FATE (Volume 1)

Chapter 10: ​ℝ𝔼𝕌ℕ𝕀𝕋𝔼𝔻

"So, what's the plan now." asked Jacob, fiddling with his walking stick, his blindness wasn't doing him any favors, "Well, for sure, I don't think we can allow you to come with us." Ethan said, eyeing him with concern, "Why not?" asked Jacob, he knew the answer... it was his blindness, but he wasn't sure, so he asked again. "Your disability, it's risky to drag you into this retrieval mission, it'd be like bringing along a man with no arms in war.", this offended Jacob, considering the fact that it wasn't his fault. Jacob frowns as his brows furrowed. "You know what, I'm gonna do this my own way.", Jacob says hastily as he storms off the campbase, Ethan and Lila shaking their heads profusely.

Jacob, huffing, stormed along. "Hey there, Guardian of Time... where your friends at?" asked a voice, oozing with malice and mockery, Jacob turned cautiously as he drew his sword from the scabbard, but he calmed down as he recognized the voice, it was Zean of the Seven Deadly Sins. "Ah, it's you." responded Jacob witha sneer, putting his sword away. "You're wayyy too cautious for a blind fuck, aren't you?" Zean asked, "I have a proposition." he continued, Jacob listened cautiously and eagerly... "What is it?" Jacob leaned closer to the voice, patiently waiting for an answer. "I shall restore your eyesight, but in return, a great energy of darkness shall be mine." Zean responded ominously. "What do you mean?", "I meant your capability of housing one of the lords of the Pentagram, the black void, the reaper, Adam.", Jacob thought about it for a moment, considering each factor of relevance to his current situation, he knew that he would need Adam for the upcoming war, but he needed eyesight more than ever, desperate times comes desperate measures. "Deal. I need this to launch heist for the Nexus Crystal and the Prodigon Stone, to ressurect my friends... and to slaughter the Nexus once and for all.", he said abruptly, knowing the consequences of acceptance. "Hey..." Jacob says as he comes back to camp, his head swelling... He doesn't remember what happened, as he staggered along his bed, collapsing in thick, fur sheets.

Jacob woke up, at the sounds of ringing in his ear... It was past noon, as the other campbase soldiers sang songs of war at the campfire, roasting ducks and pigs for dinner. As Jacob sat up in bed, he realized that something was different. His vision seemed clearer, almost sharper than before. He rubbed his eyes and looked around the room. Everything was in focus, even the smallest details. He couldn't believe it - Zean had kept his word. He quickly got dressed and made his way out of the tent. The others were gathered around the fire, singing and laughing. They noticed Jacob and greeted him warmly. But as they talked, Jacob couldn't help but feel uneasy. Something didn't seem right. As they finished their meal and prepared to go to sleep, Jacob excused himself and went outside. The night sky was dark and starry, and Jacob felt a strange sensation wash over him. Suddenly, he could see things that he never had been able to see before. Shadows moved in the trees, and he could hear whispers on the wind, as he sees aurora-like waves in the sky, orbs floating in the midst of the wind... He recognized this, it was one of Link's teachings, it was a celestia... He was seeing celestias, celestia energy surging through everyone in the campfire. He felt grateful as he broke down in tears, having the ability to see again.

Jacob returned to the group, feeling overwhelmed by the new information he had received. He tried to explain what he saw, but the others didn't understand. They dismissed his claims as delusions caused by his blindness. Jacob was heartbroken, realizing that he may never be able to share his experience with those who matter most to him. As the days passed, Jacob began to notice more and more celestias appearing in the sky. He learned that these celestias were connected to the power of the gods and that they held immense potential for good or evil. Jacob became obsessed with understanding the celestias and how they worked. He spent countless hours studying them, trying to unlock their secrets. One time, while observing a particularly bright celestia, Jacob suddenly felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. He fell to the ground, unable to move. The others rushed to his aid, but they couldn't stop the energy from taking hold of him. When the energy subsided, Jacob found himself lying on the ground, surrounded by the others. He opened his eyes and saw that everything was different. The colors of the world were brighter, the air was fresher, and he could see clearly for the first time in months.

