"Is there something for Lilo too?" Lilo asked with excitement.
She fluttered in the air, hopeful there might be something waiting for her as well. Nathan, on the other hand, just looked confused. A reward? After everything they'd endured in this place, he hadn't expected generosity, especially not from a god.
"Sorry, little nymph, but this reward is meant for him, but take this." Vorthakar said.
A small golden bracelet appeared on Lilo's tiny wrist, shrinking in size until it fit perfectly.
"Woah! Thank you!."
Nathan stepped closer as something shimmered into existence in his hand, a golden hourglass, ornate and glowing with a strange, warm light.
"What is this?" he asked.
"My last artifact, I used the rest in my final battle."
"How does it work?"
"It can turn back time for a short while... or fracture time, creating a moment like this one."
"Why give it to me?"
"To thank you... and because I can no longer use it."
"I see."
Lilo tilted her head.
"So... nothing for me?"
"I'm sorry, Lilo. I have nothing more. And most of what you've seen here can't be carried into the real world."
"So the compass, the maps... all gone?"
"Yes. Only the artifact will remain."
"What a waste," she muttered.
"Then please, no more delay."
A sound echoed through the chamber. Lilo and Nathan turned to see a magenta portal form behind them. Vorthakar didn't seem interested in drawing this out.
"The living must return to the real world, and the dead should be forgotten."
"What will you do after we leave?" Nathan asked.
"I will remain in this statue until you're gone. Then, the last of my existence will fade."
"How... pitiful."
"Don't pity me, child. Without Keylys, I no longer wish to remain."
"I... understand."
Nathan turned toward the portal. Lilo floated behind him.
"Hey! I'm going first!"
She zipped past him and disappeared into the portal. Nathan paused at the edge, looking back at the statue.
"I don't resent you... and thank you."
Silence fell as the room emptied. The statue still glowed faintly with magenta energy, whispering one last thing:
"Get strong, my child... and never let anyone take from you what you hold dear."
Vorthakar hadn't been strong enough when it mattered. He lost everything, and could do nothing about it. He didn't want Nathan to share the same fate.
"What took you so long?" Lilo asked.
Strangely, they hadn't been transported to the throne room, but to the palace gates, right where they'd defeated the knight.
"He's not here," Nathan said, scanning the area.
"Yeah...," Lilo murmured.
No knight. No blood. No trace of battle. It was like nothing had ever happened.
"Let's just go. I'm tired."
"Hm~"
She hummed as she followed him through the palace halls. It was ruined, crumbling... but at least they'd never have to see it again.
"Hey! Mr. Butler? Anyone home?" Lilo called.
"He's gone, Lilo."
"But I wanted to say goodbye."
"Too bad."
Just like the knight, the butler was gone. They passed through the familiar corridors one last time, glancing at the destruction. A part of their journey was ending.
"I guess it's time," Nathan said.
"Yayy"
At the entrance to the throne room, Nathan pushed open the door. The red carpet stretched out before them, flanked by six grand pillars and tall stained-glass windows.
"Want to stay a bit longer?" Lilo asked.
"Not really... but look around if you want. I need a minute."
"Okay~"
Lilo darted between statues, exploring. Nathan dropped his bag to the floor and took out the golden hourglass, staring at it. The god had said it could fracture time. What if... what if he could let Vorthakar relive his moments with Keylys? Even if just within this fracture of time.
"Let's try this," he whispered.
He gripped the hourglass tightly, closing his eyes. He pictured the tower, the painting of Keylys, and the statue of Vorthakar, holding those memories in his mind.
"Hey! Nathan!" Lilo's voice snapped him out of it.
His eyes opened. The hourglass pulsed with magenta light... then shattered in his hands.
"I think I used it ... I gave Vorthakar a loop... to relive his time with Keylys."
"You... did that?"
"Yeah. I did."
Lilo grinned and hit him on the back.
"Good job."
"Thanks. Let's get out of here."
"Finally!"
They climbed the steps to the throne. The Emperor's body still sat there, unmoving. Nathan hesitated, then placed the crown back on his head.
The Emperor's eyes snapped open.
Nathan jumped, hand flying to his sword, but the Emperor only raised a hand and pointed behind them. A white portal opened behind Lilo.
"Nathan, hurry!"
He didn't wait. He rushed forward and stepped through the portal with Lilo right behind.
At last, they escaped.