Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Epilogue 

Noah blinked. Then he blinked a few more times after that. For some peculiar reason, the boy had felt that time had stopped for an endless eternity. In reality, not even a second had passed since he first noticed the world around him slowing down till it became completely still. 

“That… was strange…” Noah thought to himself. He could have sworn he saw everything around him, including the colony residents, water fountain, and white doves freeze in place except him. “Did… d-did I just imagine all that?”

The last moment he could recall was staring at the dimmed evening sky as a giant mechanical sphere came closer and closer to colliding with the planet. He momentarily recognized it as the ark known as Origin, a project that Queen Melia, his father, and many other brave engineers have worked on the past few years. 

“Noah! What’re you doing, man?” A familiar voice suddenly called out, prompting Noah to be taken out from his thoughts. He looked over to his right side and saw them. His good friends… 

“Lanz… Eunie… Joran…” Noah thought fondly to himself with a small grin forming from his lips. He knew that his friends are invaluable to him, no matter what situation they were in. He couldn’t get friends better than those three. Aside from his mother, father, brother, and uncle, those three were practically his family. 

Eunie was technically part of his blood family too as his half-sister. Although his father and Queen Melia never married or have any plans in doing so at the moment, his father and mother had decided to help their friend keep the High Entia tradition alive by helping the Queen produce a future heir to the crown. Who better to be than the former heir to the Monado of the Bionis?

“They’ll start the fireworks without us!” Lanz continued to yell at the Homs boy with a slightly eager tone. 

“Get a move on already, or all the good spots’ll be taken!” Eunie added, just as impatient as the rest of her friends.

“Exactly! So c’mon, move it!” Joran concurred as he hopped up and down enthusiastically in his sheer elation.

“Sorry! I zoned out for a sec.” Noah pardoned himself as he waved his hand at his friends. “I’m coming…!”

With satisfied smiles on their faces, Eunie and the others took off toward the ongoing colony festivities. Noah looked around to see Homs, Machina, High-Entia, and Nopon alike crowding the plaza as the festivities were going to occur soon all around Alcamoth and the neighboring colonies. He knew his Aunt Melia made sure to make this year’s Anniversary celebration one nobody will ever forget.

“I better go catch up with em before they’ll leave me behind .” Noah muttered to himself with a chuckle. Just as he took a few steps forward, he immediately paused when he suddenly heard a voice.

“And so she left me behind? She wouldn’t do that! How can we be together now?!”

Before Noah could even think about the ominous voice, his ears were suddenly met with a series of melodious sounds he never heard before. Or at least… he thought he never heard it before…? Noah looked around at his surroundings, attempting to pinpoint the exact position of the melody. It had to have a place of origin.

“That melody… It’s as if I heard it before, but where?” Noah wondered as he continued hearing the sound of what seemed like a flute play. He had recently just started learning the flute himself. His father had hired an instructor for him that regularly commutes to Colony 9 from Colony 14.

It sounded… comforting. He looked around him. Nobody in the colony plaza seemed to have noticed or completely paid the sound no mind. Perhaps they were too busy preparing for the Queen’s Anniversary to notice? How peculiar…

“Must be coming from over there…” Noah thought to himself as a smile appeared on his face and his cerulean-colored eyes relaxed. His legs began to walk as his ears continued to listen. The melody of the flute was so alluring, he had to meet who was playing it. For some reason, it felt as if the flute melody was s’pposed to be a duet.

It sounded so familiar… but where…? He needed answers.

He continued to walk through the colony, his body instinctively avoiding people and stalls. Just as he felt he was about to make progress to his destination, the melody abruptly ceased, snapping the Homs out of his trance-like state. Noah shook his head and looked straight ahead to see a moss-covered wall in front of him. 

“Dead end… was I imagining it?” Noah wondered as he mentally cursed at himself. He felt disappointed that he had failed to find the source of the distinct melody. There weren’t many musicians in the colony and it would have been nice to meet another person who was also fascinated by the flute.

Just as he was about to turn back to meet up with his friends, his mind suddenly went blank. He couldn’t see or hear anything at all, as if he was in some type of complex sleep paralysis. Did he suddenly black-out? Then, he heard two distinct voices as if he was hearing a conversation.

“One day…! I’ll come see you! I promise!”

There was a brief pause before he heard a response.

“Me too! One day…! I promise!”

“Ugh… what?” Noah groaned as he immediately clutched his head in pain and regained his senses. He just heard voices in his head and he could have sworn one of them sounded like him if he had hit puberty. His parents believed that his voice would deepen in the near future. “What… was that just now? What promise did I make and to who…? I hope I’m not hallucinating.”

Suddenly, Noah felt a rough hand grasp his shoulder, causing him to become startled and almost yelp out to his surprise. Yet, he knew better than to do that as he recognized the hand to be of his friend, Lanz. He confirmed his thoughts as he turned around 180 degrees to see Lanz and Eunie standing in front of him.

“Noah! Why did you bail on us like that mate?” Lanz asked with a serious, yet concerned expression evident on his face. “Good thing Eunie noticed you weren’t trailing behind us or we would have seriously left you.”

The homs boy glanced over to see a similar look of seriousness, but mostly worry mimicked on Eunie’s face. Her small head-wings were flowing in the breeze.

“Sorry you guys, I s’ppose I’ve been getting myself distracted lately,” Noah apologized with a sheepish grin. “Won’t happen again. I swear it.”

Lanz and Eunie stared at each other with knowing smiles for a few silent seconds before bursting into laughter. Noah looked at the two, dumfounded before he joined in. 

“Not like we couldn’t tell, you arse.” Eunie mocked with a laugh. Once she and the others had their fill of laughter, Eunie took spoke again. “Come on, we seriously need to get our arses to the Capital you spoons.”

“You’re right, let’s go.” Noah and Lanz agreed in unison. The three friends started leaving the alley to head to the colony grounds where the celebration will be taking place.

“Joran is s’ppose to save us a good spot where we can get the perfect view of the Queen’s Homecoming ceremony.” Lanz told Noah when the homs questioned his friends on his current whereabouts. 

Eunie snickered as she had her arms lazily behind her head. “Knowing him, people will probably walk all over him and we’ll never get spo-”

“Guys! Noah! There you are!” *Huff *Huff  “ I was looking all over for you guys!” *Wheeze Joran cried out as he attempted to catch his breath after locating his friends. 

“Ugh, Joran! We left you so we could find Noah while you save us some spots…” Eunie groaned, clearly irritated that the rotund homs did not do what he was s’ppose to. “Now we really need to move our arses before we are late!”

“Joran mate, you should really work out with me more often.” Lanz said with an annoyed expression on his face at his friend’s physical disability. “Wouldn’t want you to croak early now.”

“Sorry… guys…” Joran uttered apologetically. As it turns out, Joran isn’t exactly the most fittest kid in the entire colony. Ironic since Colony 9 is known for its harsh training program and the fierce Colonel Vangarre Vandham.

Noah shook his head and smiled encouragingly at the green-haired homs. “It’s all good Joran. It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have wandered off.”

“Let’s save the talking for later, we got a fireworks show to catch.” Lanz said as he and Eunie scurried off towards the direction they came.

Noah glanced at Joran and they both nodded their heads at each other in silent agreement before following their friends.

“Ugh… running again…” Joran mentally whined as he reluctantly picked up the pace.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

In another world, a world that differed greatly from the world of Noah and his Kevesi friends, an eleven-year-old Gormotti flesh-eating blade had just finished performing her solo on her white-colored wooden flute. This world is known as Alrest. A world where Humans, blades, and all organisms created by the Architect finally live in peace and harmony.

The young girl slowly lifted her head up as her lips departed from her instrument. The room she was performing in erupted in sudden cheers and compliments as she hesitantly opened her golden-colored eyes.

In the spacious sitting room, there were multiple people occupying the enclosed space at once. A few women, a couple of men, four younger children similar to her age, a couple of Nopon, a white tiger-like creature, and a mechanical girl with strange orange-fluid glowing within her body.

“That was really, really awesome Mio. You should be really proud of yourself.” One of the woman was the first to compliment. She was wearing glasses and had messy green hair. The green-haired woman then glanced over to the younger girl that was right by her. “Maybe you can teach Linka a thing or three about playing the flute?”

“Ughh… mom I am not interested!” Linka uttered in slight annoyance at her mother. “Back me up here, dad?” 

“I do have to agree with your mother, Linka. You do really need to find a hobby. All you do is stay cooped up in your room, feed turters, which I deeply appreciate by the way, and come down to grub on fried octomayo.” Zeke Von Genbu, Bringer of Chaos stated to his daughter, causing the latter to groan.

“Yippee! That was your best performance yet Mimi!” a young girl with black hair with blue flames burning on the tip of her side ponytail cheered. 

“I do, say she has divine taste in music, wouldn’t you say Mòrag?” A woman wearing a purple & blue dress asked the person sitting by her. The woman also had bright blue flames in her hair.

“Mm.” The woman in black clothing hummed quietly in agreement.

“I gotta hand it to you sis. You sure know how to play that flute of yours.” a young boy with dirty blonde hair complimented with applause, followed with a nod of agreement from his sibling next to him.

“Yeah, a good way to celebrate the success of the intersection, Mio.” a young girl with reddish-auburn hair added. “Couldn’t have asked for a better sister.”

“Heh, heh. Thanks Milton… Glimmer…” Mio responded with a slightly embarrassed expression written on her face. 

As Mio was mumbling to herself she suddenly felt some of her hair touching her back. She tilted her head a bit to the side to see her long white silky hair. “Was my hair always this long…?” She blinked not once, but twice. What was she saying? Of course it was always this long.

“It’s a beautiful melody for sure. Unlike mother, unlike daughter I suppose.” one of the women commented in amusement. She had long blonde-gold hair with a tiara-like object crowned on her head.

“What’s that s’ppose to mean, Mythra?!” One of the other women in the room snarled with her arms crossed, her golden-colored eyes ablaze.

“She’s saying you can’t play the flute to save your own arse, furry-ears.” Zeke joked with slight amusement in his voice. 

“NYAH! YOU TAKE THAT BACK OR ELSE YOU ONE-EYED-” 

“Now, now, my Lady...” the resident white tiger blade known as Dromarch said in an attempt to calm down his Driver. “Not in front of the young ones now…”

“Poppi really likes it! Makes Poppi tingle in the inside.” the mechanical girl praised with a cheerful smile to prevent the outburst from Nia to ruin the mood. “Masterpon would certainly agree once he comes back from the latr-”

At that moment, the door creaked open to reveal a familiar nopon walk in. He was looking a little flustered and anxious, perhaps overhearing Nia’s anger echoing outside to the halls.

“Meh, meh… We should go now. Sonnypon Oosoo and I have big plans to improve grander and stronger artificial blade with new materials that were just delivered.” Tora said.

“Yes, yes. Improvements on Friend Ino must not be delayed.” Tora’s son, Oosoo added in agreement.

“A new artificial blade huh… well I wish you the best of luck then.” Pyra said with a cheery smile, confident in the Nopon father-son duo.

“And Poppi will help!” Poppi announced.

“Alright, come again now. We’ll have to have a chat later about the aftermath of Origin.” Rex said with a scratch of his head.

“Yes. Need to make sure Origin’s purpose is fulfilled.” Tora responded with a nod. 

Rex escorted Tora, Oosoo, and Poppi out the door before closing it gently. He turned back and faced Mio with an enthusiastic smile on his face. “That was amazing Mio. You have the makings of a true musician one of these days.”

Mio blinked. Then she blinked a few more times after that. She remembered clearly now. Just about ten minutes ago, she felt as if time had stopped moving abruptly and her mind was nothing but a haze.

“Er… thank you mam, da…” Mio thanked them graciously as she hugged the people that are known as her parents. The man known as Rex is the King of Alrest, while Nia is the Queen of Alrest.

She hugged them for a bit longer than anticipated. She couldn’t imagine a life without them. Just as she was snuggling her face on her mother’s shoulder, her vision started to become blurry. Her furry ears began to block out the words of the people in the room. “What’s happening to me…?” That’s when she heard them.

“One day…! I’ll come see you! I promise!”

“Me too! One day…! I promise!”

Mio grunted as she felt a massive headache was invading her mind. “What did I just hear? Was that… me…? What promise were they talking about?”

“Mio!… Mio!” a masculine-sounding voice called out to her, causing her to snap out of her trance-like state. Her eyes moved around the room to see everyone staring at her with concern and worry in their eyes, especially her close family members. 

The man with the eyepatch was the first to speak. “Are you alright, kiddo? It seemed like you were experiencing something traumatizing. Like Mythra’s cooking-”

“Say that again, Zeke. I dare you…! Or would you rather I pummel your face to the ground with my Lightning Buster.” Mythra threatened menacingly. The atmosphere around her was so chilling that it caused Rex, Dromarch, and Pyra to also sweat in fear.

“N-no thanks Mythra. I'd rather have my head in one piece, thank you very much.” the King of Tantal replied nervously as he backed away from the Aegis.

After that little sideshow was over, everyone’s focus returned to Mio. To everyone else it seemed as if she saw a ghost lurking around the castle.

“Hey Mio, are you not feeling a hundred percent?” Glimmer asked as the young brunette placed a hand on her half-sister’s shoulder. 

“I-I’m fine… just tired I guess…?” Mio responded with a light yawn. It wasn’t a lie. She felt tired after the events of the day. She looked outside the window, it was getting quite dark out with the sun setting outside.

Rex followed her gaze and nodded. “It’s still not quite bedtime yet for you Mio, but if you want to turn in early, nobody will blame you.” He then glanced over at his two other children. “Glimmer, Milton, you two kiddos want to go to bed as well?”

“No, I still got to play my lute for the celebration.” Glimmer answered as she pointed towards her musical instrument on one of the sofas. Glimmer has long reddish-auburn hair and beautiful amber eyes. Although she inherited Pyra’s beauty, she definitely has Mythra’s personality.

“And I want to polish my gunblades,” Milton said. 

Unlike Glimmer and Mio, Milton is a boy and has short yellow hair. His hairstyle consists of two spiked bangs that sort of resemble Gormotti ears in a way. He was named after Mythra’s friend from long ago right before the events of the first Aegis War in Alrest.

“I think I’m going to take Mio to bed early.” Nia announced as she got up from her chair and took the girl by her hand. “I’ll be back soon.” 

After excusing herself and her daughter and leaving the sitting room, Nia and Mio walked along the halls toward the bed chambers.

The mother-daughter duo had passed a few guards on their way to Mio’s bedroom, who all respectfully nodded at the members of the royal family and bidded them both a good night. Once they have reached Mio’s chambers, Nia guided the young one to her large bed and tucked her in, kissing her good night.

“Mam?” Mio asked quietly as she began feeling drowsy.

“What is it, Mio dear?” Nia hummed as she adjusted the duvet to Mio’s liking. She stopped her ministrations when her daughter let out a purr of contentment.

“D-do you ever feel that… there’s something missing…?” Mio asked innocently, causing Nia to give her question some thought.

“Missing, in what sense?” Nia inquired.

“I’m… not sure. I just feel like something is missing… something I should be remembering… like something I know that has changed my life…” Mio tried to explain. In her mind and heart, she felt incomplete. As if she was missing something ever since the time she felt as if time had stopped suddenly the moment she started playing her melody. “Sorry, if it sounds silly.”

Nia shook her head and smiled at her daughter. She got one of her hands and stroked Nia’s head, near one of her ears, causing the girl to purr in comfort. “Not at all. I felt like that too back in the day. When I met your Da, my whole perspective of the world around me changed and it was thanks to him and your aunts and uncles that I am who I am today.”

Mio hummed in understanding as she closed her eyes and was starting to drift off to sleep. “I… love you… mam…”

“I love you too sweetheart. Get some good shut-eye.” Nia said as she scooched a bit closer, leaned in, and kiss her daughter on the forehead. Once she got a whimper out of her, she smiled inwardly and quietly exited the bedroom, shutting the door behind her in the process.

As the Queen of Alrest wandered down one of the many halls of the castle in an attempt to return back to the living room with her husband and friends, a thought struck her.

“I wonder… is she remembering…?”

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

Sometime Later During the Night…

Once the celebration at Agnus castle was over and all the guests retreated back to their respective homes, Nia pulled Rex and his two other wives to the side for an enlightening chat. Glimmer and Milton had already left to their own devices for some well-deserved rest.

Nia glanced around to make sure no guards or unsuspecting ears were nearby before focusing her sights on her well-built husband. “Er… Rex, do you happen to remember…?”

Rex inwardly winced, but did not seem phased by the question. It was no surprise to him that the people that were not assimilated into Origin retained their memories of Aionios. He did have a brief talk with Linka before she left after all. 

“Aionios? Definitely. Hard not to when a lot went on in there.” Rex responded with a sigh while scratching the side of his head. “The sticky situation with Ontos and the Moebius was no joke. I even lost my left eye in that world.”

“It’s concerning that Ontos went haywire and completely took over Origin like that. We should count our lucky stars that the issue was resolved.” Pyra said with a sigh of relief as she held her hands over her chest. 

Similar to how Shulk, Rex, and A functioned as Origin’s avatars once A’s doppelganger “perished”, Pyra and Mythra were the avatars of the Ouroboros, much of the Ouroboros powers taking inspiration from the Pneuma core data, including interlinking.

“It’s not your fault. You two were lending your power to the Ouroboros Stone, while Logos was residing within the Sword of the End that the Moebius N wielded. All of that was essential to free the world from Moebius.” Rex explained.

“I had a brief encounter with Glimmer in Aionios during the whole ‘Alpha’ situation, it was quite an interesting experience that’s for sure. She reminded be a lot of Mythra. I vaguely recall spotting Mio in a family photo one of her Aionios descendants carried…” Rex answered as he scratched the side of his head. “Other than that, I didn’t encounter the other kiddos.”

“Ah yes, as the original Queen of Agnus, I have seen the three of em in the cradles the Moebius use to repopulate Aionios. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting various incarnations of little Mio while I was still conscious…” Nia said before her tall ears suddenly twitched from irritation. “That includes the Moebius incarnation.”

Pyra and Mythra flinched at the last sentence, but Rex kept his calm demeanor as he recalled his time on Aionios.

“Well, it all adds up to me. While Shulk and I were figuring out the location of Ontos before he could get the jump on us, we deployed one of our main units to gather information about the Kevesi and Agnian colonies outside the Cent-Omnia Region.” Rex explained to the three women. He took a few moments to gather his thoughts before continuing. “One of the most interesting pieces of information we had received that day was that Z implemented golden and silver Consuls among his ranks within the Consul hierarchy.”

Nia nodded, agreeing with the information. “From what I understood, they served as the High Consuls that oversaw all the colony activity and Consuls within the Keves and Agnian territories respectively. They also had the duty of keeping the ruse of the fake Queens up.”

“I saw the Golden Consul mudder himself, calling himself N. He was quite the skilled swordsman and I knew something was different about him once I saw his sword.” Rex said as he crossed his arms. “To think Z manipulated the poor lad.”

“But what does this have to do with Mio?” Mythra questioned with hinting eyes. She felt she knew where this was going. 

Rex and Nia glanced at each other and silently agreed to tell the truth. It was Nia who chose to speak up.

“Well the person that ultimately became N was Mio’s partner in previous life cycles,” Nia revealed. “I don’t know all the details or why it seemed to be. But those two were always mysteriously drawn to one another in every life cycle they’ve been in. Each time they would attempt to harness the power of Ouroboros and take down Z, only to fail each time despite getting closer and closer to freeing the world from Moebius's control. Not only that, but their souls seem to persist beyond homecoming, able to return to the cycle once more.”

“In their last life before converting to Moebius, the two had a child of their own in the City, who would end up starting their own bloodline of Ouroboros,” Rex added. “Shulk and I even allied with one of their great-grandchildren at one point.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet.” Pyra crooned, while Mythra rolled her eyes at her other half.

“Honestly I kinda feel bad for them. They were still bound to the ten-term lifespan soldiers were given so they had to abandon their child at a young age.”

“But still, I cannot believe that Mio converted to Moebius.” Rex sighed. “I was fortunate enough not to cross paths with her as a Moebius. It would have pained me dearly.” 

Rex then thought about his earlier chat with Linka before she went home with Zeke and Pandoria. It had turned out Linka recalled how her life was cut short by none other than Mio herself. Linka, Panacea, and a few of the soldiers from the new generation of City had the plan to free a few wandering Agnus soldiers that managed to survive a war against another Keves Colony. However, they ended up being done in and ambushed by Consul M who beheaded them with her blades. Although according to Linka, her eyes appeared sad as she reluctantly served as their executioner. 

“I’ll make sure Mio, no… all of my children don’t have to suffer in their lives.” Rex declared in his thoughts.

“As for the other children?” Pyra then asked which seemed to have pulled Rex out of his deep thoughts.

Nia shook her head. “Neither ended up as Moebius. From the data I have gathered from within the Cloudkeep, I have learned that Milton was able to reach his Homecoming in peace after the implementation of Offseeing. As for Glimmer, I believe you said she was with you Rex?”

The Leftherian former Salvager nodded. “I made sure to free Glimmer from the Moebius system right before I served as Origin’s avatar along with A and Shulk. I assume she used that time wisely to help the Liberators and City Survivors rebuild themselves.”

Pyra sighed with relief at the thought of her daughter not having to suffer in Moebius’s life and death-cycle for that much longer. She really loved Rex for that.

“Since we four remember, do you think the kids and the rest of the people shackled to the Moebius flame clock system will eventually recall Aionios? I know Linka and Poppi remember as clear as day.” Rex questioned.

“Hmm, hard to say. Origin still exists in a void in between both our world and Melia’s world.” Nia stated as she glanced out a nearby window to see the dark sky. “We’ll have to contact Shulk and Melia to make sure that Origin functioned normally at their end as well.” 

