“You’ll come back and visit, won’t you?” Shih’van asks, as she presses a package of dried insects into Ren’s hands. “After you, you know, save the world and all?”

“Maybe.” Ren nods. “It kind of depends, really. I don’t want to make any promises.”

She smiles. “I understand. Ruk’vahn is very far from everywhere, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes days for you to return home.”

“What are you guys going to do now?” Ren asks. “The Horseman is gone, and the undead beasts won’t be attacking you anytime now.”

“Well, I don’t think we’d fare well in the light.” Shih’van chews on her lip. “We’ve adapted to living in the darkness. But we’ll see what Grandmother says. For now, I don’t think much has changed, because we lived away from the Horseman’s area of influence anyway.”

That makes sense, considering that they were always underground, past a labyrinth, for a good three centuries. And, speaking of which, his entire group is gathered at the entrance of the village, where Af’rik is waiting for them, to act as their guide through the maze. Ignis’ statuette is hidden away in Penny’s knapsack.

Ren waves goodbye to Shih’van, exchanging promises that they’d never forget each other, before striding over to where his team currently stands. He hands the pack of food to Gridel, who finds space to stuff it in her own bag, as disgruntled as she is about its contents.

“Shall we go?” Gridel asks. “I feel like it’s been a long time since we got back to Gravelle.”

“I would like to return home as well,” Vane says. “It’s been much too long since I’ve seen familiar sights.”

“But it’s been quite an adventure, though,” Penny says. “Like, we’ve been to all sorts of places, and met all kinds of people—”

Af’rik holds his hands up. “That sounds like the kind of talk that comes after we get out of here, and after you actually get home.” He saunters past them, headed for the maze beyond the entrance. “Let’s go.”

With that, they leave the Batlings’ village for the last time. Most of the residents are peeking out of their houses, some of them waving to them from the village square, including Shih’van and, surprisingly, Grandmother. For the first time since Ren sees her, the elder wears a genuine smile on her face, showing her fangs and all, as she watches them go.

Vane is the first to emerge from the sarcophagus, pushing the lid over and onto the sand, where it lands with a thump, knocking over several of Af’rik’s half-melted candles. They emerge onto the sand, one after the other. Ren raises his arm to shield his eyes from the glare of the golden dunes. One day, he’s going to go blind from having to readjust to the light and the dark.

“Bye!” Af’rik calls from below, his hands cupping his mouth. “I’ll be seeing you!”

“Take care!” Penny shouts. “Good luck with Shih’van!”

At that, Af’rik splutters, and Ren laughs at his stuttering form, yelling at them to shut the lid and to get far away from here. Even his companions, who are usually as uptight as a person can be, crack a smile at their antics.

“Right,” Penny says. “So, where to?”

*

It sounds almost like an impossible task, but they eventually find a forest. After long hours of trekking through the desert, seeing nothing but the endless sea of sand, they chance upon a copse of trees. Then, more trees, ferns, and undergrowth. Finally, the entirety of the forest comes into view, a welcome respite from the harshness of the desert.

Strolling into the woods, Ren hears the sound of birdsong. It is just as Vane said—wildlife, as magical as they are, are returning. Insects flit around them, butterflies and beetles of various colours, as do birds and other little critters sticking their heads out of the soil from their hidey-holes.

Ren has no idea how long they’ve walked, led on by Gridel, who holds a map in hand, because soon, the copses of trees blur into a single, continuous scenery. It’s when Penny notices that he’s struggling to keep up, aching soles forcing him to limp, that she calls for a break.

As though on cue, they find a trickling spring, and Ren has never been so glad to see running water in his life. Sure, the Batlings had a way of getting clean water, but the process was long and arduous, requiring the usage of a primeval contraption, stones, and— Well, Ren wasn’t really listening when Af’rik was explaining the principle of it all to him.

A deer—one with giant antlers, much bigger than its head—bounds away into the trees as soon as it sees their approach. Ren settles down by the riverbank, groaning softly as he relieves his feet of their duty. Penny sits down next to him, laying her palms flat against the soil, folding the wilted grass under her hands.

“So,” she says, angling her head up to look at Gridel. “How long more do we have to go?”

