begotten-soul

[begotten-soul]

i didnt see a single dad!gaius meme so i took matters into my own hands

[begotten-soul]

Art by @melvinfeat Posted with Permission

[begotten-soul]

“The city once had beautiful flowers adorning it on every street. Such a pity they no longer dwell here...”

[begotten-soul]

Scurry and Scatter!

A step by step process and layered PSD of this will be available at my Patreon on Jan 1st 😁

[begotten-soul]

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&& HADES

Fallen?

Yes.

At long last, death was something more permanent than what he once knew and held lackluster advantages with. But this was something unexpected – a life untouched by the Lifestream, itself. Something at the hands of a merciful God – nay, not his Zodiark, but something beyond.

     ‘ You are free ‘.

Such few words carried such a heavy weight – one that no longer remained on his barren. That it, in itself, was enough to leave the man stir-crazy – the lack of emphasis on his existence, his purpose – their memory. Everything had now been said and done, left in charge of the one known as the Warrior of Darkness and their allies. It was up to them to see the truth, to set balance, and bring down both the weary Primals who suffocated their air.

     – But would it be enough?

He had never been able to consider it clearly before – his ambitions always clouded by a fog of darkness. To wish them all the best in their quest. To thank them. Such words were not able to meet his tongue when he wore the chained leash of Zodiark. But of what few moments he had untempered, left in the good-graces of Hydaelyn’s chosen, he had been able to present what little he could of his true self.

Gratitude.

Not that such would make up for the countless bloodshed, the lives lost under his hand, the lands rebuilt and destroyed. But he had hoped it would be enough for them to understand what was at stake. To think beyond the prism which held their soul as tightly – think beyond that of Hydaelyn’s will.

It’d be a future written unknown to he and his people. Those who wished only to be remembered.

❝ Home, ❞ Hades repeated at his touch, finally managing to pull his attention aside to once more glance at the glittering city beneath them. The towers’ spirals, as tall and beautiful as the day he built them. No mistake, these were not mere replicas of a poor depressed fool. They were originals. Perfection.

It truly was a sight to behold – even with its’ physical consequence, the mans’ knack against the back of his head causing Hades to stumble a step forward – something a mere shade would be incapable of doing. No doubt in his mind, this was indeed his friend of the ages – the very one who held his unsteady mind, down to the wire of that fateful day. Two sides of the same coin.

❝ – It is quite astounding, isn’t it? ❞ he chuckles a single breath at the commentary – quite, his life expectancy was beyond any of his brethren aside from the one in hiding. And even then, how the three of them made it so far only to be stopped by a common enemy – aye, such fate would soon consume the remaining soul. Elidibus was but a grain of sand in a tilted hourglass, bound to meet the same demise. Oh, the stories Hades’s had hoped to hear the moment the emissary arrives with them. ❝ I cannot excuse any of my actions. But… I will neither ask your forgiveness, nor that of the rest of Amaurot for what became of me. ❞

If Hythlodaeus knew, then there was a winning chance that those of the past knew every motion, as well. How would they think of him, he wonders? That of the fallen council and their merit – the man who dragged through time.

As for questions… he had many. Yet none to which he wanted answers. Things best left unspoken – history was already written, and there was nothing more Hades could do to change that. The Exarch would make sure of it. He could go about the who, where, why, but in the end – it’d matter not. This was already a more surprised ending that he expected – something quite more than he ever deserved.

But before he could put it into voice, the man had been pulled into embrace of the other – an immediate warmth that he’d not known for years. An overwhelming sense of relief – it clings to the back of his throat, halting his undying breath temporarily as hesitant arms worked to return the favor. Unclaimed fingertips patting the redhead on the pat, as to consult – it took Hades more effort than originally expected to bring his guard down, a small smile turning his lips as brows furrowed lightly in sentiment.

❝ – I’ve missed you too, dear friend.”

      Hythlodaues expected something far more different to happen really. For all his life, Hades had always been a man to challenge everything around him, to be better, do better. He originally thought Hades would take dying kicking and screaming or try to formulate some godsawful plan to go back to the world of the living. Defiance was in his blood but honestly, what he saw here was...acceptance.

