The Return of a Remnant

The room is lit by lamps around the edge but mostly from the barrier that surrounds a still form inside as Ashlynn, Seth and Kahi descend the stairs. It has been two weeks since the deal was made, two weeks since the pause in Remnants fate. Now thought that fate is to be decided Seth and Kahi are to meet who Remnant has become to judge for themselves if the Heart of Man's Dementia truly has no hold on her. It can only be hoped that all of Ashlynn's hard work has been enough.

...

"As you can see Ashlynn," he says softly, "I have been true to my word, she is safe."

She nods gratefully, “And for that, I owe you much, Seth.”

"There is nothing owed between friends." he says softly, "let us hope you can save her." He moves away and sits down next to Kahi, reaching over to pat her hand briefly as he watches on.

“Is it finally time for this to end?” Remnant sighs listlessly and looks to them as she speaks.

“Remmy, it’s time for it to begin.” Ashlynn says looking up at her.

"So it has a name now…" Kahi murmurs.

“She does Kahi,” Ashlynn replies.

"Yes." Seth says to Kahi, "Perhaps there is hope after all."

“For what short time I am allowed left, I would prefer the name ‘Remnant’ as that is all I am...”

"Remnant of a being."... Kahi stares into open space for a moment before her.

“Remnant of two...Lady.”

Ashlynn smiles at this, “But you have so much time left, Remmy.”

“This isn't up to you. I may yet get my wish.” Remnant says calmly.

"And who does decide your fate Remnant?" Seth asks quietly.

“That would be you, Lord.” She replies.

He glances to Kahi briefly before back to Remnant, "I have yet to hear all Ashlynn has to say, but I would not move hastily, as yet you have nothing to fear from me." "Much has changed since we were last together," Seth adds looking away a moment.

Kahi goes quiet and also looks away for a moment eyes darkening.

Remnant looks down replying softly, “I do not fear, Lord. I just wish for this to be over.”

"You must be careful what you wish for, Remnant." Kahi cautions almost in a whisper.

“I am an avatar, with no lord to serve...” Remnant sighs, “I am a shell ...a cast off thing.”

Ashlynn looks at her, quiet for a moment before saying forcefully “Which is why I have decided to take you under my wing!”

“Everything has purpose... Even the lost and unwanted. You simply have to look for it,” Kahi says calmly.”

“Exactly!” Ashlynn exclaims looking to Kahi then back at Remnant.

"You speak the truth Kahi." Seth whispers, "and how could I turn away now, I have always been a guardian of the lost." “I wish no further harm to come to others because of me. Enough has been done.” Remnant says looking away.

"This is a sad deception in truth... No one ever expects one to say it." Kahi says simply.

"From you Kahi I expect anything." Seth chuckles softly.

“Lord, when I first approached Ashlynn on that day...I wanted to die.” Remnant begins to say and Ashlynn frowns at what she hears, “I went to her, hoping that for all I had done to her, she would end my existence. When she kept shielding me, I tried to crawl away.”

"I know Ashlynn better than you did then, she could not do so." Seth murmurs and Ashlynn nods unable to find the words.

“I wanted to let you and Lady Kahi end it...I wanted Ashlynn to end it…” Remnant adds voice quiet.

"And now?"

Remnant looks down at the floor, “ I...don't have the will to fight anymore, Lord. I'm broken...tired... as I said...Avatars are meant to serve…” she pauses for a moment unable to continue then manages, “I have...no one left to do so.”

“You do, Remmy,” Ashlynn says softly.

"I am at times a broken and tired lord." he says softly, leaning back, "That does not mean either of us do not have a place." he looks to Ashlynn and glances to Kahi, "there are those that teach us otherwise."

Ashlynn bows her head again at Seth’s words then turns back to Rem as she speaks, “It's not for Ashlynn trying.” “The ordeals we went through to get 'this' far…” Ashlynn comments with a small smile and a chuckle.

“She even tried invading my dreams to find out why...” Remnant says looking to Ashlynn, “Though she lacks her daughters skill yet at doing so.” She gives Ashlynn a smirk but it quickly fades.

“Nonetheless, I have been tending to her since the time of our agreement, searching for a way to save her,” Ashlynn says looking back to Seth.

“But, as the Lady has pointed out...I am an "it" and...this "it" has no purpose. Such a thing as me...doesn't need to exist,” Remnant presses on, her tone harsh.

