The cries of Kwolok were audible almost everywhere around the Luma Pools. The pristine waters reverberate to it and Ori is unable to prevent such damage. Such cruelty infuriated Ori.
Ori dashed in the air, advancing at full focus, dodging a tendril and slashing another, evading Kwolok's tongue to the best of his ability. With much effort, Ori attempted a different approach. At very close range, Ori wielded the bow and aimed at the fiend in the short seconds of the opening. Gleaming light formed a sharpened arrowhead and Ori fired it, landing a clear hit at the parasite's distorted face.
It screeches sharply like the nightmarish creature it is and recoils in pain until reaching the basin's walls. It swung Kwolok around the entire way, managing to collide the frail toad on every solid surface. This made the group pained as well, Ori even more for being responsible for it.
The parasite used the basin's walls to cover its back and have Kwolok in front for protection. Ori and Opher could circle them no more and opportunities to win the battle grew ever thin. Amid the groans of pain of the old toad, Kwolok made a weak smile. "Fight on! Strike it down with me. Purge the stain… of my… mistake."
Ori truly began to consider it. There was no other way? He tightened his fists in such frustration. Kwolok is a vital part of the lives of everyone in Niwen. He can't… He can't die! Opher and the others were just as frustrated listening to that, powerless to prevent the incoming outcome. The parasite had already healed from the arrow shot. It siphoned Kwolok's health to itself. And likewise, it drained Ori's hopes of defeating this thing without a major loss.
"Come on!" Opher rallied, bolstering their will to continue fighting. "This thing will not take our guardian!" He swung forward with the many vines as Ori followed.
"Grom! We need to circle the basin!" Meena requested.
"What else can we do? I don't have vision of the parasite anymore!"
"We have the perfect opportunity! If it will stick to the basin's walls we have a clear shot above it!"
Grom understood. The remaining shots they had had to count. Grom picked the light orbs and they sprinted to position without delay. Mokk and Meena followed close behind while Ori and Opher had no options but remained struggling against the many tendrils the parasite could sprout. It could just keep regrowing them as it had plenty of life force to work with.
An agile answer appeared above as Grom, Meena, and Mokk had repositioned themselves surprisingly quickly. Grom prepared to drop the light orbs atop the parasite. It would hurt but might be the last chance they had. Ori had to strike it down the moment it recoiled from the blast and was disoriented to use Kwolok again. Tension increased for the spirit. A cut from the spirit edge would be the most effective. Ori still struggled to use Sein's flames on his arrows in such a short window of time, so he had to get close.
Ori observed as Grom dropped the bombs and the moment they exploded, Ori air dashed forward. The parasite is pushed away from the walls and loses balance over Kwolok's weight. It was all exposed, Ori saw the opening and with the flaming sword in hand, he descended on the beast with full might and swung the blade, yet the parasite's mouth held back the blade and denied Ori of the opportunity. The strength it had was absurd. Ori was shocked as he used everything he had to cut through the hardened teeth. The flames can't burn through them, being nearly inches away from making the vile mass ignite. Ori pushed down harder but that was all he could manage.
Opher tried to impede, but too many tendrils harshly slam at Ori sending him flying until colliding on the basin's wall. The group follows with eyes as the crucial opening closes before them. Opher swings to Ori before the parasite attacks again.
"Hey, Ori, are you alright?" Opher called, taking Ori to safety. Ori slowly blinked and coughed, needing time to recover while the field repositioned itself. "Come on! Come on!"
Ori shook his head, ignored the pain, and put himself to think. The attack failed. The stress immediately took hold of his mind.
What now? Ori had no new answers as exhaustion arrived quickly. Kii's words echoed in his mind: You are the last hope Niwen has. Making only his heart ache. Ori did not want to think about it. Did not want to think about assuming the place Kwolok undertook.
The parasite made Kwolok face where Ori rested. "Please…! Make it end!" Kwolok cried, while the spirit stood back up, mustering strength for what he had to do.
"We were so close!" Opher said supportingly. "Let's go, one more time."
Ori breathed deeply and prepared himself. "Opher, the orbs won't be effective," Ori said, discouraging Opher from another charge. Opher does notice Ori's loss of vigor and it sounds dire. "What do you mean? We almost had it!"
Ori's stomach churned for considering something so extreme, but with the few resources he had, he chose to attend Kwolok's wish.
Without any other word, Ori assumed the stance to hurl a spirit spike. The last of Ori's light energy focused on his hand to form the shape of a spear, every ounce and every fiber of his being was placed into it. Opher was disheartened. "No. No! You can't do that, we were–"
"Opher." Kwolok called, "It is alright."
