[center][h1]Duty and Forgiveness[/h1][/center]

[hr]

Without warning, the rumbling earth suddenly opened and ejected Skydancer as the radiant vessel soared upward with incredible swiftness, yet even though it flew faster than spoken words when carried fast and far with the wind, its journey was rather tranquil immediately upon departing the devastated remnants of the underground magical Labyrinth. Freed from the strangling presence of stone and shadows, now serenely descending to the surface where the voiran and childan awaited, Homura II chose to concentrate on what would come afterwards all of what had just transpired. Even at the apex of her power, as she ascended to becoming half divine, it seemed she still lacked the ability to save those she loved. She felt alone.

The fused relic in her hand sang to her, its ethereal voice alerting her to the absence of Fear beneath the surface and instead guiding her back towards Keltra. The demigoddess concluded that her sister must have discovered a portal that had led her home, and allowed herself to feel relieved, yet her awakened senses refused to ignore the ominous signs in the world. Something malevolent was stirring, and the Galbar was suffering - she could hear it crying in pain, calling to her. There was still much to be done, and so she must return to Keltra as well. Skydancer slowly alighted afore the two mortals, and Homura II spoke, subtly seeking their purpose and names within their minds and bodies as she stared at the two of them. [b][i]“There is little that lingers here meant for us. I would bring you to Keltra, if you are willing.”[/i][/b]

Her authoritative voice awakened Mair, seeping into both the pale warrioress and Shysie, as a surge of strength and cosmic clarity was bestowed upon them. She could not remain idle, and required either their aid or their promise not to interfere. The two would only be a hindrance against the two revenants that haunted her sister, and did not wish for them to needlessly die. She would return them to their homes or wherever they wished after the danger had passed, regardless of their intentions. She felt opposed to her own actions, and how much she was reminded of the strange truth - that she had become a Reflection of her mother. 

"Are you well, little bird?" Shysie asked Mair, who was groggy, blinking heavily with dark circles under her eyes.

"I was…" She seemed to realize what the lingering words in her head were and looked to Homura II. "You… Did you kill her? Was it worth it? What she did…” Her voice broke, eyes forlorn. “Tell me it was worth it. Tell me." Her voice ended on a bitter note. Shysie dipped her head and placed a soothing touch upon Mair.

[b][i]“Come with me, and you will see for yourself.”[/i][/b] Homura II answered, before she leapt from Skydancer, and kneeled beside one of the last among the people of Voi. She had received the memories of Fear waking before she became Vale, and Homura II knew that she herself had become something else now. All of the Sacred Septet had continually endured the risk of losing their individual minds and becoming permanently merged ever since they forged their connection long ago. It was terrifying living with the risk of losing the thoughts and memories that formed your identity, and forgetting yourself. An unfortunate fate equivalent to meeting one’s demise. Homura II reached out to soothe Mair, hoping she could alleviate a little of that anxiety, and slowly heal her of the hatred in her heart.

Mair grew tense at her touch, unable to relax or be soothed. “What are you? There were others… More of you, sisters? Where is the Wanderer?”

[b][i]“I am the Reflection of Homura. Wanderer and her sisters merged into a single being. An ascendant, half-mortal and half-divine. Now I must return to Keltra swiftly, and speak to my remaining sisters. I am inviting you to come with me, as there is a Voiran named Rowan that should be among his kin. We cannot tend to him when we are… this way.”[/i][/b] Homura II explained.

Mair looked to Shysie, who gave a slow nod. Mair, now looking both troubled and anxious, spoke to the demigoddess once more. "Very well, we'll go with you. Even if you are less than forthcoming. I need to see him with my own eyes. But…" She rose on unsteady feet. "Are you stuck as one now? How does that even work?"

"Perhaps it is not for us to know, little bird." Shysie said, rising as well. "How far away is this Keltra?"

[b][i]“I will elaborate more when we are traveling towards our destination. With Skydancer, we will soar very far, very swiftly. Keltra stands on the other side of northern Termina, beyond the Tlacan Sea and below the Szrnelici, it is a sanctuary for the faithful.”[/i][/b] The wondrous flying vessel did not sway even when Homura II vaulted aboard and stood at the helm again. The damage it had sustained beneath the surface remained prominently visible, yet such did little to diminish the dazzling beauty and power bestowed upon it as it shimmered in the air. Completely mending Skydancer would require time and energy, but Homura II sensed the urgency in the world, and something apprehensive in the connection with Fear and Pride as well. It was concerning, akin to waiting for an event profuse with unknown elements to occur.

The two shared a pensive look then nodded at Homura II. Shysie helped Mair into the boat by placing her in it, much like a parent would put a child somewhere. This was not lost upon Mair who hung limpy and tried to cover her face in shame. Shysie grinned and then climbed on. Since she was so big, she used the remaining seats, her legs even went to the prow and also forced a blushing Mair to sit on her lap. "We are ready." She said with confidence, hand upon Mair’s head.

Without a word, Skydancer gracefully ascended, sailing higher and higher above the land, yet the wind was gentle and the boat did not wobble at all. Courage was considered adept at piloting the flying vessel, hence she commonly stood at the helm when she and her sisters flew forth from Keltra. Homura II was the majority of the Sacred Septet merged into an amalgam of them all, and so she possessed the same skills and abilities they did, as well as much more. Steering Skydancer towards Keltra and directing it forward at a proper speed was now something she did with ease, and the segments of her that consisted of those that were rather inept at piloting felt a surge of satisfaction. Courage could not have flown through the quaking earth even with the aid of a goddess, and was the only one among her sisters that felt a hint of annoyance as they proceeded onward in their flight back home.

[hr]

Fear felt as though she were running away again, yet even after her head had shattered and she had been banished by her mother, she did not believe that any of her sisters would suffer for her actions. A piece of her that was what remained of Pride was attempting to reach out and remind her of their responsibility; protecting Rowan from Chailiss and Viho. The Keeper of Keltra had given her stray sister one last thing through their connection, before separating herself again, but Fear barely heeded her own overwhelmed mind, refusing to accept all that had happened and the consequences of her actions. In her distraught state, she was vulnerable and susceptible to becoming a sacrifice to the minds of her sisters. Perhaps she should accept becoming possessed after all - she served little other purpose, it seemed.

