A New Day Hand In Hand

by cosmic_throwaway

Summary:

Origins has fulfilled it purpose and now those who remember what happens in it must find theirs or not they can do whatever they like.

A slice of life featuring all of our favourite Xenoblade characters

UPDATE: Added/adding music to all current chapters

Chapter 1: It's A New Day Everyone!

Summary:

After Origins completed it original purpose time resumes to the day of the Intersection few remember what truly happened but that doesn't matter to them they're just grateful that they resumed their normal lives.

It was the start of the new year as the sun crawled over the horizon promising everyone a new day a lone blade stand at the edge of Messet's Point looking towards the seemingly boundless ocean. She no longer had another's voice in her head or fear in her heart or doubt in her mind all that she has now is peace

"It's rare to see you up this early, you feeling alright?" Her husbands voice made her heart skip a beat although as she has gotten used to it a part of her misses the boy who would run head first into any fight to protect her, now behind her is a man who would still do the same albeit with a half assed plan that would some miracle work out.

"I'm fine just wanted some time to myself Rex" She looked back to face him adjusting hear head to meet the eyes of her towering man who dressed in very little aside from his briefs and a robe she was in her usual blade attire gifted to her by the Architect she wasn't ready for battle but it just felt the most natural to her at the moment.

"Right I understand, just letting reminding you know about the mission I got near the World Tree gonna be gone for most of the week hope the kids wont hate me for leaving so soon." Mythra soon came up and poked he salvager in the chest with one finger and drew small circles while looking into his golden eyes.

"They wont hate you if anything I'm pretty sure they want to join you especially Milton want to be just like his old man." She thought of her son who acted so much like his father much to his own detriment but she loved him all the same as she did to both Mio and Glimmer but Milton was her special boy a life that she created instead of taken.

"Sure you don't want to come with? there are plenty of Guldo running about not the mention the World Tree security systems-" A kiss interrupted him and Mythra usually didn't show affection not so suddenly but he wasn't complaining.

"Wish I could but Poppi and I has to keep an eye on Origin and figure out why it made Aionios and Z as well as figuring out why the two worlds didn't merge together as planned."

"True that not to mention that Malos' core came back, tried resonating with it but but it messed me up big time almost lost my eye again." The thought of that man in the black armour and an sword as wicked and the man who first found him made him reminisce about his last last words with him

There was only one driver for me...

"Speaking of Malos? where is his core I don't think you're that big of an idiot to leave it about the house like some paper weight" She fully enveloped herself in Rex's chest as they now sat on the grass looking towards the sunrise.

"At the Spirit Crucible same place where we found the third sword should be safe there."

Rex's reasoning as to why he hid it way down there deep inside the Leftherian Titan was because of it natural security being filled with monsters that adapted to the tight and dark caverns the pools of acid the burned way at rotted flesh in addition to its ability to sap away any strength you have to its most perilous addition sea water that flooded the many caverns making it almost a death sentence to head in without proper salvaging equipment. The Vault of Heroes is where the core was being stored in the same podium where the third sword once stood the room itself was still relatively untouched barring the small pool of water that flooded the area beneath the podium that the third sword was once held.

Mythra nodded at Rex statement she trusted her husband decision as there really wasn't a better place she could think of to store someone as volatile as Malos she just hoped he didn't awaken himself down there she wouldn't wish any blade to be stuck down there longer then they needed to.

Before long Rex stood up and carried Mythra with him bridal style back to their home.

Chapter 2: The Morning Son & Daughters

Summary:

New years day is often seen as a new beginning and a new adventure but that can't happen unless you get out of bed.

If somebody were to describe Leftheria to a complete stranger they would call it perfect the Architects gift to mankind if they didn't believe in the story of Elysium, a break from the crueller realities of life. However such a perfect land didn't come without its share of blood. The founder of Fonsett Addam never wanted anything to do with the throne of Torna but he cared deeply about his people and so not long after the Aegis war the the sinking of the Tornan titan he and his followers left they mostly consisted of Tornan citizens and Blades his militia and their families and any stragglers that followed him all the way to Leftheria where he lived in peace tilling his land and raising his child alongside his wife although such peace was interrupted by bandits who bring harm to his home worst of all were foreign lords, lady's and messengers from other titans begging him to take up arms and wield the Aegis in wars to fix the power gap that Torna left behind.

However such battles never came and Addam never raised his militia again in time they eventually split of from him and formed other villages around Leftheria. Those homes in time got destroyed by men and forgotten by time as the legends Torna and their bastard prince became nothing but stories told to children. Fonsett itself remained and only thrived due to its draconic protector and those he trusted to take to the outside world in the end they became isolated like the Tantalese but that brought them peace.

A peaceful place is what someone would call it with sandy white beaches a loving village that on the turn to becoming a town each and everyday to tales of a legendary hero to living ones living their everyday life.

-

Light crawled through the master bedroom resting on the faces of the Flesh Eater and the Aegis of flame limbs the clock struck 7:00AM but it was quickly put down with a swift hand. It wasnt long before the couple moved across the titan of a bed only to notice the presence of a large man who essentially lived at the centre of it all with the Aegis of light missing.

"Hmm? Musta gone to the loo..." Nia let the words slip from her mind in a half woken state snuggled up on Pyra's back. Not long later a latch unlocked with a faint laughter walking in and filling the home.

"I should make something given I'm already up, besides I want to do something nice for everyone." Mythra beamed while still being in Rex's arms her eyes as bright as her element. Rex let her down are nodded given the years they lived together he personally saw that Mythras cooking has improved at Pyra behest in an effort to not kill them all through food poisoning beside it just breakfast you can't mess that up even at it simplest level.

The Rex household was built a couple months after the defeat of Malos and the titans joining with the land. The house originally consisted of a single ground floor and the attic, the first floor consisted of a small area at the front door to leave behind any outerwear in shoes coats and the occasional salvage or weapon it then spanned into the living room that had a main sofa and may chairs surrounding it with the main dining area off to the Right connected with the kitchen separated via an island table. The Kitchen itself had the same length as the living room and was fitted with high end cooking equipment much to Pyra's delight but was partially cut off to make space for the addition of a second floor later in their lives. To the right of the living room are three doors one of them being the master bedroom, bathroom and the other being Rex's study but it also used by the other whenever they need to write or fix something.

Rex walked towards the study to change into his armour it's mostly inspired by the outfit he gained when he awakened the third sword but due to not having the tech or materials, the lower half is similar in shape but changed to his height and signature blue with new salvager boots and held with up with various belts and straps. He still has his anchor shot in his hand now reinforced with wire salvaged from World Tree. Underearth the armoured exterior is a skin tight dark blue one piece that covered his torso, upper thighs and arms. He also carries a large bag that carries the more bulkier bits of his salvaging equipment.

The kitchen was now alive with sounds and smells with years of practice being put to good use.

"Smells good what's that?" Rex asked from his study muffled by his poor attempt to slip into his skin tight one piece.

"Bacon and pancakes do we still have an Linka honey?" and almost instinctually a voice came from the master bedroom

"The cupboard on the right!" Pyra was already coming out of the bedroom not even out of her evening wear ready to help. she loved cooking breakfast for her family of seven and neverminded when others pitched in but always somehow took control on the room even when sick she always wants to help as she no longer wanted to be Rex's blade strictly for battle as she was never really the best at it or particularly enjoyed it.

"No not again! I got it this time and you barley got any clothes on!" Mythra interjected but failed keeping her sister out Rex watches from his study and laughs to himself he knows how this will turn out and treasures the peace he fought for. He goes towards the master bedroom dodging the fight between the Aegis sisters and carefully wakes Nia.

