B2 Ch. 6 Wisdom’s Gift

Hiro’s questions lingered in the air, but Tilly didn't answer right away. He took another minute to process the implications of the advancement tab on the screen in front of him while the rest waited on his answer or re-read their own screens.

The Three-Fold Alliance had everything they needed to advance to a ‘City-State’ which would give them the ability to field an army and strengthen the walls.  Not to mention the twenty additional miles of buffer between them and the “neighbors” whoever they were.

Tilly didn't know what the auction house was, but he had no doubt it would probably be just as important an opportunity for the burgeoning nation as the other upgrades… But of course, all of them were dependent on if they could find and obtain the ‘Patronage’ of another Origin Facet.

His mind whirled as he went back over the words that Wisdom had spoken in that strange voice in the central chamber… Something about memories and jewels… shit.  He needed to get his Intelligence up.

“Look, I’m only working with bits of information myself, but as far as I understand it, what lies at the center of this temple is just a piece of Origin’s nature, or maybe a representation of a part of His character?  Honestly, it hasn’t once been explained to me, but I am pretty sure I have seen another like it.  There is a Blue Flower somewhere that feels like it is doing the same as the Flame.  When I think back over my experiences, it feels like they are anchoring reality somehow, or helping it to grow into something better.  Anyway, I saw this other Facaet in a… vision after the fight in front of the city.  All I know is that it is surrounded by mountains, hiding in a small valley, not unlike us.”  Tilly said, trailing off as he realized how little he actually knew about its location. How the hell was that supposed to help them find it?

As he thought about finding it, Descent’s invitation came back to the surface of his mind.  Whatever the others thought, He would have to go looking for this thing.

Hiro looked as if he was about to reply when Tilly realized what was behind him leaving out that detail...  As soon as he identified it, he could hear the subtle whispers at the back of his mind,

leave it out

You don’t know some of these people

It's not important at this time

Tilly’s face screwed up in anger and shame as he realized he was going to do it all over again.  Hide his problems, and stick to being a savior, not a liability.  He didn't want everyone here to know that he would have to go after this new Facet because he didn't want them to know why it had to be him.

Before he could get mired down again in the mud of his own subtle shame and apathy at being the one in need, he blurted out the thing he had been holding back,

“When I saw the Blue Flower, I also met its guardian.  He told me that if I wanted to be free of my own Corruption infection, I would have to find the flower again. So however we choose to pursue this Advancement requirement,  I have to be the one to go!” The words came out hot and angry as if fueled by the inner conflict playing out in his soul.

Be perfect, be the savior.

Ask for help, trust others enough to see you in need.

Hiro took the almost shouted final statement in stride, already being party to this particular revelation, but the two elders' eyes hardened at the news.  Linus might as well have been told it was going to rain for all the change that came over his expression, but Pupienus took the cake.  He audibly gasped, and took a step back from Tilly, even though he was on the other side of the room,

“How could this be?  I was told you represent the Deity at odds with this horrendous substance! They assured me that you even have the ability to cure most cases of infection.  Explain yourself!”  He sputtered, looking around the room as if he had been tricked by all parties present.

“Silence!”  Hiro growled, unleashing his aura which caused everyone in the room to flinch besides Linus and Ichiro.

Hiro turning the full weight of his flat stare on the Bureaucrat, “He was infected saving the life of my son and is much more an ally to this ‘Alliance’ than you are.  Even if our goals did not align, which I doubt is coincidence, we would still support him.”  He then turned to the Honu elders.

“I believe your predecessor was aware of Jonathan’s state and decided to trust him, I ask you to do the same.  He is not an agent of our enemy, he is simply fighting it internally as well as externally.” Hiro interceded, letting his aural pressure slacken.  The elders gave him a long considering look, before turning their gaze back to Tilly,

“Be that as it may… We still should… Have been informed… It could have… Impacted our votes…”  One of them said Tilly had honestly forgotten which was which, and at this point, he figured it was a bad time to ask.

Ichiro chose this moment to gently break into the conversation, “Look at what we have gained in minutes… We could have remained undeclared.  But on Nephesh stagnancy is Death.  Knowing what you know now, would you have chosen any differently?”

“Yes-” Squeaked the Bureaucrat, but everyone ignored him and Ichiro watched the elders with an expression of relaxed curiosity.

“Our people have forgotten… the Dream.”  Replied the second elder slowly,

“That is what… my father said… when he met with you… That you would help us to… remember… What we have forgotten…We remain committed.”  She continued her, voice strengthening as if speaking the words aloud settled it in her own mind.

