From above, Jason looked out at the thousands of eyes that were staring up at him. Even from afar, he could see the intensity in every one of them. They all waited eagerly for what he was going to say. No, it was more than that, they waited for his command. They were all from different backgrounds and races yet they had come together for a common goal. His goal. The pressure that came from that responsibility was as great as any swing of the blade or blast of magic.

Jason turned to look at those who stood at his side. This time he could see more than just their eyes, but expressions on their faces told a similar story. He felt a bolt of confidence as he looked at these people whom he trusted absolutely, some of whom he even loved. Despite the situation Jason smiled at them and in return they all smiled back at him. He had been through so much with them all and had asked so much from them, yet he would require another unreasonable favour, one last time.

However, the presence Jason felt most at that moment wasn't the thousands that were there, but those who were not. Even though Jason was doing this for everyone, including those he had lost along the way, when the memories of them all flashed through his head, Jason felt like he might hesitate at the last hurdle. But before he could:

"We have come a long way."

"You can say that again."

"We have come a long way."

"That was terrible joke."

"Not like you could have come up with anything better."

"Maybe." It was stupid but the brief conversation was enough to calm Jason's nerves. Everyone gathered here had the opportunity to change the fate of not just this world but every world. Just like him, they were prepared for what that required.

Jason touched the sword that hung by his side, it was a gift from his father. Although at this point it was almost unrecognisable from the one he had first received. Drawing it from its sheath Jason lifted it into the air. He gave a large cry before creating a light show that would put the new year's celebrations from his first life to shame. His cry was echoed by the army below who turned and started to march to the final battle.

"I decide and this is my day!"

With the importance of the moment looming large Jason couldn't help but think back on the journey that brought him here and all that had happened since that day. The day he had met the goddess.