"Everything has a purpose!" Kahi shouts at her, staring at her in some forgotten fury. It fades as quickly as it came and she simply sits and looks away from Methari.

“But you do exist, Remmy. You are still here, still alive. This is a gift I didnt want you to throw away,” Ashlynn says softly, her gaze turning to look at Kahi, looking a bit worried.

He sits listening to them all, his face impassive as he rests it against one hand simply watching them before at last he speaks, “The lady has spoken." he says at last and looks to Kahi as if a decision has been made in his own mind.

Ashlynn nods, almost a bit cautiously then speaks, “she... is right, Remmy. You still have a purpose, whether you beleive it or not.”

“Besides consuming your collective time and effort, what would that be?” Remnant asks in a grey tone of voice.

“You said earlier that you didnt wish to cause any more pain over your situation…” Ashlynn says slowly to her.

Remnant shifts closer and presses against the barrier that surrounds her, “Yes I said this.”

“This shows a level of compassion is in you, one that should not just be thrown away,” Ashlynn finishes once Remnant agrees.

"You would cheapen the hearts of those that now know you in thinking your life is something that could be so easily thrown away." Seth adds, looking at her thoughtfully, “Is not the simple friendship of those that can walk time with you something to be treasured?"

“Not only the times that you 'have' walked, but 'will' enjoy,” Ashlynn continues.

"You're alone... Wanting purpose? Then serve the world, Remnant. Serve good. Serve everyone and everything that deserves a place in this space. It is easy to fight. Just pick a worthy purpose." Kahi says finishing off the great advice and Seth nods his head in agreement.

“This is why I wish to take her into my care, to help her learn of what good she is capable of,” Ashlynn says looking to Kahi and Seth.

Remnant sighs as she looks out at them all, “I don't understand you all....after everything....especially you...” she trails off looking to Ashlynn, “after everything I've done...why are you all trying to convince me to live?”

"I'm sure she is capable of many things.. But is she capable of making a choice not fueled by despair?" Kahi murmurs.

“Because, everyone deserves another chance,” Ashlynn replies looking to Kahi with a determined expression and Kahi simply nods in reply to Ashlynn.

“Would human kind so easily forget us that I would be able to walk the streets "helping" without reprisal, or am I to stay here, hidden away?” Remnant asks quietly.

Seth sighs suddenly and begins to talk, "There once was this city that sat by a lake, quite beautiful in its way and filled with innocent people, but their ruler was cruel, the country they were in sought to take over my own and so, I destroyed it all, every building and every being in it. We all make choices and decisions that haunt us. The reality of it is that we must learn not to make the same ones twice, and not to lose face in the sight of our friends."

Ashlynn nods, “No matter what past actions have been, we may always change. The future awaits, along with choices that have yet to come Remmy.”

"The wonderful thing about 'human kind'?” Kahi laughs a little, “They don't pay attention. You can walk through the streets, and you'll simply be one of 'us'. The 'Super Heroes' they see every day now. It's simply commonplace."

“Exactly,” Ashlynn nods smiling at Remnant.

"Seek redemption in your deeds from now on." Seth adds looking away into the middle distance.

“They do not care for who you are, or what you look like. Just the how,” Ashlynn says still looking to Remnant, “The people will see you for your actions, and will come to trust you in time. You will not be alone, either. I did not spend all this time trying to save you to abandon you, after all…” she trails off and winks at Remnant with her third eye.

Remnant looks down at her hands, “I...don't even really have the power to serve...just what Amy had, via her lineage...” she mutters.

"Things may surprise you there..." Kahi interjects, “They have a habit of doing that... In any case, many fight without what we would call 'power'. The strength of a bullet can often be enough, and the wisdom to duck when you should." Kahi smirks gently at her own words.

“And that is enough. You believe yourself weak, but know this: I am still bested by those who have no powers, just a gun at their side.” Ashlynn says, reinforcing Kahi’s words.

"A bullet to the head is a bad way to die..." Kahi nods apparently thinking on it and Ashlynn frowns a bit, then rubs her own forehead a little at the thought.

“Is it any worse than being forced to live as a broken husk?” Remnant sighs and looks away.

"Yes." Kahi stares at Rem.

“Remmy, you arent broken,” Ashlynn says turning to look at her once more, “If you think you are, then rebuild yourself!”

