Lostverse Era 3-2: So Much Darkness, Where Do We Go Now?

== Chapter 1 ==
Atheros, the man, calmly adjusted the collar of his black coat and took one last look at his watch. The precise, relentless ticking told him that there were only seconds left before the inevitable.
Well, he muttered to himself, a slight wry smile on his lips. It's about time.
As soon as the words were out, a loud roar filled the space, as if an invisible hurricane had shattered a barrier between worlds. The door to his office, thick and reinforced, shattered. Aiden burst in, an aura of raw power radiating around him.
His blazing gaze was aimed straight at Atheros, but what surprised him more was the fragile, trembling figure that followed behind. Reality, his wife, her cheeks flooded with tears, seemed to be struggling to contain an inner chaos. Her hesitant steps contrasted with the furious energy of her companion.
Atheros, without rising from his chair, laced his fingers in front of him and observed the scene with an almost defiant calm.
Well, he said in a soft, calm voice, I suppose it was bound to happen. But, Aiden... His gaze lingered on Reality, and for a split second, an inscrutable shadow passed over his face. "...It wasn't meant to be this dramatic."
Aiden stepped forward, slamming his fist on the table. How dare you? You knew this would happen, didn't you? That everything would fall apart! And now you're playing the innocent?"
Reality, still behind, whispered between her sobs: "Atheros... why? Why did you let this happen? Why didn't you stop anything? Her voice carried a pain so deep that it seemed to resonate beyond the walls.
Atheros stared longingly at the woman who embodied everything that should be stable and immutable. His gaze hardened slightly, but his tone remained measured.
Because, my dear Reality, even you are not safe from the consequences.
== Chapter 2 ==
Aiden, red with anger, let out a scream that made the walls shake:
SO WE HAD A #### CHILD WITH YOU!
The room froze, and even Reality, in tears, straightened slightly, her tears suspended by the violence of the accusation. Her eyes widened, a mixture of shock and confusion in her gaze.
Atheros, however, remained unfazed. He raised an eyebrow, a spark of sinister amusement in his eyes.
Ah, so this is what really pushed you to weather the storm here, Aiden. He straightened slowly, his gestures measured and full of control. You came to shout truths that burn you, but that you don't even know what to do with. Fascinating.
Reality, in a shaky voice, whispered,
Aiden… what are you talking about? What ###? With whom?
Aiden turned to her, his eyes furious but also desperate. You, Reality! YOU HAVE ANOTHER ### WITH THAT THING! THAT MISTAKE HE ALLOWED TO BE CREATED!
Reality backed away, as if each word was a slap. Her hands trembled, searching for support she couldn't find. She shook her head, unable to comprehend.
No… no, it's not true… Aiden, I don't.
But before she could finish, Atheros burst out laughing. A deep, resonant, but terribly cold laugh. He struck a nonchalant pose, a slight smile still plastered on his lips.
Oh, Aiden… what a fertile imagination. If you really want to know the truth… He crossed his arms, staring at Aiden. Then maybe you should ask her. After all, Reality never lies, right?
Silence fell in the room, heavy and oppressive. Reality looked from Aiden to Atheros, her lips trembling with a fear she didn't want to name. "What did you do, Atheros?" she finally whispered, almost inaudible.
== Chapter 3 ==
Aiden exploded, his voice shaking with rage and disbelief.
"SO YOU ADMIT IT?! YOU HAD A CHILD WITH HER, AND YOU DARE SAY IT WASN'T PLANNED?"
Reality, she, took a step back, bringing a shaking hand to her mouth. Her eyes, filled with tears, stared at Atheros as if searching for an answer in his icy silence.
Atheros sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair, a mixture of frustration and resignation in his movements.
Yes, he finally said, his tone almost apologetic, but with the same calculated calm that drove Aiden crazy. I had a child with her. But it wasn't supposed to happen, Aiden. Believe it or not, it wasn't planned.
NOT PLANNED?! Aiden slammed his fist down on the table, which cracked on impact. "And you think that excuses anything?! You think that makes this... okay?!"
Atheros looked up at him, this time with a sharp coldness. You don't understand, Aiden. It's not just a matter of choice or intention. Reality knows all my secrets for a reason, and that reason is...
He hesitated, his gaze sliding to Reality, who seemed suspended between anger and sorrow.
...because she has to know them.
Reality, still shaking, asked in a nearly broken voice, What do you mean, Atheros? Why... why should I have known this? All this?
Atheros looked away, as if weighing his words carefully. Because you, Reality, are more than just an observer in all of this. Because you and this child…
He paused, the weight of his words seeming to crush him for a moment, before whispering,
You are bound together in a way that none of us can ignore, or erase.
Aiden, stunned, crossed his arms, his anger still boiling but tinged with confusion. Bound together? What are you talking about?!
Reality clenched his fists, a strange glint in his eyes, a mixture of terror and resolve. Atheros… tell me the truth. Now.
Atheros looked at her, his expression for once devoid of arrogance. You want the whole truth, Reality? Then prepare yourself, because it is not a pretty sight.
