Chapter Text
Prologue, Act I Part I: Intersection
1st day of the 9th month. 12,016 (Bionite Calendar)
The United Queendom of Bionis
Anniversary of Empress Melia Antiqua’s Accession | Day of the Intersection
With the sight of the setting sun, an orange-pink lustre rested upon the land of Bionis, the rays gently reflecting off of its surrounding ocean. It was a stunning sight to behold for this particularly special evening. 15 years prior, a year after Zanza’s defeat, the Bionis Shoulder and Alcamoth rejoined with the rest of the continent, and Queen Melia Antiqua ascended to the throne. To have lost her father and brother within months, alongside so much of her beloved people, and to still have the courage and willpower to help save the world, and carry on her noble legacy…it demonstrated to the Bionites that the title of a ‘monarch’ was befitting of no other person than her.
Gone were the days of an endless sea cloaked in a boundless sky, where two titans were locked in a timeless battle. Gone was that world of strife and rancour. And gone was the man called Zanza, the root cause of everyone’s pain. With his destruction, the Homs, Machina, High Entia, and Nopon of Bionis were able to stand peacefully united as one queendom, throughout every region on this continent, wholly unique in their own special ways. That only continued as they celebrated yet another milestone of their new world’s longevity
Colony 9 and 6 were similar with their customs, involving the town’s complete transformation, with jubilant songs and dances, lively games and activities, and scrumptious foods stemming from all the different cultures across the continent.
At Neo Agniratha, the capital of the Fallen Arm, the citizens used their advanced technological knowhow to coordinate innovative, and creative performances to be enjoyed by everyone in the city. Some went for pure spectacle and showiness. Others recounted tales and stories passed down throughout the generations: “Fair Lady Meyneth,” and “Egil and Arglas,” were beloved by older souls the most, while “The Tale of the Fog King” grew in popularity with Machina youths.
The people of Soltnar and Khatorl sought other forms of creative expression for the anniversary, fully embracing their luminescent surroundings, by decorating everything in ethereal, glowing hues. Such decorations extended to their own clothes and bodies. Even through the thickest fog that permeated around Satorl, the people served as literal, and figurative beacons of light.
Denizens of Frontier Village songfully paraded the Makna Forest, bouncing around to spread pollen orbs and seedlings across the forest floor. It was a custom to breathe new life into the earth, and demonstrate their care for their surroundings. Once every basket of seeds and orbs was empty, they’d happily dance back to the village, and decide upon the annual village Heropon
In the Valak region, residents of the Bagnar took a far more tranquil approach. Throughout the day, it was a common sight to see went to the La Luz Church for sacred purposes, often paying respects to ancestors, and praying for the worlds’ continued prosperity.
Gran Dell citizens leaned the most into food, as their best yields for the summer harvest often coincided with the anniversary. Their feast featured entire platters and bowls as big as a Nopon’s body, full up with veggies and grains prepped in innumerable ways.
Finally, on the westernmost tip of the landmass, in the Gran Dell region proper, sat the capital city of O’Virbus, home to the Royal Palace of Alcamoth—the Castle of Bionis. The festivities at O’Virbus had long been considered some of the most memorable. If you were simply out roaming the streets, you’d be welcomed by food-stands, performers, eccentric costumers, musical troupes, traders and merchants of all types of wares, and kids running amok like the city was their playground. Alternatively, the Memorial Park was a place of respite and respect. Quieter, and with less foot-traffic, but important all the same to the mosaic of life that was O’Virbus. There was something new—something different, at every turn. The pinnacle of what a capital ought to encapsulate.
If you found yourself in Alcamoth’s vicinity, or, daresay, inside of it, there was always a major surprise on milestone events like these. On the first anniversary, a band of musicians immortalized Shulk’s journey in musical form. They did the same for the adventure onto the Bionis Shoulder for the fifth anniversary. For this year: Elemental ether fireworks. A “foreign specialty” item said to contain thrice the colour, brightness, and sparkle compared to typical fireworks. When word of these started to slip through the grape vine, many thought of it as…a tamer surprise. Not to mention there’d been signs of set-up as early as the past week, and there was less effort to conceal it. Speculation briefly circulated about budget, safety, or itperhaps even being a red herring for something else…only for all of it to fizzle out as hype started building the closer the anniversary got.
Those rumours absolutely held water, though… Regardless of the Castle’s biggest open secret and project for about five to six years, there’d been plenty of meticulous planning— with a dash of fortune— to not only ensure that this evening passed by as painlessly as possible…but to ensure that Bionis and Alrest passed each other by as painlessly as possible.
Royal Castle of Alcamoth, Bionis Castle, Bionis.
Shulk, 31.
Shulk, his family, and his closest friends were in need of no invitation from Melia today. After a hearty supper together, the plan was to keep the kids entertained within the Castle. Crys and Nikol were on board, wanting to explore the interior. Considering their ages, and how well-behaved the two of them were, Shulk and Fiora had no qualms, as long as they exerted caution. Sharla and Reyn, with their four year old daughter, Panacea, went off to one of the guest rooms to keep her busy themselves. That left Dunban with the pair’s eldest daughter, Ashera, to go check out the training grounds.
However, the defier of this part of the plan came in the form of Eunie, along with her pals Noah, Lanz, and Joran. Tyrea did plan around Eunie bringing the three of them, but the moment the lively girl heard “inside,” and “supervised” in the same sentence, she protested in an instant. Her alternative? She boldly suggested the four of them go out and have fun down in O’Virbus…
17:33:36 p.m.
With crossed arms and a cross expression, only one word crossed Tyrea’s mind. “No.”
“Muuum, please! We already planned where to meet up and everything!”
“And you didn’t think to clear these plans with me first? Ridiculous—”
Eunie’s gaze darted to the ground “Hmph. ‘Cos ya woulda said no…” she muttered.
“Pardon?”
“ ‘Cos ya woulda said no!”
“Oh for Bionis’ sake—Eunicia Felicity this is unacceptable—”
“It’ll be just like hangin’ out with ‘em at Colony 9! I don’t get it!”
“ O’Virbus and Alcamoth dwarf Colony 9 by a large margin.”
“Well sure, but—”
“None of you have spent as much as half a day around there. Not to mention there is far too much happening tonight for children to be running around. What if—what if you get lost?”
“All the stuff happening’s what makes it fun, though!” the girl cut her off. “A-and, well, I won’t get lost! I can tell them we don’t hafta go far!—” Eunie rocked back and forth on her heels, arms behind her back.
“And what would you do if any strangers were to approach you, then?”
“We can stay close together! And if some absolute pillock on the—”
“Language.”
“—If some oddball on the street tries any funny business ‘round us, we can bash ‘em up thanks to our training, simple!”
“Yes, you four have done basic battle training, but the question becomes where are any of the weapons you or your friends are approved to use?”
Eunie admittedly blanked at that question.
“Right, you don’t have them. They would be tucked away at Colony 9’s Defence and Public Safety Corps.”
But within moments Eunie recuperated with more rebuttals. “Doesn’t mean we can’t use our hands and feet! Ooh, ‘n’ I bet a broom or a tree branch could make a handy staff in a pinch. Oh, oh! And since there’re four of us we can totally gang up on them, chain attack style!”
Tyrea scoffed. “And if you’re outnumbered? If the attackers in question outmatch your abilities?”
Eunie found it a little ridiculous her mum was bringing up these imaginary attackers, but she played along. “Wwwwelll, I bet we all can scream real loud. Like really really loud.”
Tyrea let out a long, tired sigh. “Eunicia Felicity Antiqua, I’ve given my verdict already. ”
“Mum—”
“No.”
“I can’t flake on them…!”
“Today you’ll have to.”
“Rrgh…their parents let them come all this way, but I’m right flippin’ there and can’t go.”
