The next day...
"Wait, what?!"
Sonata was shocked that the schedule was pushed forward for next week, after she made a clock-in at the National Postal Service's headquarters. Mathilda nodded, as the Secretary-General folded her arms with a frown on her eyebrows. Claire and Gabriel stared at each other and then at Sonata, worried that their plans were found out. Of course they do, Lloyd will be worried if they finish the task late. All of them had their serious expressions and determination filled with their hearts, making a new revolution to bring back the Sun into their home.
Vincent already know about it for a long time, he knew this is why they decide to obeyed Lloyd until the end. Everyone will know, then he was not bothered by this, because he still had his family besides Gilbert. He was leaning against his vintage motorbike, folding his arms as he looked away. Everyone in the Postal Worker will support this, and he loves seeing his home lived happily even with the endless darkness.
Sonata tried her best not to cry, especially after Claude told her the truth--by gently handing a letter written by Lloyd for her:
_Dear Sonata, I think you might have been confused and wondered about what is happening... I'm truly sorry for not speaking up sooner, before this... will you please understand? I'm not perfect, and I have a weakness. You see, all of us made mistakes... and that is my mistake. The worst one is keeping it as a secret, and making the others paid a price to listen to this. Now, the reason that I did so much effort in our beloved Canaria, is to create a world filled with life. It was for those who suffers from the greed of people in a war, the children who don't know anything and kept themselves surviving under the dark._
"My illness actually came from my mother when I was born. We're still alive until now, but we don't know when this illness will take over me, as well as my mother and sibling; so I'm not that different with them," Lloyd admitted. He felt being stabbed, but he knew his time is not here yet.
Until now, I want to fulfill all the promises made towards everyone, the families who supported us from the start and us who didn't betray the letter's oath to protect Canaria, I'm proud that you still believe that we were in the right path. As long as everyone feels secure and be saved, it's enough to make me content. Also, Sonata... remember when I first asked you and Suona about your future? No matter how close it comes to the end, I want to protect it... your hope, your future... everything.
Yes, everything will change from the decision to unite the whole Canaria, and perhaps a new day will come. When that day has come, I hope you will think of me and everyone who helped to let you reaching the dreams of yours...! That's why I promise you, the one hope...
_'This is not a goodbye...' was all I could wish for, a world where you are living happy and a time where Canaria will change...'_
"He's in his office, just that after hearing something bad from Alastair, Lloyd just had to say that everything will be fine..." Gabriel muttered. "Wait, it's only a report from him... by the way, Master Alastair will be protecting Lloyd until he sent for a check-up with Dr. Chamberlain, Master Solvine also had to keep an eye on the government... as well as looking after the facilities around Canaria--and we received a few reports of the crimes against us and increasing corruption throughout the districts in Canaria."
It saddened Sonata, as Claire could only lowered her head and Gabriel just sighed. "I guess... we have to make this quick, so we can destroy the Spiritus Husk once and for all. Although we must not be selfish with the wishes, whether it might not be answered... but the power can," Claude patted the snow-white girl's shoulders as they walked away from the clock-in station, Sonata and her friends will be free to act on their own accord to take over the plan... in which means that they have to gather the remaining people's Melodic Scores.
Senja wanted to shed some tears after learning about Lloyd's condition, Suiren had to calm him down even Oswald took his extra time to keep an eye on Lloyd's condition (even though he looked 'healthy') for now. Cordelia was shocked upon hearing the news, while Gilbert really had to take some time to calm down from this. Claire glanced at her father Alastair who was having a hard time accepting this harsh truth, before she hugged him and there he finally let it out, giving a proof that Lloyd has changed him through the years--and of course, there's more to come.
Sonata just had to finish her schedule after another, and tomorrow will be the official last day of work and starting the rush the preparations to get everyone's Melodic Scores in the incubators--also reaching for the Artificial Light. "Guys... I know it was hard for us to accept this, but... we shouldn't be sad forever--we need to be strong. Even if it means..." Senja muttered, he had a few droplets of tears to fall down on the ground. "We'll always remember him, so he's not going anywhere," Suiren chimed, he glanced at his friends--though they never accept this and they must wait until they're ready to confess to their leaders. "Yeah, we're lucky we worked with him... so there's no use to depress ourselves," Amaris stated.