 Something he hadn’t seen in eons. Not since worry was a far off nightmare inn their youth. The gaze that found him was one of relief, gratitude, no longer burned, slouching with the weight of everything and everyone. A man Daues had only dreamed he’d see again, where winkles and dark bags under the eyes no longer existed. It only made the red head hug him tighter, ignoring how his eyes stung under where they were shut tight when he felt his best friend’s arms coil sheepishly around him in turn. Ah....this was what true content felt like.

After a moment, albeit reluctantly, the younger pulled away to gently ghost his palm over the other’s cheek. His amber eyes still were as wondrous as the day he first laid eyes on them. “Finally unafraid of my hugs now? Tis truly is the afterlife.” He tease with a weak chuckle.”Long have I waited for you, my dearest one. But aye, all is well now. We will not judge your actions, nor will I. What matters is we’re back together again, as it should be.”

“Well I suppose we should start our way home, Lahabrea has many a choice word to give.” The redhead snorted lightly before letting his hand fall from Hades’s cheek to instead coil his arm playfully around one of the former Ascian’s and tug him down through the field of flowers that lead to the path to their city. “We've all been waiting for you a long time. To most you are a hero to our people. Though our time is up, we are remembered by those in the realms because of your doing, an that alone deserves celebration.”

Mint green eyes scanned over the sparkling city before them, the gentle murmured of the soul inside were clear as bells to his ear. They knew of their newest arrival no doubt, word got around fast here.

 “I have ever watched you at your side. A ghost upon your tainted life with the shards....you were always so sad, a pained heart longing for that which you lost. I watched the darkness consume you as I knew it would without my guidance. It broke my heart to know I couldn’t save you from your despair, and for that I pray forgiveness.” Daues murmured as he squeezed Hades arm, he wasn’t going to let go of him for some time now, they’d have to manually rip him from his friends side if they tried. 

The fear of losing him all over again swelled his chest. “I was there, at the end...a specter as hallow as the city you created, but I could see through it’s eyes, I saw them, I saw you.” Hythlodaues confessed.

 “A mistake of your own conjuring but a mistake enough for me to look through it’s eyes, to speak through it’s mouth. The moment it faded I knew your soul did as well, thus I came here knowing you’d arrive soon.” He explained.

“I won’t leave your side ever again, Hades...I promise.”

[begotten-soul]

- Angel of Truth - Emet-selch

Finally finished the picture I had in my head for months ; ; ilu Emet ★ High Quality prints available at my inprnt shop ★ More prints & products available at my redbubble shop!

[begotten-soul]

nexus-rpd‌:

&& HADES

And so the story was told, a closing finish to his years-longing quest.

Much like others who threatened the balance of a frayed star, Hades fell to the light of Hydaelyn’s chosen. This time, with naught energy nor essence to return. History’s repeater – its’ gears finally fallen from grace. Forward was the only path, now. 

One he had been so certain he’d not be given chance to walk.

Had the stars blessed him mercy?

From the moment his soul shattered – it was not of pain, but relief. A weight lifted from his soul, it felt as if he was floating. Tracks of light catching his peripheral – an unusual sensation, given his defeat. Nearly promised his life would be no more than words scribbled on paper, why was it that this felt similar to his soul seeking vessel, yet so different as if he was already attuned?

As if his body was loading – the trickles of aether that surrounded him like a cloud, Hades lifted his arms to view, witnessing what could only be described as yet another mistaken creation within the Tempest. Robes that should have been worn and tattered of age, whole again – with a dying glare view of a brighten city in the dark. The once carved ravines of the Tempest, this time decorated with the flower fields of an ancient’s past. 

     – a voice.

Still in a dizzying dance of light, the ex-Ascian turns a heel at the approaching footsteps. Amber irises blinking wide as he watched the other walk up next to him, as if witnessing something far more jaw-dropping than a ghost or measly image-created soul. The redhead absent of his traditional mask – jaded hues beading in happiness, causing the other to stare absently.

