Editing 06/19/2024 -- Operation Endure Pt. 5

* Date: 9 Knewidi 715AR. Starring Andreas, Angel, Charon, Fidelis, Koilos, Seth, Thomas, and Zey.
* We begin with Angel, who is bracing themself as the High God’s energy flows over. Fidelis is trying to help other people find cover. The heat and ferocity of the power passes over him, over most of us, a translucent white energy flickering to life. A burst of red becomes iridescent, a magic Fidelis knows. He feels a hand on his shoulder.
** “Quite punctual of you to reach out at this moment, Fidelis.”
* He looks up into the golden eyes of his goddess, who has finally answered his call. She stands draped in her uniform of office, with one metallic hand. The rest of us watch as everything grows still and quiet, and we begin to regroup. Fidelis drops into a kneel without hesitation.
** “It seems that you’ve done well here… Rise. This is no time for formalities. We have much to do. Bring me the leadership here, we must speak.” – Corania
* Fidelis leads her to where the generals are. All of the PCs regroup, except for Ki. Magion, Balek Bones, Doaa, Cordell, Helmuth, Lavatera, and the Maiden all make their way together. Corania looks to everyone here, and says it seems this defense is going rather poorly. She asks if this is a fair assessment, and we say yeah (though it could’ve been worse). She introduces herself as Corania, Goddess of Innovation, and says she heard the prayers and the faith of her initiate. Fidelis tries very hard not to say “I told you so.”
* A very exhausted-looking Lavatera speaks up, and says we can deal with introductions later. We are staring down a High God, and must figure out a plan of action quickly. 
** “I wouldn’t suggest we face down that High God. In fact, I would say there’s much more at work here.” – Zell
* Andreas sees his father walk back to us, perfectly unharmed. He asks what he means, and Zell says he was in the middle of a battle when a High God manifested. He asks what wounds Andreas sees on him, and Andreas says none. Zell affirms this, and starts to introduce himself to the others – Magion, the Maiden, Helmuth, Lavatera, Cordell, and Corania are all bowing in respect before he can even get his name out. He continues and says that he was combating the Banker of Bones, and that in the High God’s manifestation, the Banker’s physical form was destroyed (though he is not dead). Sin fired a controlled blast. He’s not a controllable asset to any side.
* We relay that Zolona and Astodiea are still out there, and that we still don’t know what the coffins are for. There also seems to be something making revival more difficult. We’re told that the energy field created by the Dark Star seems to have been leeching energy from all the Rings for the past few months.
* Helmuth suggests that we end the battle by leading an attack on Zolona and destroying her vessel. He gives his word that he will kill her if he can reach her. Zell finds the attack on her risky, and perhaps even impossible, but what is there to lose? Helmuth says that those who wish it should volunteer with him, and he shall lead a strike force.
* Magion says the plan is bold and risky, and his recommendation is that the rest of our soldiers retreat into the sanctum, and if the operation fails, attempt to mount a defense there. They may be able to get a signal through and wait for someone to come and help. Helmuth says this is a good idea, and asks us one by one if we’ll follow – Andreas, Thomas, Angel, Seth, Fidelis, Charon, and Zey all agree. Lavatera, Cordell, and Corania also step forward, and the others plan to keep to the sides and keep Drach and the Arnyr back to ensure we have a path through.
** “If we do this, we have chance. But know this. Today, we face death, but we do so because we must. Our land, our people, demand it. Stand firm, fight strong. For the Brigade, we endure.” – Helmuth
* The Maiden steps forward, and says her mother has caused all of us more pain than she can possibly comprehend – she’s going to stop her, one way or another. Charon gives her a hard side-hug, and she returns it.
* Seth goes to Lavatera, and stands on his tippy toes to give her a big fat kiss, using Heal III on her in the process. She says he has talent, and jabs a finger into his pec, telling him he /will/ come back. He says he always comes back. She bends down and gives him another kiss, telling him to go show her and the world just how talented he is, and perhaps watch as she destroys Astodiea. She has a bit more pep in her step as she walks away.
* Andreas gathers Thomas, Fidelis, and Angel – the last of the Venerable Hounds. He asks if any of them thought when they met in the forest that they’d end up here, and they all say no. Fidelis says that no matter what happens today, he’s very glad we met, and to have served with us all. Angel says [the group] gave them hope they didn’t really know they could have, and says they’re sorry for what they’ve done, but want to make up for it as best they can. Fidelis puts his hand in the circle, saying “to the world,” and the others join – Thomas looks at his Torvian for a minute, and steels his gaze, before putting his right hand in.
