[Moments Before]
The Ever Mother lay pinned against the earth, her ancient form pressed flat by the pressure.
But her mind paid no attention to the weight bearing down, to the voices ringing overhead.
Her thoughts moved through centuries of observation with clarity.
'The Light Bearers have truly forgotten what they once stood for.'
The realization carried no surprise, only confirmation of patterns she'd been watching unfold across eras.
'Especially the Daughter of Light...'
Her fingers pressed harder against the earth beneath her.
'First, she orchestrated Humility's fall… Broke the balance with her own hands while proclaiming she sought to preserve it.'
The memory surfaced sharp and clear despite the years separating then from now.
'Then she positioned Desiderius precisely where he had no choice except to stand against Envy, knowing well that revealing his power would eventually lead to...'
The thought trailed off, completing itself with images she'd witnessed from afar.