"Look, he's still alive right? We don't know how much time he has left, so we gotta make this special," Vincent said as he folded his arms, Sonata smiled before her eyes gleamed with tears. If everything goes well... perhaps Sonata will survive and going somewhere she wanted to be without much obstacles to face. Chase hummed, his blue orbs fixed on the blue sky. "Let's just say, it is heresy to give up on Lloyd," he added, giving his friends encouragement and motivate to complete what they couldn't until it was for a good reason, maybe... the fates will choose them to see the beginning of a new Canaria to start everything anew.
"This might be the last day for us, because our decisions might be gone and only Lloyd can take his life for that. He hid a lot of burdens... not because of the responsibilities given to him, not because he abandoned the people in this country, but... he understands and he accepted them before even anyone could see this end," Senja said, when the others had listened to his explanations and a smile rose on his face. "If you ask why we want to fight with the government by helping Lloyd, it's because he's willing to risk it all to give his country a better future. They are only chosen ones, not us, yet... Lloyd still gave us many chances to protect our futures--when it wasn't belong to him."
However, that's why, when Senja came into realization--that his vision on the future never changes for them. "Let's destroy the Artificial Light and the Spiritus Husk together, we'll meet again in another life... no matter what."
Sonata remembered the words before and she nodded, agreeing with Senja's words. She glanced at her childhood friend Suona, before they nodded at each other. Until this very minute, Sonata never lost the opportunity--a promise that she made for herself. If she remembered their oath, then those words were forever imprinted into the heart.
"...then, since we finally know the answer; all of us will meet again and fight for our future," Sonata ended the conversation.
Meanwhile, Oswald was having his mind jumbling up after that--he couldn't believe this is happening and he felt like he messed up a lot of schedule for them.
He really need to act NOW!
***
The seventeen-years old young adult has arrived in the Hill of Prayer, approaching Oswald as she was standing there in front of him. She has a shoulder-length auburn hair with longer uneven bangs, almost covering her dark brown eyes and fell between her face--and has fair complexion. Wearing a black turtleneck and black mini-skirt underneath a dark Prussian blue slit dress, has a "cut-off" sexy slit on the upper long sleeves revealing her upper arms. A black belt with silver circular buckle attached on the front around her waist. Wearing a thigh-high black boots over her thighs with straps, black arm-length fingerless gloves and white scarf around her neck. She also wear her rounded spectacles with chains on them, she also has a gold platinum musical note pendant that attached by the strings behind her back--along her Automotive Gear weapons that took form on her thigh-high black boots--along a white flower on the side of her temple.
Konami is energetic, cheerful, lively and reliable on any type of situation, but sometimes she needs guidance. Sometimes she's playful but serious and is a bit mischievous, she's can always in a good mode before the training goes mad... although her favorite color is indigo and a mix of white and dark purple shades. She is quite tomboyish, fast running and her strengths are based on determination. Unlike most other girls, she rarely wears accessories other than her silver earring in her right ear.
"So, when will you say that you're the last Archmage?" she asked in a serious tone, he looked at her and that makes her slightly confused by his stoic yet calming face. For all her life, she believed that her 'old friend' tried to teach her not to question her own orders from people around her. "I'm just saying that I'm the last Archmage of my family, which is Seymour obviously--you're the last survivor of Sinclair and both of us are the last remaining ones to be hidden. However, my request is a request that I can't really handle alone. So... Konami, have you obtained the artifact after ordering the two Fantastic Beasts that I needed?"
Konami nodded, handing him the shining white star-like shaped jewel in front of him. "Yes, Lord Kaido. Thank you for agreeing to guide me through this ordeal, is this the one you've requested?" she asked, referring Oswald by his real name. Oswald nodded, as his expression changed. "Konami, you will go straight into the center where you are not allowed to interfere this. In case that vision happening, it'll be scrapped off from my 'script' once you're on the light. I shall let you give a word about this, I've used all of my time and effort until then. 'It is time for my first step, this might be last but not least'."
