Chapter 169, The Truth of Le Fleur

"The choice, make it. Initium or Finis?" My blank mind didn't stay blank for long, voices begun to overrun my blank mind.

"Arata!" Will held me close.

Just then, through my head, something passed by. Amongst the voices, a lone, fleeting voice pierced the countless screams.

"Arata." I closed my eyes and saw Julian.

"Julian!" I exclaimed. "What's happening?!"

"You did nothing wrong. Just as you told us five years ago, Spriggan and I, along with the last of your powers, slept here on this island, along with the storm." He explained. "But... as the years passed by, Spriggan's power begun to fade, and when the seal broke, he was nothing but a fleeting voice. To prevent the Guardian from disappearing, I brought him into me."

"Then, that's why he is inside you." I stated and he smiled. "What do I have to do? To seperate you two?"

"Ask yourself, Arata. What was it you sealed away five years ago?" He asked with a smile. "Don't worry, I'm sure you can do it. After all, you fulfilled your promise and came back."

When I opened my eyes, my hand was on the ground. It was caked in dirt, just like that day. In an instant I knew what I had to do.

"Spriggan, take me to the Chamber of Memories." I told him, his eyes narrowed at me before raising his hand.

The roots of the large tree twisted and revealed a staircase. They descend into the heart of the island.

"Let's go. And find the answer I've been searching for." I told them and we descended into the depths.

As we walked deeper into the island heart, our only source of light was the torches that hanged on the walls.

"Where are we going, Arata?" Reinhard asked.

"To the place where memories rest, and the past is sealed, the heart of the island." I answered as I walked faster.

When we finally reached the bottom, a tall door stood before us. Made of iron, the door stood, covered in molds and bits of rust. Above it, something was inscribed.

"Ostium Possibilities" Ethannread them aloud.

"The door of possibilities?" Liam translated. "What awaits beyond this door?"

"Let's open it." Zhen said trying to push the door open.

"It won't budge." Andrew says as he tries his best.

"Will." I called his name and opened my hand to him. "Let's go. Towards the possible future."

"Alright." He answered and took my hand.

"You guys stay behind. We'll be back soon." I told them and they nodded.

We push the door open and my sight goes white and when I close my eyes, I lose Will's hand and I know that the trial has begun.

Will, let's face it, the possible future that awaits us all. Even if it's a cruel one and we'll find a future where we can smile without regrets.

------

Arata and Will have just entered when the door closes tightly behind them. As we sat there, waiting, we heard an explosion and an earthquake. We all nod and rush to the surface. Spriggan was cupping his side, a wound. Before us, a giant wolf stood.

"That is... the beast that attacked you, five years ago." Ethan said.

"Now that I get a good look at it. That is..." Liam paused. "The Treasure Hunter, Lupus."

"Tch. One of the Eighty-eight beasts." Reinhard said as he held his Article.

"Dance of Knives." Zhen's knives flew in it's direction.

"Man... have I slept for five years?" A voice spoke. Before us, Lupus, in humanoid form stood.

"Not just any Beast, it's a True Beast." Liam held his hammer.

"Like I'll let you live. Sword Rain!" My swords gathered in the sky. "Sink!"

They fell on Lupus but it seems my swords were deflected. This guy, does he have the ability to reject Vi.

"Be careful... the Lupus... has the power... to... reject and receive Vi." Spriggan stated.

-----

Arata has let go of my hand. From here, I must find the answer myself. As I opened my eyes, a voice called out.

"William!" Suddenly someone hugs me from behind.

"You are!" I'm surprised, it's Arata but... this vibe. It's his past self, from five years ago.

"You've finally made it here." He says with a smile and takes me by the hand and leads me on.

I follow behind him silently, I have no idea where he plans to take me but I follow behind him closely not letting go of his hand.

"Will, you already know why I brought you here, right?" He asked.

"No." I answered.

"William, you're really a bad liar." He said.

"And you're a terrible actor." I answered. "Who are you. You keep making mistakes, alternating from the two ways Arata calls me. Its a dead give away."

"Hehe, you noticed." He smiled and let go of my hand.

Suddenly, the blank scenery around us grew dark. Before me, a raging far burned.

"I am Memorya, the watcher of this place. William, Brave of the Sacred Gun, to you, I offer the trial of destiny." He says. "As well as the truth of the Sacred Flowers."

I watched as the fires grew silent and still, behind us a shooting star fell.

"Fleur descended upon the ten worlds after her journey of countless eons. There she chose one person among the masses." He began. "The one who was called the Sacred Flower. The Sacred Flower is the one who stands as the medium for the worlds and Fleur."

"This is the story of the Le Fleur and the beginning of war, isn't it?" I asked. "I've already heard about it from Arata."

"What you heard was what was written in history." He answered. "The truth is far from it."

"The truth?" I asked.

"They are the ones who will destroy the worlds." He said.

"Destroy the worlds?" I asked.

"They will choose whether the worlds will continue or cease. Initium or Finis." He stated. "In other worlds, they aren't the saviours but destroyers of the worlds."