bard_linn

Title: A Goodbye Gift
Content Warnings: Canonical Death
Pairings: Joshua Rosfield/Elidibus(Themis)
Summary: Before Themis returns to the star, he has one last conversation with Joshua.
Originally Posted in: The Wholesomely Debauched & Enabling Bookclub Discord

"I, too, can fade away, unburdened by regret. I could not have reached this point without you, Joshua."

Themis’s words crashed over the Warrior of Light, sending a wave of pain through him. Of course Joshua knew that their relationship was fated to end. He had killed Elidibus long before he had ever known Themis. And yet—

And yet—

Joshua swallowed back tears, firmly refusing to let his sorrow show on his face. Themis had, in one sense or another, been suffering for twelve thousand years. He deserved rest as much as Venat had.

But he could not deny that his feelings for Themis were of a very different nature from those he had for Hydaelyn.

“I will miss you. But I hope that you rest well. You’ve more than earned it.”

“And rest I shall,” Themis agreed, his voice warm. “But there are still some things I can do for you—you who have traveled across vast expanse for the hope that you might be reunited with your allies to answer the call of need that drew you to Pandæmonium.”

The former heart of Zodiark reached out to take Joshua’s hands, squeezing them lightly. “Emet-Selch entrusted to you our legacy. Once I would have thought him a fool for doing so, but after having been to the depths of that twisted prison and back, I think I can understand what he saw within you. And so I would entrust to you what little remains. Though I cannot remember much of my life outside of Pandæmonium, I do remember the kindness you gave me at my end. The remaining Convocation stones remain within the Crystal Tower. If you call them, they will come to you. Though they only have the limited knowledge we could preserve and not the true mysteries of their seats, they may yet help you on your quest to save your homeworld.”

“Thank you,” Joshua said softly. He still had long to go in his quest for a cure for the Blight, but truth be told, his time in Pandæmonium, both now and in the past, had given him numerous insights. The Ancients were a fount of wisdom, and even if only a fraction of that remained, it would be worth pursuing. “Though in truth, mere words seem hardly adequate.”

“You have brought about Etheirys’s salvation. I can think of no act more worthy of reward. I know you do not do such things in hopes of recompense, but it is a small enough thing to offer. I only wish I could do more…” A contemplative look crossed over Themis’s face. “Perhaps there might be one more thing…”

A tug of their joined hands pulled Joshua closer. Joshua didn’t resist, drawn to Themis as he had always been. Perhaps one more brief, ephemeral moment of joy—surely he could have that?

Themis pulled his head down into a kiss, slow and sweet. Their essences mingled, as they had during their fight and *after*, drawing them even closer together. He could feel Themis’s joy, his pride in what Joshua had accomplished, but also his weariness. He truly did desire rest. Deep within the Dominant, the void left in his soul by the second Eikon of Fire’s attack at Phoenix Gate filled with Themis’s light. Even like this, a spirit wrested from the aetherial sea, he was so strong, so brilliant.

Truly a Warrior of Light.

Themis pulled away, breaking the kiss. Once again Joshua swallowed down tears. Themis’s form was translucent now, his time fading at last.

And yet the Light within Joshua did not fade.

“A choice many would question, I think, but I know you will use it well. Know this: I have complete faith you will be successful in your quest. For your people, your brothers, your friends—and most of all yourself.” A soft, proud smile stretched Themis’s face. He reached out a hand to cup Joshua’s cheek. “I wish you well on your journey. A journey as long as your star is bright—a journey not bound by the confines of this world, or any other. But to pass on advice I once was given by a dear friend: do not focus only on the destination. The moments of joy along the way are just as important. A truth I forgot over the years, and one, I think, that will serve you well.”

And then he was gone, once again at rest in the aetherial sea. Alone, Joshua finally let his tears fall. “You’ve ruined me for anyone else, you know,” he muttered, trying to get himself under control. How was it he had fallen so hard for someone he had known so briefly? Someone he had *killed*?

At least he would always have the memories. And perhaps…

Joshua gently touched the Light within him. He could still sense that which made him the Dominant of Phoenix, but now, all but intertwined with the Eikon’s essence laid another.

“My soul knows no surrender. Mankind’s first hero—and his final hope!”