Chapter Text
1st day of the 9th month. 12,016 (Bionite Calendar)
Bionis Castle / Imperial Palace of Alcamoth, Bionis
Anniversary of Empress Melia Antiqua’s Accession | Day of the Intersection
An orange-pink lustre had fallen upon the land of Bionis; a beautiful sight to behold for an early autumn evening. On the southern end of the landmass, sat the capital city of O'Virbus in the Gran Dell region. Looming close by was the Imperial Palace of Alcamoth—Castle of the Queendom of Bionis.
On this special night in O’Virbus City, throngs of citizens were flocking to vendors of all sorts of wares, enjoying jubilant songs, and indulging in jaunty dances. Shulk, now 34 years old, was celebrating in Alcamoth's Revelation Hall. ‘15 years since her crowning, and just look where we are now...!’ he thought contentedly, finding himself consumed with fond nostalgia as he took in the lovely vista. Standing aside him was his wife Fiora, and around them stood his closest friends: Reyn, Sharla, Dunban, Riki, and the Queen herself. Other friends and family, like Riku, Tyrea, Linada, Juju, and Vanea were also brought as notable guests on this night to remember.
Ever since Bionis and Mechinis had been brought down to Earth, and ever since Melia was hailed as the Empress, Homs, Machina, Nopon, and High Entia stood as one, united people, collectively aiming for a future they never would’ve had the chance of even imagining of. Following the example of Colony 9 and Colony 6, cities, villages, and towns were becoming far more diverse and welcoming, blending together every culture and heritage. People collaborated for the benefit of their communities, even combining their different technologies to fulfill the common good and make for more convenient living, leading to vast improvements in economic activity. Gone were the days of an endless sea, a boundless sky, and two titans locked in a timeless battle. Bionis well and truly became a better world with a bright future…but would that stand to change on this festive evening?
At half past four, a luxurious feast had been freshly served within the Castle, specifically commissioned to the tastes of each member (with limitations placed on Riki, of course). Before the splendid meal began, however, Melia rehearsed the speech she would give at the end of the night. Her oration drew upon the parting words of her dear brother and father to establish the themes of progressing toward the future, while staying mindful of the past.
Building upon that framework, she spoke in remembrance of those who lost their lives throughout Bionis’ tumultuous history, be it during the constant war between Bionis and Mechonis, the Telethia Transformation Event, or the appearance of the Fog King. Their martyrdom was not in vain.
Importantly, her utmost regards went to everyone she’d ever met throughout her life, from close friends and family to everyday citizens; all of them contributed to her becoming the woman she was today, and helped to further the prosperity of the world around them. For that, she was forever grateful, and was more certain of Bionis’ longevity than ever before.
With the lively applause and tear-filled eyes that followed, Melia’s profound and personal speech had instilled a great deal of hope and inspiration to those at the table; she was more than prepared to deliver it again for the rest of the nation. After the end of the feast, some last minute preparations needed to be made prior to the official start of the evening’s celebrations, set for 1600 hours sharp. Shulk and Riku checked up on a surprise that’d been kept relatively tight-lipped: a spectacle of colorful Ether fireworks! There would be four 10 minute long intervals—one interval at the start of each hour, and an extra to close the evening after Melia’s speech.
Throughout all these preparations, the guest children were getting restless. Nikol and Crys, the sons of Shulk and Fiora, desperately yearned to go explore the Castle, especially if it meant going up on the Sky Terrace. The same could be said for Ashera the daughter of Dunban, and wee little Panacea, the daughter of Reyn and Sharla. Seeing as how the adults still had their business to attend to, the four of them had been left in the brief care of Alcamoth’s guards.
Eunie, however, was insistent that she, Noah, Lanz, and Joran explore the premises of O’Virbus unsupervised while they were here for the evening. That idea was supported by the others, but Noah wanted to make sure they came back in time. Little did his friends know, he knew about the fireworks. Just yesterday, on a brief visit to O’Virbus with his father, Miller, he caught a few supply Levnises carrying loads of fireworks towards the castle.
17:35:36 p.m.
“Muuum, puh-lease it’ll be so fun!” begged Eunie, clinging onto her mother’s coat
Tyrea guided her adopted daughter’s hand away, swiveling on her heel. “Now Eunie, you mustn’t whine for the things you wish for.” she sternly admonished.
“There’s so many things we can do! It’ll... it’ll be just like hangin’ out with them at Colony 9!”
“O’Virbus and Alcamoth dwarf Colony 9 by a large margin. That aside, while you and your friends may be quite familiar with Colony 9, the same cannot be said for here. Need I remind you I’m responsible for the four of you tonight?”