Tyrea felt a bit of an envious flame rising in her body at the petty comparison. Alas her mouth spoke differently from how she felt. “…Not every parent is as mindful of their children’s safety as I am.” she said with a trace of venom. "Nevertheless: N-O, spells No. Any more arguing and I’ll have no choice but to ground you.”
Eunie groaned very exasperatedly, crossed her arms, and turned away.
Still trying not to lose herself, Tyrea took a deep breath. Why can’t kids just understand that these things are for their own good? How could she dissuade her all from going? ‘This girl... Must she backtalk on everything I say? Someone, do lend me the strength and patience.’
As if answering her call on the spot, Melia entered the room, sensing the tension between the two of them. “Whatever is the matter, sister? You seem as if you’re at your wits end.”
Tyrea wasn’t surprised at how well she’d read her. She’d always had a knack for reading people. “Eunie wishes to venture out into O’Virbus to meet her friends. I doubt that’s the wisest decision to make at their young ages.”
“We’re 10! That’s plenty old!”
The context of the Eunie’s generation aside, Tyrea wanted to laugh at the irony of 10 years being considered old enough, but found herself too pissed off still.
“Pleaaase hear us out, Auntie…! I really wanna. They came all this way…!”
Melia caught a glance from Tyrea that screamed. ‘See what I’m dealing with?’ and stifled a chortle. “I’m unsure if my queenly jurisdiction has any bearing on familial matters…but I’ll see what I can do, Eunie. Just be patient with us.”
Turning away from Eunie, Tyrea muttered to Melia. “A switch to the knuckles was enough to keep me in line if I spoke back to Mother…”
“That method is…rather antiquated, is it not? I don’t believe it was very effective, either.”
“Well, I turned out just fine.”
“…Hmm.” Melia slowly nodded, choosing her next words wisely. “Well, the world we were raised in was far harsher. But, times have changed after all.”
Tyrea sighed and went silent for a moment, adjusting her gloves unconsciously.
Melia simply allowed her room to think.
Tyrea spoke again, her voice only a whisper. “Well. What... would you suggest I do instead?” a wince at her own passive-aggressive tone, in a moment of instant retrospect. Tyrea glanced over her shoulder, the weight of Eunie’s gaze growing stronger.
“Mum, Queen Melia... is everything alright?” A look of woeful innocence was painted on the young High Entia’s face
“Everything’s just fine, Eunie. Just a brief... heart-to-heart, if you will.” Melia explained, lowering to meet Eunie’s eyes.
Tyrea silently nodded, also kneeling down.
“I suppose that if I were in this situation, it wouldn’t hurt to meet in the middle—to compromise.” Melia continued. “But to do so, there needs to be patience and understanding from both sides…alright?” She looked between Tyrea and Eunie both as she rested a gentle palm on each of their shoulder’s.
The two of them nodded, in a similar, sheepish manner. They met eyes, attempting to see past the frustration and disgruntlement. Even when they’d known each other as mother and daughter for six years, there were still bumps and hurdles like these for them to cross. Progress was on the slower, steadier side, but they were getting there.
Melia stood back up, adjusting her gown. “Unfortunately, I cannot stay.”
“Queenly business and stuff?”
Melia chuckled. “Yes, Eunie I have my speech to rehearse. Nevertheless, I am hopeful the two of you can work something out together. Do take care.” With a courteous bow and a lingering smile of reassurance, the Queen made her exit.
“…Mum... if ya don’t want me to go, then... that’s fine, we... we thought it’d be cool to explore, since we rarely leave Tephra.”
“Eunie.” Tyrea remained low, maintaining her gentle eye contact, and softening her tone. Carefully and softly, Tyrea grabbed Eunie’s hands. “I do understand that. But you too must understand that as a mother, I... cannot help but show concern for not just your safety, but your friends as well.”
Eunie nodded along, mopishly. “... Mhm.”
“…But I do suppose a compromise wouldn’t hurt, as Auntie Melia said. An anniversary such as this is worth celebrating.” she said, lips pursed into a small smile.
Eunie’s face lit up, and she sprang back into liveliness.
The rules were simple: One, stay together. Together meant stronger, louder, and easier to spot. Second, be back around the Castle near six to see the ‘surprise’ up close. (Eunie remembered Noah said he might’ve seen people setting up fireworks, but she’d have to confirm it later.) The last rule was they could go no further than the Bionis-Mechonis War Memorial; there were less royal guardsmen from that point onward.
In any case, with a plan officially in motion, Eunie darted off to O’Virbus... though, not before she squeezed her Mum tight as one last goodbye, and thanks.
17:49:32 p.m.
Royal Castle of Alcamoth, Bionis Castle, Bionis.
Shulk, 33.
With the children off having their fun, only the adults remained at the Revelation Hall. Some lent a hand with the upcoming celebrations, while others either socialized or quietly admired the scenery. As counterintuitive as it sounded, they needed to take a step back, just this once.
The week leading up to today—given that they had to prepare for both the anniversary and the Intersection—was the busiest everyone had been since beginning this project. It was hard to believe that six years passed—even worse, 15 years if you counted Shulk and Tora’s research. Considering how everyone started to sacrifice more of their sleep and self-care in the name of work, a clear line had to be drawn. If they pushed themselves any harder, it’d put Origin at risk. Tired minds made more mistakes, and there wasn’t room to make any with the fate of two worlds looming over their heads. As such, The Trinity (and Poppi) forbade any of them entry into Origin, claiming the five of them would handle the final checks before its activation.
Alas, even as sleep pulled at his eyelids, Shulk was still brimming with nervous energy. Each time he thought about the Intersection, it gave his heart a squeeze. ‘Maybe I ought to distract myself,’ he thought. In the five minutes since supper ended, he’d checked the transporter time and time again, even though he knew he couldn’t bring it back online. Perhaps he held a foolish bit of hope that it’d somehow slip the minds of four hyper-advanced bio-computers, and an artificial girl with all the world’s data. So, he made himself useful around the castle… kinda.
He washed dishes that were already washed, swept floors that were already spotless, and tinkered with things that lacked need for tinkering. This bad habit had been hardwired into him by Dickson, to the point he felt constant work used to define him. He always had to be doing something. Sure, he worked to overcome that over the years, with no more all-nighters, having proper meals and breaks, and having little trinkets on hand to keep his mind occupied…but it figures that he couldn’t shake Dickson’s influence so easily. He could practically hear his inner Dunban telling him his mind and body needed to rest, or his inner Riki jesting that he was being a ‘busybody-pon’.
...Okay, well, maybe that was them and he was simply too preoccupied with his busy work. When he finally came to his senses, he stopped for a moment. He sat on the edge of the fountain, in front of the old stone mural of Bionis and Mechonis. He caught his breath, stewed in his thoughts, and started cracking the joints in his hands. A few loud pops in his right knuckles and fingers, the same for his left. Then he rolled out his wrists, from right to left again. As his left hand cracked, his gaze drifted towards the small, prototypal communicator affixed to his wrist…
It’d be nice to simmer down and have a casual chat, but he reckoned he could maybe pry for any updates from Mythra and/or Pyra. Perhaps they were still in contact with their close family? Either way, he opened the communicator, cranked its dial onto a specific frequency, and waited impatiently for the static to clear on the projected screen. He’d usually gripe that these things were in their beta phase, and that there were still some kinks to iron out—connection speed being one of them, but thankfully, he saw a hazy face or two. The sound of static quietened.
“Sh….k…Sh-sh…lk? Is…t..at…u?”
1st day of the 9th month. 4,074 (Alrestian Calendar)
The United Titans of Alrest
Anniversary of Queen Nia of Echell’s Accession | Day of the Intersection
An entire horizon of white—A sea of clouds. At its heart, the World Tree, piercing the heavens, and gargantuan beings called Titans circling around it. Beautiful and dreamlike as it was, it was only a façade. Beneath this idyllic surface was war, conquest, scarcity, and death. The world known as Alrest was sure to fall completely, but against all odds, its fate had changed dramatically. Now, the sun was on a steady crawl towards the true horizon, painting Alrest’s land, sky, and sea in a myriad of warm-coloured hues. It made this auspicious day all the more beautiful.
