Lulu had tried to decipher what the heck happened on Moonbrooke, but neither party would talk about it. And frankly, it was getting on her nerves.
Phillip never looked so miserable, as he stepped off the ship, and what pissed her off was that Malroth didn't even seem to care.
"And what calls for that grim and grumpy look on your face?" Lulu said. "Where's your usual sunny smile?"
"Hmph. It's not my problem. I'm outta here."
Lulu thought, at first, that this was just a little disagreement, and even laughed as Malroth stormed away from the docks. She even ignored the tears in the corner of Phillip's eyes.
"Oooh! You two had a tiff back in Moonbrooke, didn't you?! Gosh, you're like children! What happened-did you make fun of his ponytail? You shall have to apologize immediately."
Phillip growled at her, pushing her aside and storming off in the opposite direction Malroth went.
"Phillip, how dare you act so rude!" Lulu pouted. "You have to show our new residents to the Hairy Hermit."
Phillip sighed irritably and turned to them briefly.
"Follow the steps, and the path up the mountain. There. Bye." And with that Phillip stomped off.
Anessa frowned, and Lulu was ready to chastise him for his rude behavior before she noticed the knight who just stepped off the ship. She introduced herself as Anessa, a knight from the kingdom of Moonbrooke. Lulu eagerly accepted everyone's assistance to keep the island safe.
With that, Lulu guided the new island dwellers to the Hairy Hermit, and afterwards towards Cerulean Steppe. On the way, Anessa explained to Lulu the situation that occurred on the island.
"Well, Malroth surely is a little… odd," said Lulu. "But, how dare you lock him up!"
"I know," Anessa said, solemnly. "And I take responsibility for what happened."
"Well, you better. It's nice to have some people to protect the island, but you say you're all builders, as well?"
"Of course. After everything that happened on Moonbrooke we all want to build on the island!"
Suddenly, Lulu was bubbling with excitement. "I know! Follow me north. We can build a castle and surprise Phillip. That outta cheer him up."
Anessa nodded. "That sounds splendid."
A few days went by, and everyone had been working hard. Lulu didn't even have any idea on what the castle looked like, as she was too busy trying to find where Malroth had wandered off to. The Isle of Awakening was big, however, and even though three parts of the island were beginning to flourish, there were still parts that were barren. The pink-haired girl thought with her many treks around the island, she could find her destructive friend, but it was proving fruitless.
She was tenacious in what she wanted, however. She wasn't going to give up, but in her frustration, the girl decided it was time for a break and went to go find Phillip.
She made her way to the Green Gardens. It was just east of the new area the people from Moonbrooke went to Cerulean Steppe. The people from Furrowfield, thanks to Phillip's building help, were flourishing, growing crops, and raising the animals he had brought back from his various expeditions to the surrounding islands.
Rosie pointed Lulu towards a lone cabin near the top of the waterfall they built. Of course Phillip would build up there. He always liked jumping off cliffs to glide down and see everything like he was flying. The farmer adjusted her glasses and also pointed out that Phillip had been up there since he came back from Moonbrooke, and had tried on multiple occasions to get him to go out, but said that he was busy trying to come up with new things to build.
The rude behavior only made Luly more angry and determined. She marched up the many steps and tapped on the door.
"Phillip! Get out here!"
"Lulu?"
"Yes, it's me! Come out here this instant!"
"I'm busy! Go away!"
Lulu was appalled. The builder would usually take her demeanor all in stride and just laugh it off. When she asked for some shelter, food, and some bedding, she knew he didn't mind it at all because he loved to build. The more requests, the happier he was.
So this tone just made her kick the door in.
Philip flinched from where he was as the door flew and smacked the wall the entrance was across from.
Upon seeing the builder for herself, she was shocked at what she saw. He looked exhausted, like he hadn't slept in days, his hair was messy and unkempt and his clothes were all wrinkly.
"So, busy with what exactly?" said Lulu.
Phillip just sighed, but said nothing else. The girl's face softened. "It's about Malroth, huh?"