“I faintly sense Ontos’s presence, which means they are still residing within the heart of Origin. But… I cannot feel Logos’s data. It’s weird. It’s as if he vanished from this plane of existence.” Mythra said with her eyes closed as she tried sensing the other members of the former trinity.

“That doesn’t sound good. Before the intersection, Melia’s world housed Ontos, while our world had the Pneuma and Logos cores.” Rex stated with a frown.

“Where could the Logos core be then…?” Pyra wondered out loud what everyone else was thinking at the exact moment. 

"Titans Foot." Rex cursed with a sigh. "How come it feels like our problems have only just begun?"

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

??? Location

Meanwhile, in a void-like area, an unidentifiable figure was watching over the families of the two separate worlds. They had a… a certain attachment to these characters.

“Well this is quite the development.” the figure spoke to themself. The figure contained a feminine look with long silver hair. A red-colored earring can be seen hanging from their left ear. “Of course, it has been foreseen… clear as day.”

The feminine-looking avatar continued to stare at the screens before them with muted interest before glancing at the screen showing the familiar new world Shulk had once asked him to create long ago.

“The passage of fate… it hungers…” The figure spoke softly as the earring on their left earlobe started glowing with a radiant aura.

END OF CHAPTER 1

Chapter Text

Epilogue 

Bionis Colony 9, The World of Keves  

Noah yawned and stretched his arms as he had just woken up from a restful sleep. He looked around his surroundings as he groggily rubbed his right eye. He was in a bedroom. 

It wasn’t a particularly large bedroom, but rather an upper loft within the house. He actually shared the loft with his brother who also has a bed on it. However, they wouldn’t be sharing the loft for much longer as their father and Uncle Dunban were working on an extension for the house in order to add a couple of more rooms and an office. For now, he’ll cherish the confined space he shares with his brother.

The family home Noah and his family resided in was located within the Residential District, albeit it was a tad larger than the normal homes. His friends Lanz and Joran also lived in the Residential District, making them both his neighbors. Eunie on the other hand lived up at the Imperial Capital of Alcamoth with his Aunt Melia.

Noah stared out the window to see the sun shining brightly onto the colony, meaning it was a little past ten. “Man, Mum and Dad really let me have a sleep-in.”

The young Homs strained to think back as he attempted to recall what happened last night and how he ended up in his shared bedroom. He concluded that his father or Uncle Dunban had carried him back after passing out.

Noah was snapped out of his thoughts when the corner of his eyes sensed slight movement. He looked over to the side to see a woman with medium-length golden-blonde hair and large emerald-green eyes. She appeared to be folding laundry on the bed adjacent to his.

“Morning, Mum.” Noah greeted as he decided to address his mother. This caused the woman to glance up at her son and smile at him. Her hands were still working with the clothes and garments in front of her.

“And a Good morning to you dear. I hope you had a good sleep after all the energy you exhausted last night with your friends.” Fiora responded as she placed a red jacket in the straw basket beside her. 

“Where’s the rest of our family?” Noah wondered as the house felt quiet other than his current conversation with his mother and the distant sounds of colony activity outside. Normally he would wake up to his brother tinkering with an invention or looking at a blueprint of his. He knew his father would usually be out of the house during this time of day.

“They’re both at the Weapon Development Lab working on your brother’s weapon. It’s almost complete isn’t it?” Fiora answered with a slight smirk at the thought. “Your Uncle Reyn is probably with them since he stayed over instead of going home.”

The young homs’ cerulean-blue eyes lit up brightly at the information. He always loved it when his extended and honorary family members came to visit; especially Reyn. He is such a joker. Sometimes he would visit the Colony by himself, and other times it would be with Aunt Sharla, Uncle Juju, or Mr. Othoron. There was also Uncle Reyn’s and Aunt Sharla’s daughter, but she and Noah haven’t been very close. She happened to be better friends with his brother.

“Alright then. I’ll head over there too to see what’s going on.” Noah said as he moved over his quilt and got out of bed. Conveniently, he was already wearing his outside attire since he knocked out last night and didn’t have the chance to change into sleeping clothes.

“Now hold on there mister.” Fiora said as she wagged her finger at the boy repeatedly. “Firstly, you need to prioritize your hygiene. Off to the latrine with you.”

“Of course, mum.” Noah replied with a nod as he quickly headed to the washroom to start the day by brushing his teeth. About seven minutes later, he passed by the kitchen to see his mother chopping up some produce on a chopping board.

“Noah, I packed you all some food,” Fiora said as she tilted her head slightly toward the box on the counter. The box had some containers and flasks in it. “There should be enough for you three and also some for your Uncle Reyn. Figured he’d like some before he goes back to Colony 6.”

“Thanks a lot Mum. I know it’ll be good as always.” Noah said as he lifted the box off the counter. “I’m heading out now.”

“Okay Noah, be back in time for dinner. Your Uncle Dunban will be joining us tonight at Outlook Park.” Fiora notified before a knowing smirk formed on her face. “I feel Lanz has been a bad influence on you ignoring your curfew.” 

“Don’t worry mum, I will.” Noah reassured as he went through the door. “Take care, mum!” 

After a few moments of silence, a fond smile formed on Fiora’s face. She reminisced about all the times when she would personally go deliver food to her husband back when they were young adults. He would always forget to eat because of his Monado research or simply by being lost in thought. 

“Mm. This is great! It tastes so good!”

“Really?”

“It’s Amazing!”

“Oh, Shulk, you say that every day.”

“Not quite. It’s always delicious. But today it’s amazing.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Thank goodness! I used some special herbs and spices today…”

Fiora shook her head before she could walk further on memory lane. She knew exactly what food she would be making for their evening picnic at Outlook Park.

“Thank goodness my sons have a sense of taste.” Fiora mused to herself as she began to wash a pan she recently used. “Unlike their father…”

When Noah got out of the front door, he was greeted by the warm sunlight and cool air that usually blessed the Bionis. Noah looked up and decided that these were signs of a beautiful day. He took a big whiff of the fresh air and sighed happily.

“Maybe I’ll get to hear that melody again.” Noah thought to himself with what may be a tint of hope in his thoughts. Even last night during the festivities he couldn’t get his mind off it. It sounded so familiar, but he has no clue where. 

“Good morning, Noah!” a nearby voice suddenly called out. Noah looked over to see that it was their neighbor, Désirée. She was currently spraying pesticides around her garden to probably keep the local wood bunnits from trampling over the flowers and vegetation. 

“Morning to you too, Ms. Désirée!” Noah yelled back. He would have waved back at her if his hands weren’t currently occupied. “I’m heading to the Weapon Development Lab to meet with my father and Uncle Reyn.”

Désirée shook her head and chuckled amusingly. “I see. After all these years, it doesn’t surprise me that Shulk still coops himself up in his lab. I remember all the times Fiora and Dickson would forcefully kick him out of there.”

“Dickson?” Noah muttered with a raised eyebrow at the unfamiliar name. He couldn’t recall a person with that name and he never met a person in Colony 9 with that name. Perhaps he was returned to the Bionis or moved to another Colony. 

“Also, say hi to your dad and Reyn for me, will you? Especially Reyn, I haven’t seen him for a while.” 

“Will do, ma’am! Have a good day!” Noah promised before scurrying towards the Military District of the Colony. 

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

When Noah quickly walked through the Commercial District, he saw people and Nopon walking about. A couple of Nopon merchants with Armu by their side, people selling weaponry, baked goods, and ether cylinders at various stalls. Just a typical day in Colony 9.

“Blossom Dance!”

Noah glanced over at the training grounds of the Military District as he got closer to his intended destination. He noticed a teenage girl older than him by a couple of years practicing with her twinsaber as she made quick work of three training dummies at once. “That’s Ashera… Uncle Dunban’s star pupil…”

The young Homs noticed a few young defense force soldiers cowering and flinching in fear at the young soldier’s reckless training. 

People of the Colony say that she could one day end up as one of the strongest Defenders of all of Bionis, next to his Uncle Dunban and Reyn of course. Noah heard some people refer to her as the “Suicidal Maniac” due to her lust to fight anything that crosses her path.

Noah walked further down the Military District and could also see the old Colonel Vangarre Vandham shouting angrily at a couple of helmet-wearing soldiers for slacking off. Noah shuddered. He had heard stories from his Uncle Reyn about the harsh regimens and harsher punishments the Colonel put him and his fellow soldiers through back in his days in the defense force. 

“I should consider myself lucky that Dad and Uncle Dunban have been more than willing to teach me basic swordfighter tactics.” Noah thought with a sweatdrop forming on his head. 

For the past year, he had been training with his father’s old junk sword. What made Noah amazed was the fact that it was one of his father’s first homemade weapons, made completely of scraps of Mechon armor and shells. It may have been old and developed rust over time, but it still served its purpose of being a training weapon for rookies. Of course, that didn’t stop him from getting teased to death by fellow kids in the Colony. Mainly Garvel and his squad would give him issues about it. But hey, he learned how to ignore the bullies of the Colony.

As Noah walked into the Weapon Development Lab, he saw a couple of familiar faces. One of them was a Machina woman named Vanea. Apparently, she works a lot with his father and a young prodigy named Valdi on new equipment, gear, and Levnises. The other familiar face he encountered was his Uncle Dunban. He was hard at work with a fellow colony engineer trying to construct the most efficient sword for swordfighters with dexterity issues such as himself. 

Noah was just approaching the basement of the laboratory when he suddenly heard an excited voice exclaim, “This is just the power source I’ve been looking for! With this core, I may finally be able to see visions again!”

“Great, now you just need the soul of a crazy God to possess the Monado to make it even more accurate.” another voice joked, voice dripping with sarcasm. Noah definitely recognized the latter voice as his Uncle Reyn’s.

“They must be working on dad’s weapon.” Noah thought to himself. He recalled his father mentioning to him how he’s been working on improving a weapon based on a sword he wielded a long time ago when he ventured on a journey with his mother, uncles, and aunts. Apparently, it was extremely effective against the Mechon that invaded.

Noah descended the steps and walked in. “Morning Dad, morning Nikol! You too Uncle Reyn!” Noah greeted his father, brother, and honorary uncle. All pairs of eyes in the room focused on the new arrival. As Noah came closer, he noticed a familiar blue Nopon accompanying them. 

“Oi kid, top of the morning.” Reyn addressed his honorary nephew while offering to place the box of food on a nearby work table. Noah gratefully accepted.

“Oh Noah, good morning.” his father greeted before glancing at the Blue Nopon in the room. “You remember Riku right? One of Riki’s sons? He recently moved here from Frontier Village to work with me at the lab.” Shulk said when he saw Noah glance at the Nopon.

“Of course,” Noah responded and offered the Nopon a handshake. “It’s great to see you again Riku.”

Riku smiled and chose to return the gesture. “Likewise. Always a good day to meet Shulk’s littlepon.”

“Riku here is an expert on treasure hunting, maintenance, and crafting.” Nikol chose to speak up while giving his brother a fist bump. “He’s planning on opening his own workshop here in the Colony in the future.”

Nikol is Noah’s younger brother who is about 10 months younger than him. While Noah inherited their father’s eye color, Noah’s hair color came from their mother’s side of the family even though Fiora didn’t have black hair. His Uncle Dunban does though. Nikol on the other hand, inherited the golden blonde hair from either one of their parents and Fiora’s emerald-colored eyes.

“Is that so? Well, it’s going to be nice to see you more frequently Riku.” Noah said. He can't place his finger on it, but he felt like there was more to Riku than meets the eye.

“I reckon your mum told you we would be in here, huh,” Shulk said directly to the young homs.

“Yeah, she told me to bring you lunch and that you would be working on Nikol’s thing,” Noah answered as he looked at what appeared to be a mechanical backpack on a nearby table. He then examined his father’s weapon which was held up on a sword stand. He couldn’t help but notice that it looked slightly different from the last he saw it. “But mum didn’t tell me that you were upgrading your sword, Dad…”

“I see that Fiora has prepared lunch. Guess she knows we won’t be coming back till later in the afternoon.” Shulk said as he grabbed a container and a flask filled to the brim with soup. He handed one set to Reyn and offered another for Nikol before helping himself.

“Oh yeah, baby! I’m famished.” Reyn said as he gratefully started to eat the food from his childhood friend. It appeared Fiora packed some Onigiri with her signature Ardun sour soup. “Fiora still does a great job looking out for us.”

As Noah watched his father, brother, and honorary uncle dig into their riceballs and soup, Riku looked over to the young homs, giving him a searching look. Noah noticed this and looked back at the Nopon, who seemed to be looking at him intensely.

“Oh, sorry… My mum didn’t know there would be an extra person hanging with my da-”

“No, no Riku not thinking about food.” Riku answered honestly as he shook his head. “Riku senses a lot of potential in you. Tell me, do you take up swordplay?”

The young Homs nodded in response. “Yeah, my dad has been teaching me for the past year. I’m taking on the swordfighter class.”

“Speaking… of that, how’s your… training going along…?” Reyn asked the boy as he slurped some soup from his flask.” Shulk has been telling me you’ve made major improvement recently.”

“Yeah. I’d say it’s been going very well. Dad has taught me some cool techniques like his Air Slash and Shadow Eye arts.” Noah responded before he nervously laughed. “Of course, I still have room for tons of improvement.”

“Continue improving and you will definitely be a worthy swordsmanpon.” Riku said as a compliment which prompted Shulk to nod in agreement.

“Well, Noah and I will be spending more time on that tomorrow,” Shulk mentioned as he placed his goggles on and refocused his attention on his Monado that was currently held up by a stand on the work table. “Time to get back to it then.”

“Dad’s been working on improving his sword for the past two hours now,” Nikol told his brother while chewing on his onigiri. “He’s convinced that he can unlock a new ability if he works on some upgrades.”

“I see.” Noah said while eyeing his dad and the sword. He watched as Shulk carefully adjusted the ether manipulator of the Monado.

Once satisfied, Shulk tossed a towel to the side and held up the red sword for Noah to see. “How does this look, Noah? I call it the Monado REX+ II.”

“It looks fine dad, love the colors and it seems to be able to-” Noah’s mouth stopped moving and his body froze suddenly. Was it just him or did the weapon completely change shape before his very eyes? The weapon was still a red sword, but… it looked different. Familiar actually…

“Oi kid, you okay there? You just blanked out for a sec.” Reyn asked, snapping Noah out of his state of shock. Noah rubbed his eyes and saw the sword was back to its normal shape.

“Oh, I’m fine. My body must still be waking up, I guess.” Noah responded with a hand scratching the back of his head. “The others and I stayed up really late last night for Aunt Melia’s celebration and it took us a while to get back home.”

“Yeah, Dunban and I had to carry you and Lanz back to the Colony. At least Joran was conscious enough to walk.” Shulk said with a hint of a chuckle. “I’m surprised how much time had passed yesterday.”

“Time…” Reyn muttered to himself in thought as he glanced at the clock on the wall. His eyes suddenly felt like bulging as he remembered something important.

“Oh man, look at the time, I gotta get back to Colony 6 and pick up Panacea from her Second Year Homs History class before Sharla kills me. See you later Shulk. You too Noah, Nikol, and Riku.” Reyn said as he got up from the stool and excused himself.

Shulk, Noah, Nikol, and Riku all bade their farewells to Reyn as he proceeded to leave the basement of the laboratory. Shulk and Riku went back to working on Shulk’s latest project while Nikol went to attend to his invention.

“Maybe I need to use blue chain here…” Nikol mumbled quietly. 

“Typical Reyn.” Shulk chuckled and shook his head. “I would think he would be more responsible for his age.”

“Riku second that statement.” Riku muttered in agreement.

Noah didn’t have anything to do, so he decided to steal the stool Reyn was sitting on and have his share of lunch. Maybe now he can think more about the heavenly melody he heard last night. 

Just as Noah was getting comfortable, however, he couldn’t help but notice some sort of object wrapped securely in a brown cloth by the corner of the laboratory. It was right next to the entrance. For some reason, it felt like whatever is concealed in the brown material was calling out to him.

Noah failed to notice that a certain common variety Nopon was looking at him with a knowing expression.

“So Noah, I was wondering, what type of sword you would like. I’d say it’s about time we upgrade you to your own personalized weapon of choice.” his father asked him after a few minutes of silence as he continued inspecting the ether levels of his Monado REX+ II. 

“My own weapon…” Noah muttered as he thought about it. He had wondered on numerous occasions what his own weapon would be like. He glanced over to Nikol to see him so invested in his custom weapon. 

“Does friend Noah not want own weapon?” Riku asked with a raised eyebrow. The blue Nopon stared at the young homs. Perhaps it’s time for him to do his duty once again as he did many times before…

“Well, no. I s’ppose I do.” Noah responded sheepishly. He glanced over to the desk where the variable backpack of his brother rested, currently under maintenance.

Noah recalled how a couple of years ago, his younger brother Nikol declared to their parents that he would like to take on the challenge of creating a weapon of his own design instead of using swords, knives, and so on. Noah definitely wanted a sword similar to the ones his father wields.

“Well, I’m not as creative as Nikol when it comes to designing a custom weapon and I do like swinging a sword around. It feels natural to me. Maybe a red-colored blade, similar to yours?” Noah finally suggested to his father.

Shulk nodded in understanding. “So a blade is it? I guess I’ll have Vanea and Dunban help me on this one. Or maybe Riku here might just know what to do.”

“Why Riku feel like an afterthought?” Riku asked, slightly exasperated. “Regardless, Riku always happy to assist in what Riku does best. But…”

“But what?” Noah wondered. He watched one of the many sons of Heropon Riki stride over to where the mysterious wrapped object was located.

“Nikol, please help Riku unwrap and place on a stand.” Riku requested the blonde-haired boy. 

“Uhm, not a problem, Riku.” Nikol responded as he got up and lifted the wrapped object.

Moments later, Noah was standing in front of what appeared to be a katana-like blade. A red and black colored sheathe was lying on the table near it. The sheathe appears to be glowing with a purple-colored aura.

“W-what’s this?” Noah hesitantly asked in awe. For some strange reason, his desire to hold the sword had grown stronger with the last minute or two.

“Magic sword. The Sword of the End.” Riku stated proudly. “Forged with seven types of steel to be one day wielded by a mighty Heropon.”

“Magic Sword…?” Noah repeated in curiosity. He had to admit, the blade did look like something he would use.

“Sword of the End you say.” Nikol rubbed his chin. “Can’t say I heard of anything like it.”

“I’m not surprised,” Shulk said as he looked at the blade. “Let’s just say the purpose of this particular weapon was to act as a safeguard in case anything went wrong with the intersection.”

“Intersection? Do you mean when there was that near-catastrophic collision between our world and its twin?” Nikol asked.

“You know about this sword, dad?” Noah questioned with curiosity. It appeared to him that Shulk and Riku knew many things that he did not.

“Indeed,” Shulk responded and nodded. “It’s a sword with a lot of versatility and much strength, however, only a chosen one may wield it and use it to its full potential. It’s sort of like the Monado I wielded long ago. Other than your Uncle Dunban somewhat, only I and two others were able to wield the Monado.”

Riku nodded. “Masterpon say… when find one with such conviction and willpower, give this.”

“And you’re saying, that person is Noah?” Nikol thought out loud.

“Like Riku say earlier. Riku senses a lot of potential in Noah. Intuition of Riku never fails.” Riku explained his reasoning.

“A gift from your master? I don’t think I can accept this…” Noah hesitated.

“Well actually son, Riku’s master is none other than your Aunt Melia.” Shulk revealed, causing Noah to instantly stare at his father with a shocked face.

“...” 

“Don’t need to feel indebted to Riku, just take.” Riku insisted.

“It’s too powerful. Besides, why do you think the sword will accept me?” Noah argued with the Nopon. He looked back at the blade on display. “But then why am I feeling a link between me and this sword…?”

“Won’t know for sure, till friend tries. Noah, please grasp the hilt of the sword.” Riku requested as he stepped aside and gestured to the Sword of the End.

Noah hesitated and shared a look with Shulk and Nikol, both apparently giving him encouraging smiles. He then looked down at Riku who had the same encouraging look on his face.

“Alright, here goes nothing.” Noah muttered to himself as he moved a hand toward the sword’s hilt before stopping. After another moment of hesitation, the young homs gripped the sword tightly and lifted it off the stand. 

Once Noah got a good hold of it, he swung the sword around him as it moved in the air through the actions of his movements. He could have sworn he felt the sword vibrate a little, but it was possibly his imagination.

“My, my. It looks like Noah earned its acceptance.” Riku commented.

Shulk had a pleased expression on his face as he watched his firstborn son interact with the sword. The moves look amateurish for the most part, but that will be fixed in due time.

After testing the sword out for a bit and realizing that the sword has chosen him, Noah carefully placed the sword back on the stand. He didn’t fail to notice the sheathe glowing a more vibrant purple and the red lemniscate glow somewhat as well. “What the…”

“So Noah, are you going to take Riku’s offer or find another weapon?” Nikol asked his brother curiously.

Noah remained silent for a moment, contemplating his answer. “Well if the sword has chosen me, who am I to deny it?” 

“Then it’s settled.” Shulk said.

“When push comes to shove, there will come a time when Noah truly need Sword of the End’s strength again.” Riku stated with a satisfied expression.

“Huh? What do you mean by again ?” Noah asked in confusion at what may be a slip-up on Riku’s part.

“Ehrm… forget Riku say last part,” Riku muttered. “At the end of day, Sword accepted Noah. Now Noah has sword to use in combat.”

Noah narrowed his eyes at the Nopon before deciding to let it go. He just gifted him a sword after all. His very own weapon… 

“Hey, Riku.” Noah spoke.

“Meh?” Riku murmured.

“Thanks.” Noah finished with gratitude.

