Chapter Nine of Ten
Know Thyself
As Ulric demands to spend his time with his lover, Blur shifts unable to shake the growing anger at the situation he's stuck in, he holds Ulric's paw tenderly but turns to the Triumvirate fuming that his world is on borrowed time and is struggling to come to terms to his fate.
Blur wants to fire all his hatred onto the god for reminding him of the morals that push Blur to do the right thing yet deep down it's himself he can't manage to fight. His mind and soul are at war trying to win the dominant decision only leaving a damaged soul that could destroy Blur burying him under so much grief.
Blur: Why can't I just lose and run away...
I'm sorry for what I've done but I can't do what you're asking. I wish it didn't cost so many lives but I will not kill the people I love, if you seriously think you can make me do so then you have no idea who you're dealing with.
Exidos: That's painfully clear! I don't know who you are anymore.
How you became a man who willingly burns the universe, refusing the demands of destiny... it's unheard of.
We grew up to be so bold in the face of insurmountable odds, fearful of death, yes but continuing with that courage scared stiff.
In every world you have saved you have always faced your fears head-on, it's your DNA so I can't fathom why one man! made you so much different.
The Triumvirate humms to himself recalling old flames in his life trying to consider if he ever had intentions of changing history for any one man, looking to his rebel self he realises he's never truly given himself a chance to find true love, to allow himself to be for someone else.
Divine isolation had inadvertently hidden a significant weakness, in any other circumstance Exidos would even consider Blur's unyielding love a strength.
Exidos: I hate to see you so cowardly sacrificing anyone for your selfish needs.
I know you are wise enough to know that pain and loss define us just as much as love and life, so tell me truthfully. Can you really refuse who you are for this hellhole?
Can you look yourself in the face and promise me you can live with this decision for the next few minutes!?
Blur: ... No, no I don't think I could live with it but I'm going to try, there's no other choice but to try. My options lead to death no matter what path I take, if I'm going to play your sick fucking games I'll do it on my own time.
Hell, let's imagine I did agree to die and save the universe in your perfect vision.
When you finally have your victory and every life is saved, everything is perfect and put right. What will you do about me? What about my life?
Where's the victory in saving me! How can you ask me to rush my death.
You dare to push for Ulric's life to end sooner than the universe has any right to, you took all of our lives and twisted them for your needs. Now it's my turn and if you try and force this I will kill you!
As both Blue Blurs' grow to hate each other an unexpected chuckle gains the unpleasant growls from both, looking upon Howl he crosses his bloodstained arms sternly scanning both Monarch and Triumvirate.
Howl: We had always judged someone by their enemies, now we see Alestia's king struggling to face himself. We did not expect this.
Monarch if you cannot accept guidance from yourself then listen to your friends, do it for them for they deserve to be in a far better life by now. They should not have to wait for their hopes and dreams to become reality, we all have families to get back to.
Blur had only known Howl for a short amount of time but had grown to trust him having found wisdom in every word Howl parts, this latest nugget of insight helped Blur finally bridge the gap that had been reaching its inevitable conclusion, sighing and slumping at his advisors words the king turns to him with conflict still tearing at Blur's mind.
Blur: . . . Ok Howl, one advisor has spoken so Dakem what do you say?... am I being a selfish fool?
Is what I believe just so wrong?
Dakem: I think Monarch. Blur, this world has been the centre of the universe for a little too long now. It's time to live in a universe where Alestia is just another planet where nothing devastating ever happened here, let's return to the natural order.
The Triumvirate's plan while made of chaos is pure in their goals, just like you are. You have a good heart we have all seen this and learned to trust you implicitly but it's time to end this suffering.
I do not want to tempt fate when everything is so close to destruction, the more time we spend in this wartorn world the more children are dying out there Seer, mothers, fathers, daughters and sons...so many people have died because of your hesitation. No more Blur.
No more.
Blur's lip wavers while he nods readily hearing his advisors turn his fate to stone, he looks to Pro and Fortaime in the false hope they would change their minds yet from just one look Blur already had his answer. Sovy and Halin walk over to the Monarch who perks up trying to get a read on their face and intentions.
Sovy: It's over Monarch, this planet is all that remains but you can still have your story. You can still be the hero Alestia needs and you know...
Even if we lose we will do it together, this group of yours is still a family.