** “Today is the day the Venerable Hounds are remembered in history. Let’s go fight Zolona.”
* Fidelis goes to Corania, and thanks her. She smiles, and apologizes for not being to hear his call – it seems this place has been shielded quite effectively. Fidelis says Tatnai was killed by his hand, and she says he was fallen to the dark powers.
** “There is much for us to discuss after this. But. You kept the faith. I shall repay you in kind. This I swear.” – Corania
* Fidelis says he will make Corania proud today, and she says he has already made her proud. He bows, and she gives a slight smile. She says now she supposes we fight Titans – not what she expected when she woke up this morning. She wishes him luck, and says she will protect him if she can.
* Zey waits for Cordell to look away, before waving goodbye to her – she does catch it, and stops to look back at him, mouthing a “thank you.” His little frown turns into a smile.
* Charon takes a second to feel free – feel the ink in her veins, and feel her own anger and emotions for once. Before we head out, she transforms. The scythe now gives off a distinct blue-and-red glow as two different types of energy mix together, giving a violet afterimage as it moves through the air.
** “Oh, you are going to work with me, my friend. My body now.”
* Charon walks with the Maiden, who looks over to Charon and smiles, telling it to stay safe. It agrees, as long as she promises to do the same, and the Maiden says they’ll both be as safe as they can be, though she doesn’t think this is really safe at all. Charon has the goofiest grin.
* Andreas runs to Zell to hug him – Zell was already heading that way. Zell says he will make sure Andreas has a chance, and tells him not to die. Andreas says he’s been told he’s hard to kill. He says Zell owes him 35 years of father-son bonding, and Zell says that’s a debt he would pay 100 times over and more. Zell tells him to be well, and gives him another hug, before he steps back and activates the Phoenix Torvian. Phoenix marches to war once again.
* Angel, still prone from their injury, tries to drag themself over to Charon. The Maiden looks down at them in shock. They say they’re glad Charon is back, and ask for a hand in getting to the battlefield – crawling’s a little undignified. They feel better as the Maiden lifts them up. They’re back at full stamina, and their injuries are completely healed.
* Angel thanks the Maiden, who’s confused about why. Perplexed, Angel asks to be set down for a moment, and demonstrates the fact that they can stand now. The Maiden doesn’t think she did that. Charon and Angel make physical checks – Angel doesn’t see much, but Charon can see that the cuts and injuries the Maiden has all over her body are dripping with a sort of liquid-like energy, pure white in color. Charon asks if she can see it, and asks how long it’s been going on. The Maiden says she got the injuries fairly recently, and the dripping has been happening since Charon returned to normal.
** “I tried to give all that I could, and it worked. And me and Bee, we got you back.”
* Charon hovers her hand over the injuries, and finds the skin feels warm. The Maiden’s forehead is a bit cold, but she seems to be warming up. Helmuth raises his voice now, and tells us it’s time. Ahead of us, appearing out of the gloom, we see the Man in Red, standing between us and the path we intend to walk.
** “Hello. Please, all of you. Be reasonable. What lies ahead, fighting today… it’s not the answer. Zolona has hostages. You should all listen to her and make peace. Surrender is still an option.”
* He says that with the manifestation, he was aiding his allies while protecting those he fights for. He reiterates that surrender is an option, and that Zolona wants to talk to us. Fidelis says he didn’t think that was ever an option.
** “It is an option. I will guarantee it. I can protect you. Please, Fidelis, let me try.”
* He says he’s always had the well-being of the Rings, the Cosmic Stack, all of it… everyone here, he’s always had our well-being in mind. Always. 
** “The people will not be harmed. It is unnecessary now. I have manifested. I have acted. I draw this land in the sand. I violate all rules to do this, and I do it for you.”
* Charon looks to the Maiden, who seems curious, but like she doesn’t fully trust this. Sin goes on to say that Zolona wishes to talk no matter what, and that he can escort us there safely. He swears all of us will be under his protection. Charon asks if he can prevent Zolona from shutting her, and he says he will do what he can. Everything he has done has been with the intent to harm as few as possible. He protected Zell, and would not have harmed any of us. Angel says that him showing them their memories hurt a lot of people, and he says that they asked for it. He would not have forced it upon them, and says they are less of a danger to themself and others now.
** “I will not keep you in misery and squalor. Not if I can help it. Not if you can help it. Some of you mock me, question me, but if you can’t fight for what you believe in, then you believe in nothing worthy. I cast my lot. I cast it for the good of the Cosmic Stack.”