“Well now that that’s settled, Nikol let's make those finishing touches and adjust the calibration on your weapon,” Shulk told his youngest son, receiving a simple nod in response.

“Say Nikol, I was meaning to ask you. What’s your weapon called?” Noah asked.

“Oh, I’m calling it a Variable Backpack.” the future Machinist simply answered. “The sensors respond to my hand movements which trigger the larger variable arms to perform actions such as punching and blocking. It’s much more defense-oriented so I will more than likely be a Defender rather than being an Attacker or Healer role.”

“Only you can come up with something like that, Nikol.” Noah said with a smile. “May I watch you guys work on it?”

“Of course. No need to ask when we’re family, right?” Nikol responded. “At least, that’s how I view it.”

“Family…”

“Right.” Noah agreed.

“Hmm… Nikol, Riku has suggestion to improve efficiency of synchronization.” Riku announced as he inspected the weapon in progress.

Nikol glanced at the Nopon. “Shoot Riku.”

For the next few hours, Noah watched as Shulk, Nikol, and Riku worked hard on both Nikol’s Variable Backpack and Shulk’s Monado REX+ II. It was interesting to see the three of them share ideas and feedback while working on the things they share a fascination with.

Shulk wiped some sweat from his brow and stared at the Monado REX+ II. He couldn’t believe how he is so close to making a near copy of the Monado II Zanza unleashed on Prison Island all those years ago. It’s all thanks to a friend that he’ll be able to improve his Monado one step further. Yet, he knows that he should heed the warning he received last night. 

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

Flashback… 

Bionis Colony 9, The World of Keves  

Shulk had an arm around his wife’s waist as they watched their son Noah and his friends star gazing on a nearby hill. The festivities for the Queen’s Anniversary were dying down and a majority of the people had already returned to their respective homes. Melia was able to join their group a little towards the end of the celebration thanks to some assistance from Tyrea and Sir Maxis.

Shulk turned his head to focus on his other son, Nikol, who was talking to Teelan about his long-time research on Telethia. The boy was a little anti-social and shy, sort of like how he was at a young age, but he was definitely glad that he was beginning to get out of his comfort zone.

Even while in Aionios, Nikol mostly retained the same meek personality which resulted in him getting bullied and targeted at the Colony he was stationed at. Shulk could recall how he was easily taken advantage of when he last met him in Aionios. 

“It’s so perfect.” Fiora muttered quietly so only Shulk can hear.

“Yeah.” Shulk responded in a similar tone. “I’ve missed this you know. I’m glad everything worked out in the end.”

Fiora sighed. “Listen, Shulk. You don’t have to tell me right away but you’re going to have to tell me what happened the moment the intersection occurred.”

“I know. I will. I promise.” Shulk assured his wife with a kiss on her forehead. “It’s just a lot to take in and think about. For now, I just want to enjoy the moment with you by my side and the children not having to suffer anymore.”

“Oh, Shulk.” Fiora muttered lovingly as she continued to absorb her peaceful surroundings. The blonde could see Reyn and Juju still stuffing their faces, she could see Panacea sitting on a nearby bench studying for her Second Year Homs History exam, she could see Sharla, Melia, Tyrea, and Vanea having a conversation while sharing some Makna Forest wine, she could see her older brother laughing along with Otharon and Miqol, she could also see Alvis nearby leaning against the stone wall while staring their direction… wait WHAT?!

Shulk could feel Fiora involuntarily jump in surprise as she was in his arms. He didn’t think anything of it at first until he too noticed her staring at a particular direction. That was when his blue eyes met silver. The atmosphere suddenly got tense. Shulk felt as if something was lodged in his throat and his heart was beating faster. He was here… and he was in that familiar form that he always associated with him. Unfortunately Shulk remembered some unpleasant memories that are associated with the familiar form of a Homs.

Fiora subtly nudged her husband, her eyes not leaving the familiar figure with silver hair. “Shulk, isn’t that… but how?”

“Yeah. It’s him, alright.” Shulk responded as he slowly let go of his wife. “At least I think so.”

At that point the other people besides Noah’s group started feeling the tension in the atmosphere and noticed the direction the couple was facing. Panacea was one of the first to notice as she shut her textbook and immediately walked over to Shulk.

“Teacher, is that who I think it is?” Panacea whispered calmly yet her body language betrayed the tension she was feeling. She could only get a nod out of him so she continued. “I thought he was destroyed back-”

“I’m not sure Panacea.” Shulk spoke as he realized most eyes were on their sudden “party crasher” now. “You all resume with the activities, I’ll go speak with him.”

“How interesting. I never expected Alvis to show back up in a physical form.” Dunban said as he had a hand under his chin in thought. “I know Shulk found his core outside the Colony a while back, but it’s still an unexpecting surprise.

“Oi, who invited Alvis and didn’t tell anyone?” Reyn wondered outloud. This comment earned an elbow to his chest from Sharla. 

“Alpha…” Panacea muttered quietly with an intense glare. Her glare ceased as she felt a hand on her shoulder, glancing up to see her mother give her a subtle smile of comfort.

“I-I’ll go speak with him.” Shulk told his group of family and friends as he started approaching the figure. He only took a few steps before he was stopped by a gentle hand on his shoulder. Shulk didn’t have to turn to know it was Melia.

“I’ll go with you.” Melia volunteered to her friend. “As Empress of the High Entia, I must learn what information he has to share. He did serve under my family for generations. But as Queen of an entire nation, I must investigate what happened to the state of Aionios while I was restrained by Moebius.”

Shulk nodded at her and the two walked forward. Shulk tilted his head one direction, signaling for him to follow them somewhere. The figure who appeared to be Alvis removed his hands from his jacket pockets and started to quietly follow the duo once they walked past him.

Shulk and Melia had quickly, yet quietly led their surprise visitor to a secluded area of the colony, farther from where everyone else had originally gathered for the fireworks display. Shulk could vaguely feel Fiora's curious and worried gaze behind his back.

“Alvis…”

Silence surrounded them as Shulk took a deep breath. He had so many questions that he wanted to ask now that the worlds have been set back to rights. “So Alvis, what brings you here? Are you making sure the intersection went smoothly? What’s with that appearance? How much do you remem-” He was interrupted when the individual he recognizes raised up his hand.

“You’re rambling,” Alvis muttered, finally speaking for the first time. It definitely sounded like Alvis alright.

“Sorry…” Shulk responded sheepishly, causing Melia to softly giggle at the interaction despite the circumstances. 

“Do not worry. It is a characteristic of you that I am quite intrigued by ever since our first encounter.” Alvis spoke once more. There was a brief pause before he continued. “You may call me whatever you wish to call me, but I fear your choice will not deviate from my connection to Ontos and the Trinity Processor.”

“I see.” Shulk raised an eyebrow as he placed a hand under his chin as he was deep in thought. He had to get used to having two functioning arms again. Shulk then asked the question that was occupying his mind for the past few minutes. “So are you A, or are you Alpha?”

(A)lvis shook his head in response. “You can say that I am both. The memories… of traveling by your side again, my futile attempt to secure the future of Aionios, and all other faint recollections in that world… they compose me.”

“I see then.” Shulk said as he felt he could breathe easier now with that information. “So essentially you’re the Alvis we’ve known from back then but you’ve gained the memories of your former split counterparts.”

“Precisely, Shulk.” (A)lvis responded calmly.

“So Alvis, to what do we owe the pleasure of your sudden appearance before us?” Melia asked with a hardened expression. “Does it have anything to do with our two worlds?”

(A)lvis gave a simple nod in response. “The two worlds… they are beginning to show signs of converging once more.”

Shulk and Melia both looked at each other in response to the revelation. Melia knew that the worlds would always yearn for each other and would try to interlink once more but she didn’t think it would start again immediately after the end of Aionios.

“Would it lead to another potential annihilation?” Shulk asked with slight alarm. He was already mentally calculating what they needed to do to get their half of Origin ready to protect themselves once more. 

“Are Nia and Rex aware of this predicament as well?” Melia wondered to the former Divine Seer of Alcamoth. 

“Worry not. It appears that this time will be vastly different.” (A)lvis said as he looked up at the sky. Shulk and Melia both mimicked his action and could see their half of Origin in the sky. “From what I’ve gathered aboard the ark and from what I foresaw of the future, the two worlds will converge with no complications.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” Melia sighed. “I will have to see to it that I get communications with Nia to know if all is well on their side.”

“Alvis, how long do we have to wait until the worlds merge?” Shulk questioned.

“I am not quite sure if I can grant an answer to your question, Shulk.” (A)lvis admitted. “What you should expect is that there may be prerequisites involved before the worlds can successfully converge into one like they once were.”

“Prerequisites, huh.” Melia muttered in thought. “I wonder…”

“That will be all.” (A)lvis stated before turning his sights to Shulk. “I will be going back to Origin to collect more data. In the meantime, I suggest checking on your counterparts from the other world. I will be transporting myself to that world to check things out myself.”

“So you really can move between our two worlds.” Shulk said as he came to a realization. “Is it through the rifts you can create? The same ones the Fog creatures and Black Fog originate from?”

(A)lvis didn’t respond as he extended his right hand in front of himself. A few moments later, a crimson-colored core crystal materialized from thin air to Shulk’s and Melia’s astonishment. “For you.”

Shulk looked puzzled while taking what appeared to be an exact copy of the core on (A)lvis’s choker. “What is it?” 

“A parting gift.” (A)lvis answered. “I recall when we were on our way to Prison Island from the Black Mountains, you asked me about my visions. Do you remember what I told you?”

Shulk nodded as he remembered the moment as well. At the time, Shulk was feeling a bit uncertain regarding their future in Aionios. “There is no single established future.”

“Exactly. That core is a mere replica I have manifested from the will of Ontos.” (A)lvis explained. “There is a portion of my power within it. I’m sure you can find it to be practical. You do have your own “true” Monado do you not?”

Shulk came to a realization and raised an eyebrow. “You don’t mean?”

Shulk didn’t know whether (A)lvis heard him or chose to not acknowledge it. The enigma of the universe instead chose to wave a hand in front of himself, causing an orange and black rift to appear before him.

"I can see it. Origin is gradually on the road to completing its final task." (A)lvis spoke as he placed a hand on his core crystal. The crimson-colored crystal glowed brightly in response. “Both worlds… will walk hand in hand towards the future.”

And with that, (A)lvis walked into the rift as soon as it disappeared. 

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

Back to Present… 

Bionis Colony 9, The World of Keves  

“Why do I have the strange feeling Alvis is hiding something from all of us?” Shulk mentally asked himself. He knows Alvis isn’t exactly a stranger to deception; from claiming he comes from a long line of seers and working for Zanza.

Shulk mentally scolded himself. “Alvis showed up to make sure our worlds reverted back to the states preceding the collision. We shouldn’t be doubting him, especially not me.”

“Hey uhh… Dad…?” a young voice shyly called out.

The Godcleaver snapped out of his thoughts, returning to reality. He saw Nikol in front of him looking concerned. Noah and Riku stood behind him.

“Eh Sorry, just the stress of being in the lab too long must be getting to me.” Shulk assured them even though he didn’t believe it himself. “How about we head back home, Fiora and Dunban are probably waiting for us.”

“Mum just called actually. She wants us to meet up with them at Outlook Park instead of going straight home.” Nikol explained.

“Alright, let’s go.” Shulk said as he stood up. He then looked over to Riku. “Riku, will you be joining us?”

“Much apologies. Riku must decline. Riku has a meeting with landlord of future workshop.” Riku responded with a bow. 

“Well okay, we’ll see you around the Colony then,” Shulk said as he then faced his two boys. “As for you two, pack up your weapons and let’s go.”

Nikol was already wearing his Variable Backpack while Noah went to pick up his sword. He remembered that it went inside the sheathe part of the blade so he inserted the Sword of the End inside it. Riku told him earlier that he could use the sword the way it is or remove it from the sheathe. He’ll have plenty of time to figure out what he would prefer.

“Noah, be sure to be extra careful with Luc-ahem* Riku mean the Sword of the End.” Riku reminded the young Homs. “If make regrettable mistake, there no turning back.”

Noah nodded and gave the Nopon weaponsmithpon a grateful smile. “I will. You can count on it. Thanks again, Riku.”

Satisfied with Noah’s response, Riku excused himself and trudged up the stairs toward the exit of the Weapon Development Lab.

Noah sighed mentally and slipped the veiled sword behind his back. He considered today to be an eventful day. Even though he finally got a sword to call his own, he still felt something was missing. Something he couldn't live without.

After Shulk stored the Monado REX+ II safely away, Shulk and his sons left the laboratory in the Military District and made their way to Outlook Park. Shulk insisted they keep a good pace or else they’d have to face Fiora’s scolding for being late.

“Hmm… I wonder what mum prepared for dinner.” Nikol wondered out loud as he stared down at his feet. His feet were aching from the long walk and now the seemingly endless stairs leading to the park.

Fortunately, Nikol didn’t have to think about that for long as the three males of the family found Fiora and Dunban sitting by a portable dining table and chairs.

“Tada! I made sandwiches with special herbs and spices.” Fiora announced as she raised a large picnic basket in front of her.

Shulk couldn’t help but think back to his heart-to-heart conversation with Nikol back in Aionios. They were sitting on a bench of what was left of Outlook Park at the time.

“Hey, Nikol. Once things have settled down, let’s come here again and talk properly. We can have sandwiches together, ones with special herbs and spices, eh?”

“Yes, sure… That sounds nice.”

Shulk observed as Fiora presented Nikol with her signature sandwiches that she claimed stole their father’s heart. At the same time, Dunban asked Noah about the new sword in his possession while Noah explained the events of the day to his uncle.

Slowly, Shulk used his left hand to pinch the skin of his right arm. He inwardly rejoiced at the feeling. 

This is all real.

Shulk is finally home.

END OF CHAPTER 2

Chapter Text

Epilogue 

Alrest - Agnus Castle, The World of Agnus  

Mio slowly opened her eyes when she sensed little forms of sunlight begin to invade her bed chamber through the window curtains. She decided to do her best to ignore it as she rolled over to face away from her nearby window. However, that didn’t make sleeping any easier as the sunlight hit her mirror, reflecting it back on Mio’s face.

“Bloody hell…” Mio muttered irritably, deciding to cover her face with one of her comfortable pillows. Just as she thought she had found tranquility and was about to doze back to her slumber, her alarm apparently decided to go off.

“Looks like that’s the sign for me to get up and ready for the day…” Mio groaned as she freed herself from her comforter and sat up. As she rubbed her golden eyes, she thought back to the dream that she had during her slumber.

“I had the strangest dream… there were two grown-up versions of… me. One of me had long white hair and was wearing silver armor with red ether lines. Another me had a shorter haircut and was wearing these casual clothing…” Mio thought to herself as she recounted bits of her dream.

It was apparent to Mio that the two doppelganger look-alikes were trying to converse with her, but their voices were mute. Each time they opened their mouths, nothing could be heard. But she could clearly see the desperation and sadness in both of their eyes. It made her feel sad too…

Mio shook her head and sighed softly. It was just a dream. Time to carry on with the day. The first day after the intersection. “But, then why did that dream seem so real…?”

After a few minutes of mentally debating whether she should continue to lay on her bed or get ready for the day, she ultimately chose the latter option. She remembered that her friends were coming over today to hang out. It was a special occasion as well since their friend Miyabi is currently on break and visiting from her hometown. 

Mio went to use the latrine in her private bathing chamber, brushed her long white hair for a good while, and did her usual morning routine. After having a proper bath, she went back to the main part of her chamber to get her clothes for the day, deciding a white sundress decorated with a red ribbon on the collar would suffice for the occasion.

Just as she was about to leave, something caught her eye on her desk. It was glistening from the sunlight that was shining through the window.

“Well I can’t forget this.” Mio muttered to herself as she picked up the object that got her attention. It was her white flute that she had played her melody with the night before. “Miyabi did want to play a duet with me to show me how much she’s improved.”

For some strange reason, her mind suddenly visualized herself playing her flute next to a silhouette of somebody with a flute of their own, a black one. She couldn’t tell if the person was a boy or girl. Despite being a silhouette, the figure seemed to have a couple distinct features. The figure had what seemed to be hair styled in a ponytail, perhaps providing the idea that the unknown figure is female. The other key feature of the silhouette were deep blue eyes, reminiscent of a sea.

Mio clutched her flute closer to her chest and took a deep breath, For some reason, visualizing the silhouette with the ponytail and blue-colored eyes made her stomach feel uneasy. It was as if a bunch of skeeters were in there buzzing about.

“What is this feeling? Who even was that?” Mio wondered to herself as she placed a hand on her chest. After placing the white flute in the pocket of her sundress, she decided to head to one of the kitchens of the Castle to get a light breakfast before meeting with her friends. “Perhaps I’m just feeling peckish.”

When she exited her bed chamber, she was immediately greeted by two of the castle guards that were monitoring the west wing hallway along with one of the rookies in training. If she recalled correctly, the name of the rookie is Hackt. Mio has seen him hang out with Kyrie around the Castle whenever he didn’t have any training or duties to attend to.

“Good morning, your highness.” both guards greeted in unison as they gave her the official soldier salute of Alrest and a bow. Mio gave them both a respectful bow back, showing that she thought they were doing a good job. When she glanced over at Hackt, he started squirming and sputtering nervously.

“G-good morning Mio. I-I mean-n, your h-highness!” Hackt managed to say.

“C’mon Hackt. There isn’t a need to be formal with me, we are basically friends.” Mio said with a laugh. 

Hackt sighed as the tension left his body. “R-right. But I’m in training right now, so it’s best if I call you “Your Highness” for now.” 

Mio sighed. She really hated formalities despite her royal heritage. “Well alright. When you see Kyrie today, let her know I said hello. I haven’t had the chance to meet her lately.” 

“I would, but even I haven’t been seeing her lately myself,” Hackt replied with a sweatdrop. “You know how she is, she gets sidetracked so easily and isn’t that alert about her surroundings. I wouldn’t be surprised that she somehow found herself somewhere in Mor Ardain by now.”

“You’re probably right.” Mio said as she took in his words. “But still. Please give her my regards if you see her.”

“Will do.” Hackt said with a clenched fist on his chest. 

Mio gave the rookie in training a nod before looking up at the two guards behind him. One of them asked her if she needed someone to guide her to the dining room, but Mio declined the offer and carried on her way after bidding them farewell.

As Mio was walking along the halls of the castle's second floor, she stopped and noticed the doors to one of the balconies were wide open. She decided to look out the balcony as she assumed that by now there would be a lot of castle activity outside. 

She looked down to see an archery class taking place on the training grounds for the Castle soldiers that aspire to master combat with their bows and arrows. The young princess of Alrest settled her gaze on a Gormotti with green hair, yet small cat-like ears. Mio watched as the individual she was observing was firing multiple ether arrows at the target practices with accurate precision. The Gormotti archer was obviously a natural in archery.

“You did great out there, Juniper!” Mio could vaguely hear one of the soldiers shout to the Gormotti archer.

“Juniper… so that’s her name.” Mio mused to herself quietly. Perhaps one of these days she’ll go and give her a chat. Her utility with the bow and ether was quite a sight to see. 

Mio then looked over to the far edge of the training grounds to see the Alrestian Royal Color Guard working on their routine. She could see a girl with purple hair styled in a bun shout enthusiastically about something, a few others near her seem to be doing the same thing. A chant maybe?

After watching the activity that went on at one of the castle’s training grounds, Mio found her way to one of the family kitchens and dining rooms, a place that one of her two stepmothers, Pyra, frequently occupies whenever she feels like cooking or baking. Sure enough, when Mio opened the wooden double doors, Pyra was furiously at work in the kitchen.

Before Mio could even officially step a foot into the kitchen tiles, Pyra was already well aware of the presence of the young girl.

“Good morning Mio! Hope you slept well!” Pyra greeted one of her half-daughters and gestured with her head toward the counter. “Got some breakfast ready for you if you want.”

“Morning to you too, Mom. Where’s everyone else?” Mio asked her stepmother. Mio silently looked at the countertop to see some fresh fruit, toast with butter, and a glass of milk. She decided to drink the milk first. She licked her lips as she found it to be to her liking as usual.

Pyra bit her bottom lip and stayed silent for a moment. “Well, Mythra is with your father in the counseling room, working out a treaty with your Uncle Zeke. Apparently, the Kingdom of Tantal got into diplomatic difficulties with Mor Ardain. Hopefully, your Aunt Mòrag and Emperor Niall can assist with that too. Nia went off with Dromarch, I don’t think I’ve seen them since earlier this morning. As for your two half-siblings, they went to the academy today for their studies.”

“Knowing Milton, he’s probably skiving classes as we speak.” Mio muttered while searching the nearby fruit bowl for a fruity snack.

“That does sound like Mythra’s son alright.” Pyra chuckled with a shake of her head. “You kids are growing up so fast.”

Mio nodded in response after settling for a crunchy passion fruit. She finished her breakfast in silence as Pyra was working on heating up the oven with her natural fire abilities.

“So what are you planning to do today?” Pyra asked the daughter of Nia as she took Mio’s dishes to the sink for some washing. 

“Miyabi and the others are visiting today. We’ll probably be hanging out in Torigoth for a good while before coming back here.” Mio answered as she stood up from her seat.

“Does that include your boyfriend?” Pyra asked with what seemed to be a teasing smirk on her face.

“Mom!” Mio whined with a pout. “I. Don’t. Have. A. Boyfriend! If you are referring to Taion, I don’t like him in that way. Besides! I’m just eleven!”

Mio had a slight embarrassed blush on her face. She would be lying if she said she never thought about boys before. As one of the two princesses of all of Alrest, many boys have asked her out or shown signs of interest. Even her own mother and father recommended future suitors for her. However, she rejected every single one that came her way.

