21 // Zero // Closing Remarks

Together again, Fert, Scraat, and Smurk escort the fleeing prisoners from the Kept into Fey Haven. The path before them is eerily clear, a stark contrast to the city collapsing around it. Above, an open chasm stains the world in red. The air is acrid, thick with smoke. To the north, Red Caps swarm through the University District, pressing toward the Sane River. From the east, the roar of battle carries as Redcaps and Fomorians clash with the Outer Force.

The three mount the carpet and soar toward the Fey Glade entrance. Smurk, drained from the assault on the Kept, rests beside Fert, newly invigorated by healing magic. Scraat scans the horizon, absorbing the chaos unfolding below.

Nix’s calamity of errors quickly turn dire. Face down in the dirt, he readies a smoke bomb as the mob descends. He is overpowered instantly, body lifted from the ground. In the chaos, Nix triggers the bomb, smoke pouring from his pocket like a flare. Dropped in the confusion, he uses the moment to cast Get Ready With Me from his magic poncho, teleporting beside Gimble. They exchange glares and insults before Nix takes Gimble’s form, shouting to the crowd that the other Gimble is the changeling.

It was his original ploy, but this time he wasn't accounting for the smoke billowing from his pocket. The mob sees through it. They swarm him again, tackling him to the ground with hands at his throat, his execution unfolding in real time. Desperation takes hold. For the first time all day, his body slips free. Thinking only of survival, Nix Misty Steps beyond the colosseum floor and flees. He runs from the trial, and from his duty.

Only steps from freedom, Nix finally pauses. In the quiet, clarity returns. He remembers his purpose. He had turned the trial into a performance meant to prove himself, rather than an act to save the city. Others were depending on him to win the trial, to secure the Archfey’s favor. He turns back. Palms out, he walks toward the arena. The crowd parts as he passes, uncertain and silent, until he stands once more at the center.

Color drains from the world. Everything fades to black and white. Time freezes.

Only Gimble, Agdon Longscarf, and Nix remain unfrozen.

From the west tunnel, a rumble. Templeton emerges with Chester Swiftwind leaning heavily against him. From the east, Fert, Scraat, and Smurk appear almost simultaneously, followed by waves of prisoners pouring into the colosseum, reuniting with loved ones frozen mid-moment.

Time resumes.

Chaos erupts as families realize the impossible has occurred. Joy, shock, disbelief and then silence. The crowd’s attention shifts to the small, unassuming figure standing alone at the center.

With nearly a thousand witnesses affirming Nix’s closing remarks, the crowd turns on Gimble. They engulf him. Judgment is swift. Execution by mob rule.

Following a magical link to the flower in Nix’s pocket, Fert Misty Steps to his side. He looks at Nix curiously - he's not Chappy, but a pale figure wincing with mismatched colored eye causing him pain. Above it all, Nix hears applause (not mortal, but divine), as though unseen beings have just enjoyed a play. Feelings come across as messages in his mind: he’s been rewarded a new eye and the citizens of Fey Ember have been granted sanctuary for one week within the Fey Haven.

Templeton and Chester Swiftwind converge on Fert and Nix, urging them to regroup the Flame and move toward the Concourse.

The Flame reunites near the colosseum's east exit, where Mayor Basil delivers grim news. The contingency plan for a mass exodus has failed. All but one train were destroyed in the explosion. Their only hope now is that the Outer Force defeats the invading army before the Fey Haven ceases to be a sanctuary.

Swiftwind mutters that victory is only possible if the magic at Fey Glade Crossing is stopped, if they can mend the severed sky.

Before parting, the Mayor promises to activate the antique train for passage to Fey Glade Crossing. The Flame departs with Chester Swiftwind toward the Concourse, but just before crossing the bridge, they’re intercepted.

Daygan is waiting. And he wants to make a deal.

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