One More Stop

[glitters]

Jasmine's eyes widened, not sure what to really say to this. She was expected to kill Profeta? Even after she'd helped them so much? She was a prophet, she'd see it coming wouldn't she? And if she did, what was going to happen?

"...I...why? Why kill her if we can save her? She'll know what's going on and fight back, won't she?"

[Seigmand Dezmar]

"Our world is only threatened because she remains in it. She told me herself that were Trucido to kill her by his own hands he would complete his goal, yet her death by another means would deprive him of that. With time we can amass the strength we need to truly be rid of Trucido, but I can tell he is already preparing to move against the prophet."

"You are strong Jasmine, stronger than you think. I am hoping you'll be able to do what I could not, and convince your allies of the greater good in this path. Even if Profeta suspects you, I hope to ensure she is beaten enough by Trucido that she won't pose much resistance."

As Seigmand rattled of the plan that he had played out in his mind hundreds of times, each time its logic seeming sound, he could help but feel troubled as he explained it to Jasmine. Do I still doubt the girl? Is there a flaw in what I have thought up? Bah, no I'm sure that isn't it. His concern appeared on his face for only a moment before he looked back up to the youthful mage.

"If there were...another way I could be certain we would stop the Sumata I would voice it Jasmine, but nothing is as certain as this. I warned you what I asked would not be easy. Now that you know, do you still have that same conviction I saw in you just moments ago?"

[glitters]

Jasmine remained silent for a long period of time, crossing her arms and staring at Seigmand. She knew his intentions were good, he wasn't lying about any of this of course. She also understood very well what he was saying, and if it was true there really seemed to be no way out of it.

The adults Jasmine had in her life all seemed to do what they did to protect their family, not so much because they wanted to kill anyone but because they had to if they wanted to see her and her other relatives alive. This was her father's job, of course.

She looked determined enough, though her voice came out heart-broken as she answered, "If that's what it takes to save the world...someone has to do it. If no one else will then it'll mean I'll have to."

[Seigmand Dezmar]

Seigmand breathed out all his fearful doubt upon hearing her response. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You are indeed brave for one your age Jasmine. You have my thanks." The ground slowly began to cover his body in the golem form he'd held at the beginning of their encounter.

"The day will come when I shall signal you to come to Profeta's cave with anyone you can gather. Do not stop to coerce or persuade for time will be of the essence. Keep your eyes on the land and stone, for it is through that that you shall know it is time. Goodbye Jasmine, and good luck." His last words seemed muffled as the stone held his jaw still. Turning swiftly he pushed off the ground as it rose to a rolling mound that propelled him through the trees.

Everything is as it should be now. All that is left now is to wait.