@Rail: I gave you a little more choice than that. Like I said, fate would runs its course regardless. Translation: Plot-wise, the ending would have been the same. You’d just be dead instead
So you could have chosen death if you wanted...
* * * * *
Rail thrust his hand deeper into the portal of Kakx’zlandes and unleashed the powers of the runes. No longer fighting the magic, he let it flow through him, caressing his very being like the smooth touch of a temptress. He channeled it, focusing on the portal as the voice had told him. Like fuel added to the fire, the growing rift exploded outward, its inky blackness tearing through floor, wall, and ceiling all at once. The Rift itself began to shudder.
* * * * *
For the first time in his eons of existence, Kakx’zlandes knew fear, true fear. Frantically he struck at the prone mortal, but the Goddess’s protection held true. Abandoning that, he tried to leap through the dimensional void. But he was swept back, unable to penetrate the magical maelstrom, the shuddering now magnified into a massive quake. No...he was immortal! HE COULDN’T DIE!
-
Immortal...but not invincible. So long, mighty Destroyer.-
* * * * *
Aerie’s eyes fluttered open. Immediately she knew what was happening. Events had come full circle; the past had repeated itself with a vengeance. But this time, Magus wasn’t there to stop it.
“No...” she moaned. “Not the Rift too...”
There was a blinding flash, then nothing.
* * * * *
Burning pain greeted Rail’s sudden return to conscious. Mind, body, and soul ached as one, scarred by forces beyond mortal comprehension. Yet, for all his suffering, a deep longing remained. He had touched magic, felt it run through his body like life’s blood, becoming one with his very essence. It was an experience he would never forget, nor live down.
Groaning, he lifted his face from the dirt, spitting dust from his mouth. The sight that met his eyes was unthinkable, unbelievable. Atop that majestic hill, where once the Rift had stood proud and vigilant, was a mere pile of rubble, the last vestiges of an age come and past. The Rift was no longer. As he watched, latent energy rippled amongst the remnants, as if the structure itself refused to accept its demise. Almost as an afterthought, the assassin glanced at where his fake arm should have been. It was gone, completely destroyed. Slowly he pulled himself into a sitting position, wincing as his exhausted body ached in protest. In front of him hovered Void, casually staring down at him.
-
It is over. Kakx’zlandes is no more.- whispered the female voice from before.
“All along, you were...a goddess?” Rail muttered incredulously.
-
No, I just possessed this form. Don’t worry, this creature will be fine. He’s a creature of magic, after all.-
Rail stared up silently. A minute passed by.
-
The others begin to stir. But before I leave, there’s something you should know. Your friend lives.-
The news sent a shock through his tired frame. “Wait! Who are you?” he whispered hurriedly.
-
I am Mystra, Lady of Mysteries. Farewell, valiant mortal.-
In an instant her presence was gone. Void looked around dully, as if just wakened from a long slumber. Finally he focused on the assassin.
-
What? What just happened? How did I get out here???-
Rail just sighed. He heard groans around him as the others began to come to, groggy but intact.
* * * * *
@all: And there you have it. Just a little more wrapping up and we’ll be done. Just so you know, everyone’s physical injuries have been mostly healed. That means Sethin, and Calahan too, though he didn’t really get hurt