== Chapter 4 ==
Reality looked down, unable to meet Atheros’ intense gaze. She knew, deep down, that the truth he was about to reveal would only deepen the gulf that had opened between them. But she couldn’t back down anymore.
Atheros approached slowly, his steps heavy, his movements marked by a rare hesitation. He had always been the master of situations, the one who held the answers. But in front of Reality, broken and fragile, he seemed almost vulnerable.
Do you remember that night when everything changed, Reality?” he began, his tone serious. The night when you stopped believing you had a role to play, when you locked yourself in your own pain.
Reality took a step back, her entire body trembling under the weight of her memories. That night… she remembered it. How could she forget?
Stop, she whispered, her voice weak. You have no right to bring that up.
I have to, Atheros said firmly, but with a hint of sadness. Because that’s when everything changed. You were so desperate, so lost… that I had to make a choice.
A choice? Aiden interjected, his anger palpable again. “What kind of choice, Atheros? Because all I hear so far are lame excuses!
The choice to save you. Atheros said, his eyes staring at Reality with an almost painful intensity. You didn’t want to go on. You said everything was falling apart, that you were nothing, that even time had no meaning. I had to step in, Reality. I had to give you a reason to stay.
And that reason,” Aiden added, his tone acidic, “what was that, Atheros? A child you didn’t even own?!
Reality closed her eyes, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. Atheros turned to Aiden, his face lined with deep fatigue.
Yes, he admitted, his voice cracking. That child… it was my way of giving her an anchor. A life to protect, a life to love. It wasn’t a plan, Aiden. It was a last resort.
LAST RESORT?” Aiden exploded again, slamming his fist into a wall this time, cracking it on impact. “You talk about a last resort like it’s noble, but all you’ve done is create more chaos! Don’t you see what that does to her, to all of us?!
Reality looked up, her gaze meeting Aiden’s. She sounded both empty and burning with conflicting emotions. Aiden, that's enough, she said softly, though her voice was shaky. You don't understand... He doesn't understand either."
Then EXPLAIN! Aiden roared.
Reality took a deep breath, the words nearly tearing a scream out of her. That child... he wasn't supposed to exist, but now that he's here, he's a part of me. And it's that part that kept me from falling apart. But you, Atheros...
She pointed an accusing finger at him, her eyes blazing with anger. You knew. You knew I was on the brink, and instead of saving me, you locked me in another prison. A prison of responsibility, regret, and love that consumes me.
Aiden clenched his fists, trying to calm his anger, but Reality's words only fueled his fire. So what? All this... all this mess is because of him? He used you, Reality! And you still defend him?
No, Reality whispered, her tears slowly drying up. "I don't defend him. But I can't hate him completely either. Because that child... he's all I have left.
Aiden shook his head, his gaze hardening. "You're crazy to think like that. And you, Atheros... if that was your plan, then you failed. Because you didn't save her. You broke her even more.
Silence fell heavily on the room. Atheros didn't answer, his face closed, but his gaze spoke volumes. A mixture of regret and acceptance.
Reality looked away, staring at an invisible point. "What you don't understand, Aiden... is that there is no going back. Not for me. Not for us.
Aiden stepped back, shaking his head as if he refused to believe what he was hearing. So what? Do we keep doing this? Do we let this destroy us?
I don't know," Reality replied, his voice cracking. "But what I do know is that no matter how much I hate him for what he did… I can't undo what he gave me.
Atheros, standing still, finally whispered, almost inaudibly, "I never meant for it to end like this.
Aiden turned on his heel, his anger spilling over him like an uncontrollable wave. Too late, Atheros. Far too late.
== Chapter 5 ==
Atheros, his fists clenched and his eyes ablaze with rage, turned sharply toward the room, the words Reality and Aiden swirling through his mind. The incomprehension, the anger, the betrayal—all of it consumed him. But it wasn’t just the present situation that unsettled him. It was the very idea that, despite all this chaos, Reality felt unable to free itself.
You think I’m like him, huh? Atheros growled, fighting a rage that seemed to consume him. You think I’m going to save you like that, with a lot of words and broken promises? Because you see, that’s why I refuse any future love, Reality!
His eyes flared. And that’s when he transformed, like a shadow beast emerging from the depths of darkness. A hoarse growl escaped him as he writhed, his body morphing with unbridled power. His limbs twisted and grew in a whirlwind of raw energy. His arms and legs hardened, transforming into prismatic armor that unfolded around him, an exoskeleton composed of translucent facets, reminiscent of the multiple facets of a gem that reflected under the light.
He took the form of an enormous giant bat, similar to Lunana but much more imposing and monstrous, membranous wings unfurling in an explosion of energy. His cry pierced the air, a roar that sounded like a warning.
…and you think that one day it could be repairable AND ESPECIALLY FORGETABLE?
Reality, paralyzed by the violence of the transformation, instinctively recoiled. Her heart was pounding, frightened by the appearance of this monster, but also by the pain in Aiden's voice. A monster forged by loneliness, betrayal, and incomprehension.
