Legend of Mautau: Angelorum Lux

Ch 17: The Sage of Memories

        “Honestly Alexander, he hardly cares about any promise you may have once had. I’ve given him exactly what you tried and failed to. The bliss of ignorance.” said Alastor, approaching his defeated brother while dragging Scott across the ground by the collar. Tossing Scott on the ground beside Alexander, he continued, “His mind is no longer aware of the trivial matters of this imperfect world. Even though it was simply a test sample of the Nameless One’s essence that we implanted within him, he’s already surpassed my expectations. I had my doubts, but with his new rate of development I think he’ll suit my needs perfectly.” Meanwhile, Amy was crawling towards the scene, hiding herself behind whatever she could. In a state of panic at the dismal turn of events, she thought to herself, “Oh no, what do I do?! What can I do? Everyone tried their best, but while I sit here hiding, they’re all about to die, and Grey is… I have to think of something before it’s too late!” Then she heard Alastor say, “Ms. Grant, forgive me but I do so wonder what you think you’re doing crawling around on the ground over there…” Feeling the color drain from her face, she thought, “Oh great… Busted…” As Amy slowly got to her feet, Alastor continued, “Why don’t you come here and stand by me? After all, the show is almost over, and I wouldn’t want you to miss the final act.” Afraid of what he might do to her if she did not do as he wanted, Amy slowly made her way over to Alastor. Trembling with fear, she looked at Alexander and Scott sitting there, and then at Grey in his terrifying form.

        Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Alastor turned to Alexander and said, “You put up a spectacular fight. Even after a year of allowing Serius to constantly feed on your own power, you’re still a formidable opponent dear brother. It would be a shame for the great Gabriel the Immortal to meet his end like this, wouldn’t it?” Stepping forward, as he moved slowly towards Alexander, Alastor continued, “You have lived in this world long enough to realize it haven’t you? Nothing will change. The differences between all beings, be they human or non-human, normal people or energists, the discrimination born from this very form of existence, all of it is ever-present. As the humans bicker between themselves, the residents of the original world have passed down their hatred for humanity generation after generation, and even without us they squabble with each other. This world itself is beyond hope, a mistake that cannot be rectified, only erased.” Stopping next to Alexander, Alastor removed a hand from his pocket and offered it to Alexander as he said, “Don’t you remember the work we started so long ago Alex? We can still realize our ideals… Join me. Let us realize The Second Truth, and create a paradise for all beings.”

        A moment of silence fell over the war-torn battlefield of the graveyard as Alastor stood before his brother, his hand offered, awaiting an answer to his invitation into Altera Veritas. Amy watched nervously, wondering whether Alexander would actually consider such an offer, as well as just what Alastor’s ultimate goal really was. Suddenly the silence was broken, as Alexander began laughing. It was weak laughter, no doubt hindered by the injury to his chest. Finally he stopped laughing and said, “Al, any paradise created by you would be as false and empty as the puppet you’ve become. Alastor Bastille, my beloved brother… is dead.” Alastor’s extended hand balled into a fist, and though Amy could not see his face, she noticed that for a brief moment Alastor’s body seemed to tremble with rage. Then he turned away from Alexander, a blank look on his face as he simply said, “Pity.” Walking back to stand beside Amy, he turned and looked at Alexander one more time saying, “Then may you join your beloved brother in the next world. Farewell, Gabriel the Immortal.” Grey, who had been standing still and silent a short distance from where Alexander and Scott sat, began moving towards them. Her eyes wide, her voice trembling, Amy said, “No… No… Please, no…”

        As Grey moved ever closer, with tears welling up in her eyes, Amy thought, “I can’t bear to see Grey… To see him like this anymore! Grey and the others… They’re all I have left! I did nothing but run when Dad needed help, I can’t stand here and do nothing!” She tried to rush towards Grey as she burst into tears and screamed, “No stop this! Grey you can’t!” Grabbing her by the wrist, Alastor held her back and said, “I cannot let you spoil the final act, now can I Ms. Grant? It’s as they say, the show must go on…” Struggling to pull her hand free, Amy screamed again and again for Grey to stop, but he continued forward and finally coming to a stop he raised the scythe up to strike. Then Amy screamed, “Let me go!” Subconsciously tapping into her abilities, Amy suddenly generated a small psychic barrier around her wrist and hand that expanded and forced Alastor’s hand to release her. Caught by surprise, Alastor said, “What?!” Freed, Amy rushed at Grey, who turned to her but was unable to do anything before she threw her arms around him and grabbed hold of him tightly as she shouted, “Please, no more!”