The Forsaken Hero

It wasn’t long before we were making our way through Haven. There was something different about the realm, but it was hard to put my finger on it. Remnants seemed to be everywhere, talking, laughing, even chasing each other through the skies. They were wary of Fyren, but every single one we passed gave me a friendly nod.

”They’ve been like this all week,” Elise said when I asked. ”Haven said they’re in a good mood.”

I shook my head. ”We brought a dragon into the realm. Why would they be happy?”

Fyren chuckled, patting me on the head. ”You’re still young, so you haven’t learned this yet, but immortals crave only one thing above power.”

”Really? What is it? Followers?”

”Entertainment. You can always pursue power another day, but fun is hard to come by after a few thousand years of experiencing literally everything.”

”Like the Devoted,” I said softly.

He flinched. ”They desire something more than the base lust for power. Despite what you think, the remnants likely enjoyed seeing a dragon, even if it was invading their home.”

”They’re crazy. I could go another lifetime without seeing something like that,” I muttered.

A joyful bark echoed through the islands, and I looked up, startled, as a mass of silver and gold sped toward us. Fable, tail wagging fast enough to generate wind blades, lunged toward me, only for Fyren to intercept him. The demon tackled him mid-leap, sending them both sprawling across he ground.

”Fable!” R’lissea scolded. ”She’s not ready to say hi like that!”

Fyren rolled up off the ground, shaking his head. Fable bounded up and, with a reproachful glare at both the demon and elf, padded over. Their stern looks didn’t stop him from licking my cheek, but I barely protested and threw my arms around his neck, breathing in his familiar scent.

”I was wondering why he took off,” an unfamiliar child-like voice said.

Looking over Fable’s shoulder, I saw a pretty, childlike remnant no older than ten. Long, flowing hair framed her pointed ears. Her revealing dress, woven from translucent gold leaves and flowers, exposed much of her form. Yet, the vibrant blossoms felt surprisingly real. Her beauty wasn’t sensual, but somewhat akin to the natural wonder of a waterfall or the graceful sway of autumn aspens.

I glanced at R’lissea, who was staring at the girl, her lips parted.

”You must be Xiviyah. My name is Villie.”

”You’re a life hero!” R’lissea burst out.

The remnant favored her with a small smile. ”In part, yes. In my origin realm, fate and life magic were one.”

”You’re the one who took care of Fable,” I said, scratching my wolf’s scruff.

”Indeed. I was most fascinated by his unique nature. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before.”

”The Shard called him a ’unique’ monster, for whatever that means,” I said.

She tilted her head. ”Really? Is it true you rewove his soul after your own?”

I nodded, and her eyes lit up.

”Please, you have to tell me–”

”That’s enough, my Lady,” Fyren said, stepping between us. ”You’ll overwhelm her.”

Villie folded her arms, pouting. ”Will not. She’s just fine. All she needs is...”

The remnant trailed off, staring at me.

”...is...?” R’lissea prompted.

Villie glanced at her, and R’lissea looked down.

”I mean, um, I tried everything,” R’lissea explained. ”Her body and soul just don’t mesh together. If you have any guidance, I beg you to–”

Villie shook her head. ”And to think I thought it wise to withhold my presence all this time. Haven?”

She clapped her hands, and the spirit appeared.

”Please inform Fate I’ll be dropping by,” she said. Then, turning to me, continued, ”To be a dear and summon me sometime. I’d like to see the world that shaped your soul like that. And the magic you used to sustain it.”

”Summon?” I asked, gripping my skirt. I didn’t like the way she was looking at me. The predatory glint in her eye...it was too similar to the inquisitors when they were interrogating me, wanting to learn my secrets.

She frowned at Haven. ”Don’t tell me none of you have shown her how? It’s the right of the Fate Hero to call upon us remnants.”

Haven returned her gaze unblinkingly. A second later, the air shimmered, and Fate materialized in a puff of stars.

”My Lady,” Villie said, lowering her head.

”Fate!”

I ran to her side, throwing my arms around her. She stiffened, a look of surprise flashing across her face, but she returned my embrace.

”I wasn’t aware you were awake, child,” she said, smoothing my hair down my back.

I tilted my head, gazing up at her with soft eyes. Fate knew everything about this realm, even more than the remnants. I’d never, ever seen her surprised before.

