Fallen Archon
-Where am I..? What am I even doing here..?
Swords were swinging in the air. Every slash, every hit landing on an abyssal creature that sends them to silence. Yet it was like an endless hell… They just never stop.
-Not even a day has passed since I got here… yet here I am, commanding an army against an enemy? Things have developed so fast…
For a moment, things have become blurry for him, reality seemed to fade away with this questions to him.
-Why..?
But suddenly something shook him and shocked him out of the situation,
-Aether! Come on Aether you are scaring Paimon! What's the meaning of dozing off in the middle of war! BE CAREFUL!
With those worried words of Paimon, Aether came back to his senses and parryed a hit from an abyss creature at the last second.
-Thanks Paimon… I don't know what would I do without you.
-Hehe sure! But what happened there for a second! You almost seem, sad..?
-I… don't know. Something is wrong Paimon. We have to finish this war as fast as possible. Did Mavuika say anything about the situation?
-Everyone was gathered up in the center of the city, she said something like mixing powers but it was too long for Paimon to remember…
-Paimon… This is a serious situation!
-Paimon knows! And Paimon already learned that she will act soon! Rest is only extra knowledge! Now focus on combat!
As war was going on, huge flames started to burn in the center of the city...
-It's her!
Paimon said with excitement. It was her for sure, but Aether was still worried if that hit she mentioned would be enough or not. There is nothing else he can do other than fighting and winning time for her though.
Kinich and Mualani were doing their best for sure, but only two vision bearers weren't enough for every side even if they were so strong. Aether knew they couldn't last long like this, he looked around and tried to make a plank quickly.
-KINICH! Is there a way for us to create a choke point?!
-There is a landshape that can help before us, yet it's so unstable that rocks can fall and weak to hold on for long.
-Leave that to me. Mualani, hold the front line but pull back soldiers slowly. Kinich, I will need you and Ajaw. You mentioned his bigger form, right? It can help.
-Got it!
Even with every tactic Aether pulls out, he knows he can't fight against endless armies of abyss. Yet the flame he was wishing for did appear... Mualani and Kinich were nowhere to be seen though. The last time he saw them, both of them were rushing through the city center for something...
-So that's what she meant with the mixing powers thingy that Paimon said...
Thought Aether, and he was right...
Mavuika was standing in the middle, holding her gnosis in her hand. Finally, the time she wished for arrived and all commenders of her were around her. Mualani, Kinich, Xilonen, Iansan, Ororon, and Chasca; circling the Archon of Pyro, extended their hands to save Natlan.
-We unite as one,
-Baptized by the Turnfire,
-Bearing an ancient blessing,
-Knowing true power,
-And accepting a fate of devotion,
-We embrace the transcendent flame,
-FOR NATLAN!
With the words shouted to the sky, an aura of huge power embraced them. Channeling through them. Mavuika's long red and orange hair started to burn like a bright flame, symbolizing the limitless determination of Natlan.
-In the name of Pyro Archon Haborym, I declare the Night Wars underway! The Ode of Resurrection will guard all life till the war is over!
And finally, huge flames started to rise and targetted the abyss rift. Everyone in the war was in awe of this huge power showcase. As finally flames hit the rift, a massive fight of power started to happen. Abyss wasn't an enemy that would give up easily...
Aether was watching the fight between flames and abyss in awe, hoping for it to end. Yet, a calm and collected voice that he never heard before spoke slowly.
-It won't be enough...
Aether was almost having a second shock with voice. He quickly started to look for the source of voice. Then, he saw it. A calm and collected figure as much as his voice, was standing there. Holding a face of stoicism and coldness. Even if the figure didn't seem that old, it was obvious that he was holding an unending knowledge and maturity.
Aether couldn't focus on this figure though. The things he mentioned... if it was right, it would be a disaster!
-What do you mean it won't be enough-?
The moment Aether looked back at the sky, he saw that flames were being suppressed by the abyss somehow. Everyone had a horrified expression, and some even fell into hopelessness... Yet this figure was keeping his calm face.
