Eastern Border of Gaia
A few days after the first Fractureborn conflict
That night, the sky was clear and cloudless.
Jeanne stood on the high cliff, gazing at the moonlit fields below.
Down below, the soldiers of Vita Harmonia were resting after a grueling battle.
Amid the twinkling stars, Jeanne felt a deep pull, as if each star had a story it longed to share—a tale not only linked to the souls of the weary warriors below but also reflecting their struggles and sacrifices on the battlefield. In her mind, visions of the past intertwined with hopes for the future, swirling together like an endless river, creating a current of profound and complex emotions that echoed the themes of loss and resilience.
The first Fractureborn was successfully subdued.
But Jeanne knew this was just the beginning.
In the depths of her heart, a question arose: did this victory truly mean anything? Behind every triumph, there were lost souls. Was the gain worth the pain left behind, achieving peace only to leave imprints of uncertainty in the hearts of those who remained? "Death teaches the meaning of life," she whispered to herself, recalling the gentle voice of her teacher who often imparted those values, now feeling ever more relevant and urgent in the context of her current life.
"Gaia Primordia is testing us."
"Tekhnos whispers of an unstoppable change."
"What comes next?"
As those thoughts swirled, the sound of footsteps echoed behind her.
But there was no wind. No sound of nighttime creatures. The footfalls seemed to beckon her to turn, like an invisible whisper inviting her to unveil the mysteries of life and death.
The steps... heavy yet silent.
She felt a deep vibration. In every hesitant heartbeat, there was something binding her existence to all that surrounded her. "Is this a sign from the universe?" she pondered inwardly, trying to grasp the secret that could change everything. With a deep breath, Jeanne steeled herself to confront whatever might emerge from the darkness, vowing not to let fear dominate her heart.
From the shadows, a man emerged.
Tall, clad in a black robe adorned with a spiral symbol that culminated in a circle — the symbol of eternity.
His skin was as pale as marble.
His black eyes held a deep blue light within.
In his hand, he wielded an obsidian staff with an inverted crescent moon at its tip.
As if beckoning the whispers of the night wind, the man fixed his gaze on Jeanne with a stare that could pierce the soul.
"Jeanne Fate."
"I have been watching you."
"I am Hades."
Jeanne reflexively readied her magic, sensing the powerful aura emanating from the figure before her. She realized that this encounter was no mere coincidence; there was a deeper meaning, a calling from destiny.
"If you come by the will of Chronos or Tekhnos, I will not remain silent."
Hades slowly raised his hand, his movement graceful as a dance between the worlds of the living and the dead.
"I do not come to bring war."
"I come to bring questions."
Jeanne regarded him sharply. "What do you want?"
The atmosphere around them felt thick, as if time had paused momentarily to eavesdrop on this conversation. Hades smiled, a smile filled with secrets and uncertainties, as though he fully understood Jeanne's struggle between hope and loss, and the complexities of every choice that lay before her.
"I am the Guardian of the Cycle. I do not side with Gaia Primordia or Tekhnos.
I maintain the flow of life and death, birth and departure, ensuring that all that has been experienced will not be forgotten and every cycle provides valuable lessons that each soul can learn. Each moment within this cycle holds the power to shape individual journeys, enriching their existence with invaluable lessons and wisdom, all of which contribute to the overarching narrative of life.
His curiosity fostered a belief that behind every cycle lies a lesson to be learned. His footsteps echoed in the silence, as if honoring every soul that had passed through.
"I have come to ask:
You wish to preserve free will... but can free will endure without continuing this cycle?"
Softly, the question hung in the air, creating tension between them. Her mind whirled, envisioning the good and the bad clashing in her life's journey. Jeanne understood that death was not the end, but rather a transition; within every ending lies a new possibility waiting to be born.
With a deep breath, she searched her heart, struggling to find answers that reflected her remaining soul; in the crescent moonlight of Hades' staff, she beheld the shadows of her past, the choices that had led her to this juncture. "Free will... is both a burden and a blessing," she replied, her voice softer than usual, yet filled with conviction.
"I am the Guardian of the Cycle. I do not favor Gaia Primordia or Tekhnos. In this way, I maintain balance between two powerful forces vying for recognition and existence."
I preserve the flow of life and death, birth and departure."
"I have come to ask:
You wish to uphold free will... but can free will endure without accepting death?"
Jeanne furrowed her brow. "Death is a part of life."
"Is it?"
"Your nations now build laws and technologies to extend life.
Avoiding death.
They imprison life within structures to ensure nothing is lost."
"Gaia desires an order that makes everything eternal.
