Her Children pt. 1
With the end of your bargain fulfilled, it was now the Forum's turn to keep theirs. You and your companions were led to Thaumazein, the very heart of Labyrinthos, where the ark that was to be your salvation was being constructed. Yet that was simply the sideshow to the true secret that lay therein.
The Aitiascope.
Much like that construction you dubbed Antitower, it allows Sharlayan to peer deep into the Aetherial Sea, but on a much grander scale. They used it to commune with Her, until the Seventh Calamity had quelled Her voice to little but a whisper. The device was no longer enough. That only left the direct approach.
Go now. She is waiting for you, and it's high time that you delivered it to her. Your answer.
Silence pervaded everything around them as S'eni looked out into the distance. Where the blue glow of crystals had been their steady companion as they had begun their track into the heart of the star, here, where the borders between physical and aetherial were almost non-existent, there remained almost nothing but a vast emptiness. An abyss where the souls are stripped of all their lingering regrets, washed clean so that, one day, they might return to a new life.
But there were also those whose regrets weighed so heavily that they tethered them to this place, memories so strong they persisted even after nothing else seemed to be left. On their way here, they encountered quite a few of them. A man, driven to the extreme to see his homeland liberated, no matter the cost; Ilberd.
A woman, whose desire for the man she loved had become so twisted that it had bordered on madness; Livia.
A soldier who had been unable to keep the enemy at bay, losing his life in the process and paving the way for his Legatus's downfall; Rhitahtyn.
And a researcher who had wished for nothing more than for life itself to finally come to an end and, even within death, had fought tooth and nail for it—
S'eni turned her eyes to the ground in front of her, where only mere moments ago, he had been dragged further into this dark abyss.
—Amon.
But where old adversaries had awaited them, barring their way while trying to fulfill old grudges, their dearly departed friends had arrived to lend their aid. Even now she could still feel the warmth that had engulfed her when a certain, broken shield had appeared in front of her, to grant her the same protection as it had done back then.
Thank you, Haurchefant...everyone, she thought, closing her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, she turned towards the bright light in the distance, and the crystalline pathway leading there, before looking to the others. "Let's go."
Her friends nodded and they proceeded to move forward. As they marched towards the light, it began to engulf them like pure white mist, shrouding their vision and leaving only the sounds of their footsteps to guide them along. From one moment to the next, they shifted from a slight creak into a metallic clonk, and ever so slowly, their vision began to clear once more, revealing to them...
"The Mothercrystal..." she exhaled.
"You have come a long way..." a voice suddenly said, and they all looked up to see a beautiful, winged figure descending from on high. Its skin was a pure white and veils seemed to be attached to its very body, fluttering in the aetherial breeze. But even with all these changes in appearance, she'd recognized that voice anywhere.
"Venat...it's been a while," S'eni said, her lips curling into a smile. "You've changed quite a bit. Did you do something with your hair?"
Hydaelyn appeared perplexed at first, but it was swiftly replaced by realization. "You...have gone to Elpis, have you not?"
"I have."
"And so our two ages have intertwined at long last..." Hydaelyn, too, smiled and S'eni nodded. "Very well, then. You have my attention. What brings you to me?"
"Hydaelyn," Alisaie said, stepping forth. "You prepared for the moon to be an escape vessel should the Final Days return to the star. But...is that truly the only solution? We don't wish to flee. No, we wish to save this star alongside its shards!"
"Flight is but one of two paths, never the only one. The other one leads to the very end of the universe, to Meteion's nest, and the direct confrontation with the one who wishes to bring upon the end," Hydaelyn said. "Be aware though, that it is a place of pure dynamis, the very power she weaves and forms however she chooses. No matter the power of your spells or the strength of your aether...they will be of no use in a place where her emotions and thoughts reign supreme."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"If you are unable to resist the gathered despair and suffering of the stars resting inside her nest, then your endeavor is doomed to fail. It would swallow you whole until nothing is left."
"We won't let that happen," Alisaie proclaimed, but visibly deflated after the words passed her lips. "Or...at least that's what I once believed. But if our journeys taught me one thing, it's that it's all too easy to be consumed by grief. To deny that would not only be wrong...I don't think we could even if we wanted to. I cannot say if we'll be able to stand up to this trial. So is fleeing really the only thing we can do?"
