Chapter 12: Eventful closure

"Humans are such strange creatures. They give, and they take. They can be benevolent, but also cruel. Too unpredictable. Too...chaotic."-?

Zed POV

I stared back at the two quietly. I did not know what to say, I did not know what I could say. 'Apologies for trying to murder you both, I promise never to do so again'? (As if that would be anywhere near sufficient.) if I was honest, without Compa's interruption, I would have continued to fight IF, then eventually fell Green Heart. So even if I apologised, I wouldn't necessarily mean it, not completely anyway. However, now that I had calmed down, I could see IF's point. In my madness, I presumed her to have betrayed me. But now I realise she was only looking out for me, for us, for the people of Leanbox.

Killing her, the goddess of Leanbox, would have only made things worse.

Maybe that's what Rex was referring to, that even though she might have deserved death, it would not be in everyone's best interests, that it would have caused more harm than good. Thinking about it now, both him and IF were right.

So where did that leave me?

"Have you calmed down yet dumbass?" IF spoke, interrupting my thoughts. "Ah...Um." I was lost for words. What could I have actually said, after what I tried to do? (You should apologise. While it might not mean much, it would be a start. Besides, a true king makes up for his mistakes, no matter how great they may be.) Rex suggested, continuing with his 'a true king must...' spiel. I was no king. (Time will tell, friend.) wait...was he listening to my thoughts? "Well? What do you have to say?" it seemed IF was getting impatient, not that I could necessarily blame her.

"What would you have me say? An apology is hardly enough. And I refuse to owe that goddess anything." I began, causing IF to look at me in shock. "However, I do realise that what I was about to do would have brough devastating consequences, therefore you won't have to worry about me making another attempt." I changed my focus from IF to the goddess that caused this mess. "As for you? You're lucky to be alive. Had it not been for Compa, someone who could have also been killed by your actions, you would be nothing but ashes. Now, tell me why, why did you try to have me and Neptune killed?" I asked.

Be it out of understanding, or out of fear, she answered. "Not too long ago, someone hailing from Lowee came to me. She showed me footage of you and Neptune causing destruction in Lastation. I saw an entire factory go up in flames, and Neptune destroy what looked like the front of a restaurant. The woman then informed me of your identities, and how dangerous you were." she took a deep breath before continuing. "Truth be told, I didn't want to risk it, risk having you and yours cause harm to my people." she continued. "Thats it? Instead of doing your own research, you just believed what that woman told you!?"

This was meant to be the leader of an entire landmass, and she couldn't be bothered to research things herself before trying to kill two innocent people!? "i-I didn't have a choice! Had I risked it, and the Lowean proved to be right, I'd be powerless to stop you!" what was she on about, she's a goddess, AND her people seemed to love her, how in the hell would she be powerless? Fortunately, as if she could read my mind, the goddess continued. "a few days before the Lowean arrived, I was visited by a–a strange woman." she started, beginning to shake as she talked. "S-she bulldozed straight through my guards, within moments, she had already reached me. She taunted me, mocked me. Before besting me in combat. B-but she didn't stop there."

She looked as if she were about to cry, though that did not mean I was sympathetic. "S-she did something to me, took away my powers as a goddess. Even now I feel the weakness that comes with mortality. Without my power as a goddess, I would have been able to do n-nothing if you and yours proved a threat. S-so I took a risk." (So that's why...) I couldn't say I did not understand where she was coming from. When you're responsible for an entire landmass and powerless to stop potential threats. Taking the path of least risk is logical. But still. "You had your reasons, that I understand." her face lightened up ever so slightly.

