This was a spectacular feeling…Knowing what to do next.
Spending the first days after losing her friends was a nightmare because of the loss itself. Ryne knew deep in her mind that she would have to bear a burn and very soon, now that she was the only one alive or free. But she never knew what this burden would be and whether she had any chance of dealing with it.
Now, thanks to Hydaelyn, she knew what to do. And thanks to her newfound friends, she had enough to resolve to face the future. She did not want to risk their lives, didn't want to share this pain with them. But in the end, Granson was right. There is nothing they could do in Crystarium; it was a choice between dying in battle or waiting patiently for this demise. Just like the scions, those adventurers would always choose the former.
And so the preparations began. Finally, Ryne's life became so full that she didn't even have time to ponder and grieve. Lyna was the only one they told about their mission, and she was eager to help. As a guard captain, there were no people who could take care of Crystarium in her absence, and so she had to stay. However, she would provide adventurers with anything they needed. There were only two possible inquiries. The first were the means of travel, amaro would be unlikely to fly that far, but Lyna had an idea. She believed that some talented engineers in the mean could help with that. Ryne took her word for it.
The other inquiry was a tad more complicated. Ryne had the benefit of knowing her enemy, to an extent at least. Emet was an expert in detecting and differentiating souls, whether at a long-distance or even in the stream. If he could notice their presence as they approached the creature, it would be its end. They needed some camouflage, and it would seem there were some possibilities…
It would take some time for those to get ready, and before that, there was nothing left to do but prepare. To prepare for any possible outcome, no matter how dire it could be. The thought of facing Emet-Selch felt terrifying. No exercise or training could help them in that case. But it would at least feel like they've done all they could…
Ryne stood at the plaza and watched two brave adventurers in their training. Granson and Giott sparred with each other tirelessly. Both were masters of defense and survival in the worst conditions. Now they had to perfect their skills in battle. Giott blocked and evaded Granson's hits with seeming hits.
"And that's all you can do, huh? I am a third of your size and still putting you to shame!" - The dwarf smiled with pride, only to open herself up and have Granson hit her with precision, causing Giott's mallet to fall out of her hands.
"Us and sin-eaters are really not so different…Getting distracted by the silliest things. What were you saying about shame?" - Granson said with calm and confidence.
"Fine, you got me this time…" - She quickly got up. "I need a rematch!" - She said eagerly.
They seemed happier, as well, now that they knew what the plan was. They must have had their own issues with resolve; Ryne just didn't notice. She found immense joy in seeing them smile and spar, eager to embark on their battle. Ryne tried to forget what was to come and simply enjoy the present in these moments. These moments were fleeting and rare…And always worth it.
"Hey, Ryne, want to join?" - Giott called out to the girl.
"Oh, no, my fighting style is way too different from you two." - She smiled and responded.
"Some tricks are good for everyone, like how to trick your enemy and attack from behind…Doesn't matter if it's with a hammer or a dagger!"
"With your weapons, I might as well accidentally get smashed…" - Ryne joked, even though Giott was right.
"I could teach you some moves later." - Granson suggested, only to attract Giott's attention.
"Not before a rematch."
"Oh, I won't pass on that opportunity." - He smiled and returned to his battle stance.
Ryne continued to watch their clash for a few more minutes, only to hear steps behind her.
"I see they are not the ones to waste time." - Lyna said as she stepped beside Ryne. The girl nodded with pride.
"I was fortunate to find them so quickly…" - Ryne said, thinking back to the evening she shared a drink with them.
"Good to know that there are still those ready to fight. I would've never thought such good fighters were among mercenaries." - Lyna approved.
"Yes, but it's not just that. It's way more. They're good friends…Granson knew me personally for less than a day when he extended a hand, and for others, I must have been a nobody. Just an accomplice for Edwin. But they still helped, and I am eternally grateful for it." - Ryne closed her eyes, only to feel the bliss of past moments again. But she remembered that they were impossible to re-live. Chasing such moments would be a way to never find them.
