The Minstrel's Ballad: As our Hope wanes

by Angelfortruth

The road walked by the warrior of light is one of sorrow and trials, of enduring pain and despair so that hope may one day prevail. But what if, in her attempts to find an answer to the question, Hydaelyn miscalculated and the hero fell in a battle against the Angel of Truth before he fulfilled his purpose? Can someone else follow in his footsteps, or is the world fated to burn?

107. A Parting Gift(Arc 6 end)

There could be no doubt about his presence, the shadowy aura, the spells of boundless aether, and the mocking voice; the ascian found them at the worst possible time, quite a talent on his part. Despite the fear in Ryne's heart and countless questions that swirled in her mind, the ascian's appearance didn't have to be an unfortunate one…But, of course, everyone who fought beside her got distracted as they gazed at the emerging Emet-Selch. It would seem that Ryne's prayers to never see this man again were not answered.

"Y…You?!" Inga jumped up with shock in her eyes as the dark aura around her dissipated, much to Ryne's relief. Seeing Emet must have made her switch from a pressing fear of losing her parents, thus allowing Inga to take hold of her emotions.

"Why so surprised? I'm sure you knew that my soul was not sent away in its entirety." The ascian shrugged and let out a tired sigh before noticing Ryne. "Must you always put up that frown when we meet? It's getting rather old…"

"You…But why…" Ryne could barely speak as she noticed a visible disappointment on the ascian's face. Emet looked over other adventurers that continued to fight their respective enemies. The hounds were circling around them, not allowing them a single second of reprieve.

"Oh, very well, I guess I'll let my actions speak for myself." Emet conjured a rain of dark arrows that emerged above the beasts, each of them hitting the monsters' skin and causing them to howl in agony while avoiding all of Ryne's fellow adventurers. Granson was protecting others, but with Emet intervening, they barely even had to fight. The ascian's next step was to corrupt the ground itself beneath him, causing the slithering darkness to burn the beasts and their paws. "I thought those your friends, Ryne…So why are you standing aside and doing nothing?"

"I…" Finally, the girl was forced back into reality in a single moment. She still had to fight. How ironic that Emet's presence and realization that, for whatever reason, he chose to fight by her side made her feel relieved and much safer, a novel feeling. Draining Eden's power, Ryne conjured a blast of light which she directed towards two wounded beasts. They had no strength left in them to run and thus were quickly annihilated by her might; it wasn't long before the area at the heart of the Derelicts was cleared. Of course, this left them with a single question.

"What is he doing here?" Granson clung to the sword, shielding Taynor and Reeq.

"Who cares?!" Giott's furious cry echoed from behind. "Let's teach him a lesson before he dares to try something…"

"Wait," Ryne commanded, forcing all of her friends to halt. She took a deep breath. There must have been a reason for this; there must have been…Was his soul forced to return because of the tower's faulty transportation? What did he want now? "Why…Why are you here?"

"To check how your noble fight is going along."

"Don't lie to me! Your soul was dragged back here by the tower, right…You want me to send you back again, right? Do you know how much energy did I waste to send you in a state as incomplete as you were in…I know you don't care if I die for you, but…" She felt the rage creeping up her soul again; seeing Emet's face was enough to vex her. Just when Ryne thought she had made peace with the ghosts of her pasts and was ready to look into the future, he returned to make her life hell once again.

"Easy now…" The ascian tried to soothe her. "You might find it hard to believe, but no, none of that. In fact, all I want is to talk."

"About what?! You told me how pathetic I am enough times already!"

"You will see the necessity of it once I get to say my piece…Alas, just as I find you, I realize that you are busy clearing Eulmore from pests." Emet said with feigned disappointment.

"Yes, because saving lives takes priority over your games, and I'm not going to…"

"Then let me help."

"Are you…Are you serious?"

"Absolutely; the sooner we get done with this, the sooner we can have a moment, don't you see? And what better ally to have on your side than an Unsundered ascian with boundless reservoirs of aether at his side?" Emet explained, and Ryne didn't sense any lies in his words despite a part of her really yearning for it. She didn't even want to respond until she saw Inga standing beside her, a familiar fear emerging in her eyes once again.

"Will you…Will you help find my parents?" She asked Emet.

"I will help you do anything you need as long as you two give me a moment afterward, and it is within reason…Finding your parents, whoever they are, sounds reasonable enough." After those words, Inga turned towards Ryne with a pleading gaze, and this was that which made the girl's decision final.

"Fine!" She answered with anger as if admitting defeat with this single decision. "But if you try to play your tricks on us…"

"Rest assured, your only enemies here are the beasts."

The rest were just as reluctant when it came to this idea, and Ryne could not blame them.

"Are you sure…" Reeq was about to speak, but he got interrupted by the ascian.

"Lest you forget, every moment we spend here is another moment of people falling victim to the beasts, and I believe Ryne said you came here to save those poor fools…So how about we do that and argue later?"

"He's right," Ryne added. "Come on, after me…We have to breach the gates!"

There will be time to discuss their queries. Now they had lives to save. Leading the onslaught, Ryne charged to the tower's gate, unleashing her light upon any nearby creature that attempted to attack them. The adventurers remained behind her, each trying to play their part even when there was little left for them to do when Ryne and Emet did the most job. Speaking of the ascian, he was proving his use in more ways than Ryne expected. Emet shared his aether with her, charging Eden with a fraction of his own might. This immediately made Ryne feel very relieved physically, as the constant brink she brought herself into with continuous overexertions was undone now that the ascian was here to help. She hated every passing moment of this Alliance, but Ryne couldn't deny that it was helpful for her and others, as long as he remained loyal, of course.

"Is that…" Reeq's pained voice echoed in her ears as the Mystel stuttered and slowed down. "Wait, look!" He pointed at a small house to the right of Eulmore's gates, and there Ryne finally saw people. There was a mystel couple, a man with orange fur and tanned skin tried to fight the incoming threat of a few vulture-like monsters descending from the sky and attempting to tear him apart. He was protecting a woman with lighter fur and pale skin, though both of them were unequipped and unprepared for any kind of battle. "It's my parents; we have to help them!"

