Chapter Text
“Hendrik... You don't have to do that...”
The man looked at the sword he was holding. A powerful aura emanated from it.
“I know...”, he said. “But I am willing to do it. I cannot stand to miss this chance and not act.”
“It isn't your duty...”
“It is. I am the Luminary's shield, his sword, his unswerving companion. It is my duty to protect him. Therefore, I... There is someone else I vowed to stand by... I wish to honor my promise. Someone very important I failed... I want to save him, to prevent him from being consumed by the darkness... I want to do it for him.”
“We won't change your mind, right? Then... Then farewell, Hendrik... or rather good bye. And good luck.”
“...Thank you.”
He lifted the sword and, without thinking twice, he smashed the orb before him. He was going back to the day it all started.
A few weeks prior...
The world had been saved. Mordegon was no more and the Yggdrasil was back in the sky. The heroes returned to their home and family. Hendrik accompanied Jade to the Last Bastion where they were reunited with King Carnelian who hugged them both. They stayed there at first to help to rebuild the village, but soon the Heliodorians went home. It was a dreadful sight, to see the ruins and the remains of all those who couldn't escape... The first step was to burry them. Then they disposed of the stones of the fallen buildings. Hendrik led a faction of soldiers inside the castle in case there were still monsters. He hadn't been there since... since the Luminary's return and his first fight against Jasper...
If his room was blocked by rocks, the blond's wasn't. He found his white armor scattered on the floor, among other things. It looked like a tornado blew inside the place. Hendrik kneeled down, reaching for the metal pieces. His heart felt heavy.
Jasper wasn't allowed a proper burial – there was no body to bury to begin with. He was a traitor, the one who chose power over his kingdom, evil before goodness. Hendrik had sworn to kill him, to execute him for his betrayal. It was his duty... and there was nothing to regret, he no longer was his friend... and yet... In his final moments, Jasper showed guilt and remorse... and Hendrik understood. He finally saw how lost and confused his friend was. However the wrong was done and it was too late to save him. He held his closest companion in his arms as he passed, he wanted to give him comfort somewhat. He did so for other soldiers in the past, at Dundrasil and Heliodor, or simply missions against threatening monsters. It was rare but not rare enough. For Jasper to be in those soldiers' place had always been one of his greatest fears... To say it broke his heart was far from the truth, it was an ineffable pain leaving a hole in his chest. He lost half of himself that day. He lost his oldest and best friend, his closest companion and brother-in-arms. He lost the man he loved, and the man he failed to help. He thought about him everyday, holding their necklaces together. He had gathered the white pieces of armour and buried them outside of Heliodor, on a cliff near the Emerald Coast. Jasper's swords served as a mark. He visited him every morning to start the day. He would ride Obsidian out of the city every morning before most citizens were up. He watched the sun rise both in the sky and in the sea.
That day was no exception. He woke up early from a dream – or a nightmare, he couldn't remember which one, all he vaguely remembered was Jasper's presence. He could feel him around him, in his shadow. He knew it was most likely his imagination and grief manifesting, and though he knew it wasn't healthy chasing after a ghost, it was comforting to think his friend was watching over him.
Hendrik stopped to pluck flowers. He walked for the last meters. He crouched in front of the swords and left the flowers on the soil.
“Good morning, Jasper.”
The wind rose. The breeze was nice.
“Another day is about to start... Today we will finish taking care of the destroyed buildings on the west side of the city... A few buildings are up again.” He laughed; there was no joy in it. “Everyday I tell you about the progress in town, and everyday I wonder why I keep doing so. You can probably see it with your own eyes, wherever you are... After all, are you not with us? I can feel you everywhere I go... I can always feel you by my side. Those reports may be pointless... Yet I like talking to you. It is the only time I can do so. ...I miss you, Jasper... Every day I miss you more than the previous... I keep myself busy. I help people, but I still cannot help but miss you. You left a void in me that nothing can fill. I miss you, Jasper... You may have done the unforgivable, I still miss you... I regret I was not present enough for you, to have let you walk on the wrong path... I dare not mention it to anyone. The princess knows, though, I think. She told me it was alright to miss you, to miss the person you used to be. I needed to hear those words, to feel less guilty missing you.”