You see, Aiden, Atheros continued, his voice hoarse, distorted by his new form. "I've always Hated you, but it was never enough for you, was it? You rejected again and again ALL THE MARINETTES MANIPULATING THE FATE WITH YOUR DARK DESIRE ... so I too will take it my way.
The world around them seemed to warp, the atmosphere charging with this destructive energy that emanated from his form. It was too late for regrets.
The ground shook under the violence of his words and his transformation, the prismatic exoskeleton capturing and refracting the light in blinding bursts.
== Chapter 5.5 ==
Atheros, now in his monstrous form, stood there, his wings spread like a dark veil, his form a towering giant bat radiating chaotic, prismatic energy. His exoskeleton shimmered in the light, each facet of its crystalline structure reflecting shards of light like fragments of his own madness. His eyes, still marked by that unalterable coldness, fixed on Reality, but also on Aiden, who seemed equally stunned by the scene unfolding before him.
You think that's WHY I refuse any future romantic relationship with myself, huh? Atheros snapped, his voice distorted by the monstrosity of his form, but carrying a devastating anger. Because all I could do, all I tried, was to protect what was left… and this is where it leads us.
His voice echoed through the space like a menacing echo, a reminder of his own failure. The beast's cry was not just that of a transformed being, but that of a man who, in this form, seemed to have reached the height of his despair. The exoskeleton, brighter than ever, seemed to be a metaphor for the façade of power he carried with him, but which in reality hid the inner devastation he felt.
Aiden, in his state of uncontrolled rage, stepped back slightly, but his eyes did not leave the monstrosity in front of him. You think that's going to excuse you, Atheros?! You think that's what we expect of you, this show of force to impose your burden on us?! Anger seized him again, but this time, he seemed almost more lost, destabilized by the sight of Atheros, this enormous and irrational creature, than by his words.
Reality, she stood back, watching this increasingly absurd and violent scene, her mind fogging. She was unable to understand what Atheros really meant. How had it come to this? Her heart was beating fast, a mixture of fear, confusion and pain.
You... you don't understand, Aiden, Atheros whispered in a hoarse breath, his eyes shining with an icy light. "It wasn't just for you, or even for her. It was for me too. For all of us. Because we were trapped in this vicious spiral we called 'destiny'.
Aiden shook his head, his fists clenched again, ready to explode. t wasn't destiny, Atheros, it was a mistake! And you betrayed us all, making us believe that everything could be fixed by force. But it's too late!
Atheros’ transformation, the prismatic exoskeleton, and the violence of his words created an atmosphere of unbearable tension. The air itself seemed to vibrate under the weight of this confrontation that went far beyond a simple argument. It was a battle for the soul, for the truth, and for what was left of humanity in them. But at that moment, neither Aiden nor Reality really knew if anything could be salvaged.
== Chapter 6 ==
The tension in the room rose a notch, the atmosphere becoming more and more unbearable. Reality, who had been watching the scene in silence until then, suddenly straightened up, her gaze darkening more and more, filled with frustration and anger. The emotions that were boiling inside her, accumulated for too long, could no longer be contained.
But how dare you, Atheros?! she screamed, her voice shaking with rage. You're the one who attacked me yesterday! You're the one who pushed me to this limit, to this state where I had no choice but to react! And you, Aiden, what do you want to tell me? That I'm responsible for all this? Because I simply said what I had seen, that you were... having Christmas?! She shook her head, her eyes shining with a cold and furious glint. You really want to turn everything against me now? You want me to be the bad guy in this story?!
Atheros, with his monstrous form and prismatic exoskeleton, approached slowly, but his eyes remained hard. He was disturbed by the direction things were taking. But this time, he didn't shy away. He looked into Reality's eyes, almost with a quiet sadness, although his voice trembled with the weight of bitterness and frustration he carried.
I didn't want this, Reality, he said, his voice broken but controlled, I never meant to bring you to this point. I tried to... to control the last form, but it escaped me. I failed, not you. He closed his eyes for a moment, as if still trying to comprehend everything that had just happened. "I told you I would do anything to help you… but I became part of the problem. I gave in to anger, and that's all I could offer.
Reality, already on the verge of exploding, shook her head, her hands clenched into fists. No! Don't try to make me believe that! It's easy to say it's your fault, Atheros. But you knew perfectly well what you were doing! You knew it would end like this. And you, you played with my limits, with my fears, and this is where it led us. Everything is devastated, everything is out of control. And now you come to tell me that you failed?!
She suddenly turned her gaze to Aiden, then to Atheros, furious. So, explain to me how I should have reacted! You want me to be calm, to be reasonable in all of this? How?! Her voice had become almost a cry of pain and rage mixed together. "I'm tired of playing the victim or the witness to everything that's happening. And you, Atheros, do you really think this is going to get better?! EVERYTHING'S GONE OUT OF ME, and you still want to tell me that I'm supposed to be the one holding it all together?!
His words hit like shards of glass in the air, each sentence an explosion of anger and frustration built up. She was out of breath, but her rage was all the more devastating.
