The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 47: To find a Witch. (Part 1)

Chapter 47: To find a Witch.

2 years 10 months after the Fall:

"Ardent, you need to leave," Elisa looked at me with determined weary eyes. The past few weeks had been hard on us all, especially her. All the energy she had went into maintaining the dungeon, creating rooms and space, making it so the thousands of refugees at least had a place to rest.

I looked at her the same, "If we leave who'll defend this place? We're already over capacity. The dungeon is barely getting by with the bounty we're bringing in."

"And I'll handle that Ardent," she sighed and stood up from her chair behind her desk. A woman, once a normal human, had become a creature of magic through her connection to the dungeon. At this point, with how much she had given, her life was the core of the dungeon itself. Her eyes shown with an ethereal light, her body at times appearing ever so transparent. "The people we saved aren't useless. They will train and learn. They will do their part."

"What about the Rift Walkers?"

"Since the incident, since Crysis was wiped away.... The Rift Walkers have kept their distance. You may not have realised as you leave so often and enter their territory, but here, so close to the crater, it's like they're avoiding it. I'd call it fear but I doubt those soulless ceramic bastards can feel fear." She looked at me again determined, "Your team isn't the only one we have. Even if they get closer, our defences will hold."

"That's what Washington and Dumar thought and just last week we heard what happened to Hong Kong."

"Ardent," she leaned over and gently gripped my hand. "This isn't just about our dungeon. This is about hope, and I want you to find it. It's time."

"When we first came up with that plan, that was for after we stabilised. We're far from that now."

"And I think that's why we need it now," she squeezed my hand tighter. "The people are scared Ardent. We need to give them better news. For them to know you're out there looking for the answer, it'll keep them living."

"Who would come with me?"

"Your team... including Aria." Before I could refuse, Elise held up her hand, "Aria can't stay here. She's a symbol of our power but we've seen what that power attracts. It's better she's with you as part of that hope."

"Elise...," I didn't know what else to say. She had already decided, and I knew what that meant for us. As hard as it would be for us, it would just as hard for her. I firmed myself, "We'll go. The others are already prepared. No matter what we'll come back with an answer, and no matter what, you'll keep that hope alive."

Her eyes began to water, "Always. No matter what. Even if I don't know, I'll lie to them all. I'll spin them all a tale of what you've achieved and what you've found. I'll spread the word and make you the beacon for all of us."

"That's a hard weight to carry."

"And you'll carry it well," she smiled wiping a tear from her face. "Ardent... don't die."

"I'll try not to, but even if I do-,"

"You'll be alive in our hearts."

"Keep hope alive."

"Keep hope alive," she repeated and released a tender sigh. "I just hope you really do find it."

**

Ardent Friend:

We sat at the dining table, a full nights rest fixing most of our weary bodies from the previous day. It was all hands on deck, even Dad listened from the kitchen as he prepared us breakfast. Master Powel sat at one end with another Elder, a Master from the same generation named Samuel. Beside him was Elene, her body twitching and wanting to help in the kitchen. Then there was Vanter, Ana and Endi. Endi pale but alive, she smiled to me weakly, spreading warmth in my heart. Zen sat in the middle separating the members of the Violet Oath from the rest of us. Finally, Erin sat beside Aria and then there was me.