Then everyone turned to Pupienus and he shrank back under their combined stares,

“Yes, well.  We all agreed on this manner of governance, and I am not fool enough to try and violate it right from the beginning.  It is decided!  We continue.”  He admitted spitefully.

“WONDERFUL” Shuji shouted, startling half the room as he slammed shut his giant book.  Tilly wasn’t sure if he was reacting to what had just transpired, or something he had just read from the knowledge stored in his own mind.  Either seemed possible.

“I am sure there is much to catalog and record!  These rewards offered to our people seem to be almost unprecedented.  There will probably even be new classes!”  He said, tucking the book away god knows where and moving back towards the entrance as if everything had been decided.

Ichiro shrugged happily and got to his feet turning to follow and all the others except for Linus and Hiro moved along with him. They both looked at each other and moved over toward Tilly.

“However unwilling I was at the time… you saved my life,”  Linus said solemnly.

“And most probably the Bastions would just be a memory if not for you.  So know this, as long as I am alive, our armed forces will be for you.  You have stepped in for us several times now, and we will do the same for you at a call.”  He finished formally, before knocking a hard military solute against his chest.

Hiro regarded his actions with a ghost of a smile on his face, which disappeared as soon as he noticed Tilly’s glance,

“Just let us know when you have any more idea where this Facet is.  We cannot lose you as a resource, or a friend… And depending on how hard the fighting will become, we very well could need those Advancements as soon as possible, so let me know as soon as you know anything else.”  He added gruffly.  Then he clapped his hand on Tilly’s shoulder.  Their grough but earnest attempt a reassuring him struck something deep in Tilly.  Something that challenged him to trust and reveal more of his internal doubts than he ever had in his life,

“That… means a lot. You are both extraordinary leaders, and I am glad my journey has brought me alongside you and your people.  But I have one other favor to ask…” He said, taking a deep breath before continuing,

“I wish I could say this thing inside of me was forcing me to do things, but it isn’t like that.  It takes whatever darker desires were already inside me and strengthens them, making my decisions seem reasonable in the moment.  So it is becoming more and more difficult for me to recognize its influence on my mind…” He trailed off, trying to find out exactly how to word his request.  They both gave him space, not interrupting as he tried to express what he needed.

“I guess what I am asking is, watch out for me.  There will probably be a few times when I start acting erratically, and I need you to step in and stop me.  If I can’t get back in control, I need you to do whatever you have to… Don’t let me become one of those things.  Do you understand?”  He finished, gasping out the final lines of his request as the Corruption within him began to writhe angryly.

“Worry not Jonathan Tillman, we will do everything we can to help you.  But if we fail, I will not hesitate to end you before you become something else.”  Hiro replied in a hard voice, before clapping him on the shoulder again and turning to go after the others, with Linus nodding along in total agreement.  Tilly felt no sense of hesitance or regret in those words as he stood there and processed Hiro’s promise.

He didn’t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed with how quickly and confidently Hiro had agreed to kill him if it was necessary.  But an ask was an ask, and it just meant that he really needed to find out where this next Facet was, one way or another.

He looked over at the crystal and it flashed before presenting a green screen in front of him,

Welcome to the Three-Fold Alliance Sovereign Crystal.

Would you like to view available class change options?

Y/N

Out of curiosity, Tilly selected “yes”

Scanning current cla- - - -

- - - -

- - - -

- - - -  Error

Son of Flame class incompatible with the current system.  Would you like to begin again at Level 1 with a compatible class?

Y/N

Tilly sighed as he selected no.  It was not like he would choose something else anyway, due to his titles and skills synergizing with his current class it would be foolish at this point.  But that didn’t change the fact that it felt damn annoying to be railroaded this way.

He left the crystal behind hoping that it would be way more useful for refugees than it had for him. His walk turned into a run as he heard shouts coming from outside.

“Look, Miss!  I don't know where you came from, but I don't like being snuck up on!”  An outraged Kuro yelled.

“For the last time you Box of Rocks, I didn’t choose to be here either, now if you will just point me towards the nearest working teleport hub, I can find my way back on my own!” A melodic female voice shot out in reply, stringing her words together in a rapid but musical cadence.

Tilly emerged out into the front of the temple, to find the entire council standing off to the side wearing various expressions of concern or suspicion. Apart from them stood a stunning young woman, wearing exquisitely tailored clothing in different shades of green and jewel tones.  The layers were cut to form a strange mix between a ball gown and a formal three-piece suit.

Level 86 Ward of the Summer Court

She stood almost butting heads with Kuro, while Nyuk stood just to the side holding a new smaller axe at the ready. Above both of their heads was a brand new class.

Level 25 and 29 Forest Wardens.