Aiden, for his part, was still in that dull anger that was burning inside him. You see, Atheros, all this... everything you've done to us, that's it! It's manipulation, lies, sleight of hand! He stepped forward, almost threatening. You think you can control everything? You think you can fix what you've broken? Because I'm tired of all this. I'm tired of you, of everything you impose on us.
Atheros, though still warped by his towering form, felt every word from Aiden, every cry from Reality, crash into him like an electric shock. He knew he had crossed the line, that he had acted under pressure, in a whirlwind of confusion and regret. But reality was relentless.
I know I hurt you, he whispered, almost inaudible. I know I can't fix what's broken. But please… don't hate me for what I did.
Reality looked up at him, her gaze sharp. You've lost that right. All you've done is give us crumbs of hope, shards of light… and plunge us into darkness the moment we dared to hope. So no, Atheros. Never again.
She turned her gaze to Aiden, her face etched with anger and sadness. I don't have room for that anymore. Not for you, not for him. That future... it doesn't exist anymore.
== Chapter 7 ==
Atheros, rage consuming every fiber of his being, rose to his full gigantic form, his prismatic exoskeleton glowing with ferocious intensity. His membranous wings beat through the air with devastating force. The ground shook with the impact of his cry, each word vibrating through space like an inescapable threat.
THEN I WILL DESTROY EVERYTHING AND ERASE YOU FROM EXISTENCE, AIDEN! YOU SHOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD FROM THE BEGINNING THAT EVERYTHING HAS LIMITS!
Atheros' voice, profoundly transformed by the monstrosity he had become, unfurled like a ferocious howl. The weight of his words seemed to shake the air, each syllable cracking like a whip, resonating deep into the souls of those who listened to him. His gaze, icy and full of rage, fixed on Aiden, like a beast ready to bite.
Aiden, frozen in a mixture of terror and defiance, could only watch helplessly as the enormous creature before him was ready to destroy everything. The violence of Atheros’ transformation and the force of his words had a devastating effect, not only on him, but also on Reality, who felt his own anger unfold at an uncontrollable speed.
You think you can control everything, Atheros? Aiden yelled, clenching his fists so hard that he could feel his nails digging into his skin. But look where you are now! You are a soulless, purposeless creature, at the mercy of your own anger!
Reality, too, stood back, her eyes shining with hatred and pain. She knew Aiden was on the brink, but she too had crossed a threshold from which there was no turning back. The world seemed to dissolve around them, the line between reality and madness crumbling beneath their feet.
You think erasing Aiden will solve anything? Reality said coldly, his words echoing with the force of his own power. You think erasing someone’s existence will make you better?
But Atheros, enraged and twisted by his own monstrosity, did not turn away. It’s too late for regrets, Reality! It’s too late for all that! We’ve all crossed the line, and now we must pay the price. His wings struck the air, creating waves of pure force that shattered everything in their path.
The world around them had become a battlefield, and in this space, only an uncertain future awaited them. An inevitable end seemed looming, but the question remained: who would be there to survive the storm they themselves had created? 
== Chapter 8 ==
Atheros, in a final burst of fury, writhed under the impact of his own power, his gigantic, monstrous forms shrinking, contracting until he finally appeared in his human form. But something had changed. The energy that had enveloped him was rushing through his body, like an uncontrollable force. Before his feet could even touch the ground, an explosion of energy was heard, and Atheros emitted three powerful bursts of mystical dust—3x Redacted—as a final warning.
You want to fight? Fine, be prepared to see how far I can go! he growled, his eyes filled with the determination of a man who knew the end was near, but who would not give in without a fight.
But just as he was about to brace himself for a never-ending fight, a towering shadow formed in the sky. An icy chill cut through the air, like an evil wind, and reality itself seemed to waver under the pressure of this new presence.
Aiden, who had barely had time to react to Atheros’ transformation, froze when he saw this dark figure. He slowly turned his head, his eyes fixing on the shadow that stretched over him like a blanket of darkness.
It’s… it’s impossible… Aiden murmured, his voice trembling.
The shadow approached slowly, growing larger with each second. It merged into the light around them, a massive and oppressive form. When the figure finally emerged, it was no longer Atheros. No, it was not him.
The Maker, the mysterious and all-powerful entity, stood before them, merged with Atheros. The transformation was total and irreversible. His eyes were now those of Atheros, but his power was much greater, older, almost supernatural. Atheros’ prismatic exoskeleton seemed to be gone, but his essence, his energy, was still there—fused with something much darker and more powerful.
You really thought I would stay in the shadows, Aiden? That I would simply observe? the voice of the Maker said, but it now arried the echo of two beings, that of Atheros and that of the entity that had taken him under its wing. “I am more than just a master of this reality. I am its creator, its architect. And now, everything is at my mercy.”
Reality, too, felt the gravity of the change. This new fusion—this new power—was beyond anything they had experienced before. The Maker merged with Atheros was not simply an enemy. He was destruction itself, the end of an era.
Do you really think you can still defy me? the Maker said, his tone calm, almost indifferent to any form of resistance. I have no limits anymore, just like you have none.
