Comrade Duck

I was just thinking to myself, "well fuck, now what do I do on NCM?" Then this thread appeared

Elementary, Watson

"It's simple, really," Olivander said as Lord Nil posed her question. "The future I want to protect is the one I've not yet seen or experienced. At first, I was ready to accept that there was no hope. But Kitt, and yourself, have instilled in me a reason to look to things I've yet to know. So long as there is more for me to live for--even knowing that all things must one day end--I will protect that."

His smile returned as he faced Lord Nil and folded his arms. His chest puffed out as he affirmed, "I'm a watchdog of Hinder, after all. This is probably the biggest gamble I've ever taken."

Sir William let loose a mighty sqawk to accompany Olivander's triumphant claim. "You've shown me enough, Lord Nil. The time is now. We must act. And who knows? When we right things, maybe there's more cake to be had. Maybe I can help Kitt find the love of a woman," Olivander joked. "Or, a fellow, if that's where your wind blows," Olivander went on. "Regardless, there's much to do. And, Lord Nil, I like to think you're looking forward to this yourself. I imagine it's quite amusing to watch people, the world over, doing so many manic things. All the while, you know what's coming. It must be like a game for you. In which case, I'm a renewed, willing player."

Olivander was itching to get back to the Swallow Tail now. "Well, Kitt?" Olivander said with a ridiculous smirk. "Ready to ride?"

Scurvy

Olivander dusted himself off as he stood. He knew Kitt was right. He had to accept that. With a heavy sigh, he finally responded. "Mate, I fucked up pretty good," he said with a laugh. "Yeah. Savvy. I appreciate your help, Kitt. I know I'll need it."

Olivander turned to Lord Nil but couldn't quite find the words to express what he wanted to. "I guess, thanks Lord Nil. For a better understanding of what it is that I was missing," he managed to say. "I suppose then, we should be going. Perhaps, back to the beginning? Back to Galatea," Olivander said firmly. As the name of the island left his lips, Olivander felt anger creep up his spine. His mind wandered back to Simon and all the damage he had done. Then to the council. Now, he was eager.

"Yeah. I'd like to start there. That is, of course," he said as he turned back to Kitt. "If you're prepared and willing."

Sir William offered an encouraging cluck to Kitt and Olivander, still none the wiser to the depths of everything happening around him.

"Yes, my good cock. There's much to do. I'll need your help as well," Olivander replied. "Shall we go?"

Whispers on the Wind

Sir William shuddered frightfully as the island shook. Olivander sat upright, startled and shocked. He thought he understood what Nil wanted, but it only confused him further. As the quaking ceased, Olivander scratched his head and huffed.

"You want the stars to die out but only when we feel it's time? Is that what you're getting at?" Olivander asked as he stared confused at Nil. "You're giving us a lot of swing here," Olivander said, folding his arms. "Actually, no, that would contradict what you said before. Rather," Olivander blinked. "You're giving us the opportunity to go back and use what we learned? About what we missed? What we thought we knew? That's..."

Olivander paused. Truly, he had no idea what Lord Nil wanted. He scratched his head some more and closed his eyes as he tried to think. After a few brief moments, Olivander threw his arms up and crashed back onto the ground. "I know what you're allowing us to do, I think. But now I'm frustrated. To understand just how many people I've failed. And thinking of the consequences. Maybe I'm not the right one for the job," he admitted.

"But I also don't wanna screw it up again. How do I know everything I'm about to try again is going to be the very last step? How do I know there's not some stone unturned? It seems fruitless. I'll just end up back here, staring into Oblivion. Er, no offense, my Lord."

Olivander could feel the tension around him. "Kitt," he said as he turned to his friend. "I need your advice here. I dunno what to do mate."

Edge

Olivander sat opposite Nil, folding his legs inward on each other. "What I think will happen to the island is irrelevant, Lord Nil. And to be honest, I'm not sure why you asked us that." Olivander nodded at Nil as Sir William pecked at the ground. "The purpose of us coming here, from what I can tell, was one of two things: to teach us to accept the things we cannot change, or to convince us to go further next time. Limited though I am, you're right. I should've gone further."

Olivander nodded his head and remembered what he told Kitt. "I'm not a good man. I should've slit the throats of every council member. I should've killed Nuumu's dog myself. And I should've taken the sword from Emily and plunged it into her heart. And yet," Olivander shrugged. "Here I am. At the edge of the world, staring into the void. Quite literally," he said with a laugh.