“You’re not going to get a boyfriend with that attitude-”

“Titan’s Foot, I’m just meeting with Sena, Miyabi, and Taion today.”

“I’m only teasing.” Pyra chuckled as she redirected her attention to the pans and dishes that needed to be cleaned. “Alright, don’t you kids get into too much trouble. Do you need any of the castle guards to accompany you?”

The Princess of Alrest shook her head quickly. “You know I can take care of myself Mom. Besides I’ll have Sena, Taion, and Miyabi with me. You know how proficient Taion is with his mondo and Sena with her mallet and arts.”

“Well you are Rex and Nia’s daughter,” Pyra said with a smile. “Okay, have fun.”

Mio thanked her before leaving for the hallway. Once she found her way outside, she headed straight for the main castle gate, where she was met with more castle guards and the Commander of the Alrestian Royal Army, All-Slayer Oleg. The commander also happened to be her personal tutor and also took in Taion and Sena with his various lessons and teachings as well.

“Morning, Teach!” Mio greeted cheerfully when she walked closer to the man of Indoline blood. The man was actually an Indoline blade eater from Indol that took part in one of the Praetorium’s inhumane practices. The commander and the soldiers nearby bowed respectfully under her presence.

“Mio, good morning. So I heard you are going to meet with your friends in town, today?” The commander spoke in a calm tone, a tone he only reserved when he wasn’t commanding his soldiers out on the battlefield or during their training.

Mio nodded. “We’re meeting up with our friend Miyabi since she currently has a break from her flute lessons.”

“I see. Well, just to let you know, I have assigned a number of the castle guards posts in town.” The Commander said. “Rest assured, you will be monitored at all times until you make it back safely to the castle grounds.”

“Teach, you didn’t have to do that!” Mio shouted in surprise. Oh who was she kidding, she was the Princess of Alrest. There were going to be soldiers and guards supervising her no matter what.

“You do not have to worry, the guards will be watching from a distance, so privacy will be ensured.” Teach said with certainty. “However, if you were to be in any danger, the guards will be sure to take care of it immediately.”

“Very well then.” Mio sighed as she begrudgingly accepted that she cannot convince the Commander to take back his decision. Regardless she shook it off. She knew he was just doing his job and was looking out for her.

“Well then, I’ll be going now Teach. If my parents ask, tell them I went to hang out with my friends.” Mio said. “And maybe tell your guards to buzz off ‘cause I don’t need supervision.” Mio mumbled the last part quietly. Unfortunately for Mio, Teach picked up on her mumbling.

“Well I disagree, your Highness, your safety is our top priority. As heir to the throne of Alrest Castle, we cannot risk anything happening to you. Especially with a wanted assassin on the loose.”

“A-assassin?” Mio exclaimed in shock. Commander Teach silently nodded as he looked up at the cloudy sky. “I haven’t heard of such a thing.”

“From our sources, the culprit works as a mercenary for multiple organizations. He utilizes knife-like claws to slash his victims and behead them. I advise you and your friends to be careful with who you interact with outside the Castle walls.” Teach warned as he looked back down at the little girl. “I’m afraid the days awaiting the intersection had caused a lot of tension among the citizens.”

Mio shivered as she walked past the main gate and started making her way toward the town that surrounded Alrest Castle. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be running into any serial killers anytime soon. She preferred to stay alive, thank you very much.

When Mio finally arrived in town, a few of the citizens and townspeople immediately greeted the Princess and paid their respects. It was a common occurrence whenever any of her family members were out and about. Honestly, Mio felt that the townspeople should really stop being so formal around her all the time. Mio didn’t fail to notice a couple of the royal guards observing her from a distance.

“So this is what Teach meant…” Mio mused in her mind. As long as they were keeping their distance, she guessed she was okay with being monitored.

After a few minutes of wandering around the town to meet up with her friends at the agreed meeting spot, she heard a distinct voice call out for her.

“Mimi! There you are!” 

“Mio, over here!” another voice called out. 

Mio cocked her head to the left to see Sena running towards her, waving her arms in an exaggerated motion. Taion and Miyabi were right behind her at a slower pace.

“Sena! Miyabi! Taion!” Mio cried out happily as she rushed over and hugged her two female friends. Taion opted to stay out of any sort of physical contact of that measure.

“It’s so great to see you again, Miyabi.” Mio said as she separated from the hug and slightly teared up. Along with Sena, she had known Miyabi since her early youth.

“Likewise, Mio. I’m so thankful I got a few days off from my music classes.” Miyabi said with a sigh. 

“Well of course, but the world is filled with endless potential for knowledge. I want to know and learn everything that a person should.” Miyabi explained to her friend. “Besides I’m on a scholarship.”

Mio rolled her eyes and giggled. “You remind me of somebody I know when you talk like that.”

“Really, who may that be?” Miyabi wondered.

Mio froze. Honestly, she didn’t know herself. Why did she even say that? It sort of came out of her suddenly.

“I think it’s great you want to keep learning and experience new things.” Sena said cheerfully, indirectly saving Mio from answering Miyabi’s question.

“I concur.” Taion added as he patted down his outfit to relieve it of wrinkles. “It doesn’t hurt to invest our time in absorbing knowledge.”

“You guys, thank you. It’s so great to have supportive friends like you three.” Miyabi expressed with gratitude. 

“So what should we do before going to Mimi’s castle?” Sena asked the group. “Do you guys want to eat first, maybe do some weight lifting at the gym.”

“I kinda already ate before arriving here.” Mio said as she put a hand on her stomach. 

“Same here.” Taion added, slightly uncomfortable. “I’m also not that fond of athletics and what you call weight lifting.”

“Aww, bummer…” Sena moaned dejectedly that her friends didn’t want to do her idea.

“Well the main place for our day of socializing would be taking place at Mio’s home, so we should find something to do that doesn’t take long.” Taion said with his eyes furrowed.

“How about we head to our usual spot at Torna Remembrance Park, near the big statue of the Tornan War Hero.” Miyabi suggested to her friends. “We can play catch up with our lives.”

“That’s a great idea!” Mio and Sena exclaimed in unison before looking at each other and bursting into a fit of giggles.

“According to my calculations, it should be south of where we are currently loitering.” Taion said as he formed a paper-like object in the palm of his hand. Immediately, the paper-like object came to life and started floating in the air in a certain direction. “I’ll have my mondo lead us there.”

“Resourceful as always, aren’t you Taion.” Mio chuckled to herself as she complimented him. She glanced at the gauntlet that was located on his left arm. 

“What can’t your mondo do, Taion?” Sena asked.

“As long as my body can produce ether and I have my weapon, I can summon as many mondo as I please.” Taion responded as the group started following the floating paper-like object. 

After a few minutes of walking through town, they walked past a board that had a WANTED poster posted on it searching for a dirt-blonde hair young man. Apparently he utilizes claw-like weapons. Mio shivered involuntarily. Hopefully, they catch the person they are looking for soon.

“We shouldn’t stay out too late if that’s the case.” Sena muttered out loud when she noticed the bulletin board.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

The group of friends chose to visit the Torna Remembrance Park for a short while before they head to Agnus Castle. It was calm and peaceful, not many people were in the area around this time to the group’s relief.

“Ah, it’s just so beautiful here.” Sena said as she fell on her back, hitting the grass beneath her. 

“Yeah.” Mio had to agree. They were currently surrounded by a lot of trees, plant-life, and statues. The park was actually filled with statues honoring various people of Alrest’s past.

According to her mother, Mythra had designed the once empty plot of land to serve as a place of memorial for those that fell long ago during the First Aegis War.

One of the statues honored Prince Addam Origo, her ancestor and Mythra’s first driver. Another statue honored Emperor Hugo, a close friend of Addam and former Emperor of Mor Ardain. Then there was one for a Gormotti victim from the Aegis War named Milton, who her half-brother was named after. There was a statue for a man named Minoth, his whereabouts currently unknown. There’s a statue for another young boy named Mikhail near the statue of Milton.

At the very center of the park, there were three more statues which made up one large shrine. There are three statues, from left to right: Haze, Lora, and Jin. The woman known as Lora was apparently the proud driver of Haze and Jin, one of the youngest drivers in Alrestian history.

Right now, Mio and her friends were sitting on a bench nearby Lora’s Shrine. They were relaxing and catching up for the past month when Miyabi was absent from their lives. The most interesting news was that Taion was gifted with a core crystal to resonate with a month ago. The blade that resonated with him was named Nimue and she specialized in arts involving ice, defensive strategies, and mondo. 

“So that makes you a driver now, right Taion?” Sena asked the dark-skinned blade eater.

“Well, sort of. I view Nimue more of a companion and mentor.” Taion said as he placed out a hand and summoned a mondo. He looked down at it and smiled. “It’s thanks to her that I’m able to use the mondo myself. She’s taught me a lot so far.”

Sena nodded. “That’s so sweet! Maybe we can practice our arts together later?”

“I would like that.” Taion replied with a smile.

“So where’s Nimue now?” Mio asked, while Sena and Miyabi looked at Taion for an answer.

“Ah well…” Taion muttered with a nervous chuckle. “It’s kind of awkward to say.”

The three girls looked at the boy with curious gazes and questioning looks on their faces.

Taion sighed and scratched the back of his neck. “I believe Nimue went out with Isurd for an outing.”

“Isurd? As in your pops’ blade?” Miyabi asked, although she didn’t seem surprised at all.

“Do you think they’re dating?” Sena proposed to the group.

“That’s a high possibility, Sena. I think you are spot on.” 

“Right!”

Taion looked at Miyabi and Sena with a flabbergasted expression. He sort of saw their responses coming but the conversation is now getting awkward. 

“Mio. Have you ever thought of what your ideal boyfriend would be like?” Miyabi had asked suddenly, causing Mio to stare blankly for a moment.

“H-huh? What’s with that question?” Mio questioned the brunette blade hybrid. 

“Just girl-talk, right?” Miyabi giggled with a hand covering her mouth.

“Oh! Oh! I want to know!” Sena exclaimed with eagerness.

Taion rolled his eyes at the three girls he calls friends and decided to occupy himself with a textbook he had brought with him. He’d rather not take part in their conversation. His input to the conversation was simply unneeded. 

“At least they aren’t talking about Nimue anymore.” Taion thought privately with relief. They shouldn’t be getting into her personal life like that.

Mio looked out toward the distance as she thought. She could see the statue of Prince Addam from afar. She knew she thought of boys in the past and the whole thing with potential suitors, but she honestly wasn’t sure.

Then suddenly her mind began to visualize a silhouette with distinct features. It wasn’t any other silhouette as apparently, her mind started to envision the same figure she thought of earlier in the morning. This time, there were a couple more features.

“A subtle smile… a raven-colored ponytail… deep blue cerulean eyes that are reminiscent of the Leftherian Archipelago…”

Mio shook her head and glanced back at her female companions, both of them expecting a description of some kind from her.

“Well, I guess he should be kind-hearted, no?” Mio started to speak her mind. “And he should always respect my wishes.”

“And?” Miyabi and Sena both pushed on with curiosity at its peak. “What would he look like?”

Mio sweatdropped. A few moments of silence passed before Mio sighed and decided to describe the silhouette in her mind in full detail to the best of her capabilities. The boy has long black hair tied up into a ponytail, gorgeous deep cerulean eyes, and is quite handsome. His personality would be reserved most of the time, optimistic when times are tough, and would be her knight in shining armor.

By the time Mio was done speaking, Miyabi and Sena were squealing with excitement and fawning over how she was apparently starting to think of love. Taion was sitting there seemingly still minding his own business but he probably was listening.

“So would he be a blade? A human? Maybe a hybrid of both?” Sena suggested. “Ooh ooh, maybe a blade eater like Taion!” 

Taion recently became a blade eater through a surgical process with a part of Nimue’s core. Although the practices are frowned upon today, Taion and Nimue didn’t mind. He’s possibly one of the youngest Blade Eaters in existence. However, his lifespan seems to be akin to a normal human's, possibly haven’t been impacted at all. He is basically an outlier to all blade eater kind.

“A-a human, I guess?” Mio finally said after thinking it over.

“That’s so neat that you’ve already thought about all this.” Sena said before a pout formed from her lips. “If only I had your creativity.”

“Well to tell you girls the truth, I just thought all that up on the spot.” Mio replied honestly.

Miyabi and Sena gawked at her. 

“Are you sure? That’s a very detailed description to think of within a few moments.” Miyabi said.

“Er-” Mio was about to respond but started to become lightheaded as she clutched her head once more. Her breathing started becoming unsteady and her eyes hazy. She then heard a voice.

“I need to know. Z and the Moebius. Must they be our enemy?”

“N-”

“Mimi, what’s wrong? Please tell us!” Sena pleaded with concern and worry in her eyes.

“Mio, you okay?” Miyabi asked in concern.

Before Mio could answer, she was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. The girls looked to their side to see that it was Taion who garnered their undivided attention.

“I suggest now’s a good time to head back to the castle.” Taion spoke as he shut his textbook closed. “Mio clearly needs to be checked up on.”

“I’m fine Taion.” Mio shook her head and stood up from her seat on the bench. “It’s just a tad hot out.”

“Now that you mention it, Mio. It is quite warmer than usual today, huh.” Miyabi said as she looked up at the sky. The sun's rays were blessing Alrest with its more than efficient warmth.

“Mimi, I think we should head to the castle too,” Sena insisted with concern on her face. “We know how poorly you fare with the heat.”

“Alright.” Mio sighed as she gave in to her friends’ concerns. “Let’s go then.”

The friends all left the memorial park and started making their trek to Agnus Castle, which sat right in the center of Alrest.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

When the group of friends arrived at the Castle courtyard after being let in by guards, Mio’s ears perked up at the sight of three familiar individuals walking along Pyra’s well-maintained garden. Two of them appeared to be engaging in a conversation, while the other just calmly followed behind.

“Hey Mimi, isn’t that your mom?” Sena asked when the group noticed them.

Mio nodded and decided to walk over to them, her friends following her lead.  “Yeah. It’s Mam, Dromarch, and Poppi.” 

Nia and Poppi seemed to have suddenly paused their conversation when Nia’s ears twitched, causing her to look over to where Mio and the others are approaching from.

“Hi Mam. I see you’re back from… whatever you were doing this morning?” Mio greeted.

“Ah, my little munchkin, come here.” Nia said as she gave a motherly embrace to her little one. “I thought you were out with your friends?”

“I was, but we decided to come back and hang out here.” Mio answered.

“A wise decision. I’ve heard rumors of a wanted assassin prowling about.” Dromarch commented.

“Anotha’ thing for us to deal with, eh?” Nia mentally groaned. Nia glanced over at her daughter’s friends, who were standing behind her. “Taion, Sena, and Miyabi, how are you three? It’s been a couple of weeks since I last saw you.”

“We’ve been good, Mimi’s mom.” Sena was the first to respond, giving a cheeky grin.

“Indeed we have, your majesty.” Taion added.

“Reserved as ever, eh Taion?” Nia smirked at the tactician-in-training’s demeanor. Taion blushed at the remark.

“I-it’s just the way I was raised, mam.” Taion replied in embarrassment.

“It’s so good to see you again, Queen Nia.” Miyabi greeted, her hands clasped together. She received a respectful nod back from the Queen.

“Poppi is here too, you know!” Poppi QTπ whined a little childishly.

“Hi Poppi!” Sena and Miyabi greeted the Artificial Blade with a giggle.

“Poppi, Dromarch, and I just came back from Torigoth and Gormott to see how the people are doing.” Nia explained to the children. “Poppi and I were just catching up on some… private affairs.”

Little did the children know, Nia and Poppi were talking to each other about Aionios. Both of them had retained all their memories from when Z captured the two worlds. Nia was actually visiting the areas to make sure the transition back to Alrest went smoothly. 

According to Poppi, her little sister Ino also recalled recollections of Aionios. Nia recalled meeting Ino in Aionios as well, although the Artifical Blade’s memories of Alrest were apparently a bit distorted at the time. Possibly corrupted memory banks.

“Masterpon insisted I accompany Nia as her bodyguardpon.” Poppi QTπ explained with a hint of proudness in her voice.

“And I appreciate that you and Tora are looking out for me." Nia added with a brief chuckle before returning her attention back to the group of young ones. “How about we head inside the castle, I’m sure one or two of the royal chefs can make us something to eat.”

“That sounds great, mam!" Mio replied. "We were feeling a bit peckish anyways. Right everyone?”

“Oh! Oh! I hope Ms. Manana is there, she cooks the best dishes.” Sena exclaimed excitedly.

Taion and Miyabi settled for just simple nods in response.

“Well it's settled then. To the kitchen, we go." Nia declared, gesturing for everyone else to start following her inside into the depths of Agnus Castle.

Mio took a few steps forward before she suddenly stopped her movements. A paining feeling occurred in her head again. “AGH!”

“Mimi?!” Sena cried as she noticed the young princess cry out. Taion and Miyabi expressed looks of worry for their friend as well.

“Mio dear, what’s wrong?!” Nia asked in concern once she also noticed Mio’s sudden movements as if in pain. As a parent, it’s never a good thing to see your child suffering from pain.

Mio didn’t respond, their voices barely registering in her ears. Her mind was focused on the voice and silhouette in her mind. As she continued to focus on the silhouette, the less silhouette-like the figure became as other features started revealing themselves and gaining definition. His face… it seemed so familiar now that it was revealed to her.

“I was set… on protecting Mio. Protecting all of you guys.”

“N-nn-noah… help me…” Mio whispered as the name escaped her lips, nearly like a gasp. “Who’s Noah?”

Nia nearly choked on air when she picked up what Mio said. She could have sworn her daughter whispered the name of her long-term lover from Aionios.

Dromarch glanced between Mio and Nia with concern in his eyes. He’ll have to ask Nia what that was all about later.

Mio struggled as she regained her composure. Once she did, she looked around her to see her mother, Dromarch, Poppi, and her friends staring at her with mutual levels of concern and worry.

“Don’t w-worry, I’m fine.” Mio uttered as she wanted to quickly dismiss what they just witnessed. “Like I said before. Must be the sun getting to me, that’s all.”

"If you say so dear..." Nia said, not a hundred percent convinced by her daughter's choice of wording. The Queen looked over to Dromarch, who looked back with uncertainty.

"I'm fine. I promise. Now let's continue our way back home." Mio insisted as now she led the way into the castle interior.

As the group made their way inside, Mio couldn't help but go back into her thoughts. She thought about the mysterious silhouette that now revealed itself fully to her. It was boy... a boy that intrigued her deeply. Noah. Mio liked how the name rolled off the tip of her tongue smoothly. She smiled fondly at the thought.

As for Nia, she was constantly glancing at her daughter. That scare back there made Nia feel uneasy. Then, the mention of Noah... no doubt her memories of a world that shouldn't have existed are slowly emerging. But how...? Only the people that weren’t assimilated into Origin should have retained their memories. No soldiers should be able to recall moments in Aionios, at least not this quickly.

“I wonder…”

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

“Haha. It’s as if I didn’t lose it in the first place.” Rex muttered to himself as he inspected his face closely. He was using one of the mirrors located in the grand dining hall of the castle.

“Rex, what are you doing?” a voice asked, which caused him to look away from the mirror.

“Oi Kiddos, welcome.” Rex greeted with a jovial grin when he noticed the new arrivals. Mio and her friends looked up at him with questioning expressions written on their faces. Obviously, they didn’t know what to think of Rex’s actions.

“Da? Why were you looking at yourself with one of Mum’s mirrors?” Mio asked her father with a curious stare. She didn’t think he would be that obsessed with his appearance, like her Uncle Zeke Von Genbu.

“Just felt like it, I guess.” Rex responded with a hearty laugh. The King of Alrest looked at Nia to see her giving him a knowing smirk. Yet, there was a look of pity in her golden eyes as well.

Mio shared looks with her friends, shrugging and shaking her head as if to apologize for her father’s weird behavior. They decided to leave the adults be and head deeper into the castle.

“You really missed your left eye that badly do you?” Nia asked as she grabbed hold of one of Rex’s muscular arms that allow him to perform the Double Spinning Edge art.

“You bet I do.” Rex responded with a chuckle as he kissed the Queen on her forehead. “And I know Shulk is damn happy to have two functioning limbs again.”

Nia merely chuckled at the mention of Rex’s Brother in Arms. “Maybe we should go contact Melia. See if things are stable on their end of things.”

“With how we are now, I’m sure they are fine as aged wine.” Rex replied with certainty. “Though it doesn’t hurt checking up on them.”

“Think you could help me set up the connection and visuals, Poppi?” Nia asked as she spared Poppi a glance.

“Certainly. Poppi can do.” Poppi QTπ responded eagerly as she turned to leave for the communications room of the castle.

“Please excuse me as I’ll assist her, my lady.” Dromarch offered as Nia’s loyal companion quickly left to follow the Artifiical Blade.

Nia smiled as she watched Dromarch leave the room. She then turned her head to look at her husband. She could see he had a distant look in his eyes, as if he was deep in thought. Deciding to catch his attention, she decided to playfully paw at his cheek which seemed to have done the job.

“What now, Nia?” Rex asked with now a look of confusion.

“Whatcha thinking about, you lovable arse.” 

Rex muttered something under his breath before answering her. “To tell you the truth, I was thinking back to last night.” 

“You mean when they were droppin’ in on us?” Nia asked.

Rex gave a nod as he recounted the events that transpired that night. It may have been hours after the intersection, but it felt like multiple lifetimes.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

Flashback to the Night Prior…

Rex, Nia, and the Aegis were on the balcony connected to the sitting room still discussing about the events of Aionios and how they will need to improve Origin so an entity like Moebius cannot take form again. For that, they will need Melia and Shulk’s assistance when they have the chance to get into contact once more.