"But that does not mean I can forgive you. I will not kill you, even I can now admit you are too important for me to do that. But know I will not help you. Neptune is someone I value more than anything, and I do not take kindly to those that wish her harm." I needed to say that, she needed to know I would not just forgive her. I would not make things easy. "Wait a minute." IF began. "You said that woman stole your powers?" she continued, looking absolutely horrified. (Hmm, I do not think you can afford to hold a grudge here. Anyone who can steal a goddesses' power is not someone to ignore.)

once again, Rex was right. No matter how much I hated admitting it. "Y-yes." "Can you tell us anything about her?" IF asked. The blonde-haired woman took a moment before she answered. "She had white hair, and pale skin." she began, before starting to shiver. "A-and her eyes, they were a d-dark red." my blood suddenly turned cold, it appears Ganache was telling the truth. I looked at IF, noticing her skin pale at the information being given. "S-she also wielded a-a black spear." the goddess of Leanbox looked as pale as IF did, the tears I saw starting to form earlier, were now freely flowing.

Even now, however, I still felt no sympathy. The pain she put me though was not pleasant in the slightest and had not-to-long-ago faded. It would take a while before I could start caring about her. However, I did take her information seriously. "Zed, I think I know who she's referring to." my brown-haired companion said. "Indeed, it appears I was not thorough enough. Now begs the question, however, how would we go about finding her?" to my surprise, IF looked fine, serious, but fine. Her skin had quickly gone to its regular shade. Perhaps she has started getting rid of her fear of that vile woman.

"For now, I suggest we focus on getting Compa and Nep back to the inn, after what you all went through, we'll need to rest. Then we can make a plan on how to move forward." she then walked over to me and took Compa from my arms. "You can carry Nep back, I'm sure she'd appreciate it." she said, before walking towards the door.

"Oh, and by the way? We're even now."

She left, leaving me and Green Heart alone together. I was still livid with her; I still wanted her to pay.

But

I knew there were more important things to worry about. Besides, she has to live with herself, with what she's done. And that was something I could take solace in. therefore, instead of retaliating against the one who wronged both me, and someone I loved, I left without saying a word. Walking back to the dining room, I picked up the still-unconscious Neptune, and began my way back to the inn. Once I arrived, I walked past IF and up to our shared room and placed the purple-haired girl on her designated bed, taking notice of Compa, who was also in hers.

From there I sat beside the goddess of Planeptune, and waited for her to wake up. I had no concerns about her life, for I had also ingested the poison, and still lived thanks to Compa's interruption. (Though that does beg the question, how was she able to cure us?) while Compa was a nurse-in-training, I doubt she would have had the time or ingredients to make an antidote. There was also that warm feeling I felt before the poison stopped. Was she perhaps the cause of it? "Nnnghh..." my train of thought was interrupted by Neptune beginning to stir, it appears she was waking up.

"Urrgh, is that you Zeddy? Did you happen to catch the number of the guy that hit us?" the now-awake girl spoke, apparently still capable of joking around.

Not being able to control myself, I quickly captured her in an embrace. Despite knowing she would be okay; I still couldn't help but feel relieved. "Whoah there, don'tcha think you're being a bit forward there? What would Compa think!" for the first few moments, I didn't reply, too distracted by my emotional state. Eventually however, I calmed down, releasing Neptune from my hold as I did so. "My apologies, my dear. I'm just relived you're okay." I said, smiling at her. "Heh, waddya mean? I'm the protagonist, I can't get a game over that easily!" despite her bravado, and her words, she still wrapped her arms around me, being the one to initiate a hug this time.

"...Though I am glad you're okay too." the purple-haired girl spoke. We stayed still for a while, just enjoying each other's company. Though eventually Neptune wanted out. "Where's Iffy?" "Downstairs. If you want to know why we were targeted, ask her." while I knew why, I didn't feel comfortable telling her. I wouldn't be able to be nearly as objective and factual as IF would explaining things. "You not gonna come too?" "...no, I know why already, but IF would be able to explain better things better than myself." the purple-haired girl then left, leaving me, and a still-unconscious Compa.

Walking over to her bedside, I waited for her to awaken. Something that, thankfully, didn't take long. "Mnnnaaahh...Zeddy, is that you?" she spoke with a yawn. "Indeed. How are you feeling?" she sat up from her original position. "...tired..." "Heh, I would be surprised if you weren't, considering what you did." to cure both Neptune and I of our afflictions, as well as power through to stop me from doing something I would regret, she certainly deserved her rest. "Heheh...how is...Nep-Nep?" she spoke with a giggle, though still sounding tired. "She perfectly fine now, thanks to you." I said with a smile. She did something I failed to do, she saved both myself and Neptune.

