*
As the unlikely group stood and stared at the ominous cloud of smoke rising in the distance, a meeting of the pseudo-gods was taking place less than a mile away. In a massive, domed room filled with ç'aether stalagmites and stalactites, two Avatars were engaged in a rather heated conversation...
“You are being stubborn, brother. After everything they have endured, why do you want to abandon them now?” Ion stood upon a small pool of water in the centre of the room, the water below her giving her a much needed dose of serenity.
Terra, her brother and equal, sat a few feet away from her on a throne made entirely out of rock. Just as being near Ion calmed him down, being near the earth cleared his mind and helped him focus. Nevertheless, he was beginning to feel more and more uneasy at the thought of arguing with his sister. At the moment, she was still keeping her tone neutral, but he had seen her create tidal waves and monsoons in the blink of an eye, while still wearing a smile on her face.
“It's not abandoning, it's the law. We were only allowed to help them because Raigan was also interfering in their fates. We were meant to balance his influence, not surpass it! And now that he has disappeared, we can no longer continue to show them our favour.”
“But still, don't you think that it's a bit cruel, leaving them now? Right when they need us the most! They know nothing about what they are about to face. They are so unprepared... so defenceless... I just can't help but feel pity for them.”
Terra stood, a sign that his patience was running out, and that he wanted to leave before the true fight began. “They are not helpless, sister of mine. Have you forgotten? Everything that they have faced so far, every danger and obstacle, have all been set upon them to prepare them. Have faith, dear sister, and believe in their resolve.”
“I want to believe in them, but... I worry for the girl, Alza. Out of all of them, she is the one who most deserves to know the truth. Please, tell me one good reason why we can't tell her the identity of the madman? Why can't she find out who he really is?”
Terra had already begun sinking back into the rock from which he was born. His face bore sadness, but underneath was a resolve stronger than steel. With a pitying, yet firm voice, he spoke....
“It's because he's her father.”
End of Part Two
Part Three: Homecoming
Awakening Page 210