Opher's attention shifted to Kwolok's weak smile. The old toad was determined, he had accepted his fate. However, Opher did not want to accept it, he shook his head. "Please, don't do this! You know how Kwolok is important to all of us!"
Ori does not back away but feels the pain of the plea. The spear grew large in size, deadlier by the second and Kwolok was strained to obey the parasite. The old toad defied the control one last time, adamant to not break Ori's concentration. Opher begged again, not daring to disrupt Ori either but kept begging. Mokk, Meena, and Grom watched from a short distance and prepared their hearts.
Ori was ready. He gazed down at Kwolok one final time to see the old guardian embracing his deserved rest. The heartache weighed on him. Ori never wished to settle this problem like this, but fate was unkind.
"I am sorry," Ori said almost in tears. Time felt like stopping the moment Ori moved his arm to launch the spear, the pleas of Opher, the sound of the waterfalls, the parasite's screeching, and Kwolok's pained groans all mingled, causing a mild tinnitus. In the chaotic multitude of sounds his hearing caught, were the sounds of rapid steps, someone running on water. And the voice of…
"Spirit Ignition…" An orange and heated light comes running incredibly fast from below and leaps straight at the parasite. Layla went in with full force with a flying kick, tearing open a wide hole through its vile form before it could even realize her presence. The parasite immediately lashes out due to the pain and loses significant control over Kwolok.
Yet Layla wasn't finished. As she went through the parasite once, she found purchase again and dived back, tearing open through it a second time. She hops off Kwolok reaching safety on the opposite border of the basin. Layla now had to cool down, smoke escaping her mouth. "...Scorpion Sting."
Ori was in awe seeing Layla, while the others were stunned. Her presence renewed their hopes, thus allowing Ori to dismiss the spear. Not dead yet the parasite couldn't ignore the wounds and required time to regenerate. It sought to escape and pulled itself upwards to the high treetops while taking Kwolok with it. It cuts every vine to deter the path of its foes.
"No! It will escape with Kwolok!" Opher quickly seeks to find another way to chase the fiend. Ori hesitates for a moment, gazing straight at his friend resting moderately far. Is it really her? He wanted to deny his eyes. Yet that was not the moment to give her attention. Kwolok still requires aid.
Layla was fairly lost in the urgency of things, but she felt like she had helped at least. Miria had warned about that thing, and thankfully the amalgamation should have been dealt with, and better yet she managed to strike solely it and not the victim. Despite Layla's desire to have Ori in her arms, she saw clearly that he had things to do. That toad must be important.
"Go on! I will join you in a moment!" Layla shouted fatigued from the distance, recovering from the heavy use of her ignition. Ori nodded and air dashed up until he wasn't visible among the large palm leaves resembling coral colors like the rest of the Luma Pools.
Arriving at the top, beyond where the high palm leaves could lead, Ori is the first one to check on Kwolok. To his surprise, the old guardian stood firm and freed from the beast's grasp at a short distance on solid ground. Under his webbed foot, the foul creature squirmed for freedom but had none as Kwolok crushed it completely, bringing an end to the nightmarish fiend. Its death cry was fairly different from the usual distorted screeching. It sounded like… thousands and thousands of cries altogether.
Labored breathing filled the silent air as combat was over. Kwolok was afflicted, no joy of victory could be seen in his face.
"At long last. Be free… children of the Willow. May you find the light of the afterlife." Kwolok murmured mournfully, as the last of the blackish goo seeped from the treetops.
Ori stood in silence, half content that Kwolok was alive, and half disturbed by the remnants of the fiend.
"Little one… come closer," Kwolok beckoned, his friendly smile and eyes contrasting with his stained and injured form. As Ori approached, uncertainty and conflict consumed him. He was moments away from hurling the spear that would end Kwolok's suffering, and a remnant of shame lingered, but that wasn't why Kwolok called.
Since leaving the Silent Woods, the weight of the prophecy had burdened Ori's mind. He struggled to fathom what lay ahead, the choices that awaited him.
Below, Opher still struggled to find a way to take everyone to higher ground, while others still wanted to understand what had happened. "Has anyone seen that orange light?" Mokk asked. "That was so fast I barely caught sight of it."
"Was it a miracle? I can't thank it enough! Maybe we can find it again once we have the time," Meena replied, starting a conversation as Opher stepped in. "What are you all doing!? No rest until Kwolok is safe! Start climbing or I'll slap each of you!"
Above, Kwolok perceived Ori's internal debate—the conflict brewing within his soul.
