World Tree

That one tree you'll notice rocketing up the sky when you arrive here.

[The bulb of light was gathered in one place, lighting the very place. As if it's covering something, it's getting clearer and clearer that it is.

The next second, the gathered light formed but one young man, landing by his feet here. The strands of his brown hair was swept by the wind of the big trees as his eyes locked at the very tree.]

World Tree..?

[He stared with a deep look again.]

Have you summoned me again?

[Just like answering his question, an image of a young woman materialized in front of him. It was Martel's human form.]

Hello, Descender.

[She bowed and smiled, as polite as ever.]

Yes, i do.

[He stared at Martel with minor glare intended. Who is she? Who is her to command him?]

Who are you?

[She takes no offense. That attitude was logical, a Descender or a human being. Martel keep her voice tone wise like always.]

My bad, Descender. My name is Martel, and i am the spirit of the World Tree here.

[She will say no further, she'll analyze his response first. It's better than offending him, right?]

Mar...tel?

[He thinks of it first. When and where did he ever heard that before...? Nah...No avail.]

I suppose i've heard that name before. [He shrugs] And for what purpose did you summon me, then?

[Hello there Martel, meet the most asshole Descender when it comes to respecting.]

[That's okay. She's used to communicate with 'Yuan' and 'Kratos', which could be more of an ass than you.]

Of course, you've met Kratos...[She was so tempted to say Mithos, but she canceled it. Yggdrasil was never a better person at conversation, who knows what blasphemy he might have left with this Descender?]...right?

[She lifted her wand a bit, before putting it back to the green grass.]

Nothing special, just to help a person.

Kratos-san?

[That line got him quirking an eyebrow. Surely, since Kratos is one of the members he's actually respected with his whole heart. Have a nod as a confirmation, Martel.]

Help a person? Who?

[He makes no attempt to show any curiosity. Stoic face is stoic.]

[Since she managed to get into his good side, a bit, at the very least, it is better for her to show her smile again, which is barely fading just then.]

You know Genis Sage as well, right?

Genis? The silver-haired little brat?

[Friendlier tone, not for Genis though.]

[She couldn't help but chuckle.]

That's one way of putting it.

[Pause]

Your answer?

[Xion kept his mouth silent for a while before spoke again, still as calm as ever.]

Well, do i get a choice in this?

[Still smiling dude.]

If you get one, will it change your answer?

[He watched her for another moment, then letting out a sigh.]

Where is he?

I know you would say that.

[She pointed her staff to the distances, whereas the sea, where Van Eltia's currently set resting there. You understand what she means.]

[Xion turned his head at the same direction where Martel's staff are pointing.]

...

[He tightened his gloves now, his face was somehow filled with determination.]

Very well, you'll expect me to be there.

[He waste no time. No goodbye for Martel, he'll take his step outta this area. Running as fast as his leg could carry. It's been a while since he's summoned, after all.]

[For the umpteenth time, Martel smiled, before her body's fading into the background. Into the world tree.]