I...I owed her, quite a bit.

Grasping one of her hands, I knelt down next to her bed. "You... you did something I could not. You saved Neptune... and myself. For that, I am forever grateful." I spoke. I meant every word. I may have been uncomfortable in her presence due to my sins, but that did not mean I could neglect her, or her actions. Though I was uncomfortable, and wanted nothing else than to run away, I stayed. (I can't tell her, not now. But I can at least give her my appreciation.) "Whatever you want from me, you can have. Be it a favour or otherwise." I would not let her good deed go unrewarded; she deserved better.

"Hehe, silly Zeddy, you don't...owe me a...thing..." she then flopped, for a lack of a better term, backwards. Lying down once more. Within seconds, I could hear her gently snoring. It appears she had gone back to sleep. (I shall leave her to rest, I suppose.) though I would not forget my debt anytime soon. Going downstairs, I was greeted by Neptune...and IF. (Hmm, I suppose I owe her as well.) had she not stalled me, Compa may have not made it in time. "Hello you two, how do you fare?" I spoke with a smile. "Like a sack of bricks hit by a sledgehammer." came Neptunes' reply. "Eh, been better." came IF's.

"Welp, imma check on Compa, toodles!" the purple-haired girl suddenly spoke, before leaving the table her and IF were sat at, and quickly going up stairs. Taking the opening, I sat opposite IF. "How much did you tell her?" "Everything." well that explains her sudden leave. She probably knew IF and I would need to talk.

"I'm sorry."

I spoke simply, but as honestly as I could. I may have still wanted the goddess of Leanbox to pay for her crimes, but I saw how negatively her death would affect everyone.

"Hah, like I said, now we're even."

She replied with a smile. Something I did not expect. Shouldn't she at least be distrustful? I almost harmed her to kill a goddess!

"Excuse me?" I couldn't help but reply. I was incredibly confused. "Back in Planeptune, you saved me and Neptune. I owed you for that. Now that I've saved you, we're even." she said. Though I was still confused. She did not save me, she saved everyone on Leanbox, Neptune and Compa as well. Had I killed Green Heart, they would all be in incredible danger. Her interference prevented that. "I can't accept that." "Well, you're gonna have to."

"i politely refuse."

"And I don't care."

"You do realise you saved everyone's lives, not just mine."

"You saved my sorry ass, I saved yours, we're even."

"GREEN HEARTS' TITS, JUST BANG ALREADY!"

….

""What!?""

Our argument was interrupted by one of the inn's patrons, who presumably thought IF and I were a couple. "Ah, my apologies sir, we'll be quieter. However, she and I are not romantically involved." I responded, in an attempt to mend the misunderstanding. "Ah well, y'd make beautiful kids anyway." the man replied. From what I could gather, he appeared to be drunk. Looking at IF, and ignoring the slight red on her cheeks, I began speaking. "i suggest you ignore his prattling; he appears to be intoxicated." "A-ah, y-yeah. B-but this isn't over!" I smiled smugly at her response. She appeared to be embarrassed still.

Looking out one of the inn's windows, I noticed it was dark. Apparently, it had gotten quite late. "i suggest we rest for now; it is getting quite dark outside." she nodded, before following me up the stairs, and inside our shared room. Looking around, I noticed that Neptune had decided to sleep as well.

In my bed.

Suzaku was resting on top of her chest, curled up like a cat. Ignoring them both, I made my way to Neptune's bed. Seeing that it was unoccupied, I saw no issue with me slumbering there for the night. Lying down, and placing the covers over myself, I began to fall asleep. Breathing in through my nose, I could smell something strangely comforting. The smell of lilac. The strangely present scent aided in clearing my mind. It was no longer burdened with the stress I underwent in the day. I still heard Ban's final words, I still saw flashes of the day before, but they were easier to ignore. They no longer affected me as much.