Aiden, knowing that the chances of victory were now slim, refused to let fear overwhelm him. He would die with dignity if he had to. We don't just fight to survive... We fight to not let chaos swallow us up.
Reality, at his side, clenched her fists, her resolve as unwavering as ever. They were facing immeasurable power. But she had never been afraid of the impossible. Not now. Not after everything they had been through.
The darkness was there. But the light would never be extinguished. Not as long as they fought.
== Chapter 9 ==
The battle erupted with devastating violence, as if the very essence of the world was being torn apart by the blows exchanged. Atheros, or rather the Creator fused with him, was no longer a simple creature, but a scourge of pure energy, chaos incarnate. The fusion of Atheros' spirit and the divine entity gave him unimaginable power. His movements were fast, his attacks unpredictable, and each gesture seemed to resonate in the air with the force of a natural disaster.
As soon as the fight began, the ground shook, cracking under the pressure of the first waves of energy. Aiden and Reality, although they had incredible power themselves, found themselves facing an enemy of immeasurable power, a force capable of shattering the very foundations of their world.
Aiden, his eyes filled with determination, threw himself first. He knew that the slightest hesitation could cost them their lives. He focused his energy and launched a series of fiery strikes, each strike sending out bursts of pure energy. He attacked relentlessly, hoping to make the opponent falter.
But Atheros—or the Maker—didn’t even react. He slowly turned his head, a cold smile on his face. With a simple gesture of his hand, he brushed Aiden’s attack aside, sending the man flying several meters away, like a rag doll. The power unleashed by that simple gesture caused the air around them to explode.
Reality, for her part, hadn’t stood back. She knew that the only chance they had lay in their union. Merging her own power with Aiden’s, she sent out a wave of energy ripped from reality itself. The space around them twisted, warping under the effect of the raw power she unleashed.
The Maker raised his hands, and a sphere of blinding light bloomed around him, absorbing Reality’s strike. He was unwavering. Do you really think you can stop me? Everything you see, everything you know… it’s all mine now, he said, his voice resonating with frightening power. In that moment, he seemed to multiply, his forms duplicating into multiple versions of himself, each as fearsome as the last.
Aiden stood up with a grunt of pain. He knew they couldn’t continue fighting like this. They were outnumbered, and the enemy, though unified in one body, had the advantage of harnessing the energy of both sides.
Reality! We have to act together, or we’ll never last! Aiden shouted, his body swollen with wounds, but his resolve intact.
Reality nodded, her gaze now as cold as their enemy's. She reached out and merged her power with Aiden's, joining forces in a final burst of energy. Their powers, though still far inferior to their opponent's, created a shockwave that made the Creator's figure waver for a moment. Only a moment.
You dare attack me with such misery? the Creator mocked, almost amused. But in his gaze there was a flash of surprise—something he hadn't anticipated.
Atheros—or the Creator—began to focus his energy, and a gigantic vortex of light and darkness opened up in space, threatening to engulf everything around him. This was not an attack, but a rewriting of reality itself. What was happening was no longer a simple fight. It was the struggle for existence.
All will bend to my will, Reality, Aiden. The end of this battle will be the end of all you know. You are but fragments in the greater plan I have conceived.
Aiden and Reality now faced a threat far greater than a single enemy. The Maker was not content to fight; he wanted to reshape the world in his image. Their fight was now a matter of survival. But for Aiden and Reality, the only choice left was to risk everything.
We will not let you! Aiden shouted, gritting his teeth.
Reality, raising her hands, closed her eyes to focus her energy. A pure, intense light burst from her, and she tensed in a beam of energy, a last burst of hope.
The world around them cracked as the battle continued, an endless struggle between creation and destruction, and between those who fought for reality and those who sought to shape it to their will.
== Chapter 10 ==
The Creator, in all his glory and power, now stood atop the chaos he had created. The energy emanating from him was such that it seemed to devour the air itself, altering reality at every moment, as if he were ready to erase everything to rebuild in his own image. The cracks in space-time multiplied around him, ready to swallow up everything he had known, everything he had created.
But as he raised his hands to give the final command, a memory, suddenly, emerged in his mind, like a fragile glimmer in the heart of darkness. It was an ancient vision, a sliver of humanity, a moment he had thought erased forever.
The memory was of himself, before all this, before he became an all-powerful entity. He saw himself in another time, another form: a man, broken, lost in the darkness of the world, searching for an answer he never found. He remembered the first time he had met Reality, the moment she had reached out to him, shown him a future, a chance to choose, to fix what he had broken.
You think one person can erase everything, start over, and that will solve everything? she had said at the time.
The Maker, at that moment, had answered with silence. But now the memory struck him with the force of lightning. This offer, this chance to redeem himself, to be more than just a force of destruction, resurfaced in his mind. He saw Reality’s words again, the hopes he had felt, all of which he had long since rejected.
His hand shook slightly, and the vortex of energy he had created shifted, flickering. For a moment, he found himself suspended between two worlds, between the end and the possibility of another beginning.
The Creator, though still powerful, could no longer ignore the thought that invaded him. What if... he wondered, what if this was not the end, but the beginning of a new chance?
