Ferio drowned in his thoughts. In his still-festering anger, tears flowed down his face. He did not notice that Fuu had approached him, looking at him with red-rimmed eyes. Fuu remained silent, saying nothing.
"Fuu…" Ferio looked at her. His face was grim. "You must really hate me."
Fuu shook her head. She sat beside him and wrapped her arms around him affectionately. "No. I understand what you've been through, everything you've endured… I truly understand."
"Then you must think I'm very selfish and evil…"
"Yes… For all the things you love, you can be very selfish. But you are not evil. You always think of what's best for me, your people, and Cephiro… You strive to be the best version of yourself for us…"
"You're wrong… I know I'm terrible. I don't know how to change. If only none of this had happened… If only I weren't the king of Cephiro, I would marry you in peace; we would have a cottage far from the castle, and I would visit your world… If only the war hadn't happened… Or if, during the war twenty years ago, I hadn't become a failed king…"
"Ferio…"
"But even if all of that had happened, what would have transpired if I hadn't made the wrong decisions? What if I hadn't been so foolish as to ask Hikaru to surrender? What if I had fought alongside her? What if, because of that, we could have defeated Autozam together… If only I had the courage and righteousness…" Ferio drew a breath, closing his eyes. He struggled to regain control over his emotions.
"I blamed her as the cause of this destruction and suffering, but truly, all of this is because of my failures. From the beginning, I couldn't believe she entrusted me with the highest position in Cephiro when I most desired freedom. I believed she only wanted to rid herself of her responsibilities. When she sealed the portal and wouldn't let you return to me, allowing Cephiro to be destroyed, I hated her. I really hated her…"
"Ferio, all of that is in the past. Please…" Fuu pleaded.
"It hasn't passed! Deep in my heart, I can't forgive her… even if I want to. But I can't forgive myself either… Knowing all that happened to her, I feel like I'm the cause!"
"She… is just like you," Fuu whispered. Ferio looked at Fuu, struggling to understand her words. Fuu smiled gently. "She is also doing her best for everyone, for this world and its future. She truly is just like you…"
Fuu leaned her head against Ferio's shoulder. She closed her eyes. "I feel relieved knowing she's alive, yet part of my heart aches so profoundly. I can't forgive myself for allowing her to walk that dangerous path alone. She was always alone… She could hate us and let us get destroyed for the second time… But instead, she protects us. She continues to love us… Because of that, I have no reason to continue hating myself… Slowly, my heart is filled with warmth I haven't felt in a long time. You know that feeling, Ferio… I'm sure you feel it too…
"Ferio… We are only human. We make mistakes; we will always make mistakes. That's why we can always forgive and be forgiven. We deserve to be forgiven. I can't live in guilt and regret anymore when happiness is so close and real. Looking back, I'm satisfied; we've lived so well. And we have Kotori. We have built a beautiful castle even if we don't live in a cottage. Even if it's in ruins now, we can rebuild it again. There's always a chance to do that… And there will always be a chance to mend our relationship with Hikaru…"
"Fuu…"
"You can't lie to yourself? She has always been a part of us. In the past, we failed to be good friends to her. But now, we have a chance to smile with her again. She will return to us, and I can't wait to see her smile when she learns that, with our hearts united, Cephiro will become more beautiful than she ever remembered."
"Fuu… Can the future be better?"
Fuu nodded. "I believe so, just like everyone else. We're not doing this alone. Everyone will fight with whatever they can. Everyone will help you to go through this. You are our leader. We're waiting for your decision…"
"What should I do?" Ferio asked. He posed the question, but in truth, answers were beginning to form in his mind. He looked at Fuu's gentle smile. "Do all the people really want peace?"
"Of course, peace is everyone's dream, my dream, your dream…" Fuu laid Ferio's head in her lap. "Calm yourself and rest. Everything will be alright."