"No. It is those experiences that have time and again become your greatest strength, " she said after a brief silence. "Throughout history, many stars have sought a paradise without suffering. Some shining brighter than even Etheirys. They all have tried...and they all failed. According to Meteion's report, not a single star exists that could rid itself of fear and anger, pain and suffering, hate and destruction. That suggests, that they are an essential part of our existence. Facets without which the mural of life could never be complete. No matter how we strive towards perfection and happiness...Life and suffering walk hand in hand."
Hydaelyn's expression became warm then and she cast her gaze over them all.
"Yet that is but one side of the same coin. Suffering, too, cannot exist without life and hope. You, who are standing before me now, are proof of that." She looked at Alphinaud. "Your view of the world was shattered in the pursuit of justice. Yet even as you stood before its broken fragments, those who walked alongside you offered you a helping hand."
The goddess' eyes went to Alisaie next. "Your strength alone was often not enough to carry your ideals. But whenever you thought you had reached your limit, you found a friend that would inspire you to even greater heights."
Thancred. "You were unable to protect what you held dear, and a beloved life was lost to you. But it was that same love that sprouted hope. For you, and others."
Urianger. "Where words escaped you, suffering grew. Yet there were always those, who had no need for words, for they knew what lay within your heart."
Y'shtola. "The truth is easily distorted, and simpler even to be lost. Yet that never stopped you to brave even the most adverse conditions, to seek the knowledge hidden beyond."
Estinien. "The flame of hate burned blades and wings alike, and in the end, you were consumed as well. But it left not just destruction in its wake—buried within white ash, a spark of warmth smoldered."
G'raha. "Your despair arose in the face of a calamity. Nevertheless, it was your belief in a new tomorrow and a different future that stoked your bravery into determination."
And finally, S'eni. "You, too, have been broken. Again and again. You endured so much suffering while carrying the burden of responsibility on your shoulders. When it becomes too much, you stop, and your thoughts go towards the next step of your journey; the next encounter you might make. And then you rise once more, knowing that you are carrying countless hopes within yourself."
She closed her eyes as Hydaelyn said those words. Even now, she could feel that weight of responsibility, but also the hopes of those that trusted her, who had all gathered together to make the impossible possible. And that gave her strength.
"With every step each of you takes, you struggle with despair. And despite knowing of the end, you did not stop. Your journey serves as testament to your will. It is your strength in the battle against the one who sings the song of oblivion."
"You...believe we can stop the Final Days?" Alphinaud asked.
"If not you, then who else? However..." Hydaelyn raised a hand and conjured up a sword. "To travel to the edge of the universe is a task of monumental proportions. You have but one chance. And should you fail, all will be lost. So I—the will of the star—shall test your mettle. Show me the fire that burns within you. The will to march unto the end. No matter how many times you are brought to your knees. No matter how much pain you suffer. But should you be unable to defeat an old goddess like me, you must leave this star behind and flee. Far, far away from here."
"Heh," Estinien chuckled, his hand going to his lance. "This just proves once and for all what we've saddled ourselves with."
"Yes, and no amount of trickery will help us here," Thancred agreed, grabbing his Gunblade. "Not like we'll need it. And we certainly won't give up!"
"I shall lend thee mine aid. As humble as mine talents may be, 'twas for this purpose that I honed them," Urianger said, letting his planisphere and cards float above his left hand.
"My, aren't we confident? Surely you are aware that we are facing the will of the star..." Y'shtola's lips quirked upward, raising her staff and brushing a stray lock out of her face. "But as it just so happens, I'm not in the mood to admit defeat either."
"It will require all of our strength." G'raha summoned forth a sword and shield, grabbing both tightly. "But we will triumph. For the future of the star, no, life itself!"
"Right!" the twins called out in unison and readied their own weapons.
Only S'eni remained how she was, her eyes locked with Hydaelyn's, no, Venat's. The goddess stared back, blade slowly rising until the tip was directly pointing at her. "You were unable to give me an answer in Elpis, so let me ask you again. Was your journey a good one? If so then prove it to me by claiming victory!"