❝ …Daeus? ❞

      “Aye, and this time not a trick of the mind or a mistake of the heart. Tis me, old friend. My dearest Hades.” The red head’s smile was gentle an understanding, as it always seemed to be as he strode forwards with a gaze ever twinkling. “Be at ease. You have fallen. Your soul a faint gust upon the winds of life. No more life given and thus you have come here. Your time has come to an end in the world before. I am here to fetch you. A face you remember, a soul you know is true.” The red head explained.

 “You sure did cause quite a stir though. But no more my darling one. Your fight, your long lost battle is done. Rest is all that claims you, an you’’ve earned it well. Ten times over...it is done. You are free.” He reassured, before reaching up to pat his beloved friend on the shoulder. 

“You are home.”

“I have bore witness too all that you’ve done in our name. You bloody, fool. Ever lost without me I see.” He scolded giving Emet’s face a right slap upside the back of his head. “I told you to listen to me and now you see what happens when you don’t.” He grumbled, crossing his arms briefly only to smirk a bit at the end of his scolding. “I swear, how you didn’t end up here sooner is a bloody miracle. But aye...for all it’s worth, I’m glad to have you back. Everyones been waiting for you.”

“I suppose you have questions and of course you should know by now I have answer's....but first...”

Before Hades could reject the offer or even really know what as happening next, Hythlodaues slipped passed the light gap between them and tugged the confused amber eye former Ascian into an overdue hug, coiling his arms around the man he had missed so dearly into a tight embrace and keeping him there against him. Thousands upon thousands of years....finally. Finally he could be with him once more. 

“....I missed you Hades.”‘

[begotten-soul]

[begotten-soul]

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    “Tis a flaw I find difficult to mend.” Hythlodaues teased as he took his own mask off once again to stare down at it’s design. It has a more jovial design than most, the sight a more friendly carving than that of the one he set it next to. Side by side their masks laid on the desk. Always together. A pair that paralleled eachother in almost every way.

“You are the only one who looks out for this silly man.” Daues chuckled quietly. “And for that I am thankful. Though at times you make me wish to hit myself upside the head.” He jested as he took another sip of his tea before rubbing at his forehead. 

“If this is the path you will take so be it. Death will not beacon me, so long as my gatekeeper has something to say about it.” Daues snorted and lightly nudged Emet’s side lightly. “But do well to exercise caution if you’re gong to bring up what I’ve told you to your Convocation. Some will take our findings to their own self gain…or worse think your idea too dangerous and wish to remove you from your seat.”

“Not all of them agree with one another and this may do well to tear them apart or bring them together. I know not.” The brunette hummed and rubbed at his chin in thought. “In fact, word on the grapevine is that new member of yours is a rebellious spirit to wits end. They aren’t very fond of your actions already and some suspect they may become a problem for you in the future, so says the gossip upon the streets.”

 Hythlodaues gave a small shrug. “You two rival about everything thus far, perhaps there’s some truth to it. Just be careful. The last thing we need is more divide in an already strained nation. People are afraid, are scared and with all that’s happened so far, they can be easily swayed away from you.”

“…We should get some rest soon. We‘ve been at this for hours and you’re starting to get bags under your eyes.” Daues chuckled before ghosting his index finger over the side of Hades cheek fondly. “Sleep my darling Hades. I will continue the research and awaken you if I find anything of use.”

&& HADES

Raising a second hand to his cup, the darker robed man merely sat and listened. Off and on, the tea tilted toward his maw, the contents relaxing the back of strained throat as he tried to relax. It had been an exhausting evening, no doubt. One of his more severe nights.

The city was on the edge of outbreak… it was only fit for him to be at such a spiral. 

Had it not been for Hythlodaeus grounding him in these moments – well, it is not to say what would have long become of the man. The harrowing architect.

❝ They are quite the handful, yes, ❞ he speaks back about the newest addition. 

