Edwin taught G'raha many important lessons, one of which was to never give up hope. Today he was reminded of its vitality.
When Elidibus cornered them, the Exarch felt fearful for a few moments. He should have prepared better, came up with a plan, and destroyed Eden by this point. Their salvation came before he could put any of his more desperate ideas to use, but at a horrific cost.
After Elidibus left, Ryne's new body slowly became a girl he knew very well. She stood on her knees, breathing heavily after utilizing so much of Eden's power. G'raha approached her, looking with care and hope. He was not yet ready to celebrate victory, not before they went through what happened.
"Ryne, are you alright?" - He asked, putting his hand forth for her to take. The girl looked up and, before G'raha reacted, rushed to give him a tight hug.
"It's you…It's really you!" - She was excited as if she had just left a very draining nightmare. "Thank the stars, you're all alive."
Finally, G'raha was able to smile. He kneeled and hugged Ryne as well.
"Of course we are…Could there be any other way?" - He said with relief. As he felt Ryne's warm touch, there was comfort, the one hardly described with words. She was there with him, witnessed the terror G'raha did. They have both gone hopeless just recently, only at this moment to find hope again. Two tears rolled down G'raha's cheeks; he finally knew that this torment was not without its reward that made it worth fighting for.
Adventurers gathered, looking at Ryne with intrigue and worry; what she told Elidibus must have weighed heavily on her, as it did on G'raha. Taynor was the first who stepped forward, gazing at Ryne he got acquainted with a few days ago. He smiled with pride.
"Hi." - Ryne said quietly, looking at Taynor. She had much to tell but didn't know where to start. "I'm sorry about Cerigg if I…."
"They told me about him…And I'm proud." - Taynor said as tears rolled down his cheeks. "He died the hero he always was…And you. You are a hero too." - He told her with admiration. "Nyelbert would be proud if he knew there are people like you continuing the battle…I think he knows anyway." - Taynor looked up to the sky as a few more tears dropped from his eyes.
"I…Thank you!" - Ryne said a little awkwardly with excitement, trying to take a compliment as best as possible. Taynor was obviously thinking of embrace but wasn't sure whether Ryne would want it. The girl wasn't oblivious to that too.
"Oh, come here already!" - Ryne exclaimed and hugged Taynor. The boy smiled and did the same. Looking at them, G'raha felt hopeful for the future of this world. Both of them have gone through unimaginable horror and trauma, one no one their age should experience. And yet they still lived, laughed, and hoped, taking utmost pleasure in the moment of their reunion. What was this, if not a sign to all who suffer, that all was not yet lost?
"Are we going to turn this into a Ryne-hugging contest?" - Reeq said with sarcasm when he approached. "I won't stand for it…If I'm not next." - He winked at Ryne and Taynor, soon getting pushed lightly by Giott.
"Your next "lesson of life" should be learning to be more patient than a hungry sin-eater." - Dwarf scoffed jokingly while Granson approached Ryne. The girl noticed him; both she and G'raha saw pride and relief.
"You know when I first saw you…You know, when Lyna carried you unconscious, I realized that you've gone through some stuff. Probably worse than you needed to." - Granson recounted. "But when I first spoke to you, I knew there was more than this pain, a lot more. And considering you went from stumbling awkwardly around the city to saving our world in less than a week, I'd say I was right."
G'raha was impressed that they could forge bonds in such a short time, perhaps another lesson to learn for him.
"I would've never succeeded without all of you." - Ryne proudly said.
"Good to know we're still good for something."
In a few moments, when all had their chance to talk to Ryne and say their piece, it was time to get to the heart of the matter. G'raha stood in front of adventurers, hoping that she had not done anything irreversible, though his heart suggested that this hope was pointless.
"What happened there?" - G'raha asked. "I know Emet-Selch came and considering what you've told to Elidibus…Well, I'd hear it from you directly."
Ryne nodded and began her tale.
"I was preparing for the ascians to come, and in the process attracted Mitron's attention…We talked, I tried to understand him, and we came to an agreement." - The girl recounted.
"Doesn't sound very trustworthy…" - Reeq pointed out.
"I was thinking that too, but there wasn't much choice. We tried to balance Eden when Emet-Selch arrived to disturb us." - She said with slight trembling.
"Someone should've stayed, leaving you alone with them…" - Giott said with disgust for the ascians in her voice.