A shiver ran through his mind, an inner conflict that only grew, torn between the pain of the past and the promise of an uncertain future. He no longer knew if he really wanted to destroy everything, or if he was still capable of something else. Something human.
Reality, still in the midst of its struggle to maintain balance, felt this subtle change. She looked up, and for a moment their eyes met. She had seen that hesitation in his eyes—the shadow of a memory.
Do you really want to erase everything? she said, her voice filled with a strange sweetness, almost like an invitation. Or is it that, perhaps, you are still looking for a reason to hope?
The Maker, his will struggling against what he had become, froze. He looked at Aiden, then at Reality. And for the first time in a long time, he felt lost.
Why... why didn't you forget? Why do you keep hoping in this world I shattered?" he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion he hadn't felt in so long.
The cracks in reality seemed to stabilize, the energy invading them diminishing slightly, as if this single moment of hesitation was enough to slow the process of destruction.
Reality, with astonishing calm, approached. Because hope, even in destruction, is what makes us human. And that's what you were, once.
A flicker of uncertainty crossed the Maker's eyes. For a moment, he wondered if he was still capable of change. But before he could answer, he felt another flash in his memory, a stronger pain, a fragment of the past he had not wanted to face.
Aiden, arms outstretched, whispered in a broken, almost pleading voice: It's not too late, Atheros... it's never too late to choose another path.
And in this confrontation of powers, memories and choices, one question remained unanswered: Could the Maker still free himself from the monstrosity he had become, or was it too late to fix everything?
The battle had only just begun, but this moment of doubt in his heart already marked a tear in his mind... a hope, fragile but unalterable, of redemption.
== Chapter 11 ==
Aiden, seeing the situation worsen by the second, knew that their fight against the Creator merged with Atheros was doomed. Each attack he made seemed ineffective, each attempt to break the entity's hold seemed more futile than the last. Reality around him was twisting under the power of Atheros, and he himself felt his strength abandoning him.
He turned his gaze to Reality, then to Atheros, the latter suspended in a strange state, both threatening and uncertain. The fusion between the human and the Creator, although physically intact, seemed to waver emotionally. Aiden, despite the pain and rage boiling inside him, knew what he had to do. He turned one last time to Reality, with a look filled with sadness and resignation.
I know... I know we're going to lose," he said, his voice hoarse. But at least I can leave knowing one thing: that you and I, Atheros, could have found another way. We could have been happy... together. We could have chosen another future."
Aiden's words hit Atheros like a shock, like a vibration that resonated in his consciousness. The Maker—Atheros, at that moment—stopped, his gaze flickering between the fight and the past he had tried to erase. He was no longer the superior entity he thought he was, but a being torn between the destruction he desired and the echo of a humanity he could not quite abandon.
Aiden, his voice trembling but full of conviction, continued: I have accepted what you have become... but you know deep down, Atheros, that this is not what you wanted. I saw you, before all this... I know that even in this form, a part of you still dreams of another world. But if you truly want to erase everything, I will be the one to carry that weight. If this is what it takes for you to remember who you really were... then I will make that sacrifice. Aiden turned, ready to throw himself into the battle, ready to break Atheros' balance. He was no longer afraid of death, he was no longer afraid of the end. 
This sacrifice was the only thing he could offer, and he hoped that through this last act, he could awaken the human part of Atheros. He was not naive: he knew he would not survive. But if it could be enough to remind Atheros of what he had lost, then it was a price he was willing to pay.
However, before he could act, something happened. A rush of air, a sense of infinity, as if the world itself had suspended judgment. Atheros, who had been watching this offering, took a step back, his face marked by a flash of confusion. The energy around him stilled, slightly, a light haze dissipating from his gaze.
No... he whispered, his voice almost imperceptible, but filled with a pain that resonated throughout reality. You... you sacrificed yourself for me?
He stopped, a glint in his eyes, a fracture forming in the shell he had imposed on himself over the years. The Maker, who had always been a detached entity, without attachment, without pity, seemed to waver under the impact of Aiden's last words.
Atheros turned his gaze towards him, and for the first time since he had merged with the Maker, a sigh escaped his lips. An almost human gesture. The anger and fury that had invaded him seemed to calm down a little. He closed his eyes, for a moment, as if he were trying to find a feeling he had lost.
You... were right. Maybe... maybe all of this wasn't what I was supposed to be. Not what I wanted to be." The Maker's gaze turned towards Aiden, a glimmer of humanity floating in his eyes. I became a monster... but you, you never stopped believing that there was still a part of me that was worth it.
Aiden, with a pale and tired smile, nodded. There is always a part of you that can choose, Atheros. Even in this chaos. Even in this suffering. That is humanity.
Atheros' powers, unstable at first, began to calm down, like a storm that dissipates over time. The vortex of destruction stabilized, the energy that threatened to destroy everything around them slowly calmed down.
The Maker, now sitting on the ground, his eyes closed, found himself, for the first time, alone with his thoughts. He was no longer simply an unstoppable force, a will to destruction. He was Atheros, the man he had been before all this. And, in this revelation, he finally understood what Aiden had offered him. A choice.