I've only been here for a short time but I've seen why they call you a great man. You have treated me with such open armed care and respect more than I ever deserved. I know whatever happens you will grow into the most wonderful wolf this universe has ever been blessed by.
Halin: Today you may lose this family. Your friends but whatever it takes you must save this realm, ensure time continues. Nobody chose this fight but it's up to you to end this Blur, when it's done you will be starting another journey far greater than this fate.
Exidos: you have your answer Monarch
Great men are forged in fire... it's the privilege of lesser men to light the flame. This is what your family has done for you. We are all here because we believe in you, we need you now Blue Blur...please
Surrounded Blur knows his time has come yet strangely his soul isn't hurting about his fate anymore, his mind ruptures into visions of Ulric as he slowly turns around still holding his lover's big paws tightly filling his heart with memories.
Barely noticing how everyone in the room was moving away from the king and Ulric giving them space to have one final talk. Ulric's big caring blue eyes smooth the raging thoughts in Blur's head bringing chaos to order.
Opening his mouth to speak Blur fails to find the words causing Ulric to smirk and stroke Blur's head whispering in his ear soothing the worries wrapping around him, rocking back and forth they move in a slow dance circling the same spot comforting each other best they can.
Ulric: I have accepted the risk of dying because I don't want to just survive, I want to truly live. Right here and now I'm living with you, make the most of it because nothing lasts forever Blur. Not even gods.
Blur: I don't have a problem saving the universe, they're wrong to think I won't save others. It's not my death or all the suns exploding, it's you.
My head is filled with a million, million voices saying yes, of course I'll help. I can't give you up. You've touched my soul and saved my life. Did you think when your time came, I'd ever let you go without a fight?
You've decided that the universe is better off without you, but I don't agree.
Ulric: Blur, no one can save me. A fixed point in time was looped, altered and now even that time has come to pass. Look around this world is on the edge of destruction.
Blur: I can't let you die.
Ulric: But I have to die.
Blur: Shut up! I can't let you die without knowing you are loved by no one more than me. I won't let you go just because the universe needs it. I will find a way to change this. We will grow old together I promise it.
Ulric: Blur...
You and I, everyone knows what this means. We are ground zero of a disaster that will engulf all of reality. Billions on billions will suffer and die.
Blur: I'll suffer if I have to kill you.
Ulric: More than every living thing in the universe?
Blur: Yes!
As the beautiful whispers turned heated Ulric could sense the hole in Blur's heart growing, quickly realising there was only one way to ever subdue the king's stubborn promise Ulric was forced to call upon his friends to end this stalemate.
Ulric: Dakem I need you as part owner of the Triumvirate's church, leader of the rebellion and a true friend to me... Please can I impose on you a blessing to marry us?
Blur's jaw falls in shock with happy singing whines, his tail picking up in an excited wag looking at Ulric speechless at the way he wants to end their story.
Dakem: Blimey my blessings? Ofcourse Ulric, it's my honour. Okay...errr I think we'll have time for this but considering time restriction is a problem.
Guys, I need a strip of cloth about a foot long. Anything will do... oh never mind.
The Triumvirate unwraps his decorative silver and gold cloth letting his dirty robes fall loosely, it's the first time the rebels can truly get a good look at the god figure and he really is simply a one-to-one copy of Blur. He gestures for the marrying couple to take the offered cloth and Dakem softly works it around Blurs and Ulric's wrists.
Dakem: Blur, take one end of this. Wrap it around your hand and hold it out to Ulric.
Blur: What am I doing?
Ulric: As you're told. Now, I've not had long to think of marriage vows plus the skies falling in, let's do the quick version Dakem? Pro, be my best man?
Pro: Do what?
Ulric: Say yes. Please.
Pro: Yes!
Oh, gods yes! I consent to whatever you need and gladly give myself to be the first man. It's about time you two tied the knott!
Sovy stealthily stands on Pro's tail getting a satisfying yelp as his joke nearly torpedoes the whole wedding with flushes, giggling and a burst of cackling laughter from Halin who apparently appreciated the joke to the growing amusement of everyone else.
His laughter only goes further to spread grins around the group as Blur struggles to keep his own cheesy grin from bursting him. He looks to Fortaime who screams in delight having Valessa rub her head confused as to what has happened.