While Lahabrea was a stalwart whom slept to the sound of his own voice – there had been another that never passed up the chance to speak, and fully to their own opinion – at that. Not necessarily as annoying as the scholar in the library, but, it held a certain… competitiveness to it. Their logic often combating that of Hades’s own. Irksome. Even more so, half the time their words being right.

But right now wasn’t the time to grind teeth at something less trivial. 

❝ You have my word. I will take precautions as necessary. I’m sure the council will have quite the auction on opinions with what I bring to the table, ❞ Hades slides his cup to the side, drained of its’ contents. A heavier exhale than norm – sleep. It sounded nice about now. ❝ The last thing I would ever wish is for our people to be divided. ❞

A hum – followed by a disgruntled noise, ever startled with the opposing mans’ physical contact as he swept a digit near his face. Hades returned Hythlodaeus’s chuckle with a pouting snarl, snapping his mask back into place as he stood from his seat. The weight still apparent on his shoulders – hopefully a rest would do just that to relieve him of such.

❝ Thank you for the tea, Daeus. Rest well. ❞ 

[begotten-soul]

Rose color meanings

[begotten-soul]

nexus-rpd‌:

begotten-soul‌:

&& HADES

Upon Hythlodaeus’s further words, the man but stared back blankly. An often twitch of the brow, some words coming harsher than the rest – there was no audible reconcile that Hades could further argue with the other. Leaving the last of his peace spoken, being just that – by his word, as word of the Convocation – his will be done.

Dismay as it may be, if anyone else was to be at lost of life – he’d not grant Hythlodaeus that favor. Not if it could be stopped. But the green-thumb may have been on to something in terms of just how powerful the Star could be, if given a soul. To revive those lost… it was at the cost of succeeding.

Without replacing his mask, Hades sat back in his seat with a breath. A moment to idle, eyes searching for anything in particular now scattered across the desk – papers out of order and others that barely scratched the surface. It wasn’t until he found one of the whiter parchments that further discussed some of the Administration’s concerns did he go back to quietly reading. Hythlodaeus’s weight next to, despite the others’ worn shoulders, carrying a simple warmth.

❝ …No need for such apologies, ❞ the man mummers between lines, voice returning to a tempered softness. He’d not follow up on statement – how he knows how the gardener will go on with his bleeding heart. But it is clear to make out that there remained none left animosity in the council’s voice. Only that of traditional study – eyelids half closed as he stared at the table.

Another moment of silence between the two before Hythlodaeus issues a change of pace – the sounds of water riled into the kettle and two cups. Tiresome ambers lifted from the parchment at hand as his head rested in the opposite palm, the man inhaling a breath of relief – following by an upside curl at the corners of his lips.

❝ Ah–Yes, I would like that. ❞ 

Something to tone down the tensions of the room, most definitely. The Amaurotine pushing aside the papers, this time gently, as he ran a hand through the front of his hair, pushing aside stray whites that were scattered in his vision. His neck cranes back as he turns his attention back to his friend, brows furrowing upward in jest as he listens to the mans’ further concerns.

Always the worry-wort, he was.

❝ While I not consider you to be a coward, perhaps overly passionate to a dangerous design,.❞ Hades chuckled, ringing a finger in the handle of the teacup as he lifted it to his lips.  ❝ A tale as old as time, itself. You ever persistent in everyone elses’ well being. Not ought the time to think of ones’ self – and I am here to do it for you..❞

Perhaps an equivalent exchange, when spoken like that. While he wasn’t the type to necessarily witness his own actions, it seemed to be an on-going pattern of the two bickering at one another for not paying ones’ self enough attention. The do-all to do-good, it was their aggressive nature to be better that caused for such petty arguments in the first place.

Though Hades would never truly admit defeat in such debates. If it was a battle of who would take a bullet for who – they’d both sit there with a wound in outstretched arms from trying to push one another out of the way.

❝ You are nothing short of outstanding, Hythlodaeus, ❞ the man follows up after taking a sip from his cup. ❝ But unlike you, I will not apologize for my decisions made. We will both live to see our people touch the skies. The spirals of Amaurot will meet the stars, and together this city will paint a masterpiece none forgotten. – We may be at a UNBALANCE yet, but I swear to it that I will find a way for it to be undone..”