"Lord Nil, you've made up your mind. And I'm willing to accept that. But to tell me you're doing this as a half measure between your followers and your choice of duty is... such a hollow answer. The purpose of life is death. When existence is born, it must end. You are the end. You don't need followers. You're a different type of god. I don't believe you when you say your followers have anything to do with it."

He lied down on his back and folded his arms behind his head as he stared up into the night. "I think they fulfilled desire within you. We all long for things. Perhaps this is what you longed for, Lord Nil. And having those people praise you only made that longing stronger."

Olivander saw Sir William peer over him, his usual clueless face causing Olivander to break into a smile. "This island is the end because it's meant to be, isn't it? I won't remember any of this when its all over. But I've learned a lot. I've learned, I've loved, and I've made friends. So," Olivander said as he scratched Sir William's chin.

"I'm okay with starting over."

Double Duty

Now, let me ask you a question: The way you asked that question, perhaps it is my own biases, but it seemed like you think you can stop me. How do you expect to do that when all you have done since the beginning is further my own goals? Or do you somehow deny it?

Admittedly, Olivander almost laughed in Nil's face. Instead he managed to control himself to a smile. "I'll start with your first question," he said still grinning. "If I thought I could stop you I would've already attempted to do so. But I'm also not so foolish as to believe that as a watchdog, a fraction of my patron's power would allow me to even reach you. I'm not ignorant to the gap in strength that lies between us. Like the heavens and the world, it can't be bridged."

Olivander could only shrug, and Sir William let out a nod.

"As for your second question, I deny nothing. I've submitted and aided decay with every person I've murdered. If your goal is to see the world to decay, was there ever really any way to prevent it? Decay is a natural state of all life. If there was a way to stop it, things would be unbalanced. Life's ultimate goal, in my own selfish point of view, is to complete itself and rebuild anew. When a child is born, an elder dies. It's simply the way of nature. That much can never change."

Olivander's smug look returned. He was full of himself, but still pleased to be here.

"Lord Nil, I do not presume to understand what it is that you desire. That is exactly why I'm here. I'm not one of your worshipers. Nor am I your watchdog. I have almost no connection to you other than that I am breathing. So, I'm here to comprehend what it is you're looking to accomplish. Whether or not I like it is merely a result that has no bearing on what happens."

Olivander scratched Sir William's chin to which he clucked happily. "It would seem your mind is already made up, but only because it is your duty. I'm here to because I want to understand if you're doing this out of duty or because you choose to. Perhaps its both? You said yourself the stars would die out. If that's what is to be, I'm only asking what made you come to that decision."

Short Change Hero

"If I may," Olivander stepped forward. "Your domain, decay, it's necessary from what I understand. Decay is what allows plants to bloom from corpses after all. But, Lord Nil, if everything decays and nothing survives, who would be there to worship you? I don't pretend to understand the way a divine being is born, created, or if possible, even ceases to exist. But if everything succumbs to decay and nothing survives, how will you maintain your existence? If you need worshipers to remain immortal, does that not imply that something must survive the void?"

Olivander posed his question genuinely, his eyes never leaving Nil's. Oddly enough, staring into Nil's eyes did not strike fear or awe the way Lord Hinder's did. Instead, he felt almost at peace. Perhaps this was because he had already long since accepted that he would die sooner or later. While he didn't long for death, he did not fear it. Decay was only a part of that. Rather, Nil's eyes calmed him. His mind felt clear. He knew what he wanted to ask and he knew how he wanted the conversation to go. This moment, being here with his two best friends and the Muse of the Void was...

the greatest peace he'd ever experienced in his life.

Balance

Since those words began entering his mind, Olivander found himself staring out of his window, into the darkness that surrounded the island of Destino. His journey had almost reached its end. Slowly he parsed the Muse's words in his head and realized he was dealing with something far greater than even Lord Hinder. How this was possible, he wasn't sure, but he accepted it nonetheless.

He was stirred only when he heard Kitt enter the room, his eyes still fixated on the blackness around them.

"What do you think of all these things, Olive? Honestly, it seems like she's trying to vandalize our minds and how we think just by her words."

He remained silent for a moment, before turning around slowly. "Kitt. I don't have a real answer for you this time," Olivander admitted. "This muse is the void's identity made whole. Made present in the form of a person. Only deities can do something like that. And this... deity... it's had a hold on the world for some time. I can only surmise that this is our opportunity to plead our case to the void," he expressed.

