His wings beat gently as we descended, and beside my sister he placed me.
“Stay here…” he said, “I will finish this.”
As he stood back up, his gaze fixed upon étienne, who took two steps back.
“What is the meaning of this?” étienne questioned. “What are you?”
Halcyon stalked toward him… an arrogance in his stride that brought me comfort.
“Tell me what I am,” he said condescendingly. “You who know so much.”
“You’re… no more than the dregs of our kind!” he stuttered.
“Dregs, you say?” Halcyon’s wings beat angrily. “Our kind are nothing alike.”
Our kind?
A moment of realization seemed to strike upon étienne’s face, but for what?
“You… there’s no way!” He continued to back away.
“Are you scared…” Halcyon questioned.
étienne’s voice fell silent as he cowered in place.
“A disease…” Halcyon said. “That is what you are.” He approached further. “A cancer… a mistake born of the misuse and corruption of my people’s blood.”
“No! Everything I fought for!”
“Pointless…” Halcyon stated bluntly. “Your life shall end here, where your ascension was to begin. A fitting grave… don’t you think?”
In a haze, Halcyon’s hand grasped around étienne’s neck, holding him in the air.
“You wished to be Bloodborn,” he said, “but you know nothing of my people!”
étienne’s word choked, inaudible and strained as he fought…
“We were… peaceful. Separated from the other races, a realm apart. We fought no one and lived in love, deep below.”
His grip around étienne’s neck tightened as he tried to claw at Halcyon’s arm.
“We flew upon the dark winds of the Underworld! We served our master with faith.” He raised étienne higher. “WE… ARE DEAD!”
His voice shook the entire city.
Under his grip, a red mist began to flow out of étienne, being consumed into Halcyon.
“I… am all that is left.” He said somberly.
étienne’s body began to deteriorate.
“You will have no final words… No making of peace, no begs, or pleas. You fade into nothing.”
His body withered, first flesh decaying and then bone turning brittle, and soon, he became but dust on the breeze.
“It… is done.” Halcyon exhaled.
I stood to my feet as he made his way back to me.
“I trust your wounds are healed?” He asked.
“Oh… yes.” I remarked. Not a scar left, nor blood of any kind.
“Good.” He said, “ Then… I suppose you have questions,” his wings furled behind him as he stepped closer.
“You’re Bloodborne,” I stated. “That’s what you didn’t want to tell me?”
“Yes…” he nodded.
“Why would you hide that…?”
“I did not see the point of you knowing… Our history was all but erased. You couldn’t have known, even if I had told you.”
“I suppose you’re right, but… how—you were dying!”
“I thought so too,” he said. “I haven’t taken this form in… a very long time. Something in his spell unlocked it again once I absorbed it.”
“How long?”
He hesitated.
“It isn’t worth hiding it anymore…” I said
“Well over a millenium… maybe longer.”
Truly, I had thought. A man from the first age stood before me… not a man, a god—or Bloodborne, like some primordial entity.
“And… the wings?”
“A staple of my kind…” he said bluntly.
My thoughts raced, feelings of awe… of mistrust, maybe mostly confusion. I grasped at my temples.
Amoria began to rustle.
Halcyon’s wings disappeared suddenly.
“What… happened?” She clutched her head, eyes squinted.
“We won,” I said.
She glanced around frantically, “Tarrien… where’s Tarrien! And Amicus!”
Through the large crater and rubble stood only us, the two of them nowhere to be found. A fear gripped us; perhaps they were caught in étienne’s spell… Perhaps they’re…
“Amoria! Sebastien!!” a distant muffled voice yelled.
“Amicus…” I muttered, “Amicus!” I yelled louder this time.
“Is it them?” Amoria said, standing. She stumbled to her feet, but Halcyon supported her. “Thank you,” she mumbled.
At the top edge of the crater peeked out a familiar face. “There you guys are!” he said.
“Amicus!” Amoria cried.
Over his shoulder he held Tarrien, who seemed unconscious.
“Hold on, I’m coming down!” He shouted. Carefully he attempted to inch his way down, eventually losing his footing and sliding down the disturbed dirt and stone like a small landslide.
He regained his composure, panting and almost laughing with Tarrien still unconscious in his arms.
“Gods! Is he okay?” Amoria pushed Halcyon’s arm away and sprinted over to them.
“Yes, he is,” Amicus said. “Once we dispatched the Dread Maw, we were already so exhausted, and then the explosion came… trapping us under rubble.” He sat Tarrien down on the ground gently, Amoria kneeling down next to him. “I was able to get out and searched for him for what felt like an hour. He was like this when I found him, but his pulse was strong…”
“Some healing should fix this,” she said frantically. “Give me space!”
