[ Azem is right in the end. Although Zodiark has saved their star from falling into further ruin, He cannot also restore the star's vitality. For that, another sacrifice is needed.
Hades can sense the dissent and trepidation when the Convocation put forth this proposal. None are more vocal in their objection than Venat, the former Azem, yet ultimately her pleas fail to sway the greater public sentiment - or indeed any member of the Convocation. Another half of those who survived voluntarily render their lives unto Zodiark, and for their sacrifice, the star flourishes anew. Finally, they can begin the process of healing and rebuilding...or so they think. ]
"Given enough time, we can nurture enough life to offer up to Zodiark and have Him restore those who gave their lives to halt the Calamity."
[ It's a contentious proposal. Hades has never seen his people so divided in opinion. Unlike the measured debates in the Hall of Rhetoric, these arguments sow discord and resentment. He himself is for the proposal, although he knows his reasoning stems only his selfish desire to see Hythlodaeus returned. Even when he looks at Zodiark, he can barely see the warm, candlelight flicker that is his friend's soul amidst their god's vast aether.
Besides, if Elidibus can separate himself from Zodiark's core, surely the same can be done for their people.
Before any decision can be made, however, a new god rises: Hydaelyn.
She is the umbral to Zodiark's astral. Though Her power pales in comparison, She holds Her own as the two entities clash. Hades knows fear once again with each blinding strike of light. If Zodiark is vanquished, what will become of Hythlodaeus? Of the star?
At the last moment, he sees Her launch upwards, sees the main body of Zodiark beneath Her lying vulnerable without Elidibus at its core...and he has a sudden, terrible premonition of danger.
He turns and rips a hole into the void. He blindly thrusts Elidibus through ahead of him, thinking only of protecting their saviour. That terrible Light is the last thing he sees as Hydaelyn sunders not only Zodiark but the very star itself and all its peoples.
And in the darkness, safe from Her gaze, Hades and Elidibus drift alone. The last of their people. ]
3/3
Hades can sense the dissent and trepidation when the Convocation put forth this proposal. None are more vocal in their objection than Venat, the former Azem, yet ultimately her pleas fail to sway the greater public sentiment - or indeed any member of the Convocation. Another half of those who survived voluntarily render their lives unto Zodiark, and for their sacrifice, the star flourishes anew. Finally, they can begin the process of healing and rebuilding...or so they think. ]
"Given enough time, we can nurture enough life to offer up to Zodiark and have Him restore those who gave their lives to halt the Calamity."
[ It's a contentious proposal. Hades has never seen his people so divided in opinion. Unlike the measured debates in the Hall of Rhetoric, these arguments sow discord and resentment. He himself is for the proposal, although he knows his reasoning stems only his selfish desire to see Hythlodaeus returned. Even when he looks at Zodiark, he can barely see the warm, candlelight flicker that is his friend's soul amidst their god's vast aether.
Besides, if Elidibus can separate himself from Zodiark's core, surely the same can be done for their people.
Before any decision can be made, however, a new god rises: Hydaelyn.
She is the umbral to Zodiark's astral. Though Her power pales in comparison, She holds Her own as the two entities clash. Hades knows fear once again with each blinding strike of light. If Zodiark is vanquished, what will become of Hythlodaeus? Of the star?
At the last moment, he sees Her launch upwards, sees the main body of Zodiark beneath Her lying vulnerable without Elidibus at its core...and he has a sudden, terrible premonition of danger.
He turns and rips a hole into the void. He blindly thrusts Elidibus through ahead of him, thinking only of protecting their saviour. That terrible Light is the last thing he sees as Hydaelyn sunders not only Zodiark but the very star itself and all its peoples.
And in the darkness, safe from Her gaze, Hades and Elidibus drift alone. The last of their people. ]