She raised her arms and the hint of a smirk danced across her lips. Glancing over her shoulder at her friends, she shared a quiet nod with them. Time to finally give Venat her answer.
Exploding forward, S'eni rushed towards Hydaelyn, jumping into the air and aiming a kick at Her head, which was easily blocked by an elegant hand. The goddess' lips quirked upwards. "A direct approach, I see."
"No, a distraction," she simply stated, and immediately after, shards of ice came hurtling towards Hydaelyn. Swinging Her sword, she sliced them apart, turning them into nothing but icy mist. But it also left Her quite open for Thancred to swoop in from behind and slash at Her back, causing Hydaelyn to stagger mid-air.
"Impressive, Gunbreaker, but are you truly able to defy fate?" Hydaelyn asked, swinging her sword towards him, creating a cloud of sparks as their blades clashed.
"We're not scared of fate," he pressed through gritted teeth and pulled the trigger of his Gunblade. The force behind the explosion pushed them apart, and a pair of Nouliths dived in between them, firing beams of aether at Hydaelyn while the other pair administered a shield around Thancred.
"Wise words, indeed," Alphinaud agreed, moving his hand to guide the Nouliths out of the way of Hydaelyn's attack. "And we shall prove them today!"
With a cry, Alisaie rushed in, her rapier but a blur as she attacked the goddess, who answered her challenge with the same speed, each precise movement proof that they were facing a true master of combat. Suddenly, the tip of Hydaelyn's blade slipped past the young woman's guard and, with one smooth movement, sent her weapon flying. Before She could do any serious damage though, S'eni's fist slammed into Her arm and a descending Estinien forced Her to retreat backwards.
"Watch out! Her sword is gathering aether!" Y'shtola cried and they all jumped back just in time to dodge the wave of aether shooting out from Her blade.
"Very good!" Hydaelyn said. "Let us switch things up a little!"
The sword vanished from Her hand and was replaced with a staff. Swinging it around, she hurled a barrage of spells towards them, forcing Y'shtola, Alisaie, Alphinaud, and Urianger to counter them with magic of their own while the rest of them dodged and tried to go on the offensive. But every time one of them even got remotely close to Her, a sudden pulse of aether from the ground pushed them back.
"We need to think of something!" Estinien dodged another spell with a growl. "Or she'll tire us out."
"I might—" G'raha raised his shield to deflect one. "—have an idea!"
"Whatever it is, just do it!" S'eni cried.
"I just need to wait for the right—There!" Pulling his arm back, he hurled his aetheric shield towards Hydaelyn's staff, hitting its tip at the exact moment another spell shot forth. It burst apart with a bright flash, making Her shield her face and leaving Her wide open.
"Now!" Thancred shouted and they jumped towards Her, ready to strike. Only—
"WHAT!?" S'eni's eyes widened.
—to be stopped by a barrier of pure crystal that instantly formed around Hydaelyn. The goddess' eyes sought hers out, and a little smirk formed on those pale lips; a silent compliment, but also a warning.
"Crystals of Light, to me!" Hydaelyn called out and the entire platform became encased by crystal as well, trapping them with no way out. Six crystals appeared around them, each a different color just like the ones S'eni possessed, but far larger.
"Aether of every aspect!" she heard Urianger exclaim.
"I've never seen such aetheric density before..." Y'shtola then gasped. "And it's growing!"
S'eni immediately realized what was going to happen. "She's drawing power. Damage the crystals!"
"Hear..." Hydaelyn's voice echoed from all around them as they fanned out. "...the song that heralds the end."
"Feel..." Their adversary, of course, didn't just simply watch while they attacked the elemental crystals, using some of the gathering aether to cast spells that were nearly enough to bring them all to their knees if not for Alphinaud and Urianger. "...the despair on the edge of existence."
"Think..." One by one, they managed to damage the crystals enough to keep the density from growing, but the air around them still pulsed with never before seen power. "...of a way through the darkness."
