The True Ending Route804Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5p8seHFBF
Fate
Ichi…Ichi… A voice echoed within Ichi’s mind.
Ichi…wake up… The gentle voice continued to call out to her, its voice seemingly drowned and far away.
“Ichi!”
Forcefully bringing herself up, Ichi gasped for air. The ground was seriously quaking making her quite disoriented. She looked around for the source of the voice and once again took notice of Crawford’s condition.
“C-Crawford! Hang in there” Ichi once again hugged Crawford to her chest as she tried to once again channel her bio-kinetic powers to heal him
Ichi… The voice echoed within the small enclosed space Ichi was in.
Feeling a bit startled by the sudden voice, Ichi looked up. “Are you…the voice of this place…?”
Yes…I am the voice of the Genesis Tree you are now residing within. Of course only you can hear my voice due to the power you possess… The Genesis Tree replied in an aged solemn voice.
Ichi didn’t look surprised, while she unconsciously clenched her fist, Ichi remembered a time where she read a book about the Genesis Tree that had the power to grant wishes to which she replied. “Then tell me!” Ichi looked up with a serious expression on her face. “How… How can I save Crawford!?”
Hmm…That’s a nice look you have there. However! A face is just a face. Do you have it in you, the strength to attain your desire…?
“What do you mean…?-”
Shortly after, a crack appeared from within the Genesis Tree revealing the outside world. With only a thin transparent barrier separating the surrounding area Ichi was in and the dark miasma floating in the air around the tree, Ichi was taken aback. A phenomenon that was impossible to describe had appeared in thin air. It was a female figure floating in midair with bat like wings, a figure that humanity describes as the Demon of Calamity. Behind her, a gateway or portal that seemed to connect to the depths of hell continued to enlarge as many demons of shapes and sizes poured out from within.
“What is this…” Ichi muttered under her breath. “Guh!” Ichi collapsed one the ground as a powerful tremor shook the Genesis Tree. It was the works of the demons whom appeared to try and destroy the Genesis Tree itself.
The requirement for the Demon of Calamity to break free, have all been set in stone. It’s a matter of time before the Demon’s army tears me down and releases the final seal chaining her away. But you…you can still save your beloved and the world before it’s too late.
Ichi knows how bad Crawford’s wounds are, and with the current ability she has, Ichi understands that her healing capabilities are insufficient to treat Crawford. The only choice she has is to quickly bring him back to Rosenkreuz and have the other psychics treat him. But the problem is how? Far away in the middle of nowhere, even with a device, there is no reception in the area in order to summon help. Then there is the appearance of the Demon. Should she stay, the tremors from earlier which should have been felt by everyone will in time bring in the other psychics to help them. But, by then it would all be too late for Crawford. While if she chose to carry Crawford and somehow make it through the swarm of demons, there is a chance that Crawford who isn’t protected by the blessings of ‘Gaia’ like she is might die from the poisonous miasma meant to suppress the demons.
Ichi was confused by what the Genesis Tree had said. She thought its words were baseless. No matter what she thought of, there was no scenario she could think of that would ensure the safety of Crawford, let alone the world. Scrapping the mossy ground beneath her, Ichi struggled to get up despite being disoriented from the constant quaking.
Taking in a deep breath to calm her dizziness Ichi replied. “Tell me…What…I should do…”
Ichi shivered as she remembered about Crawford. Up till now she has just realized that everything they have ever done was mostly thought up by Crawford. It was at this moment that Ichi felt at a loss, she couldn’t think by herself, she never noticed that Crawford had that much of an influence to her.
Your task is simple…with my powers and yours. We will seal the Demon of Calamity just as the previous Guardians have done with the power of [Purification].
“Then let’s…-” Ichi tried to hastily cut in.
Raising its voice the Genesis Tree continued. However! To do so, you must give up that which is dear to you as a sacrifice in order to invoke its power.
Ichi who had been trembling stopped as she processed what the Genesis Tree had said. “Then…you want me to sacrifice Crawford…?” Ichi said as she wobbled over beside Crawford. Gently Ichi held his hand. His pulse was faint, but he was still breathing.
That is but one of few options to choose from…-
“Then tell me the others! At this rate Crawford won’t make it!” Ichi raised her voice as she was starting to get annoyed by the Genesis Tree. Her emotions started to surge in getting the better of her.
Indeed one of the choices that had been used by the other Guardians was the sacrifice of the people closest to them. Another way would be the noble way of self-sacrifice… Ichi grimaced as she quietly listened. There was always an option to defeat the Demon itself…but never once had it succeeded because of the time limit…
“What do you mean…time limit?” Ichi was confused when she heard it. True in the hidden history of the Guardians, although all of them fought against the great Demon, strangely enough, none have actually succeeded in defeating the demon and ended with either the people closest to them choosing to sacrifice their life or the Guardians self-sacrificed themselves.
Yes…you should have been aware that this occurred due to your powers leaking out summoning me to the surface. What connection does it have with the time limit you ask? It’s precisely because of the setting towards the occurrence. There is a reason that every Guardian is fated to be with someone. That someone is the key to the Demon’s revival. If you still don’t understand then look at your companion.