"Lord Kaido, or... may I call you Master Kaido for this battle...?" she requested, hesitating a little. Oswald adjusted his glasses, looking forward while facing his back at her. "No, I prefer Lord than Master. I'm not supposed to be your master, but only to guide and I will accompany to the sun and on the path. I'm aware of Lloyd's recent condition... I want to find a way to cure him somehow," he muttered, as he touched the jewel. "Be grateful, even for such a long time... even if the Sun rises from the East or the West and disappeared, some might stay asleep for so long."
Oswald saw a vision of the date of where everyone gathered in front of the cliff and the area where the Artificial Light is...
Sonata reached the cliff that 'close' to the Artificial Light, looking upwards as she sensed the ominous sky. Black skies forever painted the sky above them, unable to see the stars anymore. There she saw a huge pile of letters carried by her father Solvine who was in his giant Winter Wolf form and Suona's father Suiren in his Spring Serpent form, it contains a Melodic Scores and the sound of music can be heard resonated from inside it. She need to find a way on how to reach for the Artificial Light with the help from Dr. Chamberlain, but right now... she has a thing to take care of. "Dr. Chamberlain had the Melodic Score, we don't need to worry about the delivery and it's only a week until this will come to the end!"
If the Goddess is able to keep the people save, her people will be revived and will keep them alive. Sonata sighed, she's not sure, she wanted to be strong and fight.
"Sonata..." Claire spoke, finally approaching her and Gabriel was obviously worried. Claude was not feeling okay, and no wonder Sonata had kept a deep secret until they found out about this and it was too late. Now, they only have to find a way to distract the soldiers guarding the facility--until someone has to slip through with the plan and release the light out of the control. Then, that person is Sonata and Claire by force because the two Mail-Hunters had never failed before, when it comes to their jobs. "Once I can bring this light back into the world, only then I should be the happiest," Sonata smiled sadly, no doubt.
As Claire sighed, Mathilda was standing next to them with a smile--being proud of her and she doesn't want to ask how she passed the final check, but deep down inside... Mathilda will miss them all. "Time is wasting, so shall we start our vacation?" Mathilda wondered, Sonata still stayed as cheerful as she was. The two Mail-Hunters looked to each other, feeling their comrades' atmosphere and loyalty in a job like a brotherhood and a sisterhood.
"I'm totally not ready for this..." Alastair grumbled, trying not to think about it. He was aware that this will be the final shot, so to speak--if Lloyd has a choice to overwrite the Canaria's history and future; he will definitely choose this... a revolution in bringing the Artificial Light from destruction, but perhaps Sonata had realized something. Claire held her father Alastair's hand, looking at him with a serious stare. Alastair closed his violet-blue eyes, pursing his lips. "I'll live--as long as you are there and the country will be standing, Lloyd will..." he finished, everyone stayed quiet.
Alastair quickly grabbed his napkin and wrapped the cloth around his nose and mouth, snorting after making sure he won't let anyone know that he was going to cry.
...did he get along that well with Lloyd? Of course, Alastair was worried sick about his other friend, and now he thought he was close to death just so the Emissaries can do their best. "Claire... no, Eleonora Alastrine Farron," he said to his daughter Claire, addressing her by her full name. "...Dad?"
"Protect yourself and Sonata, especially Gabriel should be left with Sonata so they can retrieve the Artificial Light. This is my parting words until the final days, no one will stop either of you--especially since you two are both the brightest emissaries, strong and never break."
"For Mom..." Claire muttered, her sapphire orbs met his, the same pair of sapphires... except Claire has his eyes and will be more attractive to the crowd. "I wish I can ask more things to understand how... you became strong. Back then, you were trying so hard to tell me how it was hard to be a Emissary--and most of us and all of us suffer, after we lost them... but I never got your true advice," her father glanced at the ground, with Gabriel next to her--knowing he was concerned of her. She suddenly pulled a hug towards her father and Alastair just didn't hesitate and hugged her daughter tight, kissing her forehead.
