Ashes

Arch II. Empire of Steel. Legend 11. Is it Our Business?

"Nox? What have you done with these souls?" I entered the Ancient Ruins. It was quiet here, only the souls stood still, like silent statues of long-forgotten heroes. "I hope they are asleep?"

"They are" as if dancing, Nox walked around the sleeping souls and approached me. "Dean, you shouldn't be here anymore, since you were rejected by the Ghost. Or maybe the matter hasn't been decided? Trust me, because I won't give you away."

"Last time, oh, Many-Faced One, you said exactly the same thing. Do you think I'll believe you once more? And so, although I've come up with a clever plan, I won't let you interfere with it."

So what happened last time? Same story, same hero. Almost convinced Elini to take the place of that beautiful nymph, and everything was lost. But if now I can convince Elini to stay here so that she can convince her mother to stop the winter, because she likes this place, then there is a chance to return home and rule the living... Oh, that is, to live among the living, and not "enjoy" the suffering of those who have long had no place on earth

"So how do I know the plan is smart?" Nox's voice brought me back to reality. I seemed to be lost in my thoughts again. "What if you screw up? I doubt the Ghost, and, in general, everyone else will trust you."

"Nox, honey, you forgot one very important thing." I put my arm around her waist

"So what is it?"

"Love is the most beautiful lever in the world for pressure"

Nox rolled her eyes and walked away from me. She never liked it when I reduced everything to romance. So where was I wrong? Wasn't it love that called the wayward and naive Eclipse to the Shadow Realm?

-----

I went down to the dungeons that Sankh was ruling. Of course, he hardly wants to see me, but I urgently need to talk to him. It concerns my little plan for my freedom.

"You're here again." Sankh rose from his throne. "Why have you come? To beg me to let Elini go?"

"Not at all. You rightfully took the young goddess and..."

"Close to the topic."

"Okay," I nodded. And why does no one want long introductions? "I know what can be done to make us all comfortable... I mean, you and me."

"Speak already." he hissed like he was a snake

"Eclip is going to take more than just Abby with him"

"What!?" Sankh's voice echoed like thunder throughout the dungeon. It seemed as if the walls shook.

"Elini doesn't know yet that our guest wants to kidnap her. But believe me, if you save her, maybe we can change her mind about you. Let's say the villain becomes the hero and vice versa." I caught my breath ""Just please, don't kill him. I still need him alive. And not just me. Xentaron too."

I know that no one in the Empire gives a fuck about some cursed city. I don't either, but this is their home, and I want them back with all my heart... I wish I could say that if I had a completely different plan, haha

-----

What's next in my plan... Right, I need to talk to Elini and... Nox! What are you doing?

I'm hiding near the lunar field. Nox meets with a young goddess there. It's amazing how she, having said that she won't give me away, still decides to stop me. Let's see what we have here.

Elini came to Nox. It was clear from her appearance that this was going to be a serious conversation.

"... In the midst of the chaos, it's time for me to intervene," the voice of the Many-Faced One brought me back to reality. I hope I didn't miss an important part of their dialogue. "I know how to arrange your escape."

"Escape? But... How?"

"Unprecedented charms are within my power. Eclip has successfully defended what his own. You will be no different from the shadow, and with him you will go into the light"

Even so? Interesting. I really thought she was going to hinder me, but she's actually helping me. That's even better.

"Nox, I can't," Elini was startled by such a sudden proposal. Frankly, even I didn't expect it.

"Why? It's the only option."

"Even if that's the case... There are no good excuses for meanness."

Yes, it is very mean of us to give hope of salvation to three people at once. But if nothing is done, we will all be stuck here for a long time. I have been waiting for many years already. I am tired of waiting.

"Elini, don't be so stupid. You don't know when you'll get a chance like this again."

"I really can't, Nox. These two... They love each other. And if I agree, then it won't be me anymore. I'd rather agree to become Sankh's wife than ruin the happiness of two loving souls. I don't want to be like Dean."

Victory. It's a shame, of course, that I'm considered a scoundrel again, but it's an absolute victory. Realizing that Nox couldn't change her decision, she looked in my direction and, with a barely noticeable nod, left her friend in solitude. In order not to arouse suspicion, I also hurried to leave the moon field

-----

My final stop was the garden where Abby spends all her time.

"I'm here," Eclip beat me to it. Luckily, they can't see me. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Eclip, I... I lied to you." she hesitated "I remember everything and I'm just pretending that I don't have memories of who I was. It's unforgivable, and I'll understand if you don't forgive me. I only wanted to protect myself... And you, because the souls here don't particularly welcome those who remember themselves."

What a twist, huh? It's not that I didn't know about it. More like I tactfully kept it a secret as part of our deal with her.

"It's okay," the young man smiled calmly. God, how sentimental. It makes me feel sick. He's not even mad at her. "Tell me, what's our plan?"

"The plan? I thought you had it all figured out. That you'd come over, convince my dad, and we'd just go home."

"Well, let's say John wasn't thrilled when I asked him to let you go"

And it's true, I'm a witness. Last time, the Ghost almost killed him. I doubt that if he tries to talk to him again now, anything will change. Or maybe I can help him? Although...

-----

"Nox?" I returned to the Ancient Ruins again. I realized that I would no longer be able to talk to Abby, because Eclip would not leave her alone. And I no longer have the strength for another kidnapping. And I have no desire. In principle, everything is going according to plan. "Nox, are you here?"

"I hope you came to thank me," she hugged him tenderly from behind.

"Actually... Yes. I thought you would decide to ruin my plan."

"I promised. Believe me, it is very difficult to persuade the purest being in this place to run away, taking someone else's place. And here she herself agreed to the impossible."

She's right. During the time I spent traveling back and forth, I began to wonder: is it our business to meddle in other people's affairs? In fact... Yes. It is our business. The gods are vicious, and I will not prove otherwise.

I can't believe I'm just a few steps away from freedom. And this time I'll definitely succeed... But for now I have one more little thing to do