She could hear their voices, and sense their emotions, Courage, Kindness, Curiosity, Wanderer, and Pride, and another she had yet to meet known as Desire, along with their Reflections. She heard them simultaneously complain about her cowardice, forgive her, praise her, and yearn to be reunited with her. It was all too much, and Fear sought solace in an internal silence that ever eluded her. She felt confusion when there were differing sentiments from each sister, as she realized the effect including their Reflections into their connection had; allowing the Sacred Septet to express more aspects of themselves when they shared their minds. The strangest, much more bewildering experience was hearing the voice of her own Reflection speaking to her.

“Leave me alone!” She cried out.

The large southern passages that led out of the keep revealed a landscape that was unfamiliar to Fear, as she was helplessly carried along by Zima and still held onto the crying Rowan. Fear did not see, with her vision blurred by tears, but she remembered. Wherein once the fields within the fortress were desolate, there were glittering gardens spread throughout the region, similar in aesthetic to the subterranean domain of Garle, yet smaller in scale and less diverse. There were two towering structures that she recognized as the Temple of the Tapestry and the Temple of Resurrection because of her bond providing her with memories that belonged to her Reflection. In her mind, her sisters told her to go to the shorter, crimson building that resembled a smaller version of the keep with the addition of more windows and ornate decoration.

Her sisters shared with her the secrets of the temple, and explained an adjusted strategy to her with details regarding what she must do to survive and succeed. It was a desperate plan, yet it brought hope. Fear chose to listen to her sisters as she pointed to the temple. “Zima, we need to go there!” 

The wind that was the spirit hastily changed course and to the shorter temple they headed. She heard a gentle voice in her ear, despite all the blowing wind. "You must not blame yourself, Fear. I… I want you to know that." And then Zima’s voice was gone but her presence was all around them. She sounded mournful, full of regret.

“I can’t understand why Chailiss is doing this, and why won’t Homura help us…” Fear whispered, incapable of finding any way to soothe the sorrowful Zima and crying Rowan with words or gestures. Her attempts at helping others always went wrong, again and again, until the worst eventually happened - the death of a sister and the Eternal Fire extinguished. Upon the verge of being broken, she struggled even to emotionally weep, with silent trails of tears falling from her somber face as she came closer and closer to the Temple of Resurrection with the tainted Viho pursuing them. She felt only afraid of what was to come.

The open doorway beckoned them, and they flew through it into a vast and mostly vacant chamber with a single passage at the far back. Fear had known the mysteries of the temple, what awaited her within, but the sight of her sister’s soul standing beside the lone altar still surprised her, still left her bereft of bravery and acceptance. Though her body had perished, Pride remained within Keltra and indicated for both Fear and Zima to approach with an angry flick of her ethereal hand. “There is little time left, hurry!”

Fear choked back a sob, as she staggered onwards ridden with grief. She pushed herself to go faster as she gently placed Rowan behind the altar and stepped up beside the spectral remnant of her slain sister. She stared at Zima, and attempted to smile. “I’m not leaving you, no matter what.”

Zima’s wind coalesced into a woman before Fear, who wore a long flowing dress. She did not make eye contact with Pride, her eyes downcast as she glanced away, if not in shock, then out of guilt. She walked over to Fear and stood next to her, placing a hand upon her shoulder. That in of itself seemed to surprise her but she pushed forward. “I could say the same, Fear. I… Will be here, as long as you need me.” She glanced at her and gave a forced smile before she looked to Pride, actually looking at her this time. “My father… He was… I’m sorry for what happened.”

Pride merely shook her head in annoyance, and slightly shrugged. “I have twice been killed by the gods and goddesses of this world, and it’s really irked me, but I don’t blame you. I’m mad you didn’t retrieve my scepter though…” She simply snorted at the loss of the artifact and her demise before turning her attention to Fear, and holding out her hand. “It is time.”

Fear shifted her gaze between Pride and Zima, settling upon the latter with sadness in her eyes. “You’re the one mistake that I’ll never regret. My one miracle…” The anxious champion said to Zima before she grasped hands with the soul of her small sister. The shifting symbols upon Fear’s skin were their usual black, but the Gnostic glyphs on Pride were white instead, yet there was no friction as they fused into one with a blinding flash of light. Standing afore the altar was the amalgam of Fear and Pride, which wielded the bright pale flames of the Phoenix, as she stepped forward. Zima took a step back, a mixture of awe and sadness upon her face.

The combination of Fear and Pride held up her hand, armored with the Black Gauntlet, and tapped into their spiritual power. The relic was sheathed in light and shadows, as it expanded and covered more of her arm until it halted at her shoulder. The light became pearlescent chains coiled around an extension of the Black Gauntlet; a dark vambrace and rerebrace connected to an intricate pauldron. The two that were one chanted together. “Connect!” Then the three relics combined, with the lustrous chains seeping into and adorned the black metal armor. When the ritual was complete, they stood at the entrance in preparation for their foe’s arrival.

Zima stood forth as well. "I made him like this. Only by my hand did he fall. You must not blame yourself for how you had acted, Fear. That too is my fault." She sighed. "I don't know how to break his curse. It must be different than my own and I never knew him like you did, Fear. I don't know if you are the key but we must try else we will be defeated. You've fought me, you know how this works. Be careful, okay?" Zima looked toward the entrance, as a darkness settled in at last. 

Three things happened next almost simultaneously. The very foundations of Keltra shook and rumbled. Even where they stood in the temple could they feel it. Next, a roar that made Zima grasp her ears ripped across the air. A screeching agony and of something unnatural. And finally, as the world seemed to break, Viho landed in the entrance, bathed in twilight. 

He wasted little time leaping forth and attacking, striking his talons at the two that were one. Zima began to coalesce in wind, that hit him of course. She was like a gale that kept pushing the owl back. That was until Viho put his wings to his side and used his talons to dig into the stone to advance. Step by step as Zima's fury never abated.

With what little time was gained, Pride telepathically uttered to the cold spirit. “Focus on hindering his movements, and we’ll focus on breaking his curse!”

Pride plus Fear dashed forward, and leapt high onto the back of the large owl as they curved through the air around him while riding the wind currents. The combined champion was engulfed in the pale flames of the Phoenix, and held onto the rim of the golden gorget that protected his throat. She stared at the haunting afterimages of Viho emblazoned upon his armor, and felt sorrow thrum in her heart as she attempted to heal him.

“You don’t believe in goodbyes, Viho. Remember the open skies and seas, our time together, and a promise. I am freed from the parasite, and Zima is free from her curse. You can be free too!”