Compared to the night before, my sleep was heavenly.

? POV- Unkown location. (Play Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Future Redeemed OST- Redeem the Future, Prologue version.)

The stranger project was going as planned. The 8th has united the black, purple and soon, the green. He has even managed to disrupt the plans of the 1st. While he had obtained the God Eater's power, he cannot use it. That was satisfactory. My interference had been minimal so far. I can only hope it persisted.

Unfortunately, for reasons I could not understand. Fate was getting less and less clear. Even after I rid myself of those useless to me.

This was inconceivable, but I did what I must regardless. He would make a deal with me eventually, that was clear. I had nothing to...fear? As the mortals would say.

Fortunately, the 8th's attachment was exploitable. Taking his memories appeared to be the right thing. Nothing to get in the way, as well as assurance he would bond with those imperative to the future.

I had learned from my mistakes.

The mortals would not be pleased, in that by their terms, I had 'manipulated' them. But I did what I must. For her actions had consequences she did not foresee. The mistrust and hatred of the few mattered not to the safety of countless others.

The world tree must be protected, at all costs.

Neptune POV

I found it super difficult to wake up, I was just way too comfy! (Ah, I hope Zeddy didn't mind me sleeping in his bed.) sleeping in it once allowed me to realise I enjoyed sleeping in his bed more than my own. Feeling a small weight on me, I tilted my head down, only to see Zaku curled up on my chest. (Awwweee, he's so cute!) he was like a weird dragon-bird-cat-thing! Looking at him however, I noticed that he'd gotten bigger, not by much, but he was definitely growing.

*chirp*

The dragon-bird-cat-thing began to stir, before eventually waking up. He looked at me, before moving to my side, and...pushing me? (what's he tryna do?) he kept pushing my side with his head. After a while, he seemed to realise that it wasn't working. (What the Nep?) he then started doing something different; poking my side with his claws. Which hurt! "Ah geez, fine, I'll get up." I didn't know if it was due to it being me in Zeddy's bed rather than Zeddy himself, or if he wanted me to get up, but he seemingly got his wish. The little so-and-so even went back to sleep after I got up!

Looking around the room, I noticed that Compa and IF were absent, leaving only me and Zeddy in the room. The latter of which was still fast asleep. Walking over to the sleeping man, I contemplated waking him up, it was a harmless prank anyway, so I'd doubt he'd mind. (Hmm, but then again, he does look peaceful. I'd hafta be a right so-and-so to wake him.) considering I understood the greatness of a good nap, I eventually decided not to. Instead, I got myself ready, and headed downstairs.

What a saint I was, that man owed me a pudding!

IF POV

"So that's your plan Iffy?" my peach-haired friend asked. I had just finished explaining my plans for our resident yandere. "Yup. You and Neptune just need to hang out for the day, I'll handle dealing with Zed." Compa looked at me suspiciously. (What's with the look?) "Er, why are you looking at me like that?" the girl looked at me, straight in the eyes. "Don't be a man-stealer, Iffy." (Excuse me?) "Compa, me and you both had so-called 'dates' with him, I don't see the problem, just see today as me taking my turn." I wanted to argue that I was not a man-stealer, but I doubt she'd believe me. The nurse was a kind girl, but I swear she lived in her own world sometimes. "Heya girls, what are ya talking about?" "Stuff." "What kind of stuff?" "Super cool stuff you wouldn't understand." "Like sleeping?" "THESE ARE NOT PYJAMAS!" "Iffy, what are you talking about?" the nurse's words snapped us out of our state of making old references.

"Nothing." I coughed out, feeling slightly embarrassed. "So, er, what were you talking about?" Neptune asked. "Compa can explain, I'm going to wake up Zed." I spoke, quickly leaving as to avoid any resistance. When I arrived at Zed's bedside, I lightly shook him in an attempt to wake him. "..." something which turned out to be completely ineffective. I then tried poking him. "..." ...once again, to no effect. Then I tried both and kept it up for a few minutes. "...Mhnnn... I...F?)" (FINALLY!) "Yes, it's me, now get up." my finger was hurting from all the poking, so I was a little miffed.

