Sanctum Aristeia
520 Years After the First Oath Circle—a pivotal moment that reshaped the fabric of our existence.
The twilight sky spilled golden light over the towers of the Sanctum.
From the highest balcony, two figures stood.
Jeanne and Joanna.
Their bodies remained youthful—skin as white as ivory, with long hair that barely showed a hint of silver, a testament to the decades of magic that had shaped their lives.
Their faces still resembled those of the first days they formed Equilibris Custodia.
However, their eyes carried the age of the world.
"Over five centuries have passed," whispered Jeanne.
"And the division we once feared...
has become a reality."
In the distance, the pillars of Stones stood firm.
The towers of Arkanum Veritas soared majestically.
Two factions born from the same love, yet walking down different paths.
Jeanne and Joanna had lived longer than ordinary humans could ever imagine.
Continuum Magic preserved Jeanne's physical continuity.
Fluctuating Magic prevented age from overtaking Joanna.
"We have witnessed for too long," murmured Joanna, recalling all that they had endured.
"It's not because we desire immortality.
"But because of our oath, we cannot ignore it," Jeanne gazed toward Nexus Equilibria, now serving as a neutral zone between the Stones and the Arkanum—a symbol of both division and hope, illustrating the ongoing struggle between their factions.
Turning back, Jeanne observed Joanna, sensing a vibration within her soul. "Joanna, if we were not bound by this oath, what would we choose to do?" she asked, her voice filled with longing.
Joanna pondered, "Perhaps we would return to Earth, live as ordinary people, free of burdens." She closed her eyes as if imagining a life unencumbered by their heavy story.
"But would we feel whole?" Jeanne questioned, filled with doubt.
"Whole or not, we would experience the freedom to choose," Joanna replied with fervor, emphasizing the power of choice that defined their existence.
For a moment, silence enveloped them while the twilight sky warmed their faces. Shadows of memories and hopes for the future intertwined with each heartbeat.
"Sometimes I envy my mother," Joanna continued.
Jeanne looked down. "Sheena has already found rest.
She no longer has to bear the weight of choices."
On the night before her departure, Sheena called Jeanne and Joanna to her room.
"You both are the light I chose to bring into this world."
"I know the future will not be perfect.
But I believe,
as long as you keep the memory of that first choice...
the world will not lose hope."
"If one day... you have to let everything go,
do so with the assurance that what you have sown has grown."
"And if the world forgets your names...
it means the world has become strong enough to move on without you."
A few days later, Sheena passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Beside her was her final journal entry:
"I am not afraid anymore. Jeanne and Joanna have become more than I could ever dream of."
Joanna looked deeply into Jeanne's eyes, sensing the dark aura enveloping them. "It could be true, but we must not forget who we were," she replied firmly. "Our past shaped the world we live in now."
Jeanne paused, feeling the emotional resonance in Joanna's words. "What if we can no longer achieve what we dream of?" she asked, her voice almost fading amidst the echoes of the vast room.
Joanna squeezed Jeanne's hand, radiating warmth. "We are not alone, Jeanne. As long as we are together, those dreams will always remain alive. And if someday we must let go, we will do so with courage."
Jeanne stared intently into Joanna's eyes, evaluating the bravery that shone from her. "You're right," she said, "We will change this world together."
"Do you remember how we once aspired to make this world a better place—a place where dreams could flourish and hope could thrive?" she asked softly, reflecting on their shared vision.
"I think it's time... we let go."
"But not Excalibur." Jeanne smiled, recalling all the stories they had heard about the legendary sword. "Excalibur will still be waiting."
Still wearing their old pajamas, magically preserved by the enchantments of their past.
Still wearing their old pajamas, magically preserved by magic.
Joanna hugged a large pillow, her old habit. Jeanne chuckled softly. "I thought you would stop hugging that pillow after 500 years."
Joanna let out a light huff, "Just because there is magic doesn't mean this heart doesn't feel lonely." She tightened her grip on the pillow as if hoping for some hidden power within it. Jeanne paused for a moment before responding, "We will find a way, I promise."
"No," Joanna gently pinched her sister. "I will only stop when you stop talking about the Continuum laws."
They both laughed together. The dark web outside the window seemed threatening, but here, wrapped in the warm atmosphere, nothing could separate them. In the silence, Jeanne whispered, "Joan," her eyes filled with deep warmth. "Do you regret anything?"
Joanna shook her head. "No.
I chose this path with you.
I would choose it again even knowing the outcome will be the same." In a soft voice, Jeanne continued, "We have been through so much, and every moment has been precious."
remember our first vow as a guiding principle in every step you take, directing you through the shadows of uncertainty.
or vice versa...
remember our first vow."
Joanna replied firmly, "Our oath is the heart of every journey we take." They exchanged glances, recalling the promise made beneath the bright, shining moon. "And if no one remembers us...
let Excalibur summon the next generation."
"For our choices...
do not need a name to remain alive." In that moment, they both envisioned a future where their legend would live on forever, etched in the hearts of every soul brave enough to choose the same path.
At Nexus Equilibria, Excalibur still stands.
Below it, the unchanging Proto-Speech is inscribed, a phrase reflecting the essence of their journey:
"Vel'thar Vitae Mutare."
"The Will of Life Choosing to Change."
And at the edge of the Nexus, the statues of Jeanne and Joanna are carved by new generations.
Not as rulers.
Not as goddesses.
But as two women who once chose to believe in free will.
Jeanne and Joanna stood together on the balcony, on the last night before they decided to retreat behind the Veil of Time, entrusting this world filled with conflict to the new generation, hopeful that they would emerge strong enough to thrive on their own.
"We've held on long enough," Jeanne whispered. "Every second we've lived is a trace of the choices we've made," she added, her gaze full of meaning.
"Now... it's their turn," Joanna nodded, her soft voice trembling. "But what if they fail to meet this challenge?" Joanna asked with doubt. "Were we ever truly ready?"
Jeanne gently took Joanna's hand, "Every generation must discover its own path. We give them the necessary tools, but ultimately, they will decide the way forward."
And that night, for the first time in five centuries,
And that night, for the first time in five centuries, Jeanne and Joanna slept with hearts that were finallyat peace, as if releasing the multitude of burdens they had carried throughout their long lives.
Excalibur continued to shine in the distance,
waiting for a new heir.
As if hearing their whispers, a gentle breeze blew, carrying messages from the past to the future. And in the silence of that night, the stars shone brighter, as if celebrating this hopeful farewell.