"Yes, sorry if I…" - Lyna began to speak but decided to change the topic. "I have some good news while we're at it. Your transport is already being prepared. It should be ready by tomorrow morning. But…"
"You also have bad news?" - Ryne felt this in Lyna. This woman would always remain stern even in danger, but living with Thancred taught Ryne to read the signs.
"Not entirely bad for the city, but a problem for you. My scouts have reported that all remaining sin-eaters are gone."
"Were there many more attacks? Is Eulmore holding up?"
"They got luckier than us, it doesn't seem like there was an attack worse than with Crystarium, but this is far from it. Most of the sin eaters migrated to Ahm Areng, and those that could fly over the flood into the empty." - Lyna said with a serious tone. "I can only imagine they are flying to this creature from your dreams."
"Emet-Selch must be trying to power it up with light." - Ryne realized with some worry. "Our time is short."
"I'll tell you as soon as our engineers are done."
"Thank you, Lyna." - Ryne looked at her, noticing that something was still on her mind. Lyna would avoid eye contact as to not show her momentary weakness and worry,
"I have some business to attend to, I hope you use this time well." - Lyna was about to leave, but Ryne stopped her.
"Wait…Do you want to say something? If you do, that's fine. It's always better to share with someone you can trust." - She said with warmth and kindness.
"It's nothing particular…Just thought about the Exarch. I know you said he might still be alive, but…What do you think?" - She wondered with uncertainty.
"As long as he is useful. I don't know what Emet-Selch wants to do with him…We can only hope that he still sees use in him." - Ryne said. "If he is there, I promise we will free him." - The girl spoke with belief and a newly emerging smile, sharing her feelings with Lyna.
"I see…I'll pray for a safe return, yours and his."
"And we will always remember it if we are ever in doubt."
They both felt slightly more relieved. When Lyna left to continue her job, Ryne was happy and hoped she could reassure her at least a little. When you put bough faith into something, the sky is your limit. This was the rule by which Warrior of Darkness lived, and she would follow in his footsteps.
"Hey, had a feeling you're all here." This time, Lue-Reeq approached Ryne and waved to Granson and Giott. The two were too busy training and did not notice him straight away.
"These two are brutal. Can't blame you for keeping your distance." - Reeq smiled as he looked at Ryne.
"How are you doing? Any success in preparation?"
"Quite a lot, actually! I talked with manufacturers of arcane traps and guess what, they have a solution." - Reeq smiled with pride.
"Do you need me for light infusion? If so, just say a word." - Ryne responded, but Reeq shook his head.
"A bit later. They are working on creating amulets that would surround us with light's aura and therefore make our souls much harder to spot. Especially in a place full of withered light like the one you described." - Reeq declared. "I was wondering, though…Do you think it would be enough to hide from that maniac you described?"
"It's as good of a chance as we can have. I don't see much point in thinking about it." - Ryne shrugged.
"Yes, you're right…I hope these slackers do a damn fine job with them."
When the two finally finished their sparring, they waved to Reeq, watching the archer fume in some annoyance.
"Liking the show?" - Granson asked.
"Should've seen our last fight." - Giott added.
"I am deeply offended that you didn't wait for me before starting your battles." - Reeq responded sarcastically.
"And we're offended you're being so slow!" - Giot parred.
"Hey, is that an attempt at an insult? Well, if it is, then it's totally not working!" - He said, a little phased, and caused Giott to giggle.
"I don't know about you two, but I was planning to get a drink." - Granson said. "With this anticipation, all might as well feel a little lax." - He said before heading to their favored place. Reeq and Giott did not hesitate to follow. The dwarf seemed like she had a thing for a fine beverage.
Ryne contemplated joining them, yet another familiar face appeared, two, even. Soon after the three adventurers left, Ryne noticed Cerigg and Taynor approaching her. The girl looked over and waved. The elezen boy still had trouble walking. His wounds have not healed yet. However, this was the first time she saw him outside of the bay since the attack. He was clearly getting better.