Eunie rocked back and forth on her heels, arms behind her back. “We-well, we don’t hafta go far!”
“You also run the risk of being approached by strangers—”
“We can stay close together!”
Lanz couldn’t help but interject. “And also, Sir Dunban, Mr. Shulk, and Mr. Reyn have been trainin’ us!”
“Though, you lack any sufficient weaponry at the moment, and enough training expertise to use them wisely.”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t use our hands and feet!”
“And since there’re four of us we can gang up on them!” Joran chimed in.
Then came Noah. “Like a chain attack!”
“The four of... you. Against a grown adult. And if any strangers happen to outnumber your group or outmatch your strength?”
Eunie scratched her head. “Wwwwelll, the sound of the four of us screaming is pretty loud, I reckon that’ll turn some heads! I can scream loudest too, wanna hea—”
Tyrea bristled a little before shouting at her child. “Eunicia Felicity, you are not to scream indoors!”
“Oh, er, yes, mum... but I really can scream loud.”
“Yeah, we have to hear her loud mouth everyday.” the Machina boy snidely commented under his breath.
“I heard that, you muppet!!” Eunie shouted.
Tyrea scoffed, “Did I not just say to—” she cut herself off, taking a deep breath as the children started arguing amongst one another. Why can’t she understand this is for her own good? How could she dissuade her? ‘This girl... Must she have such crafty responses for everything? Someone, do lend me the strength and patience.’
Melia walked by and happened to notice the commotion, and Tyrea’s weary expression.
“Whatever is the matter? You seem as if you’re at your wits end.” As always, Melia had her uncanny ability to read other people perfectly.
“Eunie wishes to venture out into O’Virbus with her friends. I’m unsure if it's the... wisest decision to make at her young age.” Tyrea glanced down at little Eunie.
Eunie pouted. “Hmph. I’m ten, that’s plenty old..."
Ten. Plenty old. Even if Eunie was part of the 4th-generation of part-Homs High Entia, the irony was still too great. She then shot Melia the look of ‘See what I’m dealing with?’
Tyrea turned away from the kids, muttering to Melia. “Around this age, if I spoke back to Mother, she would be quick to whip me back into shape. A switch to the knuckles.”
Melia slowly nodded with sympathy and understanding. “I am no mother myself, but I do believe some means of parenting cause more harm than love.”
Tyrea sighed and went silent for a moment, massaging the backs of her own hands, morosely. After a few seconds, she spoke again, her voice only a whisper. “Well. What... do you suggest I do instead?”
“It’s certainly not easy to say, but, for now... try meeting her in the middle—compromising. Speak to her at her level and seek to understand where she’s coming from, and ensure she understands where you’re coming from.”
Tyrea glanced over her shoulder, sensing that the children were staring.
“Mummy, Queen Melia... is everything alright? Are we... in trouble?” The two half-sisters hardly noticed that the children had gone quiet until now. 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. Tyrea silently nodded.
“Oh.”
“I’ll be going, however. Do take care, all of you.” With a courteous bow and a reassuring hand to Tyrea’s shoulder, the Queen made her exit.
The young High Entia’s posture was more meek and shriveled, as were her friends. “Mum... if you 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 crouched down, making eye-contact with her daughter and softening her tone. Carefully and softly, Tyrea grabbed Eunie’s hands. “I see where you’re coming from. As a mother, I... cannot help but show concern for not just your safety, but your friends as well.”
Eunie nodded along, mopily. “... Mhm.”
“How about this, then. We work together, and make sure this night is fun, and safe for all of you, yes?” Tyrea smiled.
The faces of the quartet of children lit up in mere seconds, their body language shifting to joyous and energetic levels yet again. Soon enough, with rules and boundaries set, Eunie was well on her way with her friends... though not before squeezing her Mum tight as one last goodbye.
17:58:45 p.m.
With the children off in other places, only the adults remained at the Revelation Hall. Its balcony served a wonderful view of the lights... but looking upon Bionis like this, Shulk couldn’t pull his thoughts away from the fact that Alrest, their sister world, would be intersecting with theirs. Soon, at that. His hopes were high that the Origin project would operate as smoothly as all of their plans predicted, especially on such an auspicious day.
Earlier, the team was specifically told that the Aegises, and Poppi, would handle everything going forward. The week leading up to today was the busiest he and the others had been in a long time, so they needed at least this one evening to decompress.
Rex encouraged him to keep his optimism, but alas, Shulk couldn’t completely keep his anxieties at bay. For one, he was a bad liar. Two, you could always gauge his nervousness by observing how fidgety he’d get. Right at this moment, his fingertips rubbed the silky fabric on the inside of his pockets…
Origin. The Trinity. The worlds. All of it silently weighed on his conscience.