"I will try to lure them away," Taynor said before beginning to conjure a spell of flame, but the turmoil that Ryne sensed in Reeq's soul did not allow the young adventurer to act rationally.

"Don't you dare touch them!" Reeq unleashed a few arrows, attempting to strike the vultures down, yet all of them missed the mark because of how much his hands shook. When the mystel realized that his attempts were futile, he tried to get closer in an attempt to have a clearer shot, but this ended up only further exposing him to the vultures, a few of which turned their attention towards Reeq.

"Wait!" Ryne called out, but it was too late.

"I pity you, I do." Emet's chuckle echoed from behind. "Having to spend so much time with such irrational people, do you not get tired of it at all?"

"I don't care what you think. You promised to help, then help!" Ryne retorted as the girl continued to draw powers from Eden, creating an empowering aura around the ascian.

"Very well, we did have an agreement…" With a quick snap of his fingers, Emet manifested a dark claymore in his hands, as well as summoning another dark aura around himself. "Let's end this."

The ascian teleported towards the nearest two vultures, the ones that attacked Reeq, and cut the head of one of them in a swift strike, allowing the rivers of black blood to flow on the ground. The second one was quick enough to plunge its claws into the ascian's skin, but he was able to resist by absorbing Ryne's aura. He created a blast of darkness that sliced the monster in two. However, this wasn't the end of it; he still needed to save the mystel's parents. Emet dispelled his claymore, turning its aether into a magical weapon. He imbued it with the power of darkness while focusing on the monsters that were ravaged by the couple. A flash of purple light distracted their attention, making the vultures easy victims for another slew of blasts, this time annihilating the monsters for good. It was so simple for the ascian, and the moment he finished with his attacks, Lue-Reeq rushed to his parents with haste, a smile of relief emerging on his face as he realized that they were relatively unharmed.

"Father, mother!" He shouted, calling upon his family. The female mystel was quick to reciprocate the moment she realized who it was.

"Reeq…Is that you? What are you doing here?" She rushed towards her son, offering him a warm embrace.

"It's alright, my friends and I are here to help others…You should run to Stilltide; it's safe there!"

"But…"

"Please, you can't stay here!"

"You should come with us if it's truly safe there…"

"Come on, love." The man called upon his wife before looking at Reeq with pride. "You know, Reeq. You won't persuade him out of a challenge…Good luck, son."

Ryne knew that Reeq always yearned for his father's approval ever since his days as a sin-eater hunter; those words must have felt very relieving for him…Ryne still dreamed about Thancred sometimes, about what he would say if he were to see her now.

All of them understood that there was no time to waste, and soon, Reeq's parents ran towards Stilltide along with other survivors.

"That the darkness they're alive, I almost thought…" Reeq's wavering voice was interrupted by the ascian.

"How lucky are you that I happened to be nearby."

"I…Thank you!" Reeq let out a cry of gratitude despite his initial hesitation.

"Now, that's much better." The ascian spoke with a playful smile before all of them were ready to finally enter the tower of Eulmore; there must have been people left there, people that they had to save.

When the party entered Eulmore's gates, however, what they immediately noticed was yet another clash. The city's welcoming hall, once a radiant place where every admitted newcomer would get aid and assigned to a patron, was now in shambles. Cracks emerged in its walls; multiple doors were left broken. And right before her, Ryne could see a group of Eulmoran soldiers clad in their purple armor taking a stand. Their enemies were a number of snake beasts with venom dripping down their mouths, predators that were eager to plunge those teeth into the Eulmorans' soft skin, even if it was hard for them to find weak spots when the warriors were covered by armor.

"Look, someone's coming!" One of the soldiers screamed as he pointed at the gathering adventurers. Ryne noticed how his voice was echoing the newfound hope in his resolve, she was recognizable all around the eld at this point, and it was the time to fulfill her duties as a protector. Granson charged forth, plunging his claymore into one of the nearest snakes. This wasn't enough to end the monster, but he distracted their attention and forced them to approach the party, making themselves vulnerable before Ryne's might. Joining her forces with Emet, Ryne created a flawless aetheric bow, the power of which far exceeded any weapon she attempted to create by herself. The arrows flew at the same time, striking the serpents and their heads, making them let out a broken chorus of spiteful hisses before fading into oblivion.

"Is everyone alright?" Ryne asked, looking at the weakened soldiers.

"Now that you're here…Yes, much better than we could ever hope." The soldier responded with relief. "We wondered if we should run along with the others, but we just couldn't abandon those who were stranded in gaol…"

"Stranded?" Inga's fearful voice emerged.

"Aye. Most ran before the infestation became too much, but some tried to hide in the dungeon…And now their path is blocked by new beasts that scour around and attempt to find their way. Master Chai is among them…"

"Have you…Have you seen a couple that looks like me? Black hair and white skin, they usually always go together, and I think they would be dressed in something dark, blue or black…" She was clearly speaking of her own parents, grappling at any opportunity to find them.

"I think I did." Another soldier let out. "Yes, when the beasts arose, and our army was still fighting, I remember a couple like this following some other noblemen into the gaol and beyond. They must still be there…"

"Damn, it…We need to help them!" Inga pleaded as she looked toward Ryne. "Let's go to the gaol; they are smart, and they will find somewhere to hide. If any of those freaks attempt to hurt them, I will bash their skull myself!" She shouted, only to notice Emet's disapproval.

"As if such rashness will avail you anything but a crushing defeat." The ascian scoffed. "You're making me miss the patience the ancient you had…But that's beside the point." He looked at the soldiers. "Are there any other places that the beasts have overtaken entirely?"

"Most have been cleared, but there are still people fighting on the upper floor…Other than that, it's mostly the Understorey and the gaol, aye."