Blur waves for them both to come over to him as the Triumvirate steps into the shadows of the chamber, remaining concealed and monitoring the remaining time the Ark has against the chaos Idol. Howls looming figure moving next to the time god silently acknowledging each other and enjoying the presence of wounds closing.
Fortaime: All kings should have a bunny best man.
Valessa: And a bridesmaid I guess forgive the attire won't you? Royalty has some privileges ofcourse. It wouldn't be any other way no matter which one of us was getting hitched.
Just what did happen? I remember there were two of you...
Dakem: Best not to think on it Valessa less you want a headache, as for forgiveness. Well, forgiveness for all, especially old foes and new friends.
We stand here as living witnesses to the purest love in all the universe.
In its vast complex chaos even on the brink of destruction, the miracles of love persist. Blur you have vowed that no god, no cost and no war could ever stop you from protecting Ulric.
And you Ulric have vowed to save Blur during our exhausting journey, surviving ambush after ambush, marching through armies and even trading bows in the arena. Perhaps saving Blur from himself.
Blur: Hang on, I seem to remember the arena differently, I ended up with a caved-in nose!
Dakem: Tough love Monarch, now I have the honour of happily announcing you both as husbands in the grace of a God, time and unbridled happiness of your family!
Ulric: I don't know what to say really, I learned to love myself ... huh I think that's the first time I've heard myself saying that.
I like who I am when I'm with you Blur. Your inner strength opened my mind and heart to endless possibilities, I used to think you need to look out for yourself but when I'm with you I'm better, I am for you, always Monarch.
I want to keep learning for the rest of my life with you by my side, each day I learnt what I had lost and what I stand to gain by being with you.
I forgot how to live but you changed all of that Blur. This is why I love you.
Now... there you go.
You're the man who married me and husband, I have a request. This galaxy is dying and I'm preventing its salvation, and I can't bear it any longer. Please, help me.
There isn't another way...
Blur: Then you may kiss the king.
Ulric: I'll make it a good one.
Blur: You'd better.
Softly committing to each other a delicate slow kiss turned to a passionate ravenous smooch smacking and battling for more greedily indulging in their desire but breaking apart nuzzling their heads together utterly at bliss embracing. Both wolves smiling relieved to finally have their wedding day and surviving the horrors of war if for only a short while, Ulric's ears twitch as the Triumvirate wolf whistles at the sexy kissing taunting the two lovers.
Ulric: Now that my love was a kiss... and I'm sorry but not everything can be avoided. Not forever.
Blur: But you're you. There's always a loophole we have billions of years to make up for. Hell, you'll wait until the last minute and then you spring some amazing plan on me, you married me to shut me up there has to be a way to keep this going... I'd even let you break my nose again if you can act your way out of this!
Ulric: Every night is the last night for something. Times end, Blur, because they have to. Because there's no such thing as happily ever after as someone quite wise once said.
It's just a lie we tell ourselves because the truth is so hard. That's what the Triumvirate has been telling us.
Blur: No, Ulric, you're wrong. Happy ever after doesn't mean forever. It just means time.
Little ... time.
Blur strokes Ulric's face praying that whatever happens next he can retain some kind of memory of him, or atleast Ulric can hopefully remember all he gained with Blur.
Blur: But that's not the sort of thing you couldn't ever understand, is it? A life robbed of the pleasure of living in the moment...
Ulric: Mmm. Then let's start living now. Together and who knows... if our hearts are in the right place and the stars are too. We will meet again. I truly believe so.
Blur: I hope so too... God, I really hope so.
The lovers gaze into each other's eyes softly pressing their lips together once more, this time the hungry lust is subtle, promising that no matter what happens next they will always be together in spirit and body. No matter what barriers Blur has to cross he will fight for a way to return to Ulric.
Captured in a tight embrace they let their tears hide in the fluffy necks of each lover clutching for dear life as Blur lifts his head slightly to Ulric's ear, Ulric's warm breath caressing Blur's twitching ear speaking first.
Ulric: Everything you're about to say I already know... thank you...thank you for everything that you are to me.
I've never been more alive and I'm going to spend every second left with you. Forever if I can.
Blur: I wish this would never end my love.
