Master Ehayor and Griswa floated in the space, suspended in the cosmic aftermath of their battle. Griswa's subconscious, feeling the ebb of power, reflected on the encounter.
Ahhh, so now it's done, it's finally over. Hezick, if you hadn't meddled with me, I would never have this limit. The time wasted in the fight with that geezer argh!... Last time I came out, Griswa was six years old, then eight, and now twelve. Next time, I'll be able to come out when he is twenty. Hahaha, I know what you're thinking, conscious. You've been under the misconception that using your powers beyond a set limit makes me emerge. Wrong!
The conscious mind, puzzled as a heartbeat echoed. Conscious listened attentively.
The real reason is tied to why I despise Hezick so much. Every time I surface, I have a greater time limit than the previous instance I'd have emerged, but the age at which I can take control doubles. From six to eight years was two years, from eight to twelve were four years, and now, doubling those four years, it'll be eight years, which means Griswa will be twenty the next time I take over. Each emergence allows me to push the body's power to even greater limits.
The potential is infinite, but the curse Hezick placed on me imposes these intervals. I have to retreat without my own consent, that's my curse. But when I find Hezick, I'll make him lift it. Next is you who didn't let me use the body's power to its full potential even though it is ever increasing, and that sword, the geezer gave you. You think you used your power beyond the allowed limit that released the body from Orngea's seal?
Huh no.. I came out because I had wished to come out, I knew we were trapped. My time to emerge had already come long ago, so I thought why not? But in the end, lucky are you, conscious, your cage is just temporary. Now, you'll come out and I'll return to my prison. Congrats, I realize I am the slave here, not you. But I still have my mission to complete, till next time.
Conscious listened to what the subconscious said, feeling the gravity of the explanation. He questioned in desperation to know everything, "What will you do to Hezick?! Your explanation feels so incomplete, you're still hiding a lot that I want to know! Everything feels half baked, what curse? What power? What time limit? More than that, I want to know that why do I even exist?! I want to connect everything logically in proper order! And I can't do it with the fragmented memories, because you deleted the most important memories! Tell me now! Remember I am the only one who can defeat you and I'll..."
The subconscious, sensing the end of its time, responded, Master Ehayor is dying...
Conscious was silenced, his shock was palpable.
The subconscious continued, Sorry, I can't tell you everything. My time's over, and I don't feel the necessity to say anything anymore. Zzzzz.
Conscious felt his cage fading and suddenly returned to control, shockingly and painfully regaining his senses along with his body and power. His frustration was never-ending, as conscious realized the body was floating in the space.
Ahhh, NO!
Griswa, regaining his senses fully, felt the overwhelming relief of being in control again. The cosmos around him pulsed with the residual energy of the battle, but he pushed through, determined to find Master Ehayor. He floated through the star-strewn void, finally spotting the old sage, who was gravely injured, his body bearing the marks of their fierce confrontation. The sight of Ehayor's weakened state filled Griswa with a deep, aching sorrow.
Reaching out with his mind, Griswa initiated telepathic communication, Master Ehayor? I am back to my senses like you ordered me to, and whatever the other personality of mine said was not true, I don't keep such thoughts about you people. I have told you my subconscious is like a separate entity. Please believe me.
Griswa, Ehayor's response was weak but filled with understanding, I know, that wasn't you even though it was you. And now is not the time to discuss all this.
I know, let's get back home. We'll treat you, I don't even know what happened to Fheniz, Yesdar, and Malaes but I hope they are safe. You protected them from me, you protected your planet from me and for me and for others. And I am so sorry. I am really, really sorry.
There is no need to be, my child. I am satisfied I was able to protect you, protect the real self of you that came out now. I don't know with what miracle, but I had lost hope that I'd die in this battle before I see your original personality back. But now... I don't wish to go back.
What?! Why?
I have served my purpose. You are back to your original self, it means that there is a way that you can control yourself, which you have found by yourself. I won't ask how, in detail, because I don't have much time. But I am happy.
No no no, wait no, I… I don't wish to go back without you. If you go away then I won't be able to return. I'll have to leave them and run away, I don't have any courage to...