Sonata watched her father Solvine transformed back into his human form, placing the huge pile of letters beside him. He spread his arms for her, calling her name lovingly. "My pretty snow white daughter," he said with a smile, and his daughter burst into tears as soon as she gave her father a warm hug. His silky hair matches her soft snow-white hair, it was a good combination between the two and... it made her really want to cherish this moment forever. Suona was busy hugging her father Suiren, while Gabriel also hugging his father Gerhard Galbraith--who has been with his son after his mother's death.
Oswald was standing there, looking at his Automotive Gear weapon on his hand--he really missed fighting with this and he wanted to hunt Husks sometime with Alastair. "Master Oswald, do you have any last words... since you're the last Archmage of the family that will take the fight?" Gilbert asked. Oswald closed his eyes, before he took a deep sigh and turned to everyone. "I really wish those words are still existing, even after we finish with the destruction of the Artificial Light, our countries may have different promises and will leave their legacy. However, we still need to think our sacrifices are worth for the war... nothing is ever easy. All of you have a brilliant future ahead, until then... leave the rest to us and I wish there's something I never regret taking care of," Oswald said with a smile, looking at Lloyd who was approaching them up ahead.
They heard a quiet chuckle, Lloyd who stood with them--with Claude beside him while walking up from the stairs (Claude makes sure he is not allowed to deliver letters and helping Lloyd not to push himself). "Perhaps, time never waits to us, everyone. A blessing given to us to see a better future, without a sin for those who have their own," Lloyd stated, walking towards his subordinates--his Maestros, while Lloyd was carrying a box filled with Melodic Scores from him. Claude noticed their belongings were still the same, they didn't changed for a bit ever since the Maestros graduated from training years ago, even Alastair gained enough experience and his reputation as a Vice Postmaster-General.
Sonata pulled away from her father's hug when she saw the Artificial Light is 'flickering' on the sky, meaning if they didn't take care of the Spiritus Husk right now; the light might destroyed and bring chaos throughout the Canaria. "Did we reached the deadline...?" Alastair frowned, glancing at Mathilda--who's aware that she still has her watch on her hand as she glanced at the time. 3:55 PM, it means one hour before midnight. "Look, we have to get on with the Artificial Light--even if it takes us all to take it down, we'll leave the plan here for the last stroke of plan," Alastair told Gilbert, Solvine and Suiren who nodded.
"Oh right, Sonata. If you made it... we're coming with you, although it's a huge sacrifice... we just need to have the other Maestros or any Mail-Hunters on the helm with our leaders." Claire mumbled. Sonata wasn't so sure, only her and her best friend. Then, after a few minutes later... Gabriel realized. "Oh..."
They will only wait for the command from them to help them, by overloading the light with the Melodic Scores that theycreated, or their own Melodic Scores before the day they were chosen.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Lloyd chuckled, rubbing her head as he patted his old friend Solvine. "Solvine, I'm glad to know you had a great time to meet your precious daughter and your family, this was the best I could offer you all... and knowing all of you are strong and persistent fighters, I'm proud of you... we'll meet again someday, take care of yourself! Just wait, we'll see them again soon..."
Then, he had to give them his last order--before his 'promise' was fulfilled, and everyone turned to him when they notice the light was reacting when they spotted his presence in the National Postal Service Headquarters. It was Lloyd's last order, and no doubt... it was on.
Everyone moved quietly along the bridge, seeing each other was nervous, but will do their best. "Sonata, all of us are with you. We will offer some distraction and defeat the Spiritus Husk if we have to, so... you better win this, my child," Solvine said to his daughter, kissing her forehead before she smiled. Suiren hugged his daughter again, Alastair hugged his daughter tighter and everyone was shocked.
"Everyone, listen to my last order...!"
That will be the start of his first ever revolution. "When every generation lived their faiths, seek what they think they should expect. The unknown we never had, it lives beyond what the people had hoped and filled it with regrets. Even in the dark, a soldier whose spirit is not broken will become our hope. All of you made your choices and made our countries stronger, showing a miracle is always for an emissary or a postal worker. Now, I command all of you to delivery all of your Melodic Scores and keep any dangers from preventing us from bringing back the hope! Never back down and face all of your mistakes, and hope... we shall live and die as a Postal Worker."