** “I hope all of you know that nothing could have ever changed. The High Gods would have stayed the way that they are forever. The Cosmic Stack is built on grave injustices, turning people – sentient beings – into miserable puppets acting out a grand play for the High Gods is revolting. All this can end today. Follow me under a banner of peace.”
* He tells us they have a hostage named Philip Blithe.
* We decide to go ahead, without negotiating. He warns us that this is suicide, and disappears. We continue forward, and see a group maybe 1 ⁄ 4 mile ahead of us. We are expected. Zolona, Astodiea, Stargazer, and the Black Horn all wait here. Philip, battered and beaten, is in the claws of the Black Horn. Sin is there, standing closer to us. Angel sees a large black case next to Zolona’s legs. We all see a familiar face standing next to Astodiea – Bea Goode. Zolona gives a bow to all of us, and says Sin has told her we wish to spill blood this day. She asks if this is true. Andreas says we want this to end, and she promises it will end soon.
* She says that what comes next has been coming for a long time, one might say millenia. We can join, or Sin will dispose of us. She says the hostages seem to have momentarily stayed our hand, and that once our conversation is done and the matters here are resolved, they will be returned to us unharmed. 
* Andreas has his weapons out, and is trying to stay calm and prevent anger from overtaking him. Thomas is ready to fight, shaking but still standing. We hear the Black Horn continuing to squeeze and twitch, Philip grasping at the claws of his neck as it says, “care… free… care… free…”
* Zolona asks what Thomas’s intent is, and if he wishes to see his son again. He says of course he does, and that another of Zolona’s mentioned his other son, John. He asks where he is. 
** “Oh no… Thomas. Have you not figured it out yet?”
* She asks Thomas what his name translates to – the last name Blithe, he realizes, translates to “carefree.” The Black Horn requires 3 Gloomweavers at all times to secure it, or else it will attack anything around it, including Impure. How hard his son must still be fighting… He realizes he left two sons in that hospital, and his eyes fall upon what his son John has become.
* Tears well up in Thomas’s eyes, and he grabs his chest, letting out a gut-wrenching cry. We all hear a father’s pain and anguish. His pain is like a cyclone, an unstoppable cyclone. At this moment, Zolona turns to Angel. She addresses them as Althara, and they correct her. She says Angel is fitting.
** “I remember when you entered our castle. Majestic. Begging for help, you and your husband, abandoned by your creators. It is strange that you would betray us. Do you not want to see your husband again?”
* They say that of course they miss him, but that what the Titans asked them to do wasn’t right. Zolona says they were only asked to master the power, and that they took the actions without fully grasping them. Angel says that their failure was their own fault, but they still need to fix the corruption they spread. Zolona says the blight is something that makes people More. 
** “Your husband understood our mission. Better suited to the task than you. Shall you fight him today? Is this what you intend?”
* Angel is shaking, and says they don’t remember who he is, but that that doesn’t matter. They’ll still fight him, if that’s what it takes. This is about more than them and him.
** “I suppose you were always a terrible spouse. Perhaps he will keep you as a memory.”
* Zolona looks up at that moment. There’s a battle high above, and we see Zell, Lavatera, and Cordell in pitched combat, and the entity that is moving down.
** “Perhaps it is the fact that he is more balanced than you. The nobility of a Null.”
* The memories begin to stream back, and one in particular clicks, as Angel’s husband, Drach, descends from the sky, locked in combat with their allies.
** “Members of the Brigade, let us end this farce. We’ve heard enough. It ends now.” – Helmuth
* Helmuth lowers his blade at Zolona, who only smiles, and asks if he would really kill another of his pupils. She lets her form flicker, and we see Koilos underneath. Koilos is trapped in the body, but momentarily has access to the mouth. She calls out not to listen to Zolona, and to please just end this. She is also given access to an eye, and can see Helmuth clutch his sword tightly. There are many things he will do, but she’s not sure if letting one of his students die is one of them. She felt the influence of the Dark Star take over after she picked up the Emperor’s Eyes Thalagar, and thinks the same is likely true for Bee at this moment.
* Zolona says she supposes Ki is unnecessary. We watch as a portal opens next to her, and walking out is Hester, carrying the Divider. Ki feels her body collapse as she’s given rudimentary control once again, Zolona’s consciousness passing to Hester. The Maiden looks to Charon, and says that she doesn’t know how, but we have to get Ki and Bee away. We can’t let them die here.