"I have not always been as I am now, Remnant. For the longest time I was broken... Destroyed. Only Seth saved me. Well, part of me." Kahi says softly, the words painful to say as she thinks over her past. Ashlynn turns to look at her surprised.

"I saved what i could." Seth says softly into the quiet, "I regret I could not do more than I did at that time."

Then Kahi speaks, her voice sounding distant as the words, so much of her former broken self, fill the room. Seth’s face darkens at the lines and his eyes close as he listens.

"A mind sits on a small island of awareness. Broken shards of pain litter the shore."

"The open sky of joy arks over the dark sea of sorrow, giving way to the deep abysses of despair."

"Fear swims here. An ancient beast of crippling jaws and serrated teeth. Prowling forever in the darkness."

"The golden sun shines love down into the depths. Casting shadows in the deep."

"On the horizon, a storm of hate rages. Whipping waves of anger into the sea."

"Great stones stand resolute in the crashing waves, courageous, determined."

“Evil reaches in. Grasping and cold. Lifting the mind from this existence. Taking thought from its domain."

"What happens to this scape, with no one to watch it?"

"It continues on. Love shines. Hate and anger rage. Joy uplifts and enraptures. Despair crushes, fear lurks."

"The stones still stand beside the shore. And pain exists forever more."

Kahi goes silent and a strange silence descends once more and a strange pause fills the room.

Seth looks to Kahi and reaches out to her a little with one hand, "I..." but then has no more to say the silence filling the room still.

It is shattered a second later as Talic appears tugging on her moms leg, shimmering into the space and saying suddenly, "mom im hung..... HI!"

Kahi looks down still silent at Talic looking a little surprised and unsure what to say while Ashlynn manages to say through her own surprise “ ... T-Tal...?”

Kahi smirks to herself her happiness returning, "A'nekh djet..." and Ashlynn tilts her head towards her still worried from her earlier comments but picks up Talic gently and cradles her where she wiggles her toes and looks around the room at them all in their strange tableu.

"So yes..." Kahi says finally, looking away from Talic and back to Remnant. "I have been exactly where you stand now. A broken heart mindless in a sad existance."

“Did you not wish it to end, Lady?” Remnant asks staring at Kahi.

"At the begining?.. I had no say in the matter... My heart was not capable of rational thought. And my mind was lost, outcasted and forgotten for so long. So yes, I wanted it to end." Kahi says simply.

"I would not let her." he says softly

“Mom you are cold,” Talic whispers quietly as she shivers a little unwilling to interrupt but unable to with the cold and Ashlynn sighs, the snow falling from her as she shifts. The air losing much of its chill. “I'm sorry, hun...” she whispers back to Talic before looking back to Kahi.

"I admit I was selfish in that act,” Seth continues looking to Talic and Ashlynn for a moment before back at Remnant and Kahi, “but I needed her, wanted Kahi to return despite everything. It was a blow my heart could not take."

Kahi smirks as she speaks again.

"They used to call me 'Furr'.. As it was a favoured form. To have fur, I think. Black and White. Heart and Mind, “she pauses thinking back on it all, “but now… Here I am, simply Kahi again."

"There is nothing simple about you Kahi." he says softly reaching over to take her hand again.

In the silence that follows the only thing that breaks it is Talic hugging her mom and dearly kissing her face multiple times in response to the look on her mother’s face. Ashlynn cannot help but smile and hugging her back.

"You would be more than surprised with what you may make of yourself Remnant." Says Kahi breaking the silence.

“This is what I wish of you, Remmy. I want you to be able to see what you will become, to see the good you can do.” Ashlynn says looking at Remnant with Talic still in her arms.

Seth nods in agreement looking at Ashlynn before turning to Remnant, "There is always room to grow, no matter what shatters you. When she was Black Furr a being of emotion she learnt to think and rationalise once more, she became far greater than what she ever thought she could be. So can you."

“Mom... are they talking about building blocks? oh no uhh.. marbles?” Talic whispers again, her presence keeping the tone from descending into the dark abyss on which they all stand.

Ashlynn chuckles silently, shaking her head and smiling down at Talic, “No, silly... we're talking about saving a life, and helping her start again.”

“Oh...” Talic whispers and points between Rem and Kahi and smiling to Seth, “and who are they?”

Ashlynn’s look softens as she glances to Talic, “It is Lady Kahi and Remnant, sweety...”