His and Melia’s venture to the Bionis Shoulder marked the start of this crash course. Fog King, Fog Rifts, Fogbeasts. A short time after Alcamoth and the shoulder rejoined the rest of the continent, Shulk had found the Ontos core washed up on the shore of Colony 9, and felt inclined to study it as a side-project. As exceedingly complex Ontos’ core was to understand, he saw it as an inviting challenge to pursue. He was efficient with his work, keeping a healthy balance between his busy life as Bionis’ lead engineer, a loving father, husband, friend, and eventually a mentor, considering Riku—one of Riki’s older sons—sought for an apprenticeship. Shulk was extremely lucky to have such a great support system.
Over the years, though…The Fog Rifts only worsened. The Fogbeasts that sprung forth from them were sometimes peculiar enemies with no similarities to ones on Bionis. Hard-shelled, aquatic insectoids with knife-like pincers. Burrowing feline monsters with spiny backs and bushy tails. Antlered apes toting massive hammers. Eventually, all this otherworld activity led to the revelation of a lifetime: The discovery, and subsequent contact with a separate world; the rumored other half from when Klaus tore his world asunder: Alrest. With each day, the two halves grew closer; after all, they were destined to be as one…but it didn’t mean a simple fusion. It meant annihilation.
So, the figureheads of the two worlds banded together, pooling all the information and knowledge they could between each other to devise their plan: Ark of Morytha: The Origin Project. For Shulk, his detailed notes and blueprints on Ontos over the years could finally contribute to a greater purpose; the architecture of the core served as the sole basis for Origin’s architecture. Melia joked about the possibility that Alvis foresaw this happening and that was why he’d relinquished his crystal long ago.
After only a year, on Melia’s centennial birthday, the Origin Project commenced, with details finally being made public. In order to construct their half, most of the Mechonis Hull had been harvested by Machina and High Entia engineers for its metal. The search for other resources and supplies extended far and wide, from the deepest, darkest depths to the loftiest mountain heights. The actual construction also was no easy matter, requiring a level of precision and accuracy achieved by the most prestigious of builders. Not counting Shulk’s research on Ontos, four years and eleven months of mutual blood, sweat, and tears went toward ensuring the safety of Bionis and Alrest. Everything relied on Origin. Their Ark. It couldn’t fail on them now. Absolutely not.
Looking closer at Melia, and remembering all of the reassurance everyone had been giving her today, Shulk knew for a fact she was anxious, though she was hiding it tremendously well. She always did. In fact, he wouldn’t be lying if he said all of Bionis was secretly tense tonight. The worst possible thing that could happen was the complete and utter destruction of the two worlds. Everything he, Rex, and their friends worked hard to ensure in their respective realms would cease to be. Shulk took a deep breath, still fidgeting in his pocket.
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.
“Can we get a time check before the fireworks, Shulk?” she sweetly asked. It was something about Fiora’s voice that always managed to dislodge Shulk from his train of thought. Though he was a bit startled, Shulk’s shoulders soon relaxed, and he couldn’t help the stupid little smile that crossed onto his face.
“Ah, Fiora. I hardly noticed you there. He raised his wrist to check his handmade watch. “Fourty-five seconds ‘till six. The machines are doing alright, I hope?”
“Yes, we should be right on schedule—”
In the distance, a few fireworks fired off early
“...Er, well, that wasn't meant to happen."
“Hahaha! Someone’ll get chewed out for sure.”
Fiora giggled too. "Anyhow, are you doing alright? Overthinking again?” she said, lowering her tone
Shulk was a little baffled at the sudden turnaround, unsure of his response at first. Sighing, he admitted. “Saw right through me as always.”
She chuckled to herself at his bashful admission. “If it’s about Origin... trust me. You’re one of the best engineers on Bionis, working with the best from our world and Alrest’s. We’ve reviewed our finished halves countless times and everything came out flawless.”
“Do you... think we should’ve surveyed it before the celebrations?”
“Oh, you’re such a worrywart.” she said playfully.
“Heh, stop it... ” the both of them chuckled again, Shulk’s tension having eased for the moment. About 15 seconds until the fireworks, and the Intersection too.
“Alright, then... just enjoy yourself, yeah? Deep breaths.” Fiora said to him. Before she walked back indoors, she adjusted the collar to his overcoat, gave him a quick kiss, then smiled.
“Yeah. Deep breaths.” he repeated. He needed to have faith that everything would go as planned. He breathed in and out, closing his eyes with each inhale and re-opening them each exhale. In... and out. In... and... his eyes opened to see...
17:59:59 p.m.