Ichi glanced towards Crawford, his body started to seem to grow pale. She knew Crawford won’t last much longer if not treated to.
“Then that time limit…does this mean that every Guardian was in the same situation as we are now…? Is this how fate goes? Playing around with our lives and throwing it away…I can’t accept this! I…I…Then allow me to be the first to defeat the Demon and end this once and for all!” Ichi swung her arm down justifying her resolve. In response to that the Genesis Tree rumbled.
Very well, my powers are yours! Know that when the time comes, you will have to choose between the options. Till then, I shall see through to your resolve The Genesis Tree’s voice echoed within Ichi’s mind.
The rampaging demons stopped their assault, bewildered by their shrinking target. Like a flower blooming, Ichi clad in what looks like a dress created out of white flowers stood up, emerging from what had been the core of the Genesis Tree. Due to her pure desires to be with Crawford, Ichi was unaware of the fact that what she was wearing closely resembled a wedding dress. Like a princess from a fairytale, her presence was enough to ensnare the hearts of the demons themselves. Those that were drawn towards her, one by one vanished into thin air. It could be said her presence by itself was already capable of purifying the demons.
Ichi took in a deep breath as she caressed Crawford’s cheek. “Wait for me Craw…” Ichi weaved her hand. Responding to her will, Crawford was then set to rest, encased in a bed of flowers.
The clothes you are wearing symbolize your wish and desires. Should the last of the petals fall, It would mean the end of your partners life. I expect great things from you…Ichi. The Genesis Tree said in Ichi’s mind.
“I understand…” Casting away her emotions for the sake of her love, Ichi dived into combat for the first time.
Ichi’s powers were deemed too dangerous as she had a hard time controlling it herself, which resulted in Rosenkreuz even banning her from using her powers aside from minor gardening and healing. Even during special missions, if not for her persistency to tag along Crawford, Ichi was always told off to stay at Rosenkreuz to prevent unwanted things from happening should her powers run wild. But back then, it was Crawford who has always stood up for Ichi. Using his power of ‘Precognition’ he used his cooperation as a bargaining chip to allow Ichi to join in. Nonetheless, Ichi never dealt with combat since Crawford insisted her to always stay in a safe distance.
It was a hopeless sight. As if the term one for all and all for one existed in that single plane. There, glowing in the middle of the darkness was Ichi, facing off against innumerable amounts of demons. But like all stories of hope and despair. As long as there is even a tiny bit of hope, even despair can be fought.
Without hesitation, without a second thought, Ichi fought on against the army of demons. The earth, the nature, the wind itself were all in her favor. Become the Guardian also meant being one with the world as they work together to repel those that threaten the world itself. With a wave of her hand, the earth sent jagged ends ravaging demons caught by it, with another, the wind shredded the demons who were too far away. While those that come too close to her presence was either purified by the barrier protecting her or impaled by the plants that surrounded her.
The battle lasted for three days and two nights. It truly was a battle of attrition between whether Ichi runs out of power first or the demons were eradicated first. On the third day however, Ichi saw the light of it. She could finally see the end of the non-ending waves of demons. Although her body could not tire, her mind certainly was. Desperate to end it, Ichi continued to relentlessly strike down the demons.
Ichi… time is running out. There are only a few flowers left on you. The Genesis Tree warned.
“Not yet…! Just a little more!” Ichi gritted her teeth and doubled her assault. But doing so didn’t matter, because the more she uses her powers, the faster the petals fall.
The end was near, she could see it. There wasn’t many left of the demons. Commanding everything in her disposal, Ichi let loose her desire and destroyed the demons. All till only one was left standing. The Demon of Calamity herself.
The Demon is preparing something. Ichi watch out! The Genesis Trees voice sounded dire.
“Wha-?” Caught by surprise while eliminating the last of the demons who appeared from the portal, thick black flame shot out towards Ichi, but was held back by the barrier. “Ughh! Something like this…How can humanity hope to fight against something like this? Psychics themselves are already far more capable then a human, but a demon’s power is ridiculous!” Ichi gritted her teeth as she supported the barrier.
Earth turned to ashes, plants were scorched, the wind died out and the barrier began to crack as Ichi desperately used everything she had to help maintain the barrier. She was stuck between hard choices. If she stayed, not knowing the end of the Demon’s assault she might end up spending the last of her strength here. But she couldn’t leave either. Because if she did, Crawford behind her would get caught up in the attack.
There is no time left…You need to make the decision Ichi, or it will all be too late.
Only three flowers remained, their petals continued to fall. Ichi started to lose hope. “Is there no other way aside from sacrificing one another…?” Only two flowers remained.” “An end where we can still live on and see each other…?” Only one flower remained as the barrier flickered about to collapse.
Ichi, you’re running out of time!
“Is there really no happy ending!?” Only 3 petals remained as Ichi firmly shook her head, unable to choose between the choices given to her.