Gridel is staring at the map, as Vane dips his waterskin into the river. “This must be the forest of Wessmoss. Once we make it out of this forest, then we’ll be about halfway there. There was a reason we chose to go to Ilecthia first.”

Ilecthia. There’s another name that Ren hasn’t heard in a while. He wonders how Betty’s doing, and Isla. He misses the underground community, though he doesn’t quite miss that misogynistic captain, nor that misandrist pirate. He’s kind of glad they’re both gone, as morbid and un-hero-like as that sounds.

“You know what? I think we should get some sleep here,” Penny says. “Like, we should set up camp. Vane, take me out to hunt. I wanna learn.”

Vane raises his brows at the request. “I… I suppose I could. Yes, there would be plenty of game to hunt here, considering the, ah, environment.”

“I will stay here with Ren, then, and prepare the fire for cooking,” Gridel says.

“Oh, I can help with that,” Ren says quickly. Great, now he seems like the useless one. Unable to hunt and put food on the table, or in this case, over the fire, he should at least be able to help with something like gathering firewood or starting a spark…

What is he thinking? He has Ifrit for that.

“Oh, wait, I don’t think I’m going to take you hunting with us.” Penny drops her rucksack to the ground, and something heavy falls to the floor. It’s not until she opens her bag and takes it out that Ren realises just what she’s dropped. If not for that, he wouldn’t have remembered they have this fifth member of their party with them.

“Whoops, sorry about that,” she says. “I’m not used to, you know, not throwing my bag to the ground.”

“Not to worry,” Ignis says, in the same serene tone He’s used to speak to them the entire time, from when they found Him in the Vault till now. “It is what I deserve, after all.”

“Oh my God,” Penny groans. But she does not elaborate, because she doesn’t need to. “Okay, Vane. I need time away from this old codger for a bit.”

Vane straightens his shoulders. “Igni—His Majesty may be old, but He is still wise.”

“Yeah, wizened in the ways of self-deprecation, probably,” Penny mutters. It’s surprising to see a lack of a defensive reaction from Vane, considering where his loyalties lie. Either he’s used to Penny’s antics, or he agrees with her. Ren isn’t sure that any of the four of them would choose not to, as impressive as the former Emperor probably was.

To be honest, it’s not like Ren can’t imagine the spirit draped in his regal robes—like one of those Japanese emperors—ruling over the entirety of Zenthos with countless consultants and advisors by his side. No thoughts, head empty. Besides self-deprecating musings, that is.

Penny and Vane wander into the undergrowth, following the riverbank as they disappear behind copses of trees. Gridel forces him to stay put with a firm hand on his shoulder and a hard stare, before she heads out to find dry logs for firewood. Ren has no choice but to lean against a boulder, and to wait for his friends to return.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Their lunch—or was it dinner?—was wild boar—something surprisingly mundane—roasted and enjoyed over a crackling fire.

“Man, I miss marshmallows,” Penny groans mournfully. “Campfires always make me think of marshmallows.”

“Marshmallows?” Gridel asks.

“Tiny, cube-shaped, balls of fluffiness.”

“How can they be cube-shaped when they’re balls?” Ren asks, his voice muffled as he speaks through a mouthful of meat. Pork has never tasted so good in his life, despite the lack of seasoning of any sort.

“Would you like something with fur next time?” Vane asks.

“Not that kind of fluffy.” Penny smacks his arm. “I mean, like, something you can squish.”

“Like… bugs?” Gridel tries.

Penny throws her hands up in defeat. “Never mind.”

They have a hearty meal around the campfire, and Ren holds his hands out, sinking into the warmth, Ifrit placed at his side. Penny is the first to fall asleep, curled up against Ren’s side. Gridel too prepares to turn in. Vane would keep watch first.

“You should get some rest, Master Ren,” Vane says. “We still have quite a lot of ground to cover.”

They do. Ren’s seen the map. He can’t say he’s looking forward to it, though. God knows his physical abilities suck.

He settles down beside Penny, her head now having shifted to his lap. He leans with his back against the grass, breathing in the heady scent of dried plants, and a whiff of flora. Shutting his eyes, Ren lets himself relax. His breathing steadies, his descent into slumber aided by the calming flow of the stream.

*

The trip to Gravelle takes them another three days before the familiar boundless fields of the Ashen Plains come into view. Ren has never been more grateful to be away from biting bugs and the like in that forest, as well as large, swooping birds that want to eat them for lunch.