"We made the right choice; it would have complicated it a lot more. We fought against him, but we just delayed the inevitable. Stopping him wasn't in our powers, not separately…."
"Separately?" - Taynor said with surprise, trying to assume what happened next.
"And who was Artemis? Am I correct in assuming it is Mitron's true name?" - G'raha asked, receiving a nod from Ryne.
"Yes, and saved me more than once there. Eventually, however, Emet-Selch killed him…But not before he could transfer remnants of his spirit to me." - Ryne declared.
"And that's where the form comes from." - Granson realized.
"I received some of his talents and abilities and memories…But most importantly, I received balance. His dark power submitted to be and allowed to come in contact with all of Eden." - Ryne stumbled slightly, looking around. "Now that I said it out loud, it sounds too complicated…There was only one way to keep the balance permanently and resist Emet-Selch. I had to unleash all its powers. This meant merging with the core." - She smiled with regret. Adventurers were quick to ponder the ramifications of this.
"But…You still managed to leave, right? You separated somehow." - Taynor said.
"Not entirely…I am still in Eden; I am Eden. It's an extension of my will, sort of. As is this avatar. My real body has been consumed by light; this is just a projection from Eden's energy, which will only last for so long…" - Finally, all fell in its place.
The silence has fallen on the plateau as adventurers realize that their newfound friend has given her mortal life away to defend them and protect this world. Emet-Selch must have promised her much, just like he did with G'raha. But she chose this repressive fate over a new life. G'raha brimmed with sorrow for such a young life giving away her freedom and pride for how far she had gone. Perhaps Edwin was not the only hero he could look up to after all…Heroes were among the people, coming from where few would expect.
"But does this mean…We won't see you again?" - Taynor spoke in a rumbling voice.
"Well, I'll be able to manifest an avatar once in a while…."
"And what will you do between those times?" - Granson inquired.
"I'll stay in Eden, maintaining the balance…And there is some exploration to do."
"All alone? Even in this messed up world, that's unfair!" - Reeq clenched his fist.
"Sometimes it falls to us to make this world fair…" - G'raha said silently and looked at Ryne with pride. He could've said that they could have found another way, could have saved her, could have avoided this sacrifice. But he knew that they could not, and all he could do was respect Ryne's decision like he did.
"You are a true hero, Ryne." - G'raha began. "When we were in Amaurot, seeing our friends fall…I felt hopeless for the first time in a century. So much work, years of preparation, all have been made futile. So I believed, and I was proven wrong. As long there is as much as one soul still carrying on their battle, nothing is futile. You granted them the best honor anyone could…Our friends may be gone, but they will never die. Not while their work, their goal, and aspirations still live. It is an honor to know you, Ryne, to fight alongside you, and I promise, one day, we will find a way to set you free."
"Thank you, but I don't know if it is possible…."
"Many thought saving this world was impossible. Look at them now." - He responded firmly, causing Ryne to smile before she could collect herself.
"It's not over yet. Emet-Selch and Elidibus escaped, and even without Eden, they are dangerous…But at least we have time." - Ryne seemed to have an idea. "I will give you even more. Just make sure that the battle is still carried on." - She asked of G'raha.
"With pride and pleasure." - G'raha was confident that whatever came, they would be able to fight it. Now the hope was restored to their realm, and there were no limits to it. He felt Ryne's essence become weaker. It was time.
The girl looked over at her friends for the last time. Tears fell off the faces of these proud warriors, for this moment hurt worse than any wound. G'raha pained for Ryne. He felt pride for her, felt hope for their city, and was still uncertain about their future…But this was the beauty of it. He felt once again so many emotions and hopes to rush through his head, and every second was worth it.
"Thank you…For making me want to live again." - Ryne said before a portal of light opened behind her. She disappeared inside.
Before any more words could be said, G'raha witnessed the true wonder of Eden. The sin-eater glowed once again, creating a dome of light so large it covered the whole of Crystarium. Now G'raha understood what she meant by giving them more time.
…
"People of Crystarium…" - When G'raha and others returned to the plaza, they had left their covers again. They were in shock and awe, looking at the damaged plaza and tower gates. Only a few dead…Lyna and the guards helped to collect the bodies. There were tears, gasps, and wonders. All were expecting a message from the Exarch. They gazed above at the bright yellow aura surrounding Crystarium. Eden remained underneath it, getting closer to the tower.