"Do not feel guilty for making a hard choice. Sometimes we do what we have to do. You showed undeniable courage by battling for my sake, for my people's sake. I have nothing but gratitude for you," Kwolok expressed, bowing as much as his wounds would allow.
"Kwolok, you are still wounded… I…" Ori's voice wavered with concern.
"It is alright. I knew the risks the moment I traveled here. I am glad that I didn't hurt anyone." Kwolok said, and wishing to offer comfort, continued, "I can see you learned much. Doubt and uncertainty plague your thoughts." He paused to catch his breath before continuing.
Ori didn't say anything, despite having tons of things to ask and understand and Kwolok saw that clearly through him. Ori is destined to be something that cannot be taken lightly. To continue the cycle. Be reborn as a spirit tree.
And clearly, Ori isn't celebrating… Kwolok felt it. The pain, the tension that grips the mind. In past times it should be the greatest honor a guardian spirit can receive, but here? Overwhelming sorrow for the young spirit filled Kwolok. "It pains me, but fate sometimes is unkind, little one. You have learned about our wisp and our problems, and you find yourself amid cliffs. Return home with your sibling, or stay for our sake? Both have great depth. A weight unavoidable."
Ori opens up as Kwolok understands what he feels. "I wished to help, find my sister, and go home. But now… I don't know. I feel conflicted. I don't want to become a spirit tree. I don't want to leave you to suffer to Decay. Seir has visited me… she…"
Kwolok could only appreciate the kindness. But it also hurt Ori so much. A child torn into making between two far too difficult choices in a strange land, to fix the problems they have nothing to do with.
"It is true that Seir is difficult. She single-handedly brought what we live today. Now she will seek to heal Niwen through you. In this, you will be forced to abandon everything you have. And I can't imagine what it is to be in your place. Breathe, be calm. You have many options to take. You just have to stop and see."
Kwolok said the same thing Howl did. Ori welcomed this power of choice, but it couldn't shake off the tension. The prophecy he remembers had vague information about him and perhaps it was not the best time to ask, but Ori couldn't help.
"Kwolok, can you tell me about your prophecy? I was told that you couldn't see everything you were supposed to see."
Kwolok shifted slightly, groaning in pain for a moment. "My vision. Glimpses of a guardian spirit arriving in wings of shadows and giving Niwen a second chance through compassion. Words of mine that were made into a prophecy. I invite you to not dwell on such words. My old age has impacted my ability to foresee the future."
Ori felt surprised to listen to that like a drop of respite fell on a pool of stress. Kwolok wanted to circumvent what stressed him in the limited time he had to work with at least a little. His wounds worsened, and time was running out.
"I have seen much, but I do not control the hand of fate. I have seen the end of a journey, not one's way to get there."
"W-what do you mean?" Ori sought more answers, half eased but half apprehensive. "What did you see in the end?"
"That is up to time to tell," he chuckles briefly. Ori knew that a new spirit tree was involved, but would knowing who takes this step help? Knowing what end Kwolok foresaw? Ori couldn't stop thinking.
Probably the answer to these questions would only add wood to the conflicting pyre, wouldn't it? There is a chance that the prophecy is wrong, but what if it isn't? Is it something good? Is it something bad?
"Little one," Kwolok called, making Ori refocus. "I have seen that you're a flame, a hope in Niwen despite being with us during such a short time. Yet, your flame will be challenged time and time again. You will have to make a choice and in this… I beg you…" he took a moment before minding what could become of the glades. "The Moki… my friends… Please, watch over them for me."
The plea echoed in Ori's heart. The safety of everyone who took refuge in the glades is Kwolok's main purpose. All those innocents would suffer greatly from the loss of their guardian and ultimately be vulnerable to Decay. This makes Ori take a step back in the upcoming urgency. The only way to stop Decay now… is with a spirit tree. The memory of the Willow in the distance, the odd beckoning voice he heard struck. Maybe that could be the chance Niwen needs without the need for Ori to take this charge.
"I saw the Willow! It still lives, I'm sure of it! Maybe if Seir goes back to it… maybe…"
Kwolok just smiled again, but wasn't as hopeful for this solution. "You are a kind child, but I fear the Willow has died long ago. If there is a chance, you must confront Seir. Only she can reach the Willow."
The challenge would lie in this interaction, and that alone was dangerous. What if the Willow is really dead? Seir will need a new tree.
"But… I am not ready…" he said nervously, clenching fists.
Kwolok smiled knowingly. "We rarely are, little one, but we must be brave in times like these. I know you will do what I could not. Bring them together… You may be the only one who can." Painful coughing escapes him, harshly forcing Kwolok to take desperate gasps.
