A restored god

You get to your feet, wobbly and weak. The ritual was incredibly draining this time. The Great One watches you as you walk towards him, seemingly content to stay silent. You stop a short distance away, and look into his eyes.

There’s nothing of the madness you saw there before. He regards you with clear, calm eyes, clearly waiting for you to speak. You look around, checking on the girls as they all struggle to their feet, clearly as drained as you are. Even Ferra is moving a bit slower than normal, though she quickly makes her way to your side.

Reassured that everyone is ok, you turn back to the Great One. “I think we’ll need some explanation. What happened? You seem cured, but where’s Samus? And what happens now?”

The Great One nods. “Valid questions. I will answer most of them. Samus is gone. His essence has been absorbed back into mine.”

You shake your head. “Back into yours? What does that mean?”

He smiles. “All of the gods that once existed came from me. I created them using my own energy. Samus was the last. He gave himself back to me, to make me whole again. All of his knowledge and powers are returned to me.”

His smile fades. “Or, that’s how it should work. The process of purging the corruption is not gentle. My mind is restored, and the corruption is gone. But my power is not what it was. I am strong, but I will never be the deity I had been.”

Melora speaks up. “You’re saying that this isn’t over just because we restored you?”

He nods. “That’s right. I am a strong ally, but I cannot just snap my fingers and end this. I will aid you any way I can, however. I am stronger than Samus was, and all his memories are mine now. He was…a good son.”

The Great One looks away, staring into the middle distance. “I would have liked to speak with him one last time. My last child. I am alone again. And to weak to start anew.”

He looks at you, and there’s a frightening intensity in his eyes. “You are the one that must act. Niran must be destroyed, at any cost. I will give you…all of you…the tools you need to do this.”

Sarah looks at you, then back to the Great One. “We need more?”

He nods. “Yes. Even that blade is of limited use against what he’s become. But with my aid, you can end his threat. Will you do this?”

He extends a hand, and you stare for a moment. Big as the Great One is, that hand could engulf your entire head easily. You reach out and take it, as best you can, shaking hands after a fashion. His hand wraps around your forearm, and his strength is obvious, though he clearly avoids harming you.

“That was my goal anyway. Of course I accept.”

The Great One smiles. “Good. We start planning soon. We need to be far more aggressive. Niran only grows stronger while we wait.”

Releasing your arm, he looks around at the gathered group.