Seeing the plaza again after all these transgressions…G'raha was truly happy, even if he didn't show it.
There was still a lot to do before he could feel relief. Adventurers stood behind him, successfully teleported from above. The Exarch saw little happiness in them coming home, and he understood why. To lose their comrade amidst the struggle and not even achieve a proper victory must have been painful, especially for those that have suffered so much. But they were a step closer.
"Why does it feel like we left for at least a day when it was just a few hours?" - Reeq asked with a saddened voice. When one goes through such trials, there is no wonder that the time would flow a little differently.
"We need to find Taynor…" - Granson said as he looked over the body of Cerigg he carried.
"Are you sure it's the best time? We can't just through his corpse on…Well, you know." - Reeq said, holding back his emotions and tears.
"Granson's right on this." - Giott noted. "Taynor will have to know. We might as well not hide anything from him.
"Is that…That's the Exarch!" - They were interrupted by an excited child's voice. Soon G'raha noticed two young boys running towards him, they were the only people on the plaza, surprisingly enough, but it was okay for now. The children would look at him with pure awe, ignoring even that one of the men near them held a corpse.
"Hello there." - G'raha smiled at them. There was no point in showing his worry and pain; these poor people had enough.
"No, that can't be the Exarch…" - One of them said.
"Why? Look at his hand! We just never seen his face before." - The second boy brimmed with hope.
"Yeah…I just didn't imagine him to be a mystel, but you're right! He's back, finally!" - The children ran around G'raha almost as if they were dancing. Nothing could contain their joy. G'raha understood that he was a beacon of hope for them over the last century, and even his failure now will not stop them from believing. There was nothing they needed more than some hope, and it was time to deliver.
"It's great to be back…And you can call me G'raha." - He said warmly as one of the boys pointed upwards to the north.
"Is that thing yours?" - He said with intrigue and excitement. "Is this the new flying tower?" - G'raha looked over only to see Eden rising above Crystarian gates. This creature was so different now…A graceful and tall white beast with its wings towering at the top. He hoped it did not scare people too much, but there was a lot to explain.
"It's a long story, but…" - G'raha began to speak, but soon his eyes caught a familiar face leaving the Crystal tower. Lyna was shocked at the sheer sight of the Exarch and rushed towards him.
"Why don't you go and tell your parents that we're back while we discuss something significant here?" - Giott looked at the children and said with some intimidation, eventually forcing them to walk off, not dropping their excitement even for a second.
"Soon, the whole town will now…" - Granson smiled faintly as he looked at those children.
"Exarch!" - Lyna rushed towards him; G'raha smiled.
"After all that happened…You're a sight for sore eyes, Lyna." - He responded.
The woman stopped before them, looking over the party. She quickly noticed Cerigg's corpse and Ryne's absence, which had her face change from joy to worry.
"What happened there? And what is this goddamn thing?" - She pointed at Eden.
"It's complicated, but I'll explain." - G'raha reassured her. "Let's go to the tower; I think we'd do without extensive attention."
…
The journey into the heart of Eden has ended better than it could have. Ryne understood this well.
She, of course, harbored some fear and uncertainty over sending G'raha and others to Crystarium and staying alone…Well, not exactly. The oracle wasn't alone, and this was her main worry. Not counting that Emet-Selch or Elidibus could try to return at any time, the ascian G'raha told her about was within the body of this creature, at its very heart. Still, Ryne knew what was right. Presence was necessary here. On the other hand, G'raha and her newfound adventurers would have a much more productive time instilling hope into people's hearts while deciding how to eliminate Eden.
Remaining in solitude for a few moments gave Ryne time to process what happened. As delighted as she was to see G'raha safe, Cerigg's death had the oracle shook. She had known him for a few days, but the bond he shared with Taynor was very familiar to her. He took a child under his wing and helped him get through the tragedies of his life and adapt to the changed reality. If Minfilia was not there, perhaps they could have become close sooner. Then again, we're she not "there" Ryne would be living in Eulmore, likely brainwashed and blind to the reality around her. Perhaps this was indeed the best way…
And Cerigg taught her another lesson. Ryne made it clear that she would not force or even ask anyone to follow her into the Empty. Cerigg had the most doubt, yet he agreed to journey into the battle. Whatever worries he had for leaving Taynor behind…How often did Thancred feel this with her? How much did he worry and had to put his dread aside? Poor Taynor…They all promised to return safe, what he will have to go through. She wanted to help him and try and comfort him in a tragedy she knew so well.
