Prelude to the Final Act

Colette and Edward were standing on the western wall, observing the people below.

As the Princess of Leone looked down on her subjects, she thought of the events of yesterday. The Daemons they fought, the men and women who died, and…the one behind it all.

“Nocturne almost overwhelmed us, but we managed to make him flee.” She said solemnly.

“All that’s left now is to confront him.” Edward said with an uncertain expression. “But he’s possessing that woman. She’s Princess Helena, right?”

“Yes, my fiance. The one I swore to save, no matter what stands in my way.”

He summoned the World Sword and looked at its divine blade, guilt now in his eyes.

“You saw what I did to those Daemons. They were…people. Innocent people…I killed them, and she’ll end up the same way.”

Colette shook her head. “No, there’s still a chance to save her. She’s still fighting Nocturne in her heart. If we can purge him from her body, before he breaks her spirit completely, she’ll live.”

She tapped on the sword’s blade as she continued.

“The World Sword is a weapon blessed by the Goddess, it can cleanse souls of Nocturne’s corruption. Ser Anne was even able to revert people back to normal when they were completely transformed into Daemons. So I’ll help you master its abilities, alright?”

After a moment of hesitation, Edward nodded with a more resolute gaze. Then he looked down thoughtfully as he spoke.

“That reminds me…I saw Princess Jenette. She gave me her strength in that battle. Was it like that for you?”

Colette placed a hand over heart, and felt the burning hot flame within, as she recalled what her great-grandmother had said.

‘You can feel it, can’t you? This holy flame, granted by the Goddess, is yearning to grow. It’s your will, your strength. It’s proof you are a Star Maiden of legend, just like me.’

“...Yes, her words inspired me to grow stronger.” The tall princess said with confidence. “I feel more powerful than ever before. I’ve truly become a Star Maiden like her.”

With a big grin, she brought a hand to Edward’s shoulder and gave it a strong grip.

“Now all that’s left is for you to become a great Hero, like Grandma Anne before you!”

He looked up with a firm nod. “Yes, I promise to uphold her legacy, and save this world!”

She looked down at him with intrigue. Compared to before, he looked full of hope and courage now in his demeanor. Yet, there was a slightly uneasy feeling in her heart…

‘He bears not only the fate of this world, but many others.’ She thought solemnly. ‘He barely survived today, and he has more battles to overcome. I won’t be able to join him in the next world, so I hope my Sacred Star will continue to guide him.’

__________________________________________

Afterwards, they went to the clinic, where Lilian and her kin were stationed to care for the sick and injured.

She was in the middle of talking with a pale-faced elderly woman, but stopped when she noticed her companions.

“Oh, you’re here.” She said with a slight tiredness.

When her eyes met Edward’s, they widened and a blush crept on her cheeks. At the same time, his own face reddened, and they both glanced aside with awkward hums.

Colette raised an eyebrow, but before she could question them Lilian turned to the patient.

“Ms. Margaret wanted to speak with you.” The fae said hastily.

Edward curiously looked at the old woman. “Really? What for?”

Margaret gave him a relieved smile. “Ah, Sir Edward, yes? I wanted to thank you for freeing my son and his wife from the evil god’s will.”

He looked down as he thought for a moment, then his lips curled into a guilty frown.

“So it was those two in that big Daemon…I’m sorry, for taking their lives away.”

She shook her head. “What’s done is done. At least now they’ll be in Lumina’s embrace, where they’ll rest until the day they reincarnate.”

“Though I’ve been wondering, how did they end up like that?”

Colette crossed her arms. “Some of the people here are refugees from Draconis. Before Nocturne made his descent, Hel gave an order for her people to evacuate to our kingdom. However, most of her soldiers stayed behind to fight the mad god and his forces.”

Margaret nodded solemnly. “My dear Matthew and Serah served in Her Highness’s army, and were among those who chose to suppress the darkness. I begged them to come with me, but they were so loyal to her.”

