I went to visit Ianite in the End. I had heard that Dianite was coming back, and the others wanted to see if Ianite felt the same thing that Mianite did. I also wanted to visit Redbeard, who had been forbidden to leave Aethoria for a month, as a punishment for getting drunk. Ianite hadn't liked his little adventure to Ianarea.

"Hello, my lady," I said, nodding my head respectfully. "I've come to ask you about a more serious topic." Worry filled her eyes, and she led me to a house where Redbeard could not overhear us.

"What's wrong? This isn't about Dianite, is it?" She looked almost angry when she saw the expression on my face. "It is, isn't it?"

"I... I'm sorry," I stammered, remembering that Dianite was a bit of a sore spot for the goddess. "Mianite said that he could sense the return of Dianite. He said that it felt like all happiness was being drained from him, and from the world. He wanted to know if you felt it too." I shuffled my feet uncomfortably.

She ran her fingers through her thick purple hair. "Well this isn't good." She sighed and turned away. "Yes, I can feel it too, when I'm in the overworld. I was hoping that this day wouldn't come. Did Dianite speak to the others? In spirit form, I mean."

I shook my head. "They didn't tell me anything about that, no. They just wanted to know if you felt the same thing." I wasn't sure what to say next.

She looked at her feet, and I saw tears filling her eyes. "Well, I mean, if that's all, I suppose you can go." She turned away. "Just... just talk to Redbeard on the way out. He's been a bit lonely." Her voice was all choked up, and I was suddenly worried about her.

"Ianite? What's wrong?" I put my hand on her shoulder, but she flinched at my touch. "Look, I... I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to upset you." She didn't reply. I stood there for a moment, watching her. I was terrified of what she was going to do next, but I wanted to support my goddess. I couldn't leave her in this state.

She eventually turned around, with tears running down her face. "You shouldn't apologize, Spark. You were only trying to help. Just... do me a favor and go back, okay? I want to be alone." She sat down at a table and covered her face with her hands.

Maybe I should've gone, but I didn't want to. I sat down opposite her at the table. "It's my job as your supporter to make sure that you're okay. If you're not okay, I must help you. It's what your old champion did, and it's what I need to do for you. Please tell me what's wrong."

She took a deep breath. "If... if you insist. It's just that, well, it seems that everything good leaves me, to be replaced by evil. All my life, I was oppressed by my stronger, older brothers. I was the weak little sister who needed protection, not power. For all my life, I was pushed to the side. And then, Sparklez arrived. He changed my life, you know. He accepted me and loved me as a goddess. He did everything in his power to take down my evil brother and bring me to power. And then, he disappeared. And now, Dianite is taking over again. He'll win this time, I know it. I'm too weak, and I... I don't have anyone anymore." Tears poured out of her violet eyes.

I moved to the chair next to her and held her tiny hand. "Ianite, you're much, much stronger than you think. And please don't tell yourself that you don't have anyone. Mianite is obviously very strong, and he's supporting you. The others would have no problem defending you from a cruel, destructive god. And... you have me. I'd risk my life for you, Ianite. I'll be with you to the end. I... I promise."

She squeezed my hand. "I can't thank you enough, Spark. I don't believe I am strong at all, but maybe you'll give me the strength I need." She closed her eyes and leaned into my side. "Maybe what I need right now is comfort. Could you at least give that to me?"

I smiled, letting go of her hand to put my arm around her. "Of course I can. Anything for you, my lady." I gently rocked her back and forth for what seemed like ages. "Ianite, do you think I should start heading back?"

"No," she said immediately, to my surprise. "Please... please stay with me." The words warmed my heart. She wanted me here. She valued my company. I put both of my arms around her and embraced her.

"I'll stay with you as long as you need." I looked down at her, and was suddenly reminded of my wife back home. I longed for her, but I couldn't have her. This Ianite was all I had now. I needed to keep her close. I ran my fingers through her long hair, like I used to do back in Ruxomar.

She looked up at me, her eyes shining. "I... I love you, Spark." She leaned up and kissed my cheek. I was smiling uncontrollably at that point. I had forgotten what it was like to love someone, and it was a feeling I never wanted to lose.

"I love you too, my lady." We leaned closer and closer to each other. Before I knew it, we were kissing. She held my face with her hands, and I held her waist. For what seemed like an eternity, I was happier than I had been in ages. When she finally pulled away, she went back to hugging me.

I could get used to this.