The Hero's Epiphany (short story)

[AleStaar he/him]

SPOILERS FOR THE MISTBORN SAGA UP TO THE LOST METAL

Made this as a writing exercise, for practice in writing fanfiction. This is part-theory, part-fanfic, part what-I-wish-era 2 was about. This is framed as an excerpt I think could've been in the Words of Founding.

If Sazed's arc was about coming to terms with being a Terris rebel, having a side of Ruin, and growing into a genuine leader of the Terris Dominance. A Sazed who helped Kelsier make a republic. A Sazed who realized Preservation is not a saint, Ruin could be a good thing, and doesn't view things in terms of 'ruining' and 'preserving.'

 

As my mind expands, I realize these twin powers hold more than history and plans. They grant inheritance of my predecessors’ very memories, thoughts, and emotions. Strewn through the precognitive plans of my predecessors Leras and Ati, my mind perceives grand machinations of unfathomable complexity. And yet, in these machinations, I sense deep pain and nuance.

Leras went through the pains of sacrifice and mental decay. He planted clues and tools, hoping humanity could use them to fulfill his desired outcomes. Whether it be attuning Vin to the mists, or commanding Kelsier to Survive in the Pits of Hathsin. Ati lost himself throughout this several thousand year long conflict. Millennia ago he was a kind god who set up complex dominoes and gambits, aiming to destroy stagnant societies or threats to humanity. In stark contrast, by the time us crew members faced Ruin, he was a malicious force that cared not for life. But even in Ruin’s lowest moments, he genuinely believed the destruction of our world was a good thing.

It is easy to fall into the trap of viewing Preservation and Ruin as “good” and “evil.” But all things considered, they were each capable of great good and evil, depending on circumstances. Preservation placed Rashek into a position where he can use the Well’s power, in hopes his actions could eventually manifest the long-desired atium Mistings and Hero of Ages. However, in the coming centuries, Preservation stoked Rashek’s belief that brutal atrocities are necessary to enforce stability. Ruin arranged the occurrence of many skaa rebellions, and influenced the Keepers to preserve their knowledge. And of course, the Eleventh Metal played a key role in slaying the Lord Ruler. But at the same time, Ruin influenced Rashek and the Steel Inquisitors into doing terrible things. 

I am only beginning to understand the moral complexity of Scadrial’s gods. And yet, it would be disingenuous to claim I do not feel anger. They have let humanity suffer under a thousand year reign of terror. Mortal minds may try to classify actions and people into 'ruining' and 'preserving.' But I came to realize this should not have influence on the actions of men. 

A person can be an assassin, but desire stability and protection. A person can be a killer, while at the same time a revolutionary who possesses a deep sense of community and love. If a man slaughters life with cold apathy, is he truly a preserver? If a man knows love and works to better the world, is it right to claim he’s only a destroyer? 

This is a dichotomy I came to realize during my time as a Keeper, rebel, a leader of the Republic, and eventual leader of the Terris people. In witnessing the actions of Vin, Kelsier, and Rashek. These are questions I must ponder throughout the Ages. I encourage you all - my children - to do the same. Life is about questions, choices, secrets. There are more gods in the cosmere, each a shard of a greater whole. In this moment, perhaps I am encouraging the exploration of passions. Perhaps I am cultivating a belief, or inspiring people to seek autonomy from the binary nature of gods.

- Dictated and read by Discord, Sazed, The Hero of Ages

Edited August 2, 2024 by Ale the Metallic Conjurer
Aligned a line to the right

[The H]

Just found this now! It feels like it could find a home in a Sazed novella post HOA.

[AleStaar he/him]

9 hours ago, The H said:

Just found this now! It feels like it could find a home in a Sazed novella post HOA.

Omg thanks so much!