Go

1521, Tenochtitlan.

In the heart of the dense, ancient forests, a scene unfolds that sends chills down your spine. Hovering above Ajak and the assembly of Thinkers, your eyes survey the sprawling landscape below. The once serene atmosphere is shattered by a ceaseless symphony of gunfire that resonates through the air, amplifying the tension gripping your companions. The gravity of the situation etches a solemn expression upon each face, burdened with concern for both their fellow beings and the humans caught in the midst of this turmoil.

Amidst the chaos, your gaze is drawn towards a distant horizon, where the relentless battle rages on. A golden streak of light cuts through the smoke-laden air, zigzagging with astonishing speed, leaving an ephemeral trail in its wake. Its erratic path betrays an unyielding determination as it weaves through the battlefield, a vibrant testament to the unwavering spirit that propels those fighting against the encroaching darkness.

(That must be Makkari…)

The forest exudes an eerie silence, its ancient trees bearing witness to the clash of forces, their leaves trembling with trepidation. The surreal juxtaposition of nature's tranquility and the violence unfolding beneath it creates a disconcerting tableau, amplifying the urgency of the mission at hand. The weight of the Spanish invasion casts a shadow over what should have been a straightforward pursuit of the remaining Deviants. Now, the air is thick with uncertainty, and every move carries the weight of a world hanging in the balance.

In a strategic move to avoid attracting the gaze of the Spanish invaders, you make a conscious decision to stay in close proximity to the Thinkers, relinquishing the task of hunting to your companions. Time seems to stretch endlessly as you soar gracefully above the lush expanse of the forest, maintaining a protective watch over your kin. A sudden shift in your perception catches your attention—an ethereal golden streak of energy steadily draws nearer. As it approaches, the figures of Thena and Makkari materialize, emanating an aura of determination and purpose. Gracefully descending beside your leader, Ajak, you are granted a front-row seat to the unfolding scene, anticipating Makkari's forthcoming response to Ajak's inquiry. The air crackles with anticipation, as if holding its breath, ready to absorb the weight of their words.

(We had to split up.) Makkari signs.

"There were more Deviants than you said," Thena says.

"Well, I'm sure that was a lot of fun for you," Phastos mumbles.

"It was," Thena grins, confirming that she enjoyed the hunt.

Disregarding Thena's comment, Phastos triggers his device, causing a mesmerizing hologram of the globe to materialize, suspended between his palms. With an air of anticipation laced in his voice, he confidently declares,

"Once the others kill these last Deviants, we will have eliminated them all from the planet."

As his words hang in the air, a contagious sense of excitement spreads among all of you. Your eyes meet, mirroring the shared elation that dances across your expressions. The prospect of returning to Olympia, your home, beckons with a magnetic allure, and the knowledge that this mission is nearing its triumphant conclusion fuels your collective anticipation even more.

Standing at a slight distance from the group, Druig fixates his gaze on the tumultuous scene of the ongoing invasion. Abruptly, an unmistakable surge of cosmic energy radiates from within him, casting an ethereal aura around his figure. Ajak, sensing the brewing tension, takes measured steps towards Druig, her voice laced with caution as she implores.

"Don't... we don't interfere in their wars," Ajak's voice trembles, a glimmer of sadness manifesting within her tone, though only audible to your ears amidst the deafening cacophony of gunfire.

"This isn't war. It's genocide. Their weapons have become too deadly..." Druig seethes, his words laden with condemnation.

In a sudden burst of emotion, Druig whirls around, directing his frustration at the assembled group. His piercing gaze fixates first on Ajak, then shifts to Phastos.

"Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to help them advance, Phastos..."

Phastos, his patience wearing thin, delivers a sharp retort, his annoyance palpable in his voice.

"Technology is an integral part of their evolutionary process, Druig. It is not within my power to halt it," Phastos asserts firmly.

"No, you can't. But I can!" Druig yells. The exchange between the two individuals underscores the widening rift in their perspectives, highlighting the clash between moral responsibility and the inexorable march of progress.

The tension mounts as Druig's fury reaches a crescendo, on the verge of lashing out physically against Phastos. However, before his anger finds release, Makkari swiftly intervenes, her agile movements restraining Druig's violent impulse. You observe her communicating with him through intricate sign language, her gestures laden with encouragement, a plea for understanding amidst the gathering storm of emotions.

(We need to stay strong together.)

You see Druig struggling to peer past Makkari, restraining his urge to deliver a punch to Phastos's face. After several deep breaths, he takes a few steps away from the group, acknowledging Makkari with a nod.