Opher and Grom arrive with Mokk and Meena on their backs. Opher fatigued while Grom had plenty of vigor left. The two mokis drop down to the ground and rush to Kwolok.
"Kwolok! We have been so worried!" They both exclaim with watering eyes, overjoyed to see their guardian free. Opher and Grom, however, could not share the same glee when seeing the toad's wounds, the constant bleeding, and the infection left behind in his body. Ori steps to the side, not sharing any joy either.
Hope rapidly left their eyes.
"My friends, I am glad to see you all safe." Kwolok hides the pain behind a smile. "Thank you for fighting so bravely for my sake."
Opher approached slowly but conflicting that still, it was not enough. "Kwolok… these wounds… We need… we need to hurry!"
Kwolok takes a long moment. Mokk and Meena take a few steps back to realize that obviously, things are not right behind the toad's smile. Kwolok looked at the group that shared a home in the wellspring glades and a melancholy hit him. This was where he had to say goodbye.
Kwolok simply called Opher back and shook his head. "We are victorious in this fight. But the war is far from over. I need you to guide our people. They will need your help."
Mokk and Meena disliked the impactful words. It felt foreboding, but the cold reality began to settle in. "Why are you saying this? We must go home! We must treat your wounds." Mokk didn't want to accept. Neither Meena nor Opher.
"We have been with you for so long. Kwolok, please hold on a little longer." Meena made her plea, wavering desperation present in her voice.
Grom places a hand upon their shoulders and his eyes tell the mokis that their guardian would not make it. Silent sorrow overwhelmed them. increasing sobs filling the air. This feeling couldn't be more crushing, but with reluctance, they respected the old guardian's wish. Opher and Grom too, respectfully observe with watering eyes as they hear Kwolok's faint giggle.
"Throughout the many years of my life, I have seen generations come and go. Witnessed the growth and fall of great trees. And now, despite the difficulties we face, the remorses unresolved, I know that Niwen will see a bright new day, so please, don't cry. A life as full as mine should be celebrated, not mourned. I couldn't give you the lives you deserved, but I cherished our time together."
"Do not say this," Mokk replied in heavy tears, struggling to stay firm. "You gave us more than you can imagine."
That warmed the old toad's heart. "Ah, Mokk, it's all of you who gave me so much. I am proud to be a friend to you and to everyone else. Never stop pushing forward, children of Niwen. For I have seen great things in the future for all of you." Kwolok saw Ori still quiet and distant.
"And for you too, little one. Remember always, you are not alone."
None could mutter another word in mourning silence. Only the popping of the floating bubbles and running water could be heard for several seconds. In these small moments, Ori approached Kwolok and laid a hand on him. Through the touch, Ori saw glimpses of memories that were all scrambled and unorganized, but the image of Seir was pretty clear among them. Various denizens of Niwen appear and disappear. The Spirit Willow in all its glory. Seir appears again in her spherical form and then in her spirit form. Seir appears rageful, arguing with Kwolok but inevitably unable to hold back the wisp's intention. Ori instinctively tried to peer deeper and organize anything he could, managing to fix a few moments of memories.
"I am Kwolok, the Voice of the Forest. Friend of the little. What would you ask of me today, little moki?"
"And the guardian of the marsh. And the wise. And the wide!" A child comments happily.
Kwolok chuckles shortly, "Harrunk, I might have too many titles, have I not?"
A moment of peace, somewhere with someone. Untroubled. The sight of Niwen of the past fills Ori's mind. It appears to be a wonderful place. Spirits are jumping and dashing around, mokis curiously trying to mimic them, others practicing combat arts under the light of the sun.
Then the image shifts. The darkened sky of the night and below, lights marching beyond the eye could see. The image shifts again. To the light of bravery is in front of the Spirit Willow. The willow cries out in rapid chimes. Ringings that hurt to hear when once it was melodic and pleasing.
"What you strive for is against the will of the Willow! You must cease this madness before it is too late!" Again, it's Kwolok, this time desperate to deter something.
"Her will is below mine, guardian of the marsh. You would do well to remember that."
"The path you seek is folly. Turn back now, before damage much greater is done to these lands. The shadows have done nothing to earn your ire."
"They are fuel for Decay, Kwolok. Without our light they are defenseless. Yet their trickery, fangs, and talons prove to be as deadly as our most refined weapons. If they won't be mine, then Decay won't have them either."
"You were meant to protect, Seir! Not to subjugate. They have their own roots and cultures, and you can't undo what they created in generations!"
