The Fate of Destiny

NOTE BEFORE THE STORY: This is a story I wrote for State of Conflict that I found in its original, long-abandoned website and wish to preserve here.
Originally titled “A Look At Things to Come”, a simple short story.
Originally published September 18, 2005 at 7:45 AM on Lous_Tavern

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Fair Valendia, why did this have to happen to you? I was blinded; Gaia has abandoned us. All I have strived for in the years I have taken Xixul's position as Grand High Priest of Gaia... all is in vain. I finally take another somber look at the desolate scenery around me.

Noran, you fool...

It had happened. The unspeakable had actually become truth. Chronos, corrupted Seer of the seven dictators of Gaianism, was released from his eternal prison that is the Void. To think I was conceited enough to gloat over the thought that his release was impossible is a silly thing. With the combined incredible powers of the mages Noran and Cygnus, a rift was torn. Valendia was then doomed seconds after-- The rest of the world was to wait a few days.

Tears well in my eyes as I realize that none of this could have been prevented. The beautiful blue sky has turned dusty grey; the sun has become a similar disgusting shade; everything green has turned brown and yellow. Nothing was left alive in this fair land. The only reason I exist is through the weak (and weakening) powers of Lady Gaia. As I walk carefully through sinking ground and breaking roads, names of importance re-occur in my fading memory.

Xixul, I have failed...

The impressive city of Durahan has been reduced to rubble. The ports and docks on the east side along the coast have collapsed as the water has turned to acid. This is because the peaceful mountains directly north of the fortress have suddenly turned into active volcanoes, raining lava and magma once a day. It is the most dangerous place in Valendia to be right now. Undead minions that now serve the Lich Cygnus roam the streets, devouring any flesh (living or dead) that they can find. A lich, you ask? The two Chronosians, Cygnus and Noran, were the first to be murdered by Chronos. But they were right: Chronos's promise of power was truth. This promise was to return to life in a state of undeath as lichs, ruling at his side. Cygnus accepted this promise, but Noran did not... and doomed his body to forever be a mindless slave.

Valmont, how could you...

Anacortes is now a crater with a river flowing through it. This was the first site of Chronos's attack. The headquarters of the DA booms with an eerie green aura about it. Fearing my presence may be detected if I get too close, I walk the trail of tears. I pass the cemetary and note that very grave has been defiled and the coffins beneath the headstones has been opened. A single plank on the tollbridge is all that keeps me from falling into the acidic water that it crosses, and I can barely keep my balance on it. I must now think of a new name for the Paradise Woods, for there are not even any trees in it. I can see what used to be Borgerwood from here. A town good for the mine to the north it had once been, but is now a ghost town. Literally. Spectres and wraiths drift aimlessly through the air with a sick, twisted sad expression permanently set in their face. I see the spirit of the sad mother, who still cries for her missing child...

Fuuinashi, I am sorry...

The holy temple of Gaia has been razed to the ground. Not only the temple, but the beautiful plateaus that were once Dithaern were leveled completely. The wake of destruction left in western Valendia is immense; blooming plants withered within seconds of his release, grass died instantly, and even the undead guarding the Vampire's tomb had become aware of the ungodly presence of pure undiluted evil. I walk now through what was once the Evermore fields, which now resembles more of a desolant plagueland than a beautiful field of flowers and dewleaves. The Seerdon marshes to the south is slowly creeping out of bounds, north of the river and east of Rebel's End. I slowly glance back to where I think Dithaern once was, and remember my old friend Xixul. Once more, my eyes are filled with tears and I say a simple phrase in Seirac for his memory. This phrase once gave me hope whenever I said it, though not anymore.

Fretas siat avis litmax, arn valan intima avir domthix kir sobela pa avir lithus.

Never had I witnessed so much destruction in my life. As quickly as possible, I made safe passage to a hallow cave. Merriot's dwelling was once just on the border to the swamp; it is now deep inside and the entrance was covered thick with vines. With Gaia's remaining blessings I have bestowed upon it, this may be the only safe haven in Valendia. Nay, this may be the only life-supporting structure (natural or artificial) in the world.

Lady Gaia, where are you...

I am truly saddened when I realize that we may be the only mortals left uncursed in Valendia. Merriot's cave is occupied by myself, and the former resistance leader. As for any sign of actual life beyond the threshold, I cannot tell. As far as we are concerned, there are but two things outside: death and undeath. Fuuinashi and I watch as the positive energy inside the cave slowly dwindles, staring at the marshland slowly but noticeably crawling inside the cave. I realize now that there is only one thing left to do. I glance at Fuuinashi, and he already knows. The vines are already climbing the walls of the cave, and the diameter of the positive energy is slowly closing in on us like a collapsing hole. We both exchange looks of remorse and regret. Then, we draw our swords and put the tip at the other's neck.

Valendia, I cry for you...

Ready? On three. One... Two...