The crystal around Hydaelyn shattered, sending pieces of it flying in all directions, and the sword returned to Her hand. She looked at them, Her eyes narrowing. "Follow your light!"
"Quick, behind me!" G'raha shouted and planted himself firmly in front of them. He gripped his shield tightly, a pair of large aetherial wings sprouting from his back in a fan-like manner to offer them additional protection. Just in time.
"Or fly, my child, and never look back!" Turning Her blade around, Hydaelyn grabbed its handle in both hands and slammed it into the ground. From one second to the next, everything became dark and all sounds ceased. Then, a blinding light erupted from the center, filling the black void with everlasting white.
"Shtola!" S'eni cried.
"I know! Urianger, Alphinaud!"
All four of them raised their hands and formed a protective bubble around them to aid G'raha. But even that seemed to not be enough against the might that was thrown at them, as cracks began to form all over it in a manner of seconds. Gritting her teeth, S'eni funneled more aether into the barrier. Just a little longer. Just a little longer. Just a little longer!
After what felt like an eternity, the attack finally stopped, and she dropped onto her knee, panting.
"So that is the power that sundered the star..." Y'shtola marveled. The barrier that had enclosed the platform had been shattered into a million pieces. As they floated idly in the aetherial sea, the residual light reflected off them, draping everything in a light blue glow. Hydaelyn simply hovered in front of them, the glow causing Her to look even more divine. If there had ever been any doubt about the sheer might that She wielded, it had now been truly dispelled.
"Your resolve is strong...but this trial is far from over!"
"Good." S'eni rose back up, cracking her knuckles before moving towards Hydaelyn. "We're not done either!"
Their battle continued, neither side giving the other quarter as blades clashed and spells collided with one another. Despite being vastly outnumbered by them, Hydaelyn was not wavering even as some of their attacks managed to pass through her almost impenetrable defense, giving just as good as she got. For a while, it even looked like She would be the victor by simply wearing them down. Until...S'eni spotted her chance!
"Raha!" She shouted, making her way over to him. "Give me a boost!"
"With pleasure!" He dropped to the ground and raised his shield for her to jump onto. As soon as her feet made contact, she was hurled towards Hydaelyn at breakneck speed. Noticing their sudden maneuver, the sword in Her hand turned into a pair of chakrams and She tossed them towards S'eni. Spinning around mid-air, S'eni narrowly avoided their sharp blades and raised her fist, guiding as much aether as she could muster into it.
"THIS ENDS—"
Hydaelyn's lips curled into a smile.
"—NOW!" S'eni's fist connected with Hydaelyn's head in a large explosion of aether, sending Her flying backwards and landing harshly on the ground. With shaking hands, She tried to push herself back up, but almost immediately collapsed once again, breaths passing her lips in heavy gasps.
"So there...is still..." Hydaelyn managed to say, but broke off again. In the meantime, S'eni and the others looked at each other and, determining that the battle was over, let themselves relax, some of them, too, collapsing on the ground to catch their breaths.
"You okay?" S'eni asked Alisaie, who looked especially out of breath, putting a hand on the young woman's shoulder.
"Yes...just a little winded is all—oh no!" the young Elezen's eyes suddenly widened. "Hydaelyn, you're...!"
Immediately turning towards Her, S'eni gasped out when she saw tiny particles of aether rising from Her body. Hydaelyn, in turn, just released a little laugh and raised Her head to look at them. "As the will of the star and guardian of the future, I saved just enough of my power for this very battle," She said. "It is over. You were tested...and have rightfully won..."
"Venat, I—" But she was silenced by a look that told her the goddess had made her peace. A hand softly placed itself on her shoulder and turned to see Y'shtola give her a solemn look, before stepping forth.
"Allow me one last question, Hydaelyn," the other Miqo'te said, and the goddess nodded. "You sundered Etheirys because beings of low aetheric density are able to manipulate dynamis. You couldn't allow that life would once again admit defeat against despair, and hoped that we would learn to withstand it instead. No, you wholeheartedly believed it. You knew that, once new life had begun walking upon this sundered world, that the ends had justified the means and that one day, someone would finally stop the end, am I correct?"