"If they're not convinced, our world will cease to exist. So before we leave the ship, we both need to come to peace with what could possibly happen. Kitt," Olivander said as he approached his friend. "There's a very real chance that tomorrow doesn't exist. And we're the last two people in the entire world who can avert that."

Olivander grinned from ear to ear, almost laughing. "No pressure, mate." He pat his comrade on the shoulder and left through the doorway behind Kitt. "I'm already prepared for the end, Kitt. I've been at peace with death for a long time. So I'll wait for you outside. We'll climb the stairs together. You and me, mate--"

There came a clucking behind Olivander as an oblivious Sir William came fluttering onto Olivander's shoulder. He laughed at last, heartily. He stroked Williams feathery head one more time. "You, me, and Sir William, mate. Let's face Oblivion together."

Olivander disappeared beyond the Swallow Tail's docking ramp where he waited for Kitt.

Teach a Man to Fish

Olivander stood up slowly and dusted the chocolate crumbs from his chest. He grunted as he stood, his age and body catching up to him suddenly. He sighed with a smile and extended a hand to Kitt, helping his comrade to his feet. "I can guide you, Kitt. But in the end, you must make each final decision your own. It has to be something you trust yourself with. Savvy?"

Olivander gave Kitt a pat on the back. "You've come far. Learn to trust your instincts and your heart. Those should be the final deciding factors to these critical decisions. And remember to take each instance in high regard. It doesn't get easier, my friend. But it will never sully who you are as a person. That, I believe, is impossible. Unlike myself, you are a good man, Kitt. That's why these things are much more challenging for you. The day they become easy is the day you should reevaluate yourself. But that's not a day I think we'll ever see."

Olivander helped himself to another large slice of cake, shoveling the entire piece into his mouth at once. Finished with the decadence, he stretched and let out a satisfied sigh. "I think that's the best cake I've ever had."

Then, a tingling in Olivander's loins made him begin a new search. "Right. We can't dawdle, can we?" he said with a smirk. "Mate, I'm gonna find Helmsley. My door's always open if you need me."

A proud Sir William came strutting back up to Olivander's feet, demanding to be held. "Buck. Buck buck!" he called.

"Ohhhh, nowwww you want my attention? But the minute I tell a bad joke you'll go fluttering off," Olivander teased as they both began walking toward the main bridge. Olivander threw his hands behind his head and folded his arms.

"Buckaw!" William screeched.

"No sir. You'll be stretching those legs for a bit. Help me find the Captain," Olivander requested.

Without hesitation, Sir William sank his feet into Olivander's legs and climbed to his shoulder. "Buck buck!"

Olivander sighed, trying not to laugh. "Alright then, let's track him down."

This was me today with movie popcorn and a chocolate bar. Delicious.

The Code

"I was...content to show you my resolve at first...I suppose some call it bravado. I was ready to show you I wasn't the simple forge whelp I was back on Galatea when I couldn't stop you from ending Simon's life. The helpless one who simply watched in horror as that man's blood filled the square that day..."

Olivander's mind briefly drifted back to Galatea. He remembered Kitt's expression that day.

"...I was ready...and yet, in the moment, my body trembled. I was afraid...afraid of what would happen to me. Afraid I would taint the weapon Taros returned to me with this dark thirst for bloodshed...afraid that if I went across this line...I'd never want to stop."

Olivander remained silent. He used to think that way too.

"Olive, be honest with me... how do you do it? How does it come so natural to you, the ending of one's life... How does the smell, the sight, the look the unfortunate soul has in their eyes...how do you do it? And...how do you know when to draw the line? To know when to stop and not to go on a rampage with the bloodlust?"

Olivander didn't shy away from the question. He shoveled the past piece of his cake into his mouth and wiped his lips with his sleeves like the uncivilized street rat that he really was. "For me Kitt, I've developed a code. One that serves myself and my god," Olivander began.

"You see, Kitt, these things require nuance. They require a willingness to draw an even deeper line inside themselves. I have rules. Even when it comes to taking someone's life. For example, you'd be hard pressed to find me bringing harm to women or children except under extreme circumstances. One of such you're now familiar with: those blessed or cursed with power and who mean to use it to bring harm to others. I have rules. No torture. Needless suffering is cruel. That's not who I want to be. And, if resolution can be found without taking a life, I'll take that avenue first. What you're looking for is direction," Olivander explained.

