Chapter 573: Another world, for us

A large curved balcony gave onto the cliff at the northeast side of the castle. On it laid multiple tables and chairs, the view onto the forest below was very pleasant. A few years back in memory, and tis the place where Raulf Serlo and Staxius Haggard fought. The divine blade against a novice vampire-kin. 

Then again, the battle did help in ending an age-old quest of starting a guild in Arda. All seemed very far away. The line of 'story repeats itself,' concluded agreeably to many events over the year. At a glance, the events between Arda and Hidros were the same before the Federation. What to do, and what to say really. Igna watched as colorful pastries laid on the table. Single bites and the ladies were elated, the body quivered under the sweetness. The presiding chef watched smugly; his art brought beautiful maidens on their knees. 

"Shall we start the conversation?" inquired he unwilling to eat.

Adete crept up under his shirt, her hands tickled under the examination of the newly formed ancient writings. Gophy and Intherna's personalities were always hard to judge. In a way, the freshness of their actions lit the somber path a little. Miira's demeanor throughout the encounter stood proudly. A face reminiscent of a mother having her son win a school tournament. 

"I'll go first," said Miira clearing her throat. "-the encounter with Origin, how was it?"

"No idea. It sort of happened. I thought I'd lost it all until my psyche reawakened in another dimension, the feeling is indescribable."

"I see," she thoughtfully recorded the answers, "-Sorry to spring this right away, why did you contact him?"

"My ladies," the crimson-colored iris discolored into white; the body visibly lit, "-any answers directed to Origin, shall be answered by Origin." 

"Igna, are you sure?" wondered the second-self.

"I'm sorry for breaking the nap, I don't have all the answers. They're high-goddesses and powerful ones at that. Given my state, I'm weak, there's no way to gain respect in such a state."

"I get it," smiled he, the consciousness swapped. "Very different," the fingers clenched and eased in a slow repetitive manner. "-Who summoned me?"

"Excuse my ignorance," squinted Intherna, "-who might you be?" Hands and body were at the ready to strike. 

"Origin, the foundation of all that is present. My identity is unknown to even me, therefore, let's not bother with small talks. Lady Miira, you had a question?"

"I can't believe it," the fork rested, "-Igna merged with Origin. Why, why would the most powerful being merge with a lowly human?"

"Don't misunderstand," voiced he loudly, "-Igna, my trusted companion, isn't a mere human. I dare say he's Origin. We're one, thus, the foundation is also heir to the element of death, the sickle of the time, and wings of Nike."

"Thing is," added Gophy, "-all the symbols have been lost. What do you expect?" 

A condescending resolve said, "-not really." The table went about seeking answers in other's faces. The chef who'd been here prior disappeared. Not long did the idyllic scene over yonder feel appeasing. 

"Sure, let's say the symbol of power isn't his to possess, what next?"

"My," he paused to sip, "-very unfortunate. I'll get straight to the point. Igna Haggard willingly gave up his all to me. We formed a pact, the sincerity in his speech, the pain of the past, and the probable future, they were all part of him. Human or not, he was the only person who sought me without any ulterior motive. Rather than take, he offered to give. I'm the pillar of reality and all that is present. In a swift soft voice, he understood the pain I never really considered. My loneliness, my boredom, and my fading vigor to watch as many things crumble. I'd be a fool to say he's an innocent soul, the amount of blood left in his wake is enough to fill a lake. Still, we accepted one another unconditionally. My consciousness and knowledge merged with his soul, the price he paid was emotions and the rebirth persona of Igna Haggard. The latter has been replaced by me." Holding the white-cup, a scan of the atmosphere felt taut. "-The emotions are now mine, he handed over his humanity once again for a greater chance at success. The repetition of a person's action, starting from zero is easier said than done."

Information stuffed down their throats, no longer did the pleasant sweetness lingered. "We get it," said Gophy fully facing him, "-what's your purpose with him?"

"Entertainment," he smirked, "-I don't care about what happens to this world or any other for that matter. We're one of the same."

"Care to elaborate?"

"No, I rather not," a kind refusal stumped Intherna's advances. 

"Let's change the subject," proposed Miira, "-I need to know. Why did the Sim's world have to be destroyed?"

"Sim's world?" asked he.

"Yes, the world in which Scifer was forcefully spirited too."

"Oh, that," he sighed, "-the question is better suited to the current Supreme God Zeus. Your expression doesn't inspire confidence. I'll keep it short, they needed power and a dying dimension held no rights to survive."

"-What about the people?"

"My lady," the head shook, "-why are you so blind to the truth. Gods and Demons serve only themselves, we're not better off ourselves. Since they are being of higher stature, the concept of right and wrong doesn't exist. The so-called judgment of Tharis is naught but laws to guide the mortals."

"Suppose so," a fatigued exhale escaped. "-Might I bother with another question?"

"Sure, I have nothing else to do."

"What are your intentions, the real reason for the assimilation." 

"To be at Igna's side. My intentions art but the passing fancy of a dreamer. I longed to walk the mortal realm, to experience life. My role is to be an observer, tis been such from genesis to end. The cycle of creation and destruction loops as I watch from on above."

White-colored into bright crimson, "-I feel bad for Origin," said he, "-answering for so long has drained him."