"No matter how one twists and turns it, all my doings were a trial. Much was destroyed because of that, and even more suffering was incurred. It deserves neither warm words, nor can it ever be justified," Hydaelyn said. "But Zodiark's power was immense, and if I had not resorted to such means, the battle would have been lost. In the end, all that matters is that you have triumphed over me. And now, I shall leave the star's fate in your hands...together with this."
The goddess waved her hand and a crystal, similar in appearance to the crystals of Light, appeared in front of S'eni.
"It is a record of Meteion's path through the sea of stars. I have calculated the route myself. The Lopporit shall decipher it and lead you to her nest."
"But will we be able to reach it?" Alphinaud asked. "Flying to the moon seems simple in comparison to the edge of the universe. And unlike Meteion, we are unable to harness dynamis for such a journey..."
"Indeed. You will require an exorbitant amount of aether to travel such a distance. But you must already have figured out the solution to that problem..."
Alphinaud furrowed his brow, before looking at Her in shock. "Are you serious...!?"
"I am." She smiled. "Ever since I have become the will of the star, I have turned the aether gathered in the Aetherial Sea into crystal, bit by bit. Those who possess the power of the Echo, are quite familiar with its sight. Where I lack physical form, it represents the star in my stead; the Mothercrystal...It shall carry you to the end of the stars."
Her face fell.
"I am afraid, this is also the only assistance I can provide you with. You will have to face the darkness awaiting you at the end of your road on your own. So remember this, my children: as one's joy can become sorrow...so too can hope arise even in the depths of despair," Hydaelyn's gaze then landed on S'eni. "There is one last thing I wish to give you on your way. Please, come over here."
Doing as she was told, S'eni walked over to Her, coming to a stop only a few steps away. "What is it?"
"To this very day, I have searched for a way to deliver this star unto the future. I cannot say how often I have teetered on the edge of despair, but every single time, it was the stories of your adventures and our promise, which gave me the courage to keep moving. In a world and time so different from your own, you courageously fought for your future. That alone was enough to reignite the flame of hope time and again. They are simple words, but I am saying them with all my heart: thank you." A warm look entered Hydaelyn's eyes. "You carry Azem's crystal on you, do you not?"
"Always," she said and reached into her pocket to pull it out. "...It was a gift, after all."
Raising a hand, Hydaelyn let it hover above hers and began casting a spell on it. "As Hydaelyn, my powers are those of stasis, order...that which safeguards life if you will. Combined with Azem's power, you should be able to call forth the unknown and give it form. If only for a limited time. Even those, who no longer possess a body of their own, will heed your call," the goddess explained. "Beware though, Azem's power is not a simple spell. It relies upon the strength of your will, and will only take form if you wish for it with all your heart. 'Walk ever forward, following your heart's greatest desire. Then, and only then, will these powers unfold.' Those were the words of the one who created this magic."
S'eni looked at her in surprise, but Hydaelyn simply chuckled and released a tired breath. More and more particles were rising from Her body. It wouldn't be much longer.
"That is all that I can give you on the way. But please...a final promise. Deliver it, the answer to life, formed of countless fates across countless ages. We will not perish. Hurl them at the Endsinger with all your might."
Closing her eyes, S'eni's fingers tightened around Azem's crystal, warm to the touch and pulsing with new power. Her mind wandered back to those few days she had spent in Elpis, the things she saw, the people she met. And deep within her mind, a voice spoke, words she would never forget until her dying day: "Remember us..."
As she opened them again, she smiled and said, "Thank you, Venat. For everything. We'll make sure the star will have a future."
Now it was Hydaelyn's turn to be surprised, but it swiftly gave way to a smile of Her own as tears began running down Her cheeks. "Yes, you will. I have no doubt about it," She said. "My soul is waning, yet hope still remains in my heart. May my prayers...ever serve as a protective hand over you, my beloved children..."
And with a final flash of light, Hydaelyn's body burst into aether. S'eni watched it slowly ascend, higher and higher, until it became one with the Aetherial Sea. She was gone.
You can finally rest...Venat…
Well, this was a trial I couldn't just skip over, so I hope I managed to do it justice.