Ashes

Arch I. Enia and Xentaron. Story 6. Have Faith

After a failed test, John left Xentaron for some time. He decided to leave Abby in the Castle. There she spent most of her time working. While rewriting the Program, she completely forgot about resting, and very often Eclip found her sleeping in front of the monitor. She argued with him about this more than once. But Eclip was right every time.

Soon the fully working Program was rewritten. Wanting to delay the inevitable, the girl lied to the Mayor, saying that they needed a little more time. This was a necessary measure while Father was away.

However, three months later, the Mayor still demanded a test. Perhaps he realized that he was being lied to. Or maybe he's just tired of waiting. But this time no one expected that the one who would test the Machine would be John himself.

Did Ward know about this? Yes, he knew. He knew that sooner or later the Mayor would want to get rid of him.

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John arrived in Enia. There he visited the Church of the Scarlet Witch. It was always quiet here. The smell of lavender and rose made him feel slightly dizzy. As if finding himself in another reality, John approached one of the stained glass windows depicting pictures of the past.

"We were waiting for you, John" a painfully familiar voice echoed throughout the Church "What did brought you here?"

"Fear." he replied shortly "I have sinned a lot"

"What are you afraid of?"

"I'm afraid of sinning again" 

"Of sinning again" the voice repeated after him. 

Soon the owner of this voice came to John. It was a man about 35 years old. He was the Leader of this city and a minister of the Church.

"I am glad to see you again, John" he smiled faintly, but did not dare to come closer. He knew very well who young Ward was. Sinner. "Where's Abby?"

"Remained in the Castle. We are working on the Machine that could save people, but... I no longer know what Deimos wants to save his people from. The cure I created and perfected works flawlessly. People stopped dying from the virus..."

"To save people..." The Leader thought for a moment and then looked into John's eyes. "Tell me... How did the last tests went?"

"Abby has died. And the boy that agreed for the test, can't wake up... I mean, he is alive, but... Still sleeping" John found it difficult to speak

"So here's the thing..." Leader sighed heavily. He understood what exactly happened that day. "Anyway... You know that there's nothing we can help  you with"

"I know. I didn't come here for this... I came to pray"

"Very well. I will leave you then" The Leader nodded

"Thank you" John smiled. "Let the Flame light your way"

"Let the Flame light your way" The Leader repeated after him and left John alone with his own thoughts.

After a while, John left the Church. He looked broken and there was despair in his eyes. The Leader invited him to stay in the city for the night. John didn't argue. He knew that evil comes out hunting at night.

"Tell me, old friend" the Leader started to speak, placing a cup of tea in front of Ward "What did the Mayor say? What does he want?"

"He wants everything to work perfect. I don't even know what we can do for this"

"I see... But have you tried to ask someone else for help?" as if hinting at his own daughter, asked the Leader

"Yeah... The three of us work together. Me, Abby and Eclip..." John fell silent for a moment. After a couple of seconds, he realized who his friend was talking about. "My Creation can help. Of course! That's why she said  that she would rewrite the Program by herself"