"See, it's not as much as you would've thought." The ascian shrugged. "All a day's work."

"I don't care!" Inga shook her head. "My parents are still in danger, and we're wasting time."

"How about we spread up, then?" The ascian suggested. "Ryne and I will clear the gaol together while everyone else secures the upper level. Once that is done, we can lead survivors there and guard them until the cataclysm is over."

"I'm going to help my parents myself! I left them here, and I have to be the one that helps them get out!"

"Yes, you certainly are insufferable…What do you say, Ryne?"

"Granson." The girl looked at her companion. "Can I count on you and others to secure the upper level?"

"Don't even doubt that. We aren't afraid of any of those beasts."

"Alright, then…Inga, you will come with Emet-Selch and me to the gaol; we'll find all the survivors and end all the monsters in our way. Let's hope it will be enough."

"Gladly."

There was no more time to waste, and thus the party separated with the adventurers rushing to the top of Eulmore, entrusted with Ryne's and Emet's protective blessings and auras, while the remaining three headed towards a far darker place. A place the single sight of which was enough to make Ryne ache and painful memories flood her mind, how she was kept powerless and confined in the darkness by Vauthry and Ran'jit in this very same dungeon. She never returned to this exact place ever since leaving the city, but now a descent was inevitable. Inga ran beside her, full of fear and doubt, holding herself not to scream. Ryne knew she wanted to call out for her parents but couldn't do anything of the sort without attracting attention from the monsters that lurked in the shadows.

"Ah, this place…" Emet sighed quietly. "I remember how you used its projection in Eden to hide away from me. And it feels like it's been only yesterday."

"Quiet, there must be someone in there…"

The place was disturbingly dark, especially now that the invading monsters had to break the source of light around themselves. It would not be easy to survive in a place like this, but the citizens of Eulmore had shown surprising strength and resolve when it came to rising against Vauthry and his new paradise; perhaps it will save them now as well.

There were a few threats on their way, the minor beasts of both hound-like and hawk-like appearance, all twisted by despair, completely shedding their human form and becoming ravenous. But throughout all of this, Ryne couldn't help but feel a different, much more terrifying presence. The people she saw earlier spoke of a bigger monster, the one that found its home amongst Eulmore's very heart, the one that was watching them wherever they went…

"I see souls," Emet whispered and pointed to a chain of cells a little down on the spiraling staircase that left into the darkness below. "Souls, plenty of them, and none yet corrupted…"

"It must be the survivors," Ryne noted before preparing to fight. "Let's go, then."

As the trio went down the Ladder, defeating any incoming monsters, the picture finally began to unveil itself before them. The cages became hiding places for the remaining people of Eulmore, that had no choice but to barricade themselves amidst this darkness with the bodyguards desperately resisting occasional s laughter coming from the pests. And among them, Ryne saw some familiar. Faces. A mystel couple of Dulia Chai and Chai-Nuzz, Alphinaud's patrons from before Vautry's downfall, the ones that played an instrumental role in the eventual insurrection. And beside them, two humes with black hair, dressed in noblemen's clothing, albeit slightly dirty due to having to descend to an ancient dungeon dripping with wetness.

"Mother, father!" Inga shouted with relief and ran towards them after Ryne and Emet made certain that there were no beasts nearby, although the girl still couldn't let go of her feelings of constant unease…

"Bernard, look!" The black-haired lady shouted. "It's Inga!"

"What are you doing here?" Her father asked with both shock and relief as the young woman rushed into their embrace. This relief, however, has quickly changed to fear. "You should've stayed in Crystarium; it's dangerous here…"

"That's exactly why I'm here, and not just me. We couldn't leave you here!"

As Inga talked to her parents, the few remaining bodyguards and Dulia looked at Ryne and Emet with a curious gazes.

"Who are you? I think I remember the two of you from the Ladder…" The mystel woman was cautious, but she had no reason to worry. "Why did you come here?" The ascian was the first one to give her any response.

"Congratulations, you're being rescued. It would be good if you didn't ask too many unnecessary questions. Thank you very much."

"We've cleared the way; you can leave the gaol now," Ryne explained, much to the soldiers' relief.

"Finally, off to Stilltide…"

"No, wait." Ryne shook her head. You cannot go to Stilltide; the outskirts are still full of monsters that we haven't yet dealt with!"

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

"My friends have journeyed to the upper floor, and the soldiers said that there aren't many monsters remaining there. You would be safe up there until we…"

Suddenly, Ryne felt a presence emerging from the shadows beneath them; someone was coming towards her. It was a creature similar to the monsters she fought, yet the scale of its rot was much more as if there was more than one soul that constituted it. Moments after, Ryne felt a cold tail wrapping around her as a monstrous roar pierced the gaol's walls. There was no end to fear in the people's screams as they saw the first beast rising before them. Ryne could only catch a glimpse of it in her eyes, a winged reptile with a dozen of heads, each of them reminiscent of a ravenous serpent that could not resist such aether-filled prey. Its entire body took over Ryne, plunging its claws into the girl's skin, making her feel as if her avatar was about to be ripped.

She saw nothing but darkness before her. For the first time, she was so close to those rotten souls, was able to feel their agony and grief…There were still echoes of them inside, crying out in despair, attempting to form words, yet ending as nothing more than chaotic noise in Ryne's mind. It was a gradual process, even if the physical form was altered immediately. The rot that consumed them, slowly depriving them of everything that made them who they were, the process Ryne suffered for months happening in a span of minutes…Perhaps she should've been grateful for her fate. Thankfully, she didn't have to rest long due to her newfound ally. Emet's power continued to charge Eden, transferring more power into Ryne's essence, making her stronger with every second. No monster was strong enough to hold her down, and it was time to become what she had to, to give the people of Eulmore the hope they never gave her.