He opens the door gently and opens the curtains and windows the sun is raised high in the sky like any other day and placed a hand in her shoulder and shook her a little only to be met with a light kiss on his hand and across the arm towards his face with her arms wrapped around his back staring into his eyes.

"Early riser remember?"

"Not as of late no?"

"Ey whatddya mean by that!"

"Nothing much just saying you- We've gotten a bit uh lenient..."

"Did Morag rub off on you that much during training or do you want to get me in a bad mood?"

"Uhh.." Rex was stuck he looked around the room looking for an excuse although he was never in danger.

"Heh just kidding mostly now you go get dressed don't you got a mission all the way out there I'll go get the kids down here."

"Fair enough but who eats breakfast in full armour?"

"Dunno hasn't stopped us before" Nia strutted away with a slight sway in her hips as she got dressed and left the room.

-

Breakfast was ready before long cooked to perfection and set on the table with Rex waiting at the head of the table with only half of his salvaging armour equipped, Mythra sat at his left slightly annoyed that she let Pyra take over as she can be surprisingly stubborn.

" Rex what did we say about your anchor?"

"Oh right sorry I just sometimes forget that its there wont happen again Pyra I promise salvagers honour." He dislocated the anchor its weight was negligible at his size and with how long he fought alongside the tool it was natural as breathing. Not soon after the pitter patter of feet came down the stairs of their kids Mio, Milton and Glimmer ran down the stairs with Dromarch and Nia trailing behind in a small conversation.

Mythra looked bolted her son and gave him a morning hug before scooping up Glimmer and Mio

"Mom you don't have to do this every morning, I feel like your gonna crush my core!" Milton barley had the breath to speak but eventually gave in and hugged Mythra back along side with Mio before she slipped out and greeted her dad and mum, Glimmer gave in and hugged her to and gave greetings to her mother and father.

"MhhphthisisreallygoodMythrathanks"

"Breaths Rex..." Mythra was a breath away from staring daggers at her husband.

"Sorry this is just really good thanks!" He looked to his right and saw his son wolfing down his food at the same speed as him.

"Slow down kiddo its not going anywhere!"

" Yeah but you are where to and why?" Glimmer cut in getting looks from across the table from her brother.

" Dads going somewhere? Sweet I wanna come with!"

" Milton you know why you cant come with besides you haven't even summoned your weapon yet."

" I can just use your spare it can't be that hard! "

"Don't know how good that's going to be against the World Tree's defences and Guldos" Rex looked at his son that becomes more like him by the day wondering if this is how the adults in his life felt around him when he was a kid "Besides you can always train that's how I got better"

"C'mon Milton you heard your father" Nia said from the other end of the table Milton sits dejected but accepts regardless while Mythra watches on carefully analysing the situation before saying anything too damaging to her sons enthusiasm.

"You can come with me today to Origin how about that just us?" Mythra looked at her son and his eyes light up the room.

"What no fair! me and Glimmer haven't been yet and we can summon our weapons and all" Mio looked at her Ma and Da to try and bargain her way in but Rex didn't have any objections to it and though it might help his son learn how to summon his weapon on a solo adventure with his mother Nia could tell what Rex was thinking through their affinity although she didn't approve of separating their kids for any reason she liked them all together where she could keep and eye on them she couldn't be blamed for that any mother would worry.

"Mio you could always come with me today-"

"But Ma I wanna go on a adventure like you did I can fight well and would have sis to patch me up!"

"Wha- don't bring me into this I got music practice today I don't want to miss that!" Although Mio's evasive combat style was effective it was still raw around the edges given her inexperience in fighting given the people around her was far above her skill level even holding back all of her parents could see the holes in her defence and any attack she threw out would be countered, dodged or blocked. Glimmer blade weapon is far more focused on support so combat skill wasn't a necessary focus rather ether control but she adapted to that naturally.

"Right if you want and adventure you could help out at Garfont should be a mission there you can do Pyra can you watch her? I'll have Nia with me out there with me in case things get bad." Rex said from the head of the table "Glimmer I trust you can handle yourself right?"

"Sure should I get anything while I'm out or..." Glimmer was often seen as the most responsible one out of the three kids and was the first to awaken her blade weapon but was a bit hard to get though her walls as she wasn't easiest to read emotionally.

"No not at all. Nia ready?"

"Yeah sure lemmie finish this quickly no clue how you eat so quickly..."

-

Breakfast was done soon given the important tasks that was set up for the day as the family of seven stood outside the family home. Rex gave a glance over to the Village Guardian where the Logos core was hidden then towards his family he wished he could've stayed home all day with them but he was seen as the hero of Alrest by the public a title he was given that while he does not mind feels like he has to live up to not only for the sake of the world but the promise he made to himself his role in the world he fought for.

"Glimmer best of luck to you yeah?"

"Sure dad thanks..." Glimmer wasn't the best of just showing her emotions but she knew her dad could tell she was genuine Pyra soon gave her daughter a kiss on the head before seeing her off towards he music lesson.

"Ok so the ships gonna to leave in ten don't want to reach the harbour late wouldn't be a good look for me"

"Wouldn't be the first time, me and Milton are gonna ask Azurda for a ride Rex you good with that?" Rex gave Mythra a nod before heading off to the dock with Nia.

"Still don't understand why we cant take Siren it would be way faster"

"Milton I'm sure you know better as to why you can't" Mio gave her brother a tired look understandably so ever since he knew he was the child of an Aegis he wanted to pilot Siren the second he knew he can fly it from Mythras stories. but the truth is that Mythra blocked Milton and Glimmer access to the systems of the World Tree and the artifices just in case.

"Ugh don't remind me not my fault I can't summon my blade yet!" Pyra ruffled Milton's dirty blond hair making it more spiky then Rex

"Hey don't feel so bad it's going to happen eventually I'm sure of it! Mio lets go catch up with your Da ok?" Milton looked towards his dad just wanting to know how he protects everyone and always make them smile.

"Milton!" Rex shouted across the village.

"Watch your Mom for me you got this ok!" Milton stood there just looking at his father in a confusion knowing he can't summon his blade weapon yet but he didn't care he would protect his mom regardless weapon or not. Mythra looked at her son and said only for the two of them to hear.

"Big responsibility think you can handle it?"

"Of course I can I'm the son of the master driver I can do anything!" Milton shot back if anyone can do that it was going to be him not his sisters, mothers or father he would do it all on his own and be the hero he wanted to be.

Right?

Chapter 3: Destruction and Recreation

Summary:

"Let's begin the experiment" A quietly said to themselves as for the why they couldn't guess maybe they missed their creator heir "father" as their siblings would put it maybe it. A dark door made of a purple fog manifested itself not long after despair and regret filtered through and A could sense it hell it was strong enough it could've made a second Z if it went out of control.

A stepped through knowing that they wasn't needed at these last moments Origin was currently fulfilling its original purpose so it would sort itself out and even at worst case scenario something did go wrong Rex and Shulk would've covered for them.

Notes:

Made small edits to chapter's 1 & 2 as well as changed the title to be less XC2 centric cus I messed up the title.

leave comments below and enjoy this mini chapter before we go into the XC1 verse!

Deep inside Origin A goes uses their administrative permissions to delve into the mind of one particularly person as they spent close to and eternity spectating the endless battle between Keves and Agnus is now finally coming to an end. A's curiosity was often put to the side as they always had more important things on their mind ever since they came into existence makes even though the last time they followed their curiosity it ended up with the creation of another universe but they felt that they owed it to themselves after all they done besides it was relatively harmless anyway the data for Logos was quarantined inside Origin Z made sure of it although he was not to one to bring him to the accursed endless now.