But the tears can wait. She had a duty to attend to if this world was finally safe. Ryne did not waste time alone. She exerted some control over the core and ultimately removed the aura around her. Now the girl could Roam Eden freely, but getting too far from the heart wouldn't be the best idea. Only there she could study the system of this creature with clarity.
Ryne closed her eyes. She put her hand in the core once again, trying to establish a connection with the power of light within. It was difficult; first, the beacon would flash before her gaze and immediately retreat into the dark abyss. She would eventually grow impatient but would quickly remember to restore her calm. Ryne tried to remember something else, a warm moment from her life, where the glimmer of peace and shape shone in her heart. Familiar words echoed in her mind.
"I'm glad you're back."
"You don't have to say that, you know…."
"But I want to. You're family. How else would I feel?"
Sweet, sweet relief. So recent and yet an eternity ago. She would never feel the whirlwind of emotions she felt that day, but perhaps there was no need…The memories of it would be enough to carry Ryne through whatever comes next. When the bright memory was unveiled, Ryne felt a connection. The light shone brighter, now clearly visible to her. She watched the beacon closely before finally becoming one step closer to taking control.
This being was a unique one. If they are strong enough, the memories could influence its infrastructure and empower one's element. In her case, the comfort and hope would make her connection with the powers of light easier to attain. But it also alerted her to the presence of darkness, which must have been Mitron. Eden was a creature of pure polarity between light and darkness.
And so, when Ryne grasped the light, it also alerted her to the opposing force. After all, Hades had unleashed in its core, the dark being was stronger, gaining substance and voice. Mitron watcher Ryne's every move, she had no doubt of that. In this, he opened some of his darkness as well…Perhaps she needed to keep the balance to not let Eden explode. Ryne carefully peered into the darkness, having another image appear before her mind.
"No matter how many times we are reborn, it is disorienting to have everything change around you. Even so, I immediately recognized your replenished soul. And I cling to the hope that one day you will likewise remember mine…You always were a forgetful one."
Ryne looked through the eyes, an ascian adrift in a realm of darkness. His words were spoken with care and even love, all directed at a mysterious figure in front. A dark-haired woman in similar robes, trying desperately to remember.
"I could never forget you. Try as I might."
After these words, Ryne felt the level of darkness slowly rising and immediately retreated from this vision.
"G…Ga…" - Ryne looked behind her only to see a dark portal before her. It was similar to Emet and Elidibus used but much weaker and barely stable. A silhouette emerged though it was a mere projection struggling to keep form. A man with dark skin and blonde hair, clad in the dark robes that lacked pauldrons, unlike those in Ryne's vision. His voice echoed with a glimmer of hope, but it had quickly perished when he looked upon Ryne. "Still here, then…" - He spoke in another whisper, slowly gaining more voice.
"You are Mitron, right?" - Ryne asked as she kept her distance.
"Yes, I am. The Exarch told you about me, I assume?" - He said with distaste.
"Haven't you listened to our every talk?" - Ryne had no trust for him.
"It all became fainter when you took over…And now you help me reawaken, even if temporarily. I assume this is unintentional…You're just playing with a toy too grand for your mind." - He scoffed at Ryne, but she barely cared about insults. She wasn't the one imprisoned here and dependent on others' help. "What did Exarch tell you about me?"
"Not much. He said you freed him in exchange for power, and with that power…He didn't say exactly, but likely nothing good." - Ryne responded honestly.
"He betrayed after I gave him another chance at life…No different from Emet-Selch, this G'raha." - His voice brimmed with hatred.
"Are you not with the ascians?" - Ryne became curious.
"What, after they left me to rot?!" - Mitron was agitated, but even ally switched his tone, realizing that Ryne knew little. The girl herself would appreciate talking to him while there was a chance. She wanted to understand him and see what he truly wanted…It seemed like his goals were not that of Emet-Selch. "I was one of those that caused the flood a century ago and thus became the first sin-eater, stuck in this husk for generations." - He said with a pained voice.