Drawing upon the inspiration of the fallen sin-eaters of the past and Emet's power, Ryne was able to empower her form further. She could feel her avatar growing in size and might, as well as golden wings piercing her back. The thought she had in mind was that of Vautry's final form, a sin eater who claimed himself Innocence, righteousness incarnate, the image he used to subjugate all who he saw beneath him, and it was time to redeem it…Redeem the light in the eyes of Norvrandt's people.

"Enough of this!" Ryne released a light shockwave that caused the monster to roar and fly aside, having to release Ryne and allow the girl to show herself in full glory.

"A familiar sight…Almost impressive with how you're holding on!" Emet's voice echoed from behind. The ascian was ready for battle as well. He and Inga stood alongside the soldiers that guarded the armless, but none of them were brave enough to step forward just yet. An angelic figure covered in golden armor and with powerful wings rose above them, holding onto the blade in her arms and not letting a single more of aether go to waste.

"You will fall! Just like many before you!" Ryne shouted as she watched the hissing monster. "No more running, no more fear, no more games…I don't care if you were one of us once. You won't touch a single one of them!"

The monster didn't hold back, of course, instead letting out another howl and charging at Ryne. Their first clash forced a battle between two equals, the beasts' sort, and Ryne's power of light collided, making one powerful shockwave be created after another without an end to them. The heads hissed as their gaze focused on the victims. The wild monster attempted to reach out for them at every turn. Its desire switched from Ryne to them, likely because of spotting a weaker prey…Truly the most primitive of instincts. As two of its heads attempted to plunge their fangs into Ryne's body, the girl was swift to move her blade up and cut them off, drenching herself in their corrosive blood.

This, however, enraged the beast even more than Ryne anticipated. It plunged its claws into her flesh, making the girl scream in pain as the monster threw her at the staircase, leaving her wounded and disoriented for a moment. In the next moment, the beast rushed towards Ryne, joyous with an opportunity to claim such vulnerable prey.

"Ryne!" Finally, Inga's temptations got the better of her as she ran to her friend's defense. Without fear, she plunged her sword into the beast's legs as it landed on the staircase by Ryne's side. Her attack served as a suitable distraction, making the monster slow down before turning around and letting a furious hiss, aching like a chorus from all of its heads at once. There was nothing she could do without aid, and the beast was eager to claim its prey. It let out a spit of corrosive bile, some of which landed on Inga's shoulder, causing the woman to moan and clutch her shoulder.

Before it could feast, however, Ryne regained control and launched yet another arrow of light, piercing the monster's back.

Another screech felt like music to her ears; it wasn't long before the creature fell under her overwhelming power. However, the monster proved smarter than Ryne expected of it, able to conceive a terrifying idea. Instead of attempting to engage her, the creature made its way toward Inga. It grabbed the woman in her entirety, grappling her with its claws, all while she screamed from the overwhelming pain. Ryne attempted to strike it, but the beast was quicker. All of its dark heads spat at the wall at once, creating a hole for it to escape through. It led to the outer halls, in which there were shattered windows, just big enough for it to fly outside. It must have wanted some safety and privacy when consuming its prey, making Ryne fume in fear and anger.

Without hesitation, the girl followed, flying through the wedge the monster created, and soon found herself outside the tower, frantically searching for the beast. She noticed the monster circling around the top of the tower, searching for a spot to land. It could've torn apart Inga at any moment, and its desire to find a safe spot to consume its prey was its undoing and Ryne's only hope.

"Don't you dare!" Ryne unleashed another arrow at the monster's back. This time it hit the beast's wing, disorienting it and forcing it to descend to Ryne's levels; it would have no choice but to engage. The girl's attempts worked and made the beast focus on her, continuing to spit in fury. Ryne couldn't evade all of its strikes, of course, but her aura of light did enough to absorb some of its damning corrosion. She was about to make her way toward the monster, but it proved quicker. Using its free limbs, the beast attacked Ryne and clutched her chest, trying to rip her avatar in half in full force. The attack was so swift and surprising that Ryne could hardly prepare for it. She needed to draw more power while she still had the chance, more light, and aether to take from Eden; she prayed it would be enough to destroy the monster alone.

But it soon turned out that she didn't have to. A surge of darkness emerged through the hole, closely following Ryne. It was Emet-Selch. The ascian didn't waste any time and unleashed his transformation. It wasn't as grandiose as back in the Tempest, but it was enough to remind Ryne of the imposing avatar of darkness that he was. The ebon wings emerged behind Emet's back; his hands grew larger, his fingers turning into claws that held a crimson scepter made in Zodiark's honor. His face was twisted, replaced by a black helm and crown with bright white eyes bursting from it. The ascian unleashed his spells upon the beast, catching it by surprise with his darkness, following it by tossing an explosive crimson sphere at the monster's head. The explosion was enough to tear three more asunder. The beast was flailing; it couldn't withstand two powerful mages at the same time.

"Poor Gaia…" The ascian's voice echoed in Ryne's ears. "A true believer when it came to Hermes, and still paying the price even to this day."

"We need to save her! Right now, before…"

"Have no worries; you've done a good enough job with this beast. It's already weakened. All that's left is a final touch…" Emet chuckled as he charged the scepter with aether. The beast attempted to attack the ascian, but this time it was Ryne that came to his defense. Pushing the monster towards the tower's wall, the girl forced it to battle in desperate resistance and howl in a fury, giving Emet enough time to prepare his spell.

When the moment was right, Ryne tossed the monster aside, allowing Emet to wound it even further. When the beast was distracted, the ascian transformed his scepter into a blade.

"Get ready to catch!" He exclaimed before charging at the monster. With one single strike, it cut off the beast's limb, which was holding Inga. It swiftly dissipated into ash; there was nothing left but a falling woman, bleeding and exhausted from the monster's claws, powerless to resist. Ryne knew exactly what Emet meant now, as the ascian was talking on the beast, dealing one blow after another, cutting limb after limb; Ryne flew towards her friend, empowering herself with all the light she could muster. This was the beginning of her repaying the debt, of undoing the shameful sin Ryne committed before her in attempting to take away her identity, an opportunity to make things right.