... Everyone... no—everything was frozen in place, except for himself. Frozen, and quiet. 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 Juju, Riku and Sharla watched them in either glee or disappointment. More separate from all the others, the closest to the balcony was Melia; her head tilted skyward, headwings perked up... she was focused. But him? He could do nothing, apart from darting his eyes around—witnessing how Alrest’s planet slowly rose over the horizon. Quickly did his worries about Origin surge forth yet again. What was happening to his friends? His family? The citizens? What new divine force was... .was... .
18:00:00 p.m.
“Hhhhgh!” Shulk released a sharp gasp as if his whole soul was pulled away from someplace foreign and back into reality. His body gained movement and his consciousness was unblocked. Briefly stumbling to the point he almost lost his footing, he caught himself by widening his stance. Before he could fully shake his head clear, a myriad of memories assailed his head.
Origin. Intersection. Aionios. Flame Clocks. Z. Moebius. Ouroboros. Nikol. A. Alpha. Alvis... Rex. Cent-Omnia. Alrest. Avatar. Origin... Origin. Origin. Origin.
Everything since departing into the rift with Rex and A had been hazy, but Shulk knew one thing for sure: the worlds were somehow free from Moebius’ reign. After ages spent behind the scenes, feeling that the world they were protecting was slowly whittling away, the pressure they’d all been under was becoming lighter and lighter yet. Next thing they knew, A was telling them how their time had finally come. Their fight was over. Their job was finally done. They could finally... finally rest—
?!
A near-paralyzing jolt of pain surged from his shoulder to his fingertips, triggering a series of convulsions in his entire right arm. He bit his tongue, suppressing a loud, guttural shriek. Clasping his upper arm, he was surprised to feel soft skin and hair, not sinew and blood, and not cold steel. Shulk then witnessed Melia come close to stumbling over, thankfully managing to catch herself on the balcony railing. The Queen whipped around, facing Shulk with a look of abject horror. Out of the corner of his eye, Riku, then Fiora too turned to Shulk with a similar look. The four of them knew something that the others didn’t.
Melia’s gaze darted past Shulk. “Alvis!?” she shouted. Despite what Shulk was expecting—with short hair, purple and white garments, complete with the signature fur collared jacket—Alvis manifested a little differently. ‘A?!’ Shulk thought.
Though... her bodysuit was less form-fitting, with its design seeming more akin to Alvis’. On top of that, her hair wasn’t as long, and the same went for the cape. Shulk realized his quick assessment of this being A wasn’t accurate, ultimately. He couldn’t place who exactly he was seeing in front of him, but what remained the one constant was the red, cross-shaped Core Crystal, glinting on their neck, and that knowing sternness in their eyes. Everyone else on the balcony went silent... because A/Alvis—or better yet, Ontos—was meant to be in Origin.
“Contact the Alrestians and come with me to Origin at once. There is a serious matter to be handled.” they ordered, their voice indicating an immense degree of severity.
Wasting no time, Melia sent out a Castle-wide transmission. Maintaining composure, she spoke with urgence, clarity, and precision. “This is Code OGN2, I repeat. Code OGN2. Guards, ensure the safety of our people, and our other guests, particularly the children! While most are within this castle, Eunie and her group of friends must be retrieved from town square posthaste! Lastly, I will immediately be accompanying others into Origin, which means royal jurisdiction is bequeathed unto Lady Tyrea until my return. Am I understood?” Everyone nodded fervently and sprung straight into action. Dashing out of the Revelation Hall and rounding the corner, the main group could hear Tyrea’s thundering voice barking orders, followed by the hurried tromping of armored footfalls in several directions.
Overwhelmed, Melia groaned. As drained as she seemed, however, she kept moving forward in her ceremonial gown out of sheer willpower.
“Melly not look cheery, like just ate bad pollen orb!”
“I have felt far worse, Riki. Never you mind me and look ahead.”
“Seriously now, you ain’t looking too hot.” Reyn pointed out.
As he ran. Dunban spoke between breaths. “You look... drained”
“For goodness sake, I appreciate your concern but... Origin’s what matters most! Our future... Alrest’s future too. It’s all at stake! Now please... focus... ngh... I must clear my head... ” The Empress concluded. Everyone quietly nodded, not wishing to cause any further irritation. Riku tossed her a glance of concern
With the transporter up ahead, Shulk was hastily starting a transmission on his watch, even though his sudden pains made it feel like pure electricity was constantly running up and down the length of his arm, as if it were begging to separate itself. He bit down on the collar of his overcoat, gnashing his teeth on the fabric to distract from his agony.
Moments before reaching the transporter and being whisked away with the ether to get inside Origin, he managed to press all of the right inputs and contact Rex.
