Standing before the doors of Kross's childhood home, she reached out with a reserved knock, the sound filling her with regret as she knew this meant facing her mother, their relationship had been strained for many years.
The pair were soon greeted by Patience, a serene figure with an air of quietude. The tranquil atmosphere around her mother hints at a deeper complexity beneath the surface, adding to the mystery surrounding Kross's family history.
Patience guided the pair to the living area where Kross shared the news of her visit to Archer's grave, but her mother's response was puzzling and devoid of recognition.
The mention of Archer seems to evoke no memories within Patience, leading to an awkward silence in the room. Lionel observes the exchange, sensing the tension building in Kross as she grappled with her mother's apparent lack of recollection.
The conversation continued as Kross fought to push past the uncomfortable moment until Lionel observed an amulet around Patience's wrist, a sense of recognition washed over him, soon met with curiosity, then fear.
Though it appears inconspicuous to the untrained eye, Lionel's familiarity with similar amulets worn by the immortal leaders, particularly Queen Grace, allowed him to make a crucial connection.
He began to piece together the implications of this discovery, realizing that Kross's mother may be more deeply intertwined with the affairs of the immortal realms than she initially appears. This begins to raise questions about Kross's history and her mother's involvement in the larger conflict.
Memories of the mercenary's words about the King's lost soul intertwined with Patience's demeanor suggested a troubling connection between the tranquil state and the old magic used by the immortals that Lionel had come to know through years of study.
His wandering mind led him outside, his connections marking a significant turn of events.
The discovery that Patience possesses the unmistakable amulet of an immortal raises questions about Kross's own heritage and her ties to the immortal realm.
Kross quickly follows behind as Lionel shares a shocked silent glance, "What is it?" Kross pressured, trying to make sense of her friend's sudden departure from the house.
Lionel provides evidence to support his conspiracy that Patience may be an immortal, potentially attacked by one of her siblings many years ago. With Kross's own observations, she is led to consider the possibility, as it would explain her mother's tranquil demeanor and lack of memory regarding her brother.
But this made little sense as to why Patience remembered only her daughter, there were some holes in Lionel's story. Suddenly, her irrational mind began to unwind, filling Kross's head with a troubling way to test Lionel's theory.
"Stab me through my heart" she requests with unwavering sincerity, causing Lionel to turn toward her in a slow, confused state, "If she is an Imortes, then so am I" Kross concludes, her request lending way to Lionel's outburst, "This is insanity" he shouted, "stupidity even, I will not do this".
In the midst of their heated discussion at Kross's rash proposal, Lionel vehemently disagrees with her idea. Recognizing the extreme risk involved and refuses to entertain the notion of harming Kross, even to test a theory.
In a moment of desperation, Kross begins to walk backward, threatening to throw herself from the cliffside if Lionel doesn't attempt the drastic action she proposed.
As Lionel tries to reason with her, Kross's resolve only strengthens, pushing Lionel into a state of panic and tears. Seeing Lionel's vulnerability, Kross is moved to console him, assuring him of her solid faith in his judgment. Although the eminent risk looms over the guardians, Kross remains steadfast in her conviction trusting Lionel's assessment of the situation, willing to face the consequences regardless.
With tears streaming down his face, Lionel hesitantly draws his sword and presses the tip against Kross's chest, his hands trembling with the weight of this decision.
Kross maintains their intense gaze, her trust in Lionel stronger than ever before, even in the face of her own certain death.
Lionel locks eyes with her, pushing the sword through Kross's chest as she gasps in agony, accepting the harsh pain seeping through her entire body. The intense moment leaves Lionel blanketed in dread, but his commitment is a testament to their bond and the lengths they are willing to go to for the truth.
Lionel turns Kross over, his heart sinks at the sight of her lifeless face. Panic grips him as he shakes her in disbelief, desperately hoping for any sign of life. The weight of his actions begins to bury him as he curses himself for succumbing to such a drastic measure. Tears blur his vision as he lightly cradles Kross's body, fighting with the realization that she may be truly gone.
The silence of the moment is deafening, broken only by Lionel's anguished sobs as he mourns the loss of his dear friend.
At this moment, it felt as if his heart had stopped, but it was not long before it raced once more as he felt the skeletal hand embrace his shoulder, his grief momentarily forgotten in the presence of this mysterious figure. He turns to face the hooded figure, his eyes wide with disbelief and fear.
"It's you" Lionel manages to choke out, his voice trembling with a mixture of emotions.
The figure's hollow eyes bore into Lionel's, filled with a haunting wisdom. "You can call me Death," the figure replies, his voice carrying an otherworldly resonance. "But fear not, for your friend's sacrifice has not been in vain. Her loyalty and love have granted her a place among the immortals."
Lionel's mind reels at the revelation, his grief momentarily replaced by a glimmer of hope. "Is she... alive?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
Death nods solemnly. "In a way, yes. She has transcended the mortal realm and joined the ranks of the immortals. Her spirit will live on, forever bound by her undying loyalty to you and those she loved." Relief floods through Lionel mingled with a profound sense of gratitude.
"Thank you," he murmurs, his voice trembling with emotion.
Death offers Lionel a reassuring gaze before encouraging him to follow, as he had a plan, one he could not explain at that moment.
Eventually, Death led Lionel down a familiar path as they journeyed through the mystical caverns, Lionel felt a sense of both trepidation and wonder. The caverns seemed to pulse with ancient energy, and Lionel couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched by unseen eyes.
The hooded figure guided them through the labyrinthine passages with an otherworldly grace, his skeletal form seeming to blend seamlessly with the shadows. Along the way, he shared tales of the caverns' history and the powerful magic that lay dormant within their depths.
Eventually, they reached a chamber bathed in an ethereal glow, where the figure revealed the source of his power: a pool of shimmering water known as the Well of Rebirth. The waters of the Well possessed the ability to restore life.
Lionel approached the Well with a mixture of awe and apprehension, Kross's lifeless form still draped across his arms. With a deep breath, he lowered Kross into the waters, watching as the liquid enveloped her form in a gentle embrace.
As they waited, Death shared a story with Lionel, one that sent a shiver through his body, the implications of Death's words sinking in with a weight that left him speechless.
"I died here? How was that possible?".
As Lionel tried to understand the shock of this revelation, the figure continued to speak, his voice carrying a resonance that seemed to echo through the cavern.
"You see, Lionel," the figure said, his tone somber yet strangely comforting, "the magic of these caverns is unlike anything you've ever encountered. It has the power to transcend the boundaries between life and death"
Lionel listened intently, his mind reeling with the implications of what the figure was saying.
Could it be true? Had he truly been given a second chance at life?
But as the figure spoke, Lionel's impatience began to resurface, his frustration mounting with each passing moment of silence from Kross. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time, and he needed answers now. "Enough with the riddles," Lionel snapped, his voice laced with frustration. "Where has she gone?".
The figure regarded Lionel with a gaze that seemed to pierce straight through his soul, his expression unreadable beneath the shadow of his hood.
"She is safe," Death replied cryptically. "But her journey is not yet complete. You must trust in the magic of these caverns, Lionel. Only then will you find the answers you seek."
The Well of Rebirth, its shimmering waters reflecting the faint glow of the cavern walls calmed Lionel as he hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with uncertainty and fear.
But deep down, he knew that he had no other choice.
With a resolve born of desperation, Lionel stepped toward the Well, his heart pounding in his chest as he prepared to face whatever lay ahead. For a moment, nothing happened, Lionel clenched his heart with fear. But then, slowly but surely, he saw a faint glimmer of light begin to emanate from the bottom of the Well as Kross's body came into view. Her chest rose and fell with the rhythm of breath, and color returned to her cheeks.
With tears of relief streaming down his face, Lionel helped Kross out of the Well, her eyes fluttering open as she gazed up at him with a mixture of confusion and wonder.
"Kross," Lionel whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "You're alive."
Kross blinked in astonishment, taking in her surroundings with wide eyes. "What... did it work?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Lionel wrapped her in a tight embrace, unable to find the words to express the depth of his gratitude and relief.
Beside them, the hooded figure watched silently, his skeletal visage softened by a rare expression of warmth.
As they stood together in the heart of the mystical caverns, Lionel knew that their journey was far from over. But with Kross by his side once more, he felt a newfound sense of hope to face whatever trials lay ahead. Kross and Lionel stood reunited with Death, and a sense of relief washed over them both. Kross's gratitude overflowed as she embraced Death in an aggressive yet, tender hug, expressing her thanks for its intervention and guidance.
With the trio reunited, Lionel suggested that the figure join them on their journey, offering to explain the events that had transpired before their arrival. However, the figure remained uninterested, finding solace in the quiet solitude of the caverns.
"It is not my place to meddle in the affairs of mortals," the figure replied, its voice echoing softly through the chamber. "My purpose lies within these caverns, where the balance between life and death is maintained. I am but a guardian of the natural order, and I must remain here to fulfill my duty."
Though Lionel and Kross were disappointed by the figure's decision, they understood its need to remain in the caverns. With a final nod of acknowledgment, they bid farewell to Death, an old acquaintance, now a friend.
As they began to leave, Death returned to the caverns when Lionel noticed an amulet wedged in the fine wood of the Figure's staff. He took a moment to ponder the possibilities but was interrupted by Kross dragging him by the arm. "Let's go already," she said in a huff, her demeanor illuminating her fear and readiness to leave.
With Death watching over them from the shadows of the cavern, they felt a newfound sense of courage, to them, they now truly understood that death does holds little sway.