Day 16: A Christmas Carol, Future
Finn didn't even bother trying to get back to work. Instead, he just sat at his desk, eyes trained on the door in front of him. He knew now that something terrible was going to happen. Past and present had been unpleasant, and he could only imagine what the future would be. Honestly, at this point, he was on the edge of it. He knew that he should be taking Christmas for what it was, as a holiday, but he also understood that it wasn't an option for him. He had spent his whole life dedicated to his ideals. His people were counting on him to be their hero.
More than that, he had already spent so much time on this goal. To just abandon it for something as frivolous as a holiday was stupid in Finn's mind. Maybe he could just apologize and get on with his life.
"Oh yes, that's a wonderful idea," came a new voice. "I'm sure that'll be all it takes to get everyone to forgive you. You just need to say sorry and then go back to acting the way you were before."
Finn turned to the window, where the final ghost was waiting. To his extreme horror, it took on the image of Erebus. The evil God of the dark days of Orario sat before him. Erebus was lazing around on a windowsill, leaning against the glass. He kicked his feet in the cold Winter air like a child.
"Just continue doing what you're doing, and then apologize once in a while," said Erebus, his grin menacing. "After all, it's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is permission, right? And your Familia is such a kind bunch."
The God fell back through the window, landing on his feet somehow before hopping to sit on one of the couches in the office.
"Just continue to abuse their kindness, Finn Deimne, and work toward your goals." Erebus's smile grew. "After all, it'll make me happy to watch."
The Braver steeled himself, even if he felt a quiver in his heart. He was not going to get bullied by this despicable God.
"How are you even here," said Finn. "You were sent back to Tenkai, Erebus. That's where you should remain."
Erebus chuckled and shook his head.
"Honestly, think for just a second, Braver. How did the Deities of the world communicate with you mortals before we descended?" asked Erebus. "We spoke to you in visions. In dreams, hallucinations, and other traditional forms of communication." Erebus stood up, brushing himself off. "The old ways aren't perfect, but they still work when we need them to. Now, how about we start with your final vision, yeah?"
Finn tried to stand tall. "And just what are you going to show me?"
"What happens when you push your Familia past their limits," replied Erebus.
The God snapped his fingers, and a cloud of black from them exploded. Finn tried to block it, crossing his arms in front of his face, but Erebus's laugh caused him to stop.
"Come now, Braver, you are in my world now. There is nothing to do but live in it. Now, open your eyes and see your future," said Erebus.
Finn did so and was not entirely shocked by what he saw. It was the adventurer's graveyard in Orario. A small group of Loki Familia executives stood by, and Finn recognized the faces. He saw an older Gareth, with streaks of grey in his beard, and Raul and Aki more weathered by age and hard decisions. There was also Loki, who had not changed at all, and finally, there was Tione, who was openly weeping. There were also faces that were missing. Riveria was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Ais. Overall, the group was relatively small. It was just the executives that Finn knew. As he stared at their faces, Erebus nudged him. When looked over, the God of Darkness nodded towards Finn's gravestone.
The Braver turned to look and was met with a simple sentence:
'Here lies Finn Diemne. He died as he lived, pursuing his goals.'
The gravestone was much smaller than Finn expected, barely even a headstone. While Finn had not been expecting anything ostentatious, he had hoped that there would be more to it. Or there would be some of his people here, waiting for him. Perhaps the girl Liliruca Arde from Hestia Familia? But when Finn turned to look, she was nowhere to be found.
"It's a shame what happened," said Gareth. "To think, it wasn't even a monster or a grand adventure. Instead, it was a heart attack." The dwarf sighed. "Quite literally worked himself to death."
Tione continued to sob.
Aki turned to Loki. "Did you try reaching out to Riveria? I know things got a little rough, but they were still friends, right?"
Loki shrugged. "I'm sure she'll come in her own time. After all, she might not have even gotten the news since she's travelling."
Raul frowned. "But where's Ais? She's in the city, isn't she? Or nearby at the very least."
Loki sighed. "She isn't big on Finn right now, ever since he put his reputation over her mother."
Finn stood there aghast. There was no way he would have done that! He looked to Erebus for answers, but Loki looked at him, staring at his ghostly form.
"He let himself get so caught up that he forgot everything else. Now that's a flaw if I've ever heard one." She turned to her Familia. "Come on, let's go home."
They trudged off, disappearing into a mist. Erebus snapped his fingers again, and Finn felt the time change.
"This will be about one year in the future," said the God.
Finn watched a lonely figure approach the hill. It was Tione, carrying a single bouquet of flowers. She approached the grave and wiped away some of the dust.
"Hey, Captain, sorry that I'm late," she said. "I know it's been a while, but things just got really busy." Tears began to fall. "Why did you have to be so selfish?" Tione crushed the flowers in her grip. "Why couldn't you put aside your stupid ambition for just a day?" She slouched forward. "Why didn't you let me help, you?"
Tione placed the flowers on the grave.
"I asked the others if they wanted to come; they all said no," said Tione. "It seems that they're all ready to keep moving, and I think I am too. Goodbye, Captain."
Tione turned to walk into the mist.
Erebus watched her go.
"I'd show you more, but no one comes to visit your grave. It mostly just sits there, ignored and left alone." The God shrugged. "Maybe people finally wanted to let you be at peace."
"Why are you doing this to me?" asked Finn, staring at his grace. "Why are you all so determined to do this?"
Erebus gave a mirthless laugh. "Haven't you realized it yet? We're trying to help you!" He poked Finn in the chest. "Heed this warning well, Braver. These things are not set in stone; they are not your absolute future. They are the things that will come if you continue on your path. Make a change Finn Deimne and make it quick."
The God snapped his fingers one more time, and darkness returned. When it cleared, Finn was back in his office. The only difference, this time, was that it was the real world. And more importantly, the morning was on the way. Finn took off down the halls of the Twilight Manor. He ran outside and found Raul finally walking back in. The poor adventurer was half-frozen to death.
Finn grabbed him from the ground and brought him inside. Thankfully, no one was awake yet. Finn got a fire going and allowed Raul to warm up. The young adventurer turned to his Captain.
"I got everything done, just like you asked, Captain," said Raul.
"Thank you," replied Finn. "You can leave it on my desk. I have to apologize, though, for the way I treated you." Finn smiled. "After all, it was quite freezing, and this is Christmas we're talking about." Finn looked around. "It is Christmas, right?"
Raul nodded.
"Good, now if I could ask one more thing of you, Raul," began Finn. Raul prepared for the worst. "I need you to bring everyone to the large park on the West Side of town. Do you know the one?"
Raul nodded, confused. "Ok, but when should I bring everyone over?"
Finn smiled. "Give me till noon, and then start making your way over, ok?"
Raul nodded, and Finn ran out the door.
Later that day, Loki Familia would be led to the park by Raul and would be greeted by the most extensive outdoor party they had ever seen. Finn organized everything, using his considerable wealth and influence to get everything his Familia could want.
"Merry Christmas!" he shouted.
Later, he slipped a necklace around Tione's neck when no one was watching. The Amazon fainted from excitement.
The End
Hestia looked up happily from her quilt of the finally smiling prum.
"Well, all that's left to say is, this Goddess blesses everyone!"