"What about him," he said. "After everything we've been through, he just abandoned me. All because of those people in Moonbrooke!" He slammed his fist on the bed.
Lulu tilted her head. "Well, you can tell me all about it later. Come on! There's something some of the folks there want to show."
"Well, it can wait," Phillip grumbled. He gasped, when Lulu was pulling him by the arm. "Hey! Stop it!" But he was already on his feet and off the bed. Before he knew it, Lulu had him out the door. "How did you get so strong?!"
"I'm a builder, too, you know," said Lulu. "You have yourself to thank."
Phillip wasn't sure he had cleaned out his ears, because Lulu later told him that the people from Moonbrooke were building a castle for him. He didn't even know how that would be possible, considering that he hadn't even drawn a blueprint out for them to follow.
When he got there, though, he saw that they had somewhat gotten started on a second floor. The first floor was still in the early stages. The rooms were small, the hallways were narrow and if he was being frank the front was off centered from the door that was supposed to lead up into what seemed to be the foundation of the second floor.
Still, despite the sloppiness, Phillip could see that they had least tried to put in an effort. That didn't help, however, for when for the first time in days since they came back, the builder smiled. And then he just laughed out loud.
Lulu was about to call him out for his rude behavior, but let it slide just this once. For now, she was just happy to see him smile.
It wasn't long before he got to work, allowing the others to help him while he got to work. As the days grew late, the others helped Phillip build a small camp where they could rest… and made sure Phillip rested, as well.
It was nice that their builder was smiling again, but Lulu and Anessa could still see that his mind would go elsewhere when he was alone, or on his break. Often, they would see their builder staring at the sky, lost, before his eyes would inevitably shut, while he laid down on his bed in their campsite and fell asleep.
The castle was nearing completion and some of their new inhabitants were already thinking of other smaller projects to build once the castle was completed. Lulu still wanted a tower at some point but it could wait while Phillip completed the castle.
Anessa thought it could be like Moonbrooke's castle if one day restored to its true former glory. The castle was completed and it looked magnificent. It had tall towers on the top with little flags on the tip. The biggest tower was home to the throne room, the dining hall was big with a kitchen to boot. Lulu was already eager to try cooking some new recipes.
Everyone celebrated the completion of the new castle. It would be a suitable place to shelter the other islanders who chose to live around that part of the isle. They still wanted to build more, however, but for now, it was a time to relax.
Phillip was putting on a smile. He walked around, being what seemed to be his chipper self. He talked to people, making sure everyone was fed and having a good time. After that, however, it was like he vanished from the party, when no one was looking.
Lulu had long picked up on the behavior. She left the party early and stormed out. She knew Philip was merely putting on a brave face. Once again she trekked around the island, despite how sore her feet were and how ruined her boots had become.
Only, of course, by the time she found him it was at the place she should've expected.
Where he and Phillip met…
Where it all started...
The beach.
He was by himself. But he had his head held in his hands, shaking it back and forth. He didn't understand what was going on or what was happening to him.
Of course he knew what happened on Moonbrooke wasn't Phillip's fault. Those idiots used his building skills, but he just couldn't bring himself to forgive him. He couldn't bring himself to get near him. He couldn't bring himself to do anything with him.
"What… What's happening to me?!" he asked himself out loud. "Every time he builds something, I…"
You have done well, my Lord…
You kept the builder safe from harm as he
filled the world with the power of creation.
But soon, he will have served his purpose.
Soon, it will be time to end this farce.
Malroth just yelled out loud at the voice. He hated it! He wished it would just shut hell up!
"Malroth!"
The boy froze at the sound of that voice. It wasn't Phillip, that was for sure. And for that, he was kind of relieved. It was Lulu. She ran up to him in a frenzy, her figure trembling slightly. Perhaps he heard him shout and saw the state he was in.
"There you are!" she said. "Are you alright? I've been looking everywhere for you!"