"Why did you wake me up? Has something happened?" he spoke, sounding half-asleep still. "Not exactly. You, Mr yandere, are going out with me today." he shuffled around for a moment before getting up. "What in the world is a 'yandere'?" well crap, guess that's one less reference. "Eh, if you don't know, ya don't know." I replied, shrugging my shoulders, I couldn't be bothered to explain, it would just ruin the fun. "Now hurry up, it's rude to keep a lady waiting." I left the room after that, giving him privacy to do his routine.

Reaching the lower floor, I sat down next to Neptune and Compa. "So Iffy, is Zeddy awake yet?" the nurse asked. "Yup, he just got up though, so I'll have to wait for him to freshen up first." I replied simply. The nurse looked normal, no different than usual, but there was something different about her. Ever since the incident yesterday, she smelled different. That's not to say I ever went out of my way to sniff her of anything, but just that whatever happened to her left a strong odour. I only recognised the difference when I was carrying her back here.

Meaning that whatever's changed happened between my meeting with Green Heart, and her stopping Zed. (It doesn't seem like anything bad though, maybe she was just really sweaty?) she did exhaust herself after all...

"Hey Iffy."

But then she didn't exactly smell bad at all.

"Iffffffyyyyy."

So, it couldn't have just been body odour.

"IFFY!"

"Huh, what?" I snapped out my thoughts, focusing on the origin of the noise, being the purple-haired goddess Neptune. "Ya were just staring off into space there, you feeling okay, do you need pudding? Are you sick? Am I going to get sick!?" she replied, rambling on, as usual. "I'm fine Neptune, was just deep in thought is all." I replied, causing the girl to sigh in relief. "Phew, for a second there I thought I was gonna catch something."

(She's gonna catch these hands in a minu-)

Huh, that was a violent thought, maybe I am coming down with something. {you are just acclimating. A rival is nearby after all.} (what the hell?) now I was confused, did I have a voice in my head? "IF, are you feeling alright?" once again, a voice brought me out from my thoughts, this time belonging to Zed. "Hm, yeah, I'm okay. You ready to go?" if he was done doing whatever he does for a morning routine, then I wanted to get right into business. "Indeed." he replied, nodding his head. "Good." I spoke, grabbing him by the hand, and exiting the inn.

Zed POV

"If you do not mind me asking, what exactly are we going to be doing today?" I asked. I was curious on what exactly she had planned. (Presuming this is her collecting on her owed date.) the brown-haired girl shrugged her shoulders before answering. "a few things." she poked me in the arm. "The first of which, is getting you a phone, mister. You need a way to contact me whenever we're apart." her reasoning was sound. "What of the others, do they have mobile phones?" I asked. It would be unfair on the others if I was the only one. "of course not, I'll take them to get theirs later." she spoke, before smirking at me.

"You wouldn't mind paying for Neptune's though, right?" she nudged me in the shoulder, obviously expecting a 'yes'. Though that didn't mean I was going to play fair. "Oh my, I had no idea you were so severely lacking in funds. Of course I can provide the money, what are companions for?" I spoke exaggeratedly. Giving her my own smirk. If she thought I would be embarrassed, then she thought wrong. "Don't be snarky, you're the only one out of us four whose loaded." However, my comment appeared to do nothing. (are you kidding me?) personally I believed my words were good enough to get a reaction. I was wrong.

"Why are we suddenly speaking seriously?" we were joking a second ago. "Because I wanted to win that round." things were not even making sense anymore. "Fair play IF, fair play." it wasn't, but something told me I shouldn't argue back.

Reaching the phone shop did not take long, apparently IF knew her way around. "Hey Zed, is this one good enough?" IF spoke, showing me a dark orange flip phone. "It will do." I replied simply. I cared not for the colour or brand, as I was ignorant of such things. With something such as communication devices, function mattered most, at least to me. "Ha, you're lucky I know my stuff, otherwise you could have ended up with a piece of junk." she spoke, smile present on her face. (did she just admit to having a phone addiction?) I did not voice my thoughts.

