The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 573: Fate’s Reproach

Chapter 573: Fate’s Reproach

Gathrin chuckled, a low rumble emanating from deep within his chest. "When is Fate not? You would think a goddess had better things to do than pester Arantius, but here we are. I suppose you’d like to see her?"

I blinked, somewhat taken aback by the sudden shift in his speech. Just seconds ago, he’d been practically spouting poetry, but now he actually dared to refer to Fate so casually?

"Y-yes, please," I said, offering another small curtsey.

"So polite," he said with a smile. "But please, there is no need to lower yourself before me. In my past life, I could do nothing but accept the worship of the masses. Now, I am but a memory, a remnant of the hero who once was. It would be nice if you treated me no differently than your friend."

A-a friend?" My eyes widened, and I took a step back.

"Yes, I think I’d rather like that. Is something the matter?"

I took a deep breath, shaking my head. "No, it’s just...a friend...?"

"Ah, that’s right. Forgive me," Gathrin said, "I forgot you come from rather... eccentric circumstances. Perhaps we could start as acquaintances?"

"Please. And... sorry."

He waved his hand. "Nothing to be concerned about. Now, would you like me to show you the way?"

"I can manage," I said, peering over his shoulder into the city. "It’s not far."

"As you wish, Oracle."

As I entered the city, I couldn’t help but glance back at the stalwart warrior guarding the gate. He seemed so... lonely, his imposing figure now imbued with a melancholic aura. He was like the last star in the fading twilight, growing fainter with the approaching dawn, already forsaken by those who had once burned brightly beside him.

Perhaps being a Remnant was a more solemn existence than I had initially assumed. Just how long had they drifted aimlessly in this realm, waiting for me to awaken it? How much sorrow and regret had accumulated as the ages dragged by, and everything they had known and loved faded into the mists of time?

The city, Fate’s Hold as Haven had called it, was no longer the desolate ghost town I remembered. Remnants drifted through the streets, peering at me from around corners and through windows. I nearly stopped one to ask what they were doing and what drew them here but held myself back again. The answers I needed most now could only come from Fate.

The streets were lined with shops, stores, and even a few inviting parlors, yet none had any goods on display. It was all too easy to imagine children laughing and playing in the streets or a newly formed adventuring party discussing their gear outside one of the blacksmith shops.

Was that what the Remnants sought here? Memories of what had once been in their lost worlds? The thought brought a pang of sadness to my heart, my tail drooping. To think that someday, everyone I loved would meet the same fate. That they would be forgotten.

Fate’s voice drifted through my thoughts, welcoming me to the cathedral. "Eternity is a long, lonely road, Xiviyah. I find it best to dwell in the sunlight while it still shines."

The building had gained the same vibrance and life as the rest of the realm. The polished tile floor shimmered with intricate mosaics, and the vaulted ceiling glittered with a tapestry of stars. But despite it all, I let out a weary sigh, my shoulders slumping. Fate stood with Arantius before the towering Shard, their faces etched with concern as they observed me.

"It’s so sad," I whispered, looking up at the stars covering the ceiling. "Everything you knew and loved is gone."

"We know our lot, little one," Arantius said, his smile gentle yet tinged with a hint of sadness. "But that which was forgotten can be found again. That is our hope. That we might have a renewed purpose, that we might find again someone to guide and protect."

"And perhaps you shall," Fate added, her voice a melodic whisper. "Who knows what changes this child will bring?"

"I’m right here," I mumbled, my cheeks flushing under their gazes.

"Then pay attention and do something about it." Fate’s lips curled into a playful smile. "I can only offer so many hints."

I shook my head, rubbing my horn. Even though she was teasing, her words still lifted my spirits. Wait, she was only teasing, right?

"What brings you here, little one?" Arantius asked.

I opened my mouth but paused as Fate suddenly sighed and shook her head.

"Oh, child," she said, her voice laced with bemusement. "Did you really think to ask me something like that?"

"What? But I haven’t even..." Too late, I remembered Fate’s ability to perceive my thoughts. I inwardly groaned, rubbing my temple. "Can’t I?"

Arantius glanced between us. "Why don’t I leave you for now? It seems you have many things to discuss."

Fate waited for me, but when I remained silent, she shrugged. "Very well. But do give some thought to my request, Arantius."

The Remnant nodded and glided away, his ethereal form fading as he exited the cathedral. I stared at my feet, my tail swishing anxiously as the silence stretched between out after him. The weight of her gaze pressed upon me, and I struggled to find the words to break the tension. What could I say that she didn’t already-

"Well?" she prompted, "You’re here, so you might as well ask."

"I...um...can I trust Luke?" I finally blurted out.

