Eleven: The Fallout

Ethan and Rider face off one last time.

As the Illgain's body disintegrated into a pile of thick, black sand, Ethan grasped at his arm, realizing he was no longer holding the sword. He looked up to see Rider, standing triumphantly over his former leader, placing the mask on his face. 

"What are you doing?!" Ethan screamed.

"I am uniting the world! This plane needed a leader who could lead with a strong hand, and with mercy. Now, with the power of this blade, I can be the king they deserve," Rider said, staring at the sword as the electricity flickered between purple and crimson.

"If you wanted to bring peace, why did you let so many innocents die?" Ethan quipped as he stepped forward.

"There is value in loss. Everyone must understand how fragile life is, and how if someone stands against progress, they will be cut down," Rider hissed. 

"Peace through tyrannical rule? You sound like you come from my Earth." Ethan responded, taking another step forward.

"I know your Earth well. Tabitha told me many of it's tales, right up until it was time to bring you here," Rider said as he pointed the end of the blade toward Ethan.

Ethan looked down at the ring on his finger. He ran his thumb over it's underside as the fog finally began to lift.