"Can't I?" Seir whispers defiantly and the memory fades. Another memory of the Willow appears next. Almost bereft of leaves, its glow faded. Surrounded by the people of Niwen, the Willow remained silent and lightless.
"Kwolok, what happens now?" The same child now asks afraid, and many other worried eyes seek Kwolok for answers, for safety. Kwolok takes a moment, smiling and taking a step that would change his life forever.
"My friends, all will be well. There is plenty of space for you all in my marsh. Come, bring your families, your loved ones. There, no evil will harm you. This I vow."
…
Once Ori severs contact with Kwolok, Ori could burst into tears. Amid the sorrow was also a glimmer of happiness because deep down, Kwolok held close the good of life. The little moments. Of renewing hopes and dreams even under the harshest circumstances.
Arriving finally at the high ground, Layla makes a quiet appearance observing things from behind the group. Four individuals reunited in front of an ill-looking large toad, definitely in its last moments. In her sight was also a guardian spirit facing away. A bit small, ears long and shining in white and soft blue. It is him! It is Ori. Yet, the situation didn't allow Layla to blast forward and get him in her arms. Layla didn't know how to present herself. Clueless of who these people are, it wouldn't be nice to simply appear all of sudden.
Kwolok's vision blurred, and his body faltered, drawing his last breath he caught sight of the kainari spirit present. His eyes widened. In that fleeting instant, everything became clear. His vision of the future expanded and was cleared.
"Ah… now I… see."
The mokis present heard those soft-spoken words, and moments later Kwolok became limp. Mokk turns around, but Layla is not seen. Mokk returns to Kwolok and pokes him to draw any reaction. "Kwolok?" He pokes again but the old guardian doesn't move.
The moment had arrived. And despite preparing themselves, it couldn't be more heartbreaking. The voice of the forest, Kwolok rested upon the coral grass of the Luma Pools. The very cradle of his birth. Opher and Grom sob quietly, mourning the loss of their guardian, while Mokk and Meena are unable to contain it. The large amount of Light that still resided within Kwolok began to break down and disperse, the body began to shine and in a flash became many small particles of light that searched for a haven. Ori was their target, and attracted like bees to pollen, this light, joined with Ori.
The young guardian spirit does not deny them. He almost had forgotten how it felt to absorb the light of the fallen, like the many spirits he once guided. It is bitter, but a gentle reassurance that all is not lost. Ori silently watched the last of the particles vanishing in the palm of his hand, promising to himself, promising that Kwolok would find the comfort of the afterlife safely, and that Decay would never have any of those he swore to protect.
"So it is true. Spirits can guide souls to their deserved rest," Meena commented. "I had read about it, but seeing it now makes me happy. Take him home, Ori. He more than deserves a peaceful rest."
Before Ori talks or even nods, a droplet announces the arrival of rain, and the skies of Niwen begin to weep moments later.
"This rain… I have a bad feeling about this." Motay commented.
"Let's not give up on hope," Tuley lectured. "Let's continue our cooking inside. Help everyone carry the things needed."
Howl and Kii sense the sorrow in the air. "My lord, is this…"
The great black wolf does not speak but begins howling out. Kii understands and remains respectfully quiet. Ku and Shriek are equally confused.
Zerin and Seir halt their battle due to the change of weather, one Seir is not responsible for. She notices it, looking to the crying skies. "Over 3000 years of service. Your duty… is fulfilled." A splinter of melancholy was present in her voice. "Farewell, Kwolok."
Neither Zerin nor Seir managed to damage one another in a frenetic battle, but the light of bravery shifted once her gaze returned to him, like she was much more serious. She points her sword to the skies and lightning strikes where Zerin stands. Zerin leaps back out of the lightning attack just barely and in the great flash, Seir charged forward and struck Zerin in the moment of vulnerability. He groans shortly in pain, losing balance. The armor somehow managed to hold back her attack, but Zerin could still feel like his skin was sliced. The burning sensation of her blade imprinted on the worn armor was like an acid to his corrupted form.
Fortunately, Seir does not attack again. "Can you not see?" Zerin said. "Niwen loses more and more because of that fateful day. My creator has no more voice to cry. You only destroy when you should protect."
Seir becomes pensive, and Zerin uses the opportunity to retreat from battle. Seir ponders alone, allowing a foe to flee. The forest lost its voice. What else will it lose? Plagued with what Zerin said, troubled by the crying skies, Seir decides to shift focus temporarily, slowly leaving somewhere.
For the next long hours, Niwen knew grief. Chaos is bound to unleash in the already difficult lives of the innocents. Without their protector, the wellspring glades were just another settlement to rot.
...