The four people didn’t realize that a violent orange and black colored ripple formed in the sky, slowly forming a rift.

“Now I can say we have another thing in common girls. I now have memories of a distant past as well.” Rex said in a joking manner, causing Mythra to sulk in irritation.

“I’m just glad our plan worked and the last generation of Ouroboros were finally able to free the world from Moebius’s claws.” Nia said with a relieved tone. “Now our children- no, everybody can live how Klaus envisioned our worlds.”

“I’ll tell you one thing, serving as an avatar along with Shulk and A for a thousand years really has me beat.” Rex yawned and stretched his arms. “Why don’t we all turn in for the night as well.”

“I hope I’m not intruding on your conversation.” a voice spoke out from seemingly nowhere. 

The party of four looked around at each other. That wasn’t any of their voices was it?

“Er, did you say something Pyra?” Nia asked the Aegis with short red hair.

“It wasn’t me?” Pyra shook her head before glancing at her other half. She had placed a hand on her emerald-colored core crystal.  “You feel that, don’t you Mythra?”

Mythra silently nodded as she gazed up at the night sky, followed by the eyes of the others. Up in the sky in front of the balcony was a rift enveloped in black fog and orange light. A figure that looks quite familiar to Rex floated in front of the rift with a neutral expression on their face.

“A! That you?” Rex called out after seeing the familiar figure that made up 1/3 of the Trinity Processor in their presence. He felt a sense of déjà vu at the sight before him and his wives. A was floating, their Monado in possession, glowing wings of light behind them.

The figure known as A didn’t respond as they slowly descended onto the balcony. The two wings of light that seemed to be attached to A disappeared once their feet touched the ground.

“Ontos.” Mythra muttered under her breath at the sight of the core crystal. It was similar in shape to the ones of Pneuma and Logos so it wasn’t difficult to guess the identity of the individual.

“Please excuse my unexpected appearance.” the feminine-like figure spoke with a bowing gesture. “I know it may be a slight inconvenience of me for intruding on your first night back from Aionios.”

“Ah, don’t worry about it, A.” Rex dismissed right away. “To tell you the truth, I was hoping we’d run into you sooner than later.”

“Your attitude humbles me.” (A)lvis says earnestly.

“And I like your attitude.” Rex shot back with a grin as he examined A from head to toe. “So judging from what we saw, it looks like you and Alpha are one and the same again.” 

“As I have already explained to Shulk and her majesty, I am simply a representation of Ontos’s conscience and logical processor. The memories of Alvis, A, and Alpha, they all unify to a single being. That being me obviously.” (A)lvis explained.

"Well it's finally a pleasure to meet your physical form, Alvis." Mythra said as she looked at their guest. “Klaus always wondered what you’ve been up to since that day.”

"Likewise to you, Mythra, Pyra. Both avatars of Pneuma." (A)lvis replied.

“So what business do you have with us, Alvis? Surely it isn’t just to check up on us?” Nia asked.

(A)lvis stared at the group before letting out a sigh. “In due time, the two worlds will be yearning for each other once more. In fact, this world and Zanza’s world are reaching out to one another as we speak.”

“Zanza, you mean Klaus’s other half, right.” Nia asked as (A)lvis simply nodded in response.

“Can’t say I’m surprised.” Mythra said. “With the destruction of Klaus and the Conduit the worlds have been magnetically attracted to each other.”

“Right, the Conduit was the thing that kept our worlds the way they are now.” Pyra added.

“That’s the gist of it, yes.” (A)lvis said. “Unless we make a new conduit, the two worlds will always yearn for the other.”

“Titan’s foot. How much time we got till it happens?” Rex asked as he figured that he should give a call to Tora and his fellow Nopon Engineers to check up on their half of Origin.

“Worry not, Rex. It appears that this time will be vastly different.” (A)lvis calmly stated as they stared up at the sky. Rex, Pyra, Mythra, and Nia also mimicked the action and could barely notice their half of Origin in the cloudy night sky. “From what I’ve gathered aboard the ark and from what I foresaw of the future, the two worlds will converge with no complications. I have told Shulk and her Majesty this as well.”

There was a collective sigh of relief on the balcony. Knowing that there won’t be an annihilation upon impact of the two worlds next time around.

“What the bloody hell, Alvis. You sure gave us a scare.” Nia sighed. “I will have to see to it that I get into comms with Melia to know if all is well on their side.”

“My sincere apologies.” (A)lvis spoke with a hint of sincerity. 

“So how long till the worlds reunite and we get to see our old buddies on the other side again?” Rex questioned.

“I’m not quite sure. My estimate is within the next decade.” (A)lvis answered as they hummed in thought. “I’ve told Shulk before, but I have foreseen there are prerequisites that must occur in both worlds before the worlds unite once more.”

Pyra and Mythra shared a look with each other.

“Prerequisites huh, is that all?” Pyra inquired.

“I also need you to look after something for me.” (A)lvis said as she took what seemed to be a piece of paper from within her coat. She handed it to Rex, who accepted it with confusion written on his face. His three wives huddle over him to see what it is.

It appeared to be a photograph of some sort. The people depicted in the photograph caught everyone’s interest.

“Aww… they had such a cute baby…” Pyra squealed in adoration at the photograph Rex was holding.

“Shite. That’s my grandchild, daughter, and son-in-law right there.” Nia murmured as she examined the photo.

“How does this even work? Why does this photo exist if it was taken within Aionios?” Mythra questioned the photo’s existence.

“This isn’t what you want us to look after, though. There’s more.” Rex said as he looked back at (A)lvis. The photograph sure was something, but the salvager knew there’s more that (A)lvis has yet to show.

(A)lvis nodded as she closed her eyes. Within moments an object materialized before them. It appeared to be the form of some glowing rock.

“That’s?!” Nia’s eyes widened.

“Hey, that’s an Ouroboros Stone. I thought they were all destroyed after Aionios split back apart?” Rex said with surprise evident in his voice.

“You would be right to form that assumption.” (A)lvis said. “However, there’s a reason for this.”

“It must be Origin’s doing.” Mythra speculated, causing (A)lvis to nod in response.

“This is simply conjecture, but I believe that objects that are directly linked to Origin were able to remain intact after the separation.” (A)lvis explained with a hand under their chin. “The Ouroboros Stone is made of Origin Metal, thus Origin may have recognized it as part of itself and ceased its erasure. An anomaly if you will.”

“That explains why the Ouroboros Stone is outside Aionios, but what about this photo?” Rex asked.

(A)lvis shook their head. “Even I don’t know what to make of this picture. I know that Matthew was the last to have it.”

“Hm.” Pyra started thinking. “It’s clearly important if it’s still in one piece.”

“Well that’s one for the family album then. Just don’t know how to explain it to Mio when she gets older.” Nia said.

“I believe it may have to do with Matthew’s will. Or maybe the will of Ouroboros as a whole.” (A)lvis speculated.

“Didn’t you say those two somehow always met up and become Ouroboros?” Mythra questioned the Queen of Alrest.

Nia solemnly nodded. “That happened. Even Z was intrigued by it and seized the opportunity to stop it. He feared that it may be a sign of the eventual defeat of Moebius.”

“He was right about that.” Pyra chimed in before gazing at the mechanical machine on the balcony floor. “To think so much power can be granted by that stone…” 

“Well Ouroboros utilized the power of the Pneuma core crystal.” Mythra said. “I’m not that surprised.”

“Say A, what if we try using the Ouroboros Stone right now? Will it grant me Ouroboros power outside of Aionios?” Rex asked.

“Phenomenal.” (A)lvis breathed out with narrowed eyes. “From what I can tell. The Ouroboros Stone cannot be activated unless elements of both Keves and Agnus are in close proximity.”

“So that would mean we would have to wait for the nearing of the next intersection, that right?” Nia asked.

“Precisely. I believe the worlds aligning closely would be ample enough.” (A)lvis said. “So please, I ask that you keep it safe until the time comes near.”

“You can count on us A.” Rex said with confidence.

(A)lvis nodded and turned around. “I shall make my leave then.”

"Alvis wait." Mythra spoke, causing the owner of the Red Trinity Processor Crystal to halt in their steps. "Pyra and I both tried to sense Malos, but we couldn't sense him. Perhaps you are able to?"

"You mean Logos? You have no need to worry. He is fine." (A)lvis responded cryptically. “Let’s just say the Ouroboros Stone isn’t the only oddity to defy the process of Origin.” 

“You don’t perhaps mean?” Nia pressed on.

“Like the Ouroboros Stone and that photograph, I found it with me when I've awoken from my core crystal again." (A)lvis said as they gestured to the Ouroboros Stone on the balcony.

“That one is made of Origin too is it not?” Rex asked as he remembered the sword N wielded. He remembered a strange light emitting from within it and he had a good hunch on what it could be.

"Why yes, I believe so." (A)lvis replied as they took time to think their next words. "That must be what allows these artifacts to transcend time and space in order to escape destruction."

“Where is it now?” Pyra inquired the fellow member of the Trinity Processor. “Would you like us to hold onto it as well?”

(A)lvis shook their head. “Fear not as earlier I have entrusted it to a Nopon in Shulk’s world. I'm certain it will be in good hands.” 

(A)lvis then took a step forward before disappearing through the rift. It was as if their appearance never happened in the first place.

“Well… that was awkward.” Mythra muttered as her eyes was still fixated on where (A)lvis once stood before them. “Where do you think Ont- I mean Alvis went to?”

“My guess is either Origin where the Ontos core resides, or A’s just getting ready to travel the world.” Rex assumed. “Shulk told me once that A’s always been like that in their world.”

Pyra, Mythra, and Nia all looked amongst one another in confusion while Rex simply grinned as he thought of (A)lvis’s parting statement. He then looked down at photograph in his hands. 

Aionios may be nothing more than a distant memory now, but there was clearly still work to be done in both of the worlds that once made up that world.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

“Nice and easy now.” Rex said to himself as he sighed and wiped his forehead from sweat. He had just placed down the Ouroboros Stone that they have received from (A)lvis on the floor of the Alrestian Royal Treasury. 

The Ouroboros Stone may not be able to be activated now, but surely when the time comes they will be able to call upon Pneuma’s power. Perhaps the artifacts of Aionios were gifts bestowed to them by Origin. 

Rex took out the photograph that (A)lvis provided them with during their visit. He mentally noted to get a frame for it so it can be protected. Surviving the resetting of the worlds is no small feat so the photograph deserved that much.

Rex took a deep breath as he thought just how fortunate they all were to survive the intersection and events in Aionios.

If it weren't for the last generation of Ouroboros, who knows how many more centuries would have went on in Aionios.

To think one of his own daughters was able to finally take down that Moebius bastard. Well it did take multiple tries but she and her friends accomplished it nonetheless. 

Rex glanced back one last time at the familiar mechanical contraption. It was best to leave it as a memento from Aionios, being one of the only things to be a remnant of that simulation. 

"Matthew, Na'el… everyone… we did it." Rex whispered as he took the moment to remember all the allies he made on Aionios. Most of them may not exist in the present, but he has faith that they'll be born after the inevitable reunification of their two worlds.

Rex inspected the familiar machine to see a name engraved onto it. 

Nikol, House of Ortiz

The Stoutheart couldn’t help but grin softly at the sight as he stood up from his crouching position.

“I wonder what Shulk is doing right about now.” Rex muttered to himself as he walked away from the Royal Treasury to do who knows what. He made sure to close and lock the doors behind him.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

Back to Present… 

Alrest Agnus Castle, The World of Angus

“Do you think Alvis could possibly be hiding something?” Nia asked as she thought back to everything the third member of the Trinity Processor revealed to them the previous night.

“I don’t have a clue at all.” Rex admitted with a shrug. “I know A could be discreet with their wording, but I don’t think they have bad intentions.” 

Nia smiled softly. “You always see the good in people, even back when you were a child salvager.”

Rex and Nia both shared a meaningful look as they both thought back to the day they first laid eyes on one another.

“A child salvager? Jin, don’t tell me we’re gonna have to hire some babysitters for this outing too.”

“What the hell? You look as much like a kid as I do, lady!”

Then Nia’s expression grew serious, which prompted Rex to raise an eyebrow at her. 

“What’s wrong, Nia? Something in your mind?” Rex asked.

“It’s about Mio. She seems to be regaining memories of herself from Aionios in an usual fast rate.” Nia explained with worry. “I heard her say his name.”

Rex thought for a moment. “You did tell us that she showed vague signs of starting to remember when you put her to bed last night. That was just a couple hours after Origin did its thing.” 

“I know, but it’s just strange that it’s already happening.” Nia muttered. “You don’t think it has something to do with that photo of them?”

“Well, whatever happens, we’ll deal with it together as a family. Got that?” Rex said with a determined expression on his face.

“You are a kind man, aren’t you?” Nia murmured.

Rex’s grin widened. “Heh. Rule five of the salvager code. Always be-”

“Come on. We should go. Poppi should have communications with Alcamoth ready by now.” Nia interrupted as she let go of Rex and started walking away. She beckoned him with a hand gesture before walking through a set of doors.

Rex could have sworn Nia had a teasing smirk on her face.

“But…” Rex let out a groan as he slowly followed the Gormotti Flesh Eater out. “Titan’s foot. Will these women ever let me cite rule five of the salvager code?” 

END OF CHAPTER 3

Chapter Text

Epilogue - About 8 Years After the Intersection

Bionis Tephra Hill, The World of Keves  

“Yes Mother. I’m out at a clearing on Tephra Hill.” A young man spoke on some sort of handheld terminal that was used for wireless communication. “Yes, I’ll bring in what I can find and then go visit her. Yes yes, I’ll tell her and Queen Melia you said hello. And yes, I’ll be careful… okay mother. Bye, take care too.” 

The young man sighed as he attached his X-Reader to his belt. He placed a hand behind his head and adjusted his ponytail which was tied back with a red string. He was always fussing about his hair, even at a young age.

Of course, this young man is none other than Noah, one of the two sons of Shulk and Fiora of Colony 9. He’s now in his late teenage years, nearly coming of age.

“Now let’s see what I can find here.” Noah mumbled to nobody in particular, while he continued on his search for the next several minutes. He was on a casual mission, but he knew he didn't have much time this day to waste.

“Nope. This won’t do at all.” Noah muttered as he examined what appeared to be a rusted engine from an abandoned buggy. He was hoping to be able to bring it back to the colony, but it seemed beyond salvageable. 

“Why did Dad send me out to do this?” Noah muttered to himself as he fell on his back with a groan of irritation. He landed on the moss-covered ground beneath him. “Clearly Nikol is better at this. He can find use in anything when he puts his mind to it. This requires for his expertise.”

“Well of course, my sword is able to cut through metal with ease and I’m the only one who can wield its immense power…”

Noah thought back to the day he was gifted the sword by Riku and Shulk when he was a young lad. So far, so good in terms of combat ability and efficiency. It honestly feels like second nature to him whenever he uses that sword of his.

He closed his eyes and was tempted to fall asleep. Falling asleep would mean he would have dreams, dreams of her … wherever she was. A gorgeous girl with white hair and the most adorable face. She had some strange ears on her head, but it just made her look more beautiful in his opinion. Based on dreams, he believed her name is Mio.

Over the past eight years, she kept appearing in his dreams and was all he could think about. He would be playing a flute alongside her in one dream and then sharing a meal with her the next dream. The dreams were scarce at first but have become more frequent as the years went on. Most of the dreams he had were nice, but other times the dreams were real nightmares. One of the nightmares he had was witnessing the girl fade into motes of white light right in his arms while he was bawling his eyes out in disbelief and pain. 

“It appears we shared a bond that could transcend time and space…”

There were also nightmares he didn’t understand at all, but he assumed that’s what made them nightmares in the first place. There was a nightmare he could vaguely recall where he was surrounded by flames and burning debris, he was wearing strange golden metallic armor covered with blood… his cerulean-blue eyes were empty, yet filled with sorrow…

The other dreams he had were quite strange, it was as if they were real. Perhaps from past lives of his? He wasn’t quite sure. He wasn’t usually one to believe in reincarnation, but his father insisted he had experienced it firsthand himself. Noah had sometimes wondered how he knew he was a reincarnation or what his father's circumstances were to lead him to believe that. He heard stories from his parents and their friends on how they had to take down a trinity and the God of the BIonis during their travels.

Noah asked his parents if they ever regretted traveling around the Bionis and getting involved in the chaos that ensued during their youth. Their answer to him was that they'd never regret it since it made them stronger individuals and allowed them to achieve a future worth living for. Besides, they made great friends along the way.

What was strange to him about his dreams was that sometimes his friends, Eunie and Lanz in particular, would be in his dreams as well. Usually as allies on the same side, rarely as a threat. There were people he recognized, then there were those he didn’t. He vaguely recalled seeing a dark-skinned young man and a young girl with navy-blue hair that seemed to be lit with blue fire. They seemed to be close friends of the girl called Mio. Oh, and he can't forget the happy little orange Nopon that seemed to be good friends with Riku in his dreams. He was fond of her cooking and cheerful personality which always added positivity to their group's dynamic.

To Noah’s disbelief, those people and Nopon were in Lanz and Eunie's dreams as well. Yes, they too have been experiencing strange dreams of what seemed to be another life they shared. Eunie in particular has been suffering nightmares she couldn't exactly describe, even today. Even her therapist couldn't really figure it out.

His brother Nikol has been experiencing similar dreams, although Noah couldn't say he's seen Nikol in any of his own dreams. He wondered why that was the case. According to Nikol, he sometimes dreams about a girl with auburn-colored hair who appeared to be his friend in that other life of his. When they were discussing about each other’s dreams one day, Nikol revealed to Noah that he dreamed of seeing a version of Noah clad in golden armor too. He noted that his eyes seemed empty and depressed. Just how peculiar is that? The both of them saw the same version of Noah in their dreams. Nikol claimed he's seen their father in his dreams as well, though it seemed he had seen better days.

Noah and Nikol both made attempts to confront their parents about it, but they both, Shulk in particular, keep telling them that they will learn the truth for themselves when the time is right. Nikol didn’t mind it and didn't push the subject as often, but Noah on the other hand was beyond frustrated. He knew he is perceived as a patient person, but he has his limits too.

It appeared Noah, Nikol, Eunie, and Lanz were the only individuals to experience these unique dreams, at least from what Noah could tell. He didn't go around the Bionis asking people he knew and strangers what they dream of when they sleep.

There was consistency in all their dreams however. Which was that they all were part of a war with s’pposedly another nation. The soldiers of the opposing nation were garbed in white uniforms, while their own nation wore black uniforms. Seemingly the goal was to take the lives of the opposition to fill up some sort of clock. The details are still a blur to Noah but he assumed they must be important if the four of them have been dreaming of the s’pposed war for a while now.

Noah’s thoughts then returned to the mysterious girl of his dreams. Mio… they must have gone through so much together. He then thought back to a dream where he and the white-haired girl were standing side by side on a cliff, playing their flutes together. That melody he heard back on the day of the Queen’s Anniversary played in his mind.

Noah’s eyes shot open and he quickly got up from the ground. Now was no time to get lost in his thoughts. He has a busy day ahead of him and he needs to finish finding something that may be useful to his father and brother.

He hastily started rummaging through the scrap and rusted material until he heard a sudden screeching noise behind him, prompting him to look over his shoulder. It appeared he has company. 

“Woah. It’s a Krabble.” Noah realized as he sized up the creature that was glaring at him. “It’s larger than the typical Krabble that reside around here though. Must be the leader of a clan.”

The Homs then noticed the clean sheet of alloy that the Krabble was using as a shell. “Hey, that might just be what I need.”

Noah pulled out his sword that was attached to his waist and activated it, causing a purple beam of light to protrude out of the weapon. 

Just as the Giant Krabble was about to lunge with its giant pincers, the creature was suddenly knocked off balance by another force colliding with it.

“Noah!” a voice shouted out of nowhere.

Noah initially looked surprised, but quickly smiled at the sight. A familiar tall figure stood right beside him, his upgraded Shieldblade currently in his hands. The figure had both the physical features of a Homs and Machina.

“Lanz!” he called to his friend, causing the person in question to glance back at him.

“Good to see you weren’t harmed, Noah.” Lanz said as he focused back at the Giant Krabble. “Let’s take this one down.”

“Yeah.” Noah nodded in agreement as he repositioned his stance and readied his sword. 

Mid-battle with the Giant Krabble, Noah quickly pulled out the inner blade from his black and red-colored sheathe, causing the said sheathe to immediately fall apart and change its appearance into a gauntlet, automatically attaching itself onto his left arm. A dark purple light was emitting from the gauntlet. Lanz didn’t fail to notice the sudden change.

“Take that!!” Noah shouted as he performed a swift multi-slash attack on the Krabble’s legs. It appeared to have done the job as the creature was knocked out and separated from the sheet of alloy that Noah desired.

“Thanks for having my back, Lanz,” Noah said as he immediately sheathed his Sword of the End back into the dark-colored exterior. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“Any time, mate.” Lanz responded as he unmounted his shieldblade turret and placed the heavy-based weapon on his back. “Your mum told me you were out here. What are you doing out here though?”

“I’m actually looking for parts that my dad and Nikol could potentially use,” Noah answered as he looked around the wreckage site. “My dad told me this place is the best place to find metal and scrap that the Anti-Air Batteries fail to detect. The colony people even leave their unwanted metal and faulty machinery here.”

“So we’re basically in the Colony’s scrapyard,” Lanz concluded. He then eyed a small pile of metal and a giant bolt beside the teenage homs. 

“So you’re free now, right?” Noah asked his tall Machina-Homs friend since childhood. They had plans today after all. 

“I just got off from defense force drills for the weekend.” Lanz answered as he performed a couple of light stretches to prove his point. 

Noah grinned. “I’m sure Uncle Dunban had you do a lot of drills, huh.”