Sonata narrowed her eyes, before she jumped towards the bridge in front of her. Sonata ran towards the bridge to reach the edge, followed by Claire; Gabriel supported Sonata, who kept a firm grip on the rail. Since the distance wasn't that huge, and she managed to reach the edge by jumping. "This is going to be the last visit here," Mathilda smiled softly as she turned around and glanced at the dark clouds above. "We almost there... Sonata, may we will be reunited and your future to comes true."
Sonata smiled, then she slowly began to jump and dash forward--entering the Artificial Light and holding her Automotive Gear on her hand--her beloved Chopin's Nocturne Op. 20 that always been with her from the beginning of her career. As she faced the projection of all memories they collected all over the country, where Sonata released her Melodic Score with Claude before she left to meet and Claire and Gabriel did the same--like when they trained for the final test. Soon, more and more Maestros did their assignments while the spirits became a guide for their Melodic Scores, Sonata can hear music playing in the background.
The Husk creatures were alarmed and began to attack the area, all of them tried their best to defend from the increasing numbers of Spiritus Husk. Although... not all of them survive, because they had to spare their Melodic Scores for this and now every Maestros that could stay alive had to be near their designated area of delivery. Every day, they were all busy because of the soldiers that guarding the main facilities for the light.
Sonata watched every memories they passed, seeing many letters being written and every souls from the past gathered. "If we end up not surviving, there's no excuse for me... I can't change anything, everything gone was a step that's waiting for you..." she recited her favorite quote. There, one of the key people in this play, she is the one who ended the century of Canaria's history that took decades for their culture to turn for the worse and their corrupted governments lost control of it.
Sonata watched the sight of her friends fighting against the Husks until their last breath, along with Suona, Mathilda, Selena and everyone that ended their services. They were a group of great people who became her pillars, now the spirits gone... only if they didn't save that single person from the light. Then, she turned to see the pupa of the Spiritus Husk--it was getting too strong, and for that, she can feel a deep hatred because Canaria had their lives being destroyed or sacrificed.
Sonata gasped with horror when she suddenly witnessed Alastair's final moment, being struck down and he never wanted his daughter Claire to see it--seeing Claire defeated all of the Husks... before she fell onto the floor, covered in blood with a weapon on her hand. Her expression was scary, then Sonata look away--she need to aim her gunblade towards the pupa; knowing that... it might cost her life and her happiness. The next view is about her Melodic Score glowing, knowing that a large mass amount of soul helped her getting this far before Sonata saw someone came in her head.
"Sonata Nocturna...!"
"I... I...!"
Why... why must it ended like this...? They wanted peace and Sonata had to live her future without freedom. When she is here, nothing can stop her determination--ever since she escaped and is far away from the light that keeps on killing people or taken their lives. That was all, Sonata had to go faster if she wanted to see them again--even her mentor still survived, while Claude took the honor in protecting his home. Sonata growled, knowing what she has to do.
Her teal-blue eyes turning red as her body glowing in bright light, her aura turns blue with stars and her Automotive Gear has a white swirls. She needs to use a 'Charge' move so the 'star's' white energy to turned into red and more her energy bursts along, but it also costs her energy. "...remember this, the one who will live up to her dreams, is I--I, Sonata Nocturna."
She was not afraid to touch her enemy because when they become dangerous, they will surely cause a shock of the star to release the waves from her weapon. It will let the spirit fly inside the weapon and helps Sonata in many ways, by taking command of the 'Star Lights' and to use her song, create an image of a rainbow when she play through her Automotive Gear's locket part of the weapon.
"Everyone...! Give me all of your Melodic Scores! I know you're still here for me, and I'll miss all of you, but..." Sonata could only stand straight with a grin, even though she knew her limit has been reached. "We'll play the song of victory together, perhaps by then... all of you will be remembered," she used her small voice. The remaining Melodic Scores are placed into the four pipes, in which the Husks couldn't attack through the defense wall that was surrounding the Artificial Light.
