I looked at Frosty and asked, "Can you release my friend?". The hooded figure lifted his hand up, and the Formations holding Frosty down, disappeared. "Belagor belongs to you, hence we will not try to claim him... I have much to teach you, young Dark Traveller. Come with us, the knowledge awaits you". I turned around and looked at all the people gathered.
As soon as my gaze landed on them, they kneeled down. Even some Eterians did, while their leader stood there with a twisted face. Only Humans stood there bewildered, unsure what to do. Frosty approached me, and lowered his head. "They know what you represent, even if they don't fully understand. It was your predecessor, who cared about them a lot. You seem to have the same traits as him. You care about this place and the people living here. You already proved it", the hooded figure said. "All of you, stand up", I said. People rose to their feet, and looked at me.
"I don't want to be an Emperor, don't kneel in front of me. I don't want to rule or conquer anyone, that's not my business… Eterians, this war… Let's end it here. Why don't we stop living in the past, and move on towards the future?", I said. The leader replied, "Bullshit! I will take none of your lies. No matter who you become, you are still a Human!". I looked at him for a while, "You know, I see my past self in you. I used to be like you. Full of rage and hatred, convinced that you were my enemies. With time, I learned to accept who I was, as well as accept the rage inside me. Everyone can change, it's up to them to do it".
He grabbed his sword, and rushed at me. I didn't have to act this time, other Eterians did that for me. "What are you doing! Let go of me! I won't let this end like that!", he screamed. "What did Humans do to you? There is a reason, I'm sure. What have you gone through, to hate us so much?", I asked. He screamed, "Shut up! You know nothing! I will kill all of you!". The hooded figure next to me raised his hand, but I stopped him. "You wish to let them go?", he asked.
"Let go of him", I said towards the Eterians holding their leader down. They tried to drag him back, or perhaps save his life. I repeated, "Let him go, I will not kill him". They finally let go, and he charged at me straight away. I didn't have the strength to fight him, but perhaps I didn't need to. He ran at me, with deep emotions in his eyes. Perhaps he had no one to turn to, no one who would listen to him. There was no illusions, skills or abilities involved, he simple ran towards me with his sword.
"You were different in the past, right? Did it happen when you were a kid?". He told me to shut up, and swung his sword towards me. "Was it your parents?", I asked as the sword stopped in front of me.
His face said it all. Just like Humans, Eterians loved their parents, they were the ones who gave them life. I grabbed his sword, "My parents died as well. Probably killed by Humans because of greed. But, I'm aware that not every Human is a bad person. All races will have such people, even yours. Does that mean I should exterminate you, because of a few rotten apples?".
I continued, "I'm not saying forgive, I never did. But, none of us here are the people you are looking for, am I right? Who knows, maybe they already died a long time ago. Perhaps they were killed, or perhaps they died of old age. In other words, you are chasing the shadows of your past". I looked past him, and saw a lone Eterian woman standing there. "It seems there is someone who cares about you. Take a look for yourself", I added with a smile. He turned around and saw her as well. "I was consumed by my own revenge and ideas, that I didn't notice or perhaps refused to notice others. It's time to let go. Start anew, someone will be there to accompany you".
He released the grip on his sword, "You are willing to let us go, but what about other Humans?", he asked. I smiled, "Do you live in Endrosian Empire or in the North? Humans have no say in here…", I looked at the Human side, "They will go back to their Empire, and stay out of the North's business". He smiled, "And? You will be here to make sure they do?". I smiled back, "Perhaps. Your lifespan is much greater than that of a Human. People will forget about wars, and learn to accept you. As long as you respect others and their customs, they shall respect yours".
"I will believe you, what do I have to lose anyway? If not for you, we would be as good as gone", he said while walking back towards the waiting Eterian. A few steps later he added, "You might not want to be their ruler, but in people's hearts, you already became one. We will meet again, Dark Traveller", and ran towards the girl awaiting him. 'You are indeed similar to me Eterian. A shame you never told me your name. Perhaps in the future', I thought.