Moments before Inga would hit the ground, Ryne clutched her, finally feeling the most blissful of relief after staring into her eyes that were still reeling from the shock.

"Are you alright?" Ryne asked as they slowly descended to the ground, and the monster's dying roar echoed above them, a sign of the ascian finally claiming a victory.

"Yes…Thank you." Inga was still too shocked to let go of Ryne's avatar, making it feel like an awkward yet warm embrace. It made Ryne inadvertently smile as a joyous feeling emerged in her heart. She was happy that Inga was safe, happy that she could protect her in time, and yet…She did not think of Gaia and Artemis; she felt no influence over her. There was no doubt that this was her feeling, wholly hers…

And it was a beautiful one.

…

This outcome wasn't exactly the one Emet-Selch hoped for when he decided upon his further course of action, but in the end. It turned out favorably for him. When the ascian emerged in Eulmore and witnessed a raging battle unfold before him with Ryne and her friends stuck inside the scorched city, there could be no better opportunity to ease her than to help her save those precious lives. After all, the ascian didn't lie, he wished no harm upon Ryne, but there were some words he wished to say before leaving the First forever. The blasphemies that attacked Eulmore were nothing but a mild inconvenience for them to overcome.

Once that was done, however, people started slowly coming out of their hiding spots. It took time to ensure them that it was safe now and that there were heroes to protect them, but eventually, they made their move. Those terrified, tormented people, so tired of living through the same nightmare over and over again…Truth be told, the ascian felt sympathy for them. It was hard to do so during his years of rejoining, as he would always be reminded that the sundered existed at the cost of his people, but now that mankind of eld got the best chance they could have, Emet felt like he was finally able to make relative peace with the sundered's existence. The fault for their woes lay with Venat and Hermes, not the people who simply fought for their lives to defend their kind, much like the ancients would do. They deserved to see their struggles come to an end, and if this will be the legacy the last of the Unsundered would leave for the star, then so be it.

Ryne wasn't willing to pay Emet any mind before she made sure to tend to every single wounded and to soothe every fearful soul. That much was expected, and despite Emet's annoyance, a part of him admired such compassion and dedication. It was something he always sought in other people, especially close friends. Hades thought back to his endless complaints about Apollo and his actions, how he was always guided by emotional attachments rather than rationale, and yet it was this contrast that allowed their relationship to bloom. After all, as Emet learned, he was a slave to sentiment, too, just in a slightly different way.

Eventually, Ryne had no choice but to hold onto her promise and fulfill it. The ascian discovered Inga and her outside Eulmore's gates, watching over people that began to flow back from Stilltide now that the adventurers had spread the word about Eulmore being secured. She was together with Inga, they discussed the recent battle and the future of Eulmore, or so Emet could deduce from what he heard. The truth got close. That much was evident from what little time he spent with them, and the ascian couldn't stop wondering about how natural it was and how big of a part their souls played. Perhaps it was something for them to discover for themselves much later…

Of course, the two of them quietly noticed the ascian's presence, though neither could muster their usual spite. They must have been grateful for his timely rescue, even though they would never admit to it.

"So, do I have to wait in this palace of dullness for a few more hours, or are you finally ready to talk?" He crossed his arms before gracing the two women with his stern gaze.

"You are very impatient for someone who lived for thousands of years…" Ryne sighed.

"Everyone's life can take a rather unexpected turn; it matters not whether one's twelve or twelve thousand years old."

"Do you want gratitude from us?" Inga spoke up. "If so, then…Well, you helped save my family, and I thank you for that. It doesn't change anything you did to us, though…What you did to Ryne."

"You guessed wrong; I hardly care for your gratitude…" Emet shook his head before looking at Ryne. "But I've come to express mine." As the ascian expected, the girl recoiled at those words, reflexively clenching her fist.

"S…Seriously?"

"Yes, why is it so surprising? You did give the lion's share of your energy to ensure a safe journey for me, didn't you?" The ascian explained, trying to sound reasonable and non-confrontational. "Very few people would do that to monsters that destroyed their lives only a few lives prior."

"You threatened me and my friends…" Ryne tried to hold back her anger. "How dare you talk of this when you gave me no choice?!"

"Yes, that much is true, I had to use all methods at my disposal to speed up your decision-making, but the truth is, I'm more than certain that you would've chosen to help me either way."

"And why is that?"

"For the very same reason, I had to wait for you after the dust had settled." A smile emerged on the ascian's face. "Even when you are beaten down and forced into the suffering that drains all of your energy, you will not hesitate to share some of your succor and care with others…Edwin taught you well."

"You…"

"Am I wrong?"

Ryne was about to say something. That much was clear in her glowing yellow eyes, yet the girl hesitated before clenching her fist and taking a deep breath. Expunging the anger from herself.

"I'm tired…I'm really, really tired. Yes, you are right; I probably wouldn't have denied you…But I wouldn't be doing it for you. I will be doing it for your people, the ones that lived before all of this chaos befell upon them, because…I don't want them to die, either. I just know that this isn't possible, no matter how I want it to be." Her hands shook moments before Inga put her own on Ryne's shoulder, likely in an attempt to soothe her. "I just…I wish life stopped reminding me of that. I want to wake up knowing that there will be no new threats, no new beasts arising the next day and that you won't return to torment us again. I want to wake up knowing that it will all be alright, that our world will not fall…I want to wake up knowing without a doubt that I am…Me. Not Mitron, not Minfilia, not some goddamn sin-water…Just me. And I know I can't have that, not now, maybe never…" Emet listened to her words in silence, not even thinking of mocking her. He wouldn't show to her, but the ascian felt the pain in her voice, a voice that pleaded to existence itself for salvation and succor while slowly drowning in an ocean of her own insanity. She might have learned to slow this process down, but there were only two ways to truly stop it. "And while you were gone, many things happened…And do you know what? I think I understand now. I don't want to understand how you and your ascians felt, what made you do what you did. But I think I do now…I think I do." Were it any other person, Emet would've been quick to deny even the possibility that they might come close to understanding the Ascians, but he didn't feel the urge this time. Perhaps Ryne didn't know how it felt to have her entire race decimated before her eyes, but on the other hand, Emet, Lahabrea, and Elidibus were adult men with many experiences when this cataclysm befell upon them. This girl was born in hell and lived there for most of her life.