Without a moment’s delay, the now unscarred face of the stouthearted Master Driver manifested as a shimmering hologram. Judging by his visage, he was as worse for wear as Shulk felt.
1st day of the 9th month. 4,073 (Alrestian Calendar)
New Auresco, Alrest
Anniversary of Queen Nia of Echell’s Accession | Day of the Intersection
The sun was hanging low, steadily approaching the horizon. Rays of warm colored hues painted the Alrestian sky and sprawling ocean; a stunning backdrop for this celebrative fall evening full of gleeful songs and dances, and mouthwatering delicacies across the entirety of the continent.
Aloft in the Aureus Palace, Castle of the Queendom of Alrest, was Rex, now aged 31. Him and his longtime friends oversaw the queendom from one of the dining halls' balconies. ‘The view never gets old... even after a decade and a half.’ he reminisced to himself. He was glad—or better yet, relieved—that the evening was running smoothly thus far. For the sake of Nia, the rest of his family, his friends, and every single Alrestian.
Alrest came a long, long way from what it once was, and in a shockingly short amount of time. From the very moment of landfall, the need for change was readily apparent. A huge part of Alrest’s unification was ensuring its countries were on amicable terms with one another. Famously, at the behest of Nia, the Empire of Mor Ardain finally dissolved, allowing Gormott its rightful sovereignty, and leading to them both gaining equal status as countries.
Secondly, after being on the brink of war for years, Pyra was the one to help negotiate a proper peace treaty between Mor Ardain and Uraya. Proper settlements, and restitutions, be it territory, wealth, or supplies were meticulously arranged and distributed. Anything extra was invested in a new country: Goldmouth.
Rex dealt with the next source of worry, pertaining to the thousands of refugees from the several fallen titans, including the Praetorium. He aided some refugees, mainly Blade Eaters and Flesh Eaters, to find new homes in the Leftherian Archipelago. Others he assisted, primarily the Indoline, returned to their place of ancestry in Temperantia; the other countries were more than willing to lend their aid in the rebuilding process, starting from Judicium and branching out into smaller settlements across the land.
The final variable came from a movement spearheaded by Mythra, in which Alrest sought the best way to bring honor and pay respects to the Golden Country and the tragedy it faced. Pooling their efforts together, they re-established the region from what little was left of their culture, language, and aesthetics, and allowed it to blossom anew, beginning with the capital city of New Auresco.
With these actions further solidifying their heroism, Nia was ultimately hailed the queen regnant of Alrest (due to her ties to Lord Echell of Gormott), with Rex, Pyra, and Mythra as her queenly consorts. From that point forward, the path to progress became clear as day; places were steadily diversifying, technological and scientific breakthroughs were being made every season, and the economy had gone from stagnance to prosperity. Even if the land no longer resided in that heavenly sea of clouds, the queendom ascended to a place far beyond the Alrest of old.
On this day, it would face its ultimate test…although, this same day was also celebrative; a memorable milestone for the kingdom’s existence. It was by all means coincidental, but the hope was for the festivities to keep the high morale of the kingdom. With all the pieces already in place to ensure everything and everyone would be safe, the only thing needed going forward was for optimism and hope to prevail.
Of course, Rex and his crew were no strangers to optimistic thinking. At about 4:30 p.m., the acclaimed Tirkin Fire Dragons prepared a lavish banquet for the castle, incorporating popular delicacies from all corners of Alrest. Right before dining, Nia had recited her speech for the night—one which Pyra, Mythra, and Queen Melia helped out a little with revising.
She bestowed honor to the lives of the innocent people who suffered due to Alrest’s prior struggles, empathizing with people who lost friends and family. Continuing along that note, she honored all the people she and the others met along their travels, naming martyrs like Vandham and Haze, but also giving attention to everyday civilians, from traders and merchants, fellow travelers, and even Auntie Corinne. As much as her and her friends impacted the lives of many, those very people left a lasting impact on all of them too.
Nia eloquently wove together those threads, asserting that without the knowledge of Alrest’s history to learn from, and the affinities which bind people together, Alrest would never have progressed to where it was today, let alone sustained its previous state. Thanks to everyone, they prospered for 15 years thus far, with nothing or nobody left to shackle them to a dying world.
The speech was met with tearful applause around the dinner table, enough to boost Nia’s self-confidence for the official address. Alas, there were more things aside from the speech to prepare for after dinner. The main priority before 6:00 p.m. exactly was what would commence the evening’s official celebrations. A special light show, kept a surprise from next to everyone in the public.
Naturally, the kids got a little antsy and couldn’t withstand waiting around before all the excitement. Glimmer and Addam chose to go where the festival’s lights shone brightest, on the Castle’s Ascension Grounds. Zeke and Pandoria’s hands were tied with official business, so the two Aegis siblings promised to keep a close watch on Linka once the guards escorted them to the Ascension Grounds.