"I can never be free!" He roared, letting go of the floor and opening his wings. The sudden airflow made him spring back into the air, right for the ceiling. He was going to crush Fear and Zima was not going to be fast enough to stop him. The ceiling came closer and closer, and then he collided with the crimson stone above with the sound of the intense impact echoing throughout the empty chamber as something cracked.

“That’s not true!” Fear shouted still intact, as she buried her feet in the fractured ceiling while her hands pushed down against the accursed armor that threatened to pulverize her. She was trapped between both sturdy forces, but endured the weight of the owl champion as she continued to call out to him. “Even dying wouldn’t be enough to imprison you for eternity, so please come back to me! You’re a hero, Viho. You can defy death!”

The owl let out a hiss of frustration as he fell, then flying against the top of the ceiling again once freed from Zima’s wind. The spirit herself tried to do what Pride had commanded of her but was failing with each miss of her wind. "You murdered me, you ate my flesh and let me die! If I was a hero, now I'm only a monster!" The owl raged.

“You are still a hero… that’s what I believe. A monster wouldn’t remember our friendship, or care to remember it! Within you is the one that saved me, and he wouldn’t let himself become like this! It was the parasite that possessed me, and it’s Chailiss that has corrupted you, but our curses can still be broken! You’re not a monster, Viho!” The owl plunged to the ground, turning himself so his back, and by extension Fear, were facing the ground. With a thunderous crash that shook the stones, Viho landed and was on his feet in moments. 

“That Viho is gone. You killed him.” Zima, for her part, rocketed forth and struck the Owl, who became off balance. She then whipped around and struck him again, making him tumble. Fear flew towards him like a scarlet comet, leaping onto his helm, and holding onto the visor as she peered into his crimson eyes. Golden metal bent as her armored hand clenched around it.

“Stop spouting lies. He isn’t gone, and I didn’t kill him. That’s not the truth. We’ve found our way home before, we can do it again. Let’s have faith in ourselves.”

“Never.” he whispered and then slammed his head onto the stone. Zima shouted, pestering him with more wind but Viho, with a flick of his wing, a wave of shadow washed over her and Zima went down, squirming as black fire covered her. Viho recovered himself and tried to pin down Fear with his talons. The fused champion evaded as her sister prompted her to hurry with whatever spell or speech she was going to attempt, since their time would eventually expire. In a battle of attrition, without the Eternal Fire, they would not last against a revenant. There were also external forces awaiting them, and neither would wait forever. Fear felt a hint of laughter within her when Pride pointed out the similarities between the enraged owl and herself.

“I’m a little stubborn at times, aren’t I…” Fear admitted, feeling a forlorn smile form as she bound back and forth and dodged each of Viho’s attacks. He was clumsy and lacked experience compared to her, but a single strike from his talons would end the fight, so she dedicated herself to defense until she could devise another strategy with haste. Her strength had yet to fade, but Zima was vulnerable, and Fear couldn’t afford to risk her companion or Rowan. Even now, she sensed the malice outside and the otherworldly presence inside, coming closer to bring an end to this confrontation. The fused champion recalled the words Zima had said in regards to freeing herself from her curse.

“An epiphany…” She muttered. “We are still stuck even if we’re free, as the gods will create more blessings and curses that will continue to trap us. Even so, as long as we're together, the good and bad, love and hatred, it will all come together to create harmony. Perhaps my wish won’t come to be, but Viho; you haven’t died alone, and neither will I!” Fear proclaimed as she separated from Pride and pushed her spectral sister to the back of the temple. She remained behind and no longer sought to evade the deadly talons of the owl champion. There was no calm before the coming storm, but Fear felt an ephemeral peace within her as she arrived at the outcome of her choice.

Somewhere Zima screamed, the shadows closed in and a baby cried. Viho’s aim was true and the owl champion grasped his once-friend and pinned her to the floor with strength enough to break the stone. He looked upon her, as he always had but there was no fondness or love behind his gaze. Now it was just anger and hatred. So great it was that it exuded from his very being like a plague. Dripping in the smoke that clung about him. “Of course you’d give up!” he shouted at her, “Of course you’d think some act of sacrifice was the only way! Of course of course of course!” He lamented. “And now you’re right here, so close under foot and I…” he paused, voice losing its edge. “I failed…” he began, bending his neck low. “My last trial… I plunged into that place of screaming, only to be saved by more suffering. Do you know what it was? My last trial…? You were there, the one I loved. How could I not? But you were a monster… You wanted to kill me and even then I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t. So I fell.” His voice grew quieter. “And now? Before me you lay, accepting your fate. And I…I failed.” Viho looked at her again. His chest puffed out, the air swelled around him, grasp tightening and then, with a flap of his wings, he was gone. Leaving them all alone once again.

Inadvertent tears fell Fear’s sorrowful eyes, yet something pushed at her heart without relent. It was the voices of her sisters, shouting at her to stand, to rise and retrieve Rowan, while Pride was the most audible among them, her words both within her mind and outside from further back in the temple. “Flee then! The living can’t linger when a Gate of Nebel has been opened! Find the rest of our family and seek a way to save us, you fool!” While the soul of the Keeper of Keltra spoke, grey mist poured forth from the passage behind her, and the bellowing of chthonic beasts could be heard coming closer. The world of the living and the world of the dead were converging, beckoning souls and spirits from the afterlife to attend this strange spectacle.

Fear was drowning in despair, flailing helplessly in her head as she staggered to her feet and stared at the ghostly phenomenon in front of her. She was being exiled once again, and she sought out any that would not leave her now.

They came first through the mist, like a river of blue cutting through a mountain. All was washed over in their path and the babies coo’s were silenced. The baying of the beasts became muffled, the way was being blocked now as the souls of a people came forth. They were the Voiran’s, pale faced and white haired with eyes of crystal blue. They walked past Fear, a great multitude of them as they headed for who laid further in- Zima. Fear found herself weakened after enduring the presence of a revenant and now without the aid of the Phoenix flames to protect her, but she refused to let the souls of the dead harm her companion.

“Fear, go now!”

She could not see the soul of her shouting sister amidst the sea of other souls, and she had lost sight of Rowan behind the looming lonely altar as well. She could only see Zima, as the haunted visages of the Voirans marched towards her. It was neither warm, nor cold, as the mist filled the hollow chamber of the temple, and Fear fought desperately against the lethargy that hindered her movements. 

Zima was grabbed, arms held as she was forced to stay on her knees, though she didn’t seem bothered by what was happening, almost as if she was at peace. Though her facial features told a different story. Haunted but accepting. Soon enough the Voiran presence within the chamber was all consuming. They came to a halt, like silent statues. 

