“The southeast is getting worse each day. I fear it’s only a matter of days before it reaches the same fate as the northeast.” The Earth Spirit sighed.
“Is there nothing that can be done?” Ares clenched his fists. “I mean, this is the result of humans draining magic from the land, isn’t it?”
”I’m afraid not. As you know, the northeast was in such condition when you first arrived. Halcyone grows weaker by the century. I overheard Water telling Wind that we only have one or two cycles left… I know it’s petty to be upset at a time like this, but I hate how they keep me in the dark all the time! I may be a few seconds younger than them, but they don’t have to treat me as inferior!”
“I know. I’m sorry; I feel same.” Ares sighed. He may have considered Fire his best friend, but Earth was like a sibling to him. A younger sibling, though it would annoy Earth to no end knowing as much. “Maybe it’s time to give up on Halcyone.”
“No. We can’t give up while life still lives. If we can preserve Halcyone, we must try. That’s why… That’s why I plan to serve as the catalyst to keep Aeceria stable.”
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
”What?!” Ares jumped up from sitting on the ground. “No! You can’t be serious! It’s not worth it! We can move them — we can evacuate the Aecerians to Zetheria where they’ve learned to live with the land.”
”You don’t understand. I wouldn’t be preserving just Aeceria but the entirety of Halcyone.”
“But there must be another way! Isn’t there something the citizens can do?”
“I’m afraid the only other way would be to resort to Ballard’s tactics. Thankfully, you’ve put an end to that.”
“For better or worse.” Ares clenched his fists. He wondered if he would have made the same decision knowing what he did now. “Do the others know?”
“No. As cruel as it is, I had hoped you would tell them. I know they would try to stop me otherwise.”
“And you think I won’t?”
“No, actually. I’m counting on you too. But… I feel you’re the only one who truly understands me. Even more than Fire does. If I had to tell someone, of course it would always have been you. …I’m sorry.”
Before Ares could reply, the roots from the trees surrounding them burst from the ground holding him in place. He tried to teleport out of their grasp, but the dizziness messed with his concentration. Before he knew it, he had lost consciousness.