She placed her hands over Tarrien’s chest, and a faint healing light washed over him. It was weaker than she probably wished, but she was adamant. Eventually his breathing strengthened, and she took her hands away, taking a deep breath and leaning back.
“You shouldn’t push yourself anymore…” I said.
“Don’t worry… Even if I wanted to, I think I am spent.” She said exhaustedly.
“Luckily we’re done… right?” Amicus laughed awkwardly.
Each of us chuckled for a moment, and then the light caught our eyes once more.
“So is that it?” Amoria said, “The power he was after?” She stood to her feet.
“Yes…” Halcyon said. “But—”
She noticed his hesitation. “What?” she said with a furrowed brow.
“Just… come with me,” I said.
She stood wearily and walked alongside me, Halcyon and Amicus staying with Tarrien.
“What’s this about?” she asked.
“A better question might be who…” I said.
As we approached it, her eyes widened. “I… I don’t understand.”
I could feel a sense of sorrow, standing so close—a sense of loss, perhaps? Something missing, or even something taken? So much conflict radiated from this being, but from it… warmth, perhaps even love.
“He looks just like you, Sebastien.”
My own brows furrowed; this being, who lay fetal upon the air in some eternal-like sleep, seemed my twin, though his hair was a bright white and his skin a dark grey. “I…”
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She looked at me, speaking softly. “He has… power,” she said. “More than anyone I’ve ever met. Not magic, but something else. Can you feel it?”
“Yes…” I said. “Could it be?”
We met each other’s eyes for a moment, a realization between the two of us. “This is… a god.” She said.
“I think so.”
We studied the being for a moment; he was sickly, almost appearing malnourished, and his bones seemed almost visible under his skin. But his power was vast, making the air around him electric.
“What do we do?” She said. “The king and… father, even, would want us to bring it home, but—” she paused. “I don’t really want to touch it.”
In a moment of pause, I heard a scratching almost at the back of my mind. Like something caged pushing to be free. I’d felt this before… a distant whisper in my ear.
And then suddenly, his eyes burst open.
Amoria stumbled back, startled and muttering profanity… But I stood unfazed.
“Is everything okay?” Amicus yelled at almost the same time as Halcyon.
I approached this being, whose hand was now outstretched as Amoria backed away further.
“Sebastien… be careful.” She said.
His hand was lithe, gentle, and welcoming. I grasped it gently, and the world around us faded to white.
He stood now, in front of me, grasping my hand firmly.
“I’ve been expecting you…” he smiled.
I looked around; we stood in what seemed like a white void, but no stress or fear gripped at me… just a sense of calm and comfort. “Where are we?” I asked.
“In-between,” the deity said. “I felt this was a better place to talk, just the two of us.”
Our hands parted. “Are you the voice I have been hearing?”
“Yes,” he said, “I am most sorry if it has been alarming.”
“It is quite alright…” I smiled, “But, what is this about? And—why do we resemble one another?”
“All things in time…” he said, “But first things first, introductions. I am Cyrinon.”
“I am… Sebastien,” I said. “But you know that.”
“Yes,” he laughed, “but it is only polite.”
Cyrinon, I thought. I knew of no deity by that name. And even more so, what connection could the two of us have?
“It is quite nice to finally meet you,” he said. “We have much to discuss.”
I nodded, and he bade me to walk beside him.
“I’ve guided you here, in this moment in the turning of eras…”
“Turning of eras?” I questioned.
“Yes… events have transpired in the last millennium leading to the end of this era. And centerfold in its expiration, you will stand.”
“This is beginning to sound like a prophecy…” I said.
“Quite,” he chuckled.
We continued, “So what exactly does this have to do with me, or you for that matter?”
“In this era’s beginning, a star was plucked from the heavens and fell upon the old world. Its power was worshipped and coveted by the hearts of men and mortals as it lay in deep slumber beneath the earth.”
I listened intently.
“Its fall was brought about by fear and jealousy. And erected around it, these mortals built a great kingdom… the very one you set foot in, amidst your hunt for étienne.” The vampire’s name came uneasily from his lips.
“That star was you…” I said.
“Yes…”
“And how did you know about étienne?”
“I predicted his pursuit of me many eons ago. I must thank you for ending him.”
“It wasn’t me…” I said somberly.
“Yes, but you helped.” He smiled.
“What happens now that he is dead…?” I questioned.
His stride slowed to a stop, and he turned to me. “The fall of this age began with me, and it shall end with you. étienne once told you that you were but a footnote in his plans, but this journey itself is a footnote in the one you shall embark upon once you leave here.”
“What am I to do?” I asked.
“A death felt by all shall mark the beginning of the end. You will encounter war and heal its scars, find calamity and end it, and when in the face of unjust rule… you shall depose it.”