Outside the man-made sun, the Emissaries raise their weapons in the air altogether--despite their injuries, now the Spiritus Husk retreated and Alastair coughed blood. He could feel the Spiritus Husk is no more, he can sense something; the Artificial Light is about to explode, it will also destroy the Spiritus Husk--consuming them to the core before it explodes. Then, the Artificial Light caused a huge flash of blinding light--allowing the people in Canaria to be 'born'.
It will destroy every evidence that can change their history, they knew they have time until the after effects was caught on for a while.
"I'm... not going to stop now!"
Sonata ignored the blood that fell from her mouth, knowing that her heartbeat is irregular after the first shot of lightning that pierced her body and the feeling is unbearable. Then, she pressed the trigger--shooting a huge rainbow-like white blast mixed with all colors of the lights and stars. "Let the world... be set free...!"
When Sonata shouted as the last word of her vow, the lightning completely struck her... the huge Melodic Score in her Automotive Gear was shattered and spread into rainbow pieces--until it reaches the pupa and causing a great shock of the star that leads to the final attack against the Husk creatures. The light that struck Sonata's chest, then exploding into a blast with massive explosion--but the Melodic Scores of her friends... flew into her body; then the light and the star dispersed into a few particles and spreading slowly.
Sonata felt a huge amount of cuts on her whole body, the side-effects was draining her life--more than anyone. Since, the Emissaries were the one who endures this--the sacrifice was too large. Unlike the citizens, they had to endure a lot of pain if they managed to live. All they could think is... their hope, wishes and dreams, and love that was tied along with the promises. It shattered by the 'swords' of Canaria... and that's how the whole dark sky finally cleared up, with only a few clouds were remained.
Every Melodic Scores has revitalized the Artificial Light, Sonata had to destroy the Artificial Light--creating a sun that naturally shines the earth once again, it shows her history and her entire existence coming out from the light and smiled towards the sky. It was not long, the light turned into a huge solar burst and a rainbow and white light filling up the sky as Sonata was exhausted. Her lips tainted with blood, all of the Melodic Scores she had spent to finally completed it. It was hard, she really wants to rest, and yet... she couldn't.
The Artificial Light from outside began to burst the Spiritus Husk by burning them, making a huge rainbow appearing above the country with bright and white flashes. Soon, a powerful beam of light was unleashed from the sun--killing the remnants of the Spiritus Husk off their skins and turning them into ashes. The endless night sky began to shine and changed into clear blue sky with white clouds, then the sunlight hit through a flower growing at the top of the cliff.
Sonata appeared in front of the fallen comrades, before she fell alongside her father Solvine who was in his human form--dying from his wounds, the others didn't make it--making a final breath to meet the one hope before they reunite with all of their peers. "Did... we make it...?" Suona asked, coughing up blood as she was in the brink of death, Xinglan laid on his stomach after he got a fatal blow on his left rib. Sonata whispered 'yes' and the answer was not hard to tell, because from the horizon... the black skies finally cleared up and the daylight rises again--seeing the pure blue sky, the white clouds, and the warm sunlight that hit their skin.
Claire laid across the ground with her father Alastair, bloodied in their hands. Their bodies were battered badly, she didn't survive and she remembered the scene when her father Alastair's died in front of her. His face was full of happiness and tears, knowing it is the beginning of a new Canaria. "Come on, be... content for now... your dream will comes true... no matter what, because you tried hard and never breaking down--you earned the honor, from being a Mail-Hunter," Claire said, before the sounds of birds singing became their music--as she close her eyes and fell 'asleep'.
Gabriel was dying as well, he didn't make it--leaving her alone in this place. Sonata gasped for breath, her eyes glanced at the many graves before them--surrounded with large number of flowers that bloom and brought a lot of joys to their hearts. Lloyd no longer feel burdened by his illness and everything, he finally able to 'rest in peace'--his family also passed away peacefully after the Spiritus Husk's last attack that happened earlier, somehow that really scares him... but he never regret making a sacrifice of his life.
