When Good Loses Its Grip {Grishaverse Big Bang 2021}

Chapter 30

Alina squinted at the sky, shielding their eyes from the sun. Leoni's comment replayed in her mind. Just do better. Alright, Alina thought, and stepped forward. 

The trio found themselves on a grassy hill overlooking Lake Hylia. Alina sucked in a breath. They remembered this place. 

It was as beautiful as ever, even under a red sky. The waters were still clear, and the tree standing in the middle of the lake still stood intact. Alina slowly walked towards the edge of the mountain, taking everything in. 

Alina blinked on seeing stone ruins dotted around Lake Hylia. They knew the ruins were here, but they were still surprised at the sight. 

"Alina!" a voice called. The fortune teller turned around on seeing Leoni waving her over. Alina jogged up to the princess. 

"What is it? Why are you two just standing there?" They asked, a bit impatient now.

"We're looking for Farosh," Dimitri replied. The name struck Alina like a thunderbolt. 

Farosh. The dragon the Zonai worshipped. Alina stared at them. 

"You're waiting for my god?" She asked. 

"Still faithful?" Dimitri shot back. Alina clenched their fists. They could feel an argument coming on.

"Why is that so hard to believe?" 

Before Dimitri could reply, Leoni pulled him back and shook her head at Alina. Alina pursed her lips, about to retort when a booming voice called, "YOU!" 

Alina turned around and stumbled back, eyes wide. In front of her hovered a green dragon, just the same as he looked in the paintings. 

"F-Faro-" 

My god. I'm sorry. The fortune teller willed herself to speak, but the words died on her tongue. Farosh stared at them, silent. Never had Alina seen such anger in someone's eyes. Despair washed over them. They fell to their knees and lowered their head. 

"Leader," Farosh started. "You turned against your people. You are the reason the Zonai turned against their god to seal the triforce of power away for the greater good, and you are the reason Volcra has risen once more." The dragon closed his eyes. "I am ashamed." 

Alina wanted to close her eyes, but willed herself to keep them open. For so long, they had wondered what meeting Farosh would be like, even wondering if they should seek him out over the thousands of years they'd been alive. But now, faced with her god, Alina wanted to curl up into a ball and never come out. 

"Leader," Farosh spoke once more, and Alina looked up at him. They trembled. 

"Are you afraid?" Farosh asked. 

"Yes," Alina admitted, her voice small.

"Have courage," Farosh said. 

Alina let out a choked laugh. "You make it sound so easy," she whispered. They touched the tears on their cheeks. They didn't remember when they'd started crying. 

Now, Farosh moved closer. "Rise, Alina," he murmured. 

Alina willed herself to get to her feet. Farosh watched her in silence. Then, he spoke.

"What did the princess say to you?" 

Alina's voice came out broken. "Don't apologise. Just do better." 

"And have you?" 

"I…don't know," the fortune teller whispered. They had nearly started arguing with Dimitri just now. They clenched their hands into fists, then unclenched them. Their god watched them, then sighed softly.

"All of you, mount me," Farosh ordered. His voice broke through the silence. 

It all felt unreal. Alina climbed their god and sat on his back with Leoni and Dimitri. She remembered the book that the knight had, and swallowed. 

Quietly, Farosh set off, and Alina stared down at the ruins that had once been her home.