"Kitt, you have to find purpose in what you're doing. Find purpose in every action, even taking a life. If you can prevent meaningless death, destruction, and ruin and save innocent people, that is the cost. You pay for it by getting your hands dirty so others don't have to. I don't kill indiscriminately. I don't kill just to kill. I kill those who mean to leave disaster in their wake. To keep myself from going mad, I remember that I'm not killing for myself, but for the people I wish to protect. Like the people of this island. Like the people of so many others. As you mentioned, Galatea.

I saw that Simon was prepared to leave the deaths of hundreds at his feet. By taking his last breath, countless people were saved. But there's one more thing I must also keep in mind, and it's the hardest truth that I must remind myself of," Olivander said as he sat back in his chair.

"I'm not a good man, Kitt. And that allows me to think clearly."

Breaking the Silence

Olivander couldn't help but drool over the size and appearance of a rather decadent chocolate cake. He snatched up a plate and took a carving knife with which he used to remove a single slice of cake. With utensils provided, Olivander took his first bite of the beautiful chocolate cake slice. His heart fluttered. Ecstasy began building in his blood... and his pants.

He had become overjoyed with this cake so much that he needed to physically brace himself in a chair. "This cake... perhaps it came from the table of the gods?" he asked to no one in particular, aloud. His eyes briefly caught a glimpse of Kitt and he waved his comrade down. "Get some cake. We deserve to celebrate a little," Olivander said as Kitt approached. He pulled up a chair beside him for Kitt to take at his leisure.

"I'm sure there's a lot running through your head right now," Olivander said as he took another bite of cake. "We've been through a lot together, Kitt. You can safely express yourself to me."

Olivander recalled the first time he took a life. It wasn't easy. He still remembered the smell. He remembered the look in their eyes.

"What happened to you was traumatic. Believe me, I know. But you did the right thing, Kitt," Olivander tried to assure him. "You saved my life in the process. Well, you and that miracle doctor. I mean, look at me! No more burns! Can you believe it!?" Olivander asked excitedly. "My point is, I know that line wasn't easy to cross, mate. And I want to support you if you need me."

Amongst Thieves; Pt 2

Olivander watched as Hinder snatched his heart out of his chest. He could hear his own heart beating, throbbing in the grasp of the god's golden fingers.

"You did it, boy-o. You finally lost it all," Hinder said softly, the locs in his head swinging side to side on his shadowed face. "When I gave you my blessing, I knew you were reckless. This doesn't come as a surprise," Hinder said with a chuckle. "But, boy-o, I'm pleased. Proud even. Few thieves would give their last for people they don't rightly know."

Olivander stared back at Hinder, managing a weak smile. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. Pain rattled his chest. A deep burning in his flesh made him itch. But he remained still, only able to smile.

"It's not in our nature. We're thieves after all. We take. But you're... something else. You took from the powerful. You preyed on the oppressor. You sought to give back to the weak. It's damn conundrum to think about. But you did, boy-o. You lost it all. And that means I can't have you go losing anything else."

Hinder gently strummed a finger against Olivander's heart. It throbbed once more and pain shot through his very core. Then, he watched as his heart changed from red to gold. Hinder pushed Olivander's heart back into his chest and took a step back from the Watchdog. Olivander felt the pain leaving his body. His aches were soothed. The burning sensation ceased. His blood pumped once more. He felt whole again.

"But your story isn't finished yet. There's more to be written. And more treasures for the taking. So wake up, boy-o. Gold is callin'!"

Sail

Olivander blinked slowly at first, as a beak gently nudged his chin. A gentle but relieved cluck caused him to wipe his eyes and sit up. He stroked Sir William's feathers gently as he smiled. "Good to see you, mate," he said as the chicken pressed its head against his chest.

“Oh good, you’re alive,” spoke Captain Helmsley.

Olivander only just then realized he was aboard the Swallow Tail. Beside him were Captain Helmsley and Kitt. This led him to draw a very sudden conclusion: Kitt had won the battle. Olivander smiled, but he would address Kitt later in private.

"Good to see you again too, Captain," Olivander answered.

“You’ve certainly caused quite a ruckus, you know. I’ve only heard bits and pieces from here on the ship, but I think I can put together what happened.” Captain Helmsley's voice was free of judgment and questions. Olivander could only nod in response. “I assume tonight’s party will be a funeral, then,” Helmsley said clearly.