A choice he no longer thought possible.
Thank you, he whispered, barely audible, but carrying all the depth of a long and painful inner journey. Thank you for believing in me.
The wind blew gently around them, as if reality itself was breathing a sigh of relief, as the world stabilized, leaving no trace of behind him only a trace of fragile hope.
== Chapter 11.5 ==
Atheros’ words rang through the air like a broken prayer. Repentance, he whispered, his voice trembling with the depth of regret he had ignored for so long. It was an inner cry, a plea for redemption, as if he were seeking some humanity amidst the ruins he himself had caused.
In that suspended moment, Aiden and Reality stood there, watching the transformation unfold. The shards of light and darkness that had torn apart reality slowly faded, and an eerie stillness settled over them. The world around them seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what path Atheros would choose now that he had finally grasped the possibility of redemption.
Repentance, Atheros repeated, like an incantation, almost a promise. A term that echoed a miracle of healing, a return to the source, the origin of a force he had left behind when he became this divine and destructive entity. Aiden, exhausted but still present, approached slowly. "It's a start," he said in a hoarse but hopeful voice. Repentance... it's the first step. But it's going to take more than words, Atheros. You can't just erase what you've done. Redemption doesn’t come in an instant.
Atheros looked up, his gaze tinged with remorse. He knew his actions were irreversible, that he had caused countless suffering. But this moment, this memory and sacrifice, seemed to offer him a new perspective. A chance to break free, to find a path other than destruction.
I know, he answered slowly. I don’t expect everything to be forgiven, or even forgotten. But maybe… maybe it’s time to stop controlling everything, to stop manipulating everything. Maybe it’s time to learn to accept what I’ve lost and repair what I’ve broken.
Reality, standing next to Aiden, listened in silence. She knew, as did Aiden, that this was no easy victory. That the road to repentance was fraught with danger, and that Atheros must first confront his own demons. But for the first time, she could sense that there was real change, a realization in the one who had been the architect of destruction.
If you truly want to change, she said softly, “you must begin by accepting what you’ve become, and finding a way to heal. It will take time, Atheros. Maybe an eternity. But you are not alone in this journey. We are here, even for you.
The last vestiges of light around them dissipated as reality, tormented by the battle, slowly began to rebuild itself. The first stars appeared in the sky, like points of hope in a universe that had become possible again.
Repent, Atheros said one last time, not like a magic formula, but like an oath. An oath he would make, that he would live, with every breath he took from this moment on.
== Chapter 12 ==
The calm that followed the storm was almost surreal. The cracks in reality were slowly closing, and the shards of light and darkness dissipated, leaving behind a more stable world, but one marked by the events that had just unfolded. Atheros, or what he had become after repentance, stood there, breathing deeply, the heavy burden of his past actions still weighing on him, but a glimmer of humanity in his eyes. He seemed… more human, as if he had finally understood the true nature of his existence.
Aiden, exhausted and wounded, stood a few feet away, watching the Maker—or what was left of him—rebuild himself, slowly, with a strange sense of satisfaction mixed with an invisible weight.
But deep inside him, a truth hard to accept was dawning. The Maker, with his absolute neutrality, had made a decision far greater than anything that had just happened. He had rolled the die of destiny. And that die, Aiden knew, would determine the path he would take. A path that would inevitably lead him to let go. To accept that some things were beyond his control.
Reality stood beside him, her gaze fixed on Atheros, but Aiden could see the glint of despair in her eyes. She knew, as did he, that the balance they had regained would not last forever. Fate, that merciless and inescapable principle, would eventually catch up with them.
You know what that means, Aiden, Reality whispered, her voice barely audible, but full of understanding. All of this... it can't last. There is a price to pay for every action, and what we have done, what we have changed... we have disrupted the balance. And now we must accept the consequence of this disruption.
Aiden nodded slowly, the truth weighing on him like a burden. He had understood, from the moment Atheros had made his choice to repent, that fate had placed them all at a crossroads that they could not avoid. No amount of world repair could prevent the coming breakup.
I knew, Reality, he said, his voice breaking. "I knew that at some point, I would have to let you go. It's not a choice I want to make, but I know it's necessary."
Reality, with a faint, sad smile, turned to him. You always knew, Aiden. From the beginning. That our paths would cross, that our paths would part. That's what reality does. It changes. Nothing is permanent. And you... you did the right thing. You allowed me to see... another way.
Reality's words were soft, but heavy with meaning. She knew, as he did, that love and hope weren't always enough to maintain balance. Sometimes, reality itself demanded sacrifices. And Aiden, though he hated the thought of losing this connection with her, understood now that he could not hold back what was destined to change.
Destiny was calling them, and Aiden, with heavy resignation, prepared to let go. He approached Reality, and, for one last time, took her in his arms. "I regret nothing. Not a single second," he said, his voice almost choked with emotion.
Me neither, she answered softly, letting the tears slide slowly down her cheeks, but there was no pain, only silent acceptance.