Holding each other for what felt like an infinity swaying softly to the cold Balteus air their thoughts filled with the happy memories this journey had spawned. From Blur's vision to Ulric protecting him in Valinorth to the tavern drinking which triggered this path of romance. From the moment Blur was ensnared ensuring all of his choices made were to benefit Ulric above all others, even the universe for a brief moment of history.
Exidos: Bravo.
The god moves in closer gently pulling Blur's attention away from his husband who nods letting the two handsome devils speak. A tasty thought spawned in Ulric's head just thinking of what he could do with two Blue Blurs.
Exidos: Destiny. Left for the pup you or I may be in the future to find.
You seriously considered destroying this universe, didn't you? Well, let me ask.
If this world did end does the man responsible grow old with his lover?
Does the shame instantly lift in your final moments?
The Triumvirate shrugs to Blur leaving the question open not needing an answer from his other half.
Exidos: But you accepted your fate. You accepted you.
You chose the Blue Blur you are. You absolved yourself.
And because you choose him, perhaps he will now be worthy enough for someone else to choose.
Maybe this time, I will even give you the chance to be loved in our next adventure.
I told you this was about forgiveness, Blur. Yours.
Blur: Why?
Exidos: Well, isn't that the eternal question?
Know thyself.
Blur: There's been so much loss.
So much death.
Exidos: But you'll fixed all that.
Blur: Ulric, Sovy, Halin.
Exidos: Well, maybe not all of it.
But they were always going to die in every timeline. This is the only one in which Ulric loves you.
Blur: I ask you once again: Why?
Exidos: Finish the sentence.
Blur: Me?
From the very beginning, for all these years... Why me? My fate..my destiny.
Exidos: I am moving on. In your parlance, I am dying after this is resolved... there was always a price to this you know.
Blur: Yes, I know Howl wouldn't have it any other way.
Exidos: Alone.
I am dying alone. I do not want that for you... for us.
Alestians... your griefs, your pains fix you to moments in the past long gone.
You're like butterflies with your wings pinned.
My old friend, forever the wolf who, with an errant cost of his morals, broke the universe and his own heart.
No more. You are now unshackled from the past.
As I leave, I leave you free. Who knows whatever is left of us after this might get a better deal...lucky bastard.
Blur: But... why does all this matter, my love of Ulric...my family? Surely you've been powerful enough to force me to my fate?
Was there something stopping you from doing that?
Exidos: Must it always have galactic import? Universal stakes, celestial upheaval? Isn't one life enough?
You ask me why it matters. It matters to me.
Moving closer and softly touching Blur's muzzle the god gives a reassuring smile finally talking to his creation no longer as enemies.
Exidos: You matter to me.
Even gods have favourites Blur, and for all the hatred we've spat at each other, you've always been one of mine. You have taught me that I need to go out and find true love... but knowing I might not get that chance. We experience it here instead.
Now time's almost up. I have one last surprise in store.
Say your goodbyes Blur, this will be the last time any of you speak to each other. Make it count.
The Triumvirate looks to Ulric nodding in thanks for the respect and smiles softly seeing cracks grow in the Ark's dwindling energy.
Exidos: Once he's gone from this world Ulric ... well I hope Blur finds you again. Miracles happen if you believe hard enough.
Blur: Valessa, Fortaime... there are no words to describe how much you have meant to me these very, very long years. I hope you are both exceptionally happy with your families and remember, I'll be watching from the stars.
The Triumvirate cracks a fake smile and humms to himself in thought promising to look back here one day and see what Alestia's future originally holds. If he could retain the memories and survive his punishment.
The burden of false hope he's supplied to the rebels was eating at him knowing there was absolutely no way any of them would make it out alive after Blur's destruction.
Fortaime: It wasn't meant to be goodbye... we were supposed to see each other again after the war.
Blur holds Fortaime close kissing his best friend's head and rubbing his back gently, he refuses to let himself be talked out of his fate after finally accepting it. Blur knows this will surely be the hardest part saying his final goodbyes knowing this is truly the end for him.
Fortaime: Thank you for everything Blur, you have the biggest family in all of Alestia and I know you'll remember us, I just wish we didn't have to say goodbye under any circumstance.
Valessa: We've had the best of times, Seer. You're the best boss I've ever had and it was an honour dying in your name. Truth be told the worst thing I'll miss about you is your arrogance! I don't know what we'll do without you, dying for all of us... I promise I'll look after Valinorth yet that hardly seems enough to say thank you.