Exactly 10 years ago, Alrest found itself in a stable-enough position to elect a leader to rule over the unified titans. Nia, the top candidate by a large margin, wasn’t elected on her ties to Lord Echell of Gormott. Rather, through the last five or so years, she’d shown her steadfast involvement in Alrest’s political climate when she and Mòrag, successfully negotiated Gormott’s sovereignty—a moment leading to an immense rippling effect of political reform all across Alrest.
What truly made Nia special was how personable she was to Alrestians. She was an inspiration—even moreso than Pyra, Mythra, or Rex. Despite having faced prejudice and persecution because of her identity, unable to find people to trust or belong with, she was soon able to embrace her true self, with the love and support of the people she met. Nia was a woman who was lost, no longer.
Despite lacking any regal airs one would expect of people seeking her position, people were drawn to her more candid, free-spirited personality. While still hesitant at first, especially provided her recent motherhood, she accepted her role as Alrest’s queen, with Rex, Pyra, and Mythra as her consorts. Ever since Nia’s accession solidified the union of Alrest’s nations, the queendom only continued to prosper in every sense of the term; a prosperity that directly translated into the day’s celebrations.
Judicium flourished with life, a far-cry from its once battle-scarred status. The immigrants here, primarily Indoline, embraced it wholeheartedly as they offered up blessings, and conducted charity work, so as to maintain Alrest’s peace and balance.
Fonsett, ever the cultural salad bowl, filled out the day with fun and food for all. Their seashore jamboree ran deep into the night, complete with a potluck, shanties, dances, and aquatic sports. Cliff diving in particular was a mainstay event.
The hustle and bustle of the city of Argentum increased tenfold. Ships came in and flew out by the hour, inns booked every bed and restaurants filled every table, and merchants gazed upon the throngs of people with money in their eyes. Nevertheless, this high-octane life was expected by the people of Goldmouth. The busyness of it all was how they thrived; at least their home was stable and open-aired, not crammed in a single titan ship any more.
Over in the country of Gormott, Torigoth was among the most vibrant and musical for the anniversary. The citizens spent the morning decking out the city with wreathes, ribbons, and colourful lanterns, and left the rest of their day singing, dancing, and playing along to all kinds of songs. “Ein Can i Torigoth,” “Crafu Cath,” and Nia’s favourite, an adaptation of “Drifting Soul,” her personal anthem.
For Fonsa Myma, this was a day of serenity and appreciation. Urayans ate quiet picnics under the Saffronias, cherishing the precious time spent with their loved ones. Despite the lack of bombastic parties or festivals, the Mymoma Theatre Company would host a special production at the Olethro Amphitheatre. Penned by Cole before his retirement, this play was a retelling of Rex and his journey to Elysium.
In a similar vein to Temperantia, Tantal had finally returned to safe, natural conditions, which allowed for the growth of plenty of native crops. Tantalese folks in Theosoir got to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labour with bountiful feasts, and lively markets that lasted days on end.
Alba Cavanich showed its pride for Alrest with both a parade, and a carnival. Fitting of the former-Empire’s penchant for industrial activity and technology, Ardainian engineers took more than a few cues from foreign designs, and developed dozens of imaginative, mechanical parade floats and attractions.
Last but not least came the easternmost region of Alrest, which had long been abandoned. A year into Nia’s reign, she and the world leaders poured their best efforts into this place, and deemed it Torna, with the capital of New Auresco established soon thereafter. Bordering the land and sea, smiling upon the capital, sat the Aureus Palace—the Castle of Alrest. Despite its youth, the city blossomed—vignettes of Alrest shone in the capital, attracting visitors from across the queendom. A few of the parks provided that sense of sacredness, serenity, and intimacy, leaving the streets to be filled by food vendors and shopkeepers, and the squares and plazas for activities and performances. There was no end to the variety present throughout the capital, and that aspect is what bound Alrest even closer together.
Milestone anniversaries generally called for something to spice up the evening, like a special event, or an announcement of some kind. It was enough to have Auresco’s residents on their toes for weeks, in case there was even a single hint about what this surprise could be. Notably, the first anniversary had featured a musical concert based on the events of the Aegis War, and saw the opening of the Fallen Titan Memorial Park. This year, there’d been chatter about an Ether-based light show. Wonderful as that might be, some couldn’t shake the feeling that it was…a step down from previous surprises. After all, what could top the fifth anniversary? They’d revealed there was an entirely separate world out there, with its own queendom. And they started that project, right after, leaving that big hemisphere up in the clouds…but, what did it all mean? Maybe there’d be a bigger surprise than the light show…?
…There were less and less of those questions, as anticipation for the upcoming celebrations grew. Nia and her allies were glad that was the case. The burden shouldn’t be on the citizen’s shoulders, but theirs alone. What was best for both Alrest and Bionis, rested in the confines of Origin. If both worlds lived through the evening, they could peacefully, and permanently rejoin. Not today, but someday.
Aureus Palace of Auresco, Castle of Alrest
Rex, 31
Rex and most of his loved ones were at the Castle, fully supporting Nia during the celebrations. Of course, they were also there just in case things went haywire in Origin, but nothing more. Mythra’s missive made it clear that a break was what everyone needed. So, after they dined on all their favourite dishes, the half-hour or so of downtime they had before the Intersection was mostly spent relaxing or roaming about. There wasn’t really much else to do in the Castle in the first place, but at least there was enough to pad out the evening.
The kids, however, were craving something more active and engaging. Zeke and Pandoria played games like Don’t Feed the Armu, and Smack-a-Nopon with young little Linka, only three and a half years old. Glimmer stubbornly wanted to practice her music, while Addam was itching for a ride on Gramps’ back.
Meanwhile, Mio had practically begged for her, Sena, Taion, and Miyabi to see the celebrations in downtown Auresco for the first time. The request was outside of what was planned, which left everyone understandably hesitant…but they were willing to make it work and give them a taste of independence, provided they follow a few conditions…
5:34:21 p.m.
Nia and Rex knelt down, meeting Mio’s eye level. “Going downtown…think of it kinda like…when we’re at Argentum. Remember our rules for you, Addy, and Glim?” Nia prompted.
“Only talk to who you trust, spend your money wisely, don’t loiter around and, and…”
"Ahem, it’s what Addam needed to be reminded about?” Nia playfully whispered
“Oh, pfft! Don’t run off to where you shouldn’t be. Especially when you’re alone!”
“Atta girl, Mio! Good memory on ya!” Rex beamed, giving her a high five.
“And Sena, dear, be mindful of our own ground rules too.” Brighid chimed in from the background.
The blue flames atop Sena’s twin-bunned hair strengthened by just a tad. “Mhmm! Be respectful, be aware, and be strong!”
“Ya heard that kids?” he said, now addressing the rest of the group. “Now, I know you and Mio all seem like ya have good heads on your shoulders, but I have a feeling that when we turn our backs on you rascals…”
“Agh, they might jus’ tear the city apart!” Nia dramatically said.
“Will not!”
“Yeah! We’re not that strong Mr. Rex!” Sena supported.
“What? Have you seen how Miyabi uses her fans? Might take a person’s head off if ya ask me.”
"H-huh? Me?? If anyone could do that, it’d be Sena!”
“Aha! So you admit it!”
Mòrag dryly chuckled “Sena would be able to.”
“M-mother…!”
Miyabi stammered. “W-well, no, I didn’t mean it like that…!!”
Rex feigned a disgruntled sigh. “Kaneda and Akatsuki might not be able to stop them, Nia. We may need to bring in Nayumi, and Satsuo, and Chiraya, oof…maybe even Torna’s entire Public Safety division!”