** “The time for strategy is over. Surely you know what comes next. But perhaps again you don’t. All of you, you must know that we all collectively do this for your benefit, the will of the titans is not wanton corruption or desolation. If we wished, I could’ve wiped you out when I was freed. But I did not wish this. Instead, this whole time, I have worked tirelessly for all of you. Seth, I would not allow you to die, even when others said you must be hunted down, your bloodline a traitor’s bloodline. I did not desire this. And Fidelis, Tatnai so wished to take you, to slay you. I did not want this.” – Zolona
* Zolona says Fidelis has an understanding of Titanic magic, and asks him if it’s inherently evil. He says he’s not sure if he believes anything is inherently evil, but the way she’s wielding it is. She says perhaps in the eyes of the High Gods, but she has a debt to settle, and they shall settle it today. She asks if he knows of an organization called the Order of the Knowing Rebirth.
** “It has been acting, moving, for centuries now. With one goal. You see, our star, our true God, that thing that brings creation, that, that is who saved us from beyond. When the Gods left us for dead. After the Great Betrayal, and it asked for but one thing. Charon, surely you must know what it asked for? Come now, you must know.”
* Zolona says that it is but energy, not even truly spirit, and thus cannot move or act. It has no form, a fate Charon must know all too well. Charon says it is one Zolona resigned her to, and Zolona says it was necessary. After today, she will give Charon form. Life. The truest of powers. The Maiden steps forward.
** “Enough of this. You talk of helping people, of protecting all of us, but we know that’s not true. Maybe it once was, but you’re not in your right minds now. We can’t be tricked anymore. We won’t be. Like Fidelis said, the way you’re using it, this power isn’t good.”
* Zolona just smiles, and says to let her do something good for all of us. A low hum begins to vibrate through the air, growing louder and more intense with each passing moment. The ground beneath our feet trembles. She chants in Elder Ubaaric, her voice a haunting melody, and the Divider glows brighter now. There’s a surge of aether energy, and with a force that seems to rend the fabric of reality, Zolona slams the Divider into the ground. A flash of blinding light erupts from the top, climbing into the sky.
* The Dark Star is sliced in two, its black mass tearing apart, and we see a core of seething and writhing energy within. The millions of platinum coffins scattered across the field begin to tremble and rise, releasing streams of raw aether into the air. Ki doubles over as a thin wisp of darkness is ripped from her body, and the same happens with Bee and Sin. The Dark Star begins to pull itself together.
* Zolona opens the chest next to her, pulling out the dress she’d been creating with the spindle. The Maiden screams as the tendrils of darkness and the beautiful dress rise up, flesh wrapping around the infinity of the Dark Star, and Zolona summons the sword of Ishin, as well as Ishin’s ring, and tosses both high in the air. It twists and warps, and we can all see a face making its way through the darkness. It looks down at the Maiden.
** “Hello, beloved.”
* The Maiden begins to scream uncontrollably. Ishin looks down to all of us.
** “Do not cry, beloved. We can be together again.”
** “I killed you, I killed you, I killed you…”
* The Maiden sinks to her knees, and Charon steps in front of her. Ishin floats down, giving Charon a smile, and asks it not to keep her from seeing the Maiden. It’s been so long since she saw her last. Charon says it’s gonna be a longer time, and tells her to step back.
* The figure’s eyes are like an eclipse, a violet circle with no iris or pupil. Her hair is like smoke, and parts of her body collapse, but it holds within the Dark Star.
** “I waited so long, trapped in there. But it’s okay. I can bring back all that was lost.”
* Zolona smiles and says Ishin can now redeem the Rings and the Cosmic Stack.
** “My daughter loved this High God. I am a dutiful mother, of course I would provide. And soon, with reality rewritten, we can finally have peace. All of you will experience the truth. And it will be glorious.”
* The Maiden is still hysteric, and as Andreas bends next to her, she is cold, and the white aether that had been dripping from her is gone now. Andreas says a dutiful mother wouldn’t have had to change anything about Ishin, and Ishin smiles at this, and asks if it isn’t a better change. She says this is the only way, and tells the Maiden to stand up and come with her. They can be together now. Sometimes change is necessary, and they will redeem all now.
** “You know… I used to think how lucky a woman must you have been to have earned the love of someone as great as the Maiden. I used to want to meet you. I still do. I am sorry they have done this to you.” – Andreas
** “There’s nothing to apologize for, Andreas. I have heard so much about you. There are some that were in me that knew you. Some that also knew Ki, and you, Angel. Some that knew really of you. Damon is even there, Seth. Don’t you want to see him again?” – Ishin
* Ishin raises a hand, and the energy of the Dark Star begins to build, no longer passive but with intent. It is moments from firing. What are we doing?
