Ordo ab chao - A GWH Story (LEVEL 4)

Ordo ab chao - Chapter 8

Whenever a significant event impacts a soul during one of its mortal lives, it makes the soul stronger right then and there. Its passing through the Riversphere serves as a renewal of the spirit, a cleansing of the parts it doesn't need; true changes come from the exact moment of the experience. That was why, when Tsukiko left her body behind to transcend that mortal plane of existence, she emerged feeling more prepared than ever before. As a spirit, her emotions and consciousness were finally fully formed, and even though she still wasn't quite yet immortal, she was getting there. All the combined experiences that made up her ethereal "body" were very tightly knit together by this point, complimenting each other, giving the ghost a new life in between lives.

She knew what to do now, and had the determination and inner strength to do it. Finally being able to resist the faraway pull of the Riversphere (albeit still until her energy gave in), Tsukiko immediately headed in the direction of the indigo space on her own. Euphoria, a new feeling she didn't know she could have as just a soul, filled her up as she traveled the vast, dark reaches of the cosmos, guided by no one else but herself. She felt quite proud of herself for being able to do this, but she didn't let it cloud her thoughts, keeping her destination firmly in mind.

Eventually, Tsu softly set foot on the wide, thin crystalline platform. Minori was already there, standing alone as she usually did, only this time, she had her back turned to the new arrival. A curious Tsukiko was about to speak up, ready to state the decision she had made during her last incarnation, but before she could, a quiet whisper reverbed all around the two spirits, making them both vibrate.

"You have the right idea..."

It seemed to come from all directions and from the two souls at once. The former Tale Caster was surprised to hear this voice, wondering who had actually said it, when Minori slowly turned around, revealing herself. Her beautiful eyes, so full of life, were puffy, swollen and humid.

She had been crying. The sight was heartbreaking to Tsukiko.

"What-" She tried to talk, but was immediately interrupted again.

"The event you just took part in was none other than the moment in which The Last Guardian sealed the Basts away." The Tale Dimension explained. There was a remarkable lack of emotion in her voice for someone that looked this sad. "You never met her personally then, but as the late Dr. Thorn, she orchestrated their downfall by setting up the events so that her chosen ones would carry them out and ensure the great ones' defeat. This means you were always supposed to bear witness to that, given your relevance in this scheme... but just like last time, I didn't know it would be this soon in your reincarnation cycle. Now, I see... you've made up your mind. So, tell me, my dearest... What is the choice you want to make?" she punctuated with ominous softness.

Taken aback, the younger spirit hesitated before taking a firmer stance and responding.

"I've decided to do things my own way, Minori." She said, determined. There was no need for honorifics anymore; she had grown past that. "I respect life, which is exactly why I choose to live without the restraints of chaos and order. Who am I to impose on something so precious? Whatever has to happen will happen, and I will not interfere with the natural course of things."

Minori's teary gaze narrowed into a squint, but otherwise, she did not reply in any visible way. Tsukiko thought it would be best to hold her ground, and thus maintained the silence, even though the ambience had gotten highly unsettling. Sure enough, even the indigo space had gotten somewhat darker.

Finally, the dimension broke the ice with a crack in her voice.

"So, this means... You're not willing to make this sacrifice anymore."