“This is honestly absurd!” Taion cried.
Mio pinched the bridge of her nose, suppressing her embarrassment. “Mam, Da…be serious.”
“We joke, we kid. Cut us some slack, kiddo. It’ll only be Kaneda and Akatsuki keeping watch.”
The kids’ expressions drooped a little.
“Ah, now, don’t give us the pouting. As long as you four stick to the rules, it’ll be like the two of ‘em aren’t even there…! Alrest is a safe place, but we can’t take any chances. This is yer first time out in Auresco at its busiest, so we don’t want you gettin’ lost or hurt.”
Mio supposed that he was right about that. She’d only ever seen the City throughout construction or during the average day. Safety did matter.
“Speaking of…we can’t have ya goin’ too far…hmm…Aha! Remember where the memorial park is? No further than that, okay?”
The quartet nodded.
“And it’s back here, when?” asked Rex.
“When the fireworks start!” they all said.
“Perfect. Have the guards shoot us a call if any of you need anything from us. Taion, Miyabi, d’you two need anything before you go? Narcipear jelly for the road?”
Miyabi shook her head. “Oh, no, I’m fine.” she responded in a cordial manner.
“No thank you, Mr. Rex.” Taion replied.
“Arright, that settles—”
“Oh! One last thing.”
“What’s up, kiddo?”
Mio’s ears flattened a bit. “Will…Mom and Mum be back for the light show? And Poppi and…y’know.” she asked, her voice lowered.
Nia shared a quick look with Rex. A smidgen of uncertainty caught the words in her throat.
Without missing a beat, Rex nodded, with his usual optimism. “Not sure ‘bout your grumpy uncle, but they’ll be back and ready to party, Mio. Don’t worry, okay?” Gently, he ruffled the top of her head, between her ears.
Nia’s face settled into a smile as she nodded in agreement. “Once we’re all back, we can all watch the lights together. Sound good?”
“Sounds good.”
“Alrighty. We love ya bunches, cath fach.” Nia moved her bangs and planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“I love you too!”
“If anyone messes with you all, picks a fight or somethin’…show ‘em a thing or three for us—”
Nia playfully jabbed him in the side to shut him up. “Leave it mostly to the guards. That's their job. Er, show them…one thing, at least."
“We will, we will…”
Together with Rex, Nia embraced Mio one last time before bidding her and her friends farewell.
…
“…I think I heard a rib crack, Nia.” said Rex, feigning weakness.
“Oh hush up, ya pull that joke all the time!”
“Heh.”
5:48:03 p.m.
With the kids off wherever they were, be it downtown or somewhere in the Castle, Rex had honestly been trying not to direct his attention toward anything that had to do with Origin. Each time he passed into the Main Hall, he had to remind himself that the transporter was inoperable, and that he should move along. Each time he checked his comms, he refrained from sending messages or worrying about updates. Even now, as he stood on the balcony, admiring the vista of Alrest, he tried not to let his gaze linger on the faint silhouette of that colossal hemisphere; aloft in the clouds, as the entire world once was.
Having his friends—no, his family, as company tonight helped to keep him grounded. They’d all achieved so much together, and changed the world as they knew it for the greater good. The last thing he wanted to do was pass up these unforgettable moments. Moments that brought about the smiles he fought so hard for. Once these moments passed, there was no real way of completely returning to them. So he braced his arms against the balcony railing, took in the fresh, nightly air, and simply let things be. No matter what, he’d always be an optimist, ever hopeful that things would work out in everyone’s favour…even if there were doubts whispering in the back of his mind. Even if his heartstrings strummed at the thought of sharing this tender moment with Pyra, Mythra, Poppi, and even Malos…
…He looked up at Origin for his third time this evening, struck with a sense of longing. The two things that managed to pull his head from the clouds were the sound of footsteps behind him, and the familiar lilting tone of Nia’s voice.
“Ugh…it’s gettin’ chilly out here, isn’t it?”
Rex turned to see Nia rubbing her bare shoulders. “S’pose it is. Y’think you can hold out?”
She gave a quaint smile. “Yeah, yeah I’ll be fine…” she started, although her gaze faltered a bit. “I just…miss Pyra’s warmth is all. She’d cosy up right in between us…” She shuffled to his left and leaned next to him.
He threw an arm around her shoulders “Yeah… And by now I’d bet Mythra and Poppi’d do somethin’ to cheer us up.”
“Heh. Poppi would dance or somethin’. Mythra’d tell a joke.”
“Or start flirtin’ with us both.”
Nia giggled “That too.”
Rex let out an exasperated sigh. “Just goes to show how much they’re on the noggin. Even when they aren’t here…”
Nia hummed unsteadily, and nestled further into Rex’s embrace. “I understand they want us to chill out as they handle everything…and I trust them, I do, but…it’s bloody hard to go about our day as normal. And today of all days.”
“Too right about that.”
“…Is it selfish of me to want them here?”
“Nah, I feel ya. I wish they were here too. Everyone does.” he replied, rubbing small circles on her shoulder. “…Maybe we’re all… a little selfish?”
She snorted. “Hell if I know.” Soon, Rex felt Nia’s own arm, slinking around his waist. “I’m…glad that you’re still here though. You, and everyone else.”
Blush tinted Rex’s cheeks. I’m glad to have you and the others too. More than glad.” he whispered, punctuating his words with a kiss atop her head.
Another short moment was spent silently cuddling in each other’s arms, sharing body warmth, and gazing out at Alrest. Rex pulled away as a separate thought crossed his mind.
“…Y’know, I wonder how Melia, Shulk and the others are doing by now.”
“I’m still kinda thinkin’ about what Melia told me earlier this morning. How Shulk was worried as all get out.”
“Poor guy. D’ya reckon he’s at least feelin’ a bit better by now.”
“Oh I hope so. Fer his sake.” She glanced the communicator her own wrist, and then Rex’s. “Say, nothing’s stopping us from—”
As if on cue, Rex’s device emitted its notification sound, and a small light started to blink. An incoming call…! Rex wondered if it was one of the kids’ bodyguards, Crossette, or maybe, just maybe, someone from Origin. As he opened up the device though, he quickly recognized that the frequency was coming from Bionis Castle.
Tora noticed. “Someone calling Rexrex?”
“From Alcamoth. It could be Melia.” replied Nia.
“Don’t know ‘til we answer.” Rex cranked the dial onto the right frequency, adjusted the projection crystal, and tried parse out the caller through all the static.
Fair skin…blonde hair, only down to their chin…darker clothes…red cape! That could only be one person.
“Shulk? Shulk! Is that you?”
“He….o? Rex, c…n….y…u he….me?”
The screen cleared up of all it’s static in a few more seconds, and there he was, clear as day.
“Hey, hey! Shulk!”
“Rex, Nia! Figured I should just call to check in with you all.”
‘Oh. Guess it’s nothin’ serious…?’ Rex pondered.
A few of the nearby Alrestians gave their greetings in the background. Shulk tried to make out who was speaking, but they were all off-screen. He was sure he heard Tora though. Maybe he knew…?
Rex spoke again. "Funny enough, we were thinkin’ ‘bout givin’ you lot a call first!”
“Is that so? Great minds think alike after all. ” Shulk nervously chuckled, now seeking a way to segue this into talking about Origin. “H-How’re things going for you guys. With the…celebrations and all?”
‘Huh. Bit of an awkward way of phrasing it…Ah, well. He was never that good of a conversation starter anyway.’ Nia thought. “Things’re going pre-tty smoothly. Dinner still has me stuffed.”
“Oof, yeah, me too. The Tartari was something else, wish ya coulda had some!”
“Dinner was tasty for us here too. The hotpot was probably my favourite! Fiora and I ought to thank you for the recipe.”