So this was the one who manipulated warriors of darkness. The one who brought so much pain to their world. Because of his actions, so many had to be sacrificed and live in fear and constant loss. Still, Ryne felt no hatred for him. Perhaps someone else would have, but Mitron seemed like a tormented being himself. He was punished just as much. To be imprisoned in this creature with no means to escape, abandoned by all his allies...There was no point talking about grievances now.
"And why didn't ascians help you?" - Ryne asked.
"They thought I was gone before they arrived here. And when I was finally able to speak with Emet-Selch, all I got in response was that freeing me would disturb the balance of light and endanger their mission." - He said with a cold tone of acceptance. "Such a glorious task to bring back those who sacrificed themselves for the cause…I suppose not everyone counts."
"I've heard your voice back there…You talked about finishing your job. How do you want me to trust you?" - Ryne inquired with worry and distrust.
"Not for Emet-Selch's cause…My condition has weakened the voice of our god, not I can think freely. Perhaps I will do it for the sheer satisfaction of seeing my long work finally bring some fruition. But that will be a long way off, for now, all I need is to find one soul…" - Mitron seemed emotional as he said those words, as if he grew so impatient that every second of waiting had become pure agony for him. "And only you stand in my way!" - Mitron launched a faint arrow of darkness at Ryne, which she easily deflected with protective light's aura. "Zodiark curse you…I don't have enough power…."
"I don't want to fight. All I'm trying is understand." - Ryne said calmly.
"To understand? Like Emet-Selch or Exarch did? You need me as a sin-eater for your own purposes; all your understanding is for naught."
"Is the one you seek a woman with black hair? Another ascian?" - Ryne asked the question burning in her mind for quite some time now. Mitron seemed shocked.
"How…Ah, I see. You must have peered into my memories along with the darkness. How rude of you." - He said with contained anger. Ryne did not quite understand the logistics of it. Was there another ascian looking in Eulmore, then? How many of them are there?
"Then why didn't she come and save you?" - The girl asked.
"She couldn't…Oh, how it pains to explain such things to a mortal." - Mitron looked up into her eyes. "She was my partner." - He said it with warmth and even love in his voice. "From the time before eons to the flood, our bond was unbreakable. So many times, we have lost each other and always found each other…Gaia was her name." - Ryne began to understand as she remembered Emet's words. Only three men escaped the sundering, but the ranks of ascians had many more schemers.
"You were sundered, then? Emet told me that most of you are broken souls…."
"Yes…Emet is one of the unsundered, as is Elidibus. For those like Gaia and me, the process has always been complicated." - He said as if thinking back to an excruciating period in his life. "We began our lives as shades, with no memory or knowledge of our past. I was but a petty criminal, a thief, before Emet-Selch found me and restored the memories of Mitron. From there, Gaia and I worked in this world together…Her soul was spared from becoming a sin-eater and entered a cycle of rebirth. I tried to come into contact with her, but my reach failed…She is somewhere in there. A mortal waiting to finally be reminded."
He spoke warmly of Gaia. That much was evident to Ryne. Mitron longed to finally see and talk to her again. Perhaps now Gaia lives a happy life as a soul reincarnated, but from Mitron's point of view, she was wounded and sundered soul that needed restoration and shared their memories. A thought came upon Ryne's mind, which Mitron might not have realized.
"If you truly want to see your partner again, then I am not the one standing in your way." - Ryne stated.
"Then who is taking control away from me and preventing darkness from blossoming?" - The ascian asked spitefully.
"All I want to do is save our world from destruction, and like it or not…It's Gaia's word too. Emet-Selch wants to erase it with all of us, including you and her." - Ryne tried to persuade him.
"Emet-Selch and his plans have not been too well recently…" - Mitron said thoughtfully. "But even if he was to win, he would reawaken other shards of me and Gaia generations later…One way or another, we will be together. If you want to convince me to stand with you against the unsundered while you tamper with my essence, you are more arrogant than you seem!" - Mitron said, almost prepared to launch another dark bolt, only for Ryne to stop him.
"And how are you sure it will be you?" - She asked, trying to catch Mitron out with seeming success.
"What are you talking about, child?" - He halted for a moment, and Ryne got his attention.