"Let's begin the experiment" A quietly said to themselves as for the why they couldn't guess maybe they missed their creator heir "father" as their siblings would put it maybe it. A dark door made of a purple fog manifested itself not long after despair and regret filtered through and A could sense it hell it was strong enough it could've made a second Z if it went out of control.

A stepped through knowing that they wasn't needed at these last moments Origin was currently fulfilling its original purpose so it would sort itself out and even at worst case scenario something did go wrong Rex and Shulk would've covered for them.

Malos's mind space wasn't like that of Pyra or Mythras it was dark, cold and empty like the heart of his driver. He sat in his mind space sifting through memories of his life on Alrest the data from Origin and of the few bits of data old world that wasn't lost or corrupted. He often wondered of what could've been if he'd been if he'd been someone else's blade he had his preference as he has the free will to do so unlike most of his kind.

What kept him occupied the most in his mind space was the data from Origin and what specifically happened to him or rather how they used the essence of his core he though it strange as last he resembled his core was cracked and ended up "dying" in a sense. Was it reincarnation? He ruled that out but the data proved otherwise he couldn't lie against it and the boy that used his soul to free it from the endless now or rather how he failed to do so after losing the girl he loved all those years ago in that cursed world.

" You thinking about what you're old partner would've approved of your actions are you?" A voiced in a corner of his brothers dark mind space.

" So now you can read minds as well as see the future? Father must've had a favourite" Malos sneered barley looking in A's direction focused on the display of memories and data Infront of him.

" It's not that it's just that I know the look of a grief and regret you would also know these feeling if you have lived the life you was given."

"Would you call being trapped in a sword living?"

" I mean the one one before the endless now."

"Alrest huh... Well it's not like I'd be going back there or anywhere after this." Malos looks towards A and the rest of his mind space. " Would you rather a change of scenery?" Hand placed on his hips as usual with his grey eyes peering endlessly into the abyss of his mind.

"It would be more preferable but I don't mind where we are now"

Malos turns his back to A and continues sifting trough data it stayed that way for a while before he spoke up again.

" Time will resume and the worlds will separate what will happen to me."

"Your... soul will just be data lost within Origin and me and Pneuma's cores it's unknown what will happen next as a core from the trinity processor hasn't "died" in a traditional sense you will be the first. A voice wavered slightly but still remained monotone and fair without bias mush to their personal dismay.

" Can you change it?"

"Change what?"

" My future. Use that "god" given power to restore my core given that you're father's favourite and could do things my and Mythra cant do."

"I cant make any promises but I'll try."

"Try?" Malos turned to face A face staring dagger towards his sibling " You can make an entire universe and save it but cant keep what's left of my soul?" A looked towards the ground in shame his comparison was fair but misjudged his anger was justified but wrong he wishes he could blame the influence on his initial driver who initiated him into this world but Malos had the gift of time to sort out his own personal issues but in short he was being an irrational dick ironic given his name sake.

"That's the best I can say."

"And the rest of my crew? Can you bring them back?"

"Your band of criminals named Torna? No."

"Why not." Malos was becoming more hostile, impatient and emotional? surprising given the data and namesake A thought.

"To put it simply when a core comes into contact with human DNA it becomes... corrupted in a sense and the result from that can vary." A speaks as if any word they say could set him off.

" Blade Eaters, Flesh Eaters and those Guldos..." Malos murmured under his breath.

" However one member is alive." A says and within the same second Malos' eyes widened and he stepped closer as if to grab them.

"Who?"

"Wait let me see..." A scanned through the data of Origin for half a second to remember their name. " Mikhail he seems to be fused with a core crystal but he wasn't initiated into Origin.

" The kid survived... good" He gave himself a small smile " However you still didn't answer my question"

" Simply put no. they are dead and you are not if I tried to bring back the dead results could vary for the worse especially given their status as Flesh Eaters as you would put it."

"and I'm the exception why exactly? I'm dead just like the others."

"And like I said before your "soul" is currently just data just like many other souls in Origin and given your status and an Aegis your data is essential for our higher functions.. Besides I've seen how you have used the Pneuma core in the past to regain lost data from your core after it was damaged." Malos stepped away from A and crossed his arms almost on instinct tilted his head and looked in their eyes they reminded him of how Jin would stare into space at times or towards his beloved driver.

"I thought as much but in all honesty what pisses me off the most is why I cant bring myself back from this purgatory those human forced me into in an effort to save themselves."

"It is because you don't have permission."

"Oh because Z said so or what ever poor soul who spent their life building this thing? Never need it then tell me how to get back to the world of the living."

" No Logos it is because you do not permit yourself." the wisps of dark smoke stopped drifting aimlessly and the air filled with roaring silence Malos left his mouth open mid sentence and only looked towards his feet then to A.

" Stupid why would I need my own permission! that doesn't make any sense."

"Emotions don't never made much sense to me either I admit but such is the matters of the heart that is something you would need to figure out." A only thought of their journey on the Bionis and how distant his persona of Alvis was to Shulk and his companions to how he longed to be with them in their adventure even with that with fulfilled on Aionios he did not give him self the permission to open up towards his new friends or to fully exercise their power even in its limited capacity.

"Did Mythra ever need this so called permission?"

"From what her husband told me I would assume so and you would be the cause of needing such permission"

"Husband?" Malos questioned with a million possibilities running through his mind.

"I see you don't know." A chuckled to themselves "Makes sense your form was limited to N sword and by in Aionios it makes sense you don't know much. Even here within your mind the answers are lost to you."

"Well now I've made up my mind I want to live that's for certain now."

"Surprised that humanity has changed that much?"

"From what my driver believed I thought they would never change Jin almost believed in such things too. Shit did I influence him to think like Amalthus especially so soon after Lora's death..." Malos' mind filled with regret at the thought of passing down such an cursed belief one he barley broke out of on his death bed.

"From what you've told me about that man I think he would be glad that his kind are seen as equals in your land. A gave a soft smile that made Malos relax and he unfolded his arms and undid his more hostile body language. " Malos."

"Yes?"

"I think that Jin has influenced you if anything given your demeanour and how you treated your crew in the coming moments before your death"

"Aw is that it am I a good guy now is that it?"

the two siblings laughed between the two of them filling the void with a laughter honestly from an outsider point of view they would look insane.

" A promise me one thing." Malos looked towards A's eyes still in the soft warm smile from earlier.

" Like I said before I-"

"Just promise me this one thing ok?" A's smile left and was replaced with it regular indifferent glare.

"Fine I promise.

"Bring me back I don't care if its a regular core or my usual one fuck it even if I lost my powers as a Aegis or return in a mortal body as long as I come back with my memories I'd be fine with it use what's left over of your godlike powers to make it happen. I just want so see the world that Jin fought so hard to create look like one where blades and regrettably humans can live in peace." All in one breath his inner most thought ran from his mouth desperate for closure.

A looked at Malos and thought to themselves as to why he would be so desperate to live again was it to return to his old ways and rase the world? No he wouldn't he would never disrespect Jin's dream now that Rex and his partners made it reality in their would much as he would never return to the role of Alpha and destroy the world Shulk fought for. "Very well you have my word."

"Thank you A"

"You can call me Alvis if you wish."

"That was the old you as far as I'm aware no?"

"Well yes but actually no."

"Don't even want to as if that's your answer." The hands of time begin to resume as Origin begins to fulfil it original purpose time was running out between the two Aegis siblings.

"It's honestly a shame that you've never awakened to your true potential Malos I wonder what you would've been capable of." The dark and hostile space of Malos' mind began to dissipate and a blinding light began to walk in.