It was then the Demon’s attacked stopped. Breaking through the barrier, Ichi quickly rushed towards the demon elevated by the plants supporting her. Summoning a giant weave of plants she struck down the Demon of Calamity. Two petals remained. Landing beside the Demon, Ichi prepared to deal the finishing blow but hesitated at the last moment. Reacting to Ichi’s hesitation, the Demon released an attack towards Ichi in which she defended against. One petal remained.
Ichi felt intense despair. She regretted not ending things then and there. With only one petal left, it was impossible to defeat the Demon and save Crawford. The petal also represents Crawford’s life as she used the power of ‘Gaia’ to sustain his life. Falling to her knees Ichi gave up.
Seeing her opponent has given up, the Demon readied herself to deal the finishing blow. But as the hand that would take Ichi’s life soared ever closer, time stopped. A gentle voice called out to Ichi in her mind.
…I have seen through to your determination…There is one more choice aside from sacrificing a life… In exchange for the memories between you two, you will both live. But all memories regarding your time together will be rewritten. You will both become strangers in a new life and might never meet each other again. Memories are precious, far precious then life itself as it carries on to the afterlife. But I will give you this choice Ichi…Your fate lies in your hands.
Ichi grinned. “Haha…it’s funny why you say that now…” Remembering Crawford mentioning it was fate that brought them together, Ichi smiled. “If that was the price to pay for saving the world and continue living our lives…then I accept!” Tears sparkled as it flowed down Ichi’s cheek.
Then it’s decided. The power of ‘Purification’ is yours.
Time once again flowed, just like the memories that flashes in front of her eyes. Muttering under her breath Ichi smirked. “Everything is decided by fate huh? I wonder who taught me that…” Closing her eyes, Ichi said one word which put an end to it all.
Ichi woke up in a familiar room, filled with the scent of anesthetics. It was a room she frequented whenever she got hurt exhausting her power. Blinking her hazy vision away, Ichi looked around to see a figure sleeping beside her bed holding her hand.
“Mama…?” Ichi’s voice sounded dry. She wonders this time how long has she been unconscious.
It was then a memory of a man with glasses flashed before her. Feeling a stinging headache she gripped the sheets of the bed unconsciously muttering a single name.
“Craw…ford…?” Ichi then started to cry out in pain as she violently trashed around unable to handle the headaches.
“Ichi!? W-what’s wrong? Who is this Crawford?” Katyana woke up surprised by Ichi’s cries of pain. In haste, she quickly held on to both of Ichi’s wrist to prevent her from harming herself.
The headaches didn’t take long, briefly after Ichi calmed down blanking out. As if nothing happened she just looked towards Katyana and called out to her.
“Mama…?” Ichi’s eyes still looked blank devoid of light.
Holding back her tears, Katyana got up and embraced Ichi. “Thank goodness you’re okay! You’ve been out for a month now ever since that battle with the Demon.”
“Demon…?” Ichi tilted her head looking confused.
“Could it be you have amnesia? Ichi you fought the Demon together with me and the other psychics. But after using up all your powers to defeat the Demon, you collapsed. I’ve been worried ever since you know?” Katyana held Ichi even tighter.
“I do feel like I’m forgetting something…but I don’t know what…” Ichi held out her hands and looked at them. She faintly felt a ring on her finger but to her surprise there was none. Not wanting to think much of it Ichi dismissed the thought of it.
“Well it will come back to you eventually. For now I’ll get you something to eat and drink. Afterward rest some more till your healed up” Katyana then got up and left the room leaving Ichi behind to her thoughts.
Gazing out the window, Ichi took in the scenery. The setting sun had a golden tint to it. Somehow it reminds her of something, or was it someone. Whatever it was, a single tear flowed down Ichi’s cheek.
A few years has passed since Ichi graduated from Rosenkreuz. Thinking of wanting to live quietly by the country side tending to a garden and a plant shop (Which is actually only filled with poisonous plants) Ichi did just that. As a hero and also a beautiful young lady, Ichi had many times received a proposal. But no matter whom they might be, Ichi had always rejected them. With the impression that seem like she was waiting for someone, nobody even Katyana could make her shake her resolve. Till that day, in a sunny quiet day. The door to her shop opened. It was the first costumer she ever received. Clumsily rushing out from tending her garden, Ichi dashed inside from the back door panting.
“Ah! Excuse me Miss…” The costumer’s voice sounded concerned.
“Haah…haah…W-welcome…” Still panting from running, Ichi held onto the wall for support bending down still clutching her knees. “I-im sorry for the w…-” Catching her breath and looking up towards the costumer, Ichi’s voice stopped. Tears started to flow from her eyes as she looked at the pair of golden eyes looking her way.
“I’m sorry…” The costumer’s voice suddenly sounded cracked. “But…have we met before?” A sliver of tear could be seen flowing down his golden eyes.
“I-I could ask you the same thing…” Ichi replied as she moved in closer to the man before her, a nostalgic figure with glasses and gentle golden eyes.
“Then allow me to reintroduce myself…my name is…”
End.
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