"I think you do, too," Emet spoke up. "It's exceedingly rare for a single person to be so eager to become a hero for others, even when it means taking an agonizing burden onto yourself. And it was rarer still for the Unsundered to note the mortals' heroism, especially in recent eras…But we saw it in you. Elidibus saw it, and so did I."

"This doesn't make it any easier." Ryne looked away with shame.

"I suppose it doesn't…Allow me to explain, then. Your energy wasn't able to transfer an Unsundered soul in its entirety, of which I'm sure you are already aware; what you did was to create an avatar of myself that could interact with the world and change it…" There might have been doubts in the ascian's mind as to how much the change he inflicted truly matters and whether the timeline he saw got preserved at all, yet the lack of the Gemini crystal when he came back gave him hope. It was there, with Azem on the other side. "I met my old friends with the knowledge I possessed and forewarned them of what is to come, of the actions that we all must take. Alas, I couldn't stay…" Emet took a deep breath of relief before closing his eyes. The ascian saw them once again, standing before him, his beloved friends…Apollo and Hythlodaeus, together with Hades, weren't yet consumed by endless grief and pain, cherishing the memory and the time they now had after defeating Meteion. No matter what he thought, it was worth it in the end. "And I saved them…" Emet's voice broke in a stutter. "I gave them a chance. They know what's coming, and they have the means to stop it before it becomes too much…Oh, that they do."

"Huh…" Ryne chuckled with an undertone of shame.

"Is ought amiss?"

"No…" Ryne hesitated before taking a breath. "I shouldn't feel relieved, should I? Or else I'm just proving you right." Ah, now the ascian saw how it was.

"Worry not. No one can always have a single side of it, right or wrong. Better to admit it this once and express your true feelings."

"Then I am glad, truly. If what I did means that the innocents are saved…It's worth it."

"And it's all possible only because of you," Emet said, finally allowing his awe to emerge. "You trusted me and used your energy to create a bridge between eras, achieved a feat that none even could in this timeline; you did something me and my brethren yearned for over eons…You give our people a chance, and thus every single ascian owes you something that cannot be simply paid away." Emet confessed. "A word of thanks doesn't begin to cover it, but I hope you understand why it is still in order."

"And this is all you came here for? To tell me that there are even more people who are grateful for what I did? Even more that would see me as just an idol?"

"Not just that, I wanted to apologize," Emet said, inadvertently making Inga let out a nervous chuckle.

"Oh, this is going to be rich."

"I won't accept them." Ryne shook her head. "And if you think that it's just…"

"I will not apologize for killing Edwin and others, not for the flood of light, and not for forcing you to become one with Eden," Emet stated coldly. "Partially because, as you said, no apology will ever make up for it, partially because each and every one of those things I would've done again were I forced into those very same situations."

"Then…What is it?"

"I want to apologize for the crudeness I treated you with after my return to the First. I won't deny I have been rather callous. The thought of being able to leave this broken world forever and leave all of you behind filled me with glee. I neglected the dignity and feelings of a woman to whom my people now owe their lives for no other reason than pettiness, and I acknowledge that. This, I truly am ashamed of doing. Whether you accept those apologies or not, I wanted you to hear them."

"Are you being genuine…Or is the feeling of being forced back into our 'broken world' finally catching up to you?"

"Who knows, who knows…Mayhap I will change my opinion on the matter later, but considering that I will not return to this shard, what matters is here and now." The ascian exclaimed before sighing. "Tied to this broken world, indeed, even after all that happened…A cruel twist of irony, but at least it helped me realize something."

"And that is?"

"That despite the alternate timeline being everything I ever dreamed of, this star has something that that one will never have…It is my world, the one my soul was born in, the history of which I have witnessed. My life is tied to it, and even though I cannot reshape it in my image any longer, I can still stand out its soil when the realm is on the brink." Emet explained as a tear fell from his eye. "And I will see it saved from the Song of Obivion, no matter at what cost."

"You know…If you said those words earlier, before everything you did to me, to them…Maybe I would've accepted them. Maybe I would've even forgiven you." Ryne shook her head. "But I feel nothing…Nothing." Emet wasn't sure if she spoke the truth, yet ultimately it was irrelevant.

"I wish it could've gone differently for you; you don't deserve everything we forced you to go through…What I forced you to go through." The ascian sighed. "A part of me wishes this world could've been fair for all of us, but as always, that is nothing more than a hollow dream…The world will never be perfect for everyone, but we can make it as good as we can if we ourselves take action. So, when you return to Crystarium, check out Beq Lugg; I'm sure they will have something to show you."

"What have you done to them?"

"Stop assuming the worst, will you? Absolutely nothing just shared something of interest."

"Fine, I'll take you at your word…And is that it?"

