The ship rocked as it carved its way through the storm.

“Captain! The storm will tear us apart! We need to pull out!” a weary sailor cried as the sea swallowed him. The crew wavered as lightning struck the deck. The Voyager knew it would hold. This storm threatened them before, and he would not be thwarted again. He had nothing left back there. One last challenge awaited the struggling king. His throne was stained and it became unbearable. A hundred times the devil sacked his city. A hundred times he let it happen. Even after he reclaimed it when he left The Distant Shore, the devil returned. Sitting did not stop the poison from the serpent. One last trick to keep the game going for the fourth or fifth year. It hid in this storm. He would be dammed if it remained. With his trusted crew he made his last voyage with no goodbye or promises of return.

His story may have been the focus of these tales, with comrades here and there, but his companions bore their quests too.

After the Battle of Lost Sight, the Horse Lord found her way. Through thick and thin she gathered courage to take her leave of her old home. Months passed since the two last spoke to one another, both knew their partnership had come to an end at last. The War took its toll as it did for the others that The Voyager encountered. She never gave up, but even that soured their brotherhood past. When The Voyager repaired his ship, he sent one last letter knowing it may fall on deaf ears. To his surprise, she had lived and cherished the better times but it was time to let go, yet the lessons stuck. Her new kingdom would prosper for ages to come.

Though The Voyager was heartbroken, he forgave The Red Lady knowing the truth. Despite attempts at communication, their signal ceased at the Frozen City. He could only hope she succeeded in easing others. His selfishness could not blind him in his duties. The truth marked his flesh for an eternity. One day he would forgive himself but she may never. That truth haunted him.

The Queen in Yellow and the Winged Advisor ceased in his quest. Whilst traversing the Ruined Land, the Queen became embroiled in its conflict and condemned him during a dispute. As the serpent’s disillusions broke, The Voyager departed early to avoid more cruel actions. Once he reclaimed the throne and readied to set sail, he was confused yet joyous to discover they held no ill-thoughts against him. Though one ally was lost, he moved on.

The Bloodless Family held strong when Ruina Fog covered the paradise. Yet the Ruined Land’s conflict reached them and secretly divided them. The Voyager prayed the serpent’s death would cure the land. He prayed.

But that was then.

Here was now.

Here he would slay the beast or he would become it.