Master Ehayor took Griswa's hand in his, his grip surprisingly strong despite his weakened state. And where will you run to? You can run... you can run forever, run till the ends of Origin, but what if the enemy is waiting at the Origin? You are not ready to battle them with the condition you have. So… return back to your friends. NEVER lose them, Griswa! NEVER leave them! They are the people you have, they need you and you need them! Never ever leave them! Promise me that!
Then what about you?! How can I leave you here?! I didn't even thank you properly for everything you have done for me! Thank you so much, thank you so much!
This is what the old man has, Griswa. This is what my purpose was. I have used all my lifeforce, now I peacefully want to go into the stars, return the energy I took from them. The energy released after my death will contribute to the births of new existences. This is where we have come from, this is where we are going.
As Ehayor spoke, his body began to lose its cohesion. Atoms and molecules drifted away, turning into a golden glow that seemed to merge with the cosmos. His energy radiated outwards, a final gift to the universe, balancing the destruction wrought by their battle before. The glow enveloped him, and he smiled, a serene, peaceful expression that belied the intensity of the moment.
Griswa's heart ached as he felt the impending loss. He struggled to hold back tears, his mind flooded with memories and emotions. The telepathic bond they shared carried the weight of unspoken words and deep gratitude.
Meet Hezick for me… once again… I could never know why he left… to find which secrets? Nor did you… know…so this time, meet him again and know everything. That is the last promise... I'll take... from you... so that I'll... I'll have no regrets that... that I died before... meeting him... again. And I know… that you… already know what to do.
Ehayor handed Mexileum back to Griswa, his hand trembling. Take this… you'll need it. And follow this light…
A golden light emerged from Ehayor's body, its brilliance guiding Griswa. You'll reach home soon. I wish I could have warped you back home like how I got you here, but… I am sorry.
Griswa, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions, clutched the Mexileum. Master… I promise. I'll find Hezick, I'll learn the secrets. But I…
Before Griswa could complete, Master Ehayor became one with the infinity. The golden light that remained waited for Griswa to follow it. Griswa was conscious yet standstill, feeling guilty as regret flowed from his brain to all parts of his body. With sighs and frustration he thought in his mind.
Another innocent person died by my hands.
END OF PART 1
Fheniz awoke slowly, feeling disoriented and weak from the battle and the immense energy pressure that had caused him to lose consciousness. The world around him was hazy, and his body ached from the strain. He blinked a few times, trying to focus, and realized he was lying on the back of Ferion, the loyal and intelligent beast that had carried them to safety. The sight of his surroundings brought a wave of confusion crashing over him.
Besides him, Yesdar and Malaes lay unconscious. Fheniz's heart sank at the sight of their still forms, the memory of the battle flashing through his mind. He remembered the overwhelming energy that had emanated from Griswa, an energy so immense it had rendered them all helpless. Panic rose in his chest, but he pushed it down, knowing he needed to act quickly.
Fheniz gently shook Yesdar's shoulder, "Yesdar, wake up. Come on, we need to get you treated." But there was no response. He turned to Malaes, doing the same, "Malaes, can you hear me? We're back, we're safe now." Again, there was no answer. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders as he realized the severity of their situation.
The realization hit him hard: they were home, but Master Ehayor and Griswa were nowhere to be seen. What had happened after he had passed out? Where were they? His mind raced with questions, but he knew he had to prioritize getting Yesdar and Malaes to treatment. He felt a small resurgence of energy, likely from the time he had been unconscious, but it wasn't enough to quell his worry.
Carefully, he climbed down from Ferion, giving the creature a grateful pat, "Thank you, Ferion. You saved us. I don't know how we would have made it back without you." Ferion let out a low, acknowledging roar, as if to say, "You're welcome."
Fheniz lifted Yesdar onto his shoulder, carrying him down first. The effort was exhausting, but he managed to get Yesdar inside the vast hall of the Gate of Ehayor, where a small ward was situated for emergencies. He placed Yesdar on a bed, then hurried back to retrieve Malaes, repeating the process. His muscles screamed in protest, but he pushed through the pain, knowing that time was of the essence.
Once both of his comrades were safely on their beds, Fheniz began preparing the necessary treatment. He gathered the supplies: an IV stand, Ophoen solution bags, IV tubing, catheters, antiseptic wipes, tourniquets, gloves, adhesive tape, and gauze. His hands moved with practiced efficiency, his mind a whirl of worry and focus. He knew the importance of staying calm, but the situation made it nearly impossible.
