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[ He wonders why he feels pleased about it before realising that the emotion is not entirely his own. Swallowing, he pushes it aside and paces closer to the table, slowly settling across from Azem. Did Azem seek to copy Rhea'li in this matter, perhaps? The Warrior had sought to ease the pain of Azem's departure by taking him out to dinner and now here is Azem doing the same.

...How odd to think that he would have assumed it to be the reverse but a few moons ago. ]

Did neither Hythlodaeus nor Rhea'li tell you everything already?

[ He doesn't make any move to reach for the food. He's almost too nervous to eat. ]

[ Rhea'li may have rubbed off on Azem a little with the whole concept of having a meal while talking. Granted, the food was likely to go mostly ignored but it was still something nice to have, just in case.

Azem picks up one of the skewers of meat and takes a bite as Hades makes himself comfortable. ]

They have, however, they are unable to tell me your part of the story.

[ He huffs: a soft, resigned sound in the relstive quiet. He stares at the table as Azem begins to eat. ]

Where to begin...?

[ He enjoys the theatre, but he never liked being on the stage himself. How to recite a saga with so many players? So many parts to the whole? This long, winding story isn't wholly his own. Yet anyone who could contribute aught else isn't here. ]

What do you wish to hear about?

[ A thoughtful hum can be heard from the other side of the table as Azem considers. ]

Initially, I thought to have you recount your side of things from around the time the Convocation made their decision. But mayhap it would be simpler for you to just show me?

[ A reluctant nod. He reaches his hand out and sets it halfway across the table, palm up for Azem to take. ]

'Twas a long, long time ago now... My memory of it may not be perfect.

[ A galling thing to admit, for someone who has been saddled with the weight of remembering all these centuries. ]

[ Azem looks at his hand before scooting around the table to sit next to him. Once settled they take his hand before sucking a breath and closing their eyes.

It's honestly been a while since they've done this with another person. In their time since arriving here, there's been little reason to use this ability at all. Though now that they look back on things, perhaps they should have from the start. Then maybe they wouldn't be here right now. ]

Memories are funny things but the soul seems to remember better than the mind. [ They say as they begin to let their consciousness merge with his. ] Let us start with the decision.

[ From there they could walk beside him, living out the days long past as if they were there. ]

[ He startles when Azem settles next to him, and initially tenses when he starts to feel the beginnings of an attempt to merge. He's afraid of what his friend will see, he realises. Or rather, afraid of how Azem will react. Yet isn't the point of this meeting so that he can explain events from his point of view?

With this in mind, he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes as well. Then he relaxes his boundaries and allows Azem in. ]

[ ...A heavy silence hangs over the chamber. The round dais with its fourteen seats are - unusually - completely filled this day. The matter they discuss is of utmost importance to this star after all: an unprecedented calamity heralded by the weakening of aetherial currents, predicted to occur directly over Amaurot in the coming days.

Most of the Convocation sit with their heads bowed, each lost in their respective thoughts. Fandaniel is most visibly shaken; Lahabrea is as composed as ever, having just delivered his eloquent closing arguments on why the Zodiark concept was their best and only way at surviving the coming disaster.

As for Emet-Selch - Hades - himself...his lips are pressed into a tight grimace. But the next moment, Azem shoots to their feet and slams the table with both hands. ]

"And this is the Convocation's final decision?"

[ Elidibus nods. ] "With one amendment: I will become Zodiark's heart. Not Loghrif."

[ A chorus of objections immediately rises from those assembled. However, none of them can sway their Emissary from his decision, who calmly refutes every objection. In the end, Azem removes their mask, tosses it down and storms out. Emet-Selch casts one last, pained look at Elidibus before hurrying after them.

Amaurot is largely deserted. The sky above glows an ominous umber red. ]

"Azem. Azem! Do not be so hasty--"

[ Despite Hades' attempts to be conciliatory, an argument quickly arises. They both of them are deeply passionate in their own ways and set in their approach towards helping the star. Azem insists on finding another way ("Half now but what about later? Do we just keep feeding our people to this thing?"); Hades, however, believes they do not have the time to consider other options.

Inevitably, it leads him to say something he will regret for centuries to come. ]

"Then leave! Flee like a coward whilst the rest of us remain to see this through! As if you could truly know how best to serve the people when you're never here!"

