Destiny: Steadfast Seraph

11 - Fovos

The Last City was the most quiet it had ever been. It filled the air with tension. It angered Frederick.

He stands on top of his tower, watching Egregore naturally create structures, and take over existing ones.

As he does, the Dark Smoke reveals itself once again.

The Witness watches Frederick, as he ignores it.

"The Staff is lost? Destroyed?"

"Yes. I hold it's power now." Frederick shows The Witness his hands. They were whittled down to the bone, from the power.

"It has effected you."

"Don't be a fool. I've been effected my whole life....I wish I stayed just a Titan...a gear in the machine."

Frederick looks at the Witness after a long silence.

"Why must I do these things? This is not the hero's way. I wanted to redeem myself."

"Redemption is not needed...for you."

The Witness looks up at the Traveler. They were so close now.

"Maybe for....others."

They look at the Traveler together.

"What do I do, Witness? I'm lost."

The Witness looks at Frederick closely.

"Conquer. This planet must have cleansing."

"What of the Traveler? Won't it fight back."

"...not yet." The Witness leaves Frederick.

Was he supposed to just wait for the infestation to grow? What if the Guardians came back, after growing their numbers?

Perhaps another one of the Witness' disciples could help him..

Gate, Echo, and Dolos enter the Queens Oracle.

Mara was sitting at her throne, waiting for them.

"You three...it is always you three, no?"

"On occasion." Dolos replies.

"Sit." Mara gestures towards a table. They all sit.

"Go on, tell me your situation." She looks to Gate.

"Don't act like you don't know. It's Frederick. He's with the Witness."

"Doing what."

Gate sighs.

"Taking over the Last City, putting the Traveler in danger, coming after us. He holds the power of a god, Mara."

"And you don't?"

Silence ensues. The three heroes look at eachother.

"We're not immortal anymore." Echo adds.

"But your power remains the same."

"Can we please, get to the point Mara? We don't have much time."

"So be it....the Awoken are not leaving this City."

"What? Why? We need your help!" Dolos stands up.

"Sit. You will change nothing."

Dolos obeys.

Mara stands.

"The Awoken are my only concern. Fate will work it self out....now please, leave."

Everyone stands up to leave.

"You're a coward, Mara." Gate says, as they walk towards the exit.

"I know Gate.."

They leave the Oracle.