“Well he’s the successor to the old colonel, so I bet it’s just him filling in the gaps.” Lanz said. “At least the load is slightly lighter than what the adults went through. I don’t mind it. I like a good challenge.”

Lanz sighed as he thought deeply about something. “Besides, I promised her that I won’t slack off on my training. At least that’s what I promised in the dreams I had. She better not be slacking off since I’m not there to keep tabs, wherever she is.”

“So you think she’s real then?” Noah asked as he stared down at the ground. 

“It’s just a hunch in my gut.” Lanz replied honestly. “I’m sure the girl of your dreams is out there somewhere, no? Same goes for Eunie and your brother.”

Noah simply smiled knowingly at this as he walked towards the abandoned metal the Krabble formerly occupied. 

“You ever heard her name in your dreams?” Noah asked.

“I don’t reckon I ever have.” Lanz replied. “Think you’re the only one who has a lead out of all of us when it comes to knowing names of the people we dream about..”

“I’d like to think she dreams of me too.” Lanz mumbled to himself as he thought of a short young girl with a determined personality. “It doesn’t help we keep dreaming about the same bloody things-”

“Come on.” Noah unintentionally interrupted as he picked up the scrap that he deemed useful. “Let’s go back to the Colony. You know what day it is, don’t you?”

“Of course.” Lanz responded with a raised fist. “We’re all meeting Eunie at the Imperial Capital to celebrate her graduation from Alcamoth Academy.”

Noah nodded. “Yeah. She’d kill us if we are no-shows.”

“C’mon then. The last one to the colony is a tasty sausage.” Lanz said as he and Noah started their short journey back to Colony 9.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

“Say Noah, I couldn’t help but notice earlier that you pulled out a katana or somethin' from your weapon,” Lanz commented as he glanced at the sword that was latched onto the side of his belt. “What gives? Did you happen to get it upgraded by Riku at his shop recently? Granted, we’ve rarely had the need to fight in these times of peace.” 

“Well, you could say that.” Noah scratched his cheek as he thought of what to say in response. “Ever since I first received this sword from Riku, I learned I can access different arts and a different sword fighting style whenever I need to by unequipping my sword from the sheathe.”

“Different… sword fighting style?” Lanz raised an eyebrow. “Why would you need two different ways to use your sword?”

“Well, you remember how I told you the dangerous aspects of my blade?” Noah asked in response.

“Yeah,” Lanz nodded. He didn’t say anything else so Noah continued on with what he was trying to explain.

“If I’m not careful, I could kill someone. It’s just that powerful of a sword. I expressed my concerns to Riku, and he suggested a solution. He told me the sheathe that holds this sword can double as an inhibitor. Apparently special metal from Origin keeps the power of the sword at bay.” Noah explained to the Machina-Homs.

“Origin? You mean that weird doodad floating in the sky?” Lanz asked as he cocked his head up to the sky. His eyes looked at the black machinery that was somehow able to be suspended mid-air.

“Yeah. Riku told me the sheathe of my sword is made up of parts of Origin metal. So the sheathe would inhibit the sword’s power because of the special properties of the metal. Meanwhile, the blade and the separate gauntlet are the unrestrained power.” Noah continued. 

“But isn’t the actual sword itself also made up of Origin metal?” Lanz asked as he remembered Noah explaining to him, Eunie, and Joran details of his new weapon years back. 

“Yeah, I don’t get it either. It’s just the way it is, I s’ppose.” Noah replied. “I haven’t thought much about it.”

“So you use both components as a single sword so you won’t severely harm anyone and then you use the two components as a thinner sword and gauntlet when you need to tap into more oomph,” Lanz muttered as he took it all in. 

“Exactly.” Noah replied before he frowned slightly. “To tell you the truth, sometimes in my dreams I would see myself using this exact sword. But then at other times, I would see myself wielding a different version of the sword.”

“Oh, you mean that red one that has those weird blue and green lights glowing on it?” Lanz asked. “I’ve seen you with that sword in my dreams. You seemed very attached to it.”

Noah nodded calmly. “It’s like the opposite of the sword I wield now. I wonder what it could all mean.”

Lanz narrowed his eyes before shrugging. “Well, I guess having a weapon that can enable you to use different sets of arts during and outside of battle is pretty nifty.”

“Yeah.” Noah agreed. “I’m still trying to figure it out myself. Sometimes when my sword clashes with my father’s Monado, it would glow brighter as if it was reacting to it. I honestly don’t know why my sword does that.”

“Can’t your dad like see visions with his sword? He can see what other people do before they even react.” Lanz asked.

“Yeah. He always says it’s all thanks to a family friend.” Noah replied.

“I’d get smothered by your dad if I went up against him.” Lanz murmured.

“Hah, maybe.” Noah chuckled lightly. “I’d say I can somewhat hold my own against him despite the years of experience he holds. Using the Sword of the End just comes naturally to me.”

“Honestly mate, the Sword of the End is such a weird name.” Lanz criticized. “Where did the name even come from?”

Noah thought for a moment before answering. “Well according to Riku, its original wielder gave it its name.” 

“So which swordplay style do you prefer?” Lanz asked with his curiosity entertaining him. 

“Hm? Well, I have no preference.” Noah admitted as he glanced down at his Sword of the End. “Both are practical in their own ways.” 

“Right. To think you can even form a gauntlet with the crazy thing. How cool is that?”

“I was thinking of calling it, the Fist of the End. What do you think?” Noah asked.

“I think you should work on your naming.” Lanz responded dryly. Noah just gave Lanz a stare before facing forward again. He could see the outskirts of the Colony coming up.

“I gotta have my power frames checked out.” Lanz muttered as he looked at the disc-shaped devices strapped onto his coat and boots. He then turned to Noah. “You think your Dad or Nikol could do maintenance on it very quick before we head out?”

“Possibly. We don’t leave for another two hours.” Noah cocked his head in thought then he shrugged. He then glanced at his own power frame on his belt. "Honestly, a check-up on mine wouldn't hurt."

“Maybe we can stop by Riku’s and he can do the maintenance instead.” Lanz suggested an alternative.

Noah just hummed in response. Accepting that Noah didn’t feel like engaging in conversation for now, Lanz just walked by his side till they reached Colony 9.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

“Alright, this is where we split ways for now. I’ll head to Riku’s to get our gear checked up on while you stop by the lab.” Lanz told the Homs Swordsman. “Meet me at Riku’s later?”

“Sounds good.” Noah nodded in agreement. “Then we can drop by Joran’s and we’ll be on our way.”

“Yeah.” Lanz agreed as he then turned his back and gave a quick wave of a hand.

The two friends temporarily separated to go do their individual tasks. Lanz was taking their power frames to get a quick check-up while Noah was heading to the Weapon Development Lab to drop off his finds for the day. 

As Noah was walking through the Colony to his destination, he became absorbed in his thoughts again. It was a habit of his that had its faults at times, usually earning him a scolding from Eunie or his mother. Good thing it wasn’t particularly busy around the Colony during this time. 

“I hope Dad and Nikol can use this.” Noah thought privately. His face then formed a slight frown. “Perhaps I can ask Dad about the dreams I keep having, again. He can’t… I won’t let him beat around the bush any longer.”

After several minutes, Noah was outside the entrance to the Weapon Development Laboratory. He could see a couple of Nopon working on the hinges of the doors since the hinges were becoming loose as the days carried on. Noah gave them a wave with his free hand and continued navigating his way toward the basement, where his father set up his laboratory.

When he got there he set the sheet of alloy off to a corner before looking around the room. He could see Nikol’s equipment and toolbox laying around but no signs of his father and brother. 

Noah decided to check the bunker of the laboratory so he descended on another set of stairs. The bunker was a later addition to the lab that renovated one of the unused rooms into a habitable area with an operating kitchen, washroom, and futons.

Sure enough when Noah went down to the bunker he immediately spotted Shulk and Nikol. Shulk was reading up on a design document he received earlier, while Nikol was writing a journal entry into his journal. 

“Hey, Dad. Nikol. I found a sheet of alloy while out salvaging.” Noah said as he walked up to them. 

“Alloy, you say? Out at the clearing near Tephra Hill?” Shulk inquired as he looked up from his document. “I’ll check it out later. Thank you, Noah.”

“So Noah, you are going to visit Eunie at Alcamoth today right?” Nikol asked as he gave his brother a wave.

Noah opted for a nod and looked over at Shulk. After a few moments, Shulk gave him a questioning expression.

“Father. Why won’t you tell us about these dreams we keep having?” Noah finally chose to ask. Shulk stared at his son with his tired eyes, while Nikol placed his pen down on the desk. Nikol wanted to know his father’s answer.

“I’ve been curious as well about these dreams. Are they memories that we’ve forgotten?” Nikol asked as he gave his thoughts. “I don’t remember doing anything in those dreams, but it feels vaguely familiar.”

Shulk sighed. “I told you and Nikol before. You’ll figure it out on your own when it's time. It’s all within the passage of fate.”

“Can’t you at least tell us if they are real? The people and the events that take place.” Noah pleaded. How could their father torture them like this? He obviously knows what is going on.

“I don’t know the answer to your questions.” Shulk shook his head with a sigh escaping his mouth. “I’m sure it’ll all come naturally to you… no, all of you. Just give it time.”

“It’s been eight years now, father.” Noah replied with an exasperated expression. “Are you sure nothing in my dreams rings a bell to you?”

“Not really.” Shulk responded half-truthfully. It wasn’t entirely a lie; he was confused himself about why his two sons and their friends are experiencing memories of their time on Aionios. He recalled the first time he spoke to Rex after Origin reset the worlds, he told him that his daughter Mio has been the first of his children experiencing signs of remembering Aionios. Far too quickly for anyone's liking.

Noah just stood there emotionless as he took in his father’s response. Will he ever find answers he’s been searching for the past eight years of his life?

“Alright then, dad. I’ll be going to meet up with Lanz and Joran now.” Noah said with a sigh, accepting he wouldn’t be receiving anything more from his father for now.

“Please give Eunie and Melia our regards.” Shulk spoke. “And Eunie a job well done graduating.”

Noah respectfully nodded, gave his father and brother a farewell before turning towards the stairs out of the bunker to leave.

“Noah…” Nikol murmured with worry. He knew his brother was getting really stressed out the past few years about the dreams he’d been experiencing.

“Can’t say I feel so good about deceiving these kids.” Shulk mumbled as he watched the young swordsman leave the bunker of the Colony laboratory.

“What was that?” Nikol asked, apparently he had heard what his father said.

Shulk looked back at his other son with surprise, probably forgetting that he was also in the room. “Just mumbling. Forget I said anything.”

Nikol stared at his father with uncertainty in his emerald green eyes for a few moments before he decided to focus back on his personal project.

Shulk, on the other hand, sighed heavily and returned back to reading the design document and research notes he had laid out on the counter.

“Please forgive me, my sons. This is something you and your friends have to realize on your own.”

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

“So much for making him tell the truth.” Noah thought bitterly to himself as he walked toward Riku’s workshop at the other end of the Colony. He honestly thought his father would finally spill the beans to him, but he assumed incorrectly.

Noah looked up at the sky and sighed. He will continue to persist regardless. He’ll learn the truth one of these days.

When Noah reached Riku’s workshop, he could automatically see Lanz and Riku, they were accompanied by an additional person. Noah got a good look at the person and forced a smile. A young man with a slim build, nearly Noah’s own height, and dark green hair was present.

“Morning Noah,” he greeted with a bright smile when he noticed their ponytailed friend walking over. “Glad you can join us.”

“Morning, Joran.” Noah responded back and then exchanged quick greetings with Lanz and Riku. “I thought we were meeting you at your dad’s house?”

“Well yeah, but then Lanz gave me a heads up that you were getting your power frames looked at by Riku. Figured I’ll meet you guys here to save on time.” Joran explained to the Homs Swordsman. “We all know how impatient Eunie can get if she gets kept waiting.”

Noah glanced at the time on his wristwatch and hummed. “We’re actually a tad late. I guess we should borrow Junks to make it to Eryth Sea on time.”

“In that case, Riku happy to pilot for friends.” Riku volunteered himself to the trio of friends.

“Cheers, Riku. That’ll be a big help.” Lanz said.

“Eryth Sea is somewhere on the Bionis Neck, right?” Joran questioned outloud. “It’s been a while.”

“Yeah.” Noah nodded, answering Joran’s question. “It’s where the main transporter to get into the Capital is located. Dad worked on its maintenance a week ago, I believe.”

“Speaking of dads, how’d it go with yours?” Lanz asked as the Machina-Homs remembered where Noah was just several minutes prior. “You met with him at the lab, right?”

“Judging by friend’s face. Riku say chat with Shulk ended in frustration.” Riku commented in a nonchalant manner.

“That’s putting it mildly, Riku.” Noah muttered. “He’s good at reading people. I wonder if it’s a Nopon trait.”

“Let me guess. You’ve asked him about the dreams we keeping having.” Lanz assumed with a neutral expression.

“Hang on a sec. You’re still having those dreams?” Joran asked in curiosity. He wasn’t made aware that it’s still happening to them.

“Yes I have.” Noah said, confirming Lanz’s assumption. “And yet again, every time I confront him, he keeps saying-”

“Friend must heed Shulk’s words. He has your best interests in mind.” Riku interrupted as he was putting the finishing touches to their power frames. 

“But-” Noah started before being cut off again.

“But nothing. Your Dadapon knows best.” Riku interrupted. 

“Am I the only one who feels my father is hiding something that I have the right to know?” Noah asked in exasperation.

“Honestly mate, I’m with Riku on this one.” Lanz said, while Joran added a nod in agreement. “If your dad really is hiding something, he has good reason for it.”

“Lanz…” Noah uttered, slightly surprised by Lanz’s choice of words.

“Power frames are complete. Now operating with top-notch performance.” Riku announced as he held up Noah and Lanz’s gears. 

“Thanks Riku.” Noah said as he took his main power frame back. He decided to forget the earlier topic for now. The tension was unbearable and he felt the others would like to move pass it.

“Yeah thanks for the maintenance check.” Lanz said as he started re-equipping his power frames.

“Alright friends. Let’s go to Junks at the dock. Riku must make sure Junks is in tip-top shape for traveling.” Riku said as he started closing up shop.

“Yeah, let’s go.” Joran added, eager to start their trip to Alcamoth. 

“Alright. Let’s go.” Noah said as he unknowingly placed a hand on the hilt of his sword. 

Unknowingly to him, the sheathe of the sword suddenly glowed an unnatural green color before quickly fading to nothing.

END OF CHAPTER 4

Chapter Text

Epilogue - About 8 Years After the Intersection

Alrest - Agnus Castle, The World of Agnus  

“Come on sis, today we celebrate your coming of age. You can’t just go around sulking all day.” a voice could be heard saying in a scolding manner within the castle.

“Okay, okay. Just give me a sec, Glimmer.” Mio yawned as she lazily flipped through her diary. She laid on the sofa in one of the many rooms in the castle she called home since birth.

Today is the 20th anniversary of her birth and she should be excited, but for some reason she’s wasn’t feeling particularly into it as of late.

“Another year added to my age, closer I am to adulthood.” Mio groaned to herself as she thought of herself being twenty years old now.

They had just celebrated Glimmer and Milton’s birthdays a few days ago and now it was her turn. Their birthdays landed on the same day while she was born about three days after them, making her the youngest of her half-siblings. She didn’t mind that though.

“Up and at ‘em, Mio.” Glimmer muttered as she attempted to pull her sister by the arm. “The princess of Alrest shouldn’t be acting this way on her own birthday.”

“Hey, you share that title as well.” Mio pointed out as she used her hand that wasn’t taken by Glimmer to flip to a blank page of her diary. “And Milton’s the Crowned Prince of Alrest.”

“By a technicality of our family’s dynamic.” Glimmer rolled her eyes and continued tugging at her half-sister's arm. 

“Hey, what’s going on here ladies?” A voice spoke, causing Glimmer to stop and Mio to look at the newcomer that decided to join them in the parlor. The figure had messy dirty-blonde hair that didn’t look like it got combed in months and mischievous golden-colored eyes.

“Hey Milton, mind helping your sister out and grab a hold of Mio’s other arm. You know we have a big day planned for her.” Glimmer said as she released her sister’s arm so she could place a hand on her hip. 

“Fine, fine. Just give me a moment to start my next diary entry.” Mio sighed as she started jotting the date down on the blank page of her diary.

Milton eyed his sisters with what seemed to be an uncertain expression, before he noticed the diary on Mio’s lap after Mio’s remark. A smirk appeared on his face as he snatched the diary in a blink of an eye.

“MILTON!” Mio screeched as she quickly stood up and attempted to take her personal possession back from her half-brother’s reach. However, Milton ignored her as he raised the diary higher and laughed.

“At least it got her up.” Glimmer murmured to herself, though she didn’t approve of the tactic used. She watched as her sister tried to get her diary back from their brother. 

“Give. That. Back.” Mio growled, clearly irritated as she tried prying the diary out of his hand.

“Alright, just calm down now Mio. No need to get yourself worked up. I’ll give it back if you stop clawing at me.” Milton assured as he eventually stopped his laughter.

He watched as the young Gormotti Blade-Hybrid huffed but backed down. With a satisfied grin, he handed her the diary, which she accepted without another word.

“Idiot, don’t mess with a girl’s diary.” Glimmer chided as she wacked her brother on the arm. “Be lucky you didn’t mess with mine.”

“Tch. Is that a threat I hear from you, sister dear?” Milton challenged in a playful manner before looking over at Mio. It seemed she had just finished writing something on another page. He looked over Mio’s right shoulder and saw some words on a page that appeared to have been written in fresh ink.

“As the morning sun rises, my lingering memories fade. I no longer see your silhouette. It’s too far gone into the haze. But hey… it’s all right. I won’t forget you. Not until we can meet again… I swear it.” Milton recited carefully. “What does that mean, Mio? I didn’t take you for a poet.”

This gained Glimmer’s interest as she looked over Mio’s other shoulder to see what Milton had read.

“It came to me in a dream last night. So I decided to write it down before I forget. Thankfully I still remembered when I woke up.” Mio explained to her half-siblings as she gently closed her diary and placed it down on the sofa behind her.

“Oh, you mean dreams you have of him ?” Glimmer teased with a hinting look in her eyes that caused Mio’s cheeks to turn slightly florid. “Noah? That’s his name, right?”

Mio was about to respond, but Milton interrupted her. “Not like you’re any different Glim. Don’t this guy with blonde hair also appear in your dreams?” 

“Shut up Milton. You’ve claimed you’ve been having dreams about that other world as well. I’m sure there’s some girl or boy you tend to dream of.” Glimmer shot back with a huff. “And I already told you guys, I think he was meant to be my partner or something along those lines.”

“Not really, I only have dreams of me and my buddies in war and then eventually kicking the bucket on the battlefield.” Milton shrugged as he took into consideration Glimmer’s words. However, he wasn’t telling the full story.

Milton shivered slightly as he thought back to several of his vague dreams over the years. He and his buddies fighting in a war against an opposing nation time and time again. Those battle-hungry soldiers clothed in black uniforms and helmets, hungry for their next meal. 

Milton could recall fondly one dream he had. It appeared that he was taking part of some sort of ritual. All of his allies and superior officers from the colony were watching him as some figure clad in red armor stood before him. Then suddenly the figure in red armor transformed to some hideous giant and Milton found himself challenging the transformed monster to a 1v1 fight to the death. In the end, Milton managed to end the match with a final art from his gunblades, ultimately vanquishing the monster. His allies and commander cheered and saluted him as the last thing he could recall from that dream was his body dissolving into golden motes of light.

In another of those dreams, he saw one of his supposed allies stab him on the back with claw-like weapons. The last thing he saw was the backstabber that had a satisfied grin on his face that made his skin crawl at the sight.

“Weird, that guy who killed me looked a lot like Di-” 

“Milton? Milton! Titan’s foot, are you even listening to me?” Glimmer asked as she repeatedly attempted to get the boy’s attention.

Milton blinked and realized he must have lingered in his mental thoughts for too long. He chuckled sheepishly and apologized to his half-sisters while scratching his right temple. Interestingly enough, that was where his term marker was located in those dreams of his.

“Uh, sorry. Spaced out for a moment there.” Milton apologized for spacing out. “What were you saying Glimmer?”

“We were wondering what you came here for. Weren’t you with Dad earlier?” Glimmer asked the blonde-haired boy.

“Oh yeah. Glimmer, Dad wants help loading up the shack on Great Gramps before we head to Garfront for some sparring.” Milton said as he remembered why he was looking for his sisters in the first place.

Mio and Glimmer shared a look with each other before the latter nodded at her brother. “Alright, I’m with you.”

“By the way Mio, I think Sena, her parents, and Aunt Mòrag should be arriving soon.” Milton mentioned to the young woman. “Miyabi and Taion should be arriving shortly after them.”

“Isn’t Millie going to join us, Milton?” Glimmer asked their brother when she realized he didn’t mention his girlfriend. 

“Unfortunately no, she has some personal things to attend to with her family.” Milton explained with a light-hearted smile. “But she gave me a birthday gift for you a few days ago, Mio.”

“I’ll tell her thank you next time she comes by.” Mio told her brother. “Well then. I better not keep them waiting. I’ll wait for my friends to arrive while you both go help out Da.” 

Glimmer and Milton both nodded in agreement before giving her a hug and leaving Mio alone with her thoughts in the parlor. 

Mio sat back down on the sofa and sighed, her back pressed against the backrest. She closed her eyes and was tempted to fall asleep for a few minutes. However, she knew their guests would be arriving soon for her birthday, so she cannot afford to take the time of leisure. 