"I thought so to but perhaps it was for the best hell maybe I'll get to it in my next life." His form began to waver purple motes of light began to rise off his body like steam from a cup of tea.

"Hey one question" A gave out out a slight sigh from Malos' endless barrage of questions and his lack of time worrying themselves.

"Anything for you go ahead."

"Why do you look like that I don't mind it per say but I just wondered if its something we all could do."

"I chose this form to separate myself from Alpha would you prefer my old body?" A seemed a bit sad they liked this new feminine form.

"No it's just that if Jin was still around around would he..." A inner thoughts quickly banished themselves to the ether

"Oh I cannot say but if you want to take a different form in the next life-"

"Forget it... it was a stupid question he only had eyes for his precious driver anyway..." only Malos' upper torso and arms remained his body was fading fast. " Just remember our promise A..." Malos fully faded as his mind space became a blank void as if he never existed but that was far from the truth his impact on the world was too great to forget.

"I'll remember I'll go fulfil our goal don't worry anymore Malos." A gently waved her hands through the last purple motes held them for a brief moment then let them go into the metaphorical wind.

A clock struck in the distance sounds of children playing Origin was successful fear turned to hope and life to continue to what is was before.

And a promise was fulfilled.

Chapter 4: Everyday Life: Definitive Edition

Summary:

Today's is the day after queen Melia 100th birthday that in of itself should be cause for a national holiday but there is something more important behind the scenes and Nikol knows it he can read it on their faces.

Notes:

Lost the original draft of the work cus I was a idiot R.I.P so this got delayed by a day or two.

Hope you enjoy the read!

Long ago when the world was young everybody used to live on two landmasses that looked a lot like people they were called the Bionis and the Mechonis and I know that I'm too old to believe in fairy tales besides I'm the son of the worlds greatest inventor a man of science and apparently fighter! I found that hard to believe at first as it simply seemed illogical like what if they moved or had to use the bathroom how would we even have survived or how impossibly tall they would have been hell how would they even support their own weight or even leave footsteps at the bottom of the sea as proof of their existence yet only their lifeless corpses remained scattered in pieces.

Luckily for me this world has several forms of preserving information from the ancient tablets of the giants to the buildings of light the High Entia and Machina use on a daily basis to record these moments in history for several generations to come I should count myself luck that I'm here today if the stories of my world are true and if so I promise I wont waste it.

"You still write in that journal?" Crys walked in his voice crawling up from behind Nikol as his back faced his bedroom door.

"Of course every great inventor has to keep a journal whether it be scientific or mundane I have to leave something behind for the future." Nikol swivelled on his seat to face his older brother and stashed away his journal. His brother looked just like his father with his tiresome expression and long blond hair taller than his mother but acted more like his Uncle Dunban as of late with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes a worrisome habit Nikol has noticed.

"I see. Well I have a lesson soon your going to be helping father out at the lab?"

"Obviously although there isn't much to do so I'll take a detour to find some junk parts. Wont be long though." Nikol often wondered why Crys didn't inherit his father natural talent for tinkering with machines or his mother natural aptitude for fighting but he didn't care after all different people are cut out for different things after all Crys was far better at public speaking than he could ever wish to be or keeping cool under pressure when talking to colony officials or just people in general he often wished for his mother extroversion at times. With a flash he wished his brother a goodbye hopped down the stairs and was ready to run out the door.

"Erm where do you think you going!" that tone of voice was enough to stop a Homs dead in their tracks if they had any.

" To the lab! Well erm beach first to find some washed up parts..." Nikol looked towards his mother just a head shorter than his brother with an accompanying eyes and smile hell even to some face and hair at some points in his life Nikol doubted the strength of his father genes.

"Your just like your father at times.." Fiora swore under her breath at times she doubted the strength of her genes to give her son a bit of sense to pick up some food before leaving the house. "Here don't let me keep you." Fiora handed over two bags filled with sandwiches packed with special herbs and spices just the way her boys liked them. " Ones for you and the others for Shulk but I know you can count that high right?"

"Of course I can I'm not a baby anymore!" Nikol stuffed those bags into his larger one he often used to carry whatever he needed carrying stained with oils from years of tinkering.

"Thats my boy. Go on change the world for me your mum ok?" Fiora gave her son a quick peck on the forehead he was truly adorable to her.

"I'll be back before dark I promise maybe...." Nikol shouted before running out the door

"Just like his dad..."

-

Colony 9 has changed a lot in the 12 years since the fall of Zanza now with many of the barriers that held it back from expanding being the threat of the Mechon or the Telethia each district had its chance to grown and expand into the new land that surrounded it while keeping its original layout still the same. The Residential District experienced the biggest boom and is where most of the colony residents live now housing a mini market street that's open all hours of the day with homes that went into the new land. The old Anti air battery to its left was decommissioned and now repurposed to the new Transport District now housing many Havres transportation services and strange airborne creatures from Makna for those who dare try to fly to the new Bionis or Mechonis islands. To the right of the Residential District was Outlook Plains a small area that connected with the Residential District and eventually connected to the Commerce District with its signature outlook park overlooking the area and now with the addition of a small beach that sat on its base. The Commercial District was packed it was longer, louder had more shops heck even the buildings got taller the people livelier and the sheer amount of stuff available was almost tyrannical almost as if you were punished for not making a choice on what to buy in the moment. Nikol did not want to go there unless he absolutely had to he always preferred the quieter market in the Residential District besides they mostly sold the same stuff. The Military District was the least changed starting with its outer most walls being taken down and the expansion of actual weapon development rather than the housing and training of soldiers. The small room which once held the Monado was now converted into his Fathers personal lab and study with only a select few being permitted keys to enter it at anytime.

The walk down to Outlook Plains and it new beach wasn't anything not worthy and especially not the parts Nikol found this day many of the more complex mechanisms or particularly sensitive parts were water damaged beyond repair and some had even rusted through which was uncommon of metal originating from Mechonis he theorised that the salt water might be the case but as of right now he didn't want to think anymore he was just disappointed especially after the waves from last night and the way they were striking the land he was sure something would've turned up.

"Whoa an Angel Engine! I cant tell what model this is but I can't complain!" The engine was coated in a goo like film that was common to find from many metallic objects originating from the sea so it took Nikol a bit of effort to clean off given its size. "I have to be careful one wrong twist and that will be the end of it cant let this go to waste-"

WOOF WOOF

"No not now! Volff don't come this deep far in Homs territory!" Nikol was on edge in an instant head swivelling from left to right luckily the three Volff were all Infront of him as they have snuck him from behind as he was rummaging the beach for parts. The beasts were moving in on Nikol their grey fur and red hair homing in on his position Nikol was ready to throw the part to buy him some time but he knew that would aggro them further.

"Should I swim? No where to and how long could I do that for hell could Volff even swim?" Nikol looked towards the shores the promised him safety but the beasts were moving closer if they had coherent thought they would've thought him to be a fool to come out here alone he didn't even have the physique or voice to scare them away not the mention the non existent battle experience. With each moment the beasts drew closer and time was running out Nikol winded up the part in a last resort gathering the energy to swim.

"NIKOL!"

"Panacea?" With a quick wave of her spear the three Volff moved back attention focused on her.

"Wha- What are you doing here I thought you were at Colony-"

"Stay behind me and watch my six! Focus on the battle!" Panacea was more like her father than her mother a decent shot sure a medic absolutely given her heritage but her real strength came in her will to fight. The Volff charged at her simultaneously but that was no trouble for the esteemed defender.