"My heart pains for those we lost today, but I am happy to announce..." - the Exarch sighed with relief. "We won." - He said sharply, followed by a loud cheer from some people; adventurers stood among them. Others, however, were far less confident and wanted an explanation. "The ascian that intruded our home has been expunged from this city and the creature above us. We feared that it might unleash its light power, but I assure you, it has been stabilized. For this, I want to thank Ryne, the only survivor of our encounter with Emet-Selch…" - G'raha looked up with a smile. Was she listening? If so, he hoped she shared his pride in this victory. "Through her valiant sacrifice, she became one with Eden and has put it under control. The aura above you is created by her; it will make it much harder for ascians to interfere once again.
"They are not gone, then?" - A troubled voice echoed from the crowd.
"No, not yet. They have retreated after our counter-attack and weren't seen afterward." - G'raha responded honestly, knowing that people would be wary of their return, but their plans were foiled in all possible ways. One day, they will come up with another scheme, G'raha had no doubt. Too bad that defenders of Crystarium will meet them with resistance twice as mighty. "But I assure you, if there was anything I've learned about them in times of my resistance is that they are not even near omnipotent. They tried to consume this world with a destructive flood, but they failed. They attempted to resume the process by creating lightwardens, and Vauthry, they failed. Even when trying to annihilate our world with the most powerful sin-eaters, they failed. This does not mean that they are not powerful or lack in their thought, but it does mean that whatever they put against the people…We will always fight and continue to live on despite their best efforts. Not without sacrifice or sorrow, but the true joy never comes without them. I believe in you, each and everyone, to keep believing and dreaming…That is what our heroes died for." - G'raha was never good at speeches, but he genuinely felt compelled to speak, unlike before the clash.
As the cheers followed, the Exarch was glad that he could bring them some measure of peace and comfort. He would soon come out and see how his people fared; there was still a lot of work. The relatives of those who died would need the proper honors and burials for their brethren. He would have to keep the morale as night as possible.
But for now, G'raha yearned for a moment of respite. He entered the ocular and sighed as he was left in solitude. This time, he welcomed it, for there were no fears and worries in his mind, just a moment of serenity he could cherish. G'raha sat near the wall as the tower's energy filled him. Back to normality…The scions are gone, the ascians are hidden, and he remains alone as the sole leader of this city. All except one thing.
The calamity was undone.
The goal he had ever since being sent here, saving the world from the tyranny of light and paving the way for a different, noble future, the dream even Emet-Selch shared…Was complete. And yet he was still there. G'raha expected any moment to be his last, waiting for his fabric to unravel, but he persisted. Was it because his duty was not yet over? Was it because the calamity was still ahead, and the ascians were already planning another plot? Or was it because…This was improbable, but G'raha couldn't throw the thought from his head. What if he did succeed but instead created a parallel timeline? What if its existence now was utterly independent of the reality he came from, and would this mean that he was…Free to live. Did this mean Emet-Selch could live in Amaurot if he went through with his plan? G'raha had no answers. He only knew that either way, their words cannot rest easy while the unsundered are free to scheme. Until they are exterminated or have seceded, there can be no peace for any remaining shards. This is a battle they might have won, but the war was far from over. Something told him they would meet with Emet-Selch once again and continue their previous conversation.
"My lo…G'raha." - The Exarch looked up as he saw Lyna entering the ocular. She quickly noticed that he was concerned and deep in his thought, causing the woman to slightly back off. "Ah, apologies if I'm interrupting. Should I come later?"
"Oh, no, not at all…I'll be glad to have you by my side." - G'raha said as Lyna approached him.
"Seeing you without the cape…It feels strange, but I must say I like it." - She complimented him. G'raha saw she had questions to ask, just as he had something to tell. "So…" - Lyna began. "Will you tell me your story, G'raha Tia?"
G'raha smiled and welcomed Lyna to sit beside him.
"Yes, with great pleasure."
…
Another day, another turn, another cycle.
Ryne needed no sleep anymore, it would just weaken her grip over Crystarium and make Eden vulnerable, but she liked to dream from time to time. To deject from the creature's infrastructure and just…Think. To muse about what has passed, to wonder whether the battle against darkness will continue soon or whether she could ever feel the pure joy of freedom. The core was a lonely place. Thoughts of clashes that once ranged here would often make Ryne see this place as if it was…Alive.