His words were riddled with a deeper meaning, but laced within them were hidden truths. “I must think on your words…” I admitted.
“You will require help…” he said. “A few of my kind walk upon mortal soil. Seek them out—” For a moment, his eyes averted from me, a hint of sorrow.
“What is it?” I asked.
“There is one other who searched for me, much longer than étienne… I’m afraid I cannot reveal much more.”
“I sense you would ask me to find them…”
He smiled, “You will…”
He held out his hand once more. “Our time nears its end, Sebastien, but there is one last detail I must share with you. Perhaps more of a… gift, if you will.”
“A gift?” I questioned.
“Yes… take my hand.”
The white void grew brighter as I took his hand, the smile of a god filled with longing etched into my mind… A sense of purpose, perhaps his own, became mine as well. And once the world came back into view, I found myself kneeling upon the ground… With my friends standing around me—my very soul vibrated now, with an energy I could not place.
“Gods… Are you okay?”
I looked up to concerned gazes, and Tarrien, who spoke, had finally woken, held up by Halcyon. “I am… alright.” I said to him.
Amicus helped me to my feet, and Amoria placed a hand upon my forehead in concern.
“What is wrong?” I asked.
She took away her hand. “I… don’t know. You don’t seem any different, but something has changed in you; I can feel it.” Almost frantically, she cupped my face, feeling my forehead again, and shaking me to check my balance.
“Is this… necessary?” I said in frustration.
“Amoria!” Tarrien said harshly, “He said he is alright.”
“Then explain where that… power, that other person went!” she almost yelled.
“Stop…” I said, pushing her arms away, “What do you mean?”
She stepped away, confusion and frustration evident in her frown.
Amicus stepped beside me again. “That power… or person, it disappeared when you took its hand—”
“What?”
“It flowed into you… Sebastien.” Halcyon said, seeming to keep some distance between us.
“What happened?” Amoria questioned, “I could feel it; your consciousness was gone for a moment, and then it came back! What did you see?”
“Calm down! Please!” I said.
She took a breath… “I am sorry—but please, what did you see?”
“That being… he spoke to me.”
Everyone’s eyes widened, and all but Amoria seemed to take a small step back.
“What do you mean?” She asked.
“When I took his hand, my mind fell into some… white abyss, like a dream or other plane.”
“A purgatory?” she asked.
“No… I’m not sure. But he introduced himself as Cyrinon. He was— a god.”
“Truly?” Tarrien questioned. “A god was what étienne sought?”
Amoria waved him to be quiet. “What did he say?”
“He gave me a prophecy… I think.”
Her eyes widened again.
“I—”
“No,” she said. “I feel this would be better discussed after we leave. Perhaps we could consult with Father as well.” Her tone was uneasy. “What we all just went through, I doubt any of us are in the headspace to comprehend this.”
I breathed deeply; home called for me now, more than anything, some peace, and perhaps even a place devoid of mortal peril.
“I second that!” Amicus raised his hand, trying to diffuse the tension. “Maybe even a celebratory pint would feel great as well?”
“I could do with some more healing first… but I wouldn’t be opposed to that!” Tarrien and Amicus shared a laugh.
“How can we leave, though?” Halcyon asked.
Amoria exhaled in defeat, “I don’t have the energy to muster a teleportation spell. We might have to rest for a while before then. It’d take days to find the way out otherwise.”
I, however, felt invigorated. Thinking about it, all my exhaustion had suddenly seemed to vanish. “I think I could get us home.”
“Now,” she said, “after what we’ve just been through?”
“Do you feel well enough?” Halcyon said. “You shouldn’t overdo it.”
“We could wait…” Tarrien said, “It’s not a problem.”
“I can do it…” I assured them. “We can leave now and leave this place behind. But Amoria,” I asked, “Old Kygar needs resealed, does it not?”
“I feel… it will be alright to leave it open. With the power gone, there is not much of value to be found here, save for history. Which I’m sure many mages would be thrilled to study.” She smiled weakly.
“Then… let’s go,” I said. I beckoned everyone to stand close to me. “Give me your hands.”
With the joining of hands, my words carried upon the breeze of Old Kygar for the last time, “Depart,” I said.
Through space and time, in an instant, we found ourselves amidst the salty sea air of Kygaron, standing below its looming castle.
We each took a breath, one that felt like the first one since we left.
“Amicus,” Tarrien said, “are you well enough to report to the king and tell him what transpired?”
“I am,” he bowed.
“Please let him know that I will provide further details once I am healed.” Amoria supported him now, and Halcyon stretched as she took him.
“I will take him to the Circle and return to Father as well. I expect I will see you there soon too…” She looked at me now.