"If Emet-Selch awakes you in another era, that won't really be you, will it? It will be another soul with the same memories." - She slowly got him to the point.
"The…The crystals contain memories of all who bore the seat of Mitron since sundering." - Mitron parred, but he seemed to lack confidence.
"You say it yourself…It's memories." - Ryne made a step forward. "I lived with an essence of another woman for most of my life. I was destined to repeat her feats, to become her heir. I even had her spirit within me! But I was never truly her, and having to live with this…It was a nightmare. Perhaps now your interests align with Mitron of old times, but how do you know this will happen again? And if it does, will it truly be you…Or just a copy of you standing there and sharing all these moments you want so much?" - Ryne was exhilarated and surprised at the speech she had just conveyed. She felt so confident as she spoke that she got to Mitron's weak spot. The girl despised lies and manipulation, but she meant everything she said. "Emet-Selch will come here. He won't give up his attempts until all is lost for him. If this world dies, no one wins but him. You have some control over Eden. You have its darkness…Together we can fight him or Elidibus in here!" - Perhaps Eden could be preserved in some way…Mitron seemed doubtful, but Ryne's words clearly struck a chord with the ascian.
"And then…?" - He asked with some hope.
"If you stop pursuing this world's destruction and abandon the ascian cause, we can help you get free. I am sure Emet-Selch is not the only one who can restore darkness here. And we can help you find her…" - Ryne's words were naive, but she wasn't oblivious to it. The ascian might lie to her, might betray her down the line. Even if he goes with his words, what about Gaia? Will she want these memories restored? And if they are, will she follow other ascians or abandon them? There were many questions, but they were in case of their survival. Ryne will gladly help Mitron if he plays a part in saving this world. He already got his punishment.
"Very well…" - The ascian spoke gravely; his body soon dissipated before Ryne. The girl knew, however, that he was still present. The whispers echoed in her mind. "I will give you one chance. For Gaia's sake."
And so the bargain was struck.
…
Rarely before did the sight of ocular's walls bring G'raha much-needed peace. Over the century, it has quickly gone from being a welcome place of Solitude to G'raha's prison. Hidden from the world, living only for one duty, hiding his true identity…It pained him, especially during his first years. He was not alone here for the first time and had no secrets to hide.
Lyna was an attentive listener, taking all G'raha would tell her at his word. It was similar to heroic adventurers who would gladly listen to details of his capture. He told them everything, from the failure of his plan in Kholusia to the moment he was freed with the help of others. Lyna was visibly relieved, knowing that there was a small victory they had achieved against the ascians, allowing them some time to think about their next step. She listened with horror and hatred about the trials Emet-Selch has put Exarch through and the ascian plan for eradicating their world forever. She only knew about them from Ryne and G'raha, but the righteous anger in her eyes was enough for the Exarch. And three adventurers had enough reasons for resisting them. From the moment Elidibus killed Cerigg, it would have become personal.
"G'raha Tia…It'll take some time to get used to." - Lyna said with an awkward smile. She was clinging to what positivity they had now, avoiding the looming uncertainty. Perhaps she hoped that this expedition would be their finality. That it will lead either to salvation or oblivion. Them hanging by a thread was exhausting, and G'raha understood.
"You may take your time. Perhaps it would have served us all well to tell my name earlier." - G'raha did not reveal the truth about his origins or what Emet-Selch demanded of him. She will know later when the time is right, but Lyna would not even inquire for now. They all understood the imminent threat, and her trust in him was unshakable. The Exarch always appreciated it, even when questioning whether this was deserved.
"When that thing…Eden appeared; people were worried. And me too, a little. I wondered whether this was a welcome sign or another weapon of the ascians. Many were expecting it to unleash destruction, but it just stayed there, motionless…" - Lyna said.
"They deserve answers; I'll reveal all to them when they have gathered." - G'raha said firmly.
"Forgive me, but I don't think knowing that at any moment this thing can explode and destroy all of us will reassure them." - Lyna pointed out.
"We can't lie to them when the truth, quite literally, towers over them." - Granson pointed out. "It's a battle all of us might have to fight."
