Epilogue
All across Roika, the Scavengers were busy cleaning up all the leftover Clockwork pieces after the destruction of the master. Each city held its own celebration ceremony save for Flaris. While they were having their own ceremony, even with victory obtained, any celebrations were bitter sweet. The now ashen grey bodies of Dwin Cerand and Atrys Yob were buried together on the nearest hill with the greatest view of the city they gave everything to protect. Every citizen of Flaris wept for the loss of their two greatest champions and saviors.
Shortly after this ceremony, far to the north, on a single island isolated over the continent, Mikyel was accompanied by Mepstet in taking remains of Death Island to make a small grave. The headstone was made of bits of melded iron, and bore only the single name of Chen.
"You told me you were coming back. You promised me Chen." Mikyel whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Make sure the generals are all on standby."
"My lord?"
"Well, with the death of Lady Cerand and her love Atrys, Flaris is in desperate need of a new leader. So, I believe I shall take it upon myself to help liberate them. Do you object?"
"N…no Lord Ashel."
"Good, now please leave."
"Yes sire."
After the doors closed, a familiar voice echoed in Ashel's vast quarters.
"You waste not time at all."
Ashel spun around and smiled, though clearly shocked.
"You know, most people believed you dead. I admit I did too Nelo Rohe. You surprise me, both with your survival ability, and your ability to get in here undetected. Now what business does a Scavenger of Flaris have with me?"
"I am tired you know."
"Tired?"
"Tired of the struggle. The never ending struggle of evil and good. The constant balance that must be maintained."
"What are you going on about?"
"I thought I had the answer, to stop it all, but I couldn't do it. But I found the answer. I was wrong before. It wasn't in my heart to end it all. Now as my final act, I will just have to balance one more thing."
"Nelo, if you're here to speak in riddles…"
"Lady Cerand and Atrys Yob were both great forces for good. What greater equalizer would there be for this world than for me to remove you from it?"
"Excuse me?" Ashel almost laughed. "Everyone knows that you are a greater than average swordsman Nelo. But, as one of the most informed people on the planet, you should know, my powers are far beyond your own."
"My last act will be to realign the scales. Let the world do as it will after that." Nelo said, with a steady pace toward Ashel.
"You would dare? Burn then!"
Ashel waved his spear out in front of him and a wall of flame engulfed Nelo half was across the room.
"Such impudent…no!" Ashel's eyes widened with fear as a figure emerged from the flames.
The figure though, was no longer that of Nelo Rohe's. Ashel dropped to his knees, unable to move, as the glowing multi colored being approached.
"Ip…Ipuli." Ashel whispered as the god placed one hand on his forehead.
"Freedom…is mine." He said before filling the room with a blinding light.
In the hills, to the southeast of Saint Morning. Geiox stood at the remains of his old family cabin with a man in all blood red armor. The two men stared at the four graves there, one of which was fresh. Suddenly they saw a light, far into the horizon.
"That's coming from Saint Morning!" Geiox said.
"It is a shame that there was no time for us to take Argoein for questioning ourselves. I know he interested you a great deal, didn't he my lady?" Elleon, the leader of West Darkon said while staring out at the Clockwork debris. "My queen, what's wrong?"
"Nothing at all Elleon. As a matter of fact, now it would seem that the loss of that man will not impact me so greatly at all." The goddess of darkness smiled.
Flari Pang stopped suddenly as his companion doubled over and had to balance himself on a nearby tree.
"No…Ipuli, you didn't."
"Bobor?" Flari asked. "What's wrong? Is it over?"
"My dear friend Flari. I am afraid it is only the beginning."
End