She sighed, but smiled at Edward and reached out to take his hand.

“But now they’re free, thanks to you. You have my gratitude, Hero of Worlds.”

He looked at the old woman’s fragile hand, and a shadow fell over his eye.

“...I don’t deserve such thanks.” He murmured. “But for your family and many others, I promise to put an end to this war.”

__________________________________________

The throne room of Drakonburg Castle was devoid of life, filled only with frigid air. It was also very dark, only dimly lit by the glow of orange lanterns on the pillars along the sides of the room.

From the wide iron doors, a purple carpet stretched forward until it reached the obsidian throne. There, seated with his face screwed in frustration, was Nocturne.

“Damn that Star Maiden…” He growled, clutching his throne tight. “She reawakened this host’s heart, and now my control over her body has weakened!”

He gave a begrudging glare to his Champion, who was leaning against a pillar.

“And you, cheeky one…leaving the battle without taking the spoils? You were supposed to kill the Hero after he fell to despair.”

The black knight stayed silent for a moment, then shook his head as he replied gruffly.

“The previous Star Maiden stopped me. Her will is in his sword, as you likely saw.”

Nocturne sighed and leaned back. “Indeed, he even used her magic. My sister’s plan is working after all…how troublesome.”

He glared at his Champion again as he pressed the issue.

“But even so, you could have easily overcome such a trick, yes? Be honest, you fool!”

The Champion hummed as he looked down. “...I want a proper fight before I cut him to pieces. If he isn’t strong enough to hold his own, there is no point to it. It’s my pride, nothing more, nothing less.”

“Hmph, I’d believe that…if the fae hadn’t been involved. You spared her life as well, but it couldn’t have been simple pride, not even sentiment. If it’s by someone else’s will-”

The dark god stopped himself as his Champion gave him a glowing red glare, and spoke in a warning tone.

“When we entered this contract, you said as long as your ambition was accomplished, I could do as I pleased. Correct?”

Nocturne nodded slowly and hummed. “...Yes, I recall it so.”

“Then do not question my will anymore. When the Hero comes, I will snuff out his life and send him to despair. This world will be destroyed, just as you want. Just remember, I am NOT your dog.”

“Hmph…very well, as long as we are victorious.”

The World God scowled and shook his head as he put a hand on it.

“Still, the Star Maiden is a big problem. She’s awoken to her true potential, and has become a demigod to rival even you. More powerful than her predecessor...In my current condition, I can do nothing to stop her. If I can’t gain complete control of this body…”

A look of realization crossed his face, and he cupped his chin as he closed his eyes in thought.

“Hm…that could work…Hahahaha!”

With a smirk of renewed confidence, he gestured to his Champion and gave the grand order.

“Gather what prisoners we have left. It’s time to set the stage for the final act! They will learn how futile their struggle has always been!”

_________________________________________

The next morning, Colette and Lilian met at the western gate. However, they had to wait a little longer for Edward to arrive.

“What’s taking him so long?” The fae said with curiosity.

Colette sighed in impatience. “If he fell back asleep, I’m gonna barge into his room and carry him out.”

“Y-you don’t mean that, do you?”

After another minute, the Hero of Worlds finally arrived with a sheepish smile on his face. His hair was now cut a more manageable shoulder length, revealing both of his dark eyes to the world.

“Sorry for being late.” He said.

Colette smirked and crossed her arms. “Oh, so that’s what took you so long. He cleans up nicely, right Lil?”

Edward turned his gaze to Lilian, who stared back in awe. Colette chuckled as she saw their faces turn faint shades of red, and silence filled the air between them.

‘So that’s how it is.’ She thought with amusement. ‘Ah, how cute. Still, I can’t let them stand around like lovestruck idiots.’

She made a gesture as she turned to begin walking.

“Well, let's move on! Drakonburg and Helena await us!”

The lovebirds snapped out of their stupor and nodded hastily, then hastily followed her as they began the trek to the final destination.