Blur: I know one way to say it. Group hug
Stretching his arms out wide Blur embraces Valessa into Fortaimes hug, his two closest friends in the whole universe holding onto each other not wanting to let go, memories flood in with him and Fortaime climbing the grand tree of Valanorth taking in a view nobody had ever seen before.
A monument to their accomplishment and the sweet reminder of Fortaimes favourite apple secretly shared in a Mazeo ally way. A delicious treat brought his bunny friend to tears finally recapturing a hidden memory of Fortaime's parents who he had sadly forgotten what they sounded and looked like.
Valessa's mind wonders back to her time with Blur and Fortaime deciding the fate of Valinorths elder, smiling softly as her values and beliefs were shaken and proved wrong. How she has grown through the pain of Fortaime being chosen to unify Alestia and Valessa's future as a Seer to the spirits becoming so uncertain.
Now the foxy lady can breathe confidentially having her past demystified with Blur's support and by coincidence the Triumvirate's explanation as to why Valinorth's guardians found themselves feeding into piracy.
Releasing his two friends Blur cups their heads and groans hugging them briefly once more struggling to commit to his fate knowing what and who he is leaving behind, he gulps and slowly walks away from them with his paws dragging along Fortaimes and Valessa's arms to keep contact as long as he can, beginning his journey to leave his friends behind and finds himself standing before Pro and Dakem.
Dakem: I know you're afraid Blur, but you've still got to face this fate and I don't envy the weight of the universe on your shoulders. After everything we've been through I never thought this would be how it ended... I'm sorry for dragging you into this, the rebellion, the Triumvirate. Everything
Blur: It's not your fault Dakem so don't be sad for my sake, honestly I'm the one who should be apologising.
I'm responsible for all of the pain that's strifed your life and now it's me who's going to fix it. Preventing you from burning so... I think I can live with that. Giving your family back, no longer being alone now that's something to look forward to.
I don't know what Alestia's future will look like without the Triumvirate but I do know you will be here to protect it. There isn't another fox I'd trust more to guide us.
Pro has been silent looking up at the burning stars shining through the Ark's dwindling time shield, fractures in its galaxy net start to buckle as a wave of fire floods through a breach in the planet's protective field. Stunned silence envelops the group once more as they see the opposite side of the ocean turn into a red blaze.
Blur: Was that...?
Ulric: Alarinthia...
That was Alarinthia... I used to stare at home from these windows all day wishing hateful fates on that evil place. Now to see it, it... burning
Sovy: How many people have just died before us?
Exidos: Blur we do not have long before the Ark falls. I hate to say it but hurry up. No point in saying goodbye if we all die here.
Blur looks to Dakem seeing the fire reflecting off of his eyes, a broken man stands in the shell of Damek. Blur gently presses his shoulder not wanting to push Damek further into himself and knees down to Pro. The husky wipes away watery eyes and silently pleads to Blur causing the wolf to tilt his head.
Blur: Are you ok?
Pro: No...
Blur: Good, there would be something very wrong if you were. There's a time to say goodby-
Pro: Don't go! Don't send me back to them. My 'family'. You know who they are, they will never love me no matter what universe you put me in.
I don't want to be thrown away living on scraps. I have you and the rebellion now... I belong.
Blur: Maybe you're right...maybe they won't love you and that will eat you up but look at where you ended up.
You've come this far you can do it again. Family is who you choose to be with, no matter if you are together or far far away. We will always be family Pro and I know it's not a certainty but maybe, with things being different for Alestia your family will change too. Change to a loving family and remember what you told me in the Arena?
Blur Pro: Where's there's tears, there's hope.
Blur: Whatever happens you will never be alone Pro. I will live here.
He touches Pro's heart feeling his heart beat stressed to the 'true' history rapidly approaching.
Blur: Even if you don't know it I will be there...maybe he will be able to visit and make sure you're OK in the end. Assuming he survives as well.
Blur nods his head to the side glancing at the Triumvirate who sits stewing in the darkness, He and Howl silently whisper to each other finding their friendship mysterious.
