly bringing it to full strength, and G'raha would have to watch it, completely powerless.

"For all my hatred of light, I have to give credit where it's due… It's one destructive force." - Emet claimed with admiration; G'raha looked up at him.

"Do you think your protection changes anything? Defend me all you want. You can't still expect me to give in…" - G'raha began only to have Emet-Selch shake his head.

"I am only concerned with your immediate survival. If you believe me wasting time trying to appeal to you via such simplistic methods, you might think too highly of yourself." - He stated confidently. He walked towards Elidibus, leaving the Exarch alone. They had all the power here, while G'raha had none. All he could do is to bite back while they mocked him. No…He was not content with standing aside and watching them gloat. Watching them destroy the world that was so dear to him. Edwin sacrificed himself for this; all of them did…So those that survive may carry on.

As Elidibus sent the pillar of light into the sky, he created a temporary presence. A presence that weakened all present darkness, including G'raha's magical shackles. The Exarch felt the flow of power in his spirit, and at this moment, he was finally ready to titans up.

It was time.

G'raha shattered his magical bonds and absorbed some of the power in a swift instant. Not much, but just enough to materialize a blade of light in his hands. It was a skill G'raha learned a long time ago; his staff would not always suffice. Sometimes he would have to take arms and fight like a warrior of light…Like Edwin did.

The Exarch charged towards Emet, ready to plunge this blade into his back. There would be no honor or nobility in such an act, much less of a chance to succeed, but this wasn't G'raha's concern. He needed to let out his turmoil, grief, and emotions. Someway, somehow…If he was going to bite back, he might as well make it stick.

Second, before this sword reached Emet, an aura of darkness emerged, which protected the ascian. G'raha felt pushback, but this aura had been weakened by Elidibus's ritual as well…Just a little more, and the ascian would be struck.

But this would not come to fruition. Emet swiftly turned around and empowered his shield with an additional dark supply. The Exarch fell on his knees before the ascian, unable to strike. But at this point, he simply could not stop. Strike after strike, failure after failure, all while Hades watched him with slight amusement, never letting his guard down even for a second. After a few seconds, when the ascian realized G'raha would not stop, he pushed back, blocking his strike with another dark spell.

"Are you done?" - He said before launching a dark arrow into G'raha. The Exarch was pushed into the ground, bound to withered light. He could not move again, as the shackles were brimming with newfound power, rendering him a failing weakling.

"Damn…Damn you!" - G'raha screamed in agony, but neither ascian paid attention. The Exarch witnessed a light pillar become brighter and let out a wave that quickly spread across the empty. Elidibus's ritual was complete, and a signal was sent. Soon, the remaining beasts would arrive here. Elidibus turned around and looked at Emet.

"I heard a disturbance. What happened?" - The Emissary wondered.

"Nothing of utmost importance." - Emet said while gazing at agonized G'raha. "I imagine you succeeded?" - He said, turning back to Elidibus.

"It would seem so. Our next step should be to explore this creature's structure and whatever lies within…But I assume you could manage it yourself." - Elidibus said coldly.

"If you are planning to keep your idle watch over approaching eaters while brooding about equilibrium and all, then I would have you know, my patience is running thin." - Emet said with annoyance.

"I had other plans. A journey to Crystarium is in order."

"And why would you care for it?"

"To see the state of our enemy. To make sure that as many sin-eaters as possible follow the call." - Elidibus stated.

"I can guarantee that if people already found out the truth, they would be in shambles this very moment." - Emet seemed sure.

"I would still witness it myself…Perhaps, if they retain a semblance of hope, it might be manipulated into another advantage for us." - Elidibus clearly had a plan.

"Oh, I know where you're going…And this is the most unfitting time you could have picked."

"Only one way to tell, is there?"

Emet sighed.

"Do as you wish, then, but I expect welcome tiding. A swift return, don't get accustomed to society while it's within your grasp."

"I am not the one risk…" - Elidibus said shortly before disappearing into his dark portal. Emet looked over the creature before them and turned to G'raha.

"That will certainly keep us busy for a few more days." - He said and looked at G'raha. The Exarch was getting ready for another wave of mockery, but Hades just sighed and approached him, looking over with slight sadness. G'raha would not talk to him.

"I understand how painful it now is, truly…Thought, why would either of us care for empty words? Your pathetic attempts to fight back will not impress us, much less be of any meaning. They will only weaken and tire you, exhausting before the real journey begins…" - Emet monologued, finally getting G'raha to respond.

"I won't let you forget that I am still here…Still fighting."

"Oh, my memory is very much stable, thank you. No need for a show like this. Truth be told, G'raha Tia…You are much more than an average sundered. You came very close to foiling my plans in this world for all my theories and exploration. You have a mind of a schemer, which could have been used for nobler purposes…But alas, what's done is done. Your antics only serve to change my opinion for the worse."

"Good…The last consolation I need is your approval." - G'raha responded. "For all your wisdom, you fail to understand, Emet-Selch…I don't care for being better than "an average sundered" because there is no shame in this. There is no shame in being flawed yet still retaining your humanity, no same in being one of them. I understand this, much like Edwin did!"

"And this led to his downfall!" - Emet snapped. "Edwin was more than an average mortal, each and every one of us knew it. He would still play a charade of the people's hero, but this was never the case. An average sundered does not sacrifice themselves for a cause they consider noble. Edwin did, as misguided as he was…You were the one to render it all meaningless. Being a proud sundered, you followed your emotions and prolonged suffering for every being on this damned world. I assume this is your "source of pride"?" - Emet said to G'raha. Exarch did not respond; there was little he could say now. Not when he was so pained and tired. Emet signed and looked at the creature once again.

"Let's have a look, shall we?"