Ashes

Arch II. Empire of Steel. Legend 4. Turn Back

Being alone with his thoughts, Eclip was already beginning to regret that he had even gone here. Was it really worth it? Or maybe Hope was right, and he shouldn't have come here in the first place? What if she comes back a different person? What if everything will be different? Will the world collapse when they return?

Only after some time Eclip noticed that he had already left the dark corridors and came into the light (if this strange glow can be called such, of course). The young man looked around. He was surrounded by crystals of different shapes and colors. Some of them made an unpleasant buzzing sound, some, on the contrary, seemed to whisper. It seemed that these crystals were alive. As if this is not the kingdom of the dead, but just one of the cities.

Eclip's attention was drawn to a young man sitting among these crystals. He seemed to be meditating, but as soon as Eclip came closer, he immediately began to speak

"So... You've come" his voice echoed among the crystals and in the young man's head "And you even remember who you are and your goal. Very interesting. Has Nox screwed up? Or... It can't be possible," his voice sounded surprised "You are a living one"

"What? How did you...? Who are you?" Eclip examined the young man. It was a boy a little younger than him. He had curly hair that shimmered in gold. Then he saw a gold band on his forehead. The answer came quickly. This is one of the gods.

"I... They called me Hermes" the boy stood up and came closer. He extended his hand, expecting his new acquaintance to shake it "But you can call me Dean"

"What? Dean?" Eclip was surprised "Just like..."

"I like people, yes. I used to watch them every day until my exile to the Empire of Steel for my... Ahem... Crimes, if they can even be called like that," Hermes laughed nervously "And after that I decided to start a new life and call myself Dean. I think it's a perfect name. You can call me both Hermes and Dean. As your soul wishes. I don't mind..." after being silent for a while, he continued "So... are we friends?"

"Are you insane?"

"Yes... There is such a thing... You know, I have been here for more than one century. The last time anyone came here, there was a young man just like you. He was so desperate to find the one he loved so much and... Oh! You remind me of him! This is what you came here for, right? Because now more than ever I need your help."

"My help?" Eclip took a step back realizing that Dean is going to use him

"Yes, your help. You see, when I was sent here, they said that in order to redeem myself, I must help a living soul achieve their goal. But... Considering that the only people alive here are you, me and Nox... It's a little impossible. But now you're here. And you are alive and... I will help you, and you will help me. Just go towards your goal. When you achieve it, I... Oh, that is, you, me and your friend will be free." Dean paused for a moment, realizing that he had just spilled the beans. But it seems Eclip didn't pay attention to this. So he continued "The only problem... I'll leave my love here... I think she won't mind. So... Agreed?"

"About what?" due to the large flow of information, Eclip simply stopped listening to his new acquaintance.

"Are you listening?" 

"Sorry, I thought you were talking to yourself" Eclip loud nervously "So what about the deal?"

"Nevermind" Hermes sighed "I'll figure it out myself."

With these words, the young man disappeared, leaving Eclip alone. The same one, trying to understand what it was all about, decided to continue on his way. Looks like he's almost made it to the Empire itself