TU11. Empress's Decree

The makeshift bonfire, born from the plunging tip of Thanatos's spatha and its ever-burning flame, cast a warm glow over the party. It stretched their long, dancing shadows against the desolate edges of the crossroad.

It was a bitterly chilly night. Tachyon sat curled up, hugging her legs tight to her chest. Her memories of the beautiful Medelle still lingered in her mind, replaying vividly like a tragic stage play. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Aurora sat with her legs tucked beneath her, listening quietly and offering the occasional nod of understanding.

Meanwhile, Thanatos floated slightly above the ground in a reclined position, his hands interlaced behind his head. His dark wings moved ever so slightly. He offered nothing to the conversation, simply keeping his eyes closed as though asleep.

"I'm sorry… It's a long story, isn't it?" Tachyon chuckled, sniffing softly as she dried her eyes. "That's why I didn't want to bother you, Empress."

"And that thing in your pouch," Aurora eventually spoke, her voice breaking the silence for the first time since Tachyon had started her tale. "It's the potion of Lethe, isn't it?"

Tachyon gasped, her lips forming a perfect 'O'. "How did you know?"

She fumbled at her belt, eventually pulling out the small crystal vial. It was her most prized possession — not because of its monetary value, but because it was the most important thing she had ever worked for.

Aurora received the vial and brought it up to eye level for a closer inspection. The glittering golden liquid was the exact same as the one she had seen on the top shelf of the merchant tortoise.

"You could have… removed this painful memory at any time," Aurora said softly. "What I can't understand is why haven't you? Why carry such a tremendous burden alone?"

Tachyon glanced at the dancing purple flame, a wistful smile touching her lips. "Because… my memory of her is the most precious thing that has ever happened in my life. And to lose that memory… is to lose who I was, who I am, and who I will be."

Love that transcends everything, Aurora thought. Such a concept appeared to elude me at first, but… I'd sacrifice my life for my beloved people, too. Zetius, Triss, Mirai… and Cartier. Understanding blooming in her chest, Aurora nodded sharply and handed the potion back.

"You can keep it, Empress. I never thought I'd need it anyway," Tachyon said, her tone firm. "Ever."

The bubbly Wildren smiled back. This was the vibrant girl Aurora had first met at the gangplank. Tachyon had finally lifted the mountain off her shoulders and, in doing so, had earned herself a true friend.

After tucking the crystal vial back under her belt, Aurora pondered for a very long time, letting the crackling flame play in the background. It was a rare serenity, one that she found herself deeply appreciating now.

"Knowing that…" Aurora began again, her gaze fixed on the fire rather than on Tachyon. "Knowing that Medelle betrayed you, condemning you to damnation for eternity." Aurora squeezed her eyes shut, her jaw clenched so tight it quivered. This raw display of emotion wasn't like her at all.

Tachyon skidded closer, her ears twitching as she listened intently.

"Would you forgive Medelle for what she's done to you?" There, Aurora had finally asked the one question that had plagued her mind since she first heard the tale.

"Of course, I have forgiven her." Tachyon's speedy response shocked even Aurora, drawing a low chuckle from Thanatos's throat.

"It's the very first thing I did after getting here," Tachyon added, the rustling wind fluttering her short hair. Her gaze grew distant. "When I arrived on the Forsaken Shore… For so long, I thought about it."

She hugged her knees closer to her chest.

"I was this close to jumping into the river, you know!" She made a pinching gesture, though her attempt at levity failed. No one laughed.

"But Empress, after I realised there was someone who loved me so, so much…" Tachyon looked directly into Aurora's eyes. "I realised I've forgiven her, because she loved me enough…" Her words quivered. She couldn't finish what she meant to say.

"To let you go," Aurora replied instead, nodding as she wiped away the stray tears that escaped her own eyes.

"My existence means something. I mattered… or I still matter." Tachyon chuckled, and this time, Aurora joined her.

***

The Cheetah Wildren strolled toward the songbird perched on a far branch, its chirping like music to her ears.

She had a much, much more important thing to do today. Or at least, she told herself that, even though it had simply become her weekly routine. She entered the Temple of Oracle in the early morning, ensuring she was the first in the queue to see the seer.

As she strode into the private chamber to have her future read, she was met by the ashen-haired priestess. Her almond-silver eyes were unmistakable. This was one of the best oracles in the temple; luck was on her side today.

"O' Oracle of Clothia," the Wildren began, reciting the words just as she always did. "Would you kindly help this poor soul to ease her pain?"

She closed one eye playfully as the oracle inspected her face.