"I-" opposed to answers, even more questions sprouted. 

"Let's leave it behind," said he, "-Goddess Gophy, Intherna, Miira, first Progenitor. What's next. My intentions are the same as Origin said, there's nothing much to do at the moment. A few situations need cleaning," paused, a sliver of memories returned, "-Adete, it was you who spoke the first time I awakened beyond the wall. The whispers I heard; make sense. Back in Alphia, after the chase and murder of a certain family, I wished the vehicle to burst in flames – here I thought it was a coincidence."

"Seriously," said Intherna in a light-hearted voice, "-we made a promise, remember?"

"I know," he nodded, "-what next, what are you going to do?"

"Revenge," said Gophy, "-I want revenge," her eyes burnt in vengeance, "-Zeus will pay."

"I agree," the hatred shared across the table, "-we're stronger, none shall defeat us ever again, not even that pest of a queen Cleopatra." 

"Goddess," he stood and moved to the balustrade, "-I'm not Staxius any longer. I've inherited the will to become the leader of the monsters. I say this in assurance; the path ahead leans towards the evil side of society." Dropped on his knees, "-I know this is selfish of me. I'm not the same as I was before, I'm weak, I've only just inherited the Symbol of Death. Please, can I ask for your assistance once more, help me become strong, help me take what was stolen. They'll pay, the gods and the demons, they'll equally pay for the memories, people, and time I've lost."

"Igna Haggard," they stood in a circle, "-raise thine head," said Intherna.

"Don't forget, we've gathered here thanks to you," added Gophy.

"We were granted bodies, a place to recuperate, and a place to live serenely. No pressure from gods or humans, a realm for us to rule and watch over," added Miira.

"You're the only one fit to inherit my will," smiled Adete. 

"We'll always be your ally, Master." They knelt to touch his back, "-go, the other world awaits. If ever thee requires assistance, think of us, and we shall come. Even if thee don't call, we shall come for the portal between the Shadow Realm and the other dimension is you." 

"Surprise home visits are the best kinds." *snap.*

Cool and peaceful. Mild beeps tickled towards the left, the eyes reopened to a white ceiling. White curtains covered the bed, warm hands locked with his. Chocolate-colored hair flowed from her head onto the bed and then onto the floor as if a waterfall. 'what happened?' memory was a little fuzzy. '-The Shadow Realm,' thought he scanning the room, '-they're alive. I'm glad,' he smiled, '-what's this?' pushed to sit, '-am I feeling joy?' checking the phone showed bicolored irises. 'I see now,' he waited, '-I can feel thanks to Origin.' 

"Mhm," the lady rose, "-you're awake?" her locks covered the visage, the white outfit didn't help either.

"Are you the angel of death?"

"What angel of death?" her hair parted gracefully, "-it's me, Alicia."

"You still look like shit," said he, "-the dark circles and sweaty forehead don't bode well for someone people think is beautiful."

"I'm hungover you know," she pouted.

*Tap,* he gave a playful flick to her forehead and sat at the edge of the bed, "-how long has it been?"

"Three hours I think," said she resting on his lap, "-Igna, Igna," the messy mane covered the flustered expression.

"Yes?" the long fingers went along her hair reassuringly, "-something the matter?"

"I was terrified when they said you passed out." 

"Someone's being a little adorable today, isn't she."

"Stop teasing me," said she sitting upright, "-you're the one who said we were a couple. Thanks for that, thanks for saving me, I really appreciate it."

"Alicia, honestly, the confession, was it a plot, or did you mean it?"

"I meant it," voiced she strongly, "-why would a spy confess her love, why would I do so to blow my cover. I choose to spend my final moments at the side of someone I admire, respect, and love. Albeit I want to kick his ass too sometimes. What about you, did you mean it?"

"I couldn't say, one thing is for sure, I like your guts. Love is a big word to throw around. In a way, the show of resolve and strong persona displayed has my respect. I'll say one thing, you're more than a friend to me."

An exasperated sigh led to, "-why make it so hard," she took his hand and placed it on her chest, "-feel it, my heart, it's pounding. The moment you said no, I nearly passed out."

Putting my mind into words was most definitely a tall order. She accepted it as him saying the feeling was mutual. They returned to the hotel, the day had been long and tedious. Meanwhile, Elvira stayed the night to discuss the events with Queen Gallienne. 

"I understand," said she, childish screams and giggles levied in the background, "-Eira's not the ambassador. Lucifer's making his move. The pressure of Phantom against the Wracia Empire has stopped the potential of battle. Queen Elendor is risking part of her territory for our sake. Elvira, please ask the Blood-King's faction to keep an eye on Arda's movement. The spies at Reforge are plain to see, they made their move. It's time for ours. A spy of mine has information that might interest Phantom, more specifically, lady Courtney. We made contact with a couple; they ran from Hidros many years ago. They've agreed to help our cause. The information's been transferred already. Send someone to the main continent. I realize it's a tall order since they're more technologically advanced than the royal capital."

"Actually," she chuckled, "-majesty, I have great news."

"Do tell."

"Staxius was reincarnated as Igna Haggard, he's regained the lost memories."

"…" a loud crash commanded silence. 'He's back!'