Earth seeks a relentless change that transcends the natural cycles."
"All of you... fear death."
Jeanne clutched her chest, her fingers pressing against the meaning of what she had just heard. Her mother's hopeful face flashed in her mind, someone who had always believed that immortality was the ultimate goal. But beneath that conviction lay an unspoken fear. She felt cornered, faced with two equally terrifying choices.
"I am not afraid of death. I fear a world that loses its meaning."
"And if death carries meaning, I can accept it."
Hades stepped closer, his shadow falling over Jeanne, intensifying the ominous atmosphere. His soft voice seemed to transcend time, like an ancient magic that never truly fades. "True. But a time will come when your people will not think as you do."
"A time will come when they will reject death. They will create new wills that deny me and my cycle."
"Some will create technology that transfers minds into machines."
"Some will forge an immortality magic that binds souls within time."
Each word spoken by Hades vibrated in the air, touching the core of Jeanne's soul. She felt the weight of DEKALAH, an option that seemed beautiful yet had far-reaching consequences. A part of her heart longed for a complete life, where every event, both joyful and sorrowful, added color to her existence.
Jeanne recalled the times she had watched the elders in her village, their faces weathered but filled with stories. Even as death approached, they shared profound narratives that celebrated life. There was a richness in every laugh and tear that emerged, weaving connections between souls, creating a bridge that spanned space and time through the power of unforgettable storytelling.
She questioned herself, "What does it mean to evade death if we lose the reason to live among others? Is there any beauty in eternity if all taste, all color, all hope and sorrow are stripped away from us?"
At that moment, something within her awakened. She looked into Hades' eyes with newfound strength. "Death, although terrifying, creates space for us to grow. It demands that we cherish every second we have. So why do we strive to resist it?"
"We are not only fighting death but also grappling with loss," Hades replied, his tone steeped in seriousness. "Every lost soul takes a piece of us away. In eternity, we seek to fill that emptiness, creating a kind of shield for ourselves that protects us from the pain of loss."
Jeanne heard the truth in Hades' words, yet she remained unconvinced. She fought to preserve her hope, a hope that had taught her that even in loss, there are lessons to be learned. "But doesn't that make us stronger? We become more human through our feelings." She bravely challenged Hades' perspective.
The power of Jeanne's words sparked a surge of energy between them, creating space for the deepest spiritual dialogue—a tapestry woven from fate and free will. The scene was charged with intensity, as if the universe was waiting for their response, forging a new bridge between existence and nonexistence.
In that moment, she knew one thing for certain: this journey was about more than just life and death. It was about weaving meaning into every breath taken.
"And when that moment comes, you or your descendants must choose:
Does free will mean accepting the end...
Or fighting against it with all its consequences."
Jeanne felt a tremor in her heart, as if a thousand voices were whispering to her about the significance of this choice. "What happens if we choose to resist?" she asked cautiously, seeking deeper understanding. "Will we only invite more suffering without hope for change?"
Hades stared at her intently, as if understanding the burning doubts within her. "Fighting will indeed bring consequences," he said, his voice soft yet firm. "However, it's also a choice that can deepen the meaning of life. Every decision creates new paths, weaving countless new stories, until ultimately, we all feel the power of that choice."
Jeanne looked at Hades with a courage inherited from her mother, reflecting a light of hope, but also a fear of what was to come.
"I choose to accept death as part of life.
But I also choose to fight against the unjust nature of death.
She remembered the faces of those who had left, the loved ones she had lost, and the pain they had left behind. "Every lost soul carries invaluable memories and lessons," she whispered. "If we do not fight, how can we honor them?"
"I will protect those who are not yet meant to leave.
But I will not seek an eternity that robs the meaning of life."
"One thing you must remember," he said calmly, "is that death is not just an end, but a transition that can lead to new beginnings. In darkness, there is light; in loss, there is rediscovery that paves the way for growth and understanding."
"You are wise."
"But remember... when the generations that follow you begin to forget this choice, my will will return to remind them."
"Not as an enemy, but as a reminder that everything alive must accept its time to depart."
Hades spread his hands, revealing the strength and fragility of the existing reality.
A small black crystal appeared, shimmering with a faint blue light, creating a magical aura around them, as if embodying the hope and challenges to come.
"This is not a weapon; rather, it is a symbol of hope and defense. This is the Thanatos Sigil," Hades explained, elucidating its significance in maintaining the balance between life and death, reminding all humanity to live life with meaning and dedication while safeguarding against the encroachment of eternal existence devoid of purpose.
"If you or your successors face an enemy that creates eternity without meaning — a will that refuses to die — use this.
