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“It’s too much to ask of anyone, even them! Why must they be the one? Why must they fight alone? More than a hero, they’re a dear friend. Not only to us, but to so many others. There are so many people in the world who care for you, and yet… and yet…”
“And yet I stand alone. Walking to the end.”
The Warrior of Light stood amongst the ruins in Ultima Thule, leftover carcasses of planets and worlds long past. Shells of what they once were, reduced to mere models by the Meteia. Alisaie’s words rung in their head.
‘Despite everything, it’s just me. I’m all that’s left,’
Tears pricked at their eyes. How was this fair? They’d given so much already and was this their reward? Watching the people they care about disappear without so much as a trace. Climbing to the edge of the universe for another fight? Y’shtola had said they could bring them all back, but that didn’t ease their soul. Instead, all they could think is that the fate of them all rested upon their shoulders. If they failed here, the Scions would be forever committed to this wretched place, forced to act as bridges for someone that would never come.
It was too much, far too much. An endless weight which pulled them to the floor. How could they go on like this? How could anyone expect this?! They were at their limit already, first Hermes and poor Meteion, then Hades and Hythlodaeus. Venat… Now even the Scions were gone. What were they supposed to tell the twins’ parents, Master Matoya and Krile! Tataru…
Breaths came quick and shallow as a fog descended on their mind. It was just them, alone at the edge of the universe. The lone warrior left to fight the embodiment of despair. A warmth on their neck gave them pass. Blindly they scrabbled and fished out the crystal of Azem, strung on a strong leather cord around their neck. It was glowing slightly and warm to the touch.
“Shepard to the stars in the dark… Where you walk my friend, fate shall surely follow.”
“When the way forward is hidden even from the mind’s eye, look not to the invocation, but within yourself.”
Words of comfort, from dear friends of Azem. Venat saw something in them, something like what they saw in Azem. If the Shepard was able to stand in hopeless situations, stand to protect those they cared about. Then surely, they could as well.
“A smile better suits a hero.”
Bolstering themselves with a deep breath, they turned their face to the task ahead, a feral smile at their lips. Memories of times past came forth as they walked on, forging ahead, towards the end.