Malroth took some deep breaths. He turned around making sure his eyes met hers.
"...Lulu? I… I'm fine. I was just feeling a little… light headed. What do you want?'
Lulu suddenly glared and stomped her foot. "What do I want?! I want to know how long you intend to hold this grudge against Phillip! He's been so upset! You two need to make up right now! What's the point of building our very own paradise if our friends aren't there to enjoy it with us? Phillip needs you!"
"Just shut up, would you?" Malroth snapped. He put his hands on his hips and looked away, but suddenly, he found his limbs trembling at the mere thought of him. "Every minute I spend around him makes me angrier and angrier… I want to smash and destroy and obliterate until there's nothing left." Then he sighed, and Lulu just stood, mouth agape. Malroth just looked so tired and exhausted. Whatever was happening was getting to him, but the girl couldn't figure out what was wrong.
"I… I don't know what to do…" he mumbled, his voice shaking like a glass about to fall over and break.
"Oh Malroth…" Lulu said, solemnly.
"Lulu, tell me… Can he and I… Can creation and destruction ever really get along?"
"I don't understand. You two have had so many wonderful adventures together. If that doesn't answer your question, I don't know what will. And if you're not sure, you should ask Phillip. He will help you, I just know he will." The girl formed a soft smile. "He needs you, just as much as you need him. So, let's just stop all this nonsense, okay? You've always been there for him, right? I'm sure he'd be only too happy to do the same for you, just like he's helped so many others."
Malroth was still shaken, but somehow her words were making him see things clearer. Phillip wasn't his enemy. He knew that…
Oh, how wished the peace he finally felt would last…
Such impertinence…
Let us end her life this instant, and be spared
from her ceaseless prattling…
Malroth winced in horror. Many times, he had fantizcised subjecting Lulu to such a fate, but now that voice was only confirming his suspicions. Were those thoughts not really his? Or was it this entity that refused to leave him be?
"Noooooo!" Malroth suddenly yelled.
Lulu flinched in surprise.
"STOP IT!" the boy yelled. "JUST STOP IT!" He backed away when Lulu reached out her hand. "Get away from me, Lulu! Don't talk to me again!"
Lulu frowned. "M-Malroth…"
The party had gone on late and nightfall had come upon the island. With the island growing in population, guards were out patrolling and keeping the monsters away. Lulu had made it back, tired, confused, but mostly just sad. What in the world was she going to tell the builder?
She had heard from Esther that Phillip disappeared from the party not long after it had started. She marched up the stairs. Carpet was still being laid out, but that would probably resume tomorrow when people recover from the party.
Phillip was in the royal chamber he had put together. Once again, he was curled up on his bed. His eyes were red from crying, and his book, the thing he always had on him, would never let out of his sight or off his person, was casted by the giant window.
"Phillip?" Lulu asked, as she peeked into the dark room.
"He should've been here…" Philip responded. "He threw it all away… Why can't I be happy building anymore?"
"Maybe you were happy, because you were building with friends?" said Lulu.
"Malroth isn't my friend…" the builder mumbled.
"But Phillip! I was out there today. I saw him on the beach, and-"
"I don't want to hear about him anymore." He sat up, body facing the giant window. "He left us. He can hop on Brownbeard's boat and sail away forever if he wants."
"But-"
"I said I don't want to hear it!" the builder snapped.
Lulu frowned. "Phillip…"
"I'll build you your obelisk…" Phillip added. "Just leave me alone…"
Malroth wasn't sure at what point he fell asleep. Did he fall asleep, or was whatever was happening to him made him pass out. He wasn't sure. Lulu had gone, so that was all that mattered. He was lying on the small cliff where he and Phillip first met each other. Despite everything they had gone through together, he still didn't remember a thing about himself, or who he was.
As he laid on the ground, with the air blowing through his long dark locks of hair, a voice spoke to him in his tired stupor.