    “Tis a flaw I find difficult to mend.” Hythlodaues teased as he took his own mask off once again to stare down at it’s design. It has a more jovial design than most, the sight a more friendly carving than that of the one he set it next to. Side by side their masks laid on the desk. Always together. A pair that paralleled eachother in almost every way.

“You are the only one who looks out for this silly man.” Daues chuckled quietly. “And for that I am thankful. Though at times you make me wish to hit myself upside the head.” He jested as he took another sip of his tea before rubbing at his forehead. 

“If this is the path you will take so be it. Death will not beacon me, so long as my gatekeeper has something to say about it.” Daues snorted and lightly nudged Emet’s side lightly. “But do well to exercise caution if you’re gong to bring up what I’ve told you to your Convocation. Some will take our findings to their own self gain...or worse think your idea too dangerous and wish to remove you from your seat.”

“Not all of them agree with one another and this may do well to tear them apart or bring them together. I know not.” The brunette hummed and rubbed at his chin in thought. “In fact, word on the grapevine is that new member of yours is a rebellious spirit to wits end. They aren’t very fond of your actions already and some suspect they may become a problem for you in the future, so says the gossip upon the streets.”

 Hythlodaues gave a small shrug. “You two rival about everything thus far, perhaps there’s some truth to it. Just be careful. The last thing we need is more divide in an already strained nation. People are afraid, are scared and with all that’s happened so far, they can be easily swayed away from you.”

“...We should get some rest soon. We‘ve been at this for hours and you’re starting to get bags under your eyes.” Daues chuckled before ghosting his index finger over the side of Hades cheek fondly. “Sleep my darling Hades. I will continue the research and awaken you if I find anything of use.”

[begotten-soul]

the_flowershopkeepers

[begotten-soul]

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&& HADES

His weight still pressed against the desk, knuckles twisted and digging at the wood of the construction, it took much of Hades’s restraint to restrict further damages to the office. He wanted to scream out – fling away all of the parchment, snap his aether into place like a whip. But his throat felt as if it was closing, his weight becoming heavier and heavier to move – and his aether, a displaced 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂 among the masses, confliction raising beneath the glow of his very soul.

He 𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 this.

This pitiful feeling of being without quick answers. 

And with Hythlodaeus’s voice returning to the room – it did little to soothe Emet-Selch in his presence, if any at all the man still pushing his pride over self-worth. Shepard the people? He spoke as if there wasn’t the fourteen of them – despite their recent arrival still being green. They knew the risk that would come upon being titled to the council. There were plenty more worthy to lead even if Hades stepped down with his life on the line. Elidibus was a scholar plenty-fold, while Lahabrea was making exceptional advances within the Study. Even Hythlodaeus could retake the title originally meant for his own – if that was the case.

❝ I am not a leader of the people – never have I wished to be, ❞ Hades snarled back – lifting his gaze from the table and toward the fractured emeralds that stared back. ❝ – But if I 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓, then by mine 𝐋𝐀𝐖 there will be no more useless sacrifice.❞ 

Useless – it was a strong term to use, but in the heat of the moment, Hades knew no better. The immediate realization furrowing forked brows above the mask, his snarl quickly drops to pained sneer. None of those who they lost were useless. There were anything but – genuine, humble people. Offering their immortality for trial and errors of their ancestral ways. Parting with friends and loved ones, in hopes that they will continue their merriment forward.

Continuing, Hades listened to Hythlodaeus as he plead his case – not that there was any silencing the man. Interrupting would only mean a longer argument. He had to think of something else in between the voiced tremors. No guarantee that ither he or Hythlodaeus would be able to fix the problem on their own – their knowledge of the Lifestream and the aether that conjurered with it, still but scraped off the surface. They were powerful, yes. But compared to who –? Compared to what –?