“Oh… can I meet them when the life is saved?” Talic adds as she fidgets with her hands.

Ashlynn nods and smiles, “I think it would do her good to meet you, Tal...”

Remnant growls ever so quietly looking from Ashlynn talking with Talic and back to Kahi, obviously fighting something in her mind, “I would say that you couldn't understand my feelings....but... That would be a lie. Are you all so willing to allow me a chance to attempt your path Lady?"

"Everyone has a chance. It's already yours." Kahi shakes her head smiling at that. "It isn't our place to stop you, only to help you. Even against yourself at times. Understand that... purpose, happiness and joy... They can all be yours."

"You have been given an opportunity to become greater than yourself, with so many who would stand by you. It is an opportunity the universe does not give lightly."

Remnant looks to Seth and sighs with a nod before blinking as Talic gives her mom a kiss and then appears on Seth’s shoulder sitting and looking forward as serious as he is, attempting to lighten up the situation once more. Ashlynn cannot help but smile.

Seth however picks Talic up and shifts her to the table, "Just wait there for now, the weight of memories is more than my shoulders can bear for now."

"You have a helper, Set." Kahi smiles looking at Seth and Talic.

"I do yes," he says softly and manages the faintest of smile before looking back at Remnant as she speaks slowly.

“When...the crown rejected me...I felt alone...” she admits and Ashlynn look falls as she hears this. “When I went to Ashlynn to die-”

"Rejected... such a harsh word.” Kahi replies quickly cutting across Remnant, “Though, the one I would choose isn't any lighter. It abandoned you.. The 'crown' lost you to its own detriment. You are better off without 'their' influence. Don't ever forget that.”

“I'm less of a being without their strength. Their influence...gave me purose and I knew who and what I was. Such a time is past, however...and you all seem to want for me to live...I went to Ashlynn to die that day...and prayed...and prayed yet still that you would take me from this wreched existance. However...you seem to see something I do not...” she sighs and shifts forward placing both hands on the barrier as she speaks looking out at them, “and it makes me want to look within to find what it is that has made those that sought my instant destruction on site, hesitate to do so, now they are free to.

“What has made this "it" –“ she pauses and waves a hand to Kahi as she speaks of herself, “Deserving of a chance?”

“The fact that you never got one until now” Ashlynn says her voice low and quiet.

Kahi giggles as she hears this and smiles, "You are less without them... Not as strong. I see that... But what you lose in energy, you gain in potential. You have all the potential in the world!" Kahi grins brightly a sharp glow to her eyes for a moment "Can't you see that?"

Remnant looks back at forth between Kahi and Ashlynn then Seth speaks.

"You are less of a being, but more of a person an individual. You can do anything with that, be whoever you wish to be. You are what you make of yourself."

"You can be anything you want to be Rem. Simply case after it!" Kahi smiles still.

”An avatar is created to serve...Lord, I do not...know where to start.” Remnant whispers looking to Seth.

“Then let me teach you!” Ashlynn says forcefully, “Let me show you how to live your life, to learn for yourself. To be happy.”

"Then serve Ashlynn she wishes to teach you so serve her," Seth says calmly as Talic climbs down and lays on her chest examining Seth’s shoes very closely unsure what she should say and wishing she could do more. "Serve the world, serve those who would help you, and we will help you learn to stand strong."

“I can show you too!” Talic says inspired by Seths words and leaps up and strikes a fierce pose, “I stand the strongest!”

As she speaks Seth cannot help but reach down and pushes Talic down so she is sitting on the floor once more a smile on his face and Talic pouts suddenly as Ashlynn chuckles.

Ii did… though…” Talic mutters and Seth pats her on the head gently as she begins picking at his shoes once more.

Remnant smiles as she watches Talic as she muses over the idea, “Serve Ashlynn...”

"Serve someone… Hell, serve an idea. Anything to get you out of this headspace." Kahi smiles at her.

Remnant steps back at little and crosses her arms a smirk on her face, and she shakes her head, “I'm starting to think you three are actually going to let me live…” “Why wouldnt we?” Ashlynn says softly smiling as her hands press against the barrier.

"It took you this long to realise this?" Seth comments.

"Yeah... Sorry to disapiont you there Rem." Kahi smirks back.

Remnant sighs a little as they speak.

Seth leans back in his chair inspecting the barrier before he clicks the fingers of his right hand and the barrier shimmers for a moment before dissipating, "That is surely no longer needed." he says softly relaxing once more in his chair.

