E·ly·sian
/iˈliZH(ē)ən,eˈliZH(ē)ən,iˈlēZH(ē)ən,ēˈliZH(ē)ən/
adjective: Elysian
relating to or characteristic of heaven or paradise.
soulmate!au
APRIL 09, 2021 - JULY 20, 2021
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TEN YEARS LATER
NYX
NYX was growing old and he could feel it in his bones and he always knew that his actions, his decision to put others before himself would be his downfall. At least he'd finally get to rest after everything. And maybe, just maybe, he'd get to see her again.
He knew it was unlikely since she was born from a star. Unlike humans, whose essence was made of souls, Elysians were made up of pure energy from the dying star they were created from. But since they were soulmates, maybe the gods would allow them to be together in the afterlife.
Now, here he was, laying on top of a makeshift surgical bed as he fought for his life. He suffered a terrible blow when he was fighting off daemons with the rest of his comrades and being the hero he was, he placed his life in danger for others.
Now, countless medics tried to keep him alive, some stitching his numerous wounds, others trying to keep him conscious. He knew it was futile, he could feel his life slowly drain away. Nyx closed his eyes, finding it harder and harder to breathe by the minute. He could hear his name being called, whether it was by the medics or by his close friends, he couldn't decipher who.
~~
"Nyx!"
As he opened his eyes, he was blinded by a bright light. He squinted his eyes, trying to adjust to the bright lighting. Slowly, he could make out a few figures that were standing before him. The familiar face of his mother and sister came to view, both smiling at him.
Nyx stumbled backwards, shocked at their presence. He soon enveloped both of them into a tight hug, happy to finally see them again after so long. His mother, once they released one another from their embrace, carefully cupped his face with a gentle smile.
"You've grown to become a handsome man" Nyx smile in response, leaning into her touch. He closed his eyes, basking in the long-overdue motherly affection.
His sister still clung to his waist, her grip only getting tighter "Took you long enough!"
"I'm not saying I'm happy you died!" His sister stuttered as she blushed "I'm just happy we're together again!"
"I know" Nyx chuckled as he caressed his sister's head. He looked up from his sister, eyes searching for something or someone, rather.
"You're looking for someone" His mother said, capturing his attention. His eyes darted towards her, hesitant to tell her what "Who?"
"Ah, I know who" His mother smiled sadly as he gently held his hands, her thumbs affectionately rubbing his knuckles "Come, I shall lead you to her"
"The Hall of the Fallen" His mother said as they arrived at a temple, motioning to the open building. They walked into the building, the structure long and spacious. From the floor to the walls, everything was completely white and unbelievably clean.
The temple was empty, except for two large statues at the end of the long hall. A cauldron of fire stood in front of the sculptures, burning for eternity in honor of whoever were the statues were made for.
"Ephraim, first of the Elysians to fall" His mother said, motioning to one of them. Ephraim, the statue, held a sword upwards, with one of his feet stepping on a large rock. It was as if he was charging into war "He died in the Astral's war, protecting Eos from Ifrit's wrath"
"Ilya, second of the Elysians to fall" Nyx inhaled sharply at the mention of her name, eyes hesitantly looking up at the statue. There she stood, her posture tall and proud as she held a sword in one hand, her other outstretched "She died at the siege of Insomnia, for the future of all"
"I'll give you some privacy, my dear" His mother said as she placed a comforting hand over his shoulders. His mother walked away, his footsteps growing faint.
Nyx walked closer to her statue, his hands lightly grazing the marble material of her sculpture. He leaned over, pressing his forehead against the base, trying to catch his breath as his heart clenched painfully. He knew they had no hope of seeing each other again, but he had foolishly hoped otherwise.
He composed himself, wiping away the tears that threatened to fall. Nyx took in a deep breath as he moved to leave the temple. He at least had his family back. He had no war to worry about, no daemons to fight. Whether that be literally or figuratively.
Days in the afterlife were long, with nothing to do but catch up with the people he lost. Every day was the same, conversing with his mother, telling tales of his days as a Glaive to his sister, and taking a long walk in the Golden Fields.
Some days he'd sit in the middle of the field, silently pleading for the gods to give her back to him. Other days he'd just take his walk without any interruptions. A couple of days later, if time even applied in the afterlife, Libertus, Pelna, and Crowe appeared.
He didn't know whether to feel happy or sorry for them. Nevertheless, he greeted them with open arms. Despite the arrival of his friends, he still chose to go on his usual walks alone. He didn't know why, but a part of him hoped that she'd appear there.
Today, he was on his usual walks. Nyx took a different route this time, one that leads him to a forest. He had to ask his mother about the forest when he returned. He trekked further into the forest, the brightness of the heavens fading as darkness took over.
It didn't seem dangerous, as twinkling lights lit his path. Odd creatures, made of light neared him, curious to see what he was. Soon, a trail of star-like creatures followed him, making him look like some animal whisperer.
The creatures that followed him grew frantic, running all over as they crowded by a large boulder. Something akin to snow, but much brighter, fell from the sky in gracious formation and clumped by the tip of the boulder.
Then, she appeared, sitting on the boulder with her knees hugged to her chest. She lifted her head ever so slightly, giving him a small and gentle smile.
