Island raiser

[Anastasia]

Io looms bigger and bigger, "This is the most important thing, and it must be understood. You can speak of this with NO ONE but those of your group, of your connected node, and those of the other nodes. To speak of it to even one who is not protected risks a catastrophe that ends all of Creation. Do not speak of it lightly. Do not speak of it in any place you are uncertain you are absolutely secure and cannot be overheard. If in any doubt, come here and you can use this place to speak safely before me."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods.

"I swear it."

[Anastasia]

"I vow it," Jarem says, no argument.

Emily nods solemnly, "Mom gave me an idea. It's really that serious, everyone. I accept that. May you strike me down before I speak of it foolishly."

Ianvasah stays where she is, "Yes, Lord Io," she says, voice audibly dazed.

"The true enemy is not Shar," Io declares, "The true enemy is the Incarnation of Chaos, Ao."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa stares for a moment.

"Ahh...ha. And how do you expect that to happen? Sorry... I just... Don't see how I'm going to tip that fight."

[Anastasia]

"You are correct," Io agrees, "None of us can fight Ao meaningfully."

"Then what the hell IS this about?" Jarem says, "We have some other way we can stop him? Something over that getting unmade in an instant?"

"We do," Emily says, "We're working on it and we have help, but um....it's a little complicated."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Then we need to go through it so we understand it fully."

[Anastasia]

"Shar is merely Ao's tool to end Creation," Emily begins as Io watches, "As I understand it, anyway. It's why she's getting stronger and stronger, no matter how anyone sets her back. Ao himself is watching, but there is some hope. A being called the Arbiter a select few of us and working with Io and Zaphkiel to ensure Creation has a chance."

[Iron Dragoon]

"And how is this chance supposed to go?"

[Anastasia]

In an instant, you see others, a conversation with Io explaining much, information flowing to all of you.

Io just gave you IC memories of the discussion in the Io's maze thread that you read. Go ahead and react and ask any questions that came to mind.

[Iron Dragoon]

Did the others get that too or just me?

[Anastasia]

Everyone.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa shakes her head from the influx of memories and knowledge, then frowns as she sorts it all.

"... I... see. An... Interesting conundrum. I wonder... Is Shar the tool they think she is... Or is the Prophecy the true executioner's axe? Does Shar gain power by form and function of the Prophecy, or directly by Ao's will?"

[Anastasia]

Jarem's expression is grave, "Then we find this 21, we grow stronger and we prepare for a...shit." He grimaces, taking a gauntlet off to slowly massage his face with his hand. "You know, I told the Red Knight that I had a feeling this job was going to be unpredictable."

Emily's just quiet, "It's a lot." is all she says, softly.

Ianvasah listens to it all, solemn indeed and...slowly laughs. "Oh Alyssa, I had no idea. No idea how far down this went!"

Io is silent a moment, "It may well be interconnected, or the Prophecy is merely reacting to the facts of Shar's ascendancy."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Then I wonder... If we can counter a single solid precept of the prophecy, would that unravel all of Shar's empowerment? Weaken her, at least... Still... This One thing... A power and will internalized, but enforced on the world as power... Perhaps that could be what I've been searching for... I've always had ideas for spells that just never seemed to come together... Could sheer will have been the missing key... But how to... A catalyst of some sort... Will, personified..."

[Anastasia]

"To explore the power of becoming One, you must first become One," Io says, "The book I gave the others will open to your touch as well, if you wish to study that route."

"For now we need to get stronger and find 21," Emily reflects again, "Which means fighting and gaining treasure."