As the barrier falls under her hands Ashlynn smiles and steps in to her side and Remnant looks down to her.

Talic looks up at Seth and whispers softly, “Is mommy getting a new friend?"

“Yes she is." he says softly smiling back at her.

“Will you give us... no, give 'yourself'... this chance?” Ashlynn smiles warmly at Remnant as she speaks.

“I'm sorry I hurt you when you walked into my mind that day.” Remnant says quietly looking away from her and Ashlynn moves to hug her and Remnant looks at her eyes wide.

“Please, dont worry on such things... you were scared, lost... I don’t blame you for what you did, nor hold you to it,” Ashlynn whispers to her gently.

“Very well...” Remnant says slowly, “I guess I have no choice but to let you let me live…” She moves away from Ashlynn and walks up to Kahi, looking her in the eyes as Kahi smiles back to her.

“Do you truly have faith that I can make something of myself besides the being you three know me to be?” Remnant asks Kahi looking down at her.

“We do,” Ashlynn says hurriedly and Remnant looks back at her with a smile.

“I know you do.” Remnant says softly, “but the one who fought most fiercely to see me end… sits before me.”

"Of course, I sit here far removed from the broken heart few now remember. Though there are still some..." Kahi smiles, "As I said, you have infinite potential. It's what you do with it that counts." Kahi pauses for a moment before saying, “I wanted to see the 'Crown' destroyed... Not you." Kahi says firmly.

“Very well. If you have such faith...” Remnant says slowly nodding at her, “I'd not see it wasted.”

Seth smiles softly as he watches Remnant and Kahi, finally hoping the situation is being fixed. Then chuckling as Talic speaks again.

"I want a crown…” Talic huffs, before continuing, “Or a tiara! I’d make a wonderful princess yep yep yep!”

"I rather like the name Rem by the way... I hope you don't mind if I call you that." Smiling broader as Talic speaks and Ashlynn giggles in the background.

“I do not mind... Lady Kahi.” Remnant says also smiling.

"It's just Kahi, really." She replies.

Remnant nods and looks down to the tiny one sitting on the floor and chuckles where she sits on Seth’s feet leaning against his legs. Talic sticks her tounge out and does a cute face to Remnant as she looks down at her and her tail wraps around Seth’s leg as she clings with her leg and arms to the other leg. “Welcome to the family, Remmy,” Ashlynn smiles.

"Iiti Remnant." he says with a smile and holds out a hand to Remnant unable to stand because of the Talic at his feet and Remant rubs the back of her head and reaches out to shake Seth's hand, bowing as she does so.

“Iiti, Seth.” Remnant says happily

“Now you can’t stand strong too!” Talic giggles.”

Remnant looks to Ashlynn as a thought strikes her, “Do you think your other daughter will be as forgiving as to say welcome to the family?”

"Iiwi, Rem. Ankh, Udja, Seneb." Kahi stands, smiling at Rem. She hugs her gently, just for a moment and Remnant’s smile fades a bit, and she tenses, unsure what to do here. Then Kahi lets her go smiling at her gently.

“What...does one...do when one is grabbed…” Remnant mutters.

“It’s a hug,” Ashlynn giggles, “It's a motion of endearment. It shows that two are close to each other, and trust each other.”

“I simply meant a welcome by it. Welcome to the pursuit of happyness Rem." Kahi smiles at her still.

Remnant smiles and nods in return, “Thank you, Kahi.”

"Rem... I expect you to have accomplished something by the next time we meet." She smiles warmly "And something not quite so self serving as your own self destruction." Kahi smirks and Seth chuckles happily and leans back in his chair.

"Today is a great day.” He sighs happily and Remnant nods at his words while Ashlynn looks simply relieved while she smiles at Remnant.

“I wish to start learning…” Remnant says, thinking on her new life.

"You already are." Kahi continues to smile softly.

“I can teach you maths!” Talic says brightly, “You have fingers!” and she nods frantically while Remnant simply blinks down at her while Ashlynn chuckles.

“When next we randomly meet, Seth, Kahi...I hope ...it to be in better times, and brighter lights...” Remnant says softly.

"The world is a bright place." Kahi smiles "And nothing is ever random."

"I hope we will meet at times that would be more than random we are all friends here," Seth smiles and glances imperceptibly to Ashlynn, "dear friends."