Choosing the phone IF picked out, we made our purchase, as well as a few others, before leaving the shop. "Do you know how to work a phone?" IF suddenly asked, surprising me in the process. (Who doesn't know how to work a phone?) "Yes, I merely press the phone-looking icon after accessing the desired contact, correct?" she nodded at my words, though also shook her head afterwards. "you're technically correct, but i think you still have lots to learn." she replied cheekily. "Think what you will." I was not going to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. "Where to next, my dear?" I asked, changing the subject and causing my companion to smirk mischievously.

"we're going to get you a hobby."

1 hour later

"Nggh." "Stop being a wimp. Besides, how was I supposed to know you suck at anything that isn't cooking, fighting or flirting?" over the past hour IF dragged me across the entire village in an attempt to get me a hobby. However, no matter the activity, it always ended with me obtaining some kind on injury.

Uno? - somehow ended up with my eyes cut thanks to the edges of the cards somehow flying into them.

Skating? - tripped so much that I almost broke my knees on pipes and uneven ground.

Biking? - same deal as skating, except with my arms and elbows.

Sewing? - multiple puncture wounds all over my hands and fingers due to the needles.

Every other possible hobby I attempted ended up the same way, with me being harmed. Fortunately, my Septima was quick to heal the injuries, though the same could not be said of the pain. Something IF was quick to joke about. "Maybe Neptune was onto something when she mentioned you being a masochist..." excuse' moi? "I'm not a masochist! I told her as much!" my companion only smirked. "If you say so." she spoke, shrugging her shoulders, something she had been doing a lot recently. After a while of walking, something I did to avoid any more attempts at getting a hobby, IF came to a sudden halt.

"You might want to head back to the inn now. I'd doubt you'd want to follow me to where I'm going next." I could easily tell where she was referring to, considering recent events. "You are going to the Basilicom? Why is that?" I asked, (didn't Green Heart already tell us everything she knew?) I doubted the woman's staff knew more than she did, considering they answer to her and her alone. (Unless they are threatened, that is.) "Her staff has their own espionage sect. While they may have known nothing yesterday, they might today. That's why I'm going. We need to take any and every chance we can get for information."

Say what you will about IF, but the woman spoke sense. "Very well then. I will head back to the inn. Who knows what kinds of mischief Neptune has dragged Compa into while we were gone." I spoke, giving a smile and a wave as her and I parted ways. The way back was mainly uneventful to start with, as I walked past numerous houses and businesses. But that changed the second a familiar face caught my sight. It was the same man who delivered Ban's message. "You look well rested kiddo, glad to see you haven't gone to shit." his words were suspicious, as if he expected me to be worse off than I was.

If he was only a messenger, why would he say something so specific? "You know, don't you?" he nodded his head. "Aye, that I do." he spoke, before his eyes shifted to both sides. "We can talk properly when we get somewhere private. Follow me." Curious, I followed his instructions, leading us to eventually stop outside what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. "This old place is safe enough." he walked over to the door of the building in front of us and opened it. "Y'know what they say, women and children first." I ignored his joke and walked inside. He did the same, locking the door behind him. Inside the warehouse was an assortment of broken machinery stacked unceremoniously on top of each other, as well as numerous pieces of furniture, both usable and completely broken. The mysterious man took two serviceable chairs from the surrounding piles and set them down.

"Take a seat, this ain't gonna be short." he spoke, gesturing to the pieces of furniture. Doing as he said, I sat down on one of the provided chairs, he was quick to do the same. "First off, I need to know just how much you're already aware of." he spoke. While it would be suspicious to tell him all I knew, considering he would ask where I got the information from, this was a rare opportunity. He was someone willing to disclose information, any amount of suspicion I would gain, would be worth it. "i know of the old ones, of the God Eater Akos, as well as his wish to permanently weaken the fallen at the cost of himself." the man raised his eyebrow for a moment, before nodding.

