Chapter 90: Wanted

Stolas was almost shocked at this story, hearing the man's life in such a calm and collected manner, even when he was about to die, he didn't seem to have any worries at all. He noticed as well that he was close to his friend and father figure, stopping themselves as well, most likely hearing those very words by the Elites. "So.....all this? It was to find him again?" The Stellar Magician would ask.

Meso gave a small nod as he'd elaborate further, his breath heavy after taking such wounds upon his body, damaging his speech somewhat. "It was a promise....that if I ever found him again....I'd let him rest. It was supposed to be my hand first...But word grew that someone took him....." He'd look up towards Ennio, seemingly just as weakened, yet just as much determined. He'd give a small smile and a thumbs up towards him. "You...Thank you.....for fulfilling his wish...." Ennio couldn't help but scoff a bit. The Man lied to everyone. He wasn't here to invade, but rather to measure his peers. He wasn't here to harm anyone at all.

He was here to test the resolve of the one who downed the Wendigo without fail.

When such words came out of his mouth, Meso would notice his opponent. Tears were being shed from his eyes, yet he was smiling. He'd wipe such tears away as he'd try to talk, his voice somewhat choked up. "Sorry about that, men aren't supposed to cry. At least....not over something like this. You really are a great man, Meso... I-" Before the boy spoke, Ennio would answer back to Stolas.

"Oi. Relax yourself, kid. It's ok. We're still human, deep down. Crying is just one of the many emotions we can have. We don't bury it, alright? We let it live freely. A Man cannot enjoy his land if he cannot cry over its burden." Such words given would be heard by others, to which Meso couldn't help and laugh a bit at it.

"You truly.....harness his spirit. His soul. Once again...I thank you. You are an excellent parent...."

"It's just what I've been used to. Now, here's the question.....are you still willing to continue?" Ennio's question pierced like an arrow, much to the confusion of the kids. They looked up to the Cowboy in shock, as if they haven't resolved the problem yet. They know the full reason. They know the full context. Why should they bother continuing to fight? Much to their further confusion would be of Meso, when they would see the man nodding at his answer, with his Elites sharing said answer. Before the children would question such a morality, Ennio would explain. "Tell me, Zazel, Stolas....would you not do the same if your own father died by someone else's hands? You'd want to take that responsibility to heart. I said it before, We're still human, deep down. It comes as natural as breathing to carry that burden for yourself, if nothing else than to bring one's soul at peace. This is still a battle, but it is no longer for Salvandi's sake. It's for Meso's. It would be wrong to end it here." The words struck once more at their core. Zazel can recall that very clearly, when meeting with the spirits around Oaking. Stolas recalled this just as much, sharing such feelings. They realized that the fight would only end in bloodshed, as while the Father was a monster, they were still a father figure deep down. One that truly cared for one's soul. One that was truly human.

The group would get themselves within one last stance, recognizing this may be the last time they'd fight again against the invaders. Stolas withheld himself from crying, despite knowing how grave the situation is. Meso and the Elites also got within their stances, awaiting an attack. "This is seriously gonna be the end, huh? I'm gonna miss you guys, truly..." Zazel would state, also holding back from being a sobbing mess. Stolas recognized the expression made by the demon being contorted, as if he's had such a message before. As if he knew what it meant, before it was said. He had experience with this type of pain before.

"Don't worry 'bout us. Worry 'bout yourselves. At the end of the day, there's always gonna be an ending. This just happens to be either ours or yours." Maxilla would state, with Talus and Sacrum nodding to such wisdom.

"May your soul...rest in piece.....Stolas." Meso stated.

Stolas merely gave a soft smile before answering back. "And may yours goes to heaven.....Sibil."

Meso would almost be taken aback by such a name being recalled once more. Such a name that has been dead to him for so long, he has nearly forgotten it. The man looked over towards his allies, who were just as surprised, before one of them, Sacrum, answered clearly. "It's what makes us human, Sibil." The Sand Reaper merely sighed as such words regurgitated themselves. He held no regrets, taking in that name once more, before rushing forward, the trio following suit afterwards. Talus acting as the wall to absorb any magic, Sacrum acting as the offense to sneak around and get cheap strikes, and Maxilla as the aggressive support to lay waste to those that dared try to attack back.

The trio in Salvandi merely responded with no further hesitation, lunging themselves forward, spells and weapons armed and ready. This was now a trial. A Trial to test them, to see who survives and carries on the next burden. A Battle to remember, a Duel between the finest warriors. Their eyes were unclouded. Their beating heart was steady. They recognize it well that it is time.

No mercy is needed to be given. They are prepared. They are not going to hold back anymore. They are not going to stand down. They are not going to retreat. It is do or die.