"I believe in Ryne." - G'raha responded to Lyna. "She is noble and resilient, she would give us hours to destroy Eden, and I do not intend to keep her there any longer than that." - He said confidently. Ryne was happy to do this for them, but she did not deserve this burden even if she felt otherwise. The Sooner they can free her, the better.
"If you believe in her, then so do I…" - Lyna said, trying to sound confident, but G'raha knew she was unsure.
"We should get to destroying it right now, then." - Reeq pointed. "Somehow, I don't think an arcane trap will work…."
"Not a regular one, but the tower might." - G'raha responded.
"The tower? You're not saying it's some kind of a weapon, are you?" - Giott wondered.
"Not exactly, but it can store energy within and keep it inside a prison with unbreakable walls." - G'raha said, thinking of how Emperor Xande used it in the old age. "Unlike other creatures of the light, Eden is under Ryne's control, and thus the question of luring it into our trap becomes obsolete." - The Exarch explained. "All we need is to prepare the tower and figure out how to get Ryne out there. It should not take too long…In theory."
"And the two bastards we fought in the empty?" - Granson asked.
"The ascian plan has come closer to being foiled than ever before, and they will not abandon it so easily." - G'raha said before turning to Lyna. "I will appreciate it if you begin gathering the people. Have the guard help you. There is an announcement in the waiting."
"At once. What will you do?"
"First of all, take up my crystal staff. Then, see what answers can the tower provide." - He said. The staff destroyed by Emet-Selch after their clash allowed a closer connection to the tower and its strength. G'raha had a copy stashed in his private cabinet for a day like this.
"I hope you'll find it sooner than they decide to intervene." - Lyna said with hope and walked towards the gates. As she exited, a young elezen boy was waiting at the entrance. Without even asking for permission, he rushed inside towards G'raha and adventurers. Lyna wanted to pursue him, but after the nearby guard whispered something to her, the woman decided to let him in and carry on with her duty.
"You've returned! I was looking for you ever since that thing flew above us!" - There was some worry in his voice, but the sheer excitement of seeing them return clouded it. These adventurers must have been his friends…If so, the news is not to be welcome. As he approached closer, dread emerged in his expression.
"Wait, where's Ryne…And…" - He noticed that Granson held a corpse of a very familiar man to him. The boy trembled in front of them and stood as if frozen. G'raha was pained to look at this. In one moment, his heart was broken into a million pieces. Seeing your friends die to protect you and others is an occasion for pride and sorrow.
"Well, Ryne is alive…" - Giott tried to reassure him, although it sounded somewhat awkward in the end.
"I'm sorry." - Granson spoke. "I am so sorry."
Taynor continued to look at Cerigg's body with a sense of mesmerizing obsession…He was petrified and broken, but he would continue to look. G'raha felt all this after waking up. He could not believe that they were gone; his subconscious would deny this until the moment they arrived at the Empty. Reeq would cautiously approach silent Taynor, gently putting a hand on his shoulder. The boy wouldn't resist. The archer held his hand to share some warmth and allow Taynor to feel that he was not alone.
"He was a hero to an end." - G'raha said with genuine pride. "If not for Cerigg, we might have never returned."
Granson and Giott walked towards Reeq and Taynor.
"W…What happened there?" - Taynor spoke meekly.
"Let's go outside, and we can tell you there…I feel like getting some fresh air." - Granson said, and others agreed. The adventurers slowly walked towards the door in complete silence. The knight was the last one to leave, and he threw a glance at G'raha. "I hope you find the answers. Not feeling like dying after all the fighting, you know?"
"We have never been closer to a victory, that I can promise you." - G'raha responded. "I shall make an announcement on the plaza when people have gathered, don't stray too far."
Granson nodded and disappeared, leaving G'raha in solitude. Only now was the ocular finally feeling familiar…And finally, G'raha was ready to act again. He has come a long way since the very moment he emerged along with the tower in this world. He was guided by heroism and legends about his hero. Perhaps this was not how this was supposed to end, but G'raha believed his mission could still be complete. After all...His light of inspiration would've told him to carry on with this battle until the very end.
It was time to claim the staff.
…
Nothing could fill Hades with pure anticipation as well as waiting for this world to finally fall.