In truth, there was nothing to be found here except her own thoughts and feelings. The balance Ryne maintained every day kept Eden pacified and void of any activity. It would become tiresome from time to time, but Ryne knew how horrible the alternative to that was. Now she could hear Eden's cries and echo. Even when the slightest disturbance in the balance occurs, the oracle would know.
Her first few days were the most depressing. She would say goodbye to her friends and disappear back into the core, creating the dome over Crystarium. And then…There was nothing left to do. Restoration of power would take a few days. She could not even make an avatar to travel into the city. Ryne felt like a sin-eater like Mitron must have felt for a century now that she was bound to Eden. Nobody, no freedom, all given away for this creature. She would try to stop thinking about her friends and focus on something mundane, look over celestial drawings in great detail, try to change Eden's structure…But whatever she did, her thoughts would come back to being with her friends.
The feeling dissipated over time; Ryne accepted that she was no longer an independent person but a being not unlike ascians. She had power at her disposal and the responsibility to hold her post over the city. It felt so quiet…So empty. Nothing but distant echoes of this creature. Perhaps there would be tears of loneliness shed had Ryne maintained a natural body rather than an occasional avatar. Her only solace was that the oracle had power over the core to commence visual invocations, so she did.
Ryne would often create an image of majestic Il Meg around her along with an avatar body for her. She would walk near empty plains, gazing upon the ruined castles far away, atop the rocky mountains and beneath the boundless lakes. And as she walked across this place, she would ponder what present and future alike held for her friends. She could watch them from time to time, and these moments were Ryne's blessing.
She watched with admiration as G'raha Tia assumed his role as a protector of this city. How he instilled hope in people's hearts, making them believe that ascians were not unbeatable. Ryne and G'raha might have known it, but looking at it from the point of view of a simple citizen, it would be hard to not view beings that brought most of their world to extinction as omnipotent. G'raha would not hesitate to take burden after burden, always being there to inspire in the moments of doubt, comfort them in the moments of sorrow, and make them proud in the moments of success.
All the while being bound to the Crystal Tower, quietly fulfilling his duty. There was much in common between them, especially now. Now that Ryne knew his bizarre yet inspiring origin, she could put things into perspective. The Exarch was a mask G'raha put on as he served for a century, waiting for Edwin and scions to come. Only atop mount Gulg was he able to finally drop this disguise, if only for a moment. Now there was no secret of his identity, at least to those close to him. People knew his name. Ryne could only wonder how many knew of his true origin. But as the time passed, more and more would open their eyes, yet this would not stop them from embracing G'raha as their idol.
And even without them, he was not alone. The incredible band of adventurers Ryne made friends with have been there to help him. Perhaps this mission allowed them to become something more than mercenaries and adventurers for hire. They became true heroes who defied the flood of light and dark schemers behind them. Every time Ryne's gaze followed them, she wondered what she would see. Will it be Lue-Reeq giving lessons in archery to young aspirants? Giott having another drink before a long day of adventures? Granson guarding Crystarium patiently along with Lyna? Or perhaps it would be Taynor, practicing his spells, slowly increasing the skill. He steadily turned into a powerful mage, just like his old friend was. Ryne only hoped that she would be able to be there with them…
Sometimes she was. Her powers would be enough to create an avatar and journey to Crystarium for a few hours every few days. Every coming was an event. Of course, people who saw her would want to ask questions about Eden, ascians, and what she went through. The girl would answer to the best of her abilities, but this wasn't the reason she came.
Her first return was on the day when Cerigg and other dead were buried. She wanted to be there with Taynor in this challenging moment, put a hand on his shoulder, and be someone he could open up to. It was the same with allowing G'raha to open up to the one who came closest to him in all misfortunes, helping Reeq and his disciples by showing them her new skills. Each visit was bliss, even if it was never enough to say everything she wanted, to hear every detail…But only together could they continue to live in happiness under the aura of light…Sometimes it was easy to forget that agents of chaos were still lurking out there.
Emet-Selch and Elidibus did not show themselves after both were vanquished in Crystarium. The dome Ryne created was of pure light, and while not restricting movement for ordinary citizens, those infused with the power of darkness would be met with enormous resistance. Even should they get in, Ryne would sense their presence immediately. The fact that they did shouldn't have been surprising. They would not walk directly into a trap. The aura worked as a way to give time to herself and G'raha before they would be ready to face the dark schemers once again.