Hear me, Malroth…
O mighty Master of Destruction…
Without creation, there can be no destruction…
And in a world without creation,
the Master of Destruction cannot awaken…
This is why I summoned that child to this world…
I did not predict that you would meet…
That you would enter into a fellowship…
But it seems he had his effect nonetheless…
The end of the world approaches…
But it is up to You to deliver the final blow…
This is the only way to achieve salvation…
And the only way to satisfy Your desires
as the Lord and Master of Destruction…
"Who… Who are you?" Malroth murmured.
I am the creator of this illusory world…
You most faithful servant,
and Your dearest friend…
Even as we speak the builder fills this world
with the power of creation…
It is nearly time…
Time for You to realise Your true potential
as the Master of Destruction!
A groan escaped from the destructive boy. Even in the depths of slumber, even with everything that happened. His name still escaped his lips.
"Phillip…"
One month later…
The island had gotten even more lively. Now that they had a means of defense, the people on the Isle of Awakening were building more and more. They were having so much fun. They made even better defenses, grew more nutritious food and more the islanders were racing on minecarts around the island.
However, after the tower was finished, Phillip found himself contributing less and less to building efforts. He wasn't as inspired as he used to be. He had attempted to think of something many times, but ended up scraping plans.
Phillip spent most of his time in his room, which was the royal chambers he put together at the castle, but over time, it grew to have its own personal touch from the builder spending so much time there. Of course it was a mess. There were pens, pencils and balled up pieces of paper everywhere, books that were half read, and other things.
The day had been a bit dull as usual. Phillip sat in his chair, his hair tied up in a neat ponytail. It had become frazzled and unkempt in the past month, but Esther took it upon herself to help brush it out and fix it once more. For that, he was grateful.
It was another sunny day. When he wasn't just staring out into space, he had been working hard. He was stitching a design and it was almost ready. He had put his heart and soul into it, just like projects he had passion for.
It was then that Hairy Hermit, the Hammerhood appeared, teleporting like he did. The builder wasn't phased at all. In fact, he had gotten used to it at this point. He turned his head slowly, and faced the small creature.
"Yes?" he said.
"What's up, Phillip. How's the build-build-building going? Are you finished with that design?"
Phillip nodded. "Yeah, it should be ready in about an hour."
The Hairy Hermit jumped for joy. "Wonderful! I'll see you up at the temple later, then."
As soon as the Hammerhood was gone, Phillip slowly kept staring. Leaving his room was such a hassle to him. He felt lonely walking around with him by his side. The builder shook his head. He could damn well protect himself, and he needed to stop thinking about him. So, with a heavy heart, he stood, grabbed the design he had been working on, and after making a few final adjustments, made his way out of the room.
Everyone was gathered at the temple, and were happy to see Phillip there, not to mention that he had left the castle, let alone his room for a change. The fresh air was nice. He would admit that. He saw all of his friends in one place, even Lulu, who he hadn't seen since he finished that tower she wanted.
With everything coming together, Phillip had put together a new banner that would be the flag of the island. Everyone was amazed and only felt the urge to build even more. As the people cheered, Phillip finally felt a small sense of peace.
He didn't know what became of Malroth, but at this point didn't care. He was free to do what he wanted, and wouldn't be surprised if he found his own way off the island. If he moved on then he had to, as well.
Then the skies turned dark.
"What-what-what's going on? Who turned out the light-light lights!?" the Hairy Hermit questioned.
Then everyone heard a voice. They whispered amongst themselves until they heard someone coming up the steps to the temple.
"Mal-Mal-Malroth!" the Hammerhood asked. The name practically made the world stop turning in Phillip's mind. "What's happened to you?"
The builder was pretty sure he was the last to turn around and see the heart of all the commotion. Malroth was glowing, a purple aura around him. He fell onto his knees, looking up at the banner Phillip had made and presented to the islanders.
"Phillip…. Wh-When… did you build… th-that flag…?"
"Malroth?" Lulu stepped forward. "Are you alright?"
"Phillip…" Malroth pleaded. "Please… I need you to… To…" He groaned, shook his head while holding with his hands.