"Oh, here you are." - Cerigg said and sighed. "Where are the others? I wanted to have a talk." - The archer asked.
"They just left for a drink. I imagine it's the usual place." - Ryne responded. She noticed that Taynor was looking at Cerigg as if waiting to say something. The man looked at him and then back at Ryne.
"I'll go talk to them, then, but so you know…I'm going." - Cerigg let out a slightly faint smile. Ryne was quick to notice his uncertainty.
"You don't have to if you don't want. You shouldn't feel ashamed for not being ready for this; most people would never be…" - Ryne did not want to force him or anyone else into it.
"No, no, I've made up my mind. No good sitting around here while you're making a real difference. Besides, Taynor did a damn fine job convincing me that he can defend himself…" - Cerigg smiled. "Yes, I'd better get going."
With these words, he looked at a nodding Taynor one last time and went for the bar to join his comrades again. Ryne looked at the boy, who seemingly noticed her sympathy for Cerigg along with uncertainty.
"Don't you worry. That's definitely what he wants." - Taynor smiled.
"You didn't make him do this, did you?" - Ryne had to ask, but she wouldn't expect this from Taynor.
"We were talking about it…" - Taynor said. "I really wanted to go, but Cerigg and every nurse told me it's out of the question with my fresh wounds…Couldn't be a burden." - He sighed with regret.
"I'm sure you could do a lot here. Lyna would need help." - Ryne pointed out.
"I'll do all I can. And Cerigg…He was just worried about me. He found me so recently and did not want to lose. So he was worried about what would happen to me if he…You know." - Taynor said with some worry.
"I haven't spent much time with you, but you've become great friends. I'd love to have someone like Cerigg by my side like you do." - She said, thinking of Thancred. She missed him. If only he could be around to see this, if only they could spend a few more weeks.
"Thank you, it wasn't always perfect, but I'm glad to have him. I told Cerigg that he shouldn't limit himself just because of me. It was clear as day that he wanted to go if not for my presence. So I said that he should fight while he has the chance, that I can look after myself…He felt relieved and made a decision afterward." - Taynor said. "Take care of him, okay?"
Ryne felt a lot of responsibility, but she was ready to take upon all of it.
"No one will die on my watch." - She stated with pure confidence and faith. "I will make sure everyone returns home safely, including the Exarch!" - She felt like a leader for the first time. She was never eager to lead. Ryne would be more comfortable following and aiding. Yet now, when there was no choice, it came naturally. Perhaps when you realize the inevitability of your situation, it becomes easier to accept…
"You are a real hero in the making." - Taynor smiled. "Just like Nyelbert was." - She heard the sorrow in his voice as Taynor was thinking about his friend. "But I believe you can do it…I know!"
Ryne wanted to have his belief as well. Now, when there was nowhere to run and the time was short, it felt like bliss…She knew what was to come. She knew what must be done.
And she would not be alone.
…
Watching the ascians tamper with the core was akin to a performance. It was a clumsy show, far from successful, but still with pure determination radiating from them.
Emet and Elidibus would not stop conspiring and exploring the heart of this creature ever since the Emissary returned. G'raha only heard fragments of their conversation; he noticed slight frustration on Emet's part as the beast would not obey. There was not enough light, even with Elidibus's help. They also mentioned something different, although the Exarch could not quite figure out this. Some essence that existed within the eater's core, something entirely unexpected…Or that was what he understood. Either way, the two have been very engaged.
G'raha has been quickly forgotten, or so it seemed. The Exarch knew that Hades would return to him, probably sooner than he hoped. He was given much to think on. There was no point to deny that G'raha had no simple answer this time. Hades was a monster and a murderer. The Exarch knew this very well. No noble motive could wash away the blood of thousands on his hands. And while he was alive, while the fabric of his existence remained stable, G'raha would resist his every step to invoke rejoining.
