I spent a week thinking things over.

According to Jvorg, I must go wherever these Pantheon people take me, else Jor will be destroyed by something from outside our known universe. Something that he can’t even see clearly. Now, forgive me for thinking so, but that sounds really damn suspicious to me. ‘Oh, there’s an unknown threat which will conveniently wipe out your home if you don’t go.’

Uh-huh, right. And I suppose if I go, all the issues to be faced in the future will somehow resolve themselves, magically.

Of course, there’s also the chance that Jvorg is telling the truth. He doesn’t seem to be the sort that would lie about something like this, but I’ve learned to be cautious. The people who don’t look like liars are almost always the best at it.

Basically, my choice boils down to this—should I stay on Jor, and risk potential destruction and possibly cause a bunch of deaths? Or should I go with the Pantheon members coming, and somehow spare Jor?

I spent a week thinking over this. A full week, charting out all the various possibilities and consequences. A whole week, likely overthinking the entire issue, while still not giving it nearly enough thought.

My friends noticed that I was distracted, of course. They could see that there was something occupying my time, and thoughts. They even asked me if there’s anything they could help with—which I turned down.

This isn’t something they can help with.

I truly don’t mean to sound melodramatic when talking about all this. I know it sounds like that anyway. Can’t really help it, when a decision this big—well, big to me, at least—has been dropped in front of someone who simply wants to be left alone. Who just wants peace.

Going with the Pantheon will not give me peace. That much is immediately evident. Jvorg has made that clear.

Apparently, staying will not end well either though, so I suppose that’s a moot point.

Back and forth, and back again only to change my mind once more—this is how my week passed. Agonizing over the decision in front of me, and constantly trying to figure out what way is best.

I eventually reached a conclusion. It didn't come easily. 

(POV Godard.)

We all got letters. Mine had arrived at the smithy two days ago, while I was working on some armour. Sabrina and Haven got their own, along with Kormic and Ussen. The letters themselves were beautifully written, though the contents were brief and to the point.

Dear Godard,

While we have not had the pleasure of meeting quite yet, I have learned quite a bit about you. Come to Goliath Tower in three days time, at twelve o’clock. I have something to impart to your friends and you about one Revian Al’Verath.

Do not tell her about this letter.

—Jvorg Bael

I met with everyone else, learning then that all of us had gotten the same letter. And given that this involved Revy somehow, we all decided to go.

However, I don’t think any of us where expecting this.

“Welcome! Welcome, come in, please. I have been eagerly waiting for your arrival!” Said the man who greeted us after stepping out of the elevator. He was dressed to the nines, vest and all. A silver pocket watch chain drew attention to the meticulously tailored lines of the suit around the waist, and the wine red tie peeking out blended in which the blackness of everything else.

The man screamed of wealth and influence.

“I will cut straight to the point in a moment, but first, please take a seat. I think it would be best for you to receive this news sitting down, no?” Said the man, presumably named Jvorg.

We arrayed ourselves on the various seats inside a posh looking office, overlooking downtown Jor. I don’t even want to think about how much money was spent getting this place. And, I’m pretty sure Jvorg owns the whole building, from how the staff were treating us when we came in…

“Now then, it is nice to meet you all. I am in contact with your friend Revian, whom I have news you might like to hear.”

“Wait just a second—How do you know Revy? How does she know you?” Asked Sabrina, taking the lead as usual.

Jvorg nodded at her.

“Hmm, yes. Good question, and one which is wholly related to what I’m about to tell you. Basically, it can be put like this: There is a group of people who have been looking for your Revy for a long time, and they will be coming soon.”

Seeing several of us immediately move to start yelling, Jvorg held up a hand to forestall our questions.

“They will not harm her, I assure you. In fact, it is in her best interests to go. It is in all our best interests to have her go.”

“How do we know to trust you?” Asked Haven, cutting to the heart of the matter.

Here’s this man, telling us that our friend has to go, and that we shouldn’t do anything about it.

Unfortunately, the conversation went towards an unexpected direction from there.

Jvorg turned, and looked straight at me.

“You know she was going to leave, no?” He asked, a small smile playing across his lips. My mouth fell open slightly, confusion playing on my features.

“Wha…? No—wait, how would I know something like that?!” I asked, incredulity thick in my voice.

“You made Revy a sword. I have seen her using it too. It is a fine work, and will serve her well.”