This resilient, complex nuisance of a shard. He was naive to think that the next calamity could be forged quite quickly after the last. There was certainly a lesson to learn in all of this, and Emet would consider it when orchestrating annihilation on other worlds.
An hour has passed, and another…And a few more. Hades and Elidibus would not leave far. Both ascians remained in Lakeland, away from guard outposts but always keeping the sin-eater in sight. It remained static above Crystarian gates, still pulsating with light but not allowing it to break free. Eventually, this started to annoy Emet. He might have waited for years for this world to collapse, but now the victory was within their reach, and it would still take so much time…
Still, the implications of this have been even direr than simple delay. If Ryne could hold the creature back for so long, this meant that G'raha might get time to come up with counter-measures. He was not nearly as strong as Edwin, but the man was resilient and shrewd, qualities Emet-Selch respected and therefore was concerned about.
Elidibus would remain observant of the sin eater, not wishing to utter a single word. Counting time between the seconds was exhausting and not something ascian has often done. Still, they would have to forge a new plan ahead of G'raha.
"Looks like the oracle of light has been vastly underestimated…By both of us." - Emet-Selch said, having to admit to his own faults. It might have hurt his pride, but he always tried to remain objective.
"She gives this world all the more time to survive…To feed this beast at the cost of her own vitality. It is admirable." - Elidibus said with admiration as he gazed upon Eden.
"Yes, I understand that full well. Don't you think we should start to think about pushing her over the edge, or have you given up on your holiest of missions?" - Emet asked in a melancholic tone.
"I never stirred from my course, unlike you." - Elidibus responded, showing faint disapproval.
"Am I to expect these cryptic rambles without actually pointing out my faults to carry on, or is that about to change?" - Emet gave him a nudge.
"Had you disposed of the Exarch along with other scions, there would be no one to feed off Mitron's power and cause such chaos in the core. Had he not been there, Ryne and her comrades would have walked right into a perfectly set trap. I would have done all the necessary preparation and precaution, and Mitron would have never gained more power from your darkness. Is that direct enough?" - Elidibus said with his monotonous voice, yet Emet should swear he heard some spite in it.
"I will not deny that his involvement caused some complications, but I stand by my decision." - Hades said.
"And why would that be? You claim he is of importance, yet I see nothing but interference." - Elidibus turned towards Emet. "I did not take you for a liar."
"I speak nothing but the truth, and you should know better than anyone." - Hades said, thinking that the Emissary picked a horrible time to argue.
"Then why do you refuse to answer the question? If he is of importance, I must know-how." - Elidibus pressed on.
"Do you want me to focus on explaining every deal, or should we finish with this world first?" - Emet would not have it.
"I would hope for nothing more than rejoining, yet it would seem you have priorities other than our mission." - Emissary noted coldly.
"He is my…Our mission." - Emet replied, sighing in his realization that this would not go anywhere. Perhaps Elidibus was right. Maybe he deserved to know, as the only other ancient left. But how would he react? He was the heart of Zodiark, an extension of his will, and would a primal want to undo its entire existence? This he did not know, but there would be time for these questions…Later. "We must focus on the present; we don't want to be thrown a few centuries back. Did you not say the same thing to me? I know you wanted to use the Exarch to our advantage, is it right? Then surely you must understand…."
"Indeed, but I do not hide it from you. I assume you know what I intend to do." - Elidibus pointed. This was true, Emet knew.
"With his return, the people of Crystarium shall regain hope again…The hope that will fill your primal heart." - Hades said.
"Yes, indeed. There should be no secrets between us…But I suppose you are right; we must focus on the present. I shall take Crystarium upon me. The energy of light I will emit shall serve as a fitting beacon for the creature." - Elidibus said.
"Finally ready to act? I applaud you, but as you cause your little mayhem in the city…You know what I would ask of you." - Hades said. Elidibus couldn't help but scoff at this insinuation.
"Very well…I shall leave him alive." - The Emissary said. "And what of you? You would not patiently wait for me to finish our job here, will you?" - Elidibus asked, but Emet had an answer for him. The Emissary would provide a catalyst for the eater to unleash its energy, responsive to chaos and light spreading right before it. Emet could undertake only one task, and that was to finally remove the barrier…Now that the creature had risen, there was little need for her to carry on her meddling.
Ryne had to be dealt with.