"Malroth!?" said Rosie.
Slain by the Scions of Erdrick,
the High Priest Hargon offered up his soul,
That almighty Malroth might be reborn.
Ever since that moment,
I have lain dormant within Him…
Biding my time…
I have watched over His every move…
And the builder's, too…
Then Malroth stood, suddenly unwavered and no longer seeming like he was in turmoil. Then he laughed, his voice wicked and empty, but still sounding like him. It chilled everyone, including Phillip to the bone.
"This world of nothingness is now filled with the power of creation…" said Malroth. "The stage is finally set! Almighty Malroth's awakening is at hand!"
Just as Malroth fell to the ground, the dark aura around him flew into the air. There, the people laid their eyes on the form of the figure from legends. It was the leader of the conquest for utter destruction. His head was dark with bat-like wings for ears, talon-like fingers, blue skin, and wearing a robe with a bat design. In his hand was a staff with a red jewel at the top. It was almighty Hargon, himself.
"Muah hah hah hah haaah!" he cackled. "None can escape their fate - neither men, nor monsters, nor even gods! The Master of Destruction will bring an end to all!"
Phillip flinched, wanting to step forward, but the Hairy Hermit in front of him, holding out his mallet to stop him. "You… You're Hargon!"
"Hargon!?" Lulu asked, timidly. "B-But isn't supposed to be dead?"
"Yes! In the real world, I am dead. But in this illusory world of my own making, I am very much alive!"
It then hit Phillip. He kept using the word "illusory." And suddenly, things started making sense, at least in the sense as to why he hadn't heard of the Isle of Awakening up until now.
"This world is nothing more than an illusion - an unreal realm in which I sealed away Malroth's soul after the scoins succeeded in slaying him," said Hargon. "But now, His reawakening is at hand! He is ready to be reborn once more as the Master of Destruction!"
Anessa gasped. "Can it really be true? Our world, our lives… All an illusion…?"
Hargon waved his hand and Malroth's limp body teleported into his grasp.
"Indeed!" I originally created this world of illusion to vex and befuddle the Scions of Erdrick." He cackled at the humans' sudden surprise and fear. "No blade of grass, nor pinch of soil, nor any pathetic human - yourselves included - truly exists. Everything you see is but a figment of my imagination."
"Blimmin' 'eck! That can't be true!" Perry denied.
"Though this dream should have died with me, it has persisted long after my demise. Longer than I ever thought possible…"
Lulu always thought it was strange that the Children of Hargon were still so powerful where they were. They had fallen apart after their leader died. It would seem like in this world, he never really did.
So when she was kidnapped and Phillip was taken from Cantlin, they ended up on that ship. It sank, and somehow they ended up here.
In another world…
"The detestable 'heroes' escaped my illusion, and proceeded to murder me, and then Malroth, in cold blood." Hargon cackled. "But here, my spirit survives… as does the Lord and Master of Destruction himself! And so, it seems, does the power of creation - worthless thought as it may be. This place is nothing more than a kingdom of lies! Muah hah hah haaah! Behold, builder! Your fantasies of rallying allies to your side and saving the world are simply that - fantasies!"
With a mere flex everyone felt only a fraction of his power as a purple light startled everyone.
"Eeeeek! Goddess save us!"
Phillip hadn't moved at all. His eyes were still on Malroth.
"Malroth…" he stuttered. He still laid limp.
Lulu growled. "Give Malroth back, you beastly bully!"
"That's 'Almighty Malroth, Lord and Master of Destruction' to you, ungracious worms!" Hargon snapped.
"Take this, you rot-rot-rotter!" the Hairy Hermit hissed. He jumped into the air, against Phillip reaching out his hand. He was intent on smashing that evil creature's head in. All Hargon had to do, however, was hold out his staff and the Hammerhood was stopped in midair.
"Hngh!?"
