Powerful magic

Everyone gathers around the body of the Great One, getting as comfortable as possible. Samus settles on the ground hands resting on his father’s head. Somehow, the demigod looks nervous as Nadia kneels behind him, her hands placed delicately on his temples. No words are said, or needed. Both of them take a deep breath, and close their eyes.

Much like before, you clear your mind and close your own eyes. Immediately, you feel the magical pull within you, much stronger than the last time. The air seems to cool, and you can almost feel the vibrations of magic as Nadia begins to work. The tension of arcane energy is strong, a nearly physical tug as she draws power from both you and Lilith. The drain is enormous, far more than you expected.

You can feel the ground rumble slightly beneath you, and the air grows colder still. With a strange wrenching sensation, your perspective shifts, and suddenly you can feel all the connections that Nadia has made. From the sudden gasps, and the slight wavering of concentration, you know everyone else feels the same thing. It only lasts a moment before Nadia is able to focus, slamming your perspective back into your own eyes.

The glimpse you got, however, showed you the titanic energy at work here. Without Samus acting as a buffer, the backlash would have been catastrophic. Even now, you can feel the strain on the demigod, as he channels your combined energies into the stricken deity. The glow coming from them is painfully bright, and trying to open your eyes is an impossibility.

The rumbling ground increases, and the air grows frigid, frost beginning to form on your armor. Nadia has drawn so much power that you’re starting to feel weak, your limbs trembling as if you just worked out for hours. There’s a roaring in your ears, and dimly you can hear a shout piercing through it. The intensity is almost painful, and you’re not sure how much farther you can go.

Then, suddenly, silence. The air returns to normal, the ground stops rumbling, and the light vanishes. You still feel weak, but the magical pull is gone. You open your eyes, and gasp at what you see.

Samus is gone.

In his place, motes of glowing light swirl around Nadia’s still outstretched hands. The faerie’s eyes are wide, and as you watch, the lights settle across the body of the Great One. They seem to sink in, suffusing his body with a golden glow. There’s a pause, and you wonder what’s happening.

Suddenly, the Great One’s eyes snap open, and he sits up, sending Nadia scrambling backwards. He doesn’t move for a while, simply staring straight forward, seemingly unaware that everyone is watching with baited breath. Then, slowly, he lifts his hands, which tremble slightly, and stares for a while again.

After what seems like an eternity, the Great One turns to look at you, with glowing golden eyes. He regards you strangely, though you see recognition in his face. And in a quiet, sad voice, so different from the insane shouting you’ve heard, he speaks.