Meanwhile, amidst the unfolding drama, you remain alert to your surroundings, contemplating the whereabouts of the remaining three individuals. Determined to gather more information, you take flight from the ground, ascending into the air, hoping to spot their presence from above.

The ceaseless gunshots persist, an unrelenting symphony of chaos. As you soar through the sky, your attention is drawn to something amiss in Thena's posture. Abruptly, her cosmic blade materializes, seemingly out of thin air, adding an enigmatic twist to the unfolding events.

Shit...

You swiftly descend towards the ground, just in the nick of time to witness Thena inflict a wound upon Sersi, whom Makkari promptly carries away to safety, shielding her from the impending assault. Thena's unexpected attack catches everyone off guard, and Phastos becomes the next victim, sustaining an injury. Determined to protect Ajak from harm, you attempt to intervene as Thena shifts her focus towards your leader, who kneels beside the wounded Phastos, endeavoring to heal his wounds. Assuming a protective stance, you summon the power of the air, unleashing relentless waves of sharp wind to deter Thena's advance.

Makkari swiftly returns, forcefully pushing Thena far away from your group. Seizing this opportunity, you pivot your attention back to Ajak. Her eyes reflect a potent mix of determination and concern, torn between aiding Thena and attending to the injured Sersi and Phastos. Offering her a reassuring gaze, you tap into the cosmic energy coursing through your being, igniting both of your hands with its luminous power.

"Go!" With resolve in your heart, you respond with a single word, urging Ajak to take action. In an instant, she rises from her position and swiftly dashes toward the direction where Makkari had pushed Thena. Meanwhile, you position yourself between Sersi and Phastos, your hands poised above their wounds, ready to channel the healing energy within you. Disregarding their bewildered expressions, you remain focused, driven by the sole purpose of mending their injuries. As the wounds gradually close, sealing the pain and restoring their vitality, you take flight, tracing the path Ajak had embarked on just moments ago.

Mid-flight, your journey comes to an abrupt pause as you witness the scene unfolding before you. Ajak stands tall, her hands extended in a gesture of pacification, while Makkari lies on the ground nearby. With a discerning eye, you take in the sight of Ajak's unwavering determination, her unwavering devotion to guiding Thena back to tranquility. Closing the distance, she moves closer to Thena, her voice a soothing balm amidst the chaos.

"Don't listen to your head, Thena," Ajak's words carry a gentle plea, seeking to drown out the tumultuous thoughts. Tenderly, Ajak places her hands beside Thena's head, continuing, "Listen to my voice. You are safe. You are loved. You are our Thena."

Under the mesmerizing influence of Ajak's presence, Thena's movements gradually subside, the storm within her calmed by the unwavering compassion that emanates from Ajak's touch. In that profound moment, a voice reverberates within the recesses of your mind, carrying Ajak's words.

"Seidon, block out the sounds of the gunshots," Ajak's voice commands, resonating in your mind. Responding to her call, you raise your hands and draw upon the earth's power, coaxing the soil to surge upward, forming a protective dome that envelops the three of you within its embrace. Within this sanctum, only the glimmering light radiating from Ajak's eyes, her hands, and your own cosmic-infused presence illuminates the space. For a brief moment, tranquility reigns as Thena remains motionless under Ajak's touch, but the calm is short-lived.

Suddenly, a surge of defiance returns within Thena, prompting her to forcefully push Ajak's hands away and summon her cosmic blade in a swift motion. Reacting swiftly, you dismantle the dome and leap into action to shield Ajak. A searing pain shoots through your waist as you instinctively position yourself in front of her. Prepared to conjure gusts of wind and unleash razor-sharp wind blades upon Thena, your intentions are halted as Gilgamesh emerges from behind her. Observing this unexpected turn of events, you momentarily suspend your offensive, witnessing the interplay between Thena and Gilgamesh. Just as Thena withdraws the cosmic blade from your waist, her attention diverted by Gilgamesh's concerned voice, she employs her weapon to block an impending attack from him.

"Thena, hey! Stop, stop, stop!" Gilgamesh yells, trying to snap Thena back into her senses.

As you stumble backward, pain pulsates through your body, threatening to overpower your senses. The world blurs for a moment, and you feel the earth sway beneath your unsteady feet. Darkness encroaches at the edges of your vision, but before it claims you, Ajak's steady hands reach out, catching you in a firm yet gentle grasp.