"Give me some space! WAR SWING!" With a single swing of her spear in a wide arc all three Volff were knocked back a good distance away from them two were dazed from the attack so that gave Panacea a bit of time to rush the one left standing down the middle just as she planned. Her hand repositioned themselves at the proper positions as she took her stance and rushed the beast that was still standing. One shove of the spear was directed towards the beasts head but it just managed to dodge to her right Panacea quickly shifted her self to face monster but was forced to shift into a defensive position as it lunged towards her and caught it teeth on her spear unable to fully close it jaw.

" Bone Upper!" a quick jab to the animals underbelly followed the bind left it wide open for that attack as Panacea freed her hand the beast was winded but not weak and so with her hand now caught up in the animals fur she threw it towards the still dazed Volff causing heavy damage to both. Nikol was honestly terrified on how strong this woman was at this point he didn't even want to think about how strong her father could be especially in his prime. The enemy was now pinned on top of each other not at a severe disadvantage limbs hindered by the shiftiness of the sand.

"Good been waiting for this!" Panacea saw the perfect opportunity to try out a new move one that could handle multiple opponents in a situation like this as the problems with a spear is that cant do devastating area of effect damage on its own so she needed a bit of boost luckily she had just the trick. Quickly Panacea gathered the nearby ether and focused it into her spear she didn't care what type of ether it was along as it would do the job in fact that was the most necessary part of this art to lose control. The shaft of her spear vibrated with tremendous power and the spear tip was about to burst with energy it was no Sword Drive in terms of brute strength but this was her Art one she developed to surpass it and suit her fighting style. She dug her feet deep into the sand and got into a sturdy stance in a attempt to avoid recoil as much as possible. Panacea cocked back her spear and aimed at the newest victims of her soon to be signature art and let loose with a burst of ether energy Infront of her.

"SPEAR DRIVE FIRE!" In an instant her predators have become prey and now become history now accompanied with random burn marks across the sand where the Volff had been with electrical ether energy lingering in the air as side effect of this art as the gathered ether energy wasn't focused into a particular element or served a purpose so it left a status condition on the unfortunate soul that got hit by it. Panacea her self was blown to the ground hand shook with the sheer force of the attack ether still lingering around her.

"WOW how'd you do that!" Nikol shouted with joy unaware of the looming threat behind him the last Volff he left unattended at his rear jumped up to position an attack the the young inventors head.

GRAHH

"Oh shit!" Panacea got up from the sand as if it was poisoned and took aim she knew she couldn't run over to Nikol in the state her body was in after that attack it was still in development after all. "Hate using this art but I wont lie it has its uses!"

"HEAD SHOT" Any unassuming passer-by would've sworn they saw a bullet fly with the speed Panacea threw her spear it wasn't even built for that like the hunting spears used the by Hode tribes of Makna Forest and in the same second with an deafening crack the skull of the Volff gave way as the rest of the spear made its home inside it guts with the tip sticking itself in the sand with the body suspended in the air.

"Did I not tell you to watch your six?"

"As I recall you said to watch YOUR six" Nikol stated plainly

"So you could remember that but not the rabid beast behind you?" Panacea shot back but there was no fire in her words just a sense of protectiveness Nikol didn't flinch or waver when Panacea yelled or looked at him sternly unlike others in fact he never did he trusted that woman with his life and he did today.

"What was that art anyhow never seen anything like it!"

"The one I did just now or the one I did before?" Panacea said as she dusted herself off and walked towards her spear separating it from its latest victim and washing its blood with the sea water.

"Both of them!"

"Well the one just now was nothing more than a basic spear throw even though this weapon wasn't built compensated with a bit of ether control and brute force don't like using it though leaves me defenceless and I'm not gonna fight barehanded never a good decision that.

"And the one before?" Nikol was completely enamoured by that last attack replaying it over and over in his mind on a loop with each rerun giving his young brain a fresh hit of dopamine.

"Well you've never seen it my but Dad's got this super strong art called Sword Drive stupid strong no clue how he even learned that but I knew that I needed to learn that however I don't really want to wield the same weapon as him not my style. So I changed it made it my own and made it better by adding a bit of ether control."

"Well a lack of it from what I can see..."

"True but it works for now when I have to use it problem is right now is that the metal can't really handle the amount of ether I'm putting in and it's not made to be used like that so it warps and bends not to mention how shi- I mean inefficient my ether control is." She finished cleaning off her weapon and attached it to her back.

"If you want me and my dad could make you a better one made just for you!"

"Really? Don't want to owe you anymore than already I do..."

"Panacea it's fine we're good friends you don't have to feel as if you owe me anything. Tell you what ill make it by the end of this week!" The idea of making a weapon like this was already making Nikols head run a million miles a minute he just couldn't wait to get back to the lab.

"Thanks Nikol seriously. Anyway just saw you come all the way down this way on your lonesome and just wanted to say hi."

"I feel like you would've stayed and kept watch regardless" Nikol said with a slight smug it was rare to see him act this as Panacea was a small group of people Nikol could feel truly comfortable with and vice versa.

"True that. Anyway got what you were looking for?!

"Yep an Angel Engine X it looks like decent condition too!"

"All right knowing you and your dad your gonna make something good out of it or I dunno use it to build more power frames."

"That would be such a waste given it rarity!" Nikol looked offended by that statement to use such a rare item for such a common piece of equipment nowadays."

"Oh Nikol by the way not a word to anyone ok?" Panacea went back to her usual self at this point weapons sheathed and eyes loaded and arms at the ready.

"Obviously I'm not that much of a tattle tale..."

-

Location: Military District

Shulk sat at his desk idlily playing with a spare gear cycling it between his right fingers still in disbelief that he had it again after all this time hell just plain impressed that origin worked. It has been somewhat of a routine for him to start his work early in the morning then came noon he and his son would finish what's left of his works as well as teaching him a thing or three as Rex would often say but he knew it was important for a kid to well just be a kid and routinely forced him out of the lab to get some fresh air.

"Nikols running a bit late strange..." Shulk thought to himself not worried just taking not of the situation idly counting to keep his mind busy and not rot away. " He wouldn't come in late without a good reason heck I might as well live here by how much of my time I spend down here. " Shulk began to work on his Monado Replica EX+ perfecting it and trimming down the design attempting to make sleeker like the original as well as improving on its durability and weight.

"Sorry I'm late got side-tracked finding parts!" Nikol busted into the lab the door was all ways unlocked whenever Shulk was in there.

" Oh did you find anything good" Shulk turned to face his some he wasn't surprised he almost broke down his door again at this point fixing it was akin to doing the dishes than changing a ether lamp.

"An Angel Engine but I have an idea on what to make with it!"

"Oh? Care to share?"

"I would but.. I would like to do this on my own if you don't mind course I'll come to you for help if I need it but I feel like I need to do this." Shulk looked at his son and gave him a silent but accepting nod he was eager to see how this would turn out.

"Oh and if you don't mind can I borrow the blueprints for the Replica Monado I want to study how it can handle large amounts of ether without compromising the weapon?"

"Sure anything else?" Shulk asked with a sense of pride he loved seeing his talent burn brightly in his son.

Nikol then felt a bead of sweat drop from his face his throat began to tighten he didn't know why but he had no reason to fear his father or the answer he would give him but given I surrounded a very sensitive topic he felt like he need to be more gentle about it.

"Well um what exactly happened to Origin? no uh what even is Origin and why was it half finished and where did it go yesterday it just disappeared without a trace!" Shulk began to open his mouth to speak but Nikol kept going filled with worry.

"And the way all the adults keep talking about it made me feel like if we didn't get it right the world was going to end I heard... a lot of different things like another dimension or something or other its even got the queen scared. Dad did we do something wrong? Did we make another enemy do I have to fight-" Shulk closed the gap between them faster than the wind could move and took his son in for a close hug that told Nikol everything he needed good and bad.