Zima’s eyes finally found Fear and she gave a small smile to her. “Fear. Listen to me! You have to go. What happens next, happens to me alone.”

“I won’t leave you! Come with me, please!”

Fear cried out in refusal, but then both she and Pride were grabbed by a multitude of the Voirans and brought opposite to Zima, who went wide eyed. “No! No! Let them go, it was just me! It was just me!” She struggled in their grasp but they were unyielding. A young Voiran girl stepped forth and Zima froze as she looked at her. 

“The Daughters of Honor shall bear witness.” She said, her voice stern. 

“Don’t hurt them, please. Just me. Just punish me.” Zima begged, looking to the floor. 

“Zima.” She pointed at the spirit, “Daughter of the Spirit Father, He Who Claimed Death. You murdered us all and for what? You slaughtered an entire people. Wiped us from the face of the Galbar. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

“No… I have nothing of value to say, only that I regret such actions and I will hate myself forever more.” Zima said with a sad sigh, she held her head high now. The Voiran’s faces were still devoid of any emotion but most could not look at her. Or maybe they wouldn’t.

“Then do you accept whatever punishment we deem to give?” The girl asked, stepping forth before her. 

“Yes. I do.” Zima nodded, glancing at Fear.

The girl raised her finger again and pointed to the spirit. In the voices of a thousand people, she delivered judgment. “Then, as these champions as our witnesses, this shall be your punishment; Return to the field of our massacre, bury the bodies of us that remain so all may have proper rites and let sorrow bloom into hope.” Zima blinked, she looked shocked but quickly nodded. 

“I will. Thank you. All of you.” She said sheepishly. “I do not deserve-”

She was cut off by the girl raising her hand, voice returning to her own. “No. You do not. But long have we come to understand that even those as wayward as you, deserve only pity. It is more likely that you will die trying to stop the Death that runs rampant in the North. Either way, we shall have our recupance.” The girl then turned to Fear and Pride. 

“Your Mother stole the shard of Souls and now our god has vanished.” She pointed to Fear. “Return us the shard, even if Death claims you.” She pointed to Fear, “Deliver that message to your kin.” She then looked to Pride, arm falling to rest at her side. “You have received the proper rites of burial, even so cruelly as you were taken. You could linger here forever but know such souls who refuse to go on invite both monsters and pain. To pass on, your trials await. Bar any…” She glanced at Zima, “Unforeseen circumstances.” She then took a step back and all of them were freed. The girl looked to Fear again and tilted her head. “The owl’s soul is not so blackened yet. Only murder deepens the shadow. Look only to his own perceived failures to break what binds him. Forgiveness comes in two forms.” She then turned to leave, the Voirans beginning to dissipate. 

“You must leave, the Iqelins grow emboldened and they would claim any lost soul not strong enough to fight back.” She glanced back to Pride. “We can guide you to your first gate, if you wish. Only follow.” She then dipped her head and vanished into the moving mist. An eerie silence descended upon the chamber, muted were the macabre calling from the depths and the thunderous tremors outside, only a continual haunting hiss lingered as a subtle ambient sound. It was dreadfully quiet.

Fear finally reached Zima, and held onto her. Tears gathered and trailed down the weeping champion’s cheeks, as she clung onto her companion. Fear trembled with distraught after the harrowing ordeal. “You, ah! Enough! We’re going together, so no more crying.” She said with a fragile smile that barely held itself. Instead of becoming sobbing she began the process of helping the spirit stand, as Pride stayed silently pensive closeby. Zima followed her up slowly and then, when standing, pressed her hands on either side of Fear’s cheeks. 

“Okay, okay.” Her thumb, tentatively rubbed a tear away from Fear’s left eye. The spirit tilted her head, “I told you. I won’t leave you.” 

Someone else came into view, another spirit, swadling a cloth bundle. Zima seemed to shrink and went to the side of Fear, looking to the floor as she grabbed a loose fabric that clung to Fear. The spirit that arrived before them was a woman, distraught with grief. She carried Rowan in her arms, reluctance in her posture as more Voiran’s traveled through the gate. 

“Thank you.” She spoke to Fear, “For saving my Rowan. Please. Please, “ she begged, hands and arms shaking as she passed him towards her. “Take him. Keep him safe. Now is not the time for him to come with us. Please.”

“Seek Skydancer and our sisters. I will investigate this theft.” Pride added quietly, as Fear received Rowan and nodded her head at his mother with hope that she would rest reassured that her child would be protected. The anxious champion felt uncertain she conveyed such, when she barely felt reassured by anything at the moment with herself. The pressure in her mind became more potent, as the soul of her small sister continued to urge her to leave the temple, and Fear found that she forlornly accepted all that had happened with another slow nod. There was nothing that remained for her here. 

The woman glanced at Zima and glowered but she dipped her head in thanks to Fear. “Thank you…” She said, leaning in to kiss Rowan’s brow. The boy cooed gently and then the woman returned to the lingering crowd. They were almost all gone. 

Zima stepped forth after a time and called out to the smaller champion. “Pride?”

Pride scoffed when addressed. “Fear has faith in you. I’m lacking such… go on.” She said with annoyance, after Fear attempted to telepathically chastise her through their connection. With a free hand, Fear still held onto Zima. 

Zima twirled her pointer fingers as she nervously tried to hold Pride’s scrutinizing gaze. “I… Noted. I just… If you go through with the trials, trust yourself. Go with your… Inner flame.” She then did something very odd. Having seemingly finished her conversation, Zima’s form shrunk into a small, translucent mink that slipped up Fear’s arm, hiding behind her neck and hair. She poked her face out and then said, “That’s all, good luck.” She then vanished again.

Pride tilted her head in response, before looking at Fear. “Farewell sister. Try to be less foolishly stubborn next time.” She said, until she was suddenly rushed and embraced. Fear awkwardly hugged the soul of her sister, with a reminder between them that such was a tradition whenever any of them parted ways, before she stepped back and smiled softly. Fear began her journey outside, stating to her sister that it wasn’t a goodbye while she also recited Viho’s words. Without the Eternal Fire, both she and Rowan would soon perish, but she didn’t stop to lament or lose herself to those thoughts, and carried onwards.

“Everything will be okay, Fear. You’ll see.’ Zima whispered in her ear. “Pride is… Strong. She will succeed in the trials and… Well, a part of me believes her place in this world is not yet over. Take heart, my… Fear. We’ll find a way through this.”

