Chapter Seventy Seven: The Reason for life

It was a decision that they would surely have to live with if they were wrong but the trio had settled on a plan for the time being. And whilst they still had some time, they were all anxious with what could be a huge mistake.

New revelations had come to light however, knowing now that Ember was a physical incarnation of the world itself..they could not but have questions. A living and breathing world that can speak with them could prove to be valuable as it had seen millions of lifetimes.

Raven however, was more curious than Penny because Ember's vasts storage of knowledge could possibly me invaluable.

Raven ventured outside for the first time in quite while to find Ember meditating beneath a tree. She looked at peace, which rarely matched her tone. She was so different before the abyss, and perhaps, not only for this reason, but for the fact that she was at one with herself now more than ever, she had distanced herself from her friend, Penny.

" So I have to ask this, and I know that it's bothersome to you, but I want to know..when did you realize you were..well..the world..was it before or after the abyss?" Raven knew this answer belonged to Penny more than herself but considering the hostility between the two, Ember might feel more at ease confessing to her.

" To save time on this explanation considering I know where your line of questioning is going to venture. The consciousness of Ember has existed since birth. She is her own person with her own life and I am the energy that is within her. And that is, in simple terms, makes us of two seperate minds united in one body. I am not foreign to her. I'm not invading her body whatsoever. I am just guiding her towards the goals that need to be accomplished" Ember explained.

" But what about a life outside of this. What about after everything is done? " Raven questioned.

" Once everything is done then Ember can make her own choices but her mind, as I'm sure you are aware, is troubled. The abyss broke her only slightly, and I stepped in to aid her. But she could have broken away on her own. She has that strength, but I cannot promise you that friendships are repairable. But then again, humans tend to surprise me.." Ember smiled, as she turned to face Raven.

" And yes, she is human. Despite the abilities and despite being at one with me, that can never rip away her humanity"

These words provided some bittersweet comfort to Raven. Though, she knew that certain things still needed to be settled.

" I know that I'm expected to die. I died the last time in the last cycle and that is something that I have to live with. Knowing that I missed out on my daughter growing up. And well, If I am expected to die again. Then I want Ember to speak to Penny, as soon as possible. If I am to leave her without a mother again in this world, then I wish for her to have a friend" Ravens request was a simple one, and one that she hoped would be agreed too.

" I will let them speak. Because I do agree that it would be best if we all work together. But, are you really willing to accept your death even if it's preventable? " Ember stares intently at Raven who meets her gaze back with just as much intent. " I will do what it takes for this world to finally be at peace. For you to be at peace. And for my daughter to be happy.." Raven answered which recieved a chuckle from Ember.

" You barely know her and yet you consider her your daughter. That is a bond that I have felt with many, though many I wish to disown" Ember turned her attention back to the woodland.

" You consider us your children then? " Raven asked playfully.

" I consider you all the reason for my thriving and the reason for my pain" She answered.

" Thank you for listening to me" Raven smiled as she too, gazed distantly at the woodland.

" The ancients told of many things. They foresaw so many things and even they could not stop what was too come. And I have to ask myself, if they could not, how can we? " Raven worried.

" Because unlike the ancients, you have more than knowledge to live for" Ember answered.