Still, from time to time, Ryne would feel a faint dark presence…A fleeting shade emerged before her and dissipated immediately. They must have been staying in the areas of Tempest and Amaurot far beyond Ryne's reach. But every time they stepped upon Norvrandt, they left another trace, another piece of the puzzle. Ryne was bracing herself for another encounter with Emet-Selch. She knew that the ascian would never forget this defeat. And despite all they had done, Ryne tried her best to let go of disdain. All she told Emet-Selch still held up, but now it was something more. With Mitron's essence, some of his memories passed onto Ryne as well, allowing him to witness the ascian tragedy through something more than words and replicas.
Mitron's life was one of wonder and discovery. Ryne loved to occasionally peer into his memories and witness another fragment of his being. Artemis held the office of the chief researcher of aquatic flora and fauna, and thus he was one of the most respected members of the Akademia. This was the place most memories alluded back to; it would seem the ascian spent much of his time there. So many novel yet familiar creatures, many Ryne witnessed in the tempest, including those resembling Ondo. His most exciting memories were shared, however. The same dark-haired woman Ryne saw in her visions, another from the convocation, under the title of Loghrif…
This bond continued past the sundering. The oracle witnessed how even after the catastrophe, Loghrif and Mitron were raised together by Emet-Selch. How they finally recognized each other in the darkness. Through Artemis's memories, Ryne saw how he and Gaia worked together to bring a flood of light unto the first. How the fabled warriors of darkness have been manipulated into becoming tools of their chaos. She witnessed the moment of Eden's birth, too. The blade of light pierced Mitron and doomed him to this pitiful existence, separating him from his beloved. A horrific fate, one Ryne wouldn't wish on her worst enemy. She shared his pain, perhaps a little too much.
This brought Ryne to the most unique and perhaps worrying change Mitron's essence brought to her. When she thought about this woman, Gaia…Ryne felt a connection. She has only seen her in dreams, yet each time was complete with a sense of familiarity. Each time Ryne peered into her azure eyes, she yearned for more…Much more. Ryne has never thought about finding love. Her lack of experience and sheltered life would add to that, not to mention that most women wouldn't be interested anyway. However, Artemis's passion for Gaia re-emerged in her, even if it was fainter. Ryne wanted to see her, hold hands, and "make her remember" whatever that even meant.
One day, the oracle found her. A lone teenage girl in Eulmore. Her long black hair and clothing made the girl quite distinct from anyone else, and her rebellious and occasionally headstrong attitude. She wasn't named Gaia, but her appearance was remarkably similar to the woman Ryne followed in her dreams. Ryne wanted to contact her but had no idea what to do next. Unlike her or Mitron, she was a person, free to enjoy this life as she wished. If Mitron succeeded, this life would be snatched away from her. She would be forced into another cycle of being torn between her life and the one she lives now. Some secrets are better left unearthed…
Still, Ryne longed for a connection with Gaia or anyone else. She wanted to feel once again, even if it would be terror or sorrow. For all her musings and memories, Ryne would slowly be drained of her humanity for every day spent inside this prison. Her once vibrant feelings would become bleak, only resurfacing once she left Eden. Ryne started to think less of her friends and more about keeping the balance, not for any higher purpose, but because it became her instinct and calling. A monotonous work, from light to darkness, from hour to hour. She felt less need to create an avatar for her own body. Perhaps the oracle could mask her pain, but as she stopped thinking about going back, Ryne wondered…
Was Eden still an extension of her will, or has she become its puppet?
She didn't want to know the answer, but in time, she knew she will. Ryne still hoped that G'raha would find a way to separate her from this being once its protection would no longer be required, but she wouldn't count too much on it. Even Mitron was never entirely free from Eden, and unlike her, he only needed one element to separate. Perhaps it was for the best…There was no point thinking about separation before the ascian scheme was undone. Now Ryne knew who their opponent was, the two unsundered and their god who lies dormant on the Source's moon. And they will strike again. But Ryne preferred to stay true to her word, no matter how hard it would be.
She won't allow them to take any more innocent lives.
…
Emet couldn't have imagined that he would despise being in Amaurot that fervently.