"Very well, Hermione," the oracle replied, her voice smooth and practised. "I do suggest you head over to the south, and there you'll—"

"I'll find the yellow flowers and offer a beautiful bouquet to the Titaness Clothia," Hermione interrupted mockingly, citing the exact words.

Every single time, the oracle gave the exact same reading and offered the exact same recommendation. It had been like this for hundreds of years. Hermione found herself physically restraining an eye roll. "Is that all?"

"That is all." The stoic priestess did not look amused in the slightest.

As Hermione pivoted to leave, feeling defeated once again, the oracle spoke up. "Perhaps, this time, the Fate Sister of the Future demands the most extravagant bouquet of all," the oracle smiled sweetly. She truly was the most beautiful elf in Elysium.

"Fine… Whatever," Hermione groaned. But deep down, she knew she would comply nonetheless. After all, these were the words of the most powerful Oracle in history.

***

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Thank you for telling me everything. It means so much," Aurora said, rising to her feet and extending her palms to Tachyon.

The Wildren smiled, taking the offered hands. When Tachyon rose, however, Aurora didn't let go.

"Empress?" Tachyon asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Do you believe in me, Tachyon?" Aurora asked, her tone entirely unreadable.

"Of course I do." Tachyon attempted to yank her hands back, but she was powerless compared to the Empress's grip.

"A Catharsis? How amusingly intriguing," Thanatos murmured, awakening from his slumber. He floated upright, clasping his hands together in a horizontal line.

Tachyon's face rapidly lost its natural colour.

"We've heard the will of heaven. I have to journey with you to Tartarus," Tachyon stammered, her tone reluctant and laced with sudden fear.

"Indeed, the taboo was executed and committed." Aurora locked eyes with her. "But hear this. If heaven has eyes, Tachyon of Sparta, the person who committed that crime died thousands of years ago." Aurora's voice boomed with sudden, divine clarity. Her eyes glowed with tremendous mana, indistinguishable from the gaze of the divine.

What is she saying? Tachyon's jaw hung open.

The Empress continued, "The soul standing before me has suffered enough. For that, Tachyon of Sparta, I, Aurora Vere Borealis, the Empress of Osten, absolve you of your crime."

Without waiting for a cue, Aurora took off, practically dragging Tachyon by the hand toward the brilliant light portal of Elysium.

"I will die!" Tachyon screamed, her legs going limp against the overwhelming force that compelled her forward.

She saw the swaying silver hair before her, glittering brilliantly in the light. Her legs dragged for a few steps, then instinctively broke into a walk. Her faith in the Empress solidified. She took a firm stride.

"Believe in me, Tachyon!" the Empress's voice echoed like a divine bell.

Tachyon was jogging now, her boots crushing against the gravel.

"But most importantly—believe in yourself!"

Aurora's voice empowered her, and Tachyon broke into a full run. Her limping legs were nothing, but a history. The wind whipped past her hair and ears, and the blinding light of the portal rushed up to meet her eyes.

It was so bright that it blinded her as they crossed the threshold. Tachyon squeezed her eyes shut tight, letting the Empress lead her fully into Elysium.

Suddenly, she felt it. The rushing melody of chirping songbirds, the warm sun bathing her skin, and the crisp, fresh air filling her lungs. Tachyon blinked rapidly, clearing the bright light from her vision.

She saw spring. She saw a green, lush meadow sprawling endlessly before her. The beautiful, warm sun hung high in the sky, accompanied by a cool breeze that smelled quite literally like heaven.

"Are we in Elysium?" Tachyon's eyes bulged. "How?!"

She looked down at her own body. The deep scars on her thighs had vanished. She felt entirely rejuvenated, restored to the absolute peak of her physical prime.

Aurora turned to meet her gaze. "To tell you the truth, I'm not entirely sure."

With her stigma gone and her incredible speed returned, Tachyon bolted forward, throwing her arms around Aurora. Her momentum almost toppled them both onto the lush grass.

"Empress! I'm in heaven!" Tachyon laughed loudly, tears streaming from her eyes and leaving a glittering trail of sparkling droplets in the air.

Taking a quick survey of their surroundings, Aurora surmised that they had arrived at the south meadows outside the city.

"Look, Tachyon. I believe your ancestors will be in that city." She pointed toward the gleaming structures to the north.

Tachyon shielded her eyes from the sunlight. "Whoa, this place looks amazing!" she gasped excitedly.

"But, just to be sure, let's ask someone," Aurora suggested, scanning the fields.

A short distance away, a woman and two teenagers were busy picking yellow flowers. It had become increasingly difficult to gather them, as the flowers took time to regrow in this specific patch. Because of this, Hermione had recruited her two daughters to help her.

