Absolute… Yes, that does sound familiar.
As you recall the memories that Noeh showed you in the cafe, the voices of people who mentioned that word echoes throughout your mind.
First Anito's voice…
" Abbadon. You have been brought here in the arena before us because you have violated the Grand Orders mandated by THE ABSOLUTE. You have been accused of revealing our nature to a lesser being, endangering our kind's existence for personal gain, and copulating with a lesser being with the result of creating life. How do you plea? "
Then Tom's voice…
" Yes, Donny. She'll be the safest if she's with THE ABSOLUTE. THE ABSOLUTE is the only being that's powerful enough to reside outside of The Omniverse. He created us. Rosie is the first of her kind. I'm sure that THE ABSOLUTE would be more than happy to take care of her as she grows older and becomes familiar with her abilities. "
Then your voice…
" No. I'm not giving her away to OUR FATHER. Not after everything that I've gone through to protect her. "
The Absolute is your father. He's the one who created Black Traps. That means Tom really is your brother and the power that's within you must be a part of your creator. Could Tom have this power as well?
Since Sowzo warped Somniohm into a replica of Ariel's cottage, you decide to take this as an opportunity to revisit this special place. You open your eyes and silently walk around Ariel's cottage to the rose garden in the back. As you look around at your wife's life work that was lost when you saw Rosie die, the air is still and you're filled with longing to see your wife and daughter again.
" Her roses are as beautiful as ever… "
You say to Sowzo, who you know is hiding in the aether while he watches you. Sowzo remains silent as you pick a rose from a bush and admire the beauty of it in your hands. You feel a prick in your finger and you look at where the thorn on the stem of the rose poked you, handling the rose gently. You think of Rosie's birthday gift from Tom and Ariel's philosophy about love as you watch a dot of blood rise to the surface.
" She loved me despite my thorns and it led to her death. I don't know how I possibly could've forgotten her… I can't believe it's been so long… "
" Nothing is impossible for my father, The One. Existence is his and his will is always done. Trust me, I know, for I am his son. There is only one realm that my father doesn't run. That realm is the Null, which belongs to The None. "
Sowzo says as his voice echoes all around from every direction. You look back at the cottage window that Tom was watching you and Rosie from on the night Rosie died as you ask Sowzo a question.
" What about my creator? You said that The One chose me because of my power. What do you know of The Absolute? "
Sowzo giggles amusedly and responds in a playful tone.
" I know what I know, and I know not much! Sowzo only knows rumors and such! Rumors… of a being that existed before my father's inception. Rumors… that he lives outside of my father's perception. Rumors… that his power is far beyond my father's conception. Rumors… that he is Absolute in every way with no exception. Rumors… Many rumors… but rumors are rumors because rumors lack evidence. My father believed finding proof should take precedence. You could easily manipulate my father's elements, but your imprisonment was mostly because of your relevance to your creator and his excellence! "
You continue to question Sowzo.
" What about Tom? I was told that Tom made a deal with The One in exchange for power. He's also a son of The Absolute. Why would Tom need to make a deal for power if he has the same abilities as I do? "
Sowzo's voice sounds playful and happy, but takes on a more aggressive tone as he continues to speak.
" Ah, yes! Yes yes yes! Tom! The Black Trap that settles my father's qualms! I've seen him fight! He's very strong! Sowzo dislikes him though. Tom conned my siblings with a facade! When he took father's book, he framed Sowzo! Sowzo thinks that was very wrong because Sowzo was actually gone! Hiding Sowzo was! Unable to respond! But Sowzo likes you. You fill Sowzo with gladness! Sowzo can relate to you cause you've been touched by madness! "
You know exactly what he's referring to. Sowzo is talking about the mad thoughts that you had the night you lost Rosie. You're tempted to pursue that avenue of conversation, but instead you don't allow Sowzo to change the subject.
" You didn't answer my question. "
You say to Sowzo in an impatient demeanor. Sowzo manifests a physical form next to you and kneels down before you as if you're some sort of royalty.