“But I didn’t make….” I started, until remembering the modified greatsword he’d forged with such care not too long ago. Who….who had I made that for, again? There had just been a sudden feeling that the sword should exist, and I spent the day bringing it into the universe…

“You did. That is her sword, and you made it because she will need it. She does have other, more powerful weapons, but those are not suited to her. There is one weapon that she is simply holding on to. It’s the most powerful sword in our universe, I think, but it is not hers. Its true owner will come and take it back at some point. Maybe.”

“But then…” I started, haltingly. “How…how did I know?”

As soon as he had said it, it felt right. I had made that sword for Revy, somehow without even realizing it.

Jvorg smiled at me.

“It is because you are special. Like Revy—well, perhaps not quite so much. But of the same type. The same make. The same origin. If you so chose, you could go with Revy.” Said Jvorg. He paused briefly, and looked around at everybody else.

“You could all go. The foundations are there. The Pantheons would willingly accept each and every one of you.”

“What do you mean?” Asked Kormic, breaking the brief silence that came from Jvorg’s words.

“Revy is more influential then any of us could imagine. I can see traces of Ascension on all, besides Godard—who has already partially Ascended.”

“A-ascension? What?”

“It’s a term used by those in the Pantheon, to indicate that a person has either entered the meta-physical realm, or is touching it. These people normally assume a strength associated with an element of humanity they are closely attuned to. In Godard’s case, he has taken up creation. Not the whole thing, of course, but a small swath of it, where he is most comfortable. He has not fully assumed it, however. This is likely due to his shard’s Asking Price, which he is yet unwilling to pay. Godard should know the name in his grasp by now.”

I felt nauseous. How did this man know so much about my…situation?

“As for me, I am Mimir, bringer of knowledge and wisdom. I am allowed to see the future, and can view the past.” Said Jvorg with a commanding tone.

“Head my words. You all must go with Revian, lest she lose faith and fall. There are trying time ahead, and humanity as a whole must rise to the occasion. Everyone with the talent must fight, and I am afraid nothing will be left untouched. So, rather than wait for death, would you like to come to the Pantheon? We are able to give power, to give those with the aptitude a chance to grow strong. Revian goes reluctantly, but it doesn’t have to be that way for you. To protect your home, family, and friends, to be no longer beholden to those with greater power—would you like to join us?” Asked Jvorg.

I could see that the others were seriously considering his words.

Really though, for some of us, there simply isn’t a choice.

Haven and Sabrina have always wanted power. The ability to be who they want, without fear of any consequences. Whatever else Jvorg promises, he can give them that, at least. Komric likes learning new things, strength, and being able to teach others. I assume that is also something he can do with these Pantheon people.

And me.

Well, I would ask, but the pitying look Jvorg gave during that brief outline of my situation didn’t bode well for the answers I want to hear.

“Say…Say that we were to agree. What would happen?” Asked Sabrina.

“I would bring you all to the Pantheon—after telling your parents about it, of course. It would be a year long trip, under cryo-sleep. Once we arrive, Godard would be placed wherever appropriate, while the rest of you are nurtured, and work towards Ascension. I can guarantee that each of you will be able to achieve it.

“Now, I do not expect anyone to make a decision at this moment. Go home, think over it. It is not an easy choice, nor should it be. Speak with your parents, take council from those around you. Now go, take your leave. It was nice meeting all of you, but I have said all that was necessary. I hope answers find you swiftly, and the truth easily. Though, Godard? You may stay a moment longer, if that be what you wish.”

I froze, halfway out of my seat to join the others already walking away, looking dazed and confused from what had been thrown in front of us.

The others looked back for a moment, concern for me briefly overriding their own thoughts. I waved them away, and the door soon shut.

And now I had Jvorg’s undivided attention.

I’m undecided as to whether this is a good thing or not.

“So, you are halfway to Ascension, blacksmith. You know it, I know it, the universe is ready for your arrival. Why do you tarry? Is your Asking Price so terrible to pay?”

“W-why do you know this stuff?” I asked, stuttering a little. The thought of someone being able to…see so easily terrifies me.

“Because I must. There has to be a guiding light, even should it be faint compared to the oncoming storm. I must do whatever I can to ease the road ahead, to faithfully serve. Tell me, what do you think your future is? I can see it, you know. It is perhaps not so clear, but I can see the shape of it.”

“My…future?” I asked, sorely tempted to know. “I have no idea…”

Jvorg smiled slightly.