I will come. Not to destroy you, but to help restore the meaning of the life-and-death cycle."
Jeanne accepted the Sigil with both hands, feeling the energy flowing through it as if all the wisdom of her ancestors was contained within that crystal. "I will protect it," she said with conviction.
"And I will keep the promise I made today."
Deep down, she understood that this journey would not be easy. She would face challenges she had never imagined. Yet, her spirit burned bright; she was fighting not just for herself but also for the hope that death was not in vain, but rather a part of a grand cycle of life.
"For every living soul, there are lessons to be learned," she told herself, "and no one can refuse those lessons if they are aware of the purpose and meaning in life."
With renewed determination, Jeanne strengthened her resolve. It felt as though she was walking on the edge between two worlds, one full of life and the other she would face bravely; she stood at the crossroads between meaning and uncertainty. The closer she got to her goal, the more she felt the call to fulfill her duty. Death no longer felt like an opponent but rather a true companion in her quest to discover the meaning behind every breath taken and every decision made.
Hades looked at Jeanne, a sense of respect growing between them. A new understanding emerged, transcending the boundaries between gods and humans. "Remember, Jeanne," he said softly, "the most important thing is to never forget that every ending is an opportunity to begin anew."
She nodded, realizing that this journey was about more than just fighting death; it was also about celebrating the life lived, letting go, and accepting.
Hades turned, stepping into the shadows of the night. The darkness seemed to embrace him, cloaking each of his steps in a ritual silence. In his mind, a grim image lingered of a world disconnected from its cycles. Here, he felt empowered, caught between light and shadows, between life and death.
"Jeanne Fate, you are the guardian of a future not chosen by gods or ancient will, but by your own choices."
"Hold on to that choice.
And teach the children of the world not to fear a meaningful end."
As her final footsteps faded away, the night wind began to blow once more, like a gentle whisper from nature, echoing the continuity of life. Out there, the universe vibrated with eternity, united in hope and fear, while birds resumed their singing, their melodies a reminder to Jeanne that every sound of life is a ripple unfettered by death, weaving together the tapestry of existence.
Jeanne stood alone.
But her heart was no longer uncertain.
She felt the presence of Hades, not as a frightful figure, but as a reminder that every soul has a role in the ecosystem of life.
The next morning, Jeanne met Joanna. They gathered in a small park, where the trees thrived, embodying the inseparable cycle of life and death.
"I met Hades."
Joanna was taken aback, but Jeanne raised her hand. "He is not an enemy." Her words were soft yet firm, as if she had prepared herself to heal the fears that might haunt her sister.
Jeanne recounted everything: about the Thanatos Sigil, about choosing to accept death as part of free will. "He taught me to see that death is not the end, but a transition."
Joanna listened intently, her eyes shining with understanding, as if she were beginning to see the other side of the reality that had long been shrouded in darkness.
"I agree, sister."
"Endless change can also become a prison."
"We will protect this world not only from external forces... but also from the fears that can cause humanity to forget the meaning of life."
They embraced, holding onto each other's strength. In that moment, fear and hope intertwined, forming an inseparable bond.
For the first time in a long while, they felt that their choices were right.
From a distance, Sheena watched her two daughters, sensing the flow of positive energy penetrating space and time, as if a part of her soul was returning to the embrace of the long-awaited happiness.
A gentle smile graced her face.
"They are growing wiser than I."
"They will lead this world to a better future."
Sheena knew that each generation carries lessons from the previous one, intertwined in an endless spinning cycle. As she reflected deeper, she felt that the dimensions of love and loss are intricately woven together, forming the essence of human experience.
"And although I know that someday I will leave... I am not afraid."
In her heart, Sheena felt a strange wave of tranquility wash over her. The whispering wind flowed through the trees, delivering messages from another world. For a fleeting moment, she imagined the figures who had departed—her ancestors—watching over her path. "They are here," she thought, "accompanying every step I take," a silent reminder of the enduring love left behind, inextricably linked to the journey of life.
"For the choices we make today will live on."
Sheena's words flowed with conviction, resonating within the calming quiet of the night. Each decision she made was not only shaping her own journey but also crafting a future for her two daughters, weaving a strong and lasting tapestry of hope. She knew that all they chose together were seeds that would grow into majestic trees in the future, holding the promise of new life. As if the universe was providing them with guidance, she felt the starlight descending from the sky, illuminating the pathway they were traversing on their meaningful journey through life. "With love, anything can be endured," she murmured softly, hoping her daughters would grasp the profound interpretation of life and death behind this lesson.