" That question is not for Sowzo! If you want an answer, then only Tom will know so! The reason why I visit is because I have an omen! Sowzo knows his demise is soon but he doesn't know when! You are the only chance at stopping what's foreboding! To help you help Sowzo is what Sowzo was hoping! "
A pink portal abruptly opens in the garden beside you and you see Faerah step through and quickly approach you. You turn towards her, but before you can ask what she's doing and why she's here in Sowzo's realm, she embraces you with open arms. You gently put your arms around her as she hugs you but you're convinced that this could be another one of Sowzo's illusions.
Before you even ask her or Sowzo anything, Faerah immediately knows how you feel and gives you an answer while looking up at you with a smile.
" It's me. Someone wanted to come here and say thank you… "
Faerah then looks at the portal that she just came from and you see Veronica and Sir Arthur both step through together, holding each other's hands. Veronica is as beautiful as ever and you can tell that Sir Arthur is definitely Mimi's father because she looks just like him. They both smile at you and Veronica speaks to you in a soft emotional tone.
" Star Faller… I'd like you to meet my husband, Arthur. "
Faerah lets you go before you step forward and hold your arm out to shake Arthur's hand, but he walks right past it and gives you a hug as well.
" When I first saw you, I couldn't believe my eyes! The last thing that I anticipated was for an Otherlander to save me! "
Sir Arthur lets you go and puts his hands on your shoulders with a bright smile as he continues to talk to you.
" That demon may have been in control of me, but I saw it all! It was like being a passenger in my own body! That fight in the jungle was incredible! I've never seen such a display of power! How's my little girl? I heard that Mimi's been accompanying you on your adventure! "
You smile slightly and respond to him in a polite manner.
" She's doing just fine. When I used the book to defeat the Valghul, it showed me that she was being taken care of by the King. "
Veronica walks up next to Sir Arthur and he hugs her to his side and chuckles a bit before responding.
" Ah yes, Aizarik has always been great with children! Mimi's a lucky girl! It's amazing to me how she's been spending time with the King and meeting the gods of this verse! Most people don't even get to meet the King, let alone multiple gods! None of this would've been possible without you! Veronica also told me that you gave up a Faerah's blessing to protect her! I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done! You've shown me that Otherlanders are more incredible than I could've possibly imagined! "
" You're welcome. She's actually the one who found me in Veronica's garden and wanted to take care of me. If she hadn't done that, I'm sure that these events may have played out differently. I'll do my very best to ensure that she's safe and happy. If you'd like, maybe we can have Mimi come and visit you and her mother in Havnahm soon? "
You say to him. Sir Arthur puts his hand on your shoulder and looks at you in disagreement as he replies.
" No, no. If you bring her to us there, she's not going to want to leave! I don't want to endanger her by separating her from you. I believe that she'll be better in your hands for the time being. If Otherlanders like you and your friend can split planets in half with a single kick, I believe you'll be more than capable of keeping her safe until this is all over! "
You nod your head in understanding before Sowzo stands up and interrupts.
" It's been a long time since I've seen you, sis! I wish we had time to reminisce, but time is of the essence. Sowzo doesn't have time for your presence. You should go back through your portal so Sowzo can discuss business with the mortal. "
Faerah looks at Sowzo compassionately and nods her head in understanding. Sowzo stands there awkwardly as she gives him a hug.
" Alright. We'll head back to Havnahm. Just make sure you keep the mortal on the path that our father set for him, okay? I love you, brother. "
Faerah says to Sowzo before she kisses him on the cheek. You can tell that Sowzo's clearly uncomfortable being shown affection from the Goddess of Love. You find it amusing to see him out of his element.
Veronica then gives you a hug as well before going back to the portal with Sir Arthur and stepping through it with Faerah.
The portal closes and Sowzo sighs in relief. Sowzo then approaches you and speaks to you in an abnormally calm demeanor.
" It seems like my sister wanted to give you closure. Now that that distraction is over, Sowzo can keep his composure. Before you awake, Sowzo would like you to take a break to show you his realm. In Sowzo's palace, Sowzo has seen things that fill him with malice. To bring attention to something serious is Sowzo's intention. "
You would normally be hesitant to trust Sowzo, but since you just saw Faerah and heard her talk to Sowzo about the path that The One has set out for you, you nod your head in agreement as you respond.
" Sure. I'd love to have a look around Somniohm. "