Three tiny blue sparks flashed in the blackness, then ten more appeared, followed by billions in quick succession. The blue energy formed into a man, and Caesar, aglow, hovered in the presence of the Fire deity once more. He opened his eyes, and a white brilliance flowed from them as he gazed at the fiery red being before him. Caesar projected his thoughts to him.

It is finished.

Well done. Now we may leave this Realm of the Pendulum.

The Fire deity gazed upward, high into the blackness that filled the space above them. He reached out an ethereal hand and grabbed Caesar’s small head before blazing upward, a streak of red and blue flame trailing behind them, entwined. The Realm of the Pendulum was no longer in view, and another gateway appeared before them, small at first, then spreading to a broad bright chasm from which a flood of white light erupted. The two were sucked into the gateway, which opened into another realm. Caesar was no longer blue energy, but a man made of flesh, though no blood ran in his veins, nor were there veins to be felt. The blue energy that made up his form was housed in a bodily vessel.

The Fire deity also appeared human, though he was larger in stature. Both were clothed in light.

Caesar took in his surroundings, his eyes wide as he beheld the magnificent splendor of indescribable architecture. Other beings clothed in light floated and moved from one exalted structure to the next. Each structure was elliptical, with slanted walls that rose to a golden sky, and no roofs to cover them.

“What is this place?” Caesar asked, using his voice. The words flowed from his mouth like the sounds of a stringed instrument.

“This is the Realm of the Ancients,” the being said, his voice as beautiful as Caesar’s. “This is the highest of realms offered to you. It is above that of the Realm of Keepers. Since you have completed your circle of work and have seen through the eyes of the Grand Ancients, we offer you a place among us. No Keeper before you has been given this choice. While we govern the four elements, you will govern something quite different.”

Caesar said nothing in response.

The being continued. “Since you have shown an unprecedented display of love, this is what you will govern when you choose to make this realm your eternal abode. A place among the Ancients is a rare and vaunted position. Your name will forever be held in esteem above that of every other being below this realm. You will be free to enter any dimension you choose, fly to the ends of creation and back, and wield more power than you can bring to mind.”

Caesar looked about him yet again. Fruit trees in the distance sparkled on a lush hill with a river of silver waters flowing along its banks. “What of the ones I love? Lionel Galton, Fiero, Grace, Anna?”

The being, whose face held a perplexed expression, closed his eyes and held up his hands. In the next instance, three more beings appeared beside him, each equal in stature and beauty, and each clothed in light.

Caesar recognized them as the other elemental deities.

“It is time to present him with the choices,” the Fire deity said.

The Earth deity spoke next. “Given your achievements, you have been presented with the choice of residing in the Realm of the Ancients for all eternity, and you may choose one person from your past to share this life, including she who is the Scroll.”

“But only if you allow the Final Cataclysm to take place,” the Air deity said.

Caesar looked skeptical. “What are the other choices.”

The Water deity said, “If you choose to stop the Final Cataclysm, she who is the Scroll will be blotted from existence for destroying the parchment.”

Caesar was aghast.

“There is a final choice,” the Air deity said. “Through your merits, you may choose anyone to take your place in the Realm of the Keepers, including she who is the Scroll, while you reside in the lowest realm through all eternity. And the Final Cataclysm will be averted and its effects reversed.”

The Earth deity said, “Your loved ones will be lost to you for all eternity if you choose the latter. Though you will be reanimated for one day and spend that day with your chosen replacement. However, when the day is done, we will require you both.”

The Fire deity approached Caesar, towering over him as he spoke. “Choose wisely, Keeper, for the decision will be your last.”