Final.

[azumods]

CREATION. It's the middle of the morning, when the summon finally comes. It comes in the form of the Commanders seeming more formal than usual - there's something in their demeanor that's off, decidedly more stiff than usual, though not in a way that implies they're being controlled; it's just a matter of something happening, and they aren't altogether certain what to do with it, but they're here to bring you the general message that Master Cyrus is waiting for you. They won't wish you luck, for obvious reasons; they will, however, come with you. If this is going to happen today, then they want to be present for it, and they'll accompany you to the top of that massive stairwell in the center of that area you first walked in on. There's a large set of double doors at the top; they've been locked until now, but at the moment they'll open easily at your touch. There's really only one place to go from here. The doors will lead you to a place that appears, for all intents and purposes, to be outside, though it's difficult to say exactly where; there's a chill in the air - this is, of course, a rather cold region, though it isn't as bad as it could be out here - and you seem to be incredibly high up, but the floor still seems solid beneath your feet as opposed to translucent, and there's a railing ringing the outside of the area you've been let out into. Like a balcony of sorts, though it's a massive one, more than enough to accommodate all of you. It's incredibly simple, given that this is apparently where you're going to meet with someone who claimed the title of "god" for himself and hasn't looked back since. Speaking of which, you aren't alone here; Cyrus is present, hands settled on that railing as he looks out over the region for a moment longer. He'll turn to greet you properly after a moment, however; there's a brief gesture to his Commanders - clearly instructing them to stay back near the door, out of the way but more than capable of overseeing what's going to ensue here - before he turns his attention to the group, folding his hands behind his back. "You've come a long way since we first met... And longer still since your journey started. I'm sure you're aware that this isn't as it was in Sunyshore City - should we be required to turn this place into a battlefield, we will do so without hesitation, and despite your actions stemming from deep imperfection, we intend to act without mercy, if it comes to that. "However, I'm sure you have many things you want to say at the moment... Were I opposed to hearing them, there would be little point in allowing you to come here in the first place. Speak your piece; do as you see fit. There's no sense in pretending that we don't all know why you're here."

Comments

[azumods]

I'm not belittling the effort put into doing so... It's a thankless and unpleasant task, coming to terms with something like that and defying all that you've known.

[...So, good job? It's a kind of weird "good job", but good job.]

[anythingforyou]

[...Thanks, she hates this, his approval fills her with shame and she feels like she's getting praised like a dog.]

I fundamentally disagree with everything you stand for, even still. Make no mistake of that.

[That's stated somewhat forcefully, at least. It dies off with the next words.]

...I wouldn't have been able to do that without all of these people here. Or anything, truly. The world at large has the ability to keep holding hands out to others, even the people who likely shouldn't be allowed to change. There are so many people who can do so unflinchingly, like Emmeryn, or some like yourself who have become the world to the people who work under you. [...] Certainly, people as a whole can hurt one another, and certainly, there are some people who couldn't change even if others wanted them to, nor if they wanted to. I've known plenty of both, to be truthful. They're dreadful, and drag everyone down with them in the process of going towards their own selfish, destructive way of life.

But even so...it's people like them that make the world worthwhile. [...] ...Though perhaps it's rather selfish to say.

[divinedescendant]

[hey speaking of holding hands, since Camilla is having such a wonderfully tough time over here, Emmeryn, unspeaking, reaches out to take Camilla's hand in her own and give it a light squeeze; some soft reminder that she is not alone, a quiet reassurance of pride.]

[anythingforyou]

[...she actually kind of smiles a bit at that, though it's a touch sheepish and she kind of just. Mouths a small 'thank you' in Emmeryn's direction.

There need to be more Emmeryns in the world as far as she's concerned.]

[azumods]

...I don't think it's meaningless, you know. The notion that people like Emmeryn exist, and want to help the world in the way that they do.

[So at least there's. that.]

[anythingforyou]

...You're right, it isn't. It's people like them who make the world beautiful, alongside such wonderful scenery.

[Camilla's look...well, it doesn't necessarily soften any, because she's kind of incapable of doing that with Cyrus, but...well, it perhaps lightens up a bit.]

It's something everyone has the opportunity to strive toward, even if it takes time, or even if they're clumsy with offering such a thing. Certainly, no one is perfect, but...it is that they're willing to strive towards it. Slow but sure, so they can become that sort of person, that adds to such beauty. It's arduous, painful, and never easy, with people so willing to cause pain and suffering just for the sake of it and for their own ambitions barring their path, and their own insecurities and issues that make it ever so difficult...

But they can make it better, for all involved. They can alleviate the suffering, bit by bit, until there are more people who are ready to take the mantle and hold out their hand.

...It's what everyone deserves, truly.

[azumods]

[I mean, apparently he thinks you deserve a lot, here.]