“Don’ mention it. As an avid eater of fishy meals, that’s in my top 10.”
‘They don’t seem all that worried about Origin…’ Shulk estimated. “I see…so, anything happen after dinner?”
‘Odd question, but, I’ll bite.’ thought Rex. “Not much. Most of us’re just kickin’ it, but Glim and Addy are ‘round the castle, and Mio went with her friends downtown.” Rex casually explained. “How ‘bout over there?”
“Mio went downtown you said? Oddly enough, so did Tyrea’s girl, Eunie. She and her friends are off having a nice time there, I’d bet.”
“Oh, right! Her, Noah, Lanz, and Joran—ya’ve brought ‘em up before."
Rex snapped his fingers. “That was their names, right. They’re the ones always visiting you for stories and fightin’ lessons?”
“Haha, yeah… They’re a lively bunch as always. Usually Nikol, Crys, and Ashera would be with them, but they’d wanted to stay here in the castle and such.” he said, voice trailing off a bit.
‘ ‘Kay, He definitely seems nervous. Like he wants to talk about something else.’
‘Had a feelin’ he called us up fer some other reason, and not jus’ for a good old chinwag. Is he thinking about…?’
‘This isn’t exactly how I planned it…and I can’t just ask them about Origin so brazenly…hmm, maybe if—”
Out of the corner of his eye…A figure. Shulk gasped and nearly fell into the fountain behind him…only to see a certain Nopon he knew.
“Riku see Shulkshulk have same look on face when call Masterpon earlier today about Origin.” a deep voice deadpanned on Shulk’s left.
“R-Riku, where did you…? A-and I—”
Riku cut Shulk off before the man even had a chance to get defensive. “Riku just tell like is. Shulkshulk nervous. Look—even foot and leg of Shulkshulk bounce like high-power Levnis piston!”
All Shulk could do was sigh and shake his head as he waited for the call to re-stabilize. He’d moved his arm around so suddenly that the connection sputtered for a moment. That was just how finicky these devices were. “Ahem, uh…Rex, Nia, did you…happen to catch all that?”
Nia snickered. “Well, of course we did.”
“I’m afraid yer out of luck when it comes to anything new ‘bout Origin, pal. Heard zilch from up there.”
Tora jumped up from nowhere, also interjecting on the conversation. “Meh, meh, Tora say Shulkshulk just drop it! Tora gave up trying to connect to Origin in early morning!”
“So, Shulkshulk should rest weary head and give up too.” Riku shrugged.
Rex and Nia stifled laughter as they saw the absolutely crushed expression formed on Shulk’s face. The way Tora and Riku phrased it was painfully blunt, as Nopon usually are, so the pair figured they’d give him a bit of consolation. “Shulk, listen…What they’re trying to say is if there were any errors, which there really shouldn’t be, you an’ Tora woulda been the first to know.”
“She’s right.” Rex simply agreed. “But anyhow, this is still eatin’ away at you?
“To…say the least, yes. You should’ve seen me earlier, it’s embarrassing. I was doing custodial work to try and keep myself occupied.”
“Shulkshulk became dishwasher, sweeper, and handypon…even though Alcamoth is completely spotless place.”
“Cleaning the windows and trimming the hedges would’ve been next on the rota if I didn’t think to call you guys.” Shulk half-joked.
“Wahahaha! Y’know, as a bit of a workaholic myself, I’ve gotta admire that dedication of yours.”
“Pfft, but that? Yeah, no, tha’s overdoin’ it.” Nia said. “Might even rival Mòrag as the bigger workaholic.” she snarked
Shulk laughed. “I’m not that bad, am I?”
“Nia only teasing! Even if there unvarnished truth to it.” Tora clarified. “Tora think Mòrag still take biscuit—”
A throat cleared off screen “I’m right here, Tora.” Mòrag stiffly stated.
“M-meh, no offenses, friend Mòrag…!”
A sigh. “For what it’s worth, as dogged as I am, I have come to appreciate my rest days a lot more.”
“That is true. The changes that come with age, and raising a child helps put that in perspective.” said Brighid.
“Oof! I’ll drink to that.” Zeke spoke off to Rex’s far right.
Judging by Rex’s proximity to the others, Shulk thought it best to start moving back to the Revelation Hall, where most of his own group had gathered.
He sighed as he and Riku started walking over. “I guess its not that I don’t appreciate rest, I just…agh. It’s hard not to want to do something when there’s so much weighing on my conscience about it.”
“Ah, yeah, I getcha. We’d all be lyin’ to yer face if we said we weren’t worried ourselves.”
“Even Riku not immune to worry.”
“So how do you keep it from, y’know, completely eating away at you?”
Rex hummed and nodded, poring over his answer for a moment. “…Bit of a tough question to put into words. Might have to gimme a sec here.”
“Sorry for putting you on the spot, haha.”
“Nah, s’nothin’ to apologize over… Say, ya headed somewhere?”
“I’m almost back at the balcony. That’s where the others are.”
“Gotcha.”
As Shulk returned to the Revelation Hall, he was welcomed over to the balcony by Reyn and Fiora.
“There you are, Shulk.”
“Oi, we were wonderin’ if you’d join us again, man!”
“Oh, is that Rex you’re chatting with?”
He nodded. “Everyone, would you like to say hi to our pals over in Alrest?”
That managed to grab everyone’s attention rather quickly, as the other Bionites crowded around Shulk’s screen to say hello. The same went for Rex’s group, albeit mixed in with slightly more arguing for space.
“So what prompted this call, anyway?” Melia said.
“Shulk called us up first, actually.” Nia responded. “He said it was just to chat, but we got the impression he was—”
“Being a worrywart, yet again?” Melia chimed in.
“Yyyep.”
“Well, that’s a given.” added Fiora.
“Our friend Shulk, everyone.” Reyn joked.
They know me too well…’
“Without a doubt, he sure is.” said Rex. “But, I mean…I get why he’s worried, yeah? We’re all worried too, aren’t we?”
Both groups reluctantly nodded in admission.
“I was thinking of some advice to give Shulk earlier. Ain’t the best with words, but, I reckon my two cents on it is that…” A pause for a moment to compose his thoughts better. “If we look back on how much we did for this day, and we look at our families, friends—hell, even the world as we know it, and how its all changed…I say we ought to enjoy it. Let ourselves live in the present for once.”
“…Well said. We mustn’t lose sight of what we currently hold dear, can we?” Melia fondly said.
“If we do we end up takin’ it for granted. And I know that’s the last thing I’d want.”
Shulk nodded along, although, his mind started to wander as he glimpsed at the view ahead once, maybe twice more.
A nudge from Reyn and a whisper “…Earth to Shulk? Eye contact, dude.”
“Everything alright on your end? Something in front of you?” Nia asked.
“…Sorry. The view’s truly just…amazing. I wish you all could see it too.”
“Shouldn’t you just turn the screen around?” said Zeke.
“Wouldn’t do it much justice, unfortunately. The image blurs out after a certain distance.” Shulk lamented. “Besides, there’s a specialty that comes with seeing things with your own two eyes.”
Rex let out a long sigh. “Man… Makes me wish you could see Alrest from where we are, with us. Mark my words though, we’ll share that same horizon. One day.”
“Right. One day.”
“Once we surpass the Intersection, best believe that uniting our worlds is of utmost priority.” Melia firmly said.
Nia grinned. “We’ll get to that point no matter the cost! Right?!”
The rest of their groups unanimously agreed, and enthusiastically at that. If they managed to get rid of Klaus, whatever challenges stood ahead wouldn’t mean a thing. There was a bit more they wanted to talk about, but some footsteps approached from behind Shulk and the others. Tyrea had arrived.
“Two minutes left. Prepare yourselves.”
At just about the same time, Crossette rolled on by. “Twoooo minutes! It’s just about go time, you guys!!”