Of course, this replica was always an aching memory for Hades, reminding him of a world he could not save, that he still can't save. The ghostly figures marching around, vastly taller than the ascian's current self, would exist in simultaneous fear and hope. Fear that their plan shall fail that the hell shall break lose again tomorrow. Hope that lord Zodiark will bring them the deliverance they so yearn for.
Hades lived with hope, though it became fainter with every year and now every day. He wanted to see them all again…Hermes, Gaia, Artemis, Hytlodaeus, all who gave themselves away for Zodiark, but that was impossible. It was easier to think that rejoining was their only option, a thought Hades could not return to after learning about G'raha Tia and his transgressions. Immediately he started seeing flaws in his vision for the future. Emet-Selch might have believed that justice and peace would reign supreme after rejoining, but was it the case?
Hephaestus, who toiled just as hard for their world, would never reap what he has sown; despite all their bickering, Emet never denied that he deserved it just as much. Themis would never be able to separate from Zodiark entirely and become the man he once was. Sundered amaurotines, including those in the convocation, might never regain their identity. And those who would be free from Zodiark? Would they be able to live in a world where such atrocities were committed in their name? What if they would see unsundered as equal? What if their friends and family cannot be brought back? And the world itself risked becoming a wasteland after all remaining calamities…This seemed like an acceptable price to pay for a fraction of their people being brought back, but not when Hades knew of an alternative. Yet G'raha was beyond his reach…All Hades could do now was wait.
Waiting became a routine for Emet. He strolled past the nearby phantoms, like an invisible ghost in their eyes. Being in a city full of voices and talk, yet remaining alone…How familiar has this feeling become? He was not complaining; he'd rather spend time in the company of ghosts rather than mortals.
Yet this place should have been long gone by now, and this was the most painful reminder.
Both Ryne and G'raha Tia managed to slow their progress and jeopardize the rejoining. With Edwin and his strongest allies deceased, Hades hoped that using the first sin-eater would be smooth in ending this shard, but even this weapon was lost. Ryne stabilized it and put a protective aura above Crystarium. Both Emet and Elidibus had trouble entering. The creature itself had become stable, and they did not know how to disturb it once again. The defeat at Crystarium proved catastrophic for the ascians. All they did ever since were minor manipulations in hopes of sowing chaos, but this would barely lead anywhere.
Hades thought back to the moment Ryne expunged him from the sin-eater…He underestimated her. All began with Hades treating Mitron as a failure and a nuisance, allowing him to pull one last gambit. What Ryne has done was heroic, and the ascian could not deny it. He could accept such spirit from Edwin, but she was a child who ventured into the heart of the empty, watched over the creature alone, and stood up to him. All of which culminated in her sacrificing herself for the greater good…This was the spirit of an amaurotine.
These pondering would never leave Hades. And that is why these phantoms became disguising to him. There was much Hades wanted to share with his friends, colleagues, and loved ones…But there was nothing but silence or echoing ancient words. From time to time, Hades would come to the nearby bureau where those who agreed to sacrifice themselves awaited their call. Among them was the only shade that managed to retain some of its sense…All due to the high regard Hades held him in. Yet still, he would sit and look at the wall in silence, ignoring Emet's gaze. The ascian would avoid talking to Hytlodaeus; after all, this was still a simple extension of himself, even if more sensible, but from time to time, he wondered…Would he approve of what they were doing?
Emet's musings were interrupted by a portal opening, from which the Emissary emerged. There was no mask to cover his face, so Emet could see his emotions…Granted, Elidibus did not hide them. There was the agony of a thousand years in his eyes, and his smile was rarely ever seen. The ascian looked like he would ignore Emet-Selch if he could, but he knew the questions that would follow.
"How goes your hunt?" - Hades asked, having Elidibus turn around.
"The mercenaries foiled my plan moments before our agent could transform." - Elidibus responded with newfound anger. "These degenerates…"
"Zodiark curses them. These heroes are far more annoying than they have any right to be." - Emet shook his head.
"Really? Well, if this is the moment you finally noticed it, you definitely need more interactions with them." - Elidibus retorted, avoiding Emet's eyes.
"Your attempts at biting back are hardly impressive. Shall I remind you how many operations have I conducted in the last few weeks?" - Hades pointed out.
"Before either of us conducts a single successful one, all words are meaningless."
