legendseekers part 5: darkness falling

Months of relentless siege attacks have left the Queens and Moonreach's citizens exhausted. The routine of patrolling, resupplying, and resting continued; the peaceful days that Aeon had once been accustomed felt more distant every time he opened his eyes. He much preferred to be out there hunting down the villain himself, but he had learned the price of impulsiveness the hard way. When the moons first dimmed, many knights took matters into their own hands and spread out across the land instead of protecting Lunerest's people. Some may have said the deteriorating situation was inevitable, but a part of him knew that the knights had made a mistake. Defending Lunerest had always been their top priority. Soma reminded him of that, and the two xyns worked together closely to support Moonreach's defenses. But they couldn't hide behind the Queen's barrier forever, or there would be nothing left to protect.

At long last, it seemed they finally had an opportunity to strike back.  Aeon was out on the ramparts when Samson's announcement was broadcast over the air. The villain's target had always been the Queens, so it was only a matter of time before they showed themselves. Aeon had no idea what would have motivated them. Was it a simple desire to see Lunerest suffer, or a misguided sense of valor? There was a possibility, no matter how small, that the Queens were hiding something dangerous from everyone else, and the villain felt responsible for 'exposing' the Queens' 'wrongdoing'. Aeon had seen a few cases like this throughout his long journey. However, this was all speculation. On the other hand, the fact that the villain hurt countless xyns was an indisputable truth. This crime alone warranted his arrest and penance.

The reckoning was nigh, and Aeon knew what he must do. He had been reluctant to use 'it', knowing that he could only call upon its power once in this lifetime. It was not to be used lightly, and only in the gravest of situations, to turn the tides of a desperate last stand. He once intended to seek out the villain and fight them by himself, but Soma warned him that he would not be able to get sufficiently close as a lone knight. Faced with harsh reality, Aeon returned 'it' to his metaphorical back pocket, waiting for the destined moment. Now that the Knights were heading out to confront the villain, he turned his thoughts toward 'it' again. If he did not use 'it' in the upcoming battle, there may never be another chance.

As the knights' ranks clashed against the swarm of corrupted creatures, Aeon could see the villain flying above the battlefield riding a Corruption Beast. The eerie relic, Thr’zair, floated above their head.

Aeon loved flying through the sky. Seeing the landscapes of Lunerest unfold before him like a picture book never failed to bring joy to his heart. But now, the book was scorched and torn by corruption, crumbling into dust and darkness. He couldn't let such a beautiful world disappear. If he had to exchange his life for Lunerest's lasting peace, he would gladly do it without hesitation. 

Holding fast to that earnest wish, he flew as high as he could, closing his eyes and called out to the void between the stars.

"I hold the silver key; the pact bound and promised. Heed my call and come forth from nothingness, Morning Star!!"

A black rift appeared high above Moonreach, jagged edges yawning open as if torn apart by massive talons. A draconic being forced its way into Lunerest from the other side, equal parts angelic and demonic. Spreading its wings, it soared across the battlefield with Aeon riding on its head. The villain noticed its approach and commanded the flying corruption beasts to stall its advance. However, it relied not on conventional magic, but instead brute strength and cursed flames. Its claws mercilessly sliced through the corruption beasts and tossed them to the ground like fallen leaves.

Aeon's pact-summon was powerful, but its presence debilitated both friend and foe. As it passed overhead, the knights nearby felt a sharp spell of dizziness and unease. Aeon commanded it to head straight towards the villain, breathing spectral flames forged in the heart of stars. Being right on its head, Aeon suffered the most from its horrific aura. His body was wracked with intense pain, and he squeezed his eyes shut to protect them against the whistling wind. All he could do was hope that the dragon could damage Thr’zair or create an opening for the knights before his summoning spell expired.

When the dragon disappeared at the end of its aerial battle, Aeon lost consciousness and rapidly fell towards the ground...