The key, and more

You all slowly gather in the meeting hall, and everyone appears exhausted. Sarah sits beside you, and rests her head on your shoulder, closing her eyes and smiling. The only one who doesn’t seem tired is Ferra, who sits to your other side, hands folded in her lap. Last to arrive are Cassie and Melora, fresh from the hospital, and just as worn out as everyone else.

Once everyone is there, you look around, and speak. “So. We won, for now. I’m sure there’s plenty of work to be done, but before we do anything, we have a new ally.”

From the shadows, as if he were there the whole time, steps Samus. Those who hadn’t seen him here look at him in surprise, as he takes a seat at the far end of the table. From the depths of his hood, you hear him sigh.

“I am…mostly myself, for now. I apologize for everything I did in the past, but there is much I must say, and my time is limited. Even now, the edges of my mind are dark.”

He folds his hands on the table. “After I imprisoned my father, I appointed myself his guardian. For many years I watched over him, listening to him rave in the darkness. Guilt ate at me, but there was nothing I could do. The corruption had no cures.”

Victor sits up. “Had? Has something changed?”

Samus lifts a hand. “Please. I will explain. After a time, my resting place was discovered, by three adventurers, looking for a great power to end the wars which ravaged the land. You know of whom I speak.”

You nod. “Victoria, Kaeli, and Niran.”

“Just so. I thought they may be what was needed. I showed them my father, hoping that they could find a solution.”

He shakes his head. “I misjudged them. Or rather, one of them. Even then, Niran was hungry for power, and managed to get me to agree to their terms. In return for the backing of the Great One, I would become a watchdog, a defender. It was only when Niran used Victoria’s powers to shatter my mind that I realized my error. Far to late.”

He bows his head. “As you saw, I was reduced to little more than an animal, operating on instinct. I remember little of what happened, until I was released to hunt you.”

Ferra nods. “And that device. It restored you?”

Samus shakes his head. “Not entirely. But Kaeli, bless her, was always the pure hearted one. Even if she was a bit naïve. But enough of that. What I’m truly getting to is this. My father is more powerful than anyone can imagine. He works plots and schemes that take centuries to unfold. And one is unfolding as we speak.”

He takes a deep breath. “I believe he has solved the corruption. The key. And now I know what it is.”

He looks directly at you. “The key is you, Nicholas. You, and those bonded to you.”

You blink in surprise. “What? We’re going to cure the corruption? How?”

Samus gestures at Alex. “Cleansing fire, to burn it out.”

He points at Cassie. “Healing magic, to repair what fire destroyed.”

He nods at Melora. “Sight, to guide the flames.”

Next, Sarah. “A natural immunity, to prevent a recurrence.”

Finally, Ferra. “And a spark of divine power and life, to power the magic.”

He looks to you. “And your power, to protect everyone from magical backlash.”

You shake your head. “This is insane. How would this even work? Some of our powers don’t even do the things you need!”

Samus nods. “That’s correct. Because there’s a missing piece of the key. The conduit. And there’s only one who could do what we need. A titania. A faerie queen. You must forge a bond with her, and she will channel power through the bond.”

Amara leaps to her feet. “No! You would ask a Titania to give up her crown, and become bonded to a human? She would never agree!”

Samus shakes his head. “You are wrong, old friend. I have already spoken with her. She agreed.”

He looks to you. “There are conditions. I must bring you to her, alone. The fey folk will test you, to see if you are worthy. It will not be easy.”

You sigh. “But this is the only option, right?”

Samus shrugs. “There’s always a choice. But not if you want to cure the corruption.”

You look around at the girls. They seem to be waiting on your decision, though Alex seems to be excited, and Melora looks nervous. “Very well. Let’s do it. When do we begin?”

Samus stands up and holds out his hand.