Over the last days, Elidibus grew bitter, very atypical for someone of his calm demeanor. Hades knew that he was angered by refusing to tell about his discussions with G'raha. Emet wanted to say to him, but he knew that such thoughts would only serve to distract from his mission, something they could not afford for now. The Emissary sat on one of the large benches, teleporting himself up; he was clearly drained physically and mentally.
"You shall take the next one, Emet-Selch, and be grateful that I still choose to put my trust in you." - He said bitterly. This could not continue.
Hades grew annoyed with his performances, especially amidst such a turbulent period. He let out an annoyed sigh before teleporting and sitting near Elidibus.
"I do not know whether you are even attempting to conceal your distress, but you are hardly doing it well in either case. If you have something to say to me, then do it." - He said sternly, and the Emissary turned towards him with sore eyes.
"What can I tell you that is not right before your eyes? With every step we make towards the rejoining, we only stray further from our course." - Elidibus said with pain.
"Do the eons of our endless battle elude your memory? How much labor would each shard require?" - He tried to remind Elidibus of their past.
"But not like this…Lahabrea is gone, many of our sundered gone, and some even betray us to pursue a life in this world…."
"Are you talking about Mitron? You should not take his actions as an indication; his imprisonment must have corrupted his mind and made him obsessed with Gaia. Only in insanity would he choose to abandon Amaurot for this ghastly world." - Emet said with confidence. The last incarnation of Mitron was a disgrace he would instead expunge from their history altogether.
"But what if he saw something that we simply…Do not." - Elidibus wondered.
"Pardon?"
"You have seen the child, the oracle of light, seen what she did…" - Elidibus said with doubt.
"I have not expected her to be as powerful, but this is far from our only setback." - Emet rationalized.
"Yet she sacrificed herself…Became a part of a creature that slowly shall consume her identity. She was so young, even by their standards. And yet she chose to put others above herself, her world's future before her momentary pursuits…And yet she's sundered while we are whole." - Ryne's sacrifice would weight on Elidibus's mind even more, and Hades understood why.
"Do not flatter that child. What she did is deserving of some respect, but had she not made this sacrifice, her world would have been annihilated. She saw a choice between crippled life and no life at all and opted for the former."
"Is that not the same choice Themis made?"
These words shook Emet up to the depths of his soul. No matter how much Elidibus's memory deteriorated, there were moments he would never forget. The choice that defined his life up to this very moment. A young man, eager to do good…Grew up with tales of heroes and adventurers, wanting to, one day, become a hero of his own. Through sacrifice, he became more than a hero; he became an idol, a god of darkness…Only to lose most of what made him Themis.
"Listen, comparing yourself to her is simply…."
"And why is that so? As an Emissary, I decided to give up life and freedom to save Amaurot from dreadful beasts…She did the same, guided by the same idols, same inspiration. Facing monsters just as ferocious…We are those beasts." - He said before looking away. All his anger and sorrow could finally be let out; Hades was pained from watching his only fellow amaurotine doubt.
"It is…It is alright to doubt." - Hades said, gaining Elidibus's attention. "I have my doubts resurface every other century, those pesky beasts."
"That you of all people…."
"Yes, it may not seem like it, but there is much I didn't share with you or Lahabrea…And I am certain that situation is identical for the two of you." - Emet's voice broke a little, contemplating whether to recount a story that burdened him up to this day. "The last time for me was when I, as Solus zos Galvus, had my first son…Marcus. How I watched him grow from boy to man, from squire to proud warrior, the true Emperor in the making. He would be a glorious leader, much more than that failure of an Empire deserved. Until one day…He fell victim to the plague. Such noble soul among the sundered, yet his life was cut short by one gentle push from nature…" - Hades said as a single tear dropped from his eyes, noticed by Elidibus.
"Would you not try and reclaim his soul from the stream?" - The Emissary wondered.
"Zodiark knows I tried…But it was gone too fast before I could reach him. He will be reborn without any memories or recollections of his achievements…Do you see?" - Emet slowly brought him to the point. "Tragedy of sundered comes not just from malice, but from frailty. Yes, there might be some among them who possess noble hearts and aspirations; I have met my share of such beings…Yet their existence is fleeting. Their weak bodies and souls fall to nature, swords, and plagues, only to be reborn as someone drastically different from who they were. They might become a monster in their next life, all because, for them, the stream is erasure…For us, it is renewal. The renewal we would bring them with our mission." - Emet spoke with passion, looking at an enthralled emissary. "We are the only ones who can bring them this deliverance, and so we shall. You sacrificed your life and future for this goal. Unlike these faulty caricatures, you are able to retain your goal for hundreds of generations." - Hades put his hand on Elidibus's shoulder as he saw tears falling from the Emissary's eyes. "You are the last true hero that this world still has."