"Before I leave…Allow me to conduct one final procedure." Emet announced, thinking of his ascian brethren. As bizarre as their circumstances were, Ryne and Inga were reflections of Loghrif and Mitron, the vessels that housed echoes of their souls and memories. "Now that Zodiark has fallen and our people's future was secured by other means, this world has no need of the ascians anymore, no need of our work. You may not be Gaia and Artemis, but you possess their echoes, and whether you like it or not, the memories of once serving on the Convocation, no matter how deeply they're etched in your souls, make us three members. Three is a rather low number for such a decision, I confess, but it was enough for Azem, Elidibus, and Loghrif to make a fateful decision to investigate my tale." The ascian explained, all while thinking about his comrades. There were so many of them at the beginning, the three Unsundered that imbued others with memories and knowledge, ten sundered overlords, raised from their obliviousness and reminded of their past, as well as their willing servants with black masks. And now…Nothing but ruins. Lahabrea was destroyed by Thordan's blade, and Elidibus was annihilated by Zenos's and Amon's scheme, leaving Emet the last of the Unsundered. Other ascians were lost one after another as well…First, Emmerololth has torn apart in the stream after her machinations on the Isla of Val, then Nabriales fell to the Warrior of Light's blade. Igeyorhm spent eons repenting for her mistake with the Thirteenth, at some point even trying to reignite the spark of her love with Lahabrea…How fitting that they perished together. Then it was Loghrif and Mitron, sacrificing themselves for the flood of light, with the former falling to the heroes of Norvrandt and the other mutating into a maddened sin eater that Emet had to put down. Then, of course, there were Altima and Deudalaphon, the ones that hunted Gaius and his brethren before eventually falling to them. And so ten overlords were reduced to three, Pashtarot, Halmarut…And Fandaniel. Emet had no doubt that he would meet the latter sooner than he would've wanted to.

"And what is it you want to do?" Ryne inquired.

"To officially disband the Convocation of Fourteen here and now, and you will be witnesses to my final edict as Emet-Selch…" The ascian paused. He desperately tried to realize the sheer magnitude of the decision he was enacting; even for him, it was hard to comprehend. The Convocation was formed in times far more ancient than Emet had seen, countless thousands of years before he was even born, a government to keep peace and balance in all of Amaurot and the world beyond. No one could imagine living to see the end of the Convocation, and yet here he was, not only witnessing it unfold but being the one who gave out the order. "For countless years, each of the fourteen seats saw a line of talented and distinguished individuals, those with their heart of pure virtue, with their desire being to help the star bloom. To leave it better than it was when they arrived, to leave a footprint I'm our history's weave. And at times, they had to make very difficult decisions, especially the last holders, the ones that were faced with a cataclysm beyond their might…But now their work has finally reached its end. Henceforth, I relinquish the title of Emet-Selch, for the seat itself is obsolete along with thirteen others. The tale of their duties shall remain in history, but no longer will they guide this world's future. The age of Amaurot is over…And it will never be brought back." The ascian felt tears falling from his eyes as he said those agonizing words. He saw Amaurot for the very last time on the other side, and he will never have another chance. The thought of one day being able to see his friends and home again, the thought that justified his existence during the most recent thousands of years, was no more…But it did not go without replacement, the one he wouldn't have to wait for quite so much. "It is as Hades that I will return to the Source and finish the fight, no longer a bearer of ancient duty, but as a man who has nothing left but a single question. And I will have my answer, I swear." And so it was done, nothing but words that none of his compatriots will ever here, for all of them were long gone, became other people who are no longer bound by duty. "I will never forget the life they have given me…Every single one of them."

He stood in silence among Ryne and Inga. The two looked down, not saying a word. Was it something they felt in their souls? Something that those fainting echoes of Loghrif and Mitron could feel? If so, Hades hoped that they understand, that they forgave. "And with that…There is nothing left for me here. Thank you for everything, Ryne, on behalf of every single soul that constitutes the mankind of eld." Hades finally concluded, preparing to open a dark portal that would take him to the rift. He didn't want to waste any time when there was a battle fight, a battle the ending of which was long overdue.

"Wait," Ryne said quietly, yet Hades heard her. "There is one thing I would ask of you."

"Yes?"

"You're going to G'raha, are you not?" The girl wondered, soon receiving a nod from the ascian. "If so, can you deliver him a message from me?"

"Assuming it's not too long."

"Very well then…You've seen him not so long ago, haven't you…Does he feel guilty over what happened? With Zodiark, I mean."

"Very much so, a guilt that drives him to make rather idiotic decisions, unfortunately."

"I knew he would blame himself…So tell him this. I do not blame him. No one in here blames him…We understand how horrifying it must feel to be responsible for this, but he couldn't have known, and he did what he did for the best of all our worlds." Ryne put her hand to her chest as her voice grew quieter as if she was about to let her tears be unleashed. "He helped me in my darkest hour; he was there for me when I feared that I might be alone. He was there and made me feel understood…I forgive him. We all do. When you tell him of what happened to Norvrandt, say that we will continue to fight until the very end, that we won't let our world fall. And whatever he is now doing, I know that he will not stop looking for a way to save all of us…And I have no doubt that he will. If anyone can…It's him. And even…Even if this is the last chance for people of this world to speak with him, however indirect, he will forever live on among us, both in our memories and the legacy he left. We all wish him the best of luck." Ryne's lips quivered as the girl was finally able to smile. Despite the nightmare her life turned into, Hades saw a glimmer of belief in her soul, the one that she wouldn't let go of no matter how dire it got. If she would maintain this glimmer, then it was on both him and G'raha to make it worth it. "Goodbye, Hades, may our paths never cross again, and…Good luck to you, too."

She knew that this was a fight they both shared now, and it was time to bring it to a close. Hades smiled one last time before conjuring up a portal of darkness, consuming his body and opening a gateway to the rift.

It was time to go home.

…

When Ryne returned to Crystarium, she wasn't sure of what to expect. Seeing Emet-Selch, or as he would rather call himself now, Hades, disappear in a portal of darkness as he left for the Source wasn't the vengeance she wanted. Everything she told the ascian before Eulmore's gates were the truth. She could never forgive him for making her life a living hell and taking the lives of her friends. But now that she got a taste of this hell, she could at least offer the ascian some understanding. He was once a victim, too.

"Are you feeling alright?" Inga's voice rang from behind Ryne as they walked in the Crystal Tower's footsteps. "You haven't talked at all since we left Eulmore, so…"

"I'm just tired, that's all. I was worried that we wouldn't be able to save your parents, and even so, there are still so many dead…It would've been worse without Emet-Selch."