"Muah hah hah… so this is what became of the ancient builder!" said Hargon. "Reduced to manipulating humans to achieve your ends… Begone!" He jumped and with one strike of his clawed hand he obliterated the Hammerhood.
"NO!" Phillip cried. Their creature friend was reduced to nothing. A light shined and then flickered away.
"Hear me, pathetic wretches! Grovel before your creator! Cower before me, and be spared my wrath!" He floated into the sky, taking Malroth with him. Phillip teared up. They flowed down his cheeks. But through the haziness of his tears, he noticed a twinkle of a golden light had landed before him. "When almight Malroth awakens, He shall tear this illusion to pieces, and return to the real world to bring about its glorious destruction! Muah hah hah hah haaah! Come, Malroth! Let us away! Be reborn as the mighty Master of Destruction once again, and bring ruin to the world! It is Your destiny!"
He teleported away, leaving everyone to themselves and each other.
"Malroth…" said Phillip.
Lulu began to sob. "What are we going to do, Phillip!? What are we going to do!? Poor Malroth!"
"I…" The builder had nothing to say. All he could think about was what to do now. If this world wasn't real, then what did it mean for the others? What did this mean about Malroth? Was he ever even his friend? Was his friendship all a facade? And… maybe more? He shook his head.
"Wh-What's that?" said Lulu. She stared at the glowing orb in the builder's hands.
"I-It dropped when… Hairy Hermit…" Phillip mumbled.
"But could this world really be an illusion?" said Perry. "I dun't reckon I'm an illusion… but that's just what an illusion would think! Blimmin' 'eck - maybe it is true!" The people looked to Phillip unsure of what to do, but so was he.
"I… I don't know…" he said.
Anessa closed her eyes and shook her head. "Regardless, if this is true, then there's no hope for us," she said. "You and Lulu drifted into this world, so you should be able to drift out of it with Brownbeard. Return to your world and go to this Cantlin place you're from. Warn them and they can prepare for Hargon's return."
Suddenly, the squabbling, the anger, the isolation… All of it felt so far away. None of it mattered. None of the turmoil that he went through mattered. At least not now…
Malroth was in danger.
"N-No…" said Phillip. "I can't!" He looked at her. Despite everything, he could leave the people he had gotten to know. "Even if you are all mere illusions, the friendships we've built are real. He found himself grasping the glowing orb tighter. "I don't care if we're all dreams or illusions. This place is worth fighting for!" He teared up. "Even if Malroth is the Master of Destruction, we've got to try! The whole time we were locked up together, he watched out for me, from Furrowfield to Moonbrooke. Even when the guards approached us, Malroth stepped forward to protect me, thinking they were going to hurt me."
Suddenly the orb in his hand began to shine. Phillip's tears seem to glow golden as well from the light reflecting off them.
"And I won't let anyone hurt him!"
The ground rumbled, and then a portal appeared by the temple's entrance. It was a purple, dark vortex, emanating with the same evil energy from Hargon.
"What is that?" said Lulu.
"It looks like some kind of portal," said Phillip.
"Maybe… it leads to where Hargon went?"
"Maybe…" The girl huffed. "Well, you know what this means, right? You've got to go get him back. He'd do the same for you, and you know it!"
Phillip's hands trembled. He gulped. "Even if… he's the Master of Destruction?"
"I don't care if he's a god!" said Lulu. "He's our friend! We fight, but he has a kind heart! I know our friendship was real and so was yours."
Phillip nodded. "Yeah…" His eyes darted to the side. "Friendship… and even if he's not… even if it really was all a ruse, I can't leave without knowing the truth." He stepped forth towards the portal, book in his pack, sword in it's hilt and mallet in his hand. The soul of the Hammerhood builder was clutched tightly in his hand. Then he turned back to his friends, all eyes on him. "Stay here and wait for me! This world is as real as me! And before any of you tell me to save myself once more, know that I think… No… I know this place is worth saving…"
He held his hammer in both of his hands and stepped into the darkness. If Malroth was there, he'd save him.
Then they would save the world they built...
Together.
