21

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. Maybe he can find his answers back in Creation.

"Do you think I can use this... Power of Creation somehow in the ritual for One? I've been thinking about how it might apply there and I have some... I guess you can call them ideas, but there's no way to know what would work and what wouldn't."

He pauses again. "Oh... no, I guess... can this place be used to practice that ritual?"

[Anastasia]

No, you are still within Creation.

To use the power of Creation is to bind yourself to Ao's judgment over the divine.

[Nephrite]

"So then... I guess I'll admit my ignorance, I understand the lessons of what we've learned so far, but I'm not... really seeing how they help with becoming One." Moore says.

[Anastasia]

There is more to learn yet.

At the worst, understanding will come when we finally meet in person. It's been some time.

[Nephrite]

"I hope you know how much we all want to save you." Moore says.

[Corwin]

Is Pale Night an ally to our cause, ridiculous as that might sound? Seira decides to ask. I've faced off against her, and I know just what sort of depravity she's capable of. But Io suggested this, and given Zaphkiel's silence I really have to wonder.

[Anastasia]

Not all victims are saints.

Her suffering is true.

If that is enough lies in the hands of others than I.

[Corwin]

Are you suggesting that Celestia, Io or the Arbiter have lied to us? Seira asks carefully.

[Anastasia]

I'm suggesting that it's not my choice to make.

I can live without deciding if a Demon Princess is worth tolerating.

[Corwin]

Fair enough. Seira glances over at Moore, to see if he wants to keep talking to Sylvie.

[Nephrite]

"If she's beyond saving then we will do what we have to." He says, then nods to Seira and will start up the stairs anew.

[Anastasia]

Up. Higher. Forward.

A platform.

Here the others emerge from nothingness. Cresiel pauses here and nods, "Moore. Are you well?"

Amaryl smiles, "Seira, you aren't hurt?"

[Nephrite]

"We ran into some snags on the way up but nothing we couldn't handle." Moore says.

[Corwin]

"It'll take more than that challenge to harm me," Seira assures her.

[Anastasia]

"As did we," Jetina speaks up, "But we overcame them, too."

Only five can proceed ahead. Choose wisely. A distorted echo of the past awaits you above.