Chapter 21: A Regretful Finale.
When Kyle went to sleep he didn't expect to find himself in a pitch black room. His sense of self was similar to those of his dreams, faded, and although he could see himself everything else was black. For a moment he had to wonder if it was over. That the world from before was gone and now all that remained was the nothingness he saw. Or maybe even, it was a presentation of the times to come. Regardless he was beginning to think he should spend less time in his head as his thoughts were getting somewhat dark.
"Hi," the familiar voice caused him to turn around. Estile stood in a simple white dress, far removed from her usual armoured figure. Like she was now, all Kyle could see was a normal girl.
"Hi," Kyle replied back.
Estile slowly walked around him with observing eyes, "So this is what you look like." She laughed, "You're really a boy right?"
"Yes I am," he replied firmly.
"Well the world is a strange place," she smiled softly.
"So the first time we get to talk properly and you're making fun of me?" Kyle wasn't particularly amused. "Don't you have something more important to say?"
Her eyes became gentle, as if looking at a new born baby, innocent and pure, "I do." She sighed, "This is the last dream Kyle. After this there won't be anymore."
"What, why?"
"Because this is the end... or at least it was for me."
A panic filled his heart, "Wait, you're going to die? Why are you telling me this?"
"So it won't be so shocking," again she smiled. "Also I don't want you trying to chase after me because I really die at the end. I know I'm hard to kill but even I have my limits."
"But...."
"No buts," she pressed her hands lightly against his lips. "Watch it till the end. There's a lot you still won't understand but hopefully it'll be enough that you'll be okay."
Kyle brushed away her hand and instead tried to hold it, only to pass straight through, "Wait I-." It was too late as the pitch black room suddenly flared with colour and his consciousness faded.
*
The Evergarden Lodge was where the Mercenaries called home and the source of their name. Beside an unassuming small town close by a range of mountains and a flowing river, it was a picturesque place to live. Very few people outside of the Mercenaries family knew their location and as such life there was peaceful despite their world renowned status. Now however that peace was on the border of melancholy.
"Do you really have to go?" Callus faced the Mercenaries he called parents. Older now, the young man's features had become more defined than when he left. Dressed in simple clothing he stood beside the others like him, children who had once lived in the Evergarden.
Karen answered him, "Of course we do." She sat seemingly relaxed on the wide living room couch. Her red hair fell loosely against the soft fabric and joining hers was the multitude of colours from the other Mercenaries. "We should be there now, but we wanted to see you all." She smiled. "Oh how you've all grown up."
Callus as well as those around him reddened. Behind them were the current children of the Evergarden who smiled at their older brothers and sisters.
Estile stood, glass in her hand, "I know many of you are concerned. In your lifetimes you've never experienced a war like this, against people you once considered your allies." Her eyes glanced over Ren who had once been in the Church himself. The half-elven and beastkin man turned his eyes conflicted. "Regardless of the reason, we have always promised to protect the world and we'll continue to do that. Tonight may be the last time you see us in a while. So let's make it a good one."
A sudden cheers rose as Kyle stood and raised his cup high to the ceiling, "To the future!"
"To the future," the call echoed back and from there the night continued.
To say the least, it was an odd farewell. The lodge full of people was rowdy with chatter but all the while a stifling sad flow circled amongst them. Reminiscence of the past, the stories they shared, the experiences they had as they grew up, as they raised their children. It wasn't rare to see someone suddenly tear up, and though many of the children were too young to fully understand, they knew after tonight their lives would be different.
Estile sat in the garden overlooking the town nestled in the valley below. Unlike the city nights, the small town was almost covered in complete darkness and very few lights lit up the streets. Her attention however was directed back towards the lodge where her companions and family continued to chatter. Karen was drinking with Mori. The two got particularly wild when they drank, although they were keeping it in check. Then there was Ellen and Arvel who were entertaining the children. Next to Estile they were the most responsible parents. Kyle, Trent and Lav were talking to the adults. Even not being beside them she knew they were making sure they were all doing well and looking out for the future. Sephie was already asleep on the couch, she'd never been one to stay up late and preferred to sleep. Curled beside her were some of the children who had picked up her habits. Edgar was shoving his face in the kitchen, paired with some others they took to Arvel's cooking with delight. Finally there were Riften and Orpheus.... Estile held two gems in her hands, one clear and one black. Crafted by one of the children now grown up, they were two of an entire set to represent the Mercenaries. Each detailed to present their personalities. The two in her hand, were now without their owners.
She sighed, "I wonder if the twelve of us will ever be together again. You idiots really missed it." After a small pause she raised her voice, "It's alright, we can talk."
From the shadows Ren awkwardly ambled towards her, "Estile."
"You can call me mum here."
A clear conflict crossed his expression, "I... I don't deserve to. If-if I had noticed sooner- then maybe Riften and Orpheus would still be here."
"You can't blame yourself," Estile gently pulled him to sit beside her. "We were all fooled."
Ren gripped his hands together, "To be honest I still don't understand. When I first left the Evergarden and joined the Church, I thought I found somewhere that I could belong just as much as here. It was hard work but we did good."
"The Church of the Sleeping God did help a lot of people," Estile herself had to laugh. "Their doctrine was to equalise all the races, to bring the world to harmony. Most their members weren't even human."
"Exactly!" Ren agreed wholeheartedly. "Then why did they betray everyone? To go against everything we stood for? To kill so many people.... I don't understand. We're all my beliefs a lie?"
Estile wrapped him in a hug, "No, of course not. Karen, Lav, all of us. We don't know the whole truth yet but we have to see the facts as they are." She turned him to face her, "But trust me, we will find out why all this is happening and when we do, there will be a reason."
"But at what cost?" he stared at Estile filled with regret. "You said it yourself. We may never see you again."
"It's not like we won't try to make it back, but our priority is still all of you, the world." Estile stood and smiled, "We've been doing this for much longer than a lot of people could imagine. It comes with the job, but I can say- we can all say, with certainty, we have never regretted acting out. Just like it has been before and will be," her smile turned to a confident grin, "we'll be there."
For a moment Ren could only stare at her and slowly infected by her confidence he laughed, "So many years and you still make me feel like a child. Good luck out there. We'll be praying for your success."
"Before that, how about we get one last drink," she began to make her way back inside. "After all now that you're not part of the Church, it's fine if you get a bit tipsy right?" There was no right to refuse as Ren followed her.