* Thomas is already on his knees, and puts his head to the earth, whispering.
** “Bob, I want to make a deal.”
* He hears a voice ask what deal that is – this is a tad beyond him. 
** “All I need you to do, save some people for me. Get them out. I want you to take the Maiden, Helmuth, Zell, Lavatera, Philip, Andreas, Zetian, Cordell, Enola, and Seth. Take them somewhere safe, while I… while I break the Ring. And in exchange, you get all the despair that comes from it.”
** “Thomas Blithe, you have yourself a deal.”
* Helmuth, with his blade drawn, gives a battle cry and charges – and then he’s gone, taken. The others flicker out too, one after the other. Thomas rises from the dirt, his eyes cold and lifeless. Strong, knowing what he has to do.
** “I will split the Primordial Ring in two.”
* Thomas feels his Torvian roar to life with power and energy, more than he’s ever felt before. He breathes in, and looks to everyone there, and says he’s so sorry. He then brings his fist down to the Ring. There’s shock and surprise on Zolona’s eldritch face, as the  entire Primordial Ring begins to crack apart on first impact. He pulls his hand back again, and with impact after impact, it begins to split. Ishin still smiles as she watches, and it doesn’t seem like he will be fast enough to split the Ring.
* Andreas holds on just long enough to create a forcefield around Thomas, and Ki uses her Torvian to fill Ishin with nothingness. It cuts through Ishin’s defenses directly, and the high god reborn stumbles, powers flickering out, her form flickering. What Ki’s done is very effective. She tries to keep going and use Replace With Nothingness on the sword, and it begins to flicker as well, momentarily transforming into its original version. Summon Nothingness to separate her and the sword doesn’t work, because the sword is part of her. Momentarily, Ishin stumbles back, her ball of Dark Star energy now a marble, and Zolona looks to the party, raising the Divider in our direction.
* Fidelis tries to get Corania’s attention through prayer, requesting strength and protection for Thomas. Charon uses an Illusion to create a bright light show around Zolona, and Zey uses a blast of water to try to yank the Divider down – with 3 successes, he knocks it slightly off-target, but it’s still aimed toward the group. Angel places themself between Thomas and Zolona and tries to use Nihilate Zero on Zolona, their specific intention being to stop her from using the Divider. They get 0 successes on their spirit save, and as the power rushes out, Astodiea’s influence creeps through their right arm as it raises and focuses. They cry out as the flesh bubbles and burns; they are not completely corrupted, but at corruption 9. They collapse down.
* Andreas feels Bob’s hand on his shoulder, and hears a voice ask if he wishes to go. As soon as his shield is up, he gives the okay. The Divider levels, and we see a burst of energy fire, impacting Andreas’s shield and making its way towards Thomas. Right before it hits, it gets deflected, and goes spinning off in a new direction. We look to see that Sin has deflected it. 
** “What are you doing? Civilization has broken, and it must fall.” – Zolona
** “I never agreed to this.” – Sin
* Zolona laughs, and at this point, Thomas feels the Ring cracking apart under his hands. His Torvian glows white, and the aura shifts all the way down to his hand in one brilliant ball of light. He holds his hand high for one last go, and looks at Zolona and her group.
** “There is always hope. And we will not let you win.”
* He brings his hand down. Green flames erupt around his fist as it plunges into the ground, and the Ring cracks and breaks apart. With a great shout, Thomas undoes the bounds of this Ring. Fidelis sees above us that the top of the Ring cracks apart too from the strain, and the distance between the Ring and all of us grows, magma roaring up. Zolona smiles.
** “Don’t be silly. We beat hope long ago.”
* At this moment, Ishin has risen back up, beginning to build up the energy of the Dark Star again.
** “Do not worry. I will redeem you, and then I will redeem my beloved.”
* The energy of the Dark Star is released at all of us, and as this happens, Sin appears in front of Thomas, his form beginning to glow brightly now as he manifests. The energy hits his back, and he cries out in pain, “I cast you out now.” His body begins to warp, fighting to stay together through the manifestation. 
* “All of you – be free. I’m so sorry. Do not be servants to others. Mistakes, they happen. But now it’s up to you to forgive your own sins. But know I forgave you always.”
* Sin releases a burst of energy, and our chunk of the Primordial Ring is sent flying outwards. A massive portal opens as Sin smiles, his form fully manifesting and absorbing the impact of the Dark Star.
** “Go, my children. Run fast and far. Be free. You have all of me.”
* As Sin’s body is destroyed and a High God is shattered, it is here we end Season 2. Everyone gets a level-up.