Falling asleep would mean she would have the recurring dreams again. Dreams of him… wherever he was. An attractive looking young man with long tied black hair, deep blue eyes, and the most beautiful smile she ever seen in her dreams. His name… she believed that it’s Noah. 

Over the past eight years, the young man kept appearing in his dreams and was all she could think about. She would be playing a flute alongside him in one dream and then fighting a threat alongside him in the next dream. The dreams were scarce at first but have become more frequent as the years went on. When she was younger, her head would sometimes randomly ache and her mind starts envisioning the same boy each time.

Most of the dreams she had experienced were pleasant, but other times the dreams felt like real nightmares. One of the nightmares she had was witnessing herself fade away into motes of white light right in his arms while he was bawling his eyes out in disbelief and pain. There were other similar events of her diminishing into motes of light that appeared in her dreams, but she didn’t want to think about it for now.

There were also nightmares she didn’t understand at all. There was a nightmare she could vaguely recall where she was surrounded by flames and burning debris. She was adorned in silver armor and approached another figure that was also standing there. He was wearing strange golden metallic armor covered with blood… his cerulean-blue eyes were empty, yet filled with sorrow…

Mio had realized that the man in the golden armor was meant to be some version of Noah. She just didn’t know what it could mean. Was it some sort of past life they experienced together?

Apparently her siblings have experienced similar consistent dreams as well as Sena and Taion. It was so strange to them. 

Mio had confronted her parents regarding the matter of her dreams and they eventually explained to her and her siblings that they’re just experiencing post-symptoms of another world called, Aionios. Apparently it was a fused world that was frozen in time and people were forced to fight one another to sustain the lives and entertainment of a group of higher entities. The people were even recycled and reborn over and over just to fight in war once more.

At first Mio didn’t believe their explanation due to the idea of higher entities forcing people to fight for their own amusement sounding like complete rubbish. However, when Nia mentioned that she alongside Noah, Sena, and a few others played a part in restoring the worlds back to what they currently are today, she believed her parents one hundred percent. How else would they know about the boy named Noah? A haunting of s’pposed past lives.

Mio’s thoughts then returned to the mysterious boy of her dreams. Noah… they must have gone through so much together. She then thought back to a dream where she and Noah were standing side by side on a cliff, playing their flutes together. That melody they were playing was awfully familiar to her, but she couldn’t place her finger on it.

After a few moments to regain her composure, Mio decided to take her diary back to her room. She’ll have to push the thoughts about the handsome young man to the back of her mind for now.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

“Mimi!” Sena exclaimed excitedly as she saw her best friend approach her. She decided to meet her halfway. “Happy Birthday!”

“Sena, good to see you. And thank you.” Mio greeted her friend that was always full of energy. “Where are your parents and the others?”

“They’re all with Auntie Pyra, Linka, and the others in the common room. They’re going to help set up your party while we are away for the morning.” Sena replied to the princess’s question. “So what should we do to kill time?”

“Well let’s wait for Taion and Miyabi, first. They should be here soon.” Mio said before she decided to suggest something in the meantime. She then looked around at the garden they were standing in and spotted a bench. “Want to catch up till then?”

“Sure! It’s been a few months since we’ve seen each other.” Sena agreed eagerly when Mio gestured to the bench nearby. 

“Golden.” Mio responded as she and Sena walked to the bench and took their seats.

“What do you want to talk about first?” Sena asked.

“Hmm. Well I wonder if you’ve experienced anything new with your dreams lately. You know, the ones that remain consistent over the years.” 

Sena paused for a moment as she scratched her head in thought. “To be honest with you. It’s the same old story. Us fighting in a war, us camping out with Taion and other people… yeah the same stuff.”

Mio just hummed in acknowledgement as she took in Sena’s words. 

“How about you? Any new developments in your dreams lately?” Sena asked in return.

Mio shook her head. “I guess I’m on the same boat as you. I just wish I knew what these dreams mean. The man that’s been on my mind for nearly a decade now. What’s my connection to him? I want to know.”

“I’m sure we’ll figure it out eventually, Mimi! You’re good with that stuff.” Sena said with confidence.

“I think so too. Who knows, maybe we’ll get answers today.” Mio said. She was about to say something else, but then Mio’s ears twitched as she heard a pair of footsteps approach.

“You hear something?” Sena asked when she noticed Mio’s attention move somewhere else.

“Mio, where are you?” a voice called from somewhere else in the garden. 

“We’re over here by the roses and spring water fountain, Miyabi!” Mio shouted out loud so her friends could hear. 

A couple of minutes later, Miyabi and Taion appeared. Miyabi appeared to have a wrapped gift in her hands along with a bag, while Taion was carrying a textbook. They exchanged quick greetings and the girls hugged one another.

“Your sense of hearing still never ceases to amaze me.” Taion said, almost jokingly while the group of four friends took the time to catch up with one another.

“Well these aren’t just for show.” Mio said as she pointed to the Gormotti ears on top of her head. Sena giggled at the remark.

“So what should we do in the meantime?” Miyabi asked curiously. “We aren’t set to depart for another hour.”

“How about we go watch what then Royal Color Guard are up to? I think I saw Captain Fiona and Co-Captain Irma instructing their squad when I arrived earlier.” Sena suggested to the group. Mio and Miyabi considered her idea, but Taion had other plans.

“You all can go ahead. I need to catch up on some reading.” Taion said as he showed the textbook he brought earlier for emphasis.

“Hey, isn’t that the latest edition of the Aegis War Chronicles Archives?” Miyabi questioned at the sudden recognition of the textbook cover. “A couple people in my classes picked that up recently.”

Taion nodded. “It’s a historical textbook about the history of Alrest and what our ancestors did during the First Aegis War.” Taion explained as he showed the girls various pages from the textbook with complete enthusiasm. “It even has more recent historical events such as the unethical operations of the Indoline Praetorium and the reconstruction of Alrest’s geography.”

“Oh yeah, I know that textbook. One of my step-mothers and Great Gramps actually helped with that. You know, since they actually took part in it.” Mio recalled thoughtfully. 

“Yeah, my mom contributed too. She had notes from her diary and the Ardainian Library.” Sena added to the conversation.

“I still can’t believe Lady Pyra and Lady Mythra are that old.” Miyabi gushed with slight amazement. “They look so beautiful for their age.”

“Yeah, I don’t get it much either. She’s physically the same age as Mom, but she’s actually way older.” Mio muttered, still slightly confused on where her family tree started and where it ended. “But anyways, we are one big happy family regardless of age or heritage.”

“That’s a good way to go about it given your family’s dynamic.” Miyabi giggled, while Sena nodded at her words.

“I really wish I could see some of these old relics in person…” Taion muttered quietly to himself as he scanned a page from his book. Mio’s furry ears picked up on this due to her sharp sense of hearing so she glanced at the page her friend was looking at. He was looking at a few images of relics that were uncovered from the ruins of deceased titans. One of the items, in particular, caught her attention. Didn’t she see it before?

“You know, I think I’ve seen some of these old relics and treasures from your book, Taion.” Mio mentioned with a thoughtful gaze. “Inside the castle, within the royal treasury.”

“Then let’s go there and go see it!” Sena exclaimed, eager for another adventure. Miyabi nodded and also agreed to the plan. “We have time before we have to leave for the mercenary camp.” 

“The Castle’s Treasury?!” Taion blurted out in surprise. “Are you three insane? Access to that area is absolutely forbidden. What if we get caught? I know Mio is the princess, but-”

“Shush now Taion, stop being such a worrywart,” Mio said as she placed out a dismissive hand gesture Taion’s way. “You want to be the Castle’s Tactician one day do you? Then you do what I say!”

“I’m sure it’ll just be for a quick few minutes then we’re out of there.” Miyabi added optimistically.

“Yeah, let’s go inside and see some treasure!” Sena exclaimed eagerly.

Taion sighed as he watched the three young women he considers his friends start making their way toward a set of doors to get into Agnus Castle. Miyabi spared a look back at the young Tactician and beckoned him to hurry up and follow.

“Come on Taion, wouldn’t it be amazing to see that ancient artifact you kept raving on about?” Miyabi asked before turning back and catching up with Mio and Sena.

“Why do I even bother…” the Tactician mumbled as he reluctantly followed. Hopefully this time he wouldn't be dragged into another big disaster waiting to happen. Then again, he may be asking for too much given who is in his current company.

“I should’ve brought Nimue along. She’d see what’s problematic about all this.” Taion thought as he eventually caught up with Mio, Sena, and Miyabi in a hallway.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

Meanwhile… 

Back on the Bionis, Noah and his friends had just used a transporter to get to the main gate of Alcamoth after Riku safely landed Junks at a secure location in Eryth Sea. They were immediately met with two High Entia Guards, one that they quickly recognized.

“Came for another visit, Noah?” one of the guards asked as he was familiar with a relative of their Queen. The figure was actually a year older than Noah, with dirty blonde hair and light-brown colored wings attached to his head.

The guard then glanced over at Lanz with a sort of judgmental expression. “And I see you brought Joran, Riku, and… Lanz too.”

“Well, it’s great to see you too, Zeon.” Lanz muttered bitterly. Zeon was actually a good friend of Noah, Eunie, and Lanz back when they all attended the undergrad academy in Alcamoth for their studies, however, Lanz and Zeon had a more difficult relationship with how much they get on each other’s nerves, although sometimes unintentionally.

“Yes, my friends and I are here to visit Eunie. You think she’s in the castle right now, Zeon?” Noah asked the guard of High Entia and Homs features, while everyone else chose to ignore Lanz’s bitter greeting.

It was unclear if Zeon heard Lanz at all, but if he did, he chose to ignore him. He looked back at Noah with a thoughtful expression. “I believe she is at the castle right now. If Eunie was around here she would have been causing a ruckus right about now.”

Noah couldn’t help but smile lightly at the answer. That sounded like his half-sister alright. Eunie was the type of person to stir up the Skeeter nest and get away with it too. “Okay, thanks a lot Zeon. We’ll see you later.”

Zeon respectfully nodded as he and the other High Entia Guard allowed the group of four to get through the gate and into the Capital.

As the group of four rode the escalator up towards the Imperial Capital, Lanz had let out a frustrated-sounding groan.

“Ugh, man Zeon can really get on my nerves sometimes… not as much as Eunie and especially that Garvel, but still!” Lanz spoke in an irritated manner immediately after they were out of earshot. “I wonder if all High Entia beings are like this.”

“Just chill out, Lanz.” Joran said in an attempt to stop his friend from getting frustrated. Nobody liked it when Lanz got frustrated, it got annoying fast. Eunie might have been the only person who could tolerate Lanz's state of frustration just for the sake of her own amusement.

“Even to Riku, Bird People are enigma to the Nopon mind.” Riku said, scratching his fluffy brown hair in the process. “Riku must ask Masterpon Melly about it sometime.”

“Oh, and don’t get me started on Nopon. You lot get on my nerve as well, furball.” Lanz added on with a groan and sulking face.

Riku looked back at the Machina-Homs with an unreadable expression on his face. “Riku will pretend Lanz didn’t just say that.”

Noah laughed as he heard the banter of his three people in good company. He couldn’t have asked for better friends. Then a frown appeared on his face as he couldn’t help but think back to the other friends he s’pposedly shared in his dreams. The rotund orange Nopon, the dark-skinned young man that wore glasses, the short girl with hair that appeared to be lit with blue flames, and then the young woman with the cat-like ears and bright smile that can light up the dark ages itself. He thought of her the most.

He suddenly felt an aching feeling in his chest. It was a similar feeling to eight years ago when he randomly heard that strange, yet familiar melody playing in the wind.

The Homs Swordsman’s face darkened slightly. “Something strange is going on, I feel it. From the moment I seemed to have zoned out for that one second…”

“Oi, Noah! Man, what’s the hold up?” a voice called out that interrupted his current train of thoughts.

Noah snapped out of his thoughts and looked up. He could see Lanz, Joran, and Riku ahead of him, already up the steps towards the palace. “Woah, that was fast… guess I was more absorbed into my thoughts than I thought.”

“Stop daydreaming already, we’re at the castle!” Lanz shouted as he had his two hands merged together in an attempt to amplify his voice.

“Exactly! We don’t have all day! So move it!” Joran added with a yell.

“Sorry, you guys! I’m coming!” Noah apologized sheepishly as he started running to catch up with his friends. “Whatever this strange feeling is, I’m sure I’ll overcome it.”

When Noah caught up with his friends, they were all inside the central entrance of the palace. There were a few High Entia and even Homs and Machina guards standing at their posts and a few guests of High Entia, Machina, Homs, and Nopon alike walking about. A couple of the guests could be seen admiring the mural that stood in between the imperial double staircase.

As Noah looked around he couldn’t help but smile at all the activity going about in the palace. It really showed all the efforts his father, mother, uncles, aunts, and their allies went through in order to achieve equality and unity among the races of the Bionis and Mechonis.

Speaking of the Bionis and Mechonis, he and his friends had just stopped in front of the ancient mural depicting the legend of the legendary Monado and the battle between the two titans that once stood against each other.

“You know, I was told by my parents that this legend were about our people, Noah.” Lanz said as his eyes started trailing the different aspects of the mural. “Before our people came into peace and live like we do now.”

“Yeah.” Noah nodded as his eyes were also on the mural. “My dad told me it wasn’t easy to fulfill the prophecy, but he and a lot of others managed to make the world so we have the freedom of choice.”

“Noah, do you think that one day we could be just like them? Like your dad, mum, Reyn, the Queen…” Lanz asked his childhood friend with a distant look in his red eyes.

“Maybe in another world…” Noah answered honestly as he looked at his friend. “Not like we need to protect anything now. We live in a world of peace, not a world of strife.”

“And we wouldn’t have it any other way.” Joran added confidently. “Right?”

Noah, Lanz, and Riku nodded in agreement.

“I guess so…” Lanz muttered as he scratched the back of his head. “But it would be so cool to save the world don’t you think? You, me, Eunie, even Joran…”

“Yeah.” Noah nodded in agreement.

“Like I’d totally be the one busting my chops saving you guys from intense situations.” Lanz stated as he envisioned himself swinging his Adamant Shell Shieldblade at some hoards of Arachnos and rabid Bunnits.

“Oi guys, shouldn’t we be going to go find Eunie now?” Joran asked in concern as he took a look at his wristwatch.

“Joran is right. No time to haste.” Riku added.

“Oh right, sorry guys.” Lanz apologized as he started to walk up one of the staircases and gestured for his friends to follow. “Let’s ask Sir Aizel if he knows where Eunie could be. He’s one of Queen Melia’s personal attendants, after all.”

Noah watched as Joran and Riku quickly walked up the stairs to follow Lanz. He was about to follow them himself before he started to get a feeling of dizziness overcome him. When it subsided a moment after, Noah shook his head. He seemed to be getting a lot of headaches lately.

“The name’s Noah, right?”

Noah nearly jumped in surprise at the unexpected voice as he turned to his right to see the sight of a man next to him. The man was similar in height as him and he was dressed in a strange black uniform. Noah noticed he had blonde hair similar to his father, but tied in a ponytail like his mother.

“I’m C***. Starting today, I’ll be your personal tutor. All right?” the mysterious man spoke, looking directly at the Homs Swordsman with what seemed to be a tired gaze.

Personal tutor? What’s this man on about? His parents never told him about this. Just as Noah was about to respond, the man bursted into particles of golden light, disappearing before his eyes. Noah blinked. The man and the motes of light were gone.

“H-he vanished…” Noah whispered in shock as he rubbed his eyes. Once he opened them, there were still no signs of the man or any motes of light. Noah looked around the Grand Hall, nobody seemed to have noticed a man suddenly explode into a thousand particles of white light.

“Wait a minute… the man has a striking resemblance to my former music instructor in Colony 9… Crys…” Noah realized after processing what he thought he saw. “Just that he doesn’t wear those strange clothes and doesn’t look as tired all the time.”

He decided to catch up with his friends and go find Eunie. Perhaps he needed to keep his mind occupied for a while before he started imagining strange things again. Eunie is a perfect distraction with her chaotic nature and all, always able to find something for herself and her friends to do.

“Just what’s… going on? Am I feeling unwell?”

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

Eunie stood in front of her mother’s villa while tapping her foot rather impatiently. “What took you bozos so long?”

“Sorry about that, Eunie.” Noah responded sheepishly as the gang met up. “Lanz and I decided to have our power frames checked up on by Riku and sorta lost track of time.”

“Yeah we were sorta late meeting up with Joran too. So he met us at Riku’s.” Lanz added as he rubbed the nape of his neck. 

“At least we all made it in one piece.” Noah chuckled as he thought of the brightside of things.

“Boys these days…” Eunie murmured to herself with an irritated sigh. “Riku, I thought you’d be the responsible one to manage these bozos.”

“Meh-meh?! Riku tried to urge them to pick up the pace. A Nopon’s promise.” Riku insisted.

“Hah, I’m just teasing.” Eunie replied with a smirk.

“Congratulations by the way, Eunie. Alcamoth Academy’s top student in Medicine and Healing Arts.” Joran said to the High-Entia Homs. 

“Ah thanks Joran. It was really shitty sometimes, but I managed to pull through.” Eunie said as she accepted the praise. “Aunt Sharla really helped me when I needed it.”

“Dad and the family are very proud of you.” Noah said to his sister. “Dad gives his regards and congratulations by the way.”

“Ah, it’s always great to get dad’s approval innit.” Eunie said as she took in Noah’s words. “Tell him his favorite daughter says thanks.”

Noah frowned at her wording. “But you’re his only dau-”

“Anyways, you lot coming in so we can talk or what?” Eunie said as she pointed her thumb behind her towards her mother’s villa. “Boiled some tea and got some teatime treats for us.”

“Of course, we wouldn’t miss spending time with you for anything.” Lanz declared with a raised fist. “We’re not your best buds for nothing.”

“Too bad none of you are my fourth best bud. That one matters the most.” Eunie said with a laugh as she walked into the Imperial villa. Her friends followed behind her, confused by her wording and who this fourth best bud can be. Truthfully, Eunie doesn’t know either… at least not yet.

END OF CHAPTER 5

Chapter Text

Epilogue

Bionis Alcamoth, The World of Keves  

“Oi, watch out you guys. The tea is piping hot right out the kettle.” Eunie warned after she finished pouring a cuppa for Noah, which he accepted kindly by flashing her a subtle smile. 

“I may not like… tea much, but the mochi really goes well… with it.” Lanz murmured as he stuffed his face with the chewy delicacy.

“I’m still quite surprised that you enjoy tea-making.” Joran said as he blew gently on the hot cup of liquid in his hands. “Quite a hobby you got yourself into.”

“Riku not surprised. Making and drinking tea have very calming effects on the mind and body.” Riku added to the conversation. “Riku know Eunie can get stressed from her studies.”

Currently, the group of friends were sitting in the Imperial Villa’s parlor, each with a cup of hot tea in their possession. Once they got word that Eunie was in there, they all went there right away. However, when they got there they didn’t Eunie to be inviting them over for afternoon tea.

“If you told me when when I was way younger that I’d be making tea for you guys, I’d think you are some complete lunatic.” Eunie said as she sat down on the sofa in between Joran and Lanz after setting the tea kettle on the table. Noah was occupying a loveseat, while Riku was on another sofa with cushions. “And you’re right Riku. I make tea sometimes during late night study sessions or when I pull all nighters.”

“What got you into tea making anyways? Don’t you have like, servants or cooks to do that for you already?” Joran asked curiously. This wasn’t Eunie’s first time brewing tea and showing them the process, but it’s still out of the ordinary for her if he was being honest. “And uh… sorry if it’s a stupid question.”

Eunie immediately shook her head in response to Joran’s latter statement. “It’s not a stupid one. Honestly, I didn’t know I would enjoy it either. I just found these herbal tea recipes in the pocket of my hoodie when I woke up the day after my mother’s 100th anniversary. Don’t know how it got there, but the person that made these recipes really knows their tea.”

“Isn’t making tea like an old man’s hobby?” Lanz asked with a laidback attitude, which caused Eunie to whack him on the head with her hand playfully.

“No Lanz, this hobby can be for everyone. I’m going to continue doing this for as long as I live. I even got a recipe that utilizes Fourtune Clovers.” Eunie said as she showed off the notebook filled with recipes she got. She then smiled gently as she looked at the pages. “Also, whoever wrote these recipes also has good handwriting I say.”

Lanz furrowed his eyebrows. “So like do you have a crush on that tea guy or-”

“You take that back Lanz!” Eunie demanded, annoyed with his sudden question. She then proceeded to wack the poor Machina-Homs repeatedly. “I. Do. Not. Have. A. Crush. On. Any. Body!!!”

“Eunie! Stop this! Violence isn’t the answer!” Joran cried out as he attempted to mediate the little dispute the two friends were having. 

Amid the chaos, Riku was watching them amusingly, sipping his tea and eating the biscuits and mochi provided to compliment the tea.

“Taion would have been proud of Eunie’s tea-making.” Riku couldn’t help but think as he thought of the Agnian Tactician they all befriended on Aionios. “Manana would have enjoyed Eunie’s tea too.”

“Alright I yield, I yield.” Lanz surrendered with a laugh as he attempted to shield himself with his thick arms from Eunie’s onslaught of hits. Due to his Machina anatomy, his skin is made of sterner stuff so if he was being honest, Eunie’s attempt at hurting him was null. He’ll let her have this one though.

“Hmph.” Eunie huffed as she crossed her arms and glared at her tall Machina-Homs friend. “That’s why Eunie’s the boss!”

“Eunie seems she can be quite talented on the battlefield if trained to direct her anger elsewhere.” Riku commented. Eunie smiled at the Nopon for the compliment, at least she saw it as a compliment.