“You do not see yourself doing anything substantial, no? The life you think will play out, enjoying some moderate fame in a backwater planet due to your blacksmithing skills—this will never come to pass. You are far too hungry to be contained here. You strive too much, always taking that next step towards perfection. I can tell you now, one day, should you live to see that day, swords and armour of your make will rattle the very stars. It is funny. You are very similar to Revy.”

“What do you mean?”

“Neither of you wish to move on. What you have now works, but you are scared of things changing. For you, this is more about the people and places around you.”

“Then…what is it for Revy?”

“She is scared of who she might become. She is scared that she would not be able to recognize herself any longer. It is necessary though, and she has come to realize that. She will be going to the Pantheon with or without you. However, things shall progress much faster if she had people there to support her in those dark moments where she must have anchors to reality.”

“So, what? You just want us to go along as moral support or something?” I asked indignantly.

“In part, yes.” Said Jvorg calmly. “With her friends there, Revy shall feel more at ease, and advance much faster than she would without. Time is of the essence, and the strong she can get, the better for us all, no? And it is not like I do not have your own interests in mind as well. Surely, going to the Pantheon will lead you to some of the answers you have burning inside. Maybe you will even be able to find out whether your Ascension is a gift or a curse, once and for all. Maybe you will find peace with yourself, as you once had before you started realizing your Ascension. Maybe you’d even be able to use your Awakening without any fear.”

“And I suppose that these people magically have all the answers to any questions I have?”

“No. Now, do not mistake me, there is great knowledge and power gathered within the Pantheon. However, you should never make the mistake of thinking that one person or groups of people hold all the answers. Certainly, they might have some. But, never all. There are always going to be questions that only you can answer. Nobody can help you with those.”

“Not even you—Someone who claims to be a prophet of some sort?”

Jvorg whirled angrily towards me.

“I am not a prophet.” He snarled, in an uncharacteristic display of anger. “I am only a man, who can see a little of what is to come. We do not need prophets with their invisible and helpless gods to proclaim our saviors and salvations while humanity rots. We need people, capable people who are willing to fight against the future, which is coming. Not someone who is either insane, delusional, or a liar.”

“I-is it really that bad, what’s going to happen?”

“It is not that bad. It is worse. Much worse. And we must be prepared. Otherwise nothing will be left after they are done. Revy is part of that preparation. You are too, as are your friends.

“The monsters will have to be rallied.”

Revy sat in her bedroom, staring with blank eyes at that which was arranged neatly on her bed’s covers.

Her Halo suit lay unfolded, inviting her to slip it on, to become someone more than Revy, schoolgirl and enigmatic mystery. Knives were slotted into respective sheaths, slung onto a single wide belt designed to be worn from shoulder to hip. She stared at the empty space at the end of the belt, where a sword would normally go.

Revy wanted to bring several swords, but none of them felt right. All of the ones she has now are suited to that girl who hides, running from whatever she really is. At one point, she had picked up the long white katana, wondering whether she should truly unleash it upon the universe. That idea was rejected out of hand. In fact, it almost felt like the sword itself disapproved of being used.

How a sword could feel, or express itself, Revy didn’t know. But she was used to this sword’s strangeness, it’s transitory nature.

So, instead of just picking a sword, she decided to leave that spot empty.

She didn’t need to be Revy for the Pantheon.

She needed to be Revian Al’Verath. She needed to be strong, powerful, overt. She needed to send a message from the very start. She knew that would require shedding the persona built up over the last ten and more years.

And it was because this was necessary, that there were small tears running down the side of her face as she surveyed the knives, the Halo battlesuit.

It’s terrifying to leave yourself behind.

But Revy knew that Jvorg was telling the truth. Something was coming. It wasn’t going to be peaceful, nor pretty warfare. It was going to be violent, brutal, all encompassing.

A fight for survival was coming.

Revy could feel it in her bones. Had felt it for some time now, but simply ignored it. Passed it off as bad dreams or incorrect premonitions.

They weren’t. She knew that now, had thought about it for the past week.

And so, Revian would have to take over for a while. Until things were peaceful again. Until she could relax without fear.

It’s terrifying to grow up, Revy knew.

But it had to happen sometime, she reasoned while strapping on the Halo suit and the belt of knives and quietly wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes. No matter what, this time would have come. And she would have to greet it, no matter how unwillingly.

Revian left her apartment that day, making her way to the space port where the Pantheon’s people would arrive.

She didn’t look back.