Olivander looked to Kitt, then back to Helmsley without saying another word. They had just killed another Watchdog.

“In any case, Eirika said you should be ship-shape if a little sore. Miracle worker that one, though maybe you’ve had a few other miracles yourselves?” Captain Helmsley mentioned.

This made Olivander quickly examine himself. Sure enough, his wounds had been healed to a drastic extent. It was unprecedented! "How did-- I thought I was done for! I'd already accepted it!"

Glossing over the question entirely from Olivander, it seemed that Helmsley wasn't surprised at Eirika's work. He'd probably seen recovery's of this quality from Eirika before.

"There’s probably still food around, you only need to ask. Do as you will besides, just let me know when you’re ready to leave.”

The mere mention of food made Olivander's stomach growl. He looked to Sir William and stroked his feathers again. "Well," he started. Sir William cooed in Olivander's lap. "I am feeling a bit... peckish."

Sir William stared daggers at Olivander and immediately fluttered out of his lap. "Buckaw!" he huffed, before skittering away.

Olivander simply shrugged and stood to his feet. "I wonder if there's any cake. Join me for a mess when you're ready, eh Kitt?" Olivander said without looking over his shoulder. He didn't want to turn around while he headed for a meal. He was too busy smiling. He was proud of Kitt. And just a little proud of that terrible joke.

Welcome Home

The damage had been done. As Olivander held tightly to Joy, the ring seared burns across his entire torso. The pain was agonizing, but even through wails of pain he wrestled with her. For a brief moment, Olivander found relief. He was sure he was going to die from his wounds, but the pain and agony stopped suddenly. A wave of calm washed over him and Hinder's words echoed in his mind.

"...I could tell you all the fluff, about how you’re my watchdog and I’ll support you no matter what. What you are asking of me, it’s been asked before. But I think just that, that you’re all feeling the same stuff, is pretty powerful on its own."

He found himself gripping Joy tighter, even as the ring kept him bound and burning. Finally, Olivander opened his eyes to see the look of frustration on her face. He grinned through it all. "It's over," he finally mustered. Then, Kitt struck. The Phantomsteel in her shoulder caused Joy to scream out. In response, her ring let go of Olivander. Then, he and Joy were both consumed in a blinding light.

He was hearing voices now, but they were not directed at him. They were directed at Joy. The voice criticized Joy, but made one thing clear to Olivander: she knew what she was doing was wrong. Olivander wanted to frown, but he was too weak to move anymore. The light faded, and for a moment, Olivander was completely disoriented. He felt the ground rushing beneath him until he suddenly landed in grass again.

He involuntarily lost his grip on Joy, and she barely climbed to her feet. He tried to raise a hand to catch the hem of her clothes, but she shambled away. He could not follow her. Olivander did notice that Joy's light had faded. The ring was gone. Her weapons were gone. She was alone now. She was just Joy. As his vision began to blur and Olivander began to black out, he could only whisper for his comrade.

"Kitt--"

Olivander's head landed in the grass, his eyes closed as his injuries sapped his strength.

Metal Hawks

"...if you throw this offer away...then the gods have mercy on your soul..."

Olivander didn't have to see Kitt's face to know that he was sure of himself. He had already displayed his conviction, and Olivander trusted him. With that in mind, Olivander had zero intentions on taking his eyes off of Joy. She didn't give a verbal response to Kitt. Instead, she immediately fought back.

Things almost seemed to slow down as the ring of energy pulsated, expanding immediately toward him as Joy extended her spear. Having minimized his profile earlier, Olivander just barely reacted in time to dodge the attack, flopping onto his back as the heat from the ring left a burn on the left side of his face. The spear extended past him and reached all the way to the clearing behind him, shocking Olivander at its great reach. He immediately made himself intangible and rolled to his right, away from Kitt. Dagger still in hand, he kept low and got to a sprinting position.

If he could bring her down with his physical strength, he may be able to give Kitt an opportunity to kill her. However, at that close of a range, he would not be able to dodge her attacks if she struck at the right time. She need only look for him to break his intangibility. Olivander could only hope that Kitt was ready. If he was as well trained as Olivander believed, this fight may end soon.

He also had to remember that he was going to be almost directly under the ring she was controlling, and it was extremely hot. He would suffer. He could very well die. But, so would the people of Andalou if Joy was victorious. It was a risk he was willing to take.

