POV Narrator

“Really?! I can go home?” Achous shouts in sudden excitement. However, his jovial mood becomes sombre in an instant. In his mind, a looming question rings loud and clear, “Do I still want to return home?”.

In the surroundings, a gentle breeze gently caresses the sea of flowers. Contrary to this serenity, Achous’s mind is filled with uncertainty. His face stares blank at Zohn’s towering figure; indecisiveness clouding his heart, “This island has become my new home, but I have to make sure that everything is still alright over there.”.

A small frown forms on his face. In a soft voice, he asks, “I would like to visit it, but this place is my new home. If I go, can I still return to this island?”. A gentle smile hides between Zohn’s white beard. “Certainly, but if you plan to return, I urge you to do so within a year’s time. I can feel a change in the air and nothing is for certain.”.

Confusion covers Achous' thoughts, but before he can inquire further, Zohn continues, “Directly east, I can sense a floating island, whether it’s yours remains uncertain. At your flight speed, you’ll be able to reach it in a couple months’ time. What you plan to do with this information is not for me to decide”. Without warning, Zohn dissipates into thin air.

The gentle breeze passes by the motionless, winged figure. Achous eyes wander through the sea of flowers. In his mind, an unfamiliar decisiveness comes to bear. His expression hardens. He knows what must be done, but a strange melancholy still blooms deep within.

From a distance, Zohn observes Achous’s departing figure. A long sigh flows freely from his lips. Zohn’s face seems to age ten years, his determined expression faltering; speaking to no one in particular, he says, “I’ve always envied your boundless optimism, old friend. For the longest time, I’ve strived to preserve it; to keep you pure from the world’s corruption…”.

Zohn’s expression turns crestfallen, “Old friend… I fear I won’t be enough anymore. Something’s warning me about what’s coming, and it scares me. I can feel it. In a year’s time, they will come… I’m sorry old friend, I’ve failed you. I know what must be done, but can you forgive me afterwards?”. Zohn lifts his eyes to the skies, but his only reply is the wind’s gentle touch. Slowly, he closes his eyes and fades into nothingness.

In the skies over the endless blue ocean, Achous’ outstretched figure hovers with ease. He thinks to himself, “I should be coming close to it by now. These past months have been smooth sailing, usually, I wouldn’t have been able to travel at my current pace, but I’ve grown visibly stronger on the island.”.

Over the horizon, Achous spots the island’s floating mass. He says in wonder, “It’s really the same island! I can easily recognise it.”. Carefully, he approaches the island. With his figure hidden in the clouds, he observes it carefully. A deep frown carves itself on his face.

On the island below, no movement can be seen. Everything’s withered and not a scrap of life can be found. As he flies closer, the situation becomes clear. In a hollow voice, Achous says, “Our time has run out, the winters finally caught up.”. Without taking a second look, Achous turns around and starts flying back.

Achous’ heart, beats cold as gathers his thoughts, “I can’t say that this outcome wasn’t unexpected. I’ve witnessed the true darkness of our society and only through my cowardly nature did I manage to survive it. I don’t feel sad or angry at what’s transpired, only thankful that I managed to survive extinction. It’s a fitting end to a broken people…”.

On his motionless face, a silent tear rolls down. “I can only look towards the future. Maybe… Maybe if I only came back earlier then… No! There’s nothing that I could’ve done…” Achous’ heart fills with guilt, but he doesn’t turn back, he knows that the past can’t be changed, not in this cruel world at least.

On the island, Zohn observes Achous’ approaching figure. As Achous arrives, he flies directly towards the field of flowers. There, he crouches down and silently observes each of the colourful flowers. He doesn’t say anything, but his actions speak louder than words.

Zohn doesn’t disturb him. “Looks like my fear has been confirmed.” Zohn concludes grimly, “Everything has sped up and the luxury of time has become unaffordable.”.

Zohn forms his spear in his hands and studies it intently. His mind wanders back to the past, “This vicious cycle of civilisations has never made any sense to me. It destroys and creates without remorse. It doesn’t seem to bother Col, but I don’t think he really understands the implication; it’s probably for the best.”.

Zohn sighs as he continues, “I’ve always been detached from the world. Sure, I help people sometimes, but its more out of convenience than kindness. I can continue to ignore the genocide of the world around me, but will this cycle ever end? I’ve lived too long and seen too much, but as long as Col is around, I don’t mind facing the world and all its horrors.”.

Zohn steels his determination and says to himself, “I can no longer stay idle and preparations must be made. Unfortunately, this may be the only way towards salvation. Whatever the outcome, I’ll stay by your side forever, old friend.”.

By the flowers, Aia calmly approaches Achous’ silent figure. Without stopping, she envelopes Achous into a hug and says, “It’s alright Achous, don’t lock your emotions away. I’m right here, so don’t be lonely.”. Achous suddenly hugs Aia tightly. From his eyes, countless tears flow and in a grieving voice, he says, “It’s all my fault, if I had only been less of a coward, then I maybe could have gone back and saved everyone!”.

On Aia’s face, her usual smile rests and she says, “You still have me, so you don’t have to be sad.”. In a soft voice that’s barely audible, Achous replies through his tears, “Thank you.”.