The Consequences

Based on my poem, “ Whatever happened to this place?” If you’re feeling confused or just want more context, feel free to check it out!
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The wind howled in the distance. A thin veil of smoke cloaked the air, as flames licked the sides of buildings, crackling softly. It almost felt…peaceful.

(If one strained their ears, they could hear the lamentations of those trapped and injured, beseeching aid.)

How curious, that he now chose to focus on his surroundings, just as he was about to confront the one who had razed the kingdom.

The Destroyer, they called him. And there he stood, on the precipice, overlooking the ruin below.

“Beautiful, is it not?” the figure murmured, hands clasped behind his back.

Emerald tightened his grip on his sword. How could one perceive such devastation as beautiful? Even when he had trodden a darker path, he had never taken delight in destruction for its own sake.

He stepped forward. “Who are you? Why did you wreak this devastation?”

The Destroyer hummed, his back still turned. “Oh, me?” He turned around, placing a hand on his chest and extending the other in a grand gesture.

Emerald gasped. This…could not be.

Hector?/The Destroyer bowed, a maniacal grin spreading across his face. “I am the Bringer of Death, the Emissary of the End. And what I offer is mercy.”

“But…why? How can this be mercy?” Emerald’s voice faltered. His mind whirled—none of this felt real.

Hector’s smile twisted into a grotesque parody of what it once was. His warm cerulean eyes were now cold, one black and one white. He was their Saviour, his brother (though now estranged). How had it come to this?

He maintained that unsettling smile, as if all was well. “To live is to suffer. But I, The Emissary, offer an escape. We all must perish in the end, but why not hasten the process…hmm?”

Emerald was struck dumb. “You…”

“Tsk, tsk. I have a name, you know? It’s The Emissary.”

This felt…eerily familiar.

“Can none of you address me by my true name? It is Emerald.”

As if reading his thoughts, Hector remarked, “Familiar, is it not?”

A bolt of realization struck him. Visions of the day he clashed with his brother, after he had lost his memory, flooded his mind.

“Oh, me? One of Lord Alistair’s finest soldiers, The Ivy Knight, at your service. But just Emerald will suffice.”

He had once served Lord Alistair, who sought the world’s end, just as Hector did now.

To him, his brother had become something unrecognizable, so far removed from the man he once knew.

(Had he felt as Emerald did now, shocked and confounded?)

Hector sighed, seemingly indifferent to Emerald’s turmoil. “Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, I still retain my memories. Some may have faded, but the crucial ones remain, I believe.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps I should rectify that. Oh well!”

Behind him, hurried footsteps echoed on the stone. The princess appeared, her usual flowing dress replaced with more practical attire. A spear was strapped to her back. “I came as swiftly as I could after evacuating everyone. Is all well—” She stopped, clearly recognizing the figure before them.

“Ah, Princess Diana. How good of you to join us. We were just discussing the kingdom’s predicament. Perfectly normal, I assure you.” Hector gave her what he likely considered a welcoming smile.

It only sent chills down his spine.

Princess Diana approached him. “Hector—”

“The Emissary of the End,” he corrected, “but just The Emissary will suffice.”

She ignored his amendment. “Hector, what madness has possessed you? Did you cause all this?”

“What do you think?” Hector tilted his head. “Oh, and before I forget. Princess, perhaps you should inspect the state of the cells? Prison is dreadfully dull, and one could easily lose their mind therein.” His grin widened at his words.

“Hector, your brother is present! Do you care nothing for him? Do you not consider what he must think of you now?” Princess Diana gestured to Emerald, as if to underscore her point.

“My brother?” His smile tightened, and his body began to tremble. For a fleeting moment, Emerald swore he saw Hector’s eyes flash blue. “Aeneas is dead! He cannot think anything of me, for he does not exist! He perished the day he forgot everything, including himself. Did you not say so yourself, Emerald? What were your words? ‘I cannot pretend to be someone I am not?’”

Emerald’s heart skipped a beat. All of this felt wrong. He was at a loss for words and actions. Did Hector still regard him as his brother?

Hector…it was best to think of him as The Emissary now.

Hector The Emissary exhaled deeply, his voice softening as his gaze momentarily gentled. “Fret not, Emerald. I had ample time to ponder it. I have made my peace.”

Emerald had the distinct sense that he had not.

“I apologize for getting carried away.” The Emissary cleared his throat. “Now, do lengthy monologues not bore you? I trust you do not object, for I have taken the liberty to prepare something special for you.”

With a wave of his hand, the ground trembled, and glass walls surrounded Emerald. He was imprisoned!

Emerald struck the walls of his glass prison, even attempting to shatter them with his sword, but to no avail. The glass was impervious.

He glanced at Princess Diana, who was similarly trapped. After a futile attempt to break free, she shook her head. No success there either.

“Tada!” The Emissary raised his arms theatrically. “How do you like it? The monologue, the surprise twist…it is my first attempt!”

He chuckled to himself. “And best of all, you have front-row seats to the end of the world! A true classic!”

The Emissary laughed. “Oh…dear, dear brother. I shall bring the world to you.”

“Hector!—”

A whoosh, and he was gone.

The Emissary never heard his cry.

Behind the barrier, Emerald met Diana’s gaze, tears threatening to fall. Was this truly the end?

The wind howled in the distance. There they stood, trapped on the precipice, forced to witness the kingdom’s demise. It almost felt…peaceful, if one ignored the devastation.

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If you’re here, thanks for reading…whatever this ridiculously long thing is. Feedback and critique is very much appreciated. Hope you have a nice day/night ahead!