"We're almost there", said Ethan in a rasp voice, it had been a cruel week travelling to the other side of the continent with his hover carriage, but Lila, with determined vision, set aside her exhaustion, as she thought: Jacob, this is for you... We will bring your friends back, we promise. Ethan, looking out at the window of what seemed like an endless forest of bright illuminating gemstones and vibrant foliage, adjusted his grip on the carriage's control. The journey had been fraught with challenges, yet they persisted, driven by their promise to Jacob and their shared determination to retrieve the Nexus Crystal and Prodigon Stone. Lila's determination was palpable; she had a resilient spirit that bolstered the team. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, her mind strategizing their approach. As they ventured deeper into the forest, they encountered an unexpected obstacle: a dense fog enveloped the area, obstructing their view and impeding their progress. Ethan halted the carriage, frowning at the thick fog. "We can't navigate through this," he muttered, concern etched on his face. Lila furrowed her brow, contemplating their options. Suddenly, an idea struck her. "I remember reading about this phenomenon. There might be a way," she exclaimed, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She rummaged through their supplies and pulled out a vial containing a rare potion known for dispelling magical fog. "This might clear our path," she said, handing it to Ethan. Ethan nodded, his resolve renewed. He opened the vial, and as the potion's essence permeated the air, the fog began to dissipate. Light streamed through the trees once more, revealing a hidden path ahead. As they continued, the forest gradually transformed. Trees intertwined with sparkling crystals, casting iridescent reflections across the landscape. The air hummed with an otherworldly energy, and the ground seemed to pulse with an ethereal glow. "We're getting closer," Lila murmured, a mix of excitement and anticipation in her voice. Ethan steered the carriage along the winding path, each turn bringing them nearer to their destination. Finally, they arrived at the edge of a magnificent clearing. At its center stood an ancient temple adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with shimmering gemstones. The Nexus Crystal and Prodigon Stone lay within, their power emanating from the temple's heart. "We made it," Ethan said, his voice tinged with awe. Lila took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. "Let's do this," she declared, determination burning brightly in her eyes. As they approached the temple, a foreboding sensation washed over them. They knew that retrieving these artifacts wouldn't be easy—they were guarded by the Archon... Of all formidable enchantments and mystical barriers. The team stood together, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. With Jacob's plight weighing heavily on their minds, they steeled themselves for the perilous task ahead, knowing that their success would not only bring back their friend's companions but could also tip the balance in the impending war against the Nexus.