“That time already? ”
“Damn…Time sure flies doesn’t it?” Rex huffed. . “Right. Connection was gettin’ a bit fuzzy anyway. Take care, Shulk, everyone! Been a lovely chat with ya!”
Time always flew when talking with the Alrestians. If it were possible, he’d talk with them for ages. Alas, that was time they didn’t have, sadly.
Likewise! We’ll call you after. See you soon, Rex, all of you.”
After waving goodbye, the call powered off in a flash. Static. Connection severed.
Royal Castle of Alcamoth, Bionis Castle, Bionis.
Shulk, 31.
17:58:50 p.m.
As Shulk closed the device and lowered his hand, the others around him dispersed yet again. They wanted to go back inside for some reason or another, maybe for a different view, or to fetch the kids and whatnot. Shulk didn’t know. He missed the voices on the other end of the line, and that got him deep in his head again. Before he realized it, only he and Melia remained directly on the balcony. Melia stood front and centre against the railing, facing the world ahead. Almost completely still. Stoic. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, they say, and she seemed to carry that weight so gracefully; though, he could never read her nearly as well as she could read others. He wanted to let her have a moment of peace, but at the same time, he wanted to ask how she was really handling so much responsibility…Maybe now wasn’t the time. Maybe he ought to aim the question toward himself.
Here he stood, as a husband, a father, an engineer, a teacher, and so much more. The world he called home, in pursuit of its own destiny, had entirely changed for the better, and often in ways he could never have expected. Expectation after expectation, broken with each passing day, like the grim futures from his visions, to be denied time and time again. He’d spent a decade studying Ontos and the Fog activity, where his expectations continued to break…until six years ago, when Alrest entered the picture, and shattered them tenfold.
Of course, there was the rest of the Trinity, but alongside them came Alrest’s people, their cultures, and their stories, too. Despite how differently it developed from Bionis, he’d grown attached to it all the same, and soon, his own family did. He found himself forming the type of affinity with Rex and his lot where he’d shoot them a call just to hear their voices, and learn a little more about their lives outside of the project. Suffice to say, he enjoyed all the in-jokes, the stories they shared, the friendly arguments, the small little cultural exchanges, and other neat things. In building up their halves of Origin, his group and Rex’s built a strong rapport. They grew closer, just as the worlds themselves drew near one other. All of them wanted their two worlds to coexist and commingle. Not for them to be overwhelmed by Fog activity. Not to be demolished in their own interplanetary attraction to one another, ceasing to be.
What if they lost it all? Everything they worked hard for, made into stardust...Who was he kidding--What if? What would even come after annihilation? In what way would the people of a dead world survive?...He found the answer to be obvious. ...Was he being unreasonable about all this? As an engineer he knew there was always bound to be some type of extraneous variable, but he also knew Origin was genuinely without flaw! ...He just had to hope. Hope that it'd all go right. The Intersection couldn't be as far as everyone's efforts would go--it shouldn't. The survival of so many beautiful things in this world and Alrest's relied on the moments to come.
…
Recognizing his tendency to ruminate, Fiora loosely wrapped her arms around his right, and rested her head on his shoulder, seeking to calm him down. He tensed up just a little, caught off guard.
“Shulk?”
Something about her voice always managed to ease his mind and relax his shoulders. He couldn’t help the stupid little smile that crossed onto his face as he leaned into her. “Fiora…”
“I was off to go fetch the kids, but I saw you out here still.”
Shulk had no comment.
“…You’re still worried, aren’t you?”:
His gaze flickered from her eyes to the ground to back into her eyes. “It’s difficult for me to relax, but I’m trying my best.” he replied, now interlocking his fingers with hers. “So much is going on, and I—”
In the distance, a few fireworks happened to pop off early, interrupting him and startling the two of them. The pair shared a chuckle.
“As you were saying?”
“I think I’ll go inside for a bit, and clear my head before everything happens. By the time you’re back with the kids, I should be fine to watch the show with you all.”
Fiora turned to make eye contact with him. “There’s no rush to resting, Shulk. Take as much time as you need. Live in the moment. Deep breaths, okay?” .
He nodded. “Okay. Love you.”
“Love you too. See you in a bit!” She adjusted the collar to his coat, gave him a quick kiss on the lips, and jogged back indoors. Her hand trailed along the balcony doors as she made her exit.
Shulk knew he needed to have faith that everything would go as planned. He took one last glance at Melia, still impeccably focused on the view ahead. He wondered if she carried such faith, and quietly hoped she was at peace before starting to move indoors. He breathed in and out, closing his eyes with each inhale and re-opening them each exhale. The moment…the present… In... and out. In... and out…
17:59:59 p.m.
As he reopened a third time…
He noticed Fiora’s fingers still on the very edge of the door….
Stranger than that, the Castle’s interior had fallen completely silent.
Aureus Palace of Auresco, Castle of Alrest
Rex, 31
5:58:32 p.m.
Once the call had disconnected, a drop of disappointment mixed with unease steadily rippled its way throughout Rex’s heart. It dawned on him that it’d be the last time he’d be hearing any of their voices until after the Intersection. He wasn’t expecting to feel so maudlin about it, but here he was with a tightening throat and dampening corneas. Most of the others mingled about like normal and made their way inside—Zeke and Pandy were off to take Linka to the potty, Mòrag and Brighid were expecting the kids to return from Auresco, Dromarch was off to bring Glim and Addy, and Tora needed to check-in with the light show crew. With Mythra, Pyra, and Poppi out of the picture, that left… only Rex, and Nia together on the balcony.
As soon as they locked eyes, she crossed her arms with a smirk. “Yer eyes are lookin’ a bit glassy there, Rex.”
“Damn, ya noticed?” He let out a breath and wiped his eyes. “I dunno, its—the whole sitch…it has me in m’ feels is all. Caught me by surprise.”
“Mm…I don’t blame you.” she said, clearing her throat and fanning her eyes. “Figures ya get attached when ya work together to save the world. I’d be shocked if you weren’t at least a little emotional.” she said giving him a playful nudge.
“I know, I know. Still the crybaby I’ve always been, I reckon.” he admitted.
Nia bobbed her head, a soft hand pressed against her own core. Her smile faded by just a smidgen. “Some things never change. Even when… so much has.”
‘Oof. Damn right about that.’ Rex couldn’t help but think of how the saffronias still shone brightly in Uraya. How Torigoth never lost its woodsy, earthy fragrance when they’d visit. How he’d always snack on narcipear jelly from the vendors in Goldmouth. How Fonsett kept its rustic, nostalgic aura, even after all this time. How his humble abode never stopped smelling of home-cooked meals, and was always filled with sounds of lively chatter and laughter. Py still made him feel warm and fuzzy, Myth still brightened his spirits, and Nia still kept him down to earth. He would treasure a lot of those simple, mundane things more than anything he’d ever salvage.
But, the thought of life’s many changes swirled around and around in his mind. There were the changes in his personal life, like marriage, and parenthood; not to mention how he and his loves were aging, just as the kiddos were too. 11 already…Shit. There were changes in his work life as he went from the boss of the Garfont Mercenaries to the Chief of Public Safety. Everyday life changed socially, politically, and economically, with new sovereign states, immigration, rebuilding, and reforming. Human life physically changed once the Driver-Blade dynamic died with Klaus. Rex’s life, and all the world, had gone through such a drastic metamorphosis, yet as much as it all stirred in his consciousness, it paled in comparison to everything to do with Origin.
Fog rifts and beasts, the world of Bionis, Tora’s Aegis research and restoration, the entire construction of an ‘ark’ with all the data there was and is…That’s what gave him pause, even as he held onto hope with a white-knuckled grasp, as he always did. This project brought and would bring some of the biggest changes of a lifetime. For better, or for worse. They were a minute or so away from finding out if the change that awaited them was annihilation, or a chance for yet another metamorphosis.