He slowly started to move his hand. A small flame appeared on top of his finger. But this flame wasn't filled with determination or bravery like Mavuika's flame was... It was more like... "a cold fire that can pierce anything into pieces". Even if it was only a small fire, it had an aura of power around it.
Aether knew something wrong was going to happen. Yet he couldn't move his legs or arms. As if he was stiff in the presence of this stranger. The only thing he could do was to watch with fear in his eyes.
The figure moved his fingers, shaping this fire into an arrow... A flame arrow... The moment those dark flames were free from his hands, it went towards the abyss gate with an unbelievable speed. And when Mavuika's fires, the whole Abyss power, and this flame arrow met; a huge explosion happened that shook the ground.
Explosive power even reached Mavuika and commenders who were still connected to the abyss through the flames of Mavuika, leaving them vulnerable and tired. Yet, when the dust was settled. There was no rift or darkness left in the air...
After a few seconds of trying to comprehend, soldiers suddenly started to triumphant cries. Aether's face finally got a relieved expression. He was tired but still had things to do. He turned to this stranger who just saved Natlan.
-Thank you...
The figure wasn't showing any hints of victory happiness or pride. He didn't even talk, only started to walk back towards to city center. Aether couldn't understand at all. He didn't dare to question a power to save Natlan though. So he minded his business and went back to help clear the rest of the abyss soldiers.
When everything was over, his mind was still on that stranger. Who was he? Why did he even help them? And most importantly, why does he always carry a face of coldness?
-Heeey!
This dreamy face of him didn't last long, and an excited voice interrupted his thoughts.
-Still in deep thoughts eh?
-Ah Mualani. I wasn't expecting you to be here. Well, it's complicated. Never mind, is something wrong?
-Quite the opposite! Mavuika called you and Paimon. I guess something like an honor ceremony!
Mualani gave a happy wink. Like she always knew that he would be famous in a short time. But even she didn't think it would be this fast.
-Oh... That seems like fun, alright. Lead the way!
-By the way Aether, do you know what happened? Like... the moment where Mavuika striked to Abyss. Something came and made a huge explosion...
-Hm? Oh yeah... I have an idea about the cause but I am not sure, I will tell you later alright? You seem tired though... well I mean "less energetic". You okay?
-Yeah, you don't have to worry. Just that explosion tired us out. Mavuika had to show extra effort to absorb the damage so no one would have gotten hurt.
-I see... Where are the others?
-They are resting too, I guess I am the only one to help Pyro Archon for now, ehehe
-I will help too, let's just go and see what she wishes to tell us. We have to get Paimon away from her desserts though... Trust me, it's harder than fighting against the abyss.
With Aether's sigh and Mualani's chuckles, they go on their way. Took Paimon away from eating everything even if they had to use their all power. And finally reaching to place where Mavuika called them.
There was a huge crowd that was circling them, watching them like admiring their heroes. Mavuika was there, standing above everyone with a smile. She was tired too for sure, yet she couldn't stand without an act towards to heroes who saved Natlan.
But there was something that caught Aether's eyes... He was there too. The figure he saw on the battlefield. That strong figure lands a final hit to the abyss. So Mavuika saw it and called him too...
-Today, we are here to celebrate our victory towards the abyss! And of course, honor our brave heroes! They fought without fear towards to enemies, without giving them any chance to hurt anyone!
As Mavuika kept talking, the crowd supported with thankful yells, yet Aether was still eyeing the stranger. He was still carrying that cold face. Paimon realized his thoughtful face.
-What's wrong Aether? Do you know him?
-No... But he is the one who made that explosion and saved Natlan.
-EH?! So it's him who did that massive BOOM! But he seems... nonchalance? Paimon would be so proud and even a bit cocky if Paimon did such a thing...
-That's what I was wondering too. Yet, let's just mind our business, shall we? We can't disrupt the ceremony Mavuika prepared.