"Us fighting? Never not again and don't worry about Origin it's done it's job so we can all go about living okay?" Shulk looked in his sons emerald green eyes a lot of Nikol reminded him of Fiora especially in her ability to read a room combined that with his analytical mind and well nothings ever going to get past his boy. All Nikol could do was let out a sound of understanding he could really say yes as Shulk held him a hug too tighter than he could handle but he didn't mind it but he also didnt want to prod the issue any further so he just left it alone for the moment.

HUFF HUFF

"I thought I lost you! Nikol you left your bag at Outlook!" Panacea rushed in with a small bag in hand breath running out as much as her forgiveness for the boys forgetful nature while almost interrupting a moment between her teacher and his son.

"What I thought I had it with me the whole time?" Nikol said as he left Shulk's arms.

"Thought so too but I noticed when we was walking through the Commercial District that it was missing told you to wait for me near Dunbans!"

"Sorry guess I didn't hear you Commercial is pretty loud these days"

"True but what could you have been doing to possibly leave your bag behind with Panacea running in like a rabid Volff?" Shulk cut in with the mention of Volff making the pair wince recalling the viscera from earlier that day.

"Swimming!" Nikol had to fill the silence with something there's no way he could tell his dad about a potential near death experience.

"Swimming? but your bone dry." Shulk scanned his son for a drop of water while Panacea was counting her hours ahead as a free lady before being grounded for eternity by her parents.

"Well the part was buried in some sand on the shoreline and I didn't want to potentially get my bag wet it has our lunch in it! Nikol knew this lie wouldn't pass without some suspicion but he had to try unless Shulk assigns him a bodyguard twenty four seven.

"True enough I can smell Fiora's cooking from here." Shulk then faced Panacea " Didn't know you guys came to the Colony 9 today where's Reyn and Sharla?"

"He took my mother out shopping in the Commercial District for a bit before coming to meet with you he told me you would be at Outlook Park at this time if I wanted to see you early teacher, but I found Nikol there instead and I couldn't leave without saying hello." Shulk gave his son a quick scan as if he were a Mechon then did the same to Panacea making note of the strained and warped metal on her lance that rested on her side.

"All right that makes sense thank for looking out for him Panacea"

"No problem teacher!" Panacea couldn't believe that her teacher just brought such a half assed lie even her father could see through it without batting the metaphorical eye at it.

"Oh Nikol the blueprints you are looking for are in the usual place. Feel free to use what ever you like in here and don't worry about clean up." Shulk gave his son pat on his shoulder and placed his lunch in a corner of his lab.

"Thanks dad!" Nikol said before Shulk left the room with Panacea following suit.

"Well then guess it time to see how the leader of Colony 6 defence force is holding up? Shulk looked down at Panacea with a soft all knowing grin. "Lead the way."

"Sure thing like I said earlier they are going to be in the commercial district so we should begin our search there." Panacea looked towards her teacher and she knew that he knew that was a shitty lie like seriously who would lie to the smartest Homs to ever exist.

However to find her mother and father would be as easy breathing compared to every trying to convince Shulk of that lie.

Notes:

Eyy you made it to the end next chapter will be XC1 cast focused also who could Melia potentially end up to make Eunie I got a back up idea for that but I know you guys prob have a better idea.

Chapter 5: Angel Spear

Summary:

Shulk was reminded of his childhood when Reyn was essentially his body guard when he was a frail orphaned child all those years ago he was now glad those days of him being so frail were just a memory although his younger self would have their reservations on describing Reyn as a reliable person that title more so fitted someone of Sharla or Fiora.

"Only something my dad can do... I wonder if I can do the same make everyone feel safe you know be their shield."

"But your not your father I can see that." Shulk cut in stalling Panacea's train of thought

"Well obviously I am my own person besides I hate the look of those old colony scrap drivers"

"The ones I perfected? You wound me my student."

Notes:

Got sleepy so chapter was cut short will release the rest soon leave your thoughts!

Location: Commercial District

The sun was raised high in the sky as afternoon had officially made its debut its heat smothering the colony in its embrace filling every corner the laughter of children and the gossip of adults made their home in the air smells and songs demanding your attention with every second step you take that was the dance of Colony 9 Commercial District a island that never stopped breathing in the life that was put in by the habitants of that shared world. A dance that Panacea would never get used to as she was used to the more refined streets of Colony 6 priding themselves on their latest infrastructure making it the most advanced city in their world barring Alcamoth but it was loud in its own right but Colony 9 just had a different allure to it that only grew in recent years maybe because it was the home of two of the world saviours being the Hero Of The Homs Dunban and his successor Shulk.

Shulk and Panacea walled towards the Ether Light which stood since the founding of the colony according to some historians as it was the centre of the Commercial District and the entire Colony.

" Knowing my father he should be around here." Panacea looked towards her teacher and only saw him gazing in the distance towards the old edge of the colony and past Dunban's old house a place that held many memories now filled with a man and his family creating new ones. Shulk regained focus now out of his nostalgic haze he redirected his focus back on his student.

"True that but it wont be long until he finds us he always has a habit of popping up whenever people need him."

"Until he finds us? I guess I can see what you mean by that, I've been on the receiving end of his reliability and I'm glad he makes me feel safe you know."

"I understand that feeling its something only Reyn can do no matter what the situation is." Shulk was reminded of his childhood when Reyn was essentially his body guard when he was a frail orphaned child all those years ago he was now glad those days of him being so frail were just a memory although his younger self would have their reservations on describing Reyn as a reliable person that title more so fitted someone of Sharla or Fiora.

"Only something my dad can do... I wonder if I can do the same make everyone feel safe you know be their shield."

"But your not your father I can see that." Shulk cut in stalling Panacea's train of thought

"Well obviously I am my own person besides I hate the look of those old colony scrap drivers"

"The ones I perfected? You wound me my student."

"No-no! I mean no offence by that obviously its just not my style can take a hit or two but I don't have the patience to dance and dodge around the enemy like Dunban"

"But you hate to see your friends get hurt I understand."

"So what do you think I should do. Be like my Dad or just go full support and learn proper healing?"

" Just be yourself" Shulk stated simply " That is how you will protect everyone."

"Just be myself...I'll keep it in mind." Panacea looked towards her teacher tears threatening her perfectly practiced image at such simple yet meaningful words.

Shulk and Panacea strolled around the Ether Light in a anti clock wise fashion circling many stalls with a comfortable silence between student and teacher although their different in their personalities got along with each other perfectly.

"Yo Shulk this way!" Reyn voiced ran over the crowd, stalls and various noises and unmistakably loud grabbing the attention of everyone in its vicinity hell the entire district if you wanted to exacerbate. Shulk turned his head to face him but Reyn was already on his way acting in contradiction to his earlier words Shulk didn't care if anything it was expected and it was comforting. When coming into arms length Reyn scooped up the Homs and snatched him into a hug.

"Aww man its been forever since I saw you! did you get taller or something?" Reyn eventually let go and Shulk eyed the taller Homs in the eyes.

"Would be weird if I did if anything I'll end up taller than the Bionis!" Both of them chuckled like it was the old days before they became such respected men within their colony's.

"Hey Panacea what'd you learn with Shulk just now given your now his student?"

"Nothing important today yet we just arrived to the colony remember?" Panacea gave Reyn a look that reminded Shulk of Sharla and scarily so.

"Of course I remember just had my mouth full of Giorgio Curry it's been forever can't you blame me?"

As father and daughter went on between themselves Shulk eventually spoke up as to why they were back at Colony 9.

"Reyn you never did say why you came back to colony 9" A sour expression covered Reyn face his head and shoulders slumped as it always did Panacea only mimicked the same face.