But he sees the peaks and valleys of the, well, not-so-Ashen Plains, and then, also, a small settlement nestled in the rolling hills. That must be where Gravelle used to be, and without having to live under the Horseman’s reign of terror, the people of Gravelle are free to build their houses up here, and to finally get away from that stifling network of caverns.

It makes Ren wonder whether or not Queen Elvira and Rayfel are around here, or whether they have chosen to remain loyal to Gaia, whose physical form cannot be moved from underground. Till they fashion another grand monument or statue of some sort, She would have to stay there, lest She chances disappearing into the dark void of nothingness, as spirits are said to go when they linger too long out in the open.

It is a stonemason who lives at the very edge of the city who sees them first. His face lights up with recognition, before dropping his mallet and leaping to his feet. Wiping his face with his towel, he calls out to the other villagers. From this distance, Ren can’t actually hear what he’s saying, but he can very well guess.

“We’re back!” Penny shouts, waving back just as excitedly. “We’re home!”

And… they are back. It almost feels like how Ren would imagine feeling when they return home. They’ve only stayed at Gravelle for a night or two, but it has carved a place in Ren’s heart in the few days they’d been here.

That said, he can’t wait to sink into the fluffy sheets of their beds and bask in the warmth of their baths. God knows he craves it, after such a long time away.

*

“Oh, this is so good,” Penny moans as she stuffs cut of meat after cuts of meat into her mouth. Queen Elvira chuckles, her fingers clasped in front of her, her elbows propped up on the table as she and Rayfel watch them eat. Vane and Gridel initially wanted to partake in their meal back in their familiar canteen meant for soldiers, but with a little bit of whining, Penny convinced them to stay. Elvira raised a brow, but she didn’t say anything.

Ren is just glad that he’s eating something other than Duskbell leaves, as delicious as it was, and bugs. And that he’s drinking clean water. Not that the Batlings’ water wasn’t clean, but still… Gravelle’s waters are positively sparkling in their little porcelain mugs.

“Well, it’s been a while since you were gone,” Elvira says. “How has Zenthos treated you? I’m sure you’ve met a lot of fine people.”

“Yeah.” Penny nods. “And we saw all kinds of creatures and met all the great spirits. Oh, and speaking of great spirits…” She swallows her current bite, before pulling her rucksack onto her lap from the floor. She opens it up, and she fishes Ignis’ statue out of it.

“What is…” Elvira frowns. “What is this?”

“That,” Vane says, with a level of pride in his voice, “is our great Emperor, Ignis.”

Rayfel frowns. “If this is a joke, it’s not very funny.”

“Oh, no, no. This is Ignis, for sure. No-one can keep blaming themselves this much.” Penny sets the dusty statuette down in the middle of the banquet table, sliding it between the plates of pork and… some kind of multicoloured meat that Ren’s been munching on without much thought. “Come on, Ignis. Say something to prove that you’re there.”

“It has come to my attention that you have referred to me as a great spirit,” Ignis says. “And I realise that I am in the company of some lovely fellows. Rulers like I used to me, back before I sank into the throes of sin.”

Rayfel blinks. “That was…”

“Yes. It’s getting a little annoying, to be honest,” Penny says, patting the statuette on the head. “Do you want to, you know, keep him? You can listen to his ramblings all day.”

“Indeed, my name is synonymous with annoyance,” Ignis mourns. “One cannot help but feel irritated should they spend even a second in my presence.”

“Okay, this is getting ridiculous. You guys should keep him.” Penny waves at Ignis. Ren is starting to wonder whether He’s coming up with these quips on purpose.

“Well, I… we cannot keep a great spirit, much less the revered Emperor Ignis.” Elvira rises from her seat, and she bows to the statuette. Rayfel follows suit. “O great Sun Lord Ignis, my name is Elvira, and this is my husband, Rayfel. We are but humble servants in your presence—”

“Please, do not bow to me,” Ignis all but wails. “I am not worthy of your respect.”

“If you ever need to feel better, just remember this guy exists,” Penny says. “One day, He’s going to immolate from all the shitty things he’s starting to believe about Himself.”

“That’s not a very nice way to speak about the Emperor,” Vane chides, though it lacks the bite that Ren expected it to have.