"What exactly do you mean by ’trust,’ Xiviyah?"

I blinked, tilting my head at the unexpected question. "Trust? I mean, um, will he... hurt me? Like...like Soltair?"

The name left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"No, Xiviyah, you’re not talking about trust," Fate corrected gently. "That’s called fear."

"But I..." I shivered, fidgeting with the hem of my sleeves. Fear? Wasn’t that the same thing?

"So, should you fear Luke?" she mused, rubbing her chin. "I think you should fear anyone with enough power to harm you. Then again, my perspective may be a little skewed on that matter, considering my life is bound to yours."

"I don’t want to," I whispered, my tail growing agitated. "I don’t want to be afraid of him. He’s..."

"He’s what? Kind? Gentle? Even tender, perhaps?" she scoffed. "Just like Soltair was, right? We all know how that ended."

I recoiled, her words stinging like a slap. I couldn’t refute them, but I had hoped they were my own foolish doubts. Were they true? Had my instincts been right about Luke this whole time?

No, something wasn’t right. This felt jarringly out of character coming from Fate. She had always chided me for my foolishness and myopic tendencies, but this was outright mockery. Is that what I deserved for daring to hope?

Tears welled in my eyes as I turned away, my grip on my sleeves tightening until my knuckles ached. "I don’t know. But... he’s not like that. I don’t want him to be."

"What if I were to tell you he would betray you just as deeply as Soltair did?" she pressed. "Is that what you want me to tell you? That you’ll end up hurt and alone, abandoned by the one you thought cared about you?"

"He wouldn’t," I whimpered. "I...I don’t know why, but he wouldn’t."

"Just like Soltair, hmm? I remember how close you were to him, how much you believed his honeyed words. There was a time you considered fighting Trithe for his love, right?" Fate pressed.

"It’s not like that," I protested. "Luke kept his promises, and I...I want to believe he’ll keep doing it."

She snapped her fingers, the sharp sound making me jump. The mockery in her expression vanished, replaced by a soft, warm smile.

"Oh, child," she sighed, gliding forward and enveloping me in her arms. I was too stunned to do anything other than melt into her embrace. The tears that threatened me began to fall, and I closed my eyes, resting my head against her ample bosom.

"I want to believe in him." My voice was muffled against her dress.

"Xiviyah," she said gently, stroking my hair. "You’ve known so much darkness it hinders your ability to see the light. Trust isn’t about knowing the future or how someone will act. Trust is about believing in them because of who they are and who you hope they may become. In fact, you could say trust only has meaning when you don’t know."

"But what if he hurts me?" I asked.

"Aren’t you the one who just insisted he wouldn’t?" she countered gently. "Think, Xiviyah. Do you still not understand?"

I shivered as a hint of frustration colored her normally serene voice. She tightened her grip, holding me close, but her embrace did nothing to hide me from the disappointment she must be feeling.

"I-I’m sorry..." I whispered. "I can’t."

She sighed, her voice softening. "Here, let me put it this way. It is that very uncertainty that makes trust so meaningful. It is a gift given freely, a plea for connection and genuine relationship. But the more you trust someone, the more vulnerable you become. It is that risk that causes such profound pain when they betray you."

Her hand slid from my back to my chest, her palm resting gently against my racing heart. Blinking away tears, I looked up, and she smiled down at me.

"Remember, Xiviyah: to love is to trust, and without trust, there can be no love. It’s the opposite of fear."

"Love?" I squeaked, covering her hand with my own and holding it against my chest.

She chuckled, using her free hand to pat me on the head, her fingers gently rubbing between my horns. "Oh, little one, there’s more than one kind of love, but yes, even that kind of love. Trust is the foundation of every relationship, and if you want the light and warmth they bring, you must allow yourself to take the risks associated with them. Do not miss the stars for fear of the night."

Her words were so simple and straightforward, yet more mysterious than fate. Wasn’t there some way I could trust someone without the risk of betrayal? Couldn’t I just peer into the future and see if–

No. After everything Fate said, there was no way that could be true. And, to be honest, I didn’t even believe it; I was grasping at straws, seeking an easy way out. But there was no easy way out. That’s what she was trying to tell me.

I’d already learned to trust many different people, like Korra, Elise, and the Last Light Company. But Luke was different. Trusting him felt different, just like it had with Soltair when he first rescued me from the warehouse.

It was strange, as I knew I didn’t have to try and trust him or develop any sort of friendship, yet I couldn’t even bring myself to consider that option. Somewhere, deep within my heart, I wanted to trust. I’d already knew that Luke was different from my first master, but as Fate had pointed out, I simply didn’t fear him anymore. But could I really bring myself to trust him?

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