"It's Otharon he's not doing so well... Think he's at the end of his life just came to ask if you'd be attending his last moments I know you'll show now but I didn't know if you'd get the message in time so I came by just to make sure already told Dunban and the rest."

"I see.. he's about seventy now if I'm remembering correctly? He was always too stubborn to retire and rest."

"Impressive isn't it at the rate I'm going I don't think I'll live to half of that."

"Don't say that!" Panacea quickly got out her words shocking both of her elders

"Sorry won't say that again promise just got a bit... never mind."

Shulk kneeled down and rested a hand on his students shoulder offering her his seemingly infinite wisdom. " Don't worry about that Panacea you know that you mother will make sure of that and I know you will too." A dark air hung over the trio of defenders at the news of one the looming death of one of their allies.

" You know the more that I think about it I don't think you tried out Giorgio's curry want to go there for a quick lunch?" Reyn gave out a cheeky grin that dispelled the bad air.

"Yeah that would be good.. but would that mean your having seconds?" it took Panacea a bit of effort to supress a sniffle and a tear Otharon was a good mentor to her taught her a lot if he usually wasn't ranting about having pride in one's colony or the battle of sword valley.

"Always got room for more, Shulk you game?"

"No got some work to get through back at the lab besides Fiora made me lunch earlier."

"Alright see you later man literally I wanna see how Nikol's doin!" A quick chuckle left him as he went away with his daughter towards the colony's famed curry.

-

Location Military District

Nikol was fast at work with his new project a weapon made for Panacea as a way to thank her for being her friend for so long and covering for his admittedly fixable flaws as well to tackle a complex problem and invent a solution. What he was going for was three things for this spear one durability given that it was an offensive physical weapon used for both offence and surprisingly enough from his observations defence given Panacea's fighting style as she would put herself Infront of the enemy and hold their attention through sheer aggression. Two ether compatibility to better improve her upcoming signature art as its after effects intrigued Nikol as and he wanted to see his friend perfect this and surpass her father something he also wanted to do one day his sources of inspiration being his father's Monado Replica EX+ and the queen of Alcamoths World Ender elemental staff as it had a staff like base he could work with as inspiration. Three coolness he wanted it to look cool and recognisable so that everyone who looks at it would recognise it as Nikols work something to impress and surpass him.

"Ok that should do it for a first draft time to stress test the metal for ether compatibility " Nikol often talked to himself while inventing a trait that he picked from his father it helped him keep track of his often frantic inventing method. Nikol temporarily linked a small ether cylinder in the centre of the spear it would be taken out once the metal proved efficient with the ether he would do this himself but he had no talent for ether control.

"Oh am I interrupting anything?" Shulk walked into his lab as Nikol left it partially open only hearing whispers of his monologue.

"Dad!" Nikol didn't even hear his father enter the room as he was now standing in the corner of the room watching his son work and taking note.

"You do know that is liquid ether it would dissolve the metal and the user. Most ether we use is gathered from the air or from crystals."

"True but I can diffuse it later."

"And if done incorrectly you'd made an acidic vapor it's not worth the risk in battle especially for a melee weapon"

"I understand that but its a stress test for ether compatibility"

"Ether compatibly? Ah so that's why you wanted the blueprints for the Monado Replica."

"Right for ether absorption and distribution." Nikol eyes shined with an emerald passion in the brief stints of eye contact he made with his father as he worked on the weapon.

"Let me take a look at it before you burn a hole through your shirt again." Shulk went towards the table the spear was only half formed and was clearly only made as a proof of concept similar to the very early models of the replica Monados made by the Machina it even shared the same central mechanism to control the ether as seen in the World Ender but it was made for melee combat rather hence its improved durability, and it bulkier build. Shulk could tell what this was an who it was for but he didn't want to spoil the young inventors after all he spent years of his life developing weapons he know what a weapon would look like no matter how far into production it was.

"Here I'll add a diffuser onto of the cylinder once I disconnect it from the Angel Engine then we can spray in onto the metal to test the metal." Shulk talked through his actions while performing slower than usual to demonstrate and teach the younger inventor. "Nikol mind putting it back together as it was before?

"Sure it will only take a sec..." Nikol picked up the other half leaning on a corner of the lab it connected without a hitch allowing it to be taken apart for repair and alteration at this stage of production. "There it's connected are you ready on your end?"

"Ready I'll begin distributing the ether." With a turn of a dial a soft green mist coated the weapon the metal naturally drew in the ether and showed no signs of warping.

"More ether! Nikol said with a hand over the nozzle directing it over the weapon.

"Slow down Nikol we cant push a new invention too far too quickly!"

"It can take it!" Nikol turned up the dial more eventually reaching the max and the cylinder was quickly emptying out and was being absorbed by the weapon it gave off a soft glow and vibrated softly. Before long the cylinder gave out small bursts of air before it only gave out blanks it was empty Shulk put down the contraption by his side while Nikol ran to his new weapon.

"Whoa the spearhead is glowing its holding the ether really well for a first draft!" The ether naturally formed around the spearhead and mimicked it shape its sharpness was on par with the crude spearhead impressive for an inventor at times like this Shulk wished that Dickson was around to give it proper form.

"Careful you could cut yourself on that."

"I know it just looks so pretty " The green of the the spear mimicked the eyes of the Nikol as he started deep into the transparent light." Now how to disperse it?"

"You could always try it yourself give it go."

"Me no way I'm no good with ether manipulation besides I don't want to break it because I was sloppy."

"You made it to be durable beside you said it your self that it can take it." Shulk gave his son a comforting look as Nikol hand touched base with the spear its weight almost toppled his body forward the vibrations chattered his teeth it glowing green head carving soft crevices on the ground and table.

"Wish I added a manual button to shoot it all out...." Nikol mumbled to himself as held the weapon unsure of what to do with all of its latent power a quick glance to his father only made him even more unsure as he simply watched. "I...I don't know what to do at this point what do you do when using an ether art?"

Shulk closed his eyes and put a finger to his mouth as he often did deep in thought. "I usually imagine the element I want to use and how it would form and function the rest comes down to how much energy I put in and experience I'm afraid I don't have any real technique."

"So if I image a fireball?"

"Yes so lets not do anything drastic."

"Ok well I'll think of wind ether that should be ok besides there wasn't that much energy in the weapon." Nikol stiffened his grip and got into a familiar stance and pointed the spearhead the the entrance of the lab to avoid blowing away any parts and paper and focused his aim on the light from the far end of the long corridor. He began to remember a stronger breeze he felt on day on Outlook Park and how it almost blew him down and began to focus that memory into the weapon.

WHOOSH

In a instant he was blown back into the wall and was winded instantly as the butt if the spear drove into his abdomen the wind itself disturbed everything that wasn't nailed down and left the lab decimated the door was now rendered into pieces of driftwood and splinter's.

"Nikol! are you alright?" Shulk ran towards his sons side unaffected by the blast of wind

"Yeah just got hit with my own weapon that all" A soft laugh made its way out. "Sorry about messing up the Lab... I think I'll need to get my own eventually" He stood up and placed the spear down now depowered but still in tact.

"Really makes sense you cant keep waiting in me to be in here I'll arrange a room for you as soon as possible." The thought of his son growing up pained Shulk but it also made him proud after all he already had an older son in Crys so he was already prepared in a sense but he knew he would never be ready. "What will you call it?"

"Call what?"

"The spear or staff it looks like a bit of both to me"

"Its a spear but I had to use the World Ender as a base for ether compatibility I'll find someone who can forge a blade so I can make a proper version one. As for the name I'll just call it Angel Spear for now."