He inserted the IV catheters with steady hands, attaching the Ophoen solution bags and ensuring the flow was steady. Ophoen, derived from the leaves of the Ophoen plant, was a powerful energizing solution, known to rejuvenate and relieve stress. He hoped it would help Yesdar and Malaes recover more quickly.
Fheniz wiped away the dried blood from their mouths, eyes, noses, and ears with wet tissues, cleaning up the remnants of the battle's toll on their bodies. He did the same for himself, grimacing at the sight of his own blood. His body still ached, but he couldn't afford to rest. Not yet.
With the immediate tasks completed, Fheniz allowed himself a moment to breathe. He sat beside his unconscious friends, his mind racing with questions and fears. Where was Master Ehayor? Had he gone to confront Griswa alone? The energy they had felt was immense, beyond anything they had experienced before. The pressure had been so intense it had rendered them unconscious, and now, there was nothing. The silence was deafening.
Fheniz's thoughts were interrupted by a surge of worry. What if something had happened to Master Ehayor? Confronting berserk Griswa was unimaginably dangerous. He couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled in his chest. He tried to calm himself, knowing that stress wouldn't help anyone, but the uncertainty was almost unbearable.
Hours passed in a blur of anxious waiting. Fheniz paced the hall, his restlessness growing with each passing moment. He checked on Yesdar and Malaes repeatedly, but there were no signs of them waking up. The Ophoen was doing its job, but recovery took time, and time was something they seemed to be running out of.
The never-ending day of Ehayor wore on, the light unchanging but the hours slipping by. Fheniz couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. He tried to sense Master Ehayor's energy, reaching out with his mind, but there was nothing. The absence of any familiar energy signatures was unsettling.
Fheniz muttered to himself, a habit he had developed when deep in thought, "Where are you, Master Ehayor? What happened out there? Did you confront Griswa? Did you... did you win?" The silence of the hall offered no answers, only amplifying his worry.
Finally, unable to take the tension any longer, Fheniz stepped outside the hall, hoping for some sign, some indication that everything would be alright. The air was still, the planet of Ehayor peaceful and serene, a stark contrast to the turmoil in his heart. He scanned the horizon, looking for any sign of Master Ehayor or Griswa, but there was nothing. Just the endless sky and the quiet hum of the universe.
Frustration and fear gnawed at him. What was he supposed to do? Should he go out looking for them? But where would he even start? The universe was vast, and without any direction, it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
He returned to the hall, his heart heavy with worry. He sat down on a simple chair, his thoughts a chaotic mess. The hours dragged on, and his anxiety grew. He tried to keep his mind occupied, going over the events of the battle, trying to piece together what might have happened. But it was no use. The uncertainty was overwhelming.
Fheniz leaned forward, resting his head in his hands. "Please, Master Ehayor, Griswa, wherever you are, please be alright," he whispered. His voice echoed in the empty hall, a desperate plea to the cosmos. He closed his eyes, trying to find some semblance of calm, but the weight of responsibility and fear was too much.
He stood up, feeling the Ophoen's effects finally taking hold, giving him a renewed sense of energy. He checked on Yesdar and Malaes again, their faces still pale but slightly more relaxed. The Ophoen was working, but it would take time. Fheniz clenched his fists. He couldn't control what had happened, but he could be ready for whatever unpredictable came next.
He stepped outside once more, scanning the horizon, "I'll wait here, Master Ehayor. I'll wait for you and Griswa. I don't know where you have gone or how will you bring back Griswa, but I'll wait." his voice steady and strong. The cosmos was vast and indifferent, as Fheniz eyes were so still, he didn't even blink as he looked at the sky in hope for their return.
Author's Note: Guys, right now I don't know if there is some doubt clearing info needed or not, so if you have any doubts, any questions, ask them in the comment section. I'll try to clear as many doubts as possible. Coz flaws are in every story, so even if there is no perfection, a person can try to be near to perfect. So we'll go with that, irony is that I don't even have enough readers, lol and I am writing this, lol, lol. Thanks for reading my bullshit.
Pronunciations:
Ophoen: [O]+[FEEN]