“It’s overwhelming, but I can still breathe when I’m with you. I’m going to help you bury the dead too. It’s always been my intention to go back there…” Fear replied, carefully carrying Rowan in her arms as she passed through the passage leading out of the temple. Zima pulsed, rummaging through Fear’s hair but said nothing.

Keltra had become even more desolate after the coming of the corrupted Chailiss, cold and dark where his presence had tainted the stone and purged the warmth that once emanated from the Eternal Fire. Though it was a disturbing sight, Fear found cruelly ironic fortune in the great gaping wound in the western section of the wall, which would allow her to walk out of the fortress without difficulty. The anxious champion trekked quickly across the bleak fields, averse to entering the interior of the empty keep and bringing forth more pain. She said nothing, as she sensed the departure of her sister’s soul, and felt a solemn silence in the connection they shared.

Zima let out a small sigh. “Such destruction. My father is truly gone then. The God I knew would never have stooped so low. What… What went wrong?” She seemed to ask herself.

“I don’t really know. The Divine can become lost too, so somewhere he stumbled along the way. I want to help him, but I can’t think of anything that will at the moment. Too much thinking, and I’ll burn out. We can look for Mother when we’re safe… she’s a goddess, and closer to him.” Fear said, though she could not find the conviction of her words within her voice. 

“I would say some cannot be helped but… That wouldn’t be so true.” Zima murmured. “But I will say, your mother’s recent antics do frighten me as well. We know not her side or why she has done such things but Garle had no reason to lie and the Voirans. We should tread carefully around those that could kill us so easily.”

“It’s funny, I’ve thought of running away from it all so many times. I didn’t want to be used by the Divine, to be what my Mother wanted, to stay forever afraid of myself and everything around me, but what can I do? I can’t hide any longer, because I’ll be weak when it’s my time to stand up for myself. Too weak. Pride says… that Mother will grant us the strength we need, so I’m going to have to look for her, at least for the sake of my sisters.” Without warning, Fear came to a halt. “Um, now that you’re not trying to kill them, maybe we can all be sisters.” She hesitantly said before she resumed her journey towards the sundered wall.

“Sisters? O-Of course.” Zima said in a sheepish voice. “You should not think of such things. I mean, of what you are or what you were meant to be. It does not matter, Fear. We should only rely on ourselves and each other, because that’s what matters. I think at least. Umm, you are honorable, even now. It is something that I… Admire, very much. But I will go with you, wherever you wish. You followed me enough…”

“I’m meandering now. Adrift… My family acts as an anchor, but being close to them means being close to her… Don’t blame yourself for your curse, Zima, because how could you have known what would happen or fought against it?” Fear kept walking, and passed through the threshold of the fortress and proceeded into the forest. “There was a time when Mother didn’t want us to leave Keltra until she deemed the rest of the world was safe for us. My sisters and I disagreed before we discovered the nature of our relationship with our Mother, the one that held such power over us.” Fear gazed upon her hand, and felt the weight of a phantom blade pressed into her palm. “She made me kill Courage, as she killed the others… Trapped in a horrific nightmare. There was not a choice or act I could’ve done to change what happened. It was as if it was pre-written. Meant to be.” She let her hand drop, and let out a sigh as well.

“Do you really believe you don’t deserve forgiveness?” Fear asked.

"Yes…" Zima murmured, poking her small head out. "Fear, what your mother did was awful. What I did to you was awful. What I've done to the world while… That thing…" her voice faded as if she was caught in the moment. "It is not something most can just forgive." She said again, emotion seeping into her voice, "You should hate me, Fear. I abused you. I hurt you. I stole you away. I destroyed your very memories so you would stay with me, like some sort of doll. A servant without your own will. Even if my fate was pre-written, I was still active in my choice. I didn't have to make others hurt. I didn't have to kill or destroy or or…" Her voice broke into small sobs. Zima then pounced from her shoulder and became a young woman again, landing before Fear to stop her from walking. Her features were vaguely ethereal, misty and blue. She stood a little taller than Fear and her hair was frazzled.

Zima's mournful sobs soon became angrier however as she poked Fear in the chest. "Why do you forgive me so easily? If you had told me you never wanted to see me again I would have left. I would have respected that choice. Perhaps I still should. It's only my own selfishness why I stay, me thinking that I can do good by you." She grabbed the dress she wore and flailed her other arm. "You don't need me, Fear. You've never had anything to prove!" 

The baby stirred and Zima eyed him, calming herself with a deep breath. Her voice became softer while her arms rested at her sides. "You've simply wanted to live and be free and you have. You are strong, the strongest of your sisters. And your heart is forgiving. Perhaps too much." The spirit gulped, "I… I'm sorry for everything. But I'm not… A victim, Fear. You were. Of cruelty, from both myself and your mother. I will never guilt you into doing anything ever again."

She crossed her arms. "When you told me you wanted to return to the Field of Sorrow, I almost agreed. But I have to do that by myself. You are free of me, Fear. You're free… And I should be dead." She whispered, looking to the ground at their feet.

“I don’t want to be free of you though.” Fear replied, stepping closer to her spiritual companion. “And if you should be dead, then so should I. If I should live, then so should you… That’s kind of what I believe, at least.” She added quietly, as the shifting symbols of the Gnosis manifested over her open hand, before she softly placed her hand upon Zima’s shoulder.

Zima looked to the touch, her lips trembling as she looked to Fear with wide eyes. "Why?" She asked. Even though sustaining the spell exhausted her further, Fear found herself holding onto a small smile as she answered.

“I’m not afraid when I’m with you... You’re a source of joy, excitement, gratitude, and hope for me. I would be incomplete without you. So… I feel like I should thank you.”

Zima took her hand and pushed it away. "Fear… Don't you see how wrong that is? I," she pointed to herself, "I possessed your body. I gave you a parasite that required you to murder innocents. You've barely known me as I am now. There was no joy or excitement or gratitude or hope before. Just sorrow and suffering. You cannot say such things. Do not be thankful for what I did. And certainly don't say you'd be incomplete without me. Are you unable to see what I see? The brave daughter of honor before my eyes. She is already complete."

“I am Fear, the daughter of honor that was born to bring terror into the world. You helped me when you were a revenant, and I was what my mother wanted me to be for a time. It was very painful, and I wish to never feel that way again, but it was something that I had resisted for too long. I have changed, and I’m stronger now because of our terrible actions. Maybe… someday I will be strong enough to defy Mother. You’re not her slave, and it’s like I can see a light whenever I look at you, even when you were shrouded with shadows. It brings me hope… that there is another way. I was more free with you, and we can be more free together.” Her words spilled forth in a rush, as her mind swirled with contradictory thoughts and the voices of her sisters all arguing for or against what she had said. Fear let out a tired sigh, as she released the spell and glanced south-west in the direction she felt her physical sisters were in, so far from Keltra now.