But the course of action Emet laid out to G'raha was very different. The Exarch had his suspicions that time travel was the main reason he took an interest, but to repeat his journey, but to the time before known history…The Exarch did not think he had resolved. He ended up being sorely mistaken. This was the path of less blood and nobility between this and the rejoining. As much as possible in the current situation.
Could G'raha even blame Emet if he chooses to take this path? He would have to tell him about his journey and give away the people who, in another time, created an opportunity for him to rewrite history. The reality he knew would be no more, paving the way for a brighter future. But G'raha never forced these people to perish; this was a proposal the survivors came to him…Emet would give no such choice, not even an explanation. Helping him would mean dooming these people.
And yet Hades was willing to perish along with the rest. He restores with the knowledge that he will never be able to live in this world. His entire life will remain a duty that will force him to perish forever when it is done. There was undoubtedly nobility in such an act, which G'raha had to respect…Perhaps that was what Emet wanted. Maybe he knew he would be unable to adapt to a prosperous and restored society after he witnessed it. To enter eternal slumber would be the peace that Emet searched for, now that his vigil would be over. The Exarch wondered, was that what he would want as well, after so much loss and tireless labor?
"G…Ra…" - A faint whisper echoed in Exarch's head, steadily growing louder and more apparent. The echo was unexpected and almost caused G'raha to flinch, but he did not want to attract the attention of Emet and Elidibus. "G'raha Tia…That's how he called you." - The voice in his head finally gained tone.
"Who…" - G'raha whispered, thinking that this would not reach the ascians, but quickly cut himself off to avoid this.
"Stay quiet, or they will know." - The voice continued.
So many thoughts went through G'raha's head, but most powerful was a delightful realization that he was right. That he wasn't seeing what wasn't there in Emet's behavior. There is indeed another presence here and not that of a mindless beast.
"Are you the one he talked to?" - The Exarch asked as quietly as he could.
"Indeed. And I can see and hear everything that is going on here, for it is my domain." - The voice declared proudly. "See and hear as those traitors toil with my mind and body! Ungrateful fools, I've given this world to them, and they can only repay with this…" - He said with anger and fury.
Was it a sin-eater with conscience, like Vauthry? It couldn't have been…Emet created Vauthry as part of his plan. The birth of this creature was much more sudden. What if some of his mortal conscience is retained within his sin-eater body? That would have had no precedent, but the beast was vastly different from other sin-eaters. G'raha wanted to piece this puzzle together.
"Are you a sin eater…Or did you come before?" - He uttered each word with worry as he watched the ascian duo. Thankfully, they still seemed not to notice.
"This creature is just a shell where I was trapped for years. I am Mitron of the ascians." - Mitron…The name G'raha was heard mentioned by Emet-Selch. One of the ascians that caused the flood in the first place. It would seem that not only did he get turned into the first sin-eater, but he also managed to retain control over his mind. A unique precedent, to say the least.
"You were the one that caused the flood."
"My partner and I were the ones watching over this world for centuries before bringing it to its current state, yes. But it hardly matters now. What matters is, we are both prisoners of the same tormentors." - Mitron claimed, trying to evoke similarities between him and the Exarch. G'raha did not fall for it but realized this meant that Mitron probably wanted something from him. He decided to remain silent and let the imprisoned ascian speak. "They would not even attempt to free me to not disturb the balance of light…But I would have it no other way, not after a century. I may not know you or why did you end up as his prisoner, but I have a proposal for you."
G'raha nodded, letting Mitron see that he listened and prompting him to continue.
"You are surrounded by the pure light of this being…Which I, to an extent, have the power of. That includes weakening your shackles."- Mitron said with confidence. "Emet-Selch and Elidibus are vigilant, but even they have their limits. When they are distracted, I will free you. Then, all you need to do is reach the core and establish a connection. After this is done, I will be able to infuse you with this the power of light that shackles my darkness. You would gain powers of the Prime you had to fight. They will not imprison you easily after that." - Mitron proposed.
"And what then? You wouldn't want me to kill your former brethren, would you?" - G'raha whispered.
