Convergence

Campaign: Chaos in the Capital

Chapter 14 / 4-5

Convergence

Previous Quest

True and Terrible Power

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Unforeseen Fangs

Summary

With his power wrested away from him by Beren, the Other is annihilated. Afterward, Phares, the other Zethia, and Volk appear, a discussion is had, and the party prepares to do battle.

Dialogue

...et...up! ...ling... Darling! Unnngh... Dude, you're ALIVE! Z-Zethia... Where's Zethia?! She is there upon the throne. ...... Zethia? Zethia, are you all right?! Come on, wake up! Easy—she has simply lost consciousness. Her life is not in danger, and she should awaken after a short while. That's...okay. Yeah, that's good. But what happened to me? I thought Morsayati... Turns out the little freak over there had other plans. ...... Beren? Brother? Why are YOU here?! For all his posturing and preening, his was but a trifling existence. As are you, empty little princeling. Defeat the Other and restore peace to the world. That was your naive plan all this time, was it not? Beren, what have you done to Morsayati? The Other's soul is at its most defenseless while being transferred to a new vessel.  ?! Phares! You're here too?! The Other is no more—he has been absorbed into Beren. What?! Beren, how does it feel to have gained the power of the Other—the creature once so feared by human and dragon alike? It is not entirely objectionable. For with it, there is no longer any need for me to replenish mana. Stop! You musn't use that power further! That voice... You're that girl from before! The Zethia-a-like! I thought you lost all your power and were destroyed in the Binding Ruins. How are you back here now? Ah, Zethia—or, more appropriately, the Zethia from another world. With Morsayati's power lost, it would appear you have once again found your way here. How deeply fascinating. My brothers, you must relinquish that power. It is beyond humans to wield. It is reasonable for you to fear this power. However... I am stronger. It is as simple as that. To me, the power of the Other is merely a tool to be wielded in my service. You would claim strength enough to speak of the Other's power in such a fashion? I realize your world saw its ruin at the hands of the Other's power, but fear is born from ignorance. Thus did I decide to learn all I can about it. Now the Other's power is no longer a subject of fear to us. No... If you are so concerned, I propose a test. You know the power of the Other, yes? Then perhaps it would convince you if I erase you from existence here and now. Hrk! Now...disappear. Zethia! That will not happen. Tch! Who are you to interfere with me? I was told not to allow harm to the Auspex, though perhaps he did not mean that PARTICULAR Auspex... YOU! Heh heh... We meet again, Ranzaaaaaal... Looks like we have another guest. Though I don't know who it is. If you know me not, you would do well to learn. I am Volk, fang of the fangless, and I will be taking the Auspex! Volk, is it? A name I'll no doubt forget. If you seek to interfere, you will meet your end here. Another little prince, eh? And one with the power of the Other himself? How very blessed you are...and how IRREMISSIBLE! Chosen by birth! Chosen for power! Merely by existing do all of you persecute the weak! Strength is a sin, for it creates weakness! Those who have it are unforgivable sinners, for they create those who have not! Ain't ya got somethin' better to do than waste our time with this nonsense? The hell do ya even WANT?! I am here to get it all back. You are false, yet blessed—and you seek to steal away that which belongs to the true one! Ah, yes. It all makes sense now. If Agito has made an appearance, it means "he" is nearby as well. Beren, let us now away; I do not believe this man to be our enemy. But Brother, he... It matters not. He seems to be acquainted with our dear "younger brother," so if you desire it, he will likely show his face anon. ...Very well. Euden, dear "brother..." What you will face now is a truth and world you do not wish to see. If you can endure what is to come, then we shall meet again. What are you talking about, Phares? My brother, please! You must all help me pursue them— we cannot permit Beren to wield the Other's power as he pleases! I understand that, but... Do as you will—I'll not interfere. But I WILL need you to leave this world's Auspex here. What are you going to do with our Zethia? The Auspex must be returned to her rightful place. If Zethia belongs anywhere, it's obviously with Euden! Do you truly think we went to all the trouble of saving her just to let some other yodel steal her away again?! I ask: Who is the true thief here, and who has he stolen FROM?! The haves are always the thieves, and the have-nots their victims! You—and all people like you— have stolen EVERYTHING! I must reclaim what you have stolen from the people who have not...and I must reclaim the Auspex for the prince from whom she was stolen!  ! We are Agito! Fangs of the fangless! Know the resentment of those who have lost all to your kind!