Zima’s stare was downcast as she looked at Fear. She said nothing for several moments before taking another deep breath. "Oh Fear. Perhaps we're both too damaged for our own good. I only feel guilt and you wish to thank me for it. I don't know what else to say to make you see. But I know I wish to help you and you wish to help me, so maybe with time… We can heal and I don't know, try to move on?" 

Zima sighed and the corners of her lips turned into a slight smile. "I will stay with you Fear but I swear, if I deem my presence is doing you more harm than good, I will leave. Whether you wish me to or not. Being apart makes us see what we are often blind to. Would you respect my choice if it comes to pass?"

“Would you be willing to stop saying that you should be dead then?” Fear asked.

The spirit smirked. "Yes."

“Then I’ll, um… accept your choice, Zima.”

[hr]

[b][i]“We rescued Rowan when we went to find Zima on behalf of Chailiss long ago, and encountered grim and cruel creatures hunting him and his mother. We thought he was the only one among his people that had not been killed by the Revenant, as neither our Mother nor Voi ever sought to reunite him with others like himself.”[/i][/b] Homura II explained while Skydancer flew over a sea of clouds that hung over the land. It was less loud at such an altitude, far enough away from the people that lived on the plains so that she did not have to hear them all throughout the journey home. The demigoddess was aware that it was the non-divine half of her that sought to listen to the world with a newfound ability to take notice of all that was the Galbar. Her heightened perception had become both a gift and a hindrance at the moment, it seemed, so she focused on elucidating all that had happened.

“My Lord had to have known I was alive… Why wouldn’t he…” Mair muttered, growing quiet. She looked out at the horizon, growing stoic. Shysie put a hand on her shoulder but even this did not stir her. 

“How did you feed him?” Shysie asked Homura II with a raised eyebrow.

[b][i]“Transmutation. I cannot say for certain what the exact changes to his body were, but he is sustained by the Eternal Fire which acts as a source of energy for life. I can ascertain another way of feeding him when we return to Keltra and have properly observed his body.”[/i][/b] She replied, and silently recalled a time when she had eaten the food offered by her brothers among the Childan as the Holy Quintet… resulting in the temporary corruption of the water inside her. She smiled with the realization that in this new form she could eat as much food as she liked, and cleanse her body immediately afterwards.

Shysie let out a large laugh. “I could surely tell you. You nee-” She was cut off by Mair, who snapped back to attention.

“You changed his body? To feed off fire!” She said, anger in her voice. “What else have you done to him?” she demanded.

[b][i]“Primarily cuddle with him, as well as weave for him a dress. We noted his inner flames were being consumed by the earth and water of his shape, but that is common among most mortals. His shape will change as a consequence of this, but that is again… common among most mortals. He remains akin to an average Voiran child, according to the visions we glimpsed in Pride’s memories. You may verify whether this is true when you see him, I suppose.”[/i][/b] Homura II answered.

"What are you even talking about right now?" Mair huffed, crossing her arms. "Inner flames? Earth? Water? Do you even know what we are made of?" She grew angrier, "He better be alright when we get there! He's the only other one who remains and I swear if you've brought harm to him, unknowingly or not I'll fu-" 

Shysie put a hand over Mair’s mouth, but it was more her entire face, much to the protest of the Voiran woman. "Calm Mair. Calm. All will be well. They saved us at least, how much could they have done to harm the baby?" 

She released her hold over Mair and the pale warrioress began to grumble. "Whatever. As long as he's fine. I can't say I trust them, even if they did help us. They only helped me after they almost killed me. What sort of half divine's solution to undoing a possession is to batter the possessed with rocks? Aren't you a Divine now? Couldn't you have done something else?"

Shysie sighed.

[b][i]“Hmm… I intended to eradicate your bodies completely, preventing the revenant from possessing others, and afterwards, I would have apprehended her and brought her back to Keltra. Then I would have resurrected you and anyone else that was obliterated as well when the threat was removed. Those were my intentions, yet I am not infallible, and events unfolded differently.”[/i][/b] Her voice, so alike her Mother’s now, was ever stern, and the demigoddess pondered the fact that she had so few memories of this specific voice employing a gentle tone. Homura II sensed a hint of anger deep within her, but it felt too far away to ever reach the surface, reduced to being irrelevant in the larger system of her being that constantly interacted with the world. With her greater perception, she noticed her anger grow immensely, yet it still remained insignificant in comparison to everything else. She idly wondered what Mair would do; when she progressed further along the Sacred Path, and joined the Divine as well.

The look of abject horror became apparent on their faces. It was Mair who began to shake with anger. "That's not right…" She began, "How dare you!" She jumped up, charging forth but Shysie grabbed her forearm. "Let me go, let me go!" She screamed, fighting Shysie, who remained calm despite everything. "She doesn't care!" Mair began to cry angry tears, "None of them do! We're all just playthings to them! Useful tools!" She began to stop struggling, going limp as more tears came. "He let everyone die. She would have let everyone die. I hate you."

[b][i]“Your presence was an unforeseen addition to the equation… it was only meant to be myself, Zima, and Fear. Shysie, please tell me why you thought you two were capable of intervening - why did you involve yourselves when you would have inevitably perished and provided the revenant with more souls to taint? Were there more of you?”[/i][/b]

Before the Childan could say anything, Mair snapped back, "Because someone had to put down that demon and by the sound of it, you let her live!"

"Mair please. Relax little bird." Shysie said.

"Don't tell me to relax!" She shouted, Shysie winced but Mair kept going, "She thinks us incapable of doing the very task we set out for. Just to justify her own failures. They have to be right because if they aren't, then someone else gets blamed. There is nothing left inside, just the coldness that all gods exude."

[b][i]“If the revenant remains, then I will seek her until she is freed from her curse. The cavern was empty when I returned for Fear, and neither of them were powerful enough to endure the manastorm. I currently sense my sister in Keltra, therefore she survived… if the revenant accompanied her, then they will have to contend with Pride who possesses an equal amount of stone to hurl at her target. You should rejoice, as the threat is being removed.”[/i][/b] Homura II offered, before she conjured a meal similar to what the Holy Quintet had received, and began eating the contents of the levitating bowls and platters laden with resplendent food from where she stood. She contemplated the frivolous nature of calling upon the Gnosis to create such a strange source of sustenance, but found that she still enjoyed the taste of it all.

