on instrumental horizons

Failed Monado wielders (in a sense, in a sense) and those partnered to them, fated to an unimaginable experimental sacrifice, join across worlds, though the connection comes after they all have passed.

(Perhaps Kallian was able to come back to Dunban. Perhaps Addam was able to survive with Minoth. It matters not; in the end, they all pass.)

In terms of solemnity, they are a spectrum, all serious but all tempered by the requirements of their places in tumultuous worlds. But Dunban cries to see Kallian as he has not since finding Fiora and as he did not when he lost his noble lover. Minoth tries his damndest to smile but cannot keep it up, and Addam is nothing if not a sympathetic sob.

"We have nothing to mourn," is the wisdom of Dunban's spirit. "We accomplished all that we could, and we left our worlds in good hands."

"You're completely correct," agrees what once was Cole. "Still..."

Kallian's head is bowed. "I do find myself selfishly wishing that I had had more time to spend with Dunban. That this altogether grand peace could have been achieved sooner, for an end we saw."

But Addam affirms, "We of all people should know that it will never be possible to avoid all of the folly of man."

Minoth throws him a sidelong glance. "You wish your mistakes actually meant something, eh?"

Dunban chuckles. "I think I can answer that for him. Really, I just wish we could do it over again."