The spear came arcing back behind him toward Kitt. As the tip of the spear approached Kitt, Olivander stared down Joy. He wasn't sure what else the ring was capable of, but he was sure of what he needed to do. When he was exactly one foot from her, he would break his intangibility and bring her to the ground. He barreled toward her with all of his might now, earth crumbling to dust beneath his feet. Even if he died today he would be okay with that, knowing he did what he thought was right for the people of Andalou, and possibly the world over.

Who is the strongest member of Phoenix Squadron in your opinion and why is it Chopper?

It's Morbin' Time

The Life of Thieves

As Olivander continued his acrobatics act, he saw the forest begin to thin. He bounced from tree to tree and could see a clearing ahead of him. He could anticipate one of two things: either the entire clearing was a trap, or Joy was waiting on them. He should have assumed it was both. As he approached the clearing, Olivander sprung higher into the air so that be broke the treeline from high above, potentially avoiding any final traps. As he did so, his eyes landed directly on Joy with a spear in her hands.

He landed with a roll, making himself intangible once more as he stood. His eyes darted left and right, searching for any potential traps he missed. Excluding the dull sound of trees crashing behind him--which Olivander believed to be Kitt--there was only silence.

Joy had a ring of oddly shaped light around her. It almost appeared to be smoke at first glance. The way it was shaped put him on edge. Between that and the girth of Joy's spear, Olivander would have a hard time approaching her. Even if he was intangible, he would have to make himself vulnerable at close range in order to kill her. He would have to get inside her striking range, and inside of the ring. Because this was a fight to the death, there was no doubt that the ring was dangerous to him. And Olivander had more to consider.

Was Joy able to freely control the circumference of the ring? Could she close it or expand it at will? Could she make it change shape? If Joy was able to control light, there was no telling what she could do once he was inside the ring.

Olivander took a long breath and sighed, trying to collect himself. Hinder had already given him his blessing. Even if he died here, if it meant people were free from corruption, his death would be worth it. He couldn't fear death now. He had to be willing to lose everything.

He drew his dagger again and entered a fighting stance. He minimized his profile by placing a leg in front of him and a leg behind him, bending his knees. Be brought up his dagger to his cheek and guarded his face.

"You won't leave this clearing alive," Olivander declared. He waited for Joy to move. If he acted without Kitt, it could present complications. He was biding his time for now.

Mirage

As the dagger glanced off of Joy's shoulder, Olivander cursed under his breath. He failed to finish the job. Joy made to escape, and he and Kitt gave chase. Olivander made himself intangible once more and darted after Joy.

Rage, confusion, sadness, and frustration filled the shores of his head as the waves of emotion crashed back and forth in his mind. "Joy!" he belted out as he pursued her.

"See if you can cut her off! I'll keep after her the best I can!"

Olivander heard Kitt call behind him and quickly glanced over his shoulder. As he did so, he saw Kitt had been struck by light. Gritting his teeth, Olivander understood that Kitt would be entranced for a short time, thanks to Joy's abilities. He had to avoid her holy light at all costs. He couldn't afford to make that mistake. He continued following Joy into a line of trees that suddenly became thick with brush. He suddenly stopped in his tracks when he realized he couldn't see the ground at his feet. He raised his head to examine where Joy had gone, but in that brief moment, he lost sight of her.

He was hesitating. "Fuck," he growled. "Joy! JOY!!" he screamed into the distance after her. He knew she would not respond. He had no choice but to follow her into her own territory. This wouldn't be the first time he actively walked into a trap. Keeping his intangibility active, Olivander sprinted at full speed into the line of trees and shade, into whatever trap she may have in wait.

As he ran, Olivander listened intently for Joy's footsteps. He listened for anything that might give away her location, but his ears were filled with the sound of sweet laughter. The trees around him swayed and bobbed, despite there being no wind present. Olivander paused once more, unsure if he had been put into a trance without realizing it. Had entering the tree line put a spell on him? Was he hallucinating?

As the trees shook, their leaves floated gently to the ground, capturing Olivander's attention as he stood beneath the canopy of shade. The leaves gently fell into a bundle of light in the grass, and the result was a violent eruption of light.

This made Olivander stagger backward, nearly stumbling into one of the light traps. His breathing became shallow and Olivander realized he was unsure about going any further. He was hesitating again. His dagger still being gripped tightly, Olivander looked around, but could not see the way he came in. Instead, he made a last second decision and ran straight at the tree ahead of him, dropping his intangibility entirely as he leaped at it. He barely avoided the light trap below and came into contact with a branch above, where he held on for dear life. Pulling himself up, Olivander balanced on the branch, surprised it could hold him.