Supported by Ajak's unwavering presence, you take a fleeting moment to assess the scene unfolding before you. The clash between Thena and Gilgamesh intensifies, their movements a blur of speed and determination. Each swing of Thena's cosmic blade is met with Gilgamesh's unwavering strength.

Thena's relentless assault continues unabated as Gilgamesh desperately calls out to her, his voice laced with concern and urgency. Kingo and Ikaris rapidly close in on the scene, their determined strides reflecting their commitment to restoring peace and order. Acknowledging the return of the trio, you exchange a subtle nod with Ajak, silently affirming the collective effort to stabilize the chaotic situation. With remarkable skill and care, Ajak tends to Makkari's grievous wound, her healing touch a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil.

Summoning your strength, you raise yourself up, supported by your left hand, while your right hand hovers anxiously over the deep stab wound inflicted by Thena. Determination courses through your veins as you muster the power to mend your own injury.

"Is she okay?" Concern fills the air as Kingo, his voice laden with worry, questions Ajak about Makkari's well-being, his eyes darting between the ongoing treatment and the unfolding events. Ikaris lands gracefully beside Sersi, mirroring Kingo's concern, as he meticulously examines her injury, his eyes revealing a mix of compassion and determination.

"Thena, please. Come back to us," pleads Gilgamesh, his words laced with a mixture of desperation and affection. The battle between Gilgamesh and Thena intensifies, their clash of blows reverberating with raw power. Both renowned for their extraordinary strength, their skills are put to the test. Yet, with Thena's loss of control, she manages to gain the upper hand, landing slashing cuts on Gilgamesh. Despite his compassionate nature, Gilgamesh realizes that reasoning with Thena has failed, leaving him with no choice but to unleash the full force of his immense power. With a surge of energy, he channels his strength into a devastating punch, rendering Thena unconscious and temporarily halting the dangerous confrontation.

"I thought Mahd Wy'ry was a myth," Sersi mumbled while gazing at the still unconscious Thena.

After returning to the temple, Gilgamesh requests Ajak's assistance in assessing Thena's condition. He explains that he had exerted 100% brute force, amplified by cosmic energy, to deliver the final blow to Thena. A sense of relief washes over him as Ajak reassures him that Thena is merely unconscious and in need of a brief rest. While everyone patiently awaits Thena's awakening, Ajak tends to your wounds with care. She tends to Ikaris, Kingo, and Gilgamesh, and then conducts thorough examinations on Sersi and Makkari. As she performs a final assessment of Phastos' injury, he somberly remarks, "There is no cure... So no one really talks about it."

"And also, how come you never informed us about your healing abilities?!" Phastos inquires, his gaze shifting between you and Ajak. The rest of the group joins in staring, awaiting an answer to this particular question. However, before either of you can respond, a collective startle overtakes the room as Thena abruptly rises from her prone position and sits up.

"What happened?" she asks, her expression tinged with confusion.

"Thena," Ajak approaches Thena, recognizing the potential for a panic attack triggered by the shock of her actions in the forest. She places a reassuring hand on Thena's shoulder, offering both solace and comfort. "You attacked everyone. You inflicted wounds upon Sersi, Phastos, and you came close to taking Makkari's life..."

"I... I don't remember," Thena mumbles, her voice laced with uncertainty and fear.

"You have Mahd Wy'ry. Your mind is fracturing under the weight of your memories," Ajak explains. "I'm really sorry, but there is only so much my healing powers can do before it starts happening again." Ajak pauses, casting a worried glance in your direction, uncertain whether to share what she is about to say with the rest of the group.

"There is a cure, but I don't want to put you through it unless it becomes absolutely necessary..."

"What's the cure?" Kingo asks, but immediately recoils in pain as Makkari delivers a swift punch to his elbow, accompanied by a scolding expression. "What?! I was just curious," Kingo retorts, rubbing the spot where he was hit.

"The cure entails informing Arishem and taking Thena back to the Domo, where we possess the technology to help erase her memories, allowing her to start anew," Ajak responds to Kingo. You send him a meaningful look, silently urging him to remain quiet.

(But she won't be Thena anymore,) Makkari signs.

"That is why I don't want to put her through the treatment," Ajak responds, acknowledging Makkari's statement.

"What if it happens again? Ajak said it herself, she might not be able to restrain her next time. She could have killed you. She could have killed all of us!" Kingo interjects.

"Please. Please, I... I want to remember. I want to remember my life," Thena pleads, her voice tinged with fear. Her words resonate with you, as if she's desperately begging for her life to be spared.