Pro breaks a sad smile and sniffs regaining his composure, with Blur's help he stands up patting a layer of dust from Pro's fur and hugging tightly his friend goodbye, it's a painfully short hug that seemingly the universe will always give Pro the short straw. Moving off to Sovy and Halin he notes the Triumvirate pulling Howl further to the side for their brief talk looks heated.
Sovy: Finally our turn Monarch.
There's no time for regrets so I will simply say thank you for believing in me. Trusting me when I had done so many... unspeakable things to your family.
Blur: The Triumvirates saw you, your vulnerability and exploited that, yet you're thanking me?... If they ever learn from this I truly hope they take some insight from you.
Remember you couldn't have prevented this Sovy so absolutely no regrets, no matter what happens.
Sovy: No but I could have tried sooner.
Blur: So could I, it's me who caused this. It's me who you were lied to by...it's me who was under that hood and forced you to my will. There's a lot I need to make up for.
Sovy: If I can I will remember you as the person who freed Alestia. Both as Triumvirate and Monarch, I'll find Ulric and tell him everything about you. Maybe even leave a message in the post for when the rest of your group is born.
Blur: Sovy it's a fantasy, nobody knows what will happen next so look forward to your family. Your real family this time you'll be where you need to be.
Sovy: Ahh but the flip side to that thought Blur is, if we don't know what will happen who is to say I won't remember certain aspects? Some of you have seen fragments of visions maybe the same will happen to me since Howl helped me see the truth.
Blur: If. And it's a big if that was the case.
Best of luck getting those letters delivered. You're talking about two millennia before anyone in Valinorth or Mazeo is born. Only Ulric would be around but even then he's older than you, you were his apprentice so who knows how old he would have been without the Triumvirates... intervention.
Let us go Sovy, enjoy the rest you richly deserve. You have played your part well getting me this far.
Sovy nods and obeys Blur's wishes forever loyal to the true ruler of Alestia, he looks to the far side of the ocean and sees the wave of fire has turned to magma violently thrashing what remains of Alarinthia.
More cracks in the Ark's sky wither and fail pouring black rock, smoke and hellfire through the vortex breach, Alestia's oceans begin to boil with heat waves assaulting Balteus smelting the layers of ice mercilessly.
Blur: Halin I don't know where you will end up but I think the Triumvirate will be there for you. Whoever and wherever you've come from a very powerful friend will be looking after you.
Halin: And I shall be there to protect and serve whenever you or the Triumvirate calls. This isn't the end for us so let's not treat it as such, I'll see 'you' again Blur.
Blur grins softly which Halin returns glad to have found another friend, Halin had finally felt accepted and found he was more like the king than anyone else. Somewhere in the universe, a truly special bond had formed, simply waiting to be explored. Meanwhile, Howls had been dealing with the ambush by the Triumvirate while Blur spoke with Sovy and Halin.
Exidos: You know I'm not buying that historic cretin in the Library foretold the future. The future is not written so in my experience if it's not happened it can be wrong, even changed. So from this, nobody could have warned you who I was. So how did you know Howl?
Howl: Hmm curious seeking this answer, we would thought it obvious. The grave keeper had to bury what was left of you in this room. That and the winds of change spoke to us.
Exidos: Oh... obviously.
I'm denser than a black hole sometimes, how did I miss that ofcourse my body betrays me.. wait speaking winds? Hmm, a mystery for another time.
Alas, I have my answer and hopefully, it will never come in useful as a reminder. I won't be missing my black eye that's for sure... what about you? Another shot at the future, bet that's sparked some discussions for your kind.
Howl: We have had some discussions yes. These past few hours have been enlightening and horrifying, seeing everyone in this room ready for the war to be over is refreshing to some. But others within us fear what's coming. When we reverse to the correct timeline we will still be the last of our kind.
Exidos: I know the feeling, I'm the last of mine but this time you're going to be free of chaos Idols influence, when your culture goes about finding perfection you will be an enlightened civilisation.
Change is always scary Howl but you're not doing it alone, I'll still be there to capture any time anomalies... atleast I hope I do, that or another clone and another Triumvirate...someone's got to save the universe, speaking of...
Watching as the Monarch moves to his final group the king pictures the following conversation he'll have with his godly self, saying goodbye brought on a headache for the wolf who squinted seeing both Howl and the Triumvirate awaiting his arrival.
Exidos: So I thought maybe a little looking back at all you've achieved might do you some good.