"Oh?, what do we have here? A demon and a human?, fascinatingly lively" bellowed one of the hooded figures, a member of the Archon, representing Blight, a purple gear-shaped sad face gemstone placed upon their hood which marks their representation. Ethan turned in surprise, his guard high, as Lila unsheathed her blade-staff and stood poised for action, ready to defend against the Archon's imminent threat. The Archon figure continued, its voice echoing eerily through the temple's surroundings. "You think you can simply waltz in here and claim the Nexus Crystal and Prodigon Stone? Such arrogance." Ethan clenched his fists, his determination unyielding. "We're not here for games. We know the significance of these artifacts. They're crucial for the fate of our world, and we won't let them fall into the wrong hands." Lila's eyes locked onto the Archon, her grip tightening around her weapon. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect them," she declared with conviction. The Archon let out a haunting chuckle. "Bold words, but you underestimate the power that safeguards these relics. You cannot comprehend the trials and tribulations that await those who seek to possess them." With a swift movement, the Archon summoned mystical energies, causing the temple's defenses to stir. Arcane barriers materialized, encircling the Nexus Crystal and Prodigon Stone, while the temple's architecture began to shift, creating a labyrinthine maze of corridors and chambers. "We need to break through those barriers," Ethan said, his voice firm. "Lila, can you find a way to disrupt their magic?" Lila nodded, her mind racing as she analyzed the situation. She focused her energy, channeling her understanding of ancient spells and enchantments, searching for a weakness in the barriers that shielded the artifacts. Meanwhile, Ethan surveyed their surroundings, searching for any clues or openings amidst the shifting structure of the temple. The Archon, however, seemed unperturbed, its gaze fixed on the trio with an ominous intensity. As Lila concentrated, a surge of energy erupted from her, a burst of dazzling light that momentarily destabilized the arcane barriers. "Now's our chance!" she shouted. Ethan charged forward, leading the way through the maze-like corridors. Each step brought them closer to the heart of the temple, where the artifacts awaited. But the Archon was not about to let them proceed unchallenged. With swift incantations, the hooded figure summoned guardians—ethereal beings pulsating with mystic energy—to impede their progress. The two fought valiantly, their resolve unshaken. Lila's staff sliced through the magical constructs, Ethan skillfully dodged incoming attacks while landing precise strikes, and together they carved a path toward the artifacts. As they reached the inner sanctum, the Nexus Crystal and Prodigon Stone glimmered with an ethereal radiance. But their victory was short-lived as the Archon unleashed its ultimate defense—a powerful surge of energy that threatened to engulf them all. With no time to spare, Jacob, sensing the impending danger, rushed in from behind, his newfound sight guiding him through the chaos. With a surge of determination, he reached out toward the artifacts, swiftly tapping into the newfound abilities the celestias had bestowed upon him. In an astounding display of power, Jacob channeled the celestial energies he had learned to control, creating a protective barrier that absorbed the Archon's onslaught. The artifacts responded to his touch, resonating with the celestial power. The room quaked with immense energy, and a blinding light engulfed them, engulfed in a whirlwind of celestial and arcane forces, as the Archon representing Blight had been engulfed by the light, brtually exploding into bits, as its blood splatter across the pedestal. When the brilliance subsided, the temple fell silent. The Nexus Crystal and Prodigon Stone now rested in Jacob's hands, their power harnessed under his control. As the team regrouped, they exchanged looks of disbelief and awe. Jacob, breathing heavily, gazed upon the artifacts, feeling a profound connection to the celestial forces within them. Ethan and Lila approached him cautiously, their expressions a mix of relief and curiosity. "How did you do that?" Ethan asked, his voice tinged with astonishment. Jacob smiled, a newfound confidence in his eyes. "The celestias... they showed me the way." He glanced at the artifacts, knowing that their journey was far from over. The war against the Nexus loomed ahead, and the true potential of these relics only known to Jacob. But for now, they had succeeded in securing them, thanks to the unanticipated intervention of celestial powers.

"Our carriage was destroyed, I think you blasted that scum too hard." Ethan said with a grin on his face, Jacob, who was admiring the stone from a distance: "Yeah, I think so... come near me and I'll teleport us back to base" he responded. Ethan hesitated, not knowing if he was joking or if it was real, They approached Jacob slowly. "Alright, close your eyes and visualize our camp." he instructed, to which the two obeyed reluctantly... They pictured camp, teeming with soldiers, in the bright secluded area of the forest, cramming with tents and dust all around. The team opened their eyes, noticing the change of the atmosphere, hearing soldiers training all around them. "Wow, I thought you were actually joking." Ethan said, eyeing the Nexus Crystal, Jacob gave a toothy grin, "Nope, it's just like I said.", Ethan looked into Jacob's face, expecting to see empty eye sockets, much to his surpise, he had eyes... Real ones, "Hey, where'd you get those eyes?", Jacob, who was looking at the stone with great interest: "Hm? Oh.... these? I got them from Zean, embodiment of Pride. I traded it for Adam", Ethan's brows shot up, "Adam? You mean, like, Adam the Dark?" he inquired. Jacob thought for a moment, remembering what Zean had told him, "Yep, that's the one", Ethan thought for a moment, their exchange momentarily distracted by troops asking questions, "I see." he said finally, after leaving silently.