[ He punctuates the words with an outflung arm. Azem vanishes shortly after, teleporting to who-knows-where, leaving Hades alone on the street to watch the sky roil and darken overhead. ]

Edited 2023-04-06 15:00 (UTC)

[ The funny thing about this is that while it affords Azem a little glimpse into how someone was feeling in the moment of the memory being relived, it's never as in-depth as what their kizuna bond allows. Though they suppose some of what they're feeling is their own emotions to witnessing what occurred.

They had spoken with Themis before about what was being hidden from them. They had assumed that, much like them, he'd been sundered. But now they see he'd chosen to be the heart of Zodiark. Still, they don't know exactly what that means, it seems different from Hythloadeus joining in as one of those sacrificed to bring around Zodiark's summoning.

They aren't given much of a chance to ponder this as the memory continues with Hades following after them after they storm out.

They expect an argument as arguments between the two of them were not uncommon. They almost always ended with one of them storming off and Azem leaving to give them both some time to cool off before reconciliation could happen. They expect, that even with the words shouted at them, that this would have ended the same way. Only it seems they were never given the chance.

They wish they could follow after the memory of themself, to see where they go and what happened. They suspect they left to gather their things and then set out again, likely to find the solution that they now know they never would have found on Etheirys.

All they can do is wait for the memory to shit onto the next, to see where Hades ended up after this. ]

[ The first memory fades and a new one appears. The city is burning now. Its proud spires are crumbling. Terrified citizens flee from unspeakable monstrosities which seem to materialise with no rhyme or reason. Their cries for help are especially loud in Hades' ears but the man himself is steadfast, directing the survivors towards the Capitol - one of few buildings which yet remains intact - even as his heart hammers hard in his chest. ]

"This way! Hurry now!"

[ Hades easily destroys one of the terminus beasts with a wave of his hand before it can devour someone. They stagger by him, stammering breathless thanks, to which he responds with a curt nod. His gaze turns further out, searching for something. Someone. ]

"Hythlodaeus!"

[ His friend is likewise doing his utmost to defend those who cannot defend themselves. An arrow of light streaks forth and buries itself in another beast; Hades' own magic finishes it off. In that brief moment of respite, they manage to speak. ]

"Come, the people are taking refuge in the Capitol--"
"Hades..."

[ Something in Hythlodaeus' voice gives him pause. The next words his friend utters send his heart leaping to his throat. ]

"No!"

[ He shouts it without thinking. Not you too; I cannot lose you as well. But Hythlodaeus simply smiles at him, calmly, resolutely. Nothing Hades says can sway his friend's mind. When he finally runs out of arguments and he falls silent, defeated, Hythlodaeus smiles again, lifts his hand in farewell, and begins the walk back to the Capitol...to join those who would give their lives to bring Zodiark into being. ]

[ He doesn't see Hythlodaeus again. Not up close, that is. No, his friend must have known that showing his face now would only cause Hades' heart to waver at this most crucial junction. The Convocation must needs direct all their focus towards the creation of Zodiark, for a single stray thought could doom them.

Hades can see his friend's soul, however. He can see the faint candlelight shimmer somewhere in the midst of those gathered. He wants to linger on it, as long as he can, but he reluctantly drags his gaze away and looks to Elidibus, standing calmly in their circle of thi-- twelve.

They're running out of time. The walls shake as the beasts outside seek ingress. Hades closes his eyes and pushes all thought and distraction out of his mind, focusing on the form of the concept they had all agreed upon prior.

And yet...

As aether begins to flow and mould the shape of their would-be saviour, Hades cannot help but add a single, fervent prayer.

Please, save us.

All at once, a torrent of aether flows through them and rushes into Elidibus' shorter, slighter form. The answering shockwave is...violent. But not physically so. Never before has Hades felt aether like this: aether that touches the very depths of his soul and churns in his breast. When he opens his eyes, it is not to the sight of Elidibus but their new god. Zodiark.

As the terminus beasts tear apart the roof and descend, Zodiark erases them from existence with a blast of pure aether. And then, He lifts his hands to the firmament and pours even more into the aetherial currents, strengthening them, bolstering the natural shield they form about their star. The sky loses its hellish crimson tinge and silence finally, blissfully falls over the earth. ]

Edited 2023-04-07 06:44 (UTC)

[ 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. ]

[ It's a lot to take in. Their heart breaks to see Hythlodaeus walk away to offer himself up to Zodiark. Especially given they know that that decision would leave Hades alone.

Outside of the memory, they squeeze Hades' hand.

What comes after only proves Azem's fears true. To sacrifice more and more lives to this creation was not the way. However, looking at it now perhaps it was the only way.