“Of course,” I assured her, “I would like just a few hours to breathe, though.”
She smiled gently, something I would see more often in the times to come. “That’s alright,” she said, “I might take a few hours for myself later. Come on,” she said, looking at Tarrien, and they left, making their way to the Circle.
“Hopefully I shall see you all later?” Amicus asked.
“One can hope?” I chuckled.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” he grinned widely. “I must go now, though; the king is not patient,” he whispered. He turned and made his way toward the castle, leaving just Halcyon and me, who stood quite a distance from me.
I tried to approach him, but he held up his hands. “I… must meet with Cedric. And until we know what that power is, I would like to keep my distance.”
“Oh…” I said.
He looked at me for a moment, just a hint of sadness on his brow… but only for a moment. “Meet with your father first, once I feel it’s safe—”
“You’ll feel well enough to just stand near me again…” I scowled.
He scowled as well, “Yes.” He said bluntly, walking away.
I shook my head, after everything… “Ridiculous,” I mumbled, now standing alone. A familiar confusion assaulted me as I choked back feelings I couldn’t understand… stifling them again. I needed to leave.
Along the westernmost edge of the north wall lay the entrance to the Nobles District. The second tallest district in the city, it was built upon a large pillar-like structure upon Kygaron’s largest island, similar to the Sky District, but situated just below it. It was filled with parks and a large rural-esque living area but was quiet… perhaps more so than anywhere else in the kingdom.
Within a large park devoted to King Acaius, I leaned against one of the many trees overlooking the fountain in its center—my mind adrift in thought.
With everything that had happened, I felt more unsure than ever. Not about my friends or my experiences, but about the future. The Arcanex lay forgotten in the back of my mind, save for knowing I had been there… and everything up to now—I’d been rebuilding my life, fresh and new and daunting.
Once upon a time, I was so sure I had a goal. My mind continued to race, and after a while, it was too much. I shook my head. “That’s enough,” I mumbled, taking a deep breath. I rested my head against the tree now too, looking up through its leaves as the rays of light traced over my face through them.
What could it be… This power, like a slumbering god, is now inside me. Though my mind blazed overfull, my body felt renewed, as if ready to take on a storm.
I didn’t know hours had passed as I sat there, and the sun grew gold.
A crunching of leaves underfoot startled me. “Ah… Sebastien.”
It took a moment to recognize the figure. “Cedric,” I said, standing quickly, “I thought Halcyon was speaking with you.”
“He did…” His words were blunt.
“And where is he now?”
“Resting,” he said, removing his usual hood. “As you should be, are you not exhausted?”
His eyes were much like Halcyon’s, though lighter in shade. He stood shorter than him and hunched slightly; his hair, black and messy, reached just below his brows.
“I am alright.” I said, downtrodden.
“Has his coldness gotten to you?” He smiled lightly.
I glanced at him.
“It is the passing of ages that gets to you when you’re immortal. You lose a sense of hope…” he said. “Perhaps the sense to maintain healthy relationships, even.”
“Is it a loss of humanity?” I asked.
“We’re not human… But in a sense, yes, you could say that.”
A moment of awkward silence passed. “How did you react… when you found out?” he hesitated.
“Do you mean when I found out what he is?”
“Yes,” he said.
“I don’t know, everything was so chaotic… I haven’t had much time to think about it yet,” I said.
“Are you like him?”
He hesitated again.
“I’m sorry. I suppose he did say that he was the last of his people.”
“I am,” he admitted.
My eyes widened. “Then why does he— seem to dislike you?”
“He denies what I am for his own peace of mind, I guess. I am a constant reminder of what happened to our people, so he keeps me at a distance.”
He had a kind of wistfulness to his near emotionless gaze. “Do you both have a past?” I asked.
“We do, but… it’s ancient history.” He said. “Don’t worry yourself about it… please.”
“What happened to your people, if you don’t mind me asking?”
He shuffled in place for a moment. “That is not my story to tell. Halcyon will tell you when he is ready.” He said.
“Oh, alright,” I said.
“In any case, my… necessity here has ended. I will depart soon, as I’m afraid staying any longer would upset him. And you both seem to have issues to work out. I do not wish to complicate that.”
“I understand,” I said, shaking his hand.
“It was good to meet you, Sebastien. I hope you will watch over Halcyon in the days to come.’
“I will,” I promised.
“Farewell,” he said, waving. “We may meet again one day.” He disappeared past the park's trees, ever the enigma.
It was time to return to my father, and perhaps I would see Halcyon again later, and we could discuss… everything. My conversation with Cedric had eased my mind a bit. But still, a question ate at me, unyielding.
What was to come? A death wrought by prophecy…
Now that the group has some time too rest, what do we hope to see in the next chapter?