"Well first off kid, your information is a little off, but I'll sort that bit out in a moment. For now, knowing what you know, I can get on with the questions." he spoke, surprising me. (He's going to ask me questions?) I was confused, were we not here to answer the questions I had? "Don't give me that look kid. I'm just doing my job." he replied, noticing the confused look I was giving him. "Now then, have you managed to unsheathe Terminus?" he asked. Assuming he was referring to Ban's sword, I shook my head in denial. "Hmm, good. Things are going as they should." the man spoke ominously, causing me to be confused further.

"Second, does Ban's grandkid know anything about this?" ignoring the look I was giving him, the man in front of me asked another question. Once again, I shook my head. "Good, keep it that way. Ban did it for a reason." I was getting impatient but held my tongue. It wouldn't do to be rude to someone who was the only person I could get information out of. "Ha, I can tell your arse is getting impatient, don't worry, this is the last question. Do you know what 'Makers' are?" I shook my head. "Should I?" I asked, the man shook his head. "Not really." he spoke with a smirk.

"First, an outsider like you was never going to be able to unsheathe the 'Sword Of The End' immediately. That would make the thing far too easy for the wrong kinda people to get a hold of. The sword holds the divinities of countless Gods, all those souls in one place tend to make the thing kinda picky. Add in remnants of Akos' will, and no wonder a kid like you couldn't wield it. To put it simply, as of now, your arse is unworthy. Unless the blade wills it, you are never going to unsheathe it." his words wounded me deeply. (Was Ban's death unnecessary then?) it was the first thing that came to mind when I failed to wield the sword.

Ban had given me his strength, but I was apparently unworthy of it. "Don't look so fuckin' depressed kid, originally that blade was meant to stay in the family. It ain't anything personal. Who knows, maybe the blade will change its' mind one day?" he spoke, attempting to cheer me up.

It didn't work.

The man in front of me sighed. "Look kid, let's just get this done with, I got other people to watch over. That IF girl for one." His words garnered my attention. (IF? Why her?) "Why IF?" I asked. The man appeared to ignore me. "Anyways, like I said earlier, your information is wrong. While Akos did wish to weaken the fallen, it didn't work permanently as he wanted." he spoke. Which surprised me, that is, until I remembered Ban's words. (He did mention a 'loophole') "A God's will is absolute. Therefore, the exact wording of a wish made by one is as well. Akos made a mistake in his wish, despite being the strongest godslayer, he was a mortal man incapable of fully understanding the divine. Unaware of the exact requirements to bring his wish to fruition, he willed the fallen to be weakened, at the cost of himself and the other godslayers."

"The loophole in his wish was the lack of any phrase preventing the old ones from regaining their full strength. If say, a godslayer was killed by a monster, and the god they held within their soul released back to the earth, that God could come back at its' full strength, provided a suitable host be found." I was confused by his words. (a suitable host?) "Those that can be considered suitable hosts are few and far between, truth be told, neither I nor Ban ever figured out the specifics. Why a host is suitable exactly, we'll never kno-"

*RIIINNG*

Suddenly, my newly-acquired phone began to make noise. "Apologies, may I?" the man nodded. With his permission, I brought my phone to my ear, and answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Zed, come over to the Basilicom, we've found something!"

END OF CHAPTER

An: Things are a bit different than I originally planned, by that I mean the end of the arc will most likely be the next chapter instead.

Sorry if it feels like an info dump at the end, sometimes even I have trouble remembering the lore I create. Hell, I can't even remember if the group (barring the MC.) know Arfoire's name!

The Ao3 version of this story is up, though its far behind on chapters. I did make sure to edit old chapters before I uploaded them however. Hopefully this way less people will be turned away. Seriously, re-reading my old work makes my mistakes far more obvious. Not to mention the inconsistencies. I'm trying to improve, I swear.

...anyway, if you would be so kind as to leave a review telling me your thoughts on this chapter, and/or the story as a whole, I'd appreciate it.