And then comes the last of their star as they knew it and it leaves them shaken. To think that their once mentor would go to this extreme just to do what she thought was right. It was one thing to sacrifice half and half again of their people's lives. But to destroy everything and rebuild it from the shattered pieces...

They honestly can't decide which distresses them more.

They know there's more to come after but they decide to draw back and let everything sink in before continuing. They don't release Hades' hand but he'll feel their consciousness pull away, punctuated by the sound of Azem sniffling. ]

[ He feels Azem withdrawing and slowly comes back to the present. His cheeks are also wet, he realises. He touches them with his other hand and stares at the sheen of moisture on his fingertips. Come to think of it, he had never really let himself mourn his losses back then. He had been too consumed by the need to set things right, to restore what had been lost.

His people are gone. No amount of prayer can restore them. He understands that now but all the same: he cannot help but wish otherwise.

Letting his head loll against Azem's, he murmurs: ]

I don't know what else we could have done.

[ Azem is quiet save their sniffling for a few moments. Finally, they swallow the knot in their throat and suck in a breath. When they speak it's quiet, ]

Rhea'li... he said there might be a way but it would set everything on a completely different course.

[ He'd made it clear that it wouldn't necessarily be erasing his future, at least not for him. And that was enough for Azem to cling onto. ]

Did he now...?

[ Hades doesn't know if he likes the flicker of hope in his chest. He's tired of fighting against fate. He wishes to rest. ]

Do you intend to take it, despite not knowing what lies down that path?

He did and I do.

[ They draw back, expression determined despite their somewhat puffy eyes. ]

I know the answer, now I only need a plan. [ And they suppose they have some time to come up with one as they plan to stay here until they can go back with their memories. ]

[ He draws in a deep breath and exhales slowly, feeling a pang of loss after Azem pulls away. He releases their hand and pulls his own back into his lap. ]

...I'm sorry that I kept this from you. But you understand now, don't you? I had no-one - no-one save for Lahabrea and the shell of what was once Elidibus - for over twelve millennia. If you want nothing more to do with me then I will accept it. I just--

[ Fresh tears well in his eyes. He hates crying. He's always hated crying. It feels too much like admitting defeat. Or weakness. ]

I wanted to enjoy your company, if only for a little while before the truth came out.

[ Even though they thought it would be impossible to forgive him not that long ago, they no longer feel that way. They reach out and cup his cheek. ]

I wish you had told me from the start. I was so hurt, but I can't stay mad at you. I've never been able to stay mad at you.

[ They know there is still more, but it can wait for the moment. ]

[ His tears spill over in spite of his attempts to hold them back. Even then, he tries to swallow down his own sobs. His next attempt to speak is interspersed with hiccoughs. ]

I went looking for you, you know. But the first time I found your soul, you looked at me like a stranger and tried to kill me.

[ Broken laughter bubbles out. ]

I thought that was what I deserved after what I said to you that day... But I tried to restore you - tried to restore the star. I owed our people that much after our failures...

[ Azem moves, half pulling him toward them and half moving to meet him to pull him into a hug. One hand rests on his back and gives him a soft pat.

Tears sting at their eyes but they're managing to hold them back. ]

I wish to know more.

[ He dashes the tears from his eyes and sucks in a deep breath. ]

'Tis not pretty. Are you certain?

I think it better I know.

[ No more secrets, they've decided. ]

But we needn't go through everything right now. Twelve millennia is quite a lot of time, for now, I would like to see an adventure in the sundered world. I would like to see a place you visited.

[ They offer a small smile. ]

[ He nods slowly. Hesitantly, he reaches over to take Azem's hand again. ]

You saw Garlemald before... I will show you the other lands. What do you wish to see? The mountains of Yanxia? The Dalmascan desert? Or I could show you empires that even Rhea'li has never seen.

[ Azem takes his hand and wiggles closer once more. ]

They all sound exciting, how can I possibly choose?

[ It's silly to ask Azem what they'd like to experience when they're the type that wants to see and experience all that life has to offer. ]

[ He huffs, leaning once more against his friend. ]

Very well. Why don't we start with a place and age that only I currently recall?

[ Something...breathtaking. Or at least as beautiful as Garlemald in the snow. Which is a tall order, since Hades had been speaking the truth before when he said that travelling held less appeal without company; his memories of new and foreign lands are not always pleasant.

Still, he closes his eyes and focuses. The vista that he will show Azem is of Meracydia, before it fell to Allagan conquest: home to Tiamat and Bahamut's brood and populated with all sorts of interesting people and beasts. ]

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