Clef's Quarter
Nova was deeply asleep. Presea quietly cleaned the table cluttered with medicinal potions. Umi sat beside her, keeping watch, while Clef sat on the other side, holding Nova's hand tightly, his face etched with worry.
Umi alternated her gaze between Clef and Nova. What would happen if Ferio indeed decided to punish Nova because she was part of Runes? What would Clef do? She pondered her thoughts. What would she do in that situation?
"Isn't Ascot waiting for you outside?" Clef asked suddenly.
"Hmm? Has he been back?" Umi lifted her head, shaken from her reverie. She checked outside. "Oh yeah. He's out there. I'll go after I'm sure this woman is alright." She worried that Nova might lash out at them again like she had yesterday if she felt threatened. "I want to speak with Ferio about our captive. Maybe that young man is what Maestra Nova wants…"
"Don't let anyone else be sacrificed. Do you understand?" Clef pressed. "Not her or anyone else…"
Umi nodded hesitantly. "I'll ensure her safety if that's what you want… I can see you care for her so much. Do you love her?"
"This isn't just about my feelings for her if you misunderstand me. I want to ensure that the mission of the Pillars comes to fruition. This tragedy must end here and now," Clef continued, swallowing the pain within his heart.
"Clef…" Umi noticed the sorrow on Clef's face. He had endured so much, far more than anyone else. Clef kept his gaze fixed on Nova's face.
"Everything that has happened is not her fault. If a punishment must be imposed, I am the one who deserves it the most. Tell Ferio that. I will accept whatever decision he makes."
"If no one else is to be sacrificed, that includes you," Umi retorted. "You might be the one who has suffered the most among us. If only I could ease your burden, Clef… There are some things we shouldn't bear alone. You've held onto too much for too long…"
"Indeed... Secrets upon secrets have woven themselves into the lives of the Magic Gurus, ensnaring us and fortifying us with fragile promises of protection. All because we are the trusted ones of the Pillars..."
"Hmm..."
"I failed to guard the agreement in the past made by Pillar of Cephiro and Pillar of Runes, to end the system right after the war ended. Our government believed it was Runes' trickery and refused to obey the arrangement to completely free the land. They forced any strong sorcerers and potential figures to undergo the selection of a new Pillar. That was how Emeraude became the next. I was powerless to stop the rebellious act. When Hikaru was chosen to be the last and ended the system in Cephiro, I thought everything was finally going right, but the reality is quite the opposite. If only Ferio understands this..."
Umi grasped Clef's hand, feeling how cold it was. "You're scared. Calm yourself. Ferio won't act foolishly this time. Fuu is with him. Let's wait for Maestra Nova to be well after her rest. Hopefully, she will tell us where Hikaru is. Alba also mentioned that Hikaru was still alive. She's very strong. I believe she is okay right now..."
"I am afraid it's not like that."
"Why?"
"Do you know how the Pillar System should end?" Umi shook her head. "It should end when permanent peace is achieved in this chaotic world. This system was created to bring about peace. And the world today is moving toward that end. When everything is over, no more Pillars will be needed. The last Pillars would seal the fate of this world with their deaths."
"Pillar System... I had never given much thought to it before. This system and its miracles have protected this world for thousands of years. To end this is a serious ordeal."
"Yes. The last 100 years is the most crucial time in our history."
"Tell me about it, Clef."
"In the past, each nation once had its Pillars. Those with the strongest hearts were appointed to be protectors of the lands and mediators of conflicts among humans, other creatures, and nature. However, over time, the Pillars became mere tools for nations to dominate and overthrow one another. Exploiting the hearts of those who always wished to protect, one by one, the lives of the Pillars were taken through great wars.
"Chizeta and Fahren realized this mistake sooner; thus, they stopped selecting Pillars hundreds of years ago. But Autozam, so thirsty for power, ultimately destroyed themselves. In their futile search for a new Pillar, they lost their land and became a nation without a land. One step closer to ending the system, a war erupted between Cephiro and Runes as they vied for territory. I was a young Magic Guru back then. Nova and I were entrusted with the secrets held by our Pillars, and I discovered that during that war, the Pillar of Cephiro, Sienna, and the Pillar of Runes, Nair Shin-Re, made a pact..."