“Ah cheers, Riku. My mother have always said that I could totally rock a combat style similar to hers or Aunt Sharla’s.” Eunie said as she thought back to how she had displayed so much interest in her mother’s staff and Sharla’s Ether Rifle. “That’s when I got the idea to get the good ol’ gunrod over there. It’s engineered by my dad.”

Everyone turned to where Eunie was directing her gaze at to see Eunie’s weapon of choice: a gunrod. It was currently on a stand, ready to be carried anytime. It appeared to be a combination of a sharpshooter ether rifle and a healing staff. 

“It sure is a nice weapon.” Riku commented. “Eunie has very good dexterity to be able to use it efficiently.”

“With Aunt Sharla and my mother mentoring me, how could I go wrong?” Eunie smirked confidently. She looked over at Lanz and decided to change the conversation topic. “So Lanz, how’re your sisters doing? I haven’t seen them in a bit.”

“Serena and Serenity? They’ve been well. Serena has been very interested about automatons and mechon. She’s been working with Valdi and a few engineers in Colony 9 to work on her own mechon to pilot.” Lanz thought for a moment, hesitated, before continuing. “Serenity on the other hand, she’s kinda been on a violence streak lately.”

“Violence streak?” Eunie wondered outloud. “What the hell you mean by that?”

“Well she’s been challenging people to fights recently. Like straight up fighting them on sight. Even almost stabbing a guy who was caught off guard.” Lanz explained. “My parents and her therapist believe it’s just her way of expressing all the pent-up energy she has.”

“Jeez, she’s a psycho…” Eunie muttered, while Joran silently nodded with a shocked expression on his face.

“Yeah, well she’ll come out of her phase eventually.” Lanz shrugged. He glanced around the villa till his eyes landed on a big glass display case with what appeared to be some sort of staff. “Hey what’s that?”

“Ah, that’s grandfather’s staff. Passed down from generation to generation by my High Entia ancestors. Mother and Aunt Tyrea wanted to keep it here as a reminder of him.” Eunie answered him. “It’s called the “Imperial Staff” and apparently it can do some neato stuff.”

“I’m sure he would be proud of what you accomplished so far if he were here today.” Joran said sympathetically.

“Yeah my mother tends to think that. But you know, all we can do now is walk towards the future. Like dad always says, right Noah?” Eunie said.

Her sudden mentioning of Noah made Eunie suddenly remember that her brother was also present in the parlor of the Imperial Villa with them. Her eyes darted to where he was currently sitting, his eyes distant, seemingly in another world.

Lanz, Joran, and Riku all looked at Noah as well. Eunie’s eyes in particular, narrowed.

“Noah, why are you so quiet? You’ve been like this since you got here.” Eunie asked her brother as she had noticed he didn’t say a word the entire time he’s shown up to the Villa with their other friends.

“I’ve noticed that too.” Joran added as he looked worryingly at his friend. “I know you tend to space out every now and then, but it seems to be happening more frequently today.”

Noah immediately snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to see Eunie and the others giving him questioning and concerned looks. “Oh, it’s nothing to worry about. Promise.”

“You know Noah, you’ve been acting really strange today.” Lanz nodded as he furrowed his eyebrows in thought. “Don’t tell me it’s about those dreams or memories or-”

“C’mon Noah, spill it.” Eunie challenged as she looked at her brother directly in the eyes. “What got you all riled up, huh? You acted so… distant .”

“Was it really that obvious to them that something was troubling me?” Noah couldn’t help but think before he decided to stand up. His untouched tea had a ripple appear for a moment. “I think I will go out for a walk. Maybe a stroll around the palace interior will do.”

“Noah…” Eunie spoke out in an annoyed tone. “You can’t keep hiding your problems forever.”

“That’s exactly the problem Eunie… I- I don’t know what my problems are…” Noah responded in a somewhat distant tone. The parlor remained absolutely silent for a few moments before Noah broke it. “I need to clear my mind.”

His friends watched as he walked over to grab his sword and re-equip it on himself. Riku in particular was looking at Noah with a suspicious stare.

“Alright mate, don’t count us out. We’ll go with you.” Lanz said as he stood up as well to grab his shieldblade. “Someone has to make sure you come back instead of wandering off on us again.” He was referring to the time Noah found himself cornered in an alleyway eight years ago. His weird excuse was that he heard beautiful music and decided to follow it.

“Who is Lanz to volunteer everyone here? Speak for yourself.” Riku expressed with narrowed eyes before sighing. “But friend Lanz is right. Friends will come too.”

Noah didn’t say anything, but his friends could tell he was glad they decided to accompany him.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

The group decided to leave the Imperial Villa and walk down the pathway that connected back to the main part of the Imperial Palace. After reaching and activating the ancient transporter, the group were suddenly at the end of the west wing of the palace.

A couple High Entia Guards that were stationed there immediately noticed their arrival through the transporter. 

“Miss Eunie Antiqua, we bid you and your friends a good day and I do hope you all return safely.” a High Entia guard spoke when he noticed her and the others walk pass them to the west wing entrance.

“Thank you. We’ll just be within Alcamoth, so please let mother know if she asks.” Eunie formally replied to the High Entia guard with a curtsy before continuing on her way. She could have sworn she heard Lanz snicker at her formal act.

“Yes Ma’am.” Both of the High Entia Guards spoke and saluted her. 

“So what do you guys wanna do?” Joran asked the group as they all walking down the west hall. They had passed a couple more guards and people along the way, but nobody paid them any mind.

Lanz grunted as he thought of a suggestion. “Not sure, perhaps we can have a little sparring match with our weapons in the Palace’s combat quarters?”

“So that’s why you and Noah brought your weapons with you.” Joran said in a tone like he just realized something. The green-haired homs glanced at Noah’s Sword of the End and Lanz’s Shieldblade for a moment.

“Honestly I’m not feeling it today,” Eunie muttered lazily as she glanced down at the blue Nopon that was with them. “Say Riku, have any ideas?”

“Not at the moment, no.” Riku answered honestly. “However, Riku think just spending time of day with friends is enough. Friends never know when friends see each other again.”

“Ahh I see…” Eunie responded with a nod after accepting the answer. She could tell Riku was hinting at their friends from their dreams they share. She then looked over to Noah, who was still unnaturally quiet. It was beginning to freak her out and annoy her both at the same time. “Oi, Noah. What do you think we should do?”

Seconds have passed and she didn’t get a peep out of him. Instead, she heard nature of the Bionis they stand on. She waited a few more seconds but still didn’t hear him respond to her question.

“Ugh, seriously Noah. What is up with you, your head isn’t normally this empty.” Eunie chided in an annoyed tone. 

“Eunie, lay off him. He has a lot on his mind right now.” Joran said with a defensive expression on his face. “Right Noah?... Noah?”

After a few moments of not receiving a grunt or a response back, everyone turned their backs to see that Noah had stopped and was now staring down at his own blade. The sword was now pulsating with green lights (as opposed to the usual purple and dark lights) and vibrating quite intensely.

“W-what…?” Noah could barely utter a word as the sword he wielded the past eight years started acting strangely. It didn’t normally glowed a green color, even when it was separated from the actual sword itself.

“Freaky…” Lanz murmured and Joran couldn’t help but agree silently as they all watched Noah’s weapon.

“I've never seen it react this way before.” Noah claimed as he inspected the sword. He even went as far as removing the blade from the sheathe, but it still continued to radiate with a green energy and vibrate intensely. 

“Riku? Do you know what this means?” Eunie asked the Blue Nopon in their group. “Noah doesn’t and we sure as hell don’t.”

“Meh-meh, Riku have no idea.” Riku responded as he stared at the sword he gifted Noah eight years ago after Origin rebooted the worlds back to their normal states. “Lucky Seven never acted so strangely.” Riku muttered under his breath.

Noah looked at Riku with a confused expression. “Lucky… Seven?”

“It's the name Riku gave to sword. No need for overthinkings.” Riku said dismissively. “What matters now is what it's doing.”

Lanz crossed his arms and stared at the Sword of the End and then at Noah. “You sure you don't know why it's doing that?”

Noah shook his head as his grip on the sword’s hilt tightened. “Positive.”

“Look, it seemed to have stopped.” Eunie pointed out as the lights and vibration seemed to have eventually ceased.

“You’re right.” Joran added. “What a relief.”

Noah frowned as his eyes never left the sword, his right hand resting on the hilt of the blade. Why did that happen? Why is his heart rate suddenly beating faster? 

“Is this the calm before the storm?”

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

Meanwhile…

“So Mimi, now that you’re twenty, are you going to go find yourself a boyfriend now?” 

Currently Mio, Taion, Sena, and Miyabi were walking along the quiet hall where it’ll eventually lead to where the Royal Treasury and vault are located within the castle. There were no guards or castle soldiers nearby since the Treasury was guarded by an ether-powered security system that required an iris scan to get in.

Mio’s golden eyes narrowed as she shot Sena a glare. “What?”

“Just teasing.” Sena explained herself and stuck out her tongue playfully. “I know you aren’t looking for a guy yet .”

Mio’s face formed a smile directed at Sena, but to the blade-hybrid, it looked forced. Mio had this forlorn expression on her face. It was subtle, but Sena could tell it was definitely there. “She must be thinking about him right now. That guy with the ponytail and blue eyes.”

“Your parents stopped pestering you about finding a consort years ago, right?” Miyabi asked the Alrestian Princess.

Mio nodded and she looked up at the ceiling. “Yeah about eight years ago actually. Don’t know what they were thinking… I was only eleven at the time.”

“Well as the King and Queen of the entirety of Alrest, I assume there is a lot of pressure on securing the future successors in case things go amiss.” Taion explained as he adjusted his glasses on his face. “In other words, if your mother and father unexpectedly passes, it’s you and your potential husband that’ll naturally succeed them.”

“Well, Glimmer and Milton equally have a shot at succession of the throne just as much as me.” Mio pointed out which earned a nod from Taion.

“That’s very true. That’ll just be something you three will have to figure out with your parents eventually.” Taion replied as he took in her words. “I wonder if-”

“Hey, we’re here you guys.” Sena interrupted the Tactician unintentionally as the quartet reached the doors. 

Mio walked up to the security pad on the side and placed her left eye in position. Seconds later, a quiet bang could be heard and the locks of the double doors unlocked. 

“Fascinating.” Taion muttered amusingly at the simple, yet effective security measure he just witnessed.

“Yeah, the doors to the treasury only unlocks via iris scan.” Mio explained as she calmly walked into the Royal Treasury, followed closely by her friends. “Only direct family members and select few are in the iris system.”

“Suh-weet! Wow, look at all this stuff!” Sena gushed excitedly as she looked around the room. There seemed to be tons of gold, valuables, and artifacts all around the chamber. 

“It’s not everyday we can see the inside of a treasury up close!” Miyabi exclaimed as she admired the valuables and such scattered around the Treasury. The girl was particularly looking at what appeared to be a great sword that has a red-velvet hilt. It was inside a display case. Mio immediately recognized it as the sword her ancestor wielded long ago. Mythra’s first driver.

“Hey Taion, isn’t that in your textbook?” Sena asked as she glanced over at the Tactician, who was focusing on the sword in the display.

“I believe you’re right, Sena. It looks to be the sword of Prince Addam Origo. He wielded it over five hundred years ago during the first Aegis War.” Taion said as he admired the sword before redirecting his eyes on old Tornan battle armor that was in another glass case.

“Yeah. Mother was really clear on keeping the sword as a reminder of him. Mom also agreed that it should be kept close to them.” Mio added with a hum. “It was originally with another descendant of Prince Addam until Mythra took it.”

“By force?” Sena asked. Taion also seemed interested on how the taking took place.

Mio sweatdropped and gave them what appeared to be an exasperated expression. “I don’t really know much regarding the details. All I know is that she has rights to it in the will.”

“Uh, Mio? I think. You got to see this…” Miyabi let out in almost what seemed to be an in-audible whisper. It’s as if she saw Territorial Rotbart face to face.

Mio and the others looked over to Miyabi with confused gazes before they walked over to her to see what she was looking at. She appeared to be staring at something on one of the walls. 

Mio took a good look at what Miyabi was looking at but suddenly froze at the sight. It was a photograph that was framed and hung on a wall.

“Mio? Isn’t that you? What are you doing holding a baby?” Miyabi started sputtering a mess of questions. “And who’s that man with you?”

“I-I don’t know.” Mio answered, but then her heart ached. “But I do know him… his face… it’s like in those dreams.”

“This can’t be real. Mimi doesn’t have a baby.” Sena proclaimed. “Besides, Mimi never cut her hair. It has always been long.”

A “Hmm…” escaped Taion’s lips. He came to a realization and that photograph just gave him evidence to his conclusion.

Mio’s eyes stared at the framed photograph that was hung on the wall with what seemed to be a distant look. Sena and Taion both still maintained baffled and perplexed expressions on their faces as they were also analyzing the photo.

“Well this does appear to give the dreams we’ve experienced merit. That guy in the photo appeared in parts of my dreams.” Taion said as he broke the silence and then looked at Mio and Sena. “The same as you two, I s’ppose.”

“How fishy. Where did this come from?” Sena wondered suspiciously as she tilted her head in thought. “If this really happened in another life…”

“Another life?” Miyabi questioned her friends and gave them a curious gaze. What’s this mentioning other lives now?

As for Mio, she continued to stare at the photo in silence, tuning out the voices of her friends. She focused on each aspect of the photo carefully. Herself… what appeared to be Noah… their child… 

Apparently her body decided she stared long enough as her eyes became hazy and she could suddenly hear her own voice. However, she wasn’t actually physically speaking or thinking.

“He looks just like daddy.”

“You’ll lead a way to a new world. A new way of life.”

“This is what we’ll call him then. Ghondor Vandham. How does that sound to you, Noah?”

When Mio regained her bearings she looked up with a bright smile of realization. 

“So I’m not crazy… all those dreams… they’re all real. He’s real.” Mio breathed out once she came back to her senses, a hand instinctively placed over her heart. “If only I can be given the opportunity to meet him again.”

“Without a doubt, Mimi. I’m sure he’s somewhere out there along with our other friends.” Sena said with certainty. “If that photograph indicates anything, then my muscle buddy is out there too. I know it.”

Mio stared at Sena with what seemed to be a grateful smile before her eyes landed at a peculiar object in the room. Taion seemed to have also noticed the foreign object as he was looking at it with intrigue. It appeared to be a glowing mechanical rock with green lights emitting from it.

“What is this thing… why is it glowing?” Mio asked her question out loud. She rarely visited the royal treasury and couldn’t believe she never noticed this strange object before. Then again, she failed to notice the framed photograph in her previous visits to the treasury too.

“I’m not sure… I’ve never seen anything like it before. At least… not in this lifetime. ” Taion spoke as he thought about the stone-like object. It was vaguely familiar to him, but he knew he never seen it before in all of Alrest. 

“Whatever it is, it’s beautiful.” Sena whispered out loud in awe. Miyabi silently nodded in agreement. It was a round egg-shaped metal stone of sorts. There were pieces of metal sticking out of it and it appeared to be glowing an unnatural green color.

“It looks like some sort of contraption. I advise against interacting with it. It could be dangerous.” Taion suggested cautiously, eyes scanning the foreign object top to bottom.

Mio rolled her eyes. “Why would my family keep something dangerous here in the Castle Treasury? Surely something dangerous belongs in the Weapons Storage Units or with my parents. Don’t you think, Sena? Miyabi?”

“Uhh, I kinda have to agree with Taion here, Mimi.” Sena said apologetically as she rubbed the back of her head. “We don’t even know what this thing even does…” Sena squatted down and saw some sort of text on the stone.

“Nikol? I wonder if that’s the name of the inventor of this machine?” Taion wondered curiously as he also noticed the engraved name. He adjusted his glasses to get a better view.

Sena shrugged and decided to touch the foreign object. It was definitely made of metal alright. A weird, yet familiar feeling suddenly rose in her core crystal.

“It’s best if we leave it alone. Why don’t we go check on your Da and your siblings?” Miyabi suggested to the group. “They should be finished with preparations by now, no?”

“Well alright, Taion. It seems we are pretty much finished here” Mio said as she decided to take one final look at the photograph of her, Noah, and their child. “I’ll have to confront da and mam about this some other time.”

The rest of the group agreed with her and were about to walk out of the room. However, Sena placed her hand on top of the metallic egg-like object for support to get up on her feet, causing the top of the foreign object to push down on itself, presumingly activating it.

“Oopsies…” Sena blushed with embarrassment at what she just accidentally done to the object.

Mio looked at her long time friend with widened eyes. “Sena? What did you just-”

The lights in the room started flickering as the weird stone opened up with the ether and green lights surrounding it to start glowing violently. A loud screeching noise started filling the room, causing everyone to flinch and cover their ears to the best of their abilities.

“Sena, what did you do?!” Mio yelled at the fiery-haired girl as she covered her cat ears. Unfortunately for the Princess of Alrest, her sense of hearing was above average so covering her ears proved to be futile.

“Nothing! Honest! Except I might have accidentally pressed down on the top of the machine. I don’t know my own strength. Sorry Mimi!” Sena apologized hysterically as panic soon took over the eighteen year old.

“Taion! What should we do?!” Mio asked the tactician who usually could keep his calm in tough situations.

Taion paused and tried to think of a solution as always. However, the loud screeching noises piercing their eardrums isn’t helping him one bit.

“I suggest we flee and get as far away from this room as possible!” Taion suggested loudly so the screeching noise from the stone-like object doesn’t mute him out. “Preferably outside!”

“We need to get out of here, now!” Miyabi cried. The rest of the group nodded as they quickly fled the scene. Mio privately prayed that her parents and other family members don’t link what happened in the Treasury to them.

What the group of four friends didn’t notice was a strange bright light started filling the treasury behind them.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

Back in the world of the Bionis, the Sword of the End suddenly resumed its actions of acting up again, but this time with a greater intensity than ever before. As Noah held a grip on his sword, it started vibrating intensely in his hands and an unfamiliar green light kept emitting from the sword. A loud ear-splitting sound started wailing within the interior of the Imperial Palace.

“Guys?! What’s that noise?! Gaaaahh!” Joran asked as he covered his ears and soon a feeling of dread and fear came to him.

“Queen’s Wings. Make it stop!” Eunie whined as she placed her hands over her ears to attempt to block the noise.

“Noah!” Lanz and Riku called out at the same time urgently.

“It’s coming from this blade!" Noah realized as he tried his best to endure the screeching noise himself. He made sure to hold the sword extra tightly just so his grip doesn't slip. “What is the sword reacting to? Why is it glowing like this?”

“Agh, how do we turn that blasted thing off!” Lanz cried out with his eyes closed and ears covered. Despite them all doing their best to ignore the sounds coming from the blade, it only became louder despite their efforts. 

“It isn’t working! It’s only getting louder!” Joran yelled out from the pain in his eardrums. 

“Well we gotta do something! We are attracting unwanted attention!” Eunie shouted out through the noise. Eunie was right as a couple of the High Entia guards were watching the scene with a mix of interest and concern. Eunie could barely hear one of the guards suggesting to call in Queen Melia and Tyrea.

Noah winced as he was the closest to the source of the wailing sword. Why was the sword vibrating so much? Was it reacting to their presence? Something was about to occur. He felt it. He knew it.

The sword then was engulfed in what appeared to be white light. Everyone quickly closed their eyes when the glowing of the sword grew brighter to the point where it was burning their eyes. Suddenly the group was shrouded by that same blinding white light.

“Aaarrgh!”

After what seemed to him to be a few moments of time, Noah slowly opened his eyes. He was repeatedly blinking to adjust his eyes again after being flashed by that bright light from the Sword of the End that was still currently in his hands. The intensity of the vibration and the loud screeching sound appeared to have halted which was a big relief to the homs swordsman.

“That was strange…” Noah mumbled to himself as he looked back at his friends. Lanz, Eunie, and Riku were all doing similar actions in an attempt to adjust their eyes from their temporary blindness. “Is everyone alright?”

“Uuurrgh… man, why does my head hurt like hell?” Lanz groaned irritably as he rubbed his forehead. 

“It feels like the time Eunie tried to pilot Junks herself.” Riku added miserably.

“Beats me you guys, I’m just glad that infuriating noise ceased.” Eunie replied with her own groan while looking around their surroundings. After a few moments to process it, her eyes widened. “Huh? Where the bloody hell are we? This isn’t Alcamoth!”

Eunie’s sudden verbal outburst caused her friends to all look around as well. Nothing looked familiar to them. In fact… 

“What in the-” Lanz’s eyes widened with disbelief, ignoring the aching feeling in his head.. “What are we doing in a room now? Weren’t we outside a corridor just a moment ago?”

Noah’s eyes widened in alarm as his eyes started scanning the room furiously. The room… It seemed similar to be some sort of Treasury or a vault full of prized treasures. It was like the Treasury back in the Imperial Palace of Alcamoth, but the walls are clearly of some different color and material. In addition, the treasures, artifacts, and gold held in the room are foreign to him.

Noah glanced outside the window. It was daylight. Thank the Bionis that the sky appeared to be the same. 

“Where… are we?”  

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

  Within the Core of Origin…

A figure opened their eyes after a state of rest, sensing a change in the two worlds. An unnatural change at that. Of course, the figure was none other than the member of the Trinity Processor: Ontos, who made Origin their choice of refuge for the time being.

“I see… so it has begun.” (A)lvis spoke. Her red-colored core crystal earring sparkled. “The passage of fate has been leading up to this moment.”

(A)lvis then felt another shift. This time, within Origin’s systems. The ambiance of the void started to shift as what seemed to be inside of a theater started to form inside of Origin. The projection turned on and the big screen flickered. Red and purple motes of light started appearing before her on the newly created stage.

(A)lvis sighed as she crossed her arms and allowed the sudden developments to unfold within her makeshift home. “Well, I did foresee this.” 

END OF CHAPTER 6