Meanwhile, Mio and her friends—Sena, Taion, and Miyabi—had practically begged to celebrate beyond the Castle. Everyone showed hesitance at first, but they were willing to make it work and give them a taste of independence for this special night. To ensure a safe evening out, Mythra enlisted some bodyguards in disguise and provided Mio with some civilian clothes.
5:32:21 p.m.
Mythra’s list of guidelines set for this excursion, went as follows: “Don’t talk to strangers, don’t spend all your allowance in one place, and don’t run off from the bodyguards—stick together. Be sure to come straight back here after the light show since the sun’ll already be down.”
“Yes, ma’am!” chorused the kids (though Mio said Mom instead.)
“But, have lots of fun!” Pyra cheerfully added.
“Right. These rules are set to make sure you all get back safe after tonight, okay?”
“Okay!”
“Be on your best behavior, Sena, dear.” Mòrag reminded.
Brighid nodded in agreement “Be mindful of our own ground rules too.”
The blue flame of Sena’s pigtails strengthened by just a tad. “Mhmm! Be respectful, be assertive, and be strong!”
Rex and Nia knelt down to Mio’s level “Have the guards shoot us a call on the transmission if any of you need anything from us. Got it, kiddo?” Rex said, his tone gentle as he ruffled the top of her head, between her ears.
Mio playfully fought off his hand. “Heheh—got it, Da.”
“Taion, Miyabi, d’you two need anything? Homesick? Hungry?”
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 that then.”
“We love ya bunches, cath fach.” Nia hugged Mio close, moving her bangs and planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“I love you too!”
5:58:45 p.m.
With the kids going to do their own things for the time being, the adults stayed in the confines in the palace, reconvening at the dining hall once they finished up their last-minute duties. Pandoria and Zeke were currently picking out their third helping of spare desserts, as Mòrag and Brighid were hand-in-hand, gazing at Alrest’s skyline alongside Niall and Aegaeon. Nestled with a resting Dromarch in the corner of the balcony was Tora, contacting Mythra and Poppi through a homemade computer to keep tabs on Origin during the Intersection...
‘Right... the Intersection... ’ Rex thought, now leaning against the balcony railing. Even now, seeing Alrest in front of him, he tried not to bear the idea of something terrible coming along, focusing only on how breathtaking the view was. Mythra and Pyra were the most vocal about trying to enjoy today, particularly after everyone well and truly gave it their all for this past week. Mythra said that she, Poppi, Ontos, and…Malos could handle the final checks.
…He had to admit, even after so much time had gone by working on this project, it still felt weird to have the full Trinity involved in this whole operation. Shulk told him of how he casually found Ontos on the shore one day like some kind of seashell, but “finding” Malos again was a different story.
Alrest was in the early process of rebuilding on their new continent, not very long after the first Fog Rifts were starting to open, but before it became an object of widespread concern. He, Pyra, Mythra, and Nia ventured out to the World Tree’s ruins and the Land of Morytha for a salvaging op; there, they found the ruined Monoceros, with Nia lamenting that none of the members could live to see a brighter future…except, Pyra broke the news that they managed to salvage Malos’ data. Adding that with the fact they carried extensive blueprints and schematics of the Trinity Cores too, all that was needed was another physical vessel to store his data…bringing him back to life.
Rex still kept the final words he exchanged with Malos close to his heart. There was an entirely new world for him to see, alongside all of them; it wouldn’t be a completely fresh start for him, no, though it’d be a new chapter in his life. They broached this idea between their friends, then with advisors, then the entire Alrestian government, and finally the broader public. All opinions demonstrated hesitance, including Nia herself, but they were willing to be a little more flexible as long as Pyra and Mythra expressed good judgement. Ultimately, the Kingdom did come to the consensus to restore him, albeit under the condition that he be kept under the Castle’s jurisdiction; essentially under probation.
As for the actual act of bringing him back, Tora was the one who stepped up to the challenge. As soon as he was granted the permission, he dove headfirst into an intensive, long-term study on the copious sources which Mythra and Pyra provided of the three cores. Rex came up with all the raw materials, salvaged from his missions deeper into Morytha. Last, Tora enlisted his father and grandfather for the painstakingly precise task of refining those materials, and using them to mould the core’s exact shape. There needed to be zero room for physical flaws or imperfections.
Upon countless revisions and miniscule adjustments…the Logos vessel reached its completion. Transferring the archived data into this new crystal, it slowly gained Logos’ bright purple hue, and adopted its distinctive shine within the very center. The moment the core achieved its full power yet again…Malos’ humanoid form refused to awaken, They thought they’d screwed up somewhere, but no. Malos spoke, expressing he was staying inside by choice.