Now above the ground, Olivander noticed that the traps below had been placed almost in a line. It looked as though she had gone from tree to tree, littering the ground with traps, knowing that they had no choice except to follow her. Olivander raised his head again and balanced himself, finding secure footing before leaping to the next trapped tree. If he continued on this path, he would surely find Joy. He picked up his pace, leaping from tree to tree like a panther.

On the opposite side, it would seem Kitt had awoken. Olivander could hear trees being felled. "So he's taking a more direct approach. Then I'll take the high road." Olivander kept charging ahead.

Of My Own Fault

"And to answer your question, Hinder, these are the things I hold onto because I haven't given up. I will never."

Olivander's scowl some how managed to curl further and make his face almost unrecognizable.

“I knew I would have to defend my methods, though I did not know what form that might take until I saw the Swallow Tail at my docks. As soon as I did, though, I understood. I tried to convince you that there was no harm in it, but alas.” She raised her bow again. “When I asked you for your memories, I still hoped that would be the end of it. In truth, I ask it of everyone," he heard Joy say.

His scowl at last began to fade. His face was blank at first, but slowly, Olivander began to smile. The more he analyzed this situation, the more he couldn't help but smile. Eventually, Olivander's smile exploded into full blown laughter. As arrows rained down around him, he continued to laugh and laugh, doubling over and gripping his stomach. When he finally was able to bring himself to control again, Olivander realized just how right Joy was.

"Oh, the irony has only just come to my attention," he said aloud as he side stepped an arrow. "You sound just like me. You want to defend your convictions because of how strongly you believe in them. But the truth is, you're full of shit."

Olivander side stepped another arrow and briefly glanced into the memories inside. He turned his attention back to Joy. "If you hadn't given up Joy, you wouldn't be going to these lengths to prove just how right your god has to be. You would be trying to save these people from oblivion, not feeding them lies until the world ends around them. It's practically nihilism, but only just teetering on the edge. You're so ready to give them an answer through ignorant bliss that they've found comfort in avoiding the truth. It's sad, really."

Olivander folded his arms and let the daggers in his right hand clatter to the ground and turn to gold dust.

"This isn't a fight. This is a waste of time. You're running from the truth because it doesn't fit your world view. And there comes a point where trying to change a person's mind is futile. So I'm going to put this dagger in your heart and then go give these people a fighting chance."

With only his original dagger in hand, Olivander broke into a full sprint at Joy. He made himself intangible and he knew he could not strike Joy while doing so. He had to also get a better understanding of her power. He wasn't sure she could shoot him with an arrow while he was intagible. But, he had to get close if he wanted to kill her.

We Are But Men

As Joy drew her bow and arrow, Olivander let out a soft sigh. He drew his dagger slowly, his expression changing into malice. "We all return to the ground some day," he said calmly. "I suppose you're just more eager than most.

But that's fine with me," Olivander said his dagger now clenched tightly in his right hand. "You had the opportunity to do the right thing. But your pride and your god have clearly gotten in the way of that. By Hinder's hand, I'll kill you both," Olivander boldly proclaimed. He pulled from his opposite pocket the purple pouch he had not touched since he left a prayer to Hinder in Galatea. He opened the mouth of the pouch wide and plunged his hand with his dagger gripped, deep into the endless pouch. As he withdrew his hand, three additional daggers were clenched between his fingers, totaling four. He shoved the pouch back into his left pocket, then wielded two daggers in each hand.

With a quick flick of his wrist, he began hurling daggers at Joy, two at a time.

It was at this moment that Olivander's eyes went wide. As the daggers left his hand, his mind was flooded with memories. David. Pfeifer. They were right in the daggers' path. A horror he hadn't felt before filled his head and nearly made him belt out their names. He felt himself choke and fall to a knee, still clenching the other two daggers in his left hand. The thrown daggers clattered to the ground. Moments later, they faded into gold dust. As Olivander shook his head and examined his vision, he was now sure that David and Pfeifer were in no danger. They weren't here. But whatever that was, it felt like they were here.

His malice grew, angered at the thought of one of his few happy memories nearly being shattered. This only happened because he attacked Joy.