Blur: I think I've had just about enough of that.
Better to look forward.
Exidos: Is that right?
Blur: There are moments in our lives we fear to relive and others we long to repeat.
While time cannot give us second chances... maybe people can... thank you for fighting for me, the true me all this time.
The Triumvirate smiles seeing Blur fully committed to his fate and destiny, at peace to his next steps.
Exidos: You are welcomed Blur but you're cutting it close. Seeing our doom slowly rolling towards us.
Blur: I had faith you'd put your paw down if I was out of time. Howl, what can I say I never expected to be saying goodbye like this. When we spoke in the library asking me to ensure I'd never become like the Triumvirate...well honestly I'm surprised you didn't kill me once you found out.
Howl: We had no intention of hurting you Monarch but the inclusion of our most hated enemy was... difficult to process, we believe some of us would rather die than face the impossible connection.
But one thing we had suspected was the end coming to pass years from now, we were wrong in our pursuit of a perfect future. To chase the impossible left our goal ultimately unfulfilling and corrupted what we had in the present.
Exidos: I told him how their attempts to find a perfect future in turn destroyed the Monarchy in the present. Without the choas Idol we can be fairly certain Alestia will develop naturally in the Monarchy's view...it's almost a shame to miss the maturing of this world. Still hope remains someone will remember this.
A soft rumbling rattled the Triumvirate's castle as a quake cracked the ground throughout Balteus, growing intensity stumbled the group to the floor as others clutched to the walls bracing themselves, both Blurs shared a knowing look but the god's eyes were heavier than normal. Blur guessed he was struggling with his own future barring down on him.
Blur: I never saw me... us dying like this, maybe it was always supposed to be this way.
Time's a funny thing.
Exidos: Yes, it is. Hmm, interesting.
The Triumvirate nods slowly looking to a wave of destruction shattering the Ark's beautiful gold sky into tiny fragments of purple gems, burnt gases and mists erupting. Galaxies imploding and certain death arrived on the shores of Balteus on a wave of blood as the ocean had turned into a pit of hellfire. Screaming coming from the below town made Blur's stomach turn knowing their pain was caused by his defiance, he winced in pain at the absurd heat bombing the planet and his headache throbbing worse.
Exidos: Never mind us. We die for them. Here and now we have to Blur. You have to.
Before Blur knew it Ulric's strong arms had wrapped around his waist and kissed his head lovingly. Silent saying goodbye as destruction wades in from all directions ripping Balteus skeleton buildings to shreds, boulders the size of mountains flattened the corpse-filled city below. An eerie beacon of ice on fire beckoning for the end of all things forced Blur to steal a fleeting glance watching his family huddled together saying their own goodbyes.
Blur: If Valessa can do it so can I
Ulric: Do what?
Blur: Die right.
Roughly grabbed by the paw Blur sees the Triumvirate pulling a black gear over his head, a necklace of smaller gears which seemed older and heavier than guessed is placed in the king's paws whispering to him, wrapping the Triumvirate paw on top of Blurs as a final handshake goodbye. Blur rubs his thumb over the gear feeling the tingle of time responding like nostalgia.
Exidos: The power of the Triumvirate, the Monarchy and all the love from your family is flowing through you. Use your life to shatter the chaos Idol, what happens now, where you go now. You do alone but we will be with you in spirit.
Placing his paw on Blur's chest where his heart is Blur touches the paw softly squeezing it, he takes the gear from Triumvirate accepting his fate time has requested for him. Facing it all together Blur and Ulric watch as the sky falls a thousand miles apart seeing what was once their homes destroyed.
Hurt at the fire taking everything that was cared for they both stand tall knowing destruction will never take their hearts, a planet crumbling around them yet both wolves know wherever they go, whatever they see they will never be without the security of their lover's arms.
Blur: Everything changes but not you, look after them. Treat them like family and do that for me, please. I don't care what the universe needs from you, just look after them.
Exidos: I will I promise. If I can I will and now when you're ready talk to time, she will help you. It'll be overwhelming and you might not go where you want but she'll always take you where you need to go.
Close your eyes Blur, be kind. Stand tall and think what will you die for? The salvation of others requires your damnation. Accept it and become a God... fighting time itself and you're going to win because that's who you are.