"I know, Thena. I know..." Ajak returns her gaze to Thena, clasping both of her hands within her own. "Trust..."

"Trust you? Why should she trust you? All you've told us is to trust you, and look where it has led us?!" Before Ajak can respond, Druig interrupts from his position, leaning against the temple wall.

"Druig, I know you're upset, but..."

"Upset?!" He bellows furiously, frustration etched across his face as he pushes himself away from the wall, striding purposefully towards Ajak. Sensing the hostile tone in Druig's voice, you instinctively move closer to Ajak, assuming a protective stance. Observing your protective gesture, he momentarily recoils and continues his tirade.

"We've trusted you for 7,000 years, and look where you've gotten us in our mission?! Are we really helping these people build a better world, huh?" He continues to shout, his gaze locked on Ajak. "I've watched humans destroy each other when I could stop it all in a heartbeat. Instead, we're just like the soldiers down there. Pawns to their leaders. Blinded by loyalty. It's a mistake to trust you..." Druig asserts, deliberately emphasizing his words while maintaining his unwavering gaze upon Ajak. He then turns his attention to the decimated battlefield below.

"It ends now..." A surge of cosmic energy emanates from his position, enveloping the surroundings. In the battlefield ruins, the eyes of all humans are obscured by a haunting white glow as they halt their actions simultaneously.

"Let them go," Ikaris demands, gripping Druig's shoulder and forcefully throwing him against the wall. Druig chuckles and taunts Ikaris, challenging him, "You'll have to make me."

"Stop!" Ajak shouts as she walks past you towards Druig and Ikaris. Assuming that Ajak intends to halt his actions, Druig taunts, "If you want to prevent me, you'll have to kill me."

"Thought so..." Observing Ajak placing her hand on Ikaris, signaling him to stand down, Druig smirks mischievously. He proceeds down the temple's stairs, commanding the remaining humans to follow him, and leads them away.

Silence descends upon the room, leaving many stunned by Ajak's decision to allow Druig to express himself and carry out his actions, ultimately letting him depart without repercussions.

"I'll watch over Thena. Let her keep her memories," Gilgamesh breaks the silence and says to Ajak.

"One day, when she attacks you, you might have to kill her," Ajak responds, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Are you sure you will be ready to do it?"

"I'll take that chance," Gilgamesh looks at Thena first, then reaffirms his commitment with the warmest smile on his face.

"Very well," Ajak approves, her demeanor showing a mix of relief and concern. She lowers her head and sighs while her hands rest on the window's stone frame.

Silence descends upon the room again, and you all can hear each other's breaths until Ajak turns back and addresses the rest of you.

"You may all go," Ajak says, her voice filled with a mixture of resignation and determination. Confusion etches itself onto the faces of your family members, prompting Ajak to offer further explanation. "The Deviants are gone. There is no reason for you to stay with me."

Ikaris, unable to accept this decision, attempts to voice his dissent. "Shouldn't you ask Arishem first? We're a team, we should stay together."

"I didn't ask you for your advice, Ikaris. Do not forget your place," Ajak retorts sharply, her tone laced with warning. Undeterred, she turns her attention back to the assembled group.

"This is where we say goodbye. You are free to go," she continues, her words carrying a mixture of longing and hope. She, in turn, one by one, gives her blessings to the rest of your family members. "Live your lives not as soldiers, not with the purpose you were given."

One by one, your family members begin to depart, their expressions a blend of reluctance and uncertainty. Makkari, with a flash of speed, swiftly exits the room. Ikaris follows suit, accompanied by Sersi and Sprite. Phastos and Kingo exchange glances before reluctantly leaving the temple. Finally, Gilgamesh guides Thena away, their footsteps fading into the distance.

Ajak, having bid farewell to the others, turns her gaze and finds you still standing there, resolute in your decision to stay. The room falls into a silence that speaks volumes, and for a fleeting moment, the weight of unspoken words hangs heavy in the air.

"Seidon..."

"I'm not leaving, Ajak," you assert, your voice steady and unwavering. "I told you before that I trust your judgment and your actions. And I will follow you to the end."

A profound stillness settles upon the chamber as Ajak absorbs your words, her expression a mixture of gratitude and contemplation. Time seems to stretch as she locks her gaze with yours, as if wrestling with an internal struggle. And then, as if reaching a momentous decision, she leans in closer, as if about to share a closely guarded secret.

"There is something you need to know about our mission here on Earth..."