The wind swept past Aurora, fluttering her Ventiff cloak. Tachyon stood completely still, a dozen strides away from the group of strangers. Except… they weren't strangers at all.

"Ma… Mother!" Tachyon called out, her voice straining with disbelief.

Hermione glanced up from her task, the flowers in her hands entirely forgotten.

"Tachyon?!" she called back, her voice trembling. "Is that really you, my baby girl?"

"It's me, Mother! And both of you, too!"

Tachyon rushed forward — much slower now, not wanting to startle them. Her arms, no longer hardened by the sharp edges of Atramnéon but restored to soft, warm skin, pulled all three of them into a deep, desperate embrace.

"I've waited for you…" her mother's voice strained into a heavy sob.

"I know. I'm so, so sorry, Mother," Tachyon replied, pulling them even closer. She felt their warmth, their beating hearts sending a rhythmic vibration into her own chest. Their cries of joy echoed clearly up to the high heavens.

For a long time, Tachyon simply held them in her arms. "It's been so long, Mother. You guys," she whispered into their hair.

"I have missed you so, so much, my love. I'm so happy, Tachyon. I never… I never thought you'd be able to break the laws of heaven to be with us." Hermione looked at her two younger daughters, and both nodded vigorously in agreement.

"I couldn't have succeeded without her, Mother." Tachyon's finger traced through the air, pointing at the Empress standing in full armour on top of the dune. Her silky hair and Ventiff cloak drifted gracefully in the chill breeze. Thanatos floated slightly to her left, a rare smile gracing his features.

"What is her name?" Hermione asked, her hands automatically interlacing into a prayer of gratitude.

"It's Aurora. Astral Empress Aurora Vere Borealis," Tachyon said, locking eyes with Aurora from across the field.

"I thank you, Astral Empress Aurora Vere Borealis!" Hermione's voice reverberated across the meadow. Her two daughters quickly joined in, reciting the words with equal reverence.

Aurora smiled lightly. "Tachyon! It's time to live for yourself!" she shouted back. "Be happy!"

Tachyon nodded frantically, completely unable to hold back the tears flooding her eyes. She gazed at the Empress one last time, her eyes crinkling into happy crescents.

I will, Empress. It was a silent, unbreakable promise.

With that, Aurora tore the fabric of space open and disappeared back into the void they had come from. The portal snapped shut behind her. Instantly, Aurora and Thanatos reverted back to the grim, desolate atmosphere of the Underworld crossroad.

Aurora exhaled deeply, though her small smile didn't fade. She was no god who could arbitrarily shape the rules of heaven, but she had managed to change the fate of one soul today. It was a good start.

"I did not expect that at all," Thanatos hummed deeply, sounding utterly bemused, as if he had just witnessed a magic trick he couldn't explain.

"Why?" Aurora probed, raising a brow.

"Well… we must have realised by now that you are capable of slaying gods. But… to bend the rules of the Zensus? That was entirely uncalled for." Thanatos chuckled low in his throat.

"Uncalled for?"

"Zensus, was it? That is the name of the absolute rules of this—I mean, our universe," Aurora analysed aloud. She had heard of the Zensus before, especially from one of her best Celestius mages, Nyrethein Vale of Gemini.

"Something like that," Thanatos grumbled. He seemed slightly displeased at the cosmic violation that had just occurred, but immensely excited by what she was truly capable of. Did a limit to her power even exist? The question gnawed at his immortal mind, a maddening itch he simply could not scratch yet.

"Do you not feel like she deserved this?" Aurora questioned, gesturing her palm toward the space where the light portal used to be.

"You misunderstand me, Empress. I do not decide who deserves what. That is not my divine function, let alone my divine concept," Thanatos grumbled defensively. But eventually, he returned Aurora's gaze with a subtle smile.

Aurora feigned a dramatic sigh. "I thought I saw your eyes get glassy for a moment. Or perhaps, a drop of a tear?"

"Nonsense. If you must know, I am physically incapable of crying," Thanatos scoffed, quickly raising a hand to wipe a suspicious dampness from his golden mask.

"Whatever you say, I guess." Aurora smiled wryly.

She exhaled once more, clearing her mind. Now, she could fully focus on what she had originally set out to do. One story might have reached its happy ending today, but another was still walking its perilous path. Aurora's thread of Fates continued to spin.

"Shall we?" she asked, glancing up at the God of Death.

"Very well. Let us depart," Thanatos replied, stabbing his hand forward to tear open the dark portal to Tartarus.