He had let it slip to Hythlodaeus that the council brought to debate upon conjurering the 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑, itself. And ever since – the Amaurotine had been ever curious and quick to offer any means of help. If they could not fix the problem on their own, then mayhaps prayers would be answered by someone who could truly Shepard their people for the better. A living entity of the Underworld. 

But their problem continued to persist – how does one go about calling upon a GOD?

   –  ‘ Listen… ‘

Hythlodaeus’s grasp catching him temporarily off guard, Hades’ head angles sharply toward the other – their faces but inches apart as the other continued to sing. Bring him back from the dead? It sounded preposterous. Even if such exchange worked – and their star re-aligned to its’ balance, is there ever such being strong enough to weave a soul from the departed? A soul that dissipates far too quick to return to the Lifestream… as had been their past science experiments. Would such a thing be possible?

Expression stalwart, Hades winces as the other cups his cheek. Not in physical pain, but that of strain that still kept his jaw clenched and fist balled tight that they were beginning to go numb. He wouldn’t allow it. If push came to shove, he’d first sacrifice his own before putting another at risk. 

– But what if those held responsible and of considerable power tried?

An exchange for balance and proper Shepard… would it truly be amiss if the Convocation collapsed in turn of a more powerful, more knowledgeable being? One that could teach things unimaginable? And even if so, granted permission – would it not be entirely impossible to bring back their spirits in succession?

❝ Daeus.❞ 

Picking a hand from the table, Hades cups over the others’ hand from his cheek, pulling its tender grace aside. A thick huff of air exhaled from his lungs, the silver then dissipates his own mask temporarily – revealing a concentrated gaze of ambers,

❝ I will not. You will not. This is my decision as Emet-Selch and I ask that you respect it. ❞

But he may’ve had an idea in the works. 

❝ The Underworld has undergo enough lost. Amaurot is still but in its’ youth, looking to prosper. But to continue forward at this rate… the Convocation will have the final word on what needs to be done. I can only offer a reasonable trial – should they accept, our woes may be limited yet. ❞

    “Ever so brilliant an yet ever so blind, Hades.” Daeus stared into his best friends tired gaze, emerald eyes searching his own stare back at him for something, anything. Was he going to cling to the past so harshly that he’d allow the entire world to submit to it’s own downfall? Could he not see his way was possibly the last one they had left? 

“I will stand by your title, as I have always but still do you not see your actions may be brash? To go against the clear obvious answer just to keep one more soul from dying...is this really worth risking the entire city on? One soul...my soul?” Because when it came own to it, that was what was happening here. 

Daues pulled away as if wounded by the mere touch of his hand being pulled away, he held it in his other palm an lightly felt over it as if burnt. “Your will be done, I will never go against you....but I will not deny my disappointment in your decision nonetheless...” Daeus murmured quietly. “Very well. Speak to them. I will leave the matter in your capable hands.” With t hat he settled back into his seat in silence an picked up his mask from the table to quietly secure back onto his face.

Perhaps he was being cruel. Perhaps he had asked too much of Hades just then. Nonetheless he turned to skim over the parchment at the front of desk, quiet as the dead, a statue at Hades side. For minutes he stayed that way until the quiet between the became to suffocating to endue. “Forgive me an my outlandish theories. It was wrong of me to interject with such an act. Pray, I hope you understand...tis but a mad man after all, yes...” Hythlodaues weakly chuckled an shook his head some.

“Come, let us get our mind off of this. I-...I can make us tea. Your favorite, yes?” The brunette mused as he lightly flickered his  wrist, beckoning to kettle nearby to begin pouring two cups for the two of them as another breath of silence exhaled over them. 

“I put too much of my own wants in you.” Daues mused after he put the teacup in front of his friend. He settled back in his seat, staring vacantly at his own reflection between the ripples of honey tea in his glass. “I want to help, save the people I love but I never try myself. I give you those options, the try to be something better, more powerful because of the pure fact that I-...I’m afraid I’ll mess up. I’m a coward, Hades...I hide behind you even when I know I have the same potential for greatness as you do.”

