The grief was crushing, the knowledge that not only had they failed - that he had failed, their last and final hope - but that the sun had shone once more and they were not here to see it shine. His brothers and sisters, his brethren, his loved ones gone forevermore in a fight none of them wanted from the start. He feels his form fade, tears vanishing from his cheeks as the aether which comprises his soul begins to drift away. The tower draws him near, draws him close, and Elidibus isn't sure what is to come next as grief and pain bury him. But surely it cannot be as lonely as-

Suddenly, things change.

The sun warms his cheeks.

The wind caresses his face.

An unfamiliar voice sounds in his ears, and pale eyes snap open behind crimson mask to take in his surroundings - a bedroom? unfamiliar - before an adult woman enters his line of vision. The next few minutes are a whirlwind and Elidibus cannot make sense of exactly what is happening, not after his defeat, his death, not after-

He stands outside now, door locked behind him and pack in his hands. Beside him hovers a creature whose like he has never seen before, and a soft, whispering voice sounds inside of his head. The conversation is brief, but it releases the suffocating grip of emotion in his breast somewhat.

A heavy sigh, before he straightens up, opening the pack to inspect its contents. Gilded claws are careful as he sifts through, and wasn't that a comfort, to still remain dressed in his raiment of office. He finds a change of clothes and strange technology of an unfamiliar make.

Well, should others have been sent here - wherever here may be - perhaps he could use this to contact them. His duty may have been made null in this place, no fragments which he may rejoin, no salvation for the star he had been taken from, but he would still serve as Emissary.


--


[The video begins, showing a man with crimson mask and white cowl. His robes are unmistakable - it is Elidibus. His mouth seems to tighten, before he speaks.]

[The voice is smooth, musical:]

I am Elidibus, Emissary, bearer of the word of Zodiark. It has been brought to my attention that upon my arrival I should make an announcement such as this, and you behold that result.

[He looks to the side, out of the frame, before turning back. His voice wavers, ever so slightly.]

Should there be any among you who know of me, I have been informed that my current location is in one New Bark Town.

[He hesitates, mouth opening to say more, but instead of speaking he closes the video.]