Paimon approved and turned to Mavuika. After a bit of talk about how brave and determined soldiers fought, it was time to reward and honor to heroes of the war... Mavuika turned to the stranger first.
-I have never seen you around here, I will assume that you are a traveler too my friend! Yet, the heroic acts you did today show how noble you are! Ask me anything! And I will do as much as I can if my power is enough!
Mavuika gave a bright smile, and the crowd was waiting for his response too. Aether was wondering about him too, he only heard his voice once and he was going to talk again... But something was wrong again, that uncertain feeling he felt on the battlefield came back as a stranger prepared to talk.
-...No need to thank me for my actions, yet I have only one thing that I desire a bit...
-Sure! Anything my friend!
Even if Mavuika was smiling, the stranger's eyes were darkening. Aether felt that uncomfortable feeling more now... Something was not right...
-...Your gnosis
Everyone even Mavuika was a bit shocked... She was ready to do or gift him almost anything but here he was, wanting to take a symbol of her being an archon? Even so, she tried to compose herself and asked hesitantly.
-C-can I ask why do you wish for such a thing my friend..?
-Hm, strange. I thought you were so confident about gifting something. Yet here you are, questioning it.
The crowd was now dead silent, and now situation was uneasy for everyone. The ceremony was ruined long ago, yet no one was even caring about it. Everyone was on guard about this stranger now... He talked with his cold and composed voice again...
-Anyway... I never asked.
The moment his words end. Mavuika knew he was going to do something and tried to call the guards and take her guard. Yet before she could even act or even blink, she felt a huge pain in her stomach. Sending her flying back a few meters. She landed carefully, yet she was in the pain of getting caught off guard.
That wasn't even all. The crowd was now shocked to see that this stranger was the one to hold Pyro gnosis now... Guards rushed to the scene, circling this new menacing stranger.
-...Thats two...
Stranger whispered, and a second gnosis appeared near Pyro gnosis... Cryo gnosis! He was now holding two symbols of archons... Mavuika grumbled and talked slowly. She was still in a bit of pain and couldn't regenerate fast because of the power she used towards the abyss.
-Now I understand... You have planned it all, haven't you? You knew a war was going to happen, so you used it to tire us, to make us vulnerable. And you were gonna do the last hit so we would have trusted you... Why... Why are you even doing this? Who even are you?!
The stranger was still carrying his cold voice. Didnt seem to care about Mavuika's rage at all.
-It breaks my heart that you don't remember me. Hm, a long time has passed though. I guess you have a point to forget too. I am-
Before the stranger can even finish his words, strong ice spikes attack him suddenly. A few Fatui soldiers suddenly emerged inside. And their leaders arrived, the one who did that powerful ice attack, a harbinger!
Harbinger had a well-built body with a black-themed battle suit covering his body. He had a scary mask that hid his whole head, yet it was obvious he wasn't here for pyro archon nor for Natlan. But to catch this stranger.
-Fatui..?
Mavuika thought to herself
-Ah right... they are serving to cryo archon. That means that the stranger wasn't bluffing. That was cryo gnosis for real. It can't be a replica if it's important enough to make her send one of the strongest harbingers...
Then harbinger talked towards the dust that came from his attack, he knew that the stranger was still in there.
-I am first of the Fatui harbingers, Capitano. I suggest you drop what you have stolen from us. Or I will have to use much more power than this.
-What I have stole from you..?
Words came from fog. As the dust finally settled slowly, it was shocking for everyone around to see that this stranger didn't even get a hit from such a strong attack.
-As if you are not the first ones to steal...
Finally, the stranger turned to Mavuika,
-About your question, I am Neroth. The Archon of Hate...
Words reminded the long-forgotten but worst memories of Mavuika. Without letting her ask another question, black fires circled him creating a wall of flame. And after a few seconds, he was gone... with the pyro gnosis...
Mavuika fell to her knees, thinking about the words the stranger said... Her normally determined and brave eyes were consumed with terror now... The only thing she could do to mumble...
-Archon of Hate...
Is he back..?