"I…" - Elidibus said with relief; he could see Emet swelling with pride, all of which transferred to him. "Thank you, Emet Selch…You are right. That is our purpose, our mission." - He seemed much more confident of his course now, but his joy would still change to distrust as he wiped his tears. "And still…You hide something from me." - He said. "What was it you wanted from the Exarch?" - He asked calmly; this was far from the best time for such an answer.
"I…Not now, apologies." - Hades had to respond.
"As I thought." - Elidibus said with a regretful smile but no sign of surprise. "But can you at least tell me why are you hiding the truth? You can do that much for our cause." - Emissary pleaded; refusing him outright would be to betray all words said by Emet earlier; he would have given an honest response.
"I do not know whether you shall accept it." - Emet said sternly. Elidibus maintained his disposition.
"Just as I expected, then…I suppose I should be content with something, especially before we separate."
"Separate?" - Emet seemed confused. What did he mean?
"Ah…" - Elidibus seemed to realize that there was something he did not tell Hades yet. He raised his head, seemingly thinking about something important. "I need to visit the Source."
"And why is that? Our attention is in higher requirement here." - Emet pointed out as he crossed his hands.
"It's about a dream…A vision I keep having for days, slowly becoming clearer. I am afraid it reflects reality." - Elidibus said with some worry. Emet grew intrigued. He knew they had to work with the first after agreeing that Source's chaos would play into their hands. If Elidibus changed its course, it must be of importance.
"What are you seeing?"
"I see Garlemald in ruins…The chaos has broken out, and the Empire is no more. It is surrounded by hatred and pain as the clouds darken over the world. And among the rubble and ruin, there is only one man at the heart of this horror and collapse. Zenos yae Galvus." - Elidibus recounted. That much Emet expected, there was no way for Garlemald to prosper with Zenos at its helm.
"That was part of our scheme, wasn't it?"
"There is more…Something that Zenos cannot be capable of." - Elidibus continued. "The garleans have been enthralled, tempered, even. They have created a tower in place of the imperial palace, and now it pulses with pure darkness and chaos…" - He spoke with honesty. It would seem something alarming was occurring on the Source. "Worse still, minor towers are spreading through every region of the world…And I do not know their purpose. All I hear is a call…A call of chaos, plunging our world into oblivion. I am an Emissary; you know what my duty is." - He concluded.
Emet nodded; the tale seemed genuine and, if so, worth investigating. He expected a civil war amongst the Empire, with many legions beginning their conquest simultaneously. This would be a perfect opportunity had they met any success first.
"Will you watch over this world in my absence?" - Elidibus asked.
"Most certainly. If anyone can bring that mess of a world some semblance of balance, that honor will be yours." - The ascian said firmly, giving him the blessing.
"Then I would set off immediately. I'm afraid I avoided this for far too long." - Elidibus created a dark portal, ready to be teleported to Source through Chrysalis.
"Wait." - Emet stopped him at the last moment.
"Yes? Anything I should know?" - Elidibus asked.
"Just…Be careful. Considering my great-grandson was able to survive and use our techniques for rebirth, he is not to be trifled with." - Hades warned him.
"Oh, of that I am aware." - Elidibus smiled. "I escaped him last time, but if fate commands us to meet again, I shall not give up so easily." - He claimed with pride. Emet believed that he could succeed. With Elidibus's resolve, there could be no other way.
Soon the portal closed, and Elidibus disappeared inside it, leaving Hades alone. It met have been for the better…Elidibus enjoyed setting broken worlds in order. Perhaps this will make him remember his purpose. While Emet-Selch still worried for the Emissary, he decided to let him go alone. He would be angered were he to treat him like a child that he was not.
Meanwhile, there was still an extended conversation to be held…Or perhaps it was better to utilize force straight away? Soon, Hades would know, but his alternative of time travel was far from extinguished.
Hades put a hand in his pocket, taking out a small purple crystal sparkling with his memories. Memories of Amaurot as the beautiful paradise it was, the one it still could be If the history was to be unwritten. The ascian smiled to himself.
He once again remembered that which he was fighting for.