Umi gasped. "The Pillar of Runes has lived that long?"
"Yes. He is among the strongest Pillars this world has ever known."
"What pact did they make?"
Clef continued, "To be the last of Cephiro and Runes, they agreed to die. They ended each other's lives during that war. To ensure no continuation of the system, the Magic Gurus were bound by an oath not to appoint a new Pillar after them. But I could not uphold that oath. The next chosen Pillar of Cephiro was Emeraude. Fortunately, she was a member of the Cephiro royal family, so for the first time, the Pillar was not weaponized for war. Part of me felt relieved, but another part was consumed with guilt because, while Cephiro continued the system and regained its strength, the weakened land of Runes was occupied by Autozam. The magic swordsmen of Runes who defended their land were hunted relentlessly. The destruction that befell that land was insurmountable."
Umi realized, that was the beginning of all of tragedies.
"I should have ended the system during the second chance, but Cephiro was shattered and on the brink of ruin after Emeraude's departure. I regretted Hikaru being chosen as the Pillar. But I rejoiced when she ended the system and freed herself from resuming the role. Yet, again, I failed to prevent her from reawakening the system 17 years ago. If only we had built a nation strong enough to resist Autozam, she wouldn't have to return. No. If only I hadn't let the system from continuing, then the magic swordsmen of Runes would have had no reason to bear a grudge against Cephiro, and Nair Shin-Re wouldn't have had to ignite the war."
"Clef, you were forced by the situation. You can't blame yourself like this. So many things have happened…" Umi tried to console him. "Remember, countless lives were spared because of those decisions. You must see the good side of it. The world and its course of time—life and death, nations rising and falling—are beyond our control."
"Now, I want to atone. I want to protect the woman I love and never be separated from her again. I want to protect Hikaru. I want to safeguard all the people of this land and its future."
"Then let's do it together. We can convince Ferio not to make the wrong choice again." Umi smiled at Clef, trying to strengthen his resolve. "After that, we'll find Hikaru. We'll bring her home. We'll make her dream come true together. Isn't that your dream too, Clef?"
"Umi…" Clef's eyes were brimming with tears. "Thank you so much."
Ascot stood outside Clef's quarter, feeding his hawk while murmuring about how long his wife had been inside. Yet, he understood. He knew that Master Clef held a special place in Umi's heart. Night had long fallen, and the sky was a canvas of brilliant stars. He gazed at them with a hint of boredom. It would be another adventure if he could chase the remaining magic swordsmen to see where they were headed.
Wait, what was that?! Ascot spotted a streak of bright light shooting across the sky. The sight reminded him of Lantis's magical steed. "Lantis?" He blinked in astonishment—it was him! Lantis had returned. But why? Hadn't he departed?
"Ascot!" Umi's voice called out. "You are still here?"
"You are so long. Of course, I am waiting for you…" Ascot said, eyes still darting across the sky, trying to see where Lantis had flown.
"What are you looking at?" Umi asked, curious. But Ascot didn't reply. His attention shifted to the sudden noise arising in the distance. Umi noticed it, too.
"It seems LaFarga has succeeded. The people have gathered to support the peace treaty! Let's join them," Ascot said, enthusiasm lighting up his face. "We will make Ferio listen to us this time. I wish no more war so I can stay with you all the time."
As he started to walk away, Umi stopped him. "Wait a moment." He turned, surprised and curious. Umi suddenly embraced him. "Don't you feel tired? You just returned from your duty."
Ascot flushed. "Not much tired. The magic swordsmen have gone. Nothing is threatening there. Our land is completely safe. Come on. We should hurry to the meeting."
"Let's take a long rest once this is all over. No more flying to a faraway place with Ryuuki. Just stay with me at home."
Ascot grabbed Umi's hand. "As you wish."