He wondered. Not only about that, but…within these last moments, would his optimism change?
Disrupting his racing thoughts…Nia’s hand ever-so-gently lifted his chin so his eyes met hers. From her touch alone, he could feel the same persistent passion he felt all those years ago, as wave, after wave of goosebumps peppered the plane of his skin. With the same degree of delicateness, he cupped her hand and guided it up his jawbone so it rested on his cheek.
With there being so much on their minds, words simply wouldn’t cut it for the time being. Words couldn’t beat this proximity, this touch, this eye contact. That was all they needed to reach an understanding; and to soothe each other.
“…It’s almost time.”
“…Yeah.”
Her hand trailed up to the top of his head, carding through his hair. “Keep yer head up, Rex. We’re gonna make it, I know it.”
“You bet, Nia.” he grinned, politely kissing the back of her hand. “Love ya.”
Nia smiled back. “Love you too.”
Rex shot a glance behind him. “Hmm. Better go fetch the kids in the mean time. I’ll be right back.”
“Yeah. I’ll be taking a breather out here. See ya in a bit.”
Though hesitant to pull away from Nia’s touch, Rex peeled away from the balcony, and back to everyone else as they readied for the celebrations. That left Nia to walk back over to the railing, and take in Alrest’s vista one last time, with total peace and quiet.
Rex’s heart still fluttered. He couldn’t tell if it was from the anticipation or his passion. Perhaps both at once. Either way, to alleviate his heart rate, he just stood there with a hand on his chest to catch his breath. ‘Try and…stay in the moment… In... and out. In... and out…in…and….
5:59:59 p.m.
As his eyes opened back up…
Not a single person moved. Nothing did. Not a word uttered. Not a single sound. A moment frozen in time. He stepped forward once, and in the next instant…he too was immobile.
No matter how hard Rex shouted at his brain to move, to let adrenaline give him the strength, to do something, anything of use…it failed. His struggle was futile, he quickly learned. All it achieved was bringing his worst worries to the surface. ‘Who’s done this? What’s happening in Origin?! Why is everyone not movin’? What about the kids?! Shit…We can’t….what about….’
17:59:59 p.m.
What absolutely made Shulk’s heart drop from his chest to the soles of feet came when he stepped further in…and realized that everyone. Everyone around him had been frozen in place. Soon, he too joined this sudden still life portrait.
The first thing he looked at was the love of his life in his periphery. Fiora… She was mid-step, approaching Dunban. On the other side of his vision, Reyn had been arguing with Riki as Riku and Sharla watched them in either glee or disappointment. His eyes darted around in a frenzy. His breathing exercises went out the window. His fears multiplied, flooding his conscience. ‘Is this…the Intersection? Is it working? Have we…failed?! Everyone…! Fiora, Reyn…Crys…Nikol…We can’t…!
Tears. Quicker breaths. Heart rate higher than ever.
In-out-in-out-in-out-in…!!!
…
18:00:00 p.m.
…Out!
With the heaviest exhale he’d ever released, Shulk was knocked back into consciousness, like his soul had been yanked out of his very breath and thrust back into his chest. For a second, he was confused. What happened to him? To everyone, everything? Why did everything stop—did it really stop? Trying to regulate himself, he breathed in more air than he ever expected. Something about the fresh air jostled something in place. That was when all of it came rushing back. The slew of memories from a time and world that no longer existed.
Origin. Intersection. Aionios. Flame Clocks. War. Z. Moebius. Ouroboros. Nikol. A. Alpha. Alvis... Rex. Cent-Omnia. Alrest. Avatars. Ouroboros. Origin. “Rex…” Origin. “Shulk.” Origin. “It’s almost time, isn’t it?” Origin. “Can hardly believe it myself.”
“I await the day I’ll see you two again. Thank you. For everything.”
Origin.
A near-paralysing jolt of pain surged from his shoulder to his fingertips, triggering a series of convulsions in his entire right arm. He bit the insides of his cheeks to suppress the shriek that would have followed. Clasping at his arm, he was surprised to feel soft, warm flesh, not cold steel. Not sinew and blood either.
He’d been so disoriented he almost didn’t register Fiora too had crumpled onto the floor, clutching her temples. He heard a noise from behind, head whipping around as soon as he did. Melia seemed to have come close to keeling over, but caught herself on the balcony railing. A glance back around at the others. None so much as stumbled, or gave the slightest inkling of pain or discomfort. He cut his eyes back and forth between Fiora, Melia, and the rest. What was happening? Has he lost it??
To his surprise, Riku was the one being to rush over and lend a wing. “Something off and Riku not know what.” he spoke, deathly serious.
Melia rushed back in as Fiora and Shulk got back on their feet, and the sound of her hurried steps was enough to turn heads.
“Is…something wrong?” Dunban started. “You all seem—”
“Dunban, didn’t you feel that?” Fiora interjected, a forcefulness in her tone.
The man looked even more puzzle “Feel what?”
Shulk’s head throbbed. The pain cycled through every nook and cranny. Everything felt so blurry. “Time….ngh. Slowed down…”
Sharla rushed over from the other side of the hall. “Shit, this is bad—stay with us, Shulk! Dunban fetch some water. Fiora, Melia, are you two alright?”
“No…was there an assassination attempt?!” Reyn dared suggest.
“No, no! None of the sort, I’m certain of it.” Melia dismissed at an instant.
“So what happened?!”
Before Shulk could look Sharla in the eyes and answer, he saw past her. He saw…him. Or her. Or…them again. The long lost seer, and carrier of the Ontos core, set foot in the palace.
“…Alvis…?!”
Their appearance alone was evidence enough that something was grievously amiss. They looked…different, Shulk realized, but the specifics of how was lost on him; not important for the time being. And then, their eyes met his. The weight behind their gaze, even from a distance…It only cemented the severity of the situation. Once the others realized where he was staring, Alvis already made it to the centre of the room.
“Origin is at risk. Come with me at once.” This wasn’t a choice they were giving them, but an order.
“And our weapons?” said Melia
“That can be arranged”
“What about our kids?” cried Reyn.
“If you must, one or two of you can hold down the fort, but who is not my decision to make.”
“Why—”
“I know this incredibly sudden, but we are wasting our breath and energy.” they said, voice rising in intensity. “Origin. Is at. Risk.'“
Wasting no time, Melia sent out a initiated a special protocol prepared for dire scenarios just like this. Within seconds, Tyrea’s thundering voice barked orders, followed by the hurried tromping of armoured footfalls in several directions. Shulk and the others, guided by Alvis, sprung into action. Riki split off, opting to stay behind.
As they ran for the transporter, Reyn kept looking behind him, worried. “You three seriously ain’t looking too hot—what happened?” .
“Reyn, I’m sorry, it’s just—”
“Tell us man, haven’t we told you not to bottle it up?”
A flare up of phantom pain in his arm as he raised it to activate his communicator. “It’s…complicated...rrgh.” he said, biting through his words.
“Fiora, Melia—”
“Reyn, we can’t right now, we seriously can’t—we’re sorry. Origin’s just too big a concern—”
“Fiora, you lot need to stay behind, what if you—”
“Not possible.”
“Alvis?”
“All three of them are vital in this. Our future... Alrest’s future too. It’s all at stake! Please, focus!”
"Urgh…”
With the transporter up ahead, Shulk bit down on the collar of his overcoat, gnashing his teeth on the fabric to distract from his agony. The static on his communicator was stabilizing, but it ached to keep his arm still enough. He hated to admit it, but the Irises were pretty damn handy improvements on his and Tora’s work. He glanced up as he got to the main hall, seeing a few guards ushering….Nikol! Crys!
“D…Dad? Mum! Dad! What’s going on?!”
“Why is everyone going into the transporter?!”