Solvine could only reach his arm around his daughter Sonata weakly, welcoming her in his hug before they can 'rest' beside Claire and Gabriel. Oswald was no longer alone, as the last Archmage of his lineage, he will always put down his pen... knowing all of them fought for their lost and love that was living through them all. "Lloyd... we'll never forget you..."
Sonata slowly close her eyes, smiling as Solvine kissed her forehead for the last time... before a gentle wind blew as the petals of flower scattered all over the place.
_Finally, you have fulfilled it, my child._
And then, Sonata never said anything as she had finally took her last breath. The gentle breeze swept some of the white petals into the wind, now the light can move freely. Solvine passed away with the other Fantastic Beasts who also died in the battle, all the spirits returned to heaven as the deceased took their chance to go in peace and the flowers grew brighter. Now, it's just the heroes who died together with each other, never wanted to let go of their hands.
All of the Mail-Hunters passed away, becoming a martyr... of Canaria's freedom. Lloyd also passed away as he no longer succumbing to his illness, his family also passed away before he knew he was going to follow his family. The others who were in the pod also passed away, even Dr. Chamberlain and his team after their sacrifice to keep the pods protected--Luka was there as well... the bishop was lifeless on the spot after the outcome.
The people cried for their sorrow, unable to believe that what happened was a tragedy. Some said it was part of plan, the people sobbed and cried until they have no more tears, their hatred towards their post became useless--as they know one day, everything will be alright. The Husks are all dead, even the Spiritus Husk no longer exist and the people are free again. However, that's still not going to heal the scars left in their hearts--because their families died during the battle, all is left is their letters are piling up. There, only a few of them are left.
This is Canaria, the Land of Light and Freedom.
Oswald quickly close his eyes once he was back to the present, trying to get rid of the vision of his memories. He just got back to reality from his sudden clairvoyance as he take off his rounded spectacles and rubbed his eyes, he couldn't believe his vision saw something heartbreaking and it kills him seeing them died with a painful and bitter defeat on his hand. Although this was the truth, Oswald doesn't want to mess with his memories nor the truth, it is what is important to keep it in a silent way for people to understand...
Konami watched him as he rubbed his eyes, his expression turns painful and Oswald touched the white star-shaped artifact, before he put back his glasses.
"What do you see there...?" Konami blinked, glancing at the artifact inside the box and Oswald took a deep breath. "...this might be impossible, but to gain the higher will of the Empress... I will use this to destroy the Artificial Light. I'm trying to fulfill an oath, that my family taken that--sooner or later, our names will be clean..." he whispered, before he gulped. "But, I realized that... this isn't just about our last existence as an Archmage... this is for the freedom of them, and even the entire Canaria."
Oswald gripped tightly, trying to avoid making another tears. "How can they end up sacrificing their lives for the hope...?" he uttered, he wanted to save Lloyd--but he don't know how long before he can assist him. "Master Kaido, we will know what will happen. I'm sure all of us are being chosen with a large risks, no one can really resist it. We should accept it, soon we can never see the sky at this era or knowing the day will end once again--but tomorrow will always comes. Let me guess, if Lloyd were to make a choice... then, we have to make his dream come true--without dying by his illness. Besides, you wanted to cure him with this artifact, right?"
He nodded, tightening his grasp on the artifact.
"I'm living under your roof, and I'm not going to complain to worry you because after all, I lived in the darkness where no sun shine for a year straight. Since we won't know a future without its sunrise or sunset, then... for once, we should let it happen..."
That statement gives the courage to a curious eyes of a young girl who was standing behind them, it was Sonata who was allying with her father Solvine, but she secretly traveled to this time. It is because she heard of their conversation about bringing her true dreams together... it warms her heart. Her decision is already settled. "Then, let's do this together. Master Oswald!" she prompted, catching both of the Archmages' attention. They saw a young petite girl with a long snow-white hair with signature white wolf ears and tail, also a teal-blue eyes and alabaster complexion--donning herself in an Emissary uniform.