“And now with the chance right before me-...the chance to finally help someone, help you....I’m not allowed to take it. Tis frustrating.” He chuckled softly and shook his head. “Aye, perhaps it’s just a rightful punishment. For all the times I put you on a pedestal, for all the times I brought you stress for giving you the things I was too afraid to do myself....and I hope one day you can forgive me for that my old friend.”

“I wish I could’ve been a better friend...”

[begotten-soul]

Lilacs, Part 7 // West Mountain Road, MA

[begotten-soul]

allageyed‌:

begotten-soul‌:

*•.¸◈

   Lad? Again, it humors him. An ancient being, mayhaps, sees him as such. But alas, he is too old. He wasn’t even sure how long to tower could keep him alive. If he made a habit of venturing to far off places like this, it may not be long at all. His gaze travels, such marvels. The city is beautiful. Far beyond anything he could even imagine. And yet, here it stands. Almost alive. A ghost, mayhaps. 

  “Forgive me. It has become… a habit to be dishonest it seems.” He’s mocking himself, but there is a tinge of self-loathing in his heart. He had lived in lies so long that the truth feels… wrong. Like a taboo. But in terms of truth, this being’s sorrow is clear to see. He wonders, the true depth of Emet-Selch’s despair. For his creations to be so wrapped in sadness. To mourn so strongly. Mayhaps, if a few thousand years had gone by… He could have known. Ah, the hundred were already painful enough. 

  “I worry… How different am I from your creator? We both took similar actions. And yet I am to believe that mine were just and his unjust? Is history truly just written by the victor?” He does, finally, speak from his heart. And the ancient’s musing about someone he once knew, mayhaps, only made him feel worse. 

  He does sit, as he is already tired being far from the tower. But how could he describe the timeline he came from? It was a hellish nightmare. One, likely, not so different from the end of this world. “Where to begin… I suppose I could say I… was granted an amazing power. And because of this, I lived fair longer than any other. In stasis, however. And once I awakened, the world as I knew it had ended…” 

     “Do you truly look so down upon yourself? Your friends wouldn’t be so fond of such a habit. You are a hero, boy. Take pride in yourself. Least you become as vile and  weighted down by fate as Hades was. Want a hunch in yoor back?” Hythlodaues teased with a soft chuckle on his lips, but alas there was a slight sadness to his chuckle as he turned to look back up at the capitol building where he no longer could feel his friend’s soul. 

Time had done Emet-Selch no favors. The weight of his sorrow becoming a physical ailment with time...once he had stood with such pose dedication and confidence....time had aged him in a different way, corroding that proud man into something unfamiliar to him inn the end....

“I will be blunt, child.” The ancient mused. “In many ways you and he were the same...but you did not let grief overtake you, let it turn you mad with reckless abandon for those soul whom walked besides you. You did not become cruel or filled with hatred and that is where you an Emet-Selch drift apart. You chose to respect those who gave their lief to you, to save you where he would make us anew in a  replica of what we were...”

“He would kill hundreds of thousands...millions upon millions just to give us a dishonoring world built upon the bones of the innocent people. There is little comparison there.  Your narratives begin the same but because of your heart, you have driven down a brighter path, one where no bloodshed will curtain the new life you’ve been given. Cherish those you have lost, remember them...but do not degrade all that they did to give you this wold anew.”

[begotten-soul]

Build.

[begotten-soul]

nexus-rpd‌:

begotten-soul‌:

&& HADES

With the palm of his hands pressed at his skull, Hades let out a mummer of a groan. Tensions rising not only within his body, but his people – he and the Convocation were responsible for their safety. For what good were they if not that? Strange oddities becoming more and more, something of an unbalance as they desperately tried to find the flaw among their ranks. Things that were out of their control – unbearably so, plenty were losing their life in sacrifice to tame that of which could not be tamed.

The Akadaemia could only hold so many of the malcreations for study – the remainder, ever a threat to those who walked marbled streets of ire. And its’ numbers were beginning to show – their course set off path. Their star had fallen out of alignment, and the people were beginning to panic.