It felt so weird yet so relieving to see Nikol at his true age, and just as relieving to see Crys as… Crys. Not one of them anymore. The two boys jogged toward them, guards in tow. He took a step in their direction, then looked over at Alvis. Their gaze softened by just a bit. A wordless nod. Then, they stepped into the transporter, allowing the ether to whisk them away. Shulk took that as both understanding, and permission.
When their sons got close enough, he and Fiora pulled the both of them into the tightest hug they could ever ask for, communicator connection be damned. The pair hit them with question after question, one more worried than the last. Shulk bit his lip, pulled away, and looked the two of them in the eye.
“Uncle Riki and Ms. Tyrea are gonna watch you two, okay?”
“Mum, I’m scared, I—”
“We’ll be back, okay? We promise we’ll be back—they’ll take good care of you.” Fiora said, planting kisses on their faces.
“We love you, boys. Be brave.”
“Dad…Mum…please be safe.”
“We will Crys, we promise.”
With that, the guards said something half-clearly about Ashera, and marched off.
Thankfully, his transmission to Alrest hadn’t been messed up as badly as he thought. He was starting to see the face of the stouthearted Master Salvager, free of scars and with his left eye intact. Being the last to file into the transporter, with Fiora and Melia, he and Nikol shared a wave for one last time.
6:00:00 p.m.
Origin. Intersection. Aionios. Flame Clocks. Z. Moebius. Ouroboros. Glimmer. Alpha... Pneuma? Logos?? Shulk. Cent-Omnia. Avatar, Bionis. Ouroboros. Origin. “Thank you, Alvis” Origin. “Yeah…Reckon we should also extend our thanks to your siblings too, huh?” Origin. “Hah, siblings…I… suppose I’m quite alright with that way of putting it,”
“You’re right though, Rex. Breaking the bounds of this realm, forging new ones… We owe those abilities to them.”
Origin.
A second ago, his only worries were about why the world seemed to freeze before his eyes. Now though, as all the memories came rushing back to him, he found he needn’t find an answer. With those memories came a searing, invisible pain that wracked his left eye; one hand clasped the left side of his face as the other went over his mouth; it took everything in him not to cry out to the entirety of Alrest, not to vomit, not to pass out. At least he didn’t feel the blood and gore like he had the last time. Behind him, he heard Nia’s footsteps, unevenly paced. He saw that she was stumbling, and got up to catch her, hold her for once after a thousand years.
“Urgh…R-Rex….Rex…!!” she sprang to attention, and squeezed him tight. He squeezed harder. He could feel her tears wetting his shirt. He could feel his own tears threatening to escape from his eyes.
“You’re okay…!” he choked out. He threw a glance behind him, and took a breath of relief. “Everyone’s…okay…!” Another jolt or so of pain caused him to pull away and reach for it again.
“Shite, what’s ‘appened?”
Suddenly, a tug from the bottom of his coat. “Nia? Rexrex…? Tora not remember friends have drink. Why friends look ill?”
“Uh…” How the hell could he possibly explain it? Worse, he’d drawn the attention of a few others. Nobody else seemed to have experienced the same thing he and Nia did, and that confounded him. It’d confound them as well.
In any other case, he would’ve been stuck with nothing to say in response other than some vague attempt at a joke, or umming and ahing his way through some poor attempt at a lie. However…. beyond all of them, a figure appeared. One that stunned the guards into inaction. He had the same hair, the same bulky armor, the same chiselled features, the same pissed-off expression, and the same purple core as when they’d battled 15 years ago.
“….Malos?!”
As the name left his lips, he’d never seen his friends turn around faster. Not a single one of them, even Rex to some extent, thought they’d never see him again…! Why was he here?
He stormed through the room with eyes locked right onto he and Nia.
“All of you. Origin. Now.” he said, almost like a threat. He pointed between Nia and Rex “You two especially.”
That’s when it made sense to Rex. Nia too. If Malos of all people personally got out of his crystal to tell them about this, he knew this shit was serious. Go now, questions later. He was already on the move.
"Ch-chum?! W-wait”
“What do you mean ‘wait’?! We don’t have time to be standing here!” Malos said through gritted teeth.
“None of us brought our weapons—”
“We have that covered.”
“Do we leave our kids in the care of the guards? What’re we meant to tell them??”
Malos pinched the bridge of his nose “Oh, for crying out loud—”
“Mio and her friends have yet to return…Milady, I think it’s about time.”
Nia brought up a holographic screen, already tapping away at the preset inputs. “Initiating Ark-7. Dromarch, you know the protocol.”
“Of course, milady.” One quick bow, and out of the room he went.
“The rest of you, I’ve briefed this before. I know this is confusing as all get out, but as a friend to you all I need you all with me on this. Clear?”
Reluctance, but eventual agreement.
“Now, if that’s all said and done, let’s go.”
As they ran, his communicator bleeped. That had to have been Shulk. Was he alright? No, that’s stupid, he’s probably in the same ship as he was. As he opened the device to try and respond, of course, his phantom pains throbbed in his eye yet again, rippling all throughout his head. Struggling not to dissociate and let the pain overcome him, he tried his damnedest to focus on specific things that’d ground him in the current moment. The lingering scent of food, the physical proximity to all of his family again, even the sound of his own breathing.
Cutting across the main hall, he caught a glimpse of…Glimmer and Addam. Shit. Even the sight of those two had him on the ropes. His pace slowed, leaving everyone else except he, Nia, and Malos to file into the transporter.
“Urgh, Genpei, come on! I wanna know what’s happening!”
The poor guy was trying his hardest to safe-guard them. “I understand that, you two, but the protocol—”
“Let us at least check on…” Addam caught sight of them. “Dad! Mam! Wait!! Where are you going?!” The boy slipped beneath Genpei’s arm, and Glimmer wriggled past as well. The pair practically crashed into Rex and Nia’s arms.”
“Are all of you going in the transporter
“We are, kiddo ‘m sorry—”
“Can’t you guys at least stay?”
“Addam—Addam, look at me…We’ll be back, dear, we’ll be back. It’s just—”
“What, more Origin business? Why aren’t Mom and Mum back?”
“Listen, brats. The two of you.”
The kids turned, starting to look offended.
“Your ‘Mom’ and ‘Mum’ are busy and they need our help. Stay put, and they’ll be back.”
Blunt? Yes. Harsh? Yes. That seemed to be the most logical way of putting things. In Malos’ eyes, at least. He figured that was the main way it got them quiet, but Rex knew better. He could tell they were staring right at that cross-shaped core crystal. Shimmering with purple hues.
“Uncle…Malos?”
…Something about their shared realization managed to give even Malos the slightest bit of pause. He was starting to avoid eye contact, cutting his eyes over to the transporter for his escape.
“…I don’t know who you’re talking about.” He turned on his heel, and marched inside, disappearing into the ether.
The kids looked at their parents in bewilderment, expecting even more answers and explanations. All that could suffice for now was joining them in a group hug.
“We love you two. Ya hafta trust us, okay? Be brave.”
Glim balled her fists and looked at the ground like she wanted to break it with her eyes, but nodded nonetheless. “Love you too.” Her lip quivered. Damn…even in Aionios that didn’t change me.
“Be there fer each other. Listen to the guards. Drommie and Gramps should be checkin’ in and updating us.”
“I know, Mam. Don’t get hurt.”
Nia looked at Addam with a bit of a weak smile. “We won’t” she whispered, pressure clearly having built in her throat. On that note, she smoothed his hair over, stood from her crouch, and was whisked away to Origin.
“When your sister and her friends come back, tell her we’ll be back. Alright?”
Glim was still looking into the floor. “…’kay Dad.”
A step away from teleporting. He flashed a smile to them both, said one more “I love you”, and then he too was transmitted through the ether. The moment he landed there, the last one out of everyone else, he checked the device on his wrist. The transmission connection was stabilizing…