"After their betrayal, I see no reason not to do so. To break free, I need pure darkness. I imagine Emet-Selch's demise might release just enough." - Mitron said, only to be met with silence on G'raha's part. "Drop this pretense." - The ascian continued. "I heard your conversation. I know he murdered someone very dear to you…Is that not what you want? To make him suffer just as much as he forced you to?" - Mitron said with genuine interest. G'raha remained silent. Perhaps he should be feeling furious vengeful… Maybe he should want to brutally murder Emet-Selch. But G'raha did not. He was never one to seek vengeance. Even in moments of hatred, he felt for the ascian; his desire was to foil his plans and save his people, not to kill.
"And why should I trust you not to follow another scheme…To bring back the flood?" - G'raha switched the topic to a more pressing one.
"These concerns are secondary to me…The flood can hardly be reinstated without my soul being annihilated forever. And when I'm free, there is only one person, one woman I wish to find. She did not answer my call, but she must be there…And you will be free to enjoy the ruins of this scarred world. Isn't that a fair bargain?" - The ascian asked rhetorically.
G'raha thought for a moment. Killing Emet-Selch or not, Mitron might have been his only chance to break free from this prison. Without the power he could give, G'raha had no chance to fight Emet and Elidibus alone. And there was nothing he wanted more than to continue to fight for this world and its people, and he could not do so imprisoned…G'raha gave a single nod.
"Wonderful…Now, all we need is the right moment."
…
And then the day has finally come.
Ryne was expecting a sleepless night before they were finally ready to set off. She was expecting nightmares, visions, and that's if she would be able to sleep at all. But it was cardinally different. Ryne has fallen deep into slumber, numbing all of her senses. No whispers or voices, no cold in her spine, just peace. Was it this that victims of the flood felt? A split second of terror followed by eternal peace? Was it something the remaining people will feel once again? This was in Ryne's hands.
When the sun finally rose, all was in its place. The engineers repaired a machine found in the tower which was able to float over the flood, where no amaro would ever fly. The seemingly cozy mechanism with a place for five people in it. The one that will bring them to the edge.
Ryne stood atop Crystarium's wall with her comrades behind her. Determined Granson, eager Giott, hopeful Lue-Reeq, and stern Cerigg were prepared for this mission, carrying their blades, hammers, and bows. They were training for most of yesterday, getting ready to undertake this journey. Ryne made no mistake; they were not immune to fear either. She saw their doubt and worry, but their resolve was what made them truly brave.
She didn't wish for long goodbyes, but Lyna and Taynor still came. Ryne was happy that they were there to support their friends as they left for this mission. They wouldn't allow them to go without some final words of hope and inspiration.
"We'll take care of Crystarium while you are gone. I promise." - Lyna declared as the mercenaries got into the transport, looking at the grand city. They knew that they may never return.
"You have our full trust." - Granson said proudly.
"Just don't touch my stash of arcane traps…I might need them later!" - Lue-Reeq noted as he got on his sear.
"And I expect drinks upon our return." - Giott said, following her comrades.
Cerigg looked at Taynor with a smile.
"Promise you'll be careful…Got it?" - The man asked.
"I promise. And you promise that no matter what…I will see you all again." - The boy responded hopefully.
"You can count on that." - Cerigg said confidently and followed his peers.
Ryne was the last to enter. It was time to leave Crystarium behind. How exhilarating was it to imagine…This day might be the last day of fear for the people of Crystarium to fear. If they succeed and Ryne takes control of this creature, she will do all she can to destroy the end Emet-Selch and his quest for destruction. If so, their world will finally be free once and for all. If not, they will all perish in seconds, put to eternal sleep. Either way, it would be the end of all sorrows brought by light. A utopia…The fae world of "Eden" flashed in her head. Could Norvrandt ever become a true utopia? For now, freeing it from Emet-Selch's grasp will be enough.
Ryne looked up at her friends as they waited for their last comrade. It was time to take a seat.