He sighed and looked at the sea. The view was beautiful, and the sun was high enough in the sky for the citizens to be back to work. It was time for Hendrik to join them. He mounted Obsidian and returned to Heliodor. The princess was standing in the middle of the city, giving orders and helping with the repairs. She smiled and greeted him when she saw him. Obsidian was led to the stables and Hendrik went to help with the repairs.
It would have been another normal day was it not for the visit of surprised guests.
“Hendrik, can you come over here please? We need you here,” the princess called him some time around noon.
Hendrik dropped the tools he was using and excused himself as he joined the growing crowd. The Luminary was standing there, offering gentle smiles to the citizens. Erik was there as well, never leaving his fiancé's side. He could see Serena helping with the meals, and Sylvia was... being Sylvia. Hendrik smiled as he approached.
“Good day,” he greeted them.
“Hello Hendrik,” Eleven said while Erik waved. “Long time no see. Jade was telling us about the progress on the repairs. It is going well.”
“Everyone is very motivated.” Jade was grinning as she gave them more details. “I am expecting the inn to be our next big project, so we have more rooms and less people sleeping outside. The cold days are slowly coming and I don't want to risk my people's health.”
“You care so much for them, what does your father say?”
“You can ask him yourself! I will show you the way. He must be helping sewing blankets or something.”
The youngest left but not without promising they would meet for lunch like they did in the old times. Hendrik returned to his work. It kept his mind busy. Despite the joy of seeing his friends again, he couldn't help but remember his last fight against Jasper...
“Hendrik.”
He turned to face Serena. She smiled warmly at him.
“Lunch is ready. I came to tell you.”
“Thank you, Serena.”
He put his shovel down and followed her. The citizens were doing the same, chatting as they walked to the main square. Logs and large rocks and the ground served as seats, as furniture were still rare. The princess was sitting down, beside her father who had a stool. The last months and years of being under the control of a demon exhausted him. He was listening intently to Eleven.
“Grandfather asked that we leave him in Puerto Valor for the time being. Now that the evil is gone, he says he deserves some rest...”
“He seemed very interested in the casino and the staff,” Sylvia sighed.
“That's Rab for you,” Jade commented, “but we can indulge him... He needs some sunlight.”
“Mia stayed to watch over him, though I suspect it's the gold she's after... Hopefully they can watch over each other,” Erik muttered.
Hendrik helped with serving the meal and he was the last to sit. It was a bowl of fried mushrooms. Good.
“I wanted to invite all of you to a ceremony dedicated to Veronica,” Serena announced. “This is the reason behind our surprise visit. I was hoping you could join. Forgive me for this bold move.”
“Of course we will come,” Jade comforted her. “She was our friend.”
“It is not bold to honor the memory of your sister,” the king assured her. “When would you like to depart?”
“Tomorrow in the early morning.”
“Tomorrow in the early morning it is, then.”
They finished their meal. Before Hendrik could excuse himself, Serena went to him.
“I heard there is a grave you made for Jasper. Could you lead me there, please? I would like to see it.”
Hendrik stared at her in shock.
“Why would you do such a thing? I thought-”
He thought she hated him. Jasper had led Mordegon to the heart of Yggdrasil and he used Veronica's image to say awful things to her twin. Surely she resented him... And yet she was smiling sadly at him.
“Can you?” She insisted, and he obliged.
She kneeled in front of the swords. Hendrik watched as she prayed. He didn't understand. She may have been the kindest and most gentle soul he had ever met, it still sounded strange.
“I'm sure he likes the place you chose for him.”
Her voice took him by surprise. He looked at the shining water.
“Hopefully... Pray, would you mind telling me why you wanted to come here?”
She didn't answer right away.
“I do not hate him.” She half turned to look back at Hendrik. “He has done things that cannot be forgotten, nor forgiven. I didn't fully forgive him either... but I want to move on. I cannot spend my life hating him. Those last weeks I had a lot of time for myself to think... and I can say I do not hate him. It is easy to put all the blame on him. But... he too suffered because of Mordegon, it was poisoning him for years... I cannot help but feel pity for him... and for you.”
“For me?”