As always, his cynicism and sarcasm remained, but apart from that, he was kind of…reflective of his prior actions from time to time. Not wallowing in regret or self-loathing, nor was he reveling in what he’d done. It lied somewhere in that gray area. Nonetheless, neither the public, nor himself, were ready for his proper re-entrance into society; that much he was abundantly aware of. Thus, he willingly shied away from outward scrutiny, and even the rest of the Castle.
In the years following, some believed Malos’ return and the worsening Fog Rifts were directly correlated, but Rex and the others knew better…because Bionis soon entered the picture, and they had to work fast to curb imminent destruction. All of Tora’s newfound knowledge came in handy when the Origin Project rolled around, as the architecture of Logos and Pneuma were each used to refine exactly one half of the base-architecture provided by Ontos—Rex had Shulk and Riku to thank for all of that.
Now, Rex wasn’t an engineer, nor was he an Artificial Blade, or an Aegis. So, he, Nia, and the others tried their best to support the Origin Project in other ways. The first part involved holding political meetings, campaigns, and fundraisers.
The second part involved the rigorous salvaging of the World Tree and its remains for metal, quelling Fog Rifts across the continent, cross-communicating with Bionis, and ensuring the construction process was being followed with extreme caution and precision. Hell, he even had to negotiate Core Crystal extraction from reproducing Titans in order to store all of Origin’s potential data.
The last part of this already difficult process was raising three kids. No matter how busy he and the queens were, they knew better than to let themselves become detached from their kids. After all, each of them either grew up relatively independently or had no previous concept of parentage in the first place.
Over the course of almost five years of arduous, taxing efforts, everyone’s mutual, unwavering support of one another carried this project to the brink of success. That much was certain. ‘But, if things don’t go as planned in Origin this evening…both Alrest ‘n’ Bionis are as good as stardust…’ It was an irrevocable fact that a wide number of the Alrestians carried in the back corners of their conscience. Rex’s stomach churned and grumbled with unease.
“Still hungry, Rex?” Pyra asked during his moment of brooding. She found herself on Nia’s left, with Rex on the right. All three were now relaxed against the railing. “I thought you said you were full after that Tartari you ate.”
“Wuh? Er—”
“Oi, and ye haven’t even touched yer glass—is somethin’ wrong with ya? The Rex I know woulda downed three by now.” Nia flippantly jabbed, despite her regal attire.
Rex blushed, then laughed a little at just how well his wives knew him.
“N-no, no, ahaha... just... Fliers in m’ stomach s’all. For you two, Mythra…and…Origin.” he trailed off. “Something or... someone could just—blindside us. Even with all our preparations. Y’just... never know.”
Pyra, ever understanding and kind, reached over and placed a warm, calming hand on his own. “Rex, you really don’t have to worry. When the Intersection happens, I’ll be gone to join Mythra for just a blip, then everything’ll be fine. We all poured everything we could into this.”
“And if we do get blindsided by someone, they’ll have to go through the Master Driver, The Godcleaver, and both of their groups.” Mythra chimed in from over the call.
“Given our combined track records, I’d say we’d be the ones doin’ the blindsidin’, eh?” Nia added, slinging both arms around Pyra and Rex.
Rex’s mouth curled into his signature smile now that his confidence was renewed. “S’pose you all’d be right.” he conceded, closing his eyes and leaning on Nia for a brief moment. Pyra mirrored. Nia felt chills, and began purring.
“Ugh, you three are always such saps.” Mythra half-jokingly remarked. Under her breath she murmured “Wish I was there for Nia too... ”
“D’aww, Mythra... I love ya whether yer here or not. You have yer own duty to fulfill, I understand.” Nia affably replied. She planted a quick kiss on Rex’s cheek, then Pyra’s, and finally blew a kiss to Mythra on-screen. “Yer in for some affection when ya get back, y’hear, Mythra dear?”
“Urgh, reel it in, lovebirds.” said Malos’ disembodied and dissatisfied voice. “No time to chat.”
“Riiight, right. D’ya have the time, Tora? Light-show and the Intersection’s meant to happen at 6.”
“Mmmeehmm... Oh! T-minus 30 seconds!”
“Perfect! Enough time fer a quick toast, everyone!” Nia announced. The group gathered around her as she cleared her throat and held her thin flute of champagne to the skies they once resided upon. “My dearly beloved partners, and my longtime friends. Let us toast to this paramount day—the anniversary of my accession, and to the safe Intersection of Bionis and Alrest. Cheers!” Glasses were clinked together, and down went the drinks.
“Tora now giving Crossette the go-ahead!” announced the Nopon Engineer.
