A Faded Memory, A Faded Dream

[Joshua, the Wayne]

As Dameus rides upon the back of Scorn through the harsh air towards the Jerall mountains, he turns his back to Scorns and stares up at the fading afternoon sky. Stars began to awaken and smile upon the world, and Dameus found himself giving a sad smile.
Scorn noticed the feeling Dameus was emanating and struck up a conversation.
Are you ready for this, Dameus? Scorn asked.
Dameus thought deep and answered.
Well of course I am. Do you think not?
Scorn answered with grim words.
Yes, I think you are hiding from your true self. Is this what Elasia would have wanted? Scorn replied.
Dameus was silent and silently the smallest tear dripped from his eye. ...I don't think any of this is what Elasia would have wanted...
Scorn drowned his conscience in a thought of aggreeance and left it at that as they flew.
Dameus closed his eyes and tried to remember all that he could...
The small memories that had faded into a thick haze of sorrow within the dark dank crevices of his thoughts.
Scorn, tell me...Do you feel what I am doing is...is right?
Scorn was silent and answered truly.
Only if you do, my friend.
I...I hope...
Dameus sighed and fell asleep under the soft gaze of the stars.
Then I hope, too...

[Joshua, the Wayne]

Dameus woke at the sound of Scorn's voice.
You should awaken...We will arrive soon enough.
Dameus groaned and sat up.
Scorn...I don't want to do this...
Scorn turned his head slightly and gazed at Dameus through the side of his eyes.
Are you sure, because I don't want to either...
Dameus sighed and crouched, staring hard at one of Scorn's scales.
I...I am sure I don't want to...But...But I must...
Scorn gave a small sigh too and turned his head fully to look at him. After a few seconds, Scorn blinked and nudged Dameus with his nose, then turned back towards the mountains.
Only if you are sure...
*****
Scorn?
Yes?
...I remember, when I was young, my mother used to always sing to me. She would sing such beautiful songs that lulled me to sleep. And sometimes she would sing sad songs. But the saddest I ever remember was this:
May the ground rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rain fall soft upon your feet.
Until we meet again, my friend.
Until we meet again.
May Gods hold you in the palms of their hands.
May the ground rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rain fall soft upon your feet.
Until we meet again.
Scorn listened deeply to these words and then spoke softly.
Why do you tell me this?
Dameus sighed and rose to his feet.
We will reach the mountains soon, if I am right. Are you read, Scorn?
Scorn blinked and rumbled darkly.
Yes. Dameus, if you don't want to do this, you don't have to. They are yo-
They are obstacles keeping me from my destination. Scorn, I must...I...I have no other choice.
Yes, Dameus, you do. Are you sure that Elasia Fearis would have wanted you to kill your friends, your friends just to return her from eaternal peace? Are you sure that Elasia your wyvern would have wanted you to turn against her will to sacrifice herself for you just to get her back? They died for a reason. They died for you, Dameus. Are you sure you would waste their efforts just to bring them back? Dameus, my friend, if I was human would you kill me to bring back another?
Dameus was silent.
No...
Then what makes you think this is the right thing?
Dameus was silent.
This...this is hard...Scorn, I don't know what I mean in this world anymore...I..All I ever cared about then...It was taken...Taken from me...All of my family...killed by that accursed shadow mage...My only love...she...she died for me! My truest friend...She also died for me! Why? Why?! Are you saying it's so wrong that I search for my meaning again? That its so wrong that I just want my life back? Scorn...
Dameus fell onto his knees again and for a few moments was silent. Finally crouching again he spoke teary words.
...Don't...Don't adventures...ever...end...
Scorn was silent.
No...No, they don't...
Dameus pouned his knee and wept. Grabbing his normal blade, he ripped it out of the scabbard and threw it with all of his force through the air. It traveled straightforward like an arrow shot cleanly from the strongest bow.
Then...I must...try...
I'm sorry, Dameus...
Thinking of everything Dameus had ever done, he replied coldly.
I am too...For everything I've ever done...
And will do...

[Joshua, the Wayne]

*Dameus is now in the Jerall mountains completely*