She nodded but didn't elaborate. They looked back at the swords for a moment until Serena stood up.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” she said.
They left the next day. They paused at Puerto Valor to get Mia and Rab. They were grinning widely. Their luggage was bigger than when they arrived in town for what Erik said. The warm beach of Puerto Valor was replaced by the cold environment of Sniflheim, then the soft air of the surroundings of Arborea.
The whole town was gathered to honor one of theirs. They welcomed them kindly and provided them with drinks and food. Hendrik quickly got surrounded by the citizens, and more exactly women. They were smiling and laughing. He wanted to escape but failed. He couldn't push them, he was a knight, he couldn't be violent! As they kept praising him, he started feeling uncomfortable. He never liked being the center of attention. Jasper did. His charisma would always attract a crowd. Hendrik liked watching him, listening to him... By then he had no idea his friend was serving the lord of darkness.
“Are you alright, sir?” A lady asked.
“Forgive me,” Hendrik mumbled. “I must be tired from this long trip...”
“Excuse me for interrupting you.” Serena approached them. “I am borrowing him for a moment.”
Hendrik shot her a grateful glance as they walked away. They joined their friends and went together to the garden close to the town where the blonde girl had organized a private ceremony.
He felt like he was watching from a distance. He didn't know Veronica, he only ever saw her briefly and it was because he was chasing her and the Luminary. He was a threat for her, yet she had saved his life by sacrificing hers. For that he was grateful. However, despite listening to Serena's speech to her sister, his own thoughts wandered somewhere else. He was back to the day everything changed, but the mage wasn't his focus, it was Jasper – when wasn't it about Jasper? The blond's feelings were revealed that day as he stared coldly at Hendrik, his hatred for him no longer a secret. He knew already, after the fight against the ice witch, that his friend held grudges against him, though he refused to acknowledge how bad it was. His misjudgement cost the lives of countless innocent people. If anything, he was as guilty as Jasper here...
Sylvia tapped his arm.
“We're going back to the party,” she told him in a gentle tone. “Are you coming? Or do you want some time alone? No one will mind.”
“I - I am fine.”
“Are you sure? If you need someone to talk to, I will happily listen to you.”
Hendrik hesitated for a moment. The jester's smile eventually reassured him and he accepted her offer. They told their friends they would come later. They sat on the grass.
“I guess you cannot forget Jasper and you feel guilty about it.” Sylvia wasn't asking a question. She simply knew. She smiled at Hendrik's expression. “You wonder how I knew? Darling, even in our training days, he was always on your mind! Every so often you would speak about your great, strong, smart friend! Your feelings were written on your face. And years later, these last months, as we travelled together... You made several comments about him, and they all betrayed your feelings for him despite his treachery. And then, when he... when we defeated him... your actions... it was obvious you cared and that it hurt you... And at last, even though we saved the world... you don't look happy. Jade told us about the grave you made for him...” The jester paused and looked at him, waiting, but what was left to say?
“You said it all,” Hendrik whispered.
“Not everything, I'm sure.”
“...You said I feel guilty. What else can I say?”
“Why are you feeling guilty, then?”
“Is it not obvious? He is a war criminal. The list of his wrong doings is long. He was the right hand of someone who had destroyed two kingdoms by the time he joined him. He helped him to ruin yet another, and hundreds of lives were lost when the Yggdrasil fell from the sky. He freed a witch, knowing very well she would attack the closest kingdom. He had a monster attacking ships close to a harbor, in a city living from sea trade, and he cursed a boy who was unlucky to run into him at the wrong time. He took pleasure in destroying Cobblestone and he would have killed its inhabitants, had I not arrived on time to stop him. There are probably other things... I blindly trusted him. I never considered he could betray His Majesty, his kingdom... me. I never thought he could hate me, less be jealous of me... He had everything. He was strong, smart, elegant, beautiful, and cultured. Why would he throw this away? Why would he renounce this after working so hard...?” Hendrik sighed.
“You feel guilty for not seeing it coming?” Sylvia asked.
“I do. I may have stopped him, I may have talked some sense into him... Maybe he would be with us today, maybe Veronica would too...and many others as well... If only I had listened to the man I called my best friend...”
“What kind of person was he? Before everything fell apart...”
“...He was smart, as I said. He studied in Sniflheim and he could speak all kind of languages, ancient and modern. He had an eye for art and could recognize a masterpiece among paintings – he once discovered a scam with some thief selling fake arts. He would take care of a massive amount of paperwork; at least three people are required in order to keep with it when he is away. Thanks to some of his advice, the business greatly improved in Heliodor. He was kind to animals. I saw him numerous times feeding stray cats and dogs, even though he said he hated them. He was polite to the maids and would intervene when someone was misbehaving toward them. I know he supported a few writers. When we were children... we kept teasing the whole staff and army, misplacing things, surprising the soldiers and hide, stealing biscuits from the kitchen and eating them on the balcony... We laughed a lot, we also argued but would always make up only to plot our next mischief...”
“What changed, then?”
“He never forgave me for going to Puerto Valor when he was sent to Sniflheim... Studying under Don Rodrigo's tutelage gave me some gravity, but Dundrasil... It reminded me of the day Zwaardsrust fell... but I was no longer a helpless boy. I was a soldier and I still failed to save the civilians. It was a gruesome sight. We escaped thanks to Jasper, but I received the praise along with promotion. It was not right and I knew it, but His Majesty refused to listen... I now know it was Mordegon's plan all along. He used Jasper's damaged pride to use him as a pawn... and now he is gone in the worst way possible... and I...”
“And you miss him,” Sylvia said. She rested a hand on Hendrik's arm. “It's alright. You have every right to miss your friend, to miss the man he once was. Our little Serena said we should smile and laugh for those who no longer can, and while I agree with her for the most part... I say we should cry for our departed ones. Feel no guilt and shame, Hendrik, and mourn your friend. Mourn the man he once was, and the man he should have been.”
Hendrik was speechless. He never thought he would hear such words from Sylvia. He was truly bad when it came to judging the people around him...
They eventually went back to the party. They were to stay at the inn that night. Hendrik took the chance to retire early.
They didn't go back to Heliodor the next day. What happened next felt like a fever dream. Hendrik's beliefs were shattered.
Time was flowing in one direction, and no one could change the past.
No one but the Luminary.
“To lose time is to lose much.”
So repeated the Timekeeper, the embodiment of Time itself. They were standing before them in a tower forgotten by all. They found them in the ruins of the Guardian's land, fallen near Octagonia. They followed a fresco depicting the way to reverse time... They met this strange entity, introducing them to the Sphere of time. If broken one could be sent to the day they chose... However..
“The Sphere can be broken but once... By a single hand... A hand possessed of a singular power... In this world only one such power exists... That of the Luminary...”
The Luminary could return...but all alone. For the briefest moment, they thought they could travel through time together. For a crazy moment, Hendrik thought he could see Jasper again-
“No,” he whispered.
Only the Luminary was to return to the past... and to stay there.
Eleven was frozen in place. He stared at the Timekeeper helplessly, unable to process what had been said to him. He could save his friend, he could prevent the death of many others... as long as he sacrificed all of his achievements.
“No!” Erik cried as he stepped in front of his fiancé. “I'm sorry but I can't let you do this! I won't allow it!”
One by one, his friends blocked the path between Eleven and the Timekeeper, protesting loudly.
“Fate seems to have a habit of snatching away those I care for most... but not this time. Save a tired auld man more heartache than he can bear, will ye? If I lose you too, I'll... don't know what I'll do...” Rab lamented.
“I let you go once. And I promised I'd never do it again,” Jade said.
“Darling, don't you feel you've done enough?” Sylvia asked. A frown replaced her usual smile. “I mean, you defeated the Lord of Shadows, didn't you? I don't want to lose anybody else – I don't think I could bear it!”
“I'm sorry, Eleven, but you simply can't do this!” Serena agreed. “We won't let you! When I cut my hair and Veronica gave me her powers, I vowed that I would use them to carry on our sacred mission and protect you. If I were to let anything happen to you, she would never forgive me. So I have no choice but to stop you from doing this.”
“I cannot permit you to do this,” Hendrik growled. He clenched his fists. “...Curse it all! Why can I not go!? Why can I not put a stop to Mordegon!? Must I really remain here, idle, while you risk all for the sake of our fallen companion!?”
The world was at peace. After many fights, much pain and an unfair fate, the Luminary had finally settled down with his found family. He was to marry the man he loved soon. He didn't deserve to lose all of this!
Mia shook her head. “You can't do this! I won't let you walk away, I still owe you one! Erik, say something, it's your fiancé.”
She shook her brother's arm. Erik stepped closer to Eleven to cup his cheek.
“You don't have to do this. Please... This isn't what she would have wanted.” The Luminary stared at him in shock and the thief sighed. “Let's leave this place for now. It...has been a long day. We need the rest.”
He gently led Eleven toward the exit, stroking his arms. They followed in silence. Hours ago they were filled with hope that they could save their friend. A childish vow, they should have expected there would be a high price to pay.
They went back to Arborea. Erik stayed with Eleven to talk to him and give him some comfort. It was late so they retired for the night. Hendrik tried to sleep, but in vain. He was feeling... he wasn't sure. Disappointed, that was for sure. Sad, probably. Helpless, too. He really thought he could go back, that this fairy tale was somehow real. In a sense, it was, he simply couldn't be a part of it. He would have to let the Luminary fix his mistakes.
He would never be able to see Jasper ever again.
He was given the hope it could happen, that he would be able to save his friend, to prevent him from doing the unforgivable and to save him from his tragic fate. If he wanted it to happen... he would have to let Eleven leave his life behind to do what Hendrik should have done. Someone else would have to sacrifice their life to make his selfish dream come true. And it hurt. Jasper's death hurt more than ever. He would never be back, not in this time, not for him. If only he could borrow his powers and take his place, to give his young friend peace of mind and another chance at life to Mordegon's victims!
He paused for a moment. The Luminary's powers could be transferred. It had been taken by force once, surely it could be willingly given away as well. He would protect the Luminary from the sadness of leaving his loved ones behind, they wouldn't suffer from his loss, and Veronica could still be saved!
He stood up. He was giving too much thought to this foolish idea. To think about claiming the Luminary's power for his own use... Truly he was no better than Mordegon. Some fresh air would do him well. He quietly left the room but stopped as he heard voices. He meant not to ear drop – it happened.
“I know you see this as duty, Eleven, but it is not. You were born to take down the evil threatening our world, and you did. You did your part.”
“But I failed so many people, Jade... I travelled around the world slowly... I took my time and was careless. Had I been faster...”
“I doubt it would have changed much, though I cannot say I never wondered what could have happened... were we a little more focused on our task and aware of our surroundings...”
“It can be fixed. If this power exists... it can only mean one thing – I was born to make use of it, because the Yggdrasil knew I would make a mistake... It is unfair... not to. I can't bear... living happily when thousands can't because of me.”
“Mordegon is responsible, not you. And we don't want to lose you as well, El. I lost you once, I do not want that to happen again... I do no want to lose another brother.”
There was silence.
“You miss him too, then, Jade?”
“I do. He was – he is a part of my fondest memories in my childhood. He and Hendrik spent a lot of time with me, teasing but caring. I regret I was not there to help him before he...”
“It was my responsibility, princess, not yours.”
Jade and Eleven startled as the knight joined them.
“Hendrik! Were you spying on us? How unknightly,” the princess scolded him. “And how many times do I have to tell you to call me by my name?”
“Forgive me. I needed to get some air when I happened to...hear you talk. I had no intention to say a word, but... P – Jade, what happened to Jasper was not your fault. I was by his side and saw nothing... I am to blame... for letting him become a foe.”
“Nonetheless...”
“And for you, Eleven, I have to agree with Jade. You are young, you have your whole life ahead of you... Do not throw it away.”
“But -”
“I will not allow any objection. W-we should... learn to live with... with...”
“Hendrik?”
Hendrik sighed deeply.
“This is... hypocritical of me,” he confessed. “To tell the truth, I wish I could take your place, Eleven.”
“Take my –!”
“What is this nonsense!?” Jade roared.
“It is as I just said. I wish to go back to fix what needs to be fixed. If I dared –“
“I suggest you do not!” The princess snapped. “Have all my brothers gone mad!? Why are you all willing to lose your life, to sacrifice it!? Peace is in our hands!”
Tears rolled on her cheeks but she wiped them furiously.
“I have heard enough nonsense for the night! Go back to bed, both of you, and do not try escaping again, Eleven!”
She pushed them both inside the inn. Erik was standing in front of the room he shared with his fiancé. Relief replaced concern on his face.
“There you are!” He said gently as he touched Eleven's cheek. “I was worried to not see you.”
“Make sure the door is locked, Erik.”
“Huh? Why –”
Jade almost slammed the door after her. The Luminary sighed and went back to bed, followed by a confused Erik. Hendrik went back to his own and sat on it. He sighed and closed his eyes. He could almost feel the presence of his old friend by his side.
“Is it such an awful wish, to want to see you again?”
No one answered. He lay on the bed. If he focused hard enough, he could hear Eleven and Erik talk, as well as Jade's muffled sobs.
He woke up early, after another dream about his old companion. All he could remember was that they talked and the blond was unhappy. Sylvia, Mia and Rab were up as well. The jester gave him a cup of steaming coffee. Eleven and Erik joined them several minutes later. The Luminary's expression was gloomy and the thief was frowning, concerned. Jade showed up last, after seemingly getting no sleep. There was a heavy silence.
Serena came later and proposed they had a picnic. No one disagreed. She had prepared everything. She poured fruit juice in glasses she handed to her friends and watched them in silence. Sylvia sighed.
“Are we going to talk about yesterday –”
“El's not going back,” Erik cut her off.
“Hendrik wants to go,” Jade said at the same time.
They stared at her. Her eyes were once again red.
“What did you just say?” Serena asked.
“I said, Hendrik wants to go back,” the princess repeated.
“Hendrik!” The jester gasped accusingly. “Is it true!?”
Hendrik looked down sheepishly. It was enough of an answer, for his friends protested loudly.
“We should throw this whole time travel thing away!” Sylvia exclaimed. “Because of it, we are feeling miserable and we cannot move on. No one would wish this for their loved ones.”
“Still they could be laughing with us,” Eleven said. He had been quiet all morning. “We can't pretend it doesn't exist... It will always be there, tempting us...”
“What is so wrong with Hendrik going?”
Mia was now the center of attention. She looked at everyone without flinching.
“You have a chance to change the past. Rab is working on rebuilding Dundrasil again, Jade does the same with Heliodor, Serena wants to live for her twin, Sylvia wants to make the world smile, and Erik and El have plans for their life together. Meanwhile Hendrik keeps getting gloomier... If he wants so badly to be reunited with his crazy boyfriend, why not let him?”
“Because we do not want to lose another friend,” Jade answered slowly. Mia shook her head.
“Look at him. Look at El. No one will rest easy with this story.”
“Mia, that's enough!” Erik scolded her. She shrugged.
“You know I'm right.”
She was. Hendrik knew he would spend the rest of his life filled with remorse if he didn't try to change the course of time, and he also knew that Eleven wasn't any better.
“Alright.”
The knight looked at the Drasilian prince. He was biting his lips and scowling.
“I agree to lend you my power... not because I want to run away from my duty... but because... because not using this power would be a waste, and... for you to see – and save – the man whom you love. Were I in your shoes... I would risk everything as well.”
A stunned silence followed.
“You can't be serious,” Jade murmured. Serena tried to say something, to no avail. Eleven's scowl deepened more and more. He was regretting his decision.
“Thank you.” Hendrik smiled gratefully as he spoke. The Luminary looked away.
“There is no way to make you change your mind, isn't it?” The princess sighed and she wiped her tears. “When... When are you...”
“I wish... to see His Majesty – King Carnelian – and to thank him for everything he has ever done for me. Also I would like to see Don Rodrigo. I owe him a lot as well.”
They nodded sadly.
They visited Don Rodrigo first. They told him about the tower of time and Hendrik's plan. The old knight was furious.
“I didn't think you to be this dense! To go as far as wanting to change the past! Our mistakes are for us to learn a lesson and pass it to others! Yet you want to flee from your responsibilities! Do you truly think that is fair, my boy!?”
“What is unfair is to refuse to save many from their fate. It is unfair that they died because a demon decided to plunge the world into darkness and despair.”
“This is the reality of our world, Hendrik!”
“There is a way to prevent it nonetheless, and I intend to do so. I came here to thank you for everything you taught me. Nothing will change my mind.”
The old man looked at him for a long moment. He sighed.
“You always have been stubborn. I know that look too well... Fine then. Leave, and go change the past. We are losing one of our greatest knights though,” he added quietly.
He turned, and Hendrik left.
King Carnelian's reaction was softer. He listened intently to the explanations and closed his eyes to think.
“Is such an exploit even possible?” He eventually asked.
“As incredible as it sounds, yes, it is,” his daughter replied.
“The Luminary – Eleven agreed to let me borrow his powers to go and try fighting fate. However I could not bring myself to do so without seeing you first, to bid you my farewell properly. I owe you everything.”
“Hendrik, I fear you are misjudging me. I am but a poor king. Because of me, you saw two more kingdoms fall. You lost friends... and more...” The king didn't have to mention any name, Hendrik knew who he was referring to. The old monarch shook his head. “Were it not for the past months, I would have forbidden you to do this. However... I saw you growing more sorrowful as days passed. You work hard but your mind and heart are somewhere else. Jade and I were fearing the worst... I would rather let you go to reunite with Jasper in the past than have you joining him sooner than you should in the present.”
Hendrik blushed.
“Your Majesty, I would never –”
“The mind is a powerful entity, Hendrik. I saw many fading away from languishment. I wish not for you to be one of them. You may go, Hendrik. Go and change the fate of our world.”
The knight kneeled in front of his liege.
“Thank you. I would... like to give you something back.” He took off both his and Jasper's tokens of fealty and left them in Carnelian's palm. “I thank you for entrusting them to us for so long. It is time for them to be returned to you.”
“Hendrik –”
“It is a precious gift, and I will have it tied around my neck once more soon. I shall not take it with me. Please.”
The king pulled Hendrik into his embrace, hugging his departing son for the last time. Jade joined them.
The travel back to the tower of time was long, or so it felt. Hendrik no longer knew if he was eager or frantic about his mission. He would be alone – he was going back to a time some of his companions weren't even born! However he could not let doubt distract him.
His friends were clingy, offering to stop and enjoy the baths of Hotto, or good pastries in Gondolia. They wanted to spend time with them... before he was gone. The knight indulged them. Jasper's presence manifested a few times. Once Serena looked like she saw a ghost as she stared directly at Hendrik's side where he could feel his old friend standing by. She denied seeing anything – or anyone.
Finally, they arrived. They stood once more in front of the ageless tower.
“So... There we are again,” Sylvia said.
They nodded. Hendrik walked to the door and opened it, leading the party inside, in complete silence until they reached the Altar of Time. The Timekeeper was waiting for them. The knight looked at the Luminary.
“Eleven...”
The boy looked at him and sighed. He reached for Hendrik. The tall man took the hand in his. Eleven closed his eyes. The mark of the Luminary shone on the back of his hand, then disappeared and reappeared on Hendrik's. The knight stared at it. He could feel it inside, this new power running through his veins. He blinked. Eleven was handing him the corrupted sword of light, though he didn't let go when Hendrik tried to take it. His young friend was hesitating, his eyes imploring him not to go. The man gave him a gentle smile.
“Please.”
The Luminary let go, and Hendrik held the sword.
“Thank you,” he said, then he looked at the rest of the party. “To all of you.”
“Hendrik... You don't have to do that...” Jade pleaded one last time.
The man looked at the sword he was holding. A powerful aura emanated from it.
“I know...”, he said. “But I am willing to do it. I cannot stand to miss this chance and not act.”
“It isn't your duty...”
“It is. I am the Luminary's shield, his sword, his unswerving companion. It is my duty to protect him. Therefore, I... There is someone else I vowed to stand by... I wish to honor my promise. Someone very important I failed... I want to save him, to prevent him from being consumed by the darkness... I want to do it for him.”
“We won't change your mind, right? Then... Then farewell, Hendrik... or rather good bye. And good luck.”
“...Thank you.”
He lifted the sword and, without thinking twice, he smashed the orb before him. He was going back to the day it all started.