As Lady Merideth gracefully ascended into the sky, leading us away from the floating island and the dormant gate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What had transpired between her and Friry? His initial enthusiasm to meet my grandfather had given way to a surprising detachment. It was as if something had shifted within him, leaving me with a lingering sense of curiosity and concern.
"Is he not coming with us?" I voiced my query about Friry's absence, wondering aloud if he would be joining us.
The Goddess, her aura radiating an air of authority, simply shook her head in response. "No, he is not."
Her eyes carried a hint of distant resolve, leaving her answer unelaborated. It was a stark reminder that even in this realm, far away from home, not all the Gods and Dragons shared harmonious relations.
Breta, Sidus, Ynos, and I exchanged silent glances, a tacit acknowledgment that there were deeper currents at play here. As we followed Lady Merideth into the unknown, the mysteries of this world continued to unravel before us, with each revelation only leading to more questions than answers.
Under Lady Merideth's guidance, we departed the enchanting vistas of that peculiar planet, leaving its serene beauty behind. Exiting the protective barrier was a seamless transition, akin to passing through a gentle water veil. In mere moments, we were back in the vast expanse of space, where chaotic battles continued to unfold.
However, something had changed. The battle that had raged near the sun was now beyond my perception. There was neither a visual nor a sensed presence in that direction. Either the battle had concluded, or it had shifted to a distant locale. The uncertainty in this ever-shifting realm kept me on edge.
Lady Merideth steered us clear of the ongoing battle leading us to veer in the opposite direction. As we traversed the war-torn expanse, our vigilant gazes perpetually scanned the unfolding chaos. The urgency of our observations underscored the unpredictable nature of this shifting battleground.
However, we didn't journey far before the towering figure of Grandfather appeared on the horizon. He stood atop a floating island, suspended in the void of space. Behind him, a shimmering teleportation gate hummed with cosmic energy, poised for activation. An assembly of dragons and deities, numbering a few dozen, flanked him, their expressions etched with gravity.
Grandfather's presence in this tumultuous arena was undeniable, and the sight of him beckoned us forward with a mix of trepidation and hope.
Lady Merideth stopped and did not land, but motioned for us to proceed. We followed her unspoken command, gently descending onto the floating island. Yet, from the moment our feet touched the ethereal surface, an indescribable heaviness blanketed the atmosphere. The air seemed laden with unspoken sorrow and a weighty sense of impending dread.
The divine beings present, both Dragons and Deities alike, bore expressions that mirrored the somber ambiance. Heads were bowed, wings drooped, and tails hung low. A pervading stillness enveloped us, almost tangible in its intensity. My gut churned with a disquieting sensation, like a storm gathering on the horizon.
Despite this unsettling undercurrent, I willed myself to remain composed, to banish the anxiety that threatened to overwhelm me. I couldn't help but notice the unease reflected in my siblings' and Breta's body language as we navigated this eerie tableau.
Ynos's darting eyes betrayed his apprehension, while Breta's fingers twitched with a concealed restlessness, her thoughts undoubtedly hovering around her absent spear.
With resolute determination, I led our small group forward, inching closer to the epicenter of this ominous gathering, where Grandfather stood.
"Grandfather," We bowed respectfully to Grandfather, a gesture of reverence for the elder whose presence alone commanded respect. His acknowledgment, however, carried a weight beyond mere formality. His words fell upon our ears, laden with a weariness that seemed to permeate the very air around us. It was as if an immense burden had settled on his broad, aged shoulders, one that he struggled to conceal.
"You have all done well to survive," he was not doing a very good job of controlling his emotions. The anxiety building within me intensified as I waited for his voice to continue
"You even managed to take down one of the higher-ranked bastards. For that feat alone, you have already earned yourselves your spots on the Royal Road."
The weight of his words hung in the air, casting a shadow over our small assembly, each of us awaiting the revelation of what exactly had happened.
"Thank you, Grandfather. We only did our duty," I replied. My eyes subconsciously landed on a few Dragons who were gazing at us with approval, but also, pity? In their eyes.
"That's good…" Grandfather said, and went silent for a while. His eyes scanned each of us before he sighed and continued, "You are to return back home. Your roles in the war will be put to a momentary halt."
Confused, I was about to speak when Ynos beat me to it, "But we are still good to fight, Grandfather! Why must we go back?"
His eyes were heavy, and his aura was somber as he replied, "To attend the final honoring… My son's, your father's final honoring."
His announcement hung in the air like an unexpected storm cloud, casting a somber atmosphere over the place. His eyes, once filled with pride, now carried the weight of sorrow and responsibility. I could see the mix of emotions playing out across the faces of the other Dragons and Deities present – sympathy, and empathy, but I still did not quite understand, no, I didn't believe what I had just heard.
"F-Final honoring?" I stuttered in disbelief.
"Your father fell in battle. The Shades have launched a full-scale invasion, unlike any before. The King is…busy," Grandfather seemed to be trying to hold back his anger as he spoke, "My son fell holding back the tide that was surging toward the main plane. He along with his companions have sacrificed themselves to hold the Shades back long enough for us to intervene."
My heart fell, and I felt sick to my stomach as I heard my Grandfather speak. I couldn't believe it, no way did he die. How could he out of everyone? Not with the strength he held? Could there have been some mistake?
Ynos by my side was breathing heavily, his eyes filled with rage, while Sidus simply stood there in disbelief. My eyes turned back to Grandfather, his usual dominant aura was now weak, instead I only saw the pain in his gaze.
"He…died?"
Thanks for the meal!
Damn