Глава 14

Why must we fight you?

Not every meeting has a beautiful ending, Amiya.

I've left once. This time, we have the chance to say goodbye.

You saw the myriad souls, Amiya. They struggled against fate all their lives. They don't want to be used and imprisoned even unto death.

The same is true for me.

You must defeat me, Amiya.

Only then can you carry on my unfulfilled dream.

Only then can you release me.

'Fate' should not exist, Amiya.

You have remained the good girl that I saw the first day we met, no matter how much you went through.

Perhaps you would not have to bear so much pain, if you weren't so brave, so gentle.

Is this... that day?

You held me in your arms, told me stories, until...

Theresa... can you stop?

I've stopped, Amiya. I'm not reading your memories.

So...

This is my own power. We are inside your memories.

Yes, Amiya.

I'm sorry, Theresa... I couldn't help myself.

It's not you who should say sorry.

Becoming the King of Sarkaz means carrying the emotions of the many, but the emotions that belong to ourselves are there as well.

I've lost much in my life, Amiya, but I don't have many regrets.

The only regret I have is you. From past to present, I never wanted to leave you.

I am happy about your growth, but I should have been there for you.

I should have been there to teach you how to use the powers of the King of Sarkaz.

Now, though, is your chance to prove to me, the erstwhile King of Sarkaz—

Heat saps at reason, flames scorching the soul.

A sword forms within the flame, taking shape in Theresa's hand.

'Wrath'.

That's... my sword!

You will hear the seething anger of that Sarkaz sovereign when you hold this sword in your hand.

You have grabbed this sword from the wrath of the past which once declared war upon injustice...

The sword of the King of Sarkaz shall ever point towards the enemy of Sarkaz.

The sword of the King of Sarkaz shall ever slay the enemy of Sarkaz.

But we have come this far, and yet prejudice lives, and hostility threatens to smother us.

The Kings of Sarkaz of the past have failed. The Theresa of the past has failed—

Amiya sees it all.

Theresa wandering in the darkness, seeking an answer.

Theresa standing in the halls of the airship, gazing down at the battle below.

Theresa waking up alone from death, no friend or comrade around her.

Theresa—pointing her sword at a child.

Such sorrow.

Amiya could barely move under the overwhelming sorrow.

Now, you hold a sword as well.

Amiya feels a weight in her hand.

The sword, which had slain an evil god, had returned to her hand.

Formless flame warms her palm.

You... how?!

Black tides ripple from Theresa, turning into threads that lead Amiya's hand—

The sword points at Theresa.

This is my final gift to you, Amiya.

Feel my power, my emotions, my will...

Make them a part of you.

They will be by your side... in my place.

The sword in Amiya's hand trembles, but not out of fear or excitement.

She can feel Theresa's will fill it.

...I've always remembered, Theresa.

I remember every story you told me, the words you whispered into my ear.

I never had the chance to tell you—

I'm so, so glad that I met you.

And...

The sword pierces Amiya's own chest.

Amiya holds Theresa's hand tightly, pushing the sword further in.

It is not that there is no pain.

It is simply that all the pain has been wrapped in layer of warmth.

Tears begin to fall from Theresa's face—

Falling into Amiya's eyes.

The black sword shatters.

A warm and gentle power surrounds Amiya's fingertips.

It is sorrow...

And the purest love.

I will.

I will inherit the legacy of Civilight Eterna.

I will become the King of Sarkaz.