“Indeed,” Elvira says. “Ignis has ruled over our land for so long and He has brought prosperity to Zenthos. It is imperative that we show Him utmost respect.”

Penny sinks back into her seat, pouting. Ren suppresses a snicker.

“In any case, I will return to Gaia’s chamber, and we shall seek Her advice. Besides, I’m certain that the great Emperor would like to see His friend once again,” Rayfel says. He rises from his seat, having finished his meal. “I will be waiting there.”

With that, he leaves the banquet hall, and Ren watches as he hobbles off. He seemed like he was in a hurry. That said, Ren’s got some questions to ask of his own. And he’s certain that the others do too.

But maybe he’ll finish his dinner first. Goodness knows he’s missed eating at a table, eating delicious food.

*

Gaia’s chamber is no smaller than Ren remembers. The great spirit Herself stands at the far end of it, before an altar. The smell of incense, of earth, wafts around them, entering their nostrils. Rayfel is waiting for them, knelt before the altar, his face angled up at Gaia’s statue. The bear is as menacing as Ren remembers.

“Welcome back, Luminaries,” Gaia says. “I sense that you have vanquished the four great evils from the corners of Zenthos. For that, you have my thanks.” Her emerald eyes flash, and a wave of uneasiness washes over Ren. She is the first great spirit that they met, one who spoke kindly, yet with a commanding air. He felt safe in Her presence, like the Horseman could never get to them as long as they remained near Her.

But now, the sight of Her has his stomach churning, roiling in the pit of his gut. During their journey, they’ve seen many things, and he has amassed questions. All he needs to do now is to ask them and to clear his suspicions up once and for all.

“I see that you have also brought my dear Emperor back to me,” Gaia says. “For that, I must express my utmost gratitude.”

Penny smiles. “It’s nothing. We were just doing our job.”

Gaia chuckles. “Well, it is now that you must climb the crystal stairs that would deliver you right to Pandora Citadel’s doorstep. It is there that you must destroy it and bring peace to the whole of Zenthos once more.”

The tower in the sky. Ren’s seen it a couple of times on his way back. Standing tall in the clouds, nothing but a black silhouette against the crimson sky. He can only imagine what it would look like on the inside: maybe something dark and dreary, like an evil overlord’s humble abode.

Or, rather, not-so-humble, since they’re an evil overlord and all.

Now that he thinks about it, it kind of makes him wonder where the Citadel even came from. Well, probably the Box, if he’s being honest. It must have sprung up when Ignis attempted to open it to gain its powers.

Pandora’s Citadel… Pandora’s Box… What a fitting name, if he does say so himself.

“After having weathered such a harrowing voyage, it only stands to reason that you would be in want of some rest,” Gaia says. “Elvira, please ensure that the Luminaries are well-rested for their final journey ahead.”

Elvira bows. “As you wish, my Lady.”

“Yeah, I’m pooped.” Penny pumps her fists into the air as she stretches. “Can’t wait to get back into those fluffy sheets and everything. God, I missed beds.”

Vane, Gridel, and Penny turn to leave the chamber, with Queen Elvira right behind them. That leaves only Ren and Rayfel in the chamber.

“What are you still doing here?” Rayfel asks. “Is there something wrong?”

“Well…” Ren shrugs. “I’d like to ask Lady Gaia some questions.”

“I apologise, but the Lady would not be accepting an audience—” Rayfel starts, but Gaia cuts him off, in the same firm yet soft tone.

“I am open to questions. Do not speak for me, Rayfel,” Gaia says. Rayfel lifts his gaze, looking at her as though she struck him. He bows his head, and he takes a step back and away from Gaia. Ren stares up into those piercing eyes, the glint of the emerald by the fire of the torches making her look somewhat… meaner than usual. But it must be a trick of the light. It has to be.

“Well.” Ren gulps, not quite sure how to start. “There’s a name we discovered during our time in the Frosgott region, and a little bit of Ruk’vahn…” He chews on his lip, pretending that Gaia isn’t scrutinising him with everything She’s got. The great spirit may be inhabiting a statue, but it doesn’t make Her any less intimidating. Ren sucks in a breath, before he continues.

“That name that we encountered is Terra, your supposed mentor. Do you happen to know anything about her?”