act33side

As for Oripathy and Originium, we—

Please, enter.

Your Highness.

Your wounds have not yet fully healed, Ascalon. There is no need for you to make your report in person.

I've recovered. Besides, this is top priority. Hoederer's team has successfully intercepted a witchcraft decoder.

The Doctor has already begun deciphering our enemy's codes. I believe we should see results soon.

Is that so...?

Ines. W.

You have done very well.

Thank you, Your Highness. I hope we'll crack our enemy's comms as quickly as possible, so we can plan our next ops.

Where is your captain, by the way?

Hoederer took a few flesh wounds, nothing too serious. He's getting treated in the infirmary right now.

If that is the case, then I will not waste your time. Go to him.

Of course. Thank you kindly, Highness.

W.

Eh? What?

Go to Hoederer.

Oh. I...

Alright, got it.

Guess he still ain't dead...

If that is all, Your Highness, I have other business—

That reminds me...

I still haven't thought of a real name for the girl, have I?

1093, Winter

Weather/Rainy

Kazdel Border, Kazdel

The Doctor listens to the pitter-patter of the rain on the leaves, eyes closed.

Drip. Drop.

The Doctor's heart rages, filled with torment. A fowlbeast cries out in the distance.

Answer my questions, or die here.

Ask away.

Are you betraying Babel?

I've never been a Babel member, but I've also never abandoned them to face their struggles alone.

Why have you come to me?

I have a request.

I will not speak to a myth with no name... evil spirit.

Who are you?

...{@nickname}. <i>Doctor</i> {@nickname}.

...{@nickname}.

Theresis lowers his weapon, the rain falling from the corners of his eyes onto the earth.

He does not look at the one who invited him to this clandestine meeting, instead gazing upwards at the colossal statues of so-called <i>heroes.</i>

Statues raised to commemorate the founding of the nomadic city of Kazdel by a pair of twins.

Even after a hundred years, his stone self still stands, sword drawn, by her side, despite the best efforts of Catastrophe and storm.

Not long after she had crushed the rebellion that sought to destroy the new city, the joyful people of Kazdel invited us to witness the unveiling of these two statues.

(Ancient Sarkaz language) <i>Heroes.</i>

They were to watch over the border we had marked with our own two hands for generations to come, warning our foes, welcoming our friends.

I once swore an oath to her below her statue. My sword would behead all who stand against her.

The Doctor stares at the statue of Theresis, gaze unbreaking.

Does the Military Commission not stand against her?

No. There is no part of Kazdel that has truly risen up against her. Her foe is me, and me alone.

And what of you?

Theresis looks at the figure before him: Rainwater gathering at the hem of a long, hooded coat, rhythmically dripping onto the ground.

The shallow puddles below ripple as falling drops strike them.

You ought to remember that most Sarkaz who once lived here have long since died, lost to history. There are only a handful left who know how to find this place.

You came here on foot. How far have you walked?

Very far.

You have broken the witchcraft cipher created by Manfred's team that he's so proud of.

I did that a long time ago. I just never told anybody.

Even Theresa believes that I only began my work recently. Meaning, I'm in possession of nearly all of the Military Commission's battle plans.

So I created this opportunity to meet you. Alone.

You are confident that I would not kill the strategist who poses the greatest threat?

I am confident that what I'm about to offer is worth enough that you wouldn't.

Technology that can control Originium.

How far can you go under so much pressure from Victoria? How do you plan to completely change the Sarkaz, and even this entire land?

I can give you the answer you need.

You are a boastful one.

So, what is it you wish me to do, evil spirit?

...Destroy Babel. Scatter her followers. Let Theresa in on your plans.

Unify the Sarkaz under a Kazdel ruled by the Military Commission.

The Doctor has imagined the emotions that speaking these words would incite, many times over.

'Destroy Babel'...

Only a sense of relief came over the Doctor.

The Doctor stares at the statue of Theresa, unmoving, without the slightest hint of emotion.

She and I have never relied on the charity of our enemies, in the course of leading Kazdel to where it stands today.

It is true that this war will only end with the decisive defeat of one of us. But <i>you</i> should not be the one to propose it.

Proceed. Tell me more of why you would make this request, evil spirit of an age long gone.

You already know. There are no surprises here. Considering the near two hundred years you and Theresa spent working together, you should be able to guess.

I seek... the expansion of Originium.

Babel's struggles will only prolong the dying gasps of this land, Theresis.

No matter if you resist it or accept it, Originium will take on myriad forms, drawing all of civilization into her embrace.

Have you ever... looked up at the sky?

Beyond that sky, far beyond the twin moons, there is a place that we would once return to, where we would sleep peacefully.

But I am the only one left, here speaking with you. In the course of the Sarkaz's eternal search for the remains of dead gods to fend off your enemies, have you ever wondered...?

Why did those gods die?

The rain intensifies. The Doctor draws tight that trademark hood, and stands below the towering statues.

The shadows of the statues envelop the Doctor, making this figure seem ever more insignificant.

Theresis suddenly feels that the one standing before him in the rain is even harder to read than before.

The burden I bear is greater than the future of the Sarkaz. If I must destroy some things to create a ladder I hope for...

I will do it. It's all I can do.

I've already hesitated for far too long.

Destroy some things, to create a ladder...

You speak lightly of sacrifice.

Nothing light here, Theresis.

Believe me when I say, you couldn't even conceive of what I've been through.

And where do I see your sincerity for our cooperation?

Is <i>the Shard</i> not enough for you? Otherwise, even with the help of the Confessarii, you—

It is not. It is far from enough, evil spirit.

It is only enough to spare your life. Only enough to stop me, leader of the Military Commission, from killing a fated foe here and now.

I require an even more direct means to advance this war to the next stage.

If you wish for the Babel members to be spared, then so be it.