Grabbing his horse Avar runs away from his family and over to Joziah's tavern.
"I'm going, don't let them follow me," He instructs as he throws some coins onto the counter.
"Where?" The frazzled innkeeper asks, as he gently pulls Avar over to a table.
"I'm going to her."
Taken aback slightly Joziah nods, "You wish to honor your friend?"
"I do," Avar answers harshly, "I'm sorry I don't mean to snap at you."
He nods, "You've been through a lot lately, I will inform lady vex of your arrival."
"How do you do that?"
"That's my secret," He grins slyly.
Sighing, Joziah watches as Avar rushes down the road. Nodding to his helper he walks into a back room and teleports to Lady Vex's hall.
"Joziah, how wonderful of you to join us," Vex grins as the eldritch being arrives in a puff of smoke.
He nods quickly, his third eye blinking from being hidden for a few weeks, "Your champion is heading here and one of his teammates has been killed."
"Oh my," She frowns, "Do you know what he wants?"
"No my lady, but I believe he wants the power to avenge his friend, and keep the world safe.
Her face falls, "For this threat I cannot give him what he desires."
Joziah nods "i understand," Shifting back to his human form he nods softly and disappears.
Hours later Avar arrives, "Lady of Lies," He grins softly.
"Hello my champion," she grins sadly, "Tell me the reason for your visit, what brought you here?"
As Aver explains what has happened she shrinks down to a more human size.
"Can you help me?" He pleads.
Vex sighs, "I can, but not in the way you think."
Frowning Avar takes a seat as she starts to talk.
"There always comes a time when a world must move on. The void rises and consumes all. When something like this happens it's often for the best to simply move on."
"What are you saying?" Avar asks, his voice quavering.
"I'm telling you that I can give you the power to help your friend but it wouldn't be worth it."
"How wouldn't it be worth it?" Avar hisses.
"The evil you face has life draining magic, and if you manage to defeat it you won't walk away that same," As Vex explains she forms a glowing crystal of pure magic.
"I understand the risks," Avar nods, "Just let me put his memory to rest."
Vex nods gently and gives him the magic, "I hope you don't regret this decision."
Avar nods as he bows and prepares to leave, "I shall return when the job is done."
As he leaves the mansion Menko, Creed, and Eunoia crowd around him.
"Why did you just rush off like that?" Menko asks as he brushes Azie's scales softly, "We were so worried."
"How did you find me?" Avar asks, "I told Underhill not to say anything."
"That's how we found you, he wasn't talking so we checked here."
"I have a job to do," Avar prepares himself, "And I have to do it alone."
"No," Creed snaps, "You can't keep pushing us away."
"We can help you," Eunoia murmurs.
Avar turns from them, "Fine, come just don't get in my way."
The three exchange an uneasy look, "Ok," Menko finally says, "We'll follow you, anywhere you take us."
Starting a simple tracking spell Avar takes off towards the source.The trip is silent and uneasy.
_____
It takes days of travel across withering and dead lands but they finally make it to the place where the wither is waiting.
Once more they fight. Avar is pushed to his limits and the others do their best to keep up, helping however they can.
After what feels like hours Hecatos falls to the ground as more black roses appear around his body.
"Feel better?" Menko asks as he wraps Avar in a hug.
Softly Avar whispers, "Yeah, he's been avenged, and the world is safe again."
After properly destroying the body the team of four stagger back to the Inn.
As they start the walk back Avar keeps tripping over nothing.
"Are you ok?" Menko asks, "It's getting late, let's stop for the night."
Avar protests lightly but complies.
"Uh Aver?" Eunoia asks, "Is your arm ok?"
"Hmm, oh yeah, it's just covered in ash," He waves her off, he yawns, "I think I'm going to sleep early tonight."
"That fight really drained you?" Menko gently teases, "You take a break and get cleaned off I'll call you when foods ready.
Avar nods and walks down to the river. As he returns the ash and grime has washed away.
He eats with the others before falling asleep.
"Is he ok?" Menko whispers as he looks over to Creed.
She shrugs, "I think so, he's just exhausted."
_______
It isn't until a few days later when they spot the problem. Avar's eyes are glowing... he's still not feeling good, but it's almost like he's starting to glow from the inside out.
Ash flakes from his arms as he gains more and more magic.
"Does it hurt?" Creed asks as she pours some water over the ash.
"Not really," Avar shrugs, "Just feels weird, kinda like polymorph."
Eunoia hums, "Looks like a really slow polymorph, do you want me to try dispel magic?"
"Sure."
As she brushes the magic she yelps, "There's definitely something there, hey Ko, come help me with this."
Menko walks over and helps her with the spell. By the end of it, Avar looks quite a bit better. He's still glowing but the crumbling has stopped.
"Thank you," Avar pants, "I think Vex's warning was right. I think I have his magic."
"Oh no."