"So that's your game, is it?" he said through clenched teeth. "Is that why you wanted to know what my happiest memory was? Did you know it would come to this?" he groaned. His groans turned to growls as he demanded an answer. "Tell me! Have you already given up, so you're willing to force others to give up as well!?"

He finally stood as the image faded from his mind, but the feeling did not. "Perhaps we're more connected than I perceived," Olivander thought aloud. "I'd had a dream where my heart was ripped out. Hinder said I would lose everything. Perhaps I lose it all to you."

Olivander drew the pouch once more and repeated the exercise from before. He plunged his left hand into the pouch, clenching two daggers still. When he with drew his hand, four daggers were between his fingers. He returned the pouch to his pocket and clenched two daggers in his right hand, mirroring the left. "If that's what it takes to save these people, then so be it."

I'll start.

Something blue and furry.

Sounds like anxiety. You get to a point where you know and want to help but you don't want to physically be involved. You're not wrong for feeling this way.

To Kill or Not to Kill

"That's the question," Olivander answered to Joy. He shrugged, folding his arms. "In all honesty, Joy, I don't know if I'm here to kill you. Not yet at least," he admitted. "First, we need to have a discussion. "I take it this is your first time dealing with Nothing directly. If you were aware of what the consequences of your actions were, perhaps you wouldn't be involved," he began.

"The island of Galatea had a similar problem. Worshiping Nothing. It got a lot of people killed," he said flatly. "Kitt and I spoke with our patrons. We believe the effects of worshiping Nothing is plaguing even the gods themselves. Dia's waters dried up because of it. Blasphemous prayers turned people to stone. It's something you shouldn't be meddling with." Olivander glanced quietly at Kitt but turned his attention back to Joy quickly. "I'm hoping that you'll listen to reason and drop this charade. It may be a bandage for your people but you aren't actually solving anything. As real as these... what to even call them?" he wondered aloud with a chuckle.

"Perhaps illusions fits best. As real as these illusions may seem, Joy, they are just that. In the end, this will do more harm than good. And I have no desire to harm you. I would much rather persuade you."

Sir William was quietly observing Olivander, Kitt, and Joy from the entrance of the Swallowtail, his feathers puffy. He was afraid. Olivander looked over his shoulder and gave Sir William a reassuring smile, which helped to settle the chicken's feelings. He turned his attention back to Joy once more, knowing full well he shouldn't have let his guard down. "Please, Joy. This has to end. For all our sakes."

The Shortest Perils

"I do think, it equates itself to the world we find ourselves in now. Where it shows the true nature of humans, taking what the gods have provided without so much of a thank you or reverence to thank them for their in the process. The fact that the carts were broken down so another cycle could be something along the lines of this being a constant cycle…but I'm open to your thoughts on this vision, Olive."

Olivander rubbed his chin as he pondered Kitt's vision. "I think you're onto something there," he began. "The mountain, perhaps, represents the gods themselves. Looming over the lower lying land and providing it with an abundance of resources and opportunities. Initially, the people--which, of course, seem to just be people--approach the mountain carefully and take only what they need. While doing so, they build support inside the mountain to maintain its integrity; I believe that represents prayer and offerings. Over time however, less support is built, but the mountain continues to provide what little resources it has left. That, however, is where I think our insight begins to differ."

Olivander sat forward with his head in his hands, practically glaring a hole into the floor as he tried to explain himself. "The gods are mighty. Their power, from what little I know, is limitless. There's almost nothing they can't do. So, why then, would prayers or the lack thereof, hinder their ability? I can see the relation, but I don't understand why it works that way. It implies that the gods need us. But the mountain doesn't need humans. It's a mountain. It simply exists for centuries and centuries so long as man doesn't destroy it.

Does that then mean that we're destroying the gods through prayer? That wouldn't make sense either," he said as he scratched his head. Olivander sighed. "One way or another, the gods are being harmed and it would seem that man is the cause. What I also believe is that the presence of the mountain being reduced to nothing is a bit on the nose. Nothing is quite literally the problem we're facing right now. In your vision, nothing stems from the greed of the people. The people are greedy for resources from the mountain. If the mountain represents the gods, then I think the grand summary would be..."

Olivander took a short breath. "The prayers that are being fed to Nothing are killing the gods. And soon, Nothing will break us all down until a new cycle of gods is born again."

He lied down on the floor and looked to the ceiling. "Now I wonder if we can stop this blasphemy before the gods vanish and the world crumbles."