”Precisely the matter I wished to discuss,” Villie said. ”But first, why have you not unlocked her staff? She’s reached the threshold already.”

Fate pursed her lips. ”I’m afraid her constitution is rather...unique. Emlica and I are uncertain how it would affect her.”

”She’ll be fine,” Villie replied.

Fate watched the child-like remnant for a few seconds before slowly dipping her head.

”Very well, I shall trust your judgment.”

Fate looked into my eyes and tilted my chin up with one hand, laying her thumb on my forehead with the other. I gasped as soft, warm power rushed into me, flowing into the depths of my soul. My connection with the Final Star intensified, and the staff appeared, floating a few inches to our side. The star lit up like the sun, chasing the shadows from every corner of Haven.

I braced myself for the pain, but it never came. The light faded, and Fate’s hand slipped from my forehead. I panted lightly, searching her eyes for answers, but she just smiled.

”What did you do to her?” Elise asked.

”I merely awakened the Staff of Fate. All heroes unlock a Divine Ability upon reaching the eighth level, accessible through their Divine Weapon.”

”But I can already summon Haven. Isn’t that an ability?” I asked.

She shrugged. ”On a technical level, Divine Abilities progress upon each other. Summoning the realm is the middle stage, unlocked upon reaching the peak of the eighth level. It is closely tied with my Divinity, which you now possess, thus allowing you to skip some of the typical requirements.”

Villie gave me a wink. ”Make sure to summon me first, Xiviyah.”

Fate patted my head once more and stepped back. She gave the remnant a stern look.

”You know that’s not how it works. But we’ll continue this discussion later. For now, child, it’s best if you be on your way.”

”Okay.” I looked at my companions, who nodded. ”And, um, I’m sorry about everything. I hope I haven’t ruined your plans or anything.”

She smiled kindly. ”You can’t do anything wrong, Xiviyah. If it happens, it’s the way it’s supposed to be. Even should my plans come to ruin, that is simply the will of fate and not something to be upset about.”

With that, she dispersed into stars. Villie gave a short nod and turned, drifting away. I glanced at Haven, who gave me a reassuring smile before disappearing.

R’lissea stared after Villie, dazed. Elise nudged her, and she jumped, flushing at finding us waiting for her.

”Sorry,” she stammered, giving herself a shake. ”It’s just... I’ve never seen a life aura so thick before. I can’t even imagine what she must have been like in life.”

”What even happened there?” I mumbled, grasping the staff from where it hovered before me. It was hummed softly, warm against my palm.”

”I’ve never seen Fate look surprised before. How could she not have known you were with us?” Elise asked.

”Maybe it has something to do with the stars,” R’lissea guessed.

I looked down at myself, blinking as I found myself shrouded by a mist of starlight. It was a gentle radiance, extending only a few inches from my skin, flecked by glittering stars. It was almost indiscernible under Haven’s starlit skies, but as we left the realm behind, noticing it was unavoidable.

I hardly recognized anything as we stepped out of Haven’s portal. The sky was bright and sunny, with only a few clouds and no traces of smoke. Craters and ruins dotted the city, but the streets were clear of rubble, corpses, and ashes. Hints of magical residue registered to my soul, but even the Elaine’s, Avant’s, and the dragons’ mana was faint.

”All this in only a week?” I asked.

Elise nodded. ”The empire’s foundations are deep. Even after losing half their capital city, they haven’t slowed down in the slightest. Estimates say it’ll only take a month before they get everything in the lower city back to normal.”

”Good thing, too,” R’lissea muttered, running a hand through her hair. ”What with the risen spreading through the southern countryside, and all.”

There was a small ring of empty space cleared around the gate. Half a dozen sixth-level soldiers stood guard, eyeing the passing civilians warily. The leader, a tall woman with a silver-tipped spear, approached us as I dismissed the gate. She snapped a smart salute.

”Greetings,” she said, angled slightly toward Fyren. ”As you requested, we’ve allowed none to come close to the gate.”

Fyren dipped his head. ”Return our gratitude to your commander.”

The soldier’s eyes shifted to me, widening slightly. I flushed as the silence drew out, her stare making me squirm.

”F-forgive me,” she finally stammered, breaking her gaze away. ”It’s good to see you’ve recovered, my Lady. Would you and your companions care to follow me? The emperor is expecting you.”