Many months had passed after the heist, Jacob, who was training by utilizing shadows to cut through trees grew extremely well with mastering his magic to the point that he could make portals to timelines with a snap of his fingers, or summoning an entity in a wave. Jacob approached Ethan who was having a swordplay with Marcus, "Hey... I was thinking... maybe we could go and get my friends back?, it's been a long time, and I pretty much mastered my magic.", Ethan, who was preoccupied, thought for a moment... "Yeah sure, just stay safe and don't fuck with any timelines." as Jacob responded with a nod. Jacob, holding the Prodigon stone and the Nexus Crystal, opens a portal to the place where they passed... The moment where his friends were fighting, putting their lives on the line, he couldn't bare to see their remains, he knew he would break down in tears. Jacob stepped through the portal, landing in the middle of the once-violent battlefield. His heart raced as flashbacks took in the scene before him. He saw his friends being attacked by the Archon, their weapons clashing with the creatures' scales... Jacob teared up, remembering the fate of his friends, after awhile, he stood up bravely, knowing that he would get to see them again, for the first time... In a whole year. He gathered the bones, of Link, of Epouchiom, of Oreveu, of Enzo, dragging each in one place. "Epixum Glorus Mhea" he said, his voice shaking, once again as the stone and the crystal vibrate profusely. Jacob gasps, as he realized that the bones were assembling, flesh was growing, as the air felt the tension within... This was it... He will finally get to see them again, after a year of hardship, he fell to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably. "Hey, Jacob... You did amazing." a voice filled the air, Jacob gasps in recognition, it was such a long time he hadn't heard his voice... It felt like a thousand blankets worn over him, it was comfortable. Jacob looks up, as he sees Link for the first time in a year, Jacob lunges to hug him, still crying intensively. As Jacob embraces Link, he feels a surge of energy coursing through his body, the power of the Celestia flowing through him. Link pulls away, wiping his eyes dry, "What happened to you? Where have you been?" he asks, trying to hold back his emotions. Jacob chuckles, "It has been a crazy time, I was tortured, I joined a rebellion, I killed an Archon, I lost my eyesight... and gained it back, thanks to Zean, I formed an alliance with the Pentagram..." Link's eyes widen, "Zean? That sounds dangerous!" Jacob chuckled, "It wasn't an easy, but we are now allied with him and the other deadly sins embodiments." Oreveu nods in approval, "That's good to hear... what are we up against now?" Jacob takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself, "Still the rest of the Archon... and the Nexus Order. We're preparing for war." Epouchiom smiles concerningly, "That doesn't matter yet... You saved us, Jacob. Your bravery and determination brought us back together." Jacob sobs, as he smiles warmly, feeling a sense of pride swell inside him, "Thank you, my friends. Together, we can overcome anything.", "I have to agree with that." Enzo chimed in, giving Jacob a hug as Link, Epouchiom and Oreveu close in for a group hug, with Jacob sobbing and shaking... It felt nice to be with them again.

As they entered the portal that Jacob had made, the group was astonished by the large spirits of Giants, standing inanimatedly at the distance, the sounds of troops training for the worst, and the sounds of magic being whirled by the demons, training for war. "Wow, how the hell did you manage to pull this shit off?" asked Link, back to his old self. Jacob smiled proudly, "I have my ways..." he says as he walks. "Shoot, I think I missed your birthday mate..." Enzo chimed in again, looking extremely sorry. "Well, for the record, you were dead, apparently, they don't celebrate birthdays around here... But yes, It's been a whole year." Jacob responded, Link wore a smile, "That means we get to throw you a birthday party!" he says enthusiastically, Jacob hesitated for a moment, considering that it was pretty immature as he would get teased by the rest of the soldiers at camp. "Yeah sure... throw me the biggest one." he agreed, smiling.