Oswald didn't expect Sonata Nocturna would appear here, coming from the shadows. "Sonata? What are you doing here?" he asked, getting nervous and confused for a while, but she stood still with a smile on her face. "I won't be disturbing the flow of time, although... I can help you two with your goals. Perhaps I never heard a word of Kaido Seymour, the last surviving Archmage of the Sixth Dynasty--is... helping a citizen or giving freedom and the true hope, as much as a Mail-Hunter are."
The older male sighed, walking over with the artifact in his hand before he glance at her. "This is the only cure I ever had, I'm not sure if I had another one--besides I think I need to deal with the messed up schedule I made and I think... I did made a worst mistake ever," he replied, looking a bit uncertain as he wasn't sure if this could work in his life. The Artificial Sun is rising very high--they cannot waste much time anymore. "Then, we need to cure our Postmaster-General first--this rushing schedule incident should be solved, and as long as we take it slow. Can't it...?"
Although Oswald wasn't sure of their plans or goals would be successful--a little luck can help them from this. Konami has been taught by Oswald about the ancient method on creating healing essence that creates this artifact; Tears of Empress--it can heal up to any kind of illness by drinking the Tears. Sonata wasn't so sure and she hesitated a bit, if she can make the future changes... then she had to do it. "You're... Konami, right? I'm Sonata Nocturna, one of the Mail-Hunters in National Postal Service."
"Yes, that's me, is there something you needed?" Konami asked with a smile, but surprised when Sonata hold her hands. "Please, make some portions for our Postmaster-General! He needed that and this was our final play for him, since you're an apprentice and soon you'll take over the role for Master Oswald," Sonata pleaded, her pleading eyes turned to Oswald who still holding the Tears of Empress in his pocket. Oswald and Konami glanced at each other, it was not a bad idea, but they have to hide these Tears before someone were to ruin the items, even if they gave the tears to Lloyd.
"Alright then. We just have to make the last plan right, so... let's do this together."
Few hours later...
Oswald visited Lloyd in the infirmary where he was resting, he didn't want to hide this anymore--he choose to reveal his true identity to the people he trusted and Konami walked beside him and Sonata reassuring everyone that she won't disturb their 'conversation'. He told his background as he did after a few minutes, and his true identity that linked to Konami as a friend and with their own mission. Sonata only nodded and give respect for Lloyd who was sleeping soundly, despite he was not at the verge of dead and showing his positive energy, he is alive and could be better once the medicine reached into him.
"Dr. Chamberlain, please let me take care of this."
Dr. Chamberlain wanted to ask him several questions about his existence, but choose to not interrupt when Oswald approached his colleague-friend on the bed--taking out the palm-sized star-shaped flask filled with Tears of Empress that contains a pure white and rainbow-mixed liquid with the musical notes 'melody' swirling inside the liquid. Sonata was watching as Oswald take Lloyd's chin and open his mouth gently, letting him sip the 'essence' until the flask was now empty.
It contains the healing Melodic Scores that nobody can change, because it can bring good energy as it can harm other human beings that didn't deserved this kindness--thus, for someone like Lloyd who still lived well... there's a small portion on helping people in the society. The potion also acted as a protection charm towards the Spiritus Husk, but Oswald doesn't like disclosing that too much--as it would breach the confidential information of his.
After emptying the flask, Lloyd gulped the liquid as it tasted refreshing and cold but made him feel refreshed--he slowly open his eyes and his heart illness disappeared. The other man wanted to protest, but as he looked at the monitor--Lloyd's heartbeat returned to normal and he was healed completely. "H-Huh? I--" Lloyd was alarmed as he was fully awake, asking why and didn't realize he doesn't feel anything wrong anymore. Konami simply explain to Lloyd what happened before Oswald had to answer his question if he did it on purpose, yes he did on purpose. "Yeah, you were. Master Lloyd. We can't lose you, no matter what."
Lloyd blinked when he said that, before he smiled as he look back at them. "Thank you, looks like my family will survive and there's nothing to worry about," he finally able to breath freely and no longer worrying about his disease, now they had to deal with the schedule and had to take care of the messed up schedule.
Oswald is not having it, if he didn't exist in this world nor died... what will happen? More worse, what if he didn't meet Konami first before they rushed into the cliff to over-fuel the Melodic Scores for the Artificial Light?