Shulk was taken aback by how powerful the name was despite it simple origins given the events earlier that day.

"Angel Spear... yes that'll do nicely"

Chapter 6: Lessons & Lovers

Summary:

It's often said that dreams are visions of a past life and if its true what what that say about you.

Crys is at a crossroads with his identify as a Homs is he destined to be a murdering man for all his days to lie to those he loves can he hope to break the cycle within himself and confess the weight the of his sins.

Notes:

No longer sleepy here's the rest sorry it took so long!

Location: Residential District

Not long after Nikol left the Ortiz household Crys went back to his room to pack a few more items being his flute, a book containing many pieces of written music for future and current lessons. He gave himself a quick look in the mirror double checking himself much to his dismay his eyes were just like his fathers down to the shape but it was lacking it signature vibrant blue and seemed even more tired despite his youth. Hair long and taken care of thanks to his mother's advice although not as blond as his fathers in comparison he stood tall and dressed more formally than most preferred. Crys descended down the step at his own pace neither in a rush or with urgency on time and calculated with all his items in a satchel that rested on his side.

"Another lesson today?" Fiora asked her eldest son while giving him a squeeze on both his cheeks a habit she never stopped doing to both his sons since they were born with Shulk becoming her latest victim. Crys gently put her mothers hands down and looked into her green eyes and softly spoke with an newfound caution.

" Yes although this might be our last lesson together I'm sure he will go on to do incredible things with his talent as I will do with mine."

"Ah right he always plays so well I'll miss it when you and the team would play at the Ether Lamp it always calm me and colony right down." Fiora casually messed with Crys clothes and ironed out some details he missed although there wasn't much to fix she just needed to so something with her hands and keep close to her son as he was becoming more and more independent.

"If you want I can play just for you and father."

"No it's fine besides we can always record your performances so we can replay them at anytime."

"It's not the same it sound terrible when recorded!" Mother and son gave out a soft laughter between the two of them Fiora would have never imagine a life like this years ago with Shulk and their two young boys.

"Alright ready to go?" Fiora held a small fob in her hand to their family Havres gifted to them by Melia when Alcamoth got rebuilt as a way of saying thank you although it spent most days being tinkered by Shulk in their garage for efficiency every other year and now spends it time collecting dust ever since Shulk and the team stopped exploring the new Bionis and Mechonis islands and started to use Junks once it was repaired from the incident with the Fog King. Fiora and Crys made their way to the garage and booted up the Havres the ether engine warmed and hummed a testament to Shulk's work over the years.

"Strap in cause I wont be going slow!" Her hand were on the steering mechanism and the machine responded adeptly it levitated off the ground by a couple inches and hovered out of the garage. "Shifting into second gear!"

FWOOSH

"MOM SLOW DOWN WERE NOT GOING TO BE LATE RIGHT!" Crys was barely strapped in his seat before flying through the air matching the pace of the winds.

"Hehe sorry! Just wanted to see the view from all the way up here it's been forever since I've been this high. Besides the air is so much fresher up here!!

"Yeah and so much colder! The wind was dragging the tears out of Crys eyes bringing back a heartfelt smile that he hasn't given out in so song especially after how long her spent worrying about Origin along with the rest of the world.

"There see it Alcamoth! did you know that the entire central city can move around kind of like a Havres?

"That's just a myth mom city's cant move!" Crys had to shout to keep his voice audible over the howling wind as Alcamoth hovered in the distance much closer to the the newer Bionis island that rested below once done with the city expanding onto the newfound land with Homs like architecture surrounding the central High Entia city that shine and crystal white and bled a mint blue in the night and lit up the sky's like the seas it settled in.

"It's going to be about... 20-ish minutes until we reach Alcamoth." Fiora slowed down and Havres and put it in auto pilot stepped down from the control deck and stepped down to the passenger area where her son hand wiping the tears from his face and fixing his hair back into place. " Since we got time how about I tell you a story"

"Actually I was thinking you can tell me a story about uncle Dunban?"

"Dunban? You really look up to my big brother huh?"

"Well I really want to be like him tall, cool and influential..."

"Influential? that's a big work my your really becoming like him then. Well what story about him you would know about?" Fiora looked at her eldest son and wondered why he chose Dunban over Shulk she didn't complain or saw anything wrong with it she just assumed she'd take after his father but that seemed to skip a generation and cemented itself in Nikol.

"Well it about his wife I always wondered how they met she looks so cool with all those orange wings and crown is she a princess?" Crys eyes widned as he never built up the courage to ask them when he was younger and Dunban was often out making diplomatic journeys all over the Bionis making time as a family had proven to be difficult as of late given their new roles since they are all parents.

"A queen? well I guess she might be if you consider that her dad was once of the Mechonis. Hmm all right well if I'm remembering it all correctly it started not long after the defeat of the Fog King..." Fiora started to reminisce and told her story on how Dunban and Vanea became an item.

-

12 Years Ago
Area: Alcamoth
Location: Ascension Hall

It was a three day's after the defeat of the Fog King at the Alcamoth royal gardens after a meeting with the other races of their new shared world consisting of the Homs, Nopon, High Entia and Machina considering the state of their world and how to move forward from that point on Fog Beast attacks were estimated to become less frequent but it was too soon to tell at this point and Melia was soon to be officially crowned queen in a national ceremony publicly showing her true face to her people unlike last time a year ago. The current group with the exception of Dunban and Riki was grouped at the teleporter at the furthest end of the Ascension Hall situated on the elevated floor above the Bionis and Mechonis mural that stood since time immemorial

"All in all it's too soon to say what to do with the remaining Telethia and the remaining Fob Beasts now that their king is dead. Melia stood before her friends in her new dress a short white and blue dress with large shoulders and a wide waist, a white collar with a large pink bow, thigh-high black boots, and a blue headband with white flowers it suited her well for everyday life and surprisingly for combat her wings stood free and proudly in the open regardless of their smaller size that she was once conscious about.

"True enough hopefully Teelan's research goes well its unfortunate that was destroyed by Gael'gar." Shulk stood closer by Melia side and gave her a look of comfort as the memory still haunted her as she thought that she died that day as she dove in head first to save the research that could hold the secret that can rescue the rest of her people.

"I don't want to say or think anything more of that man I'm glad he did us a favour and spared us the effort of hunting him down across the Bionis." Melia stood as tall as she could and surpassed the memory of her near death experience at the hand of that man single handily over his ancient ideals over the purity of High Entia.

"His death is still not confirmed sister." Tyrea the self acclaimed empress' shadow even after Melia acclaim to step into to the light of the new world but she insisted to stick to what she was good at and protect her crowned sister from the dark. "I shall hunt him down until the ends of this world and the next but until then I cannot rest not after the attempt on Teelan and yours dear sister."

"I understand that much but we must focus our efforts to more pressing matters such insects like him must be forgotten and eaten by the filth of the world." Melia presented with an newfound edge.

A small moment of silence hung over the small group even though the battle with Zanza and before the Mechon has ended long ago there were still battles in the shadows of their world that not even the power of a god the authority of a queen the respect of a hero or the strength of a community cannot over come. Fiora was the first to break the silence to try to make the newly crowned princess feel better about her self as she lost an insurmountable amount in the past two years from her Father, Mother's, Brother her people and almost her home.

" Can we see the gardens?"

"Excuse me?" Melia was broken out of her self pity and anger towards the man who stood against everything she stood for.

"The Imperial Villa a little birdy told me it's been redecorated just the other day..."

"That's impossible! We barley started reconstruction on Alcamoth besides even we did start the Imperial Villa wouldn't be a priority over my people!"

"As true as that might be somebody has to make you a priority from time to time. A girl must have a space to herