POV Narrator:

With a final rumble, the old volcano completely collapses. An entity that survived the cycle of Ages, reduced to a heap of stone and rubble. Embedded into the ground, next to the crumbled mountain, the Colossus stands. Its one-kilometre tall body, half buried.

On the Colossus’ shoulder, a dust-covered Zohn stands with a shining smile. His eyes fixed upon the Colossus’ moss covered, granite face. A peaceful silence hovers between the two companions, both unwilling to break it. A silent conversation, without words or deception.

The dust continues to fall. The previous ‘battle’, seemingly pointless. A deep laugh bellows, as the Colossus breaks the silence, “Ha-ha, it’s truly wonderful to be awake.”. The Colossus’ smile widens, his gaze hovering over Zohn’s wrinkled face. Then, as if it never existed, the Colossus’ smile fade into nothingness. The Colossus lowers its head. “It’s been so long…” a soft, gloomy voice flows from the Colossus’ granite lips.

“From now until eternity. A promise to travel together for all of time…”, a calm voice rings in the Colossus’ ears. “We are companions, are we not?”. Zohn’s kind voice echoes out. “Those were the last words you spoke one thousand years ago.” Zohn continues.

In a deep, rumbling voice, the Colossus responds “Companions...”. “I don’t believe I’m still worthy to be called that. We promised to travel together, but I abandoned you for a thousand years.” The Colossus’ continues, his deep voice almost cracking. He knows the pain of loneliness and understands the hardships Zohn must have endured. He hates himself for it.

Zohn takes a deep breath as he scans the Colossus’ pained face. Zohn closes his eyes and deep frown forms on his wrinkled face. In a commanding tone containing a hint of anger, he shouts, “Eternity!”. Zohn takes a step forward, his voice growing stronger, “Not a day, or a month, or a year, but for all of time. This was the vow we made all those years ago.”.

Step by step Zohn approaches the Colossus’ lowered head, his frowning face slowly unravelling. A deep breath flows from his limps. Resting his hand on the Colossus’ gigantic neck, he continues in a soft voice, “True friendship isn’t without effort or sacrifice. You helped me achieve my dream all those years ago and I promised to help you achieve yours. We forged a bond to last an eternity. Do you really believe that a mere thousand years solitude, would break this bond?”.

A single tear drips from Zohn’s deep blue eyes; a tear containing no deception or lies. With teary eyes, Zohn speaks in a powerful voice, “As companions, we will never be alone. Together, the ravages of time are meaningless. So, tell me Col. Are you unworthy as my companion?”.

The Colossus’ pained face morphs. His granite brows knit together, a determined expression forming on his downcast face. “I’m sorry Zohn… for everything I’ve done.” The Colossus says, slowly lifting his lowered head. The Colossus’ eyes lock on Zohn’s. “I may not know a lot about friendship, but I know that abandoning you was cruel. I vow that it will never happen again!” the Colossus shouts, his voice radiating conviction. In the sky, thunder rumbles.

Beside the crumbled mountain two companions stand. Both beings from a different time, bound by fate and guided by a single dream. Their bond may be tested, but it will not break easily. Through their solitude, they found friendship. Their bond will carry them throughout their journey, wherever it may lead.

Zohn lowers his arm and releases a deep breath. Without moving a single step, he sits down on the Colossus’ moss-covered shoulder and leans against his granite neck. Shaking off the dust from his robe, Zohn wipes his teary eyes. Finally regaining his previously graceful appearance. Complete exhaustion overwhelms Zohn, but he does not give in.

“Col, no matter what happens, we will achieve your dream, but there is another issue that we must first address,” Zohn speaks as he turns his head towards the city, off in the distance. “While you slept, I got acquainted with a small human. I trained him for a year and helped him save his people.” Zohn explains. “You see that city in the distance?” Zohn asks.

“That place with all those small beings running around?” the Colossus asks, intrigued by this strange phenomenon. “Exactly,” Zohn confirms. “I would like to introduce you to one of them. He’s the person that I trained.” He continues, explaining his request to the Colossus. “That sounds like a wonderful idea! Why don’t we go immediately, there’s no reason to make them wait?” The Colossus readily agrees.

“I can’t wait to meet new people, this is so exciting!” the Colossus screams internally, a wide smile returning to his face. Without wasting a minute, the Colossus tries to lift his leg. Around him, the ground shakes and rumbles. Without warning, a large tear splits the earth, heading straight towards the city. “Col, wait!” Zohn jumps up and shouts in panic. As the Colossus ceases moving, the hundred-meter-wide tear stops just before the city gates.

“That was close.” Zohn sighs in relief. “What’s wrong Zohn?” the Colossus asks, seemingly oblivious to the disaster he almost caused. “I don’t think we can go towards the city. Just trying to break free from the ground almost destroyed it.” Zohn explains, still reeling from the sudden event. The Colossus’ smile fades.

“Does the world hate me?” the Colossus overreacts internally. “Now we’ll never get to meet those small people.” The Colossus states, his eyes downcast. “Not necessarily.” Zohn quickly adds, his eyes focusing on the plains in front of them. The Colossus turns his head towards the plains and the smile returns.

On the plains, heading straight towards them, a group of people on mounts approach. In the centre of their formation, a single carriage stands. “Looks like the people are coming towards us,” Zohn states with a smile.