Epilogue

“I do not feel like we deserve any donuts,” Dustbunny said. His ears drooped out of the rucksack as he moped. In his paws was the Oasis Spark. “I did not like that.”

“I know, buddy,” David said as he trudged through the snow. He glanced back again, and the dropship was finally leaving. It rose into the air, spewing a cloud of snow from its propellers, and then disappeared into the gray sky.

David slid over a rock and landed with a dull thump. He adjusted his grip on the rucksack and pushed on through a grove of frozen trees, their icy branches sparkling in the sparse beams of sun. In the grove was a myriad of random objects similar to those at the peak of the mountain. A file cabinet leaned against one of the trees, and a stone sword big enough for a giant was embedded into the ground.

“We’re almost there, pal,” David said, more to himself than to Dust.

 

“We’ll be outta this stupid valley in no time. Once we’re outta here, whaddya say we get a dozen chocolate donuts glazed with sprinkles, just like you . . .” David trailed off as he noticed a figure standing at the edge of the grove.

The figure was a charred suit of armor filled with fire. They were tall, almost twice David’s height. The armor plates were thick, charcoal black, and coated in bright orange flames that flickered and crackled, licking at the metal. The helmet’s faceplate had angular eye holes and a jagged mouth, almost like a jack-o’-lantern.

The flaming suit of armor stepped forward. The plates clinked, and the fire sent sparks spiraling into the air.

“Looks like you made it,” said the Guardian. His voice had once been something recognizable, but now it was deep and distorted, like even his voice was burning. “I knew you would. That’s why I chose you.”

“You lied to me, Valen,” David spat as Dustbunny poked his head up over his shoulder, his ears lying back and eyes narrowing.

“I did not lie to you,” Valen responded coolly. “Everything is set in motion the way it should be.”

“Oh yeah?” David stomped forward and glared up at the figure. “Well, how about this? How about I don’t carry through with your plan? Huh? I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I can be spiteful. Ain’t that right, Dust? I can be plenty spiteful, can’t I?” David said, his accent creeping in.

"You can,” Dustbunny growled, his fur prickling like a cat’s.

“That’s right,” David said. “I ain’t afraid of you.”

“You aren’t afraid of anything,” Valen scoffed. “That’s why I chose you.”

“We both know that’s not true either.”

The Guardian stepped forward, looming over David, but David didn’t back down.

“I . . .” Valen said. “I am a god. I am the only thing that keeps this world from truly falling apart. I guard the scales of chaos and order, and I make sure they are balanced. I save this world, David, and I save it every day.”

“You’re not a god.” David pushed past him, flames licking at his sleeve.

“You can’t do it, you know,” Valen called after him. “It was Alkania’s destiny to break the world, and we can rebuild it. We have a chance to make this world great. If you . . . If you go down this path, you’re going to break things even more.”

“Fine,” David said under his breath. “Then let’s break the world again.”