Frosty walked up next. "Before you ask, I knew about it. I hoped you'd awaken these powers sooner, but I can't blame you", he said. I snorted, "Shut up you overgrown lizard. Dragon my ass, you are Frosty and that is how I intend to call you. Frosty the lizard, who always hid in my arm". "I'm the mighty…", he started, but I smacked his head which was more painful to me than him. "...I told you to shut up. I saved your ass big time, don't try to flaunt in front of me now", I replied and hugged him. "You've grown big. How will you fit inside houses and stuff?". He replied annoyed, "I'm not a pet... ".
"I still don't know your name", I said while turning towards the hooded figure. He nodded, "You can call me Eravak". I nodded as well, "Nice to meet you". "Can we go now? Or do you wish to say goodbye to others as well?". I smiled, "Nah, I will visit your place later. I want to spend some time with the loved ones". He laughed, "The Dark Traveller threads a lone…", but I stopped him. "That was your master, I am me. My path will be different. After all, I'm the one who chooses the path". He stayed silent for a while. "You are right. In such case, we shall leave. This is for you", he handed me a figurine of some sort. "Otherwise you would have a hard time getting to the island", he added.
I nodded, and bid them farewell. I looked at the figurine which reminded me of the Dark Traveller. 'They hold you in high regard, even to this day', I thought. I then noticed two words, "Hal Veratin? High… what?", I asked myself. Frosty said, "This translates as High City, or High Home. It's how they call their place". I looked at Frosty, "Oi! Since when did you know High Language?". "Since always? What? You never asked", he replied. I was defeated. Who would ask about such things, and a lizard nonetheless.
The others joined me, while Fox grabbed me and squeezed tight. "...Hey… I'm still hurt… you know", I squeezed out. "You idiot… How can you be so reckless?", she asked still holding onto me. I looked at Frosty for some help, but he simply turned around. 'I will remember that', I thought. "The Dark Traveller eh?", Crow asked. "Would… you mind?", I asked him. He rolled his eyes, and asked Fox to finally let go of me.
"Does that change anything? I still think of you as my friends. A new age has come for the North, perhaps you guys should lead it", I said after Fox reluctantly stopped hugging me tightly. "Since everyone bowed down to you, they will do whatever you say", Harlin said. I smiled, "Just try to help each other out. Sedon and Boltier needs to be rebuilt. I'm sure Ama will be pleased with such news". "So what now?", Crow asked. "Now?", I looked at Fox, "I intend to spend some time with the one I love. Let's meet here in a week or two".
"Grrr...", I saw Slate approaching from the side. Fox looked at Slate, and then at me. "It seems there still more to take care of. Can you let me go? I promised after all", I said to Fox and for some reason she did. "I gave you my word, so this is your chance Slate", I said before stepping forward. Slate launched at me, but I didn't dodge. "Bam!", I fell to the ground, while Slate held onto my right arm. I looked him in the eye, "Forgiveness". "You knew, didn't you?", Fox asked. I knew, because Slate's stare said it all. His eyes were filled with pain, but he forgave me. He was willing to put the past behind us, and continue living for the future. Fox patted Slate, "I told him you are not a bad man. Let the past be past. As you said, we should strive for a better future".
I picked myself up, and approached him. "I'm sorry for what I did. I know this is not enough, but it's a start. Golems can return, perhaps you can help them". We stared into each others eyes for a while, before I extended my hand and patted him. "You will do well, Slate". "Alright guys. I need a break, and I think I deserve it. We shall meet here in a few days", I said and grabbed Fox's hand. "So where are we going?", asked Frosty.
I replied, "You are going nowhere. Entertain my friends or something, I don't know. Since you are outside, enjoy". Fox grabbed me, and disappeared. "Where are we going?", she asked after a while. "Somewhere quiet. I need to rest… I know a nice place, just head in that direction", I replied while pointing my finger.