Atheros, now at a distance, silently observed this scene. The humanity he had regained, however fleeting, had made him witness to something greater than himself. He understood now that, for all the power he possessed, even he could not interfere with the fate of others, nor that of his companions.
He turned slowly to Aiden and Reality, a deep, almost reverent look in his eyes. You acted according to your heart, Aiden. And that, despite everything, is what matters. But fate... it catches up with us all, sooner or later.
Aiden didn't answer immediately. His eyes were on Reality, on this entity that had been by his side throughout this journey, and who, now, had to leave.
The die of fate had been cast. And even if Aiden knew that separation was imminent, he also knew that he couldn't hold her back. He let her go, not out of a desire for destruction, but out of respect for a balance that he could neither fully understand nor control.
Goodbye, Reality, he whispered, one last time.
She smiled at him, a smile filled with serenity and wisdom. Goodbye, Aiden. We will meet again... when the time is right.
And in that peaceful silence, as fate continued its course, Aiden finally let go, accepting the fact that sometimes the greatest form of love lies in freedom.
== Final ==
The wind blew gently through the ruins that remained of the world they had known, carrying with it the last vestiges of chaos. Reality and Atheros stood together, in a secluded place, a place where silence reigned, and where the two could finally talk. There was a heavy pressure in the air, a weight that neither could ignore. In nine days, the Maker would reveal a secret buried for eons, a secret that, if revealed, would change everything the Citizens and Entities had ever known.
You know what this means, don't you?" Reality asked, his gaze fixed on Atheros, but his thoughts clearly elsewhere. The burden that weighed upon them was not easy to bear. They knew that the truth they were about to announce would not only disrupt the fragile balance they had restored, but also affect the fate of all those affected by it.
Atheros, his eyes fixed on the endless sky above them, sighed deeply. He had been a participant in this secret for centuries, and even if his repentance had been sincere, he knew that he would not escape the consequences of his past actions.
Yes, he answered in a calm but serious voice. The secret... It's why I acted as I did. Why I chose to destroy everything around me. But now, it's time to tell everything. We have no choice. He turned his gaze to Reality. I can no longer hide the truth, even if I know it will shatter everything we've tried to rebuild.
Reality nodded. You also know that this truth won't just affect you and me. Everyone, starting with Aiden, will be affected. And he won't understand why I had to follow you into this secret.
The two remained silent for a moment, absorbed in the depth of the events to come. They knew that the revelation of this secret would change the perception of every living being, every existence. Aiden, Reality, Atheros, and all those involved would never be the same again.
----
Meanwhile, far from this heavy discussion, Aiden had returned home. The air was fresh, and the breeze carried with it a sense of renewal. After going through so much struggle, sacrifice, and turbulence, he had finally found himself in a place that had once been the center of his life. Yet, something seemed different. The atmosphere was calmer, almost... peaceful.
Inside the house, Aiden took a moment to observe the silence. Nothing was the same as before, and he knew that everything had changed, that everything was reorganizing itself. He slowly made his way to the main room, where a familiar figure caught his attention.
There, in the corner, stood a woman. A woman who, though strangely different from the Reality he knew, had something deeply familiar about her. A softness in her eyes, a glint that seemed to be him—the one from the old version of the timeline, before all the deconstruction, before it had become what it had become.
Marline... he said, his voice full of surprise and confusion, recognition hitting his heart like a bolt of lightning. You... you're... it's you, aren't you?
The woman standing there smiled slowly. Her name was named, The version of his timeline, before it had become this almost implacable and distant entity. A version of her that had not yet suffered the weight of all the decisions and events that had transformed her.
Yes, it's me, she answered, her voice soft but marked with a certain sadness. Before everything fell apart. Before the secret of reality itself began to destroy everything we were. She approached him with a slowness tinged with nostalgia, as if she remembered the life they had shared.
I came, Aiden, she added, "because, in this world that is rebuilding itself, I wanted to tell you that, even after everything that has happened, there are still memories. Moments of hope and beauty. And, above all, a truth... the one you must know."
Aiden, lost in this unexpected encounter, turned to her, perplexed. "But why now, Marinette? Why come back to this precise moment?
Marline lowered her eyes, as if she carried on her shoulders the weight of the destiny of the universe. Because, Aiden, even if the truth must be revealed, even if the Creator must announce this secret, there are still choices. Moments when love, redemption, can change the course of things."
She stopped right in front of him, her gaze filled with depth. "And you, Aiden... you have the power to decide whether this secret will be used to destroy or rebuild. Aiden stood there, his eyes fixed on her, aware that everything was now tied to this moment. The world he knew was no longer was more the one before, and the fate he was about to face was much greater than anything he had imagined.
In nine days, the truth would come out. But Aiden knew he was not alone. Even if Marline, back, offered him a lost truth, there was still hope. And maybe, all was not lost yet.
I will fight, Aiden said, his eyes determined. For you, for us, and for all those who will have to hear this truth.
Marline smiled one last time, before slowly fading into the shadows, like a light mist. You are ready, Aiden. Do what it takes.
Category:Lostverse
Category:Story