"It's about him, isn't it…" Inga sighed. "I'm not too happy, either…But I don't know. This act won't make me forgive him for the flood and all else he's done, but…If not for him, my parents would be dead."

"It's alright to feel grateful. I might not have been able to defeat the mo monster alone…I just wish I could let go. Just forget and not think about him; I don't want to think about how we just let him go…" Ryne clenched her fist before taking about her breath and calming herself down. "I shouldn't be so selfish. G'raha needs his help, everyone on the Source needs his help, and if he makes it even a little easier to defeat the creature in the sea of stars, it is worth it." Yes, this would be the thought she would keep in her mind, praying that one day, they would see the end of the crimson skies and the emerging beasts, and this would be the day they knew that G'raha fulfilled his promise and triumphed. But before she could settle down with it, Ryne needed to see the gift the ascian mentioned.

Together, Ryne and Inga entered the Ocular and saw Beq Lugg. They were walking around the room in haste as if anticipating their arrival. The moment nu mou saw their guests, they let out a sigh of relief before rushing towards them.

"Finally, you've returned!" They exclaimed. "Did you protect Eulmore? Do you succeed?"

"It wasn't without loss, but yes…" Ryne said. "The beasts are no more, and the citizens are safe."

"Did Emet-Selch help you?"

"Huh?" Inga raised her eyebrow in surprise. "I take it you saw him return, and he wasn't entirely secretive about his intentions…"

"Yes, he did," Ryne added. "If not for him, our victory would've been far from certain. And now he left our world…Saying that this time he will never return.

"I'm glad he held onto his promise." Lugg smiled. "Come with me, Ryne; there is something he left for you!" The excitement in their voice was more than enough to intrigue Ryne, making her and Inga follow the nu mou into the study.

"Are you sure that it's not dangerous? I'd expect all kinds of surprises from him." Inga forewarned, but Lugg seemed certain.

"I'm sure…Here, take a look."

They opened the door laying before Ryne and Inga, unveiling the Exarch's former quarters. The room hardly seemed out of the ordinary. At least the ascian did not make a mess out of it. However, soon Ryne's eyes fell upon something that made her freeze in shock. It was a body that lay on the bed, a body of a teenage girl with ginger hair and white skin, wearing white garments indistinguishable from those of the oracle. It faced the wall, but Ryne understood that it was hers.

"I…Is it…"

"Yes! Just come and take a look." Beq encouraged her with joy in their voice. The girl trod carefully as both Inga and Beq watched her with anticipation. Ryne put her shaking hand on the body's head, slowly turning it around. Soon she was staring into her own face, the face that didn't seem lifeless but instead overtaken by sleep…By sweet, joyous dreams that shielded her from the dying world around her.

"Emet-Selch said he wanted to leave something for you…" Beq began his explanation. "I was cautious at first, of course, but when he let me in…He transformed the body he used as a vessel into a perfect copy of yours! I examined it after his spirit left to claim another one, and it truly is indistinguishable from someone of your age and sex…From you. The magic they employ must truly be fascinating…But that wasn't the end of it." Beq's story wasn't over. "He explained a thing or two about soul transfer and pointed me to correct theories, telling of the mechanisms that one can use…It's not a guarantee of success, but once all of this is over…I think I know how I can do this! Separate your soul from Eden and insert it into this very body! Do you understand what it means?" There was no end to Beq's excitement, and even Inga clearly let go of her skepticism as a smile emerged on her face.

"That's…That's wonderful!"

But Ryne wasn't done yet. Gently, she touched one of the girl's eyelids, slowly raising and seeing an eye…Her eye. It was only for a few weeks she was able to live with her natural eyes, those colored in blue but free from Minfilia's influence of light. Not hers nor that of Eden…It was a copy of the body that Eden's fire scorched when Ryne surrendered to its influence.

"W…" Her lips quivered as Ryne finally turned towards Beq. "Why? Why did he…"

"He didn't tell me much, alas." The nu mou sighed. "But when I asked him about it, those were the words he said…He said to consider this a small token of gratitude for what you've done for his people…And because he cannot think of a soul more deserving to see another day."

Each of those words was enough to shatter Ryne's heart into a thousand pieces, and together they made it hard for her avatar to even stand. Why did it have to be like this…Why was fate so cruel? Just when she spoke all that she wanted in the ascian's face, almost ready to let go of him…She had to learn that she had a future now. A future that wouldn't be possible without the very same man who once took it away from her. The ascian knew what he was doing, letting her believe that those final goodbyes were on her terms, only to turn it around soon after. And yet, Ryne knew that she would not deny this gift…She thought of being able to walk freely, to regain her senses, to enjoy sleep and food again, to not feel connected to the limited reservoirs of energy every single day, to not feel as if she is fused with another…To have a life G'raha once promised her. To walk together with her friends, together with Inga, seeking out countless adventures for themselves, knowing that they won't have to struggle just for the sake of seeing another day. She would have to sell her soul to a demon, but it would be worth it.

Ryne fell to her knees, unable to withstand this burden, not anymore. She felt tears streaming down her face, even though she knew there weren't any, that this was nothing more than a phantom feeling echoing through the turmoil in her soul that was very real. Now she would never forget what he did to her, never let go, as her own shadow will forever be a reminder of the ascian that walked this earth. The last bargain, the last choice, the one that she already made.

Ryne felt Inga kneeling beside her, gently embracing her.

"It's okay…It's not him anymore, and we will find a way to make this body yours…I promise."

For the first time in countless days of heartbreak and struggle, Ryne was finally inclined to believe it. Perhaps she desperately wanted to; perhaps she was willing to accept this illusion if it meant her freedom. None of this mattered at this moment. All that mattered was that she wasn't alone. She had a new loyal friend standing by her side. All of them were caught amidst the overwhelming odds; none knew if they would see the sun rise again…And yet, whatever end awaited them, there was nothing that Ryne wanted more than to meet it together with her friends, her heart full of pride, hope, and unwavering belief.

The belief that those days will not be final.