[b][i]“Would you like some as well?”[/i][/b] The demigoddess asked.

"Unbelievable." Mair said, smoke beginning to waft from her pores and Shysie, alarmed, let go. Instead of attacking the demigoddess, Mair turned to her giant friend and through gritted teeth said, "Make. Sure. The baby. Is. Safe." And then she was gone, transformed into a white raven and became lost in the wind of Skydancer's wake. 

Shysie almost tipped the boat as she tried to move positions to call after her, but her voice was lost in the wind. She grabbed the sides of her head and looked to the demigoddess, tears pooling in her large eyes. "I hope you're happy."

[b][i]“You should hope Mair finds happiness, as her hatred will not heal her.”[/i][/b] Homura II replied halfheartedly, as she glanced between two bowls filled with a mixture of Bjork and Childan cuisine, and deliberated upon which she should consume before the other.

Shysie looked up at the sky, a laugh escaping her lips. "You don't think I know that?" She said, looking back down at the indifferent demigod. "I tried to be there for her, to make sure she wouldn't be alone. I tried to steer her away from vengeance but she is stubborn and can be like a child. Just as you, spirit mother." 

Shysie hugged herself and looked to the floor. "I pity the spirits. Especially you. You are everything we are not and more. I only feel as if it blinds you, poisons you. I only hope you know what you are doing. I have seen such good intentions turn cruel."

[b][i]“I am what I am, regardless of whether or not I am what I wish to be. What I once was is suppressed in the depths of my being, to prevent becoming possessed. What I will be, I have yet to decide. I cannot promise salvation, but I solemnly seek to protect the Galbar and its denizens. I digress, what will you do when we reach our destination?”[/i][/b] Homura II asked after finishing her meal, and resumed her motionless stance at the helm again.

"I only wish that you are able to protect us from yourself." She sighed. "I shall ensure the child is safe and return to the north. My people must know what has transpired."

[b][i]“Tell me, have the men and women of the North reconciled? When the Holy Quintet visited, they spoke with a tribe that dwelled upon the southern shores where all of the Childan first awoke. They heard of the prophecy that Wapeka the Brave foretold; that when the sky danced, the tribes would come together once more.”[/i][/b] Homura II felt a yearning to return to the North as she spoke, since she could feast alongside her brothers without concern now. Even though she could not predict the future, and a paramount choice awaited her, her mind repeatedly returned to reminiscing the times when there was less divinity dictating the world around her. She realized with regret that she wanted to enjoy what she would simply call her adolescence again, but she was aware that with great power, came great responsibility.

It was here that the Childan woman briefly smiled before her face dripped into an immeasurable sadness. “The sky danced and with it came spring, like Wapeka foretold. Many came together but with the onset of spring beset a tragedy that we cannot ever forget. You see, our homeland to the west was torn asunder by the dance. We knew not what happened, only that we lost many that day. The Worst was yet to come, for a few of us Keepers were asked to go to the very reaches of the north. There sat a domain inhabited by the Spirit Father yet… He was not the same. He had grown mad. There in that place I was with three other sisters, Mair and a daughter of Chailiss, Aurora. Her mother was Rosalind, so she said and before the dance ripped our land apart, they had been with us. We feared them dead. But now Rosalind sleeps in the highest tower, guarded by Chailiss to keep the fever at bay. We tried to escape when we realized he was gone. The spirits… Some were kind. They would have carried us away but the Father found us and he killed them. My sisters before Aurora whisked us far, far away. I must return, to tell my people and then… I must save Aurora.”

[b][i]“I would help you on your quest, if you have no qualms with my assistance.”[/i][/b] Homura II said, then Skydancer descended beneath the sea of clouds, and the endless waves of golden and silvery mists around them briefly shone with a resplendent radiance as the colorful light of the soaring vessel was reflected before swiftly parting through it all. Shysie was too mesmerized for further talk. 

Beneath them now spread the vast crimson forest of Kel-Phelena, sprouting from the southern shores to the northern mountains - and in the distance stood the immense fortress of Keltra, towering over the throng of red trees. They had already traveled from the western edges of Termina to the eastern edge during their limited conversation, and it had been only a short while since they departed their home in search of their stray sister, yet it seemed much had changed since then.

The demigoddess did not steer Skydancer towards the fortress, but instead flew towards the section of the forest directly beneath them. There was no turbulence, nor disruption to their surroundings, as they lowered themselves through the canopy of scarlet leaves, carefully navigating their way through the white branches as they moved closer to the ground, until they alighted before the one they sought. Homura II hid her grimace as she internally strangled and rearranged the flow of thoughts and memories through the connection she shared with Fear, preventing her sister from accessing her mind while she retained all access, as there must be caution with such interactions between mortals and those that had become like her.

Fear was not alone, but Homura II could see and understand what had happened, so she hastily processed both her sorrow and relief as she spoke aloud. [b][i]“I am Homura II, and I intend neither of you harm.”[/i][/b] Her strange yet familiar words were accompanied by a surge of sustaining warmth in her sister and the child that she carried in her arms, as the aura of Skydancer and her own divinity provided for both of them. Slow and steady, she let pieces of her mind reach out to Fear to alleviate any lingering dread that the anxious champion had held after her recent ordeal and the concerns of further consequences for her companion.

“What happened? You’re a Reflection of Mother, but you’re also my sisters? Courage? Kindness? Except you’re not…” Fear questioned quietly, confusion and apprehension shimmering in her eyes. She was the opposite of composed, trembling and on the verge of being overwhelmed as she barely struggled to stay standing, because confronting what was before her and accepting what was behind her, left her feeling deeply lost and lonely. She could hold onto the facsimile of a smile with Zima, but the amalgam of her sisters that had transformed into something too similar to her maker was becoming a source of much stress. Fear reached out to Zima, but her hand passed through her, much to the spirit's dismay.

[b][i]“Indeed; I am not your sisters.”[/i][/b] The demigoddess agreed with an inner reluctance that she refused to show, keeping her impassive visage for her sake, and for Fear. The remnants of the Sacred Septet within her sought to reduce the pain they would inflict upon their sister as much as they could, and that meant cutting themselves away from her sooner rather than later.