Nia quickly placed her glass down, and walked up to the edge of the balcony to look at the sky. Everyone else was already on their way back inside, while Rex lingered for a little longer. Ultimately, he decided to give Nia some space, raised his glass again to finish off the last of his drink. ‘Bottoms up!’ He finished his flute in one go, then exhaled out of satisfaction. Once he wiped his mouth with and set it off to the side... he noticed.
5:59:59 p.m.
He noticed the looming image of Bionis in the sky... then, he noticed the complete stillness and silence of his surroundings. Of the festival below. Of his friends. Of his wives. Pyra had disappeared. ‘Had she joined Origin with Mythra? She isn’t back yet... ’ Nia stood front and center, the only one completely focused on what could spell impending doom. No matter how hard Rex shouted at his brain to move, to let adrenaline give him the strength, it failed every time. ‘Who’s done this? What’s happening at Origin?! What about the kids?! What about... about... ’
6:00:00 p.m.
“Nguhh—!” Rex came to his senses like he had all the wind in his lungs knocked out of him. Like a Blade roaming the deepest depths of the Spirit Crucible, he was struck with a sudden disorientation far stronger than anything he’d experienced. Retaining his center of gravity by stepping backward, he shook his head clear. The backdrop of chatter and cheers from all around him resumed, and the light show commenced as normal. ‘The hell just happened?! Did everything…freeze?’ His surroundings were the least of his concern, however... without a single moment of notice a jarring series of visions and thrust burst forth, assailing his brain.
Origin. Intersection. Aionios. Flame Clocks. Z. Moebius. Ouroboros. Glimmer. Alpha... Pneuma? Logos?? Shulk. Cent-Omnia. Avatar, Bionis.. Origin... Origin. Origin. Origin.
Aionios was gone, hopefully for good; he could glean that much. How it was gone was something he had no precise answer for. Those thousand-odd years of overseeing the entire fabric of the world with A and Shulk were like a blur to him, but from what he could recall, Origin just sort of... let go of it all. All of the weight they’d carried was dissipating by the day; the Black Fog, Annihilation events, the formless dead, fear, Moebius’ control, and the flow of the endless now. Soon, with nothing else to protect, the three of them also let go, ready to finally return to the place they truly belonged—
?!
A searing pain ripped vertically down his left eye. Rapidly, 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. Covering his pained eye... he didn’t feel the blood and gore like he had the last time. Though everyone seemed to have moved with no indication of malaise or confusion, the illusion of normalcy broke in mere seconds. It was Mythra who reappeared instead of Pyra, now crouched on the floor. Tora’s call suddenly garbled and corrupted as an incessant alarm sound blared from the computer. Nia mewled and slumped over the railing a little. The more the dilemma unfolded, the less that Rex knew what to do first to help.
Dromarch was violently irked from his rest by the alarm, fur standing on end out of fright. “What is the meaning of—?!” the thin slits of his pupils narrowed as he detected Nia. “Milady!” Dromarch roared, instinctively pouncing over to support Nia. All of the others, shocked, came over for assistance.
“Chum? Chum, answer me! What’s gone wrong?!”
Brighid offered a hesitant hand to the newly appeared Aegis of Light, her tone questioning, yet soft. “Mythra? Why are—”
Before Brighid could finish her sentence, Mythra clutched the core on her chest, quickly coming to a stand with a frazzled expression crossing her face. The others recoiled, a bit unsettled.
“We need contact with the Bionites immediately. There’s an error occurring at Origin.” she said, voice brimming with gravitas.
“Titan’s whole arse foot!” Rex cursed under his breath. No time was wasted— the gravity of the situation became abundantly clear. Rex fetched a small silver whistle from his pocket. “C’mon, we’re taking Gramps—!”
Mythra lowered his hand. “I’m sorry, but Gramps wouldn’t be fast enough. Melia had us build those transporters for a reason, didn’t she?”
“Shit, you’re right.”
“C’mon, we’re going!”
As they all grouped up and bolted for the closest transporter in the castle, Rex’s 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 darndest to focus on specific things that’d ground him in the current moment. Tora’s desperate cries and feverish typing, Nia and Mythra issuing protocol Code OGN2 to the Castle, each person adjusting or even ditching some of their formal garb—Nia, for example, took her scimitar and cut slits down the side of her kimono.
The vague taste of champagne was still in Rex’s mouth, but he was a far cry from tipsy; the knowledge that Origin had any type of error was extremely sobering. Reaching the lone transporter, at the very center of the Castle’s interior, they rushed inside and disappeared in a flash of light, and reappeared in Origin at the very next instant. The moment everyone settled, Shulk called on the transmission.