Epilogue II: The Chosen of Wisdom

Itsuki's eyes opened. It was his first time returning to Bahamut's world in months. 

"An interesting approach you've chosen to take," the dragon noted as Itsuki stood.

"You think so? It seems like the most reasonable choice given what's transpired thus far."

"Hard to say. Previous judges have tried to make use of more non-combative approaches, but there's no denying that great strength can provide great influence."

"I can't take all the credit," Itsuki admitted. "I suspect I have a pretty unique set of allies compared to previous judges. I would be foolish not to take advantage of the opportunity."

"True, and you have grown quite strong. I daresay that even Yuna might have a hard time defeating you as you are now."

"Possibly, but Yuna's not who I'm preparing to fight."

"Oh? Do you have a particular target in mind?"

"I only intend to defend myself and those I care about. That being said, the list of beings interested in my demise includes at least one 'deity', and potentially others. Being able to stand up against foes like that is going to require a completely different level of power."

The dragon met this claim with a low growl that Itsuki interpreted as a chuckle. 

"That sounded like a rather self-important statement. Do you truly feel that there are multiple gods whom have that much interest in you?"

"What I think is that it can't be mere coincidence that Amane, Shin and myself all arrived here at roughly the same time," Itsuki declared. "How likely is that, given the 3000 years of Fallen Lands history? Also, how likely is it that the three of us specifically would get selected to be summoned, rather than any of the other billions of people?"

"Coincidences happen, don't they?"

This time, it was Itsuki's turn to chuckle. 

"I'm not that naive. I don't know the reason yet, but you 'gods' have a plan of some sort. I fully intend to figure out what it is."

"Is that a threat I'm hearing?"

"Of course not," Itsuki replied, his face expressionless. "I'm simply stating my current theory. If I'm going to properly judge this world, then I need to have as many of the facts as possible. The schemes of you deities is no exception - especially since its likely the most important 'fact' I need."

"And you don't think that telling one of these 'beings' like myself is a bit risky?"

"Why would I find it risky? You're the one who marked me, after all. If you wanted to stop me, you would. The fact that you haven't means you either don't think I'm capable of finding the truth, or you're actively hoping I stumble across it..."

"Very interesting, indeed. You could end up being the most interesting Chosen I've selected to date. That, or you'll be one of the quickest to die."

"I guess we'll find out. I hope to find a peaceful resolution to this world's problems...but I will not shy away from killing anyone who poses a threat to those I care about. I refuse to be idle any longer."

Bahamut didn't respond immediately, he simply spent a moment observing Itsuki. The Chosen's conviction was palpable, and it was not spoken in naivety. Itsuki understood the weight of his words, and that it would be an ordeal to carry out his declaration. 

Still, it was spoken with a confident certainty that Bahamut couldn't help but appreciate. 

"Wisdom manifests in many different ways," the dragon finally responded. "For Yuna, it takes the form of Hope. You, however, seem to serve as a counterbalance to that positivity and optimism. If Yuna serves as the brighter side of the scale, then it would seem you've ended up in as the darker half of Wisdom..."

With those words, the Godmark on Itsuki's chest radiated a bright golden light. Itsuki closed his eyes and shielded his gaze, trying to gauge what was transpiring. 

A moment later, the bright golden light darkened and became a dark, violet color. When it faded, his Godmark had changed to a blackish color that pulsated ominous violet light. 

"Wisdom is - first and foremost - about balance," the Dragon declared. "It would seem that you have, at least for now, found yours."

Itsuki took a moment to process the change. He didn't necessarily feel more powerful, per se, but something was different. It was as if there was more clarity - like he had just put on glasses. It felt like a power that he would be able to make much easier use of than whatever had been locked away within him before. 

"Let's see what you make of yourself, Chosen one," Bahamut commented before lowering his head to rest once again. 

Itsuki began to feel the familiar sensation of himself waking up. He was slowly being pulled from this world and dragged back to his. He didn't fight it, but he wasn't quite done. 

"Before I go," Itsuki called out. "I wanted to thank you for saving Yuna from death at Evermere. Shin may think she survived from pure coincidence, but I'm not as certain as he is. I also can feel your power within her, assisting in her recovery..."

"Assumptions are dangerous, boy. I would not suggest you start thinking I care about what befalls the two of you..."

"I'm not quite sure I'm bold enough to claim you care," Itsuki smirked. "Perhaps it's entertainment, or maybe you see her value as a pawn. You saved her life either way, and that's what's important to me."

The dragon did not respond immediately. He seemed intent on simply allowing Itsuki to fade out and return to the Fallen Lands without another word. 

At the last moment, however, Bahamut spoke. 

"Don't allow me to regret my decision, then. Make sure the next chapter in your journey is as interesting and revealing as this one was."