Something had to be done.

Something must be done!

   – Fingers dig at the scalp as pulled hairs pinched his nerves. The silence, almost as deafening as those voices of the council. If he could only find a solution… they needed a solution! If not he, who amount to so much raw power, then what? Who –?

The weight of Hythlodaeus’s body lifted from the seat next to him. The others’ soften voice, drawing out Emet-Selch from his armed cocoon as he met back to twinkling emeralds from beneath the mask. Something that would be frowned upon, had they not been in private – expressing ones’ true self to another. Often a treat of intimacy or besten friendship, ever the positive reinforcement. Yet this time, it was anything but.

❝ –ABSOLUTELY NOT ! ❞

Sharply does he stand, slamming a closed fist against the table – shaking its’ foundation with a gust to which caused the parchments to twitch. The mans’ expression, for what could be shown, drawn to a bitten back scowl. 

❝ There ought be another alternative, that which transcends without more sacrifice! I am not losing anymore to this charade of foolery when something else can truly be done! If not over my own sacrifice, then none more! ❞

Was he insane?

Did Hythlodaeus truly believe he’d be able to get away with such irrational tribute? To offer such a vow to Hades, no less? Had he not accepted anything of which Hades had told him over these many years – these many times where this man had been ever quick to take his place.

❝ – I will not allow it,❞ he growls between his teeth – nails pinching at the inners of his palm. The amount of weight contributed to his shoulders, feeling as if the weight of the very Underworld – yet he refused to yield. There had to be something else. There had to be another way.

       The sprout of unbridled rage did not sway the brunette as his brethren’s anger and denial swirled about the very foundation of the walls that held them. The rippling gust echoed by him, ghosting swaying brunette locks as he sat there before the very man he cared for to a fault. His gaze never faltering, never flinching. 

It hurt him to see Hades like this. He missed his gentle scowl, his content gaze upon him. Their soft chuckles and mischivious antics..but to see him so brought down by stress and anger, pain and fear...it was heartbreaking. 

“You and I both know that there is no other way. Hades, we have both tried, we have traveled this star for any hope of an alternative and alas you’re right, too many lives have already been given for this pathway....to give anymore would be a dishonor and if we should cause this bloodletting to  come to an end, we must do so swiftly an too it’s fullest. 

“One of us must be the tribute too end this suffering and it cannot and will not be you. You are too important to our people, you are the only leader they have left, that they look up to....you must shepard them.” Daues murmured quietly, but his gaze was firm and determined to get his point across.

“I have been a coward for too long. I have stepped aside and let others do the work I was too ashamed to do myself. No longer, no more...I won’t sit upon the sidelines while my people, my friends die needlessly....I will not watch you suffer and destroy yourself for an answer you will never find. The only option now is me, Hades...search your heart, search the Underworld itself and see this to be true.”

“The two of us must be the bond too awaken him. We are in a way the perfect men for the job. If anyone can do this it’s us. Do you remember our studies in the academy? How creations our built through a bond from the summoner to it’s host for the arcane? You and I have known one another for a very long time. Our connection is strong and we in turn are strong because of it...Only through faith, devotion and will can he be risen...what better way than that of the faith of a friend to another?”

“I the soul to give him life, you the power to give him form. Together we can do this Hades. We can save them all.” Hythlodaues sighed and put his hands on his best friends shoulder’s, looking him straight in the eye as he spoke. “Listen, you said he can do anything yes? If your word is true, than after he saves our world, ,you can plead for him to bring us back, all of us. Everyone who died to give him form. I won’t be dead forever, Hades. You simply must win. Then we-...I can be with you again. You won’t fail me, my dearest Hades. I’m willing to bet my life on it.”

“Hades, please...we must do this. If your oath to the city is true, you know there is no other way. I gave you the seat as Emet-Selch because I knew you could step up to make the decisions I never could. This being one of them. Do your duty my darling man....for your city, for me.” Daeus murmured, bringing a hand up to cup the silver haired man’s cheek. 

“You must let me die...”