Ulric: Goodbye my love. My hero, my warrior. A good man... find your life again both of you, do your best and remember I will always be proud of you.
Blur: I hate goodbyes Ulric I'll see you soon instead. Now let's get this over with I'm late for my honeymoon!
Holding tightly onto the gear Blur pours his heart into the gear, his every emotion and thought wrapping around him with the tingling feeling of a vision generating in him stronger than ever before.
The gear crushed into dust uniting his hope, his losses, the dreams never dreamt bringing forward all his suffering and letting time bear witness to Blur's true feelings, his fears and his fate.
Rupturing time energy violently grasps Blur by the throat choking him as he's ripped from Alestia never to see his family again falling through a vortex of unbelievable force spiralling through unseen colours and boiling pain, the sands of time pulling at his very essence unhappy at the intruder in her domain with thousands of timekeepers shattering under the weight of Blurs decision.
Finally, at the edge of fate, Blur looks at a large gold pendulum swinging in a dying yet infinitely slow motion, clearly corrupted with black monstrous voids invading time's sacred shadowy realm struggling to sustain its survival. A heavenly voice shakes Blurs to his knees overwhelmed by her power.
Time herself: . . .You.
Blur: You've heard of me haven't you?
Time herself: You are the great destruction of the universe.
Blur: Yes but most people call me Blue Blur. I'm ready this time, help me end this. Please.
The music of the universe sings in a maddening angelic hymn calling forth an end to the king putting him to rest, his final decision to sacrifice himself against the chaos Idol fulfils his nature.
So much to see and so many lifetimes flare that fade in the face of time for Blur's final act shoots a beam of white light rippling through the voids of space breathing life onto each planet. His power immense to thrashing pathetic attempts of chaos trying to control time, herself blinded by Blur's sacrifice permanently snuffing all evil into nothingness.
The sand timers reverse shattering collecting the shrapnel of themselves throughout the universe as a forced reset in the chaosverse rewinds to its destruction fate backwards in time.
Nobody, not a single soul on Alestia or the universe will remember who Blur was or what he did to ensure all life continued its existence. A lie of omission from the Triumvirate clone left his condemned creations to the same fate as Blur leaving only the Monarchy to inhabit Alestia. It was not only Blur he created but all life in Alestia.
His children of pure beings corrupted under the Monarchy's influence conveniently causing a chain reaction to generate more power than ever before realised by the Triumvirates, allowing themselves to twist the power of life and death to one bloody conclusion.
Blur's family and friends were all taken with him following his fate, while he saved the universe in its ignorance his actions had consequences taking each Alestian with him.
Universes breathed and expanded exponentially flooding with reborn life, basking in the beautiful creation of every living being filled with happiness from past to present. Finally four and a half billion years of suffering folded in on itself sealing the time envelope of Triumvirate forever and merging Alestia back into its proper timeline never being interferred with ever again.
Blue Blurs fairytales legend living up to his destiny as every fibre of his being was crushed upon the chaotic Idol destroying its evilness forevermore.
Worlds of peace prospered ensuring the Monarchy reigns for eternity never knowing galactic invasion and progressing past their corrupted ways. Preferring a path that didn't blindly follow orders to sacrifice innocent planets in pursuit of their perfect future, potentially the souls in Howl did remember what their destination was and had changed for the better recognising that progress at any cost only led to disaster.
But we will never know what truly changed the Monarchy, only the Triumvirates could see that.
-Fin -
: Author's note:
I hope you enjoyed this story, I'm sure you've noticed this is not the last chapter and that is simply because there are two ends much like Winds of Change and Major/Minor.
I leave it to you to decide.
Do you accept this end? Where the Seer is committed to his fate and is never remembered, Alestia's heroes are expunged from creation leaving only the Monarchy to remain following the game's true lore if there was no interference from the Trivurvirates.
...
Or do you wish for more? A happier ending perhaps? (not that endings are very truly happy).
The final chapter is about the Triuvirate's punishment, what happens after Blur's sacrifice and what cost there has been in Exidos's pursuit of salvation.
Personally, I'm torn on which ending I want to consider 'true' history, so I let you decide. Read on for a different ending or stop here and let Blur's story end.
I also wanted to thank you for reading to the end, much love and appreciation given to Klace for making such a wonderful universe.
See you, out there.
BoisseyBlueBlur