More fragments of her thoughts seeped through their choked connection, and Fear was becoming aware of what would come next, but she hadn’t comprehended the entirety yet. She stepped closer to Skydancer, glancing at the Childan she recognized seated upon the hovering boat too small for her size, and Fear recognized that this was the woman she fought in the tomb of Voligan. Vale was hushed by Courage and Kindness, as the lingering persona became angered at the sight of the Childan - and Fear was left hoping that she could make amends and receive forgiveness after what she had done. 

Shysie gave them a scrutinizing look, one of true disdain and perhaps more bitter as she looked at Fear and rubbed her new appendage. She glanced at Homura the second before leaning back. "I will take the child.” Shysie said, outholding one of her hands to Fear. “It would be pointless to fight you with her here but give me the baby, so I at least can hold onto something of value.”

“No! I promised to protect him… from Chailiss, and anything else that would hurt him. I… I need to hear you say you won’t hurt him… Then I’ll let you hold him. Otherwise, I’m going to keep Rowan and Zima safe, even from you.” Fear hesitantly replied, her stare switching between Shysie and her melded sisters with desperate resolve, as the truth that she could not defy either of them at the moment was evident in her now painfully tired and reluctant expression.

Shysie’s brow hardened. “My friend is one of the last Voirans, she wanted me to watch over the only hope of her people. I will not have someone who, just before this meeting now, devoured my flesh and who keeps such company.” Her eyes found Zima, the spirit looked to the ground in shame. “I would never hurt him, I couldn’t. But you? You are the ones no one in their right minds should trust, even if you are somehow less inclined to evil acts. Now give him to me.” Her hand grew impatient.

Fear slowly obliged, offering Rowan to the childan before stepping back and imitating Zima’s ashamed stance. Shysie took the small boy and gingerly pulled him in close, inspecting with an inquisitive eye. “We’ve promised to atone.” Fear whispered, then returned her remorseful gaze to the demigoddess. “We’re going to perform burials and funeral rites for the Voirans… They told us to.” The anxious champion explained, as her hands became restless without holding onto anything.

[b][i]“Hmm… you would not survive the journey without a source to sustain your inner flames, and I wish to see what has befallen the northern lands as well. You have now found Skydancer and the remnants of your sisters, or perhaps it is we who have found you. I digress, I shall accompany you to the cursed fields where the corpses await.”[/i][/b] Homura II proclaimed, as Fear averted her eyes and winced.

Zima looked up at Homura II. “It must be an afterthought for now. I’m sure you already know what has befallen Keltra but as it stands, the Spirit Father has gone mad, stealing the remaining sleeping humans. He must be stopped, by any means. He will kill us all and the world in his insanity. Please.” She dipped her head again. “Please, let us make it right. Let us help.”

[b][i]“We lack the strength to directly oppose Chailiss, but we would seek to protect those that cannot protect themselves. I will not forbid you from choosing to fight. However, I must first find the truth; the world is on the verge of annihilation regardless of our actions, unless I discover the answer to overcome our demise… Precious time is waning, let us depart swiftly.”[/i][/b] Her voice remained impassive, but her mind conveyed the implicit urgency to Fear through their connection. Homura II hurried the two that had yet to board the boat, turning Skydancer so its side faced them, and causing the earth beneath Fear’s feet to rise and lift her.

Rather than endure the tight confines of squeezing too many passengers on the small vessel, Homura II channeled her sacred power into Skydancer, swiftly changing its shape and size. Skydancer became slightly wider and further elongated until there was plentiful space for all aboard, with additional rows of seats and an open section in the center - letting Shysie, Fear, and Zima sit comfortably in ruminative silence, as Homura II stood at the helm. Surging forth from the hands of the demigoddess, arcs of red streaked all around followed by the manifestation of glittering golden filigree which decorated the hull and an ornate platinum phoenix figurehead adorning the prow. Then soon afterwards the newly altered ship ascended above the forest of Kel-Phelena before gracefully soaring towards its next destination like a bolt of celestial light taking flight towards its target.

A chill darkness awaited them…

[hider=Summary]
Homura II emerges from the earth after failing to find Fear. She senses her missing sister in Keltra, and some other strange and perturbing phenomena afflicting the Galbar. She returns to Mair and Shysie, then the three speak before they depart for Keltra upon Skydancer.

Fear flees with Zima and Rowan as Viho pursues them. They head into the Temple of Resurrection where they see the visible soul of Pride, and then Fear fuses with her slain sister. They prepare for their confrontation with Viho, hoping to avoid their deaths by attempting a purification ritual despite lacking the power required.

Viho is winning in the battle of attrition with the amalgam of Fear and Pride, so the latter pair unfuse, and Fear accepts her fate. Pride opens a Nebel Gate, which will allow the spirits of the dead to flood into the temple. However Viho does not kill Fear, and leaves before the Voirans that Zima had slaughtered manifest.

Zima is issued her punishment for her crimes, Fear is told to return the Aspect-Shard of Souls, and then the Voirans begin to leave. The mother of Rowan appears, and thanks Fear while asking the champion to protect him. Pride bids farewell to Fear and Zima, as the latter leave the temple, and the former begins her journey in the afterlife.

The desolation of Keltra affects Fear greatly, and she struggles to cope. The anxious champion attempts to be resolute, but finds that she is lacking conviction. She clings onto her companionship with Zima, but they are both broken and only time will tell whether they are able to find solace. They make a promise with each other.

Homura II, Mair, and Shysie converse on their way to Keltra, but the demigoddess angers Mair and the Voiran leaps from the flying boat. Homura II and Shysie discuss a little more, before they reach Kel-Phelena, and they find Fear, Rowan and Zima. Homura II informs Fear that she is what remains of her sisters. Shysie receives Rowan from Fear. Fear and Zima explain that they must go to the North to atone and stop Chailiss. In the end, they all set out on Skydancer.

[/hider]

[hider=Spirit]

Pride
=17
-12 to create the Pearlescent Chains
-2 to empower herself while fused with Fear during their fight with Viho.
+4

Fear
=16
-12 to create the Pauldron of Protection
-2 to empower herself while fused with Pride during their fight with Viho.
+4

Zima
=20
+4

Viho
=21
+4


Mair
=15
+4


[/hider]

[hider=Prestige]

The Sacred Septet
=5
-5 to empower their ability to “connect” their artifacts, granting the fused tools even greater potency.
+7 (Completion of previous Quest)

[/hider]

[hider=Vigor]

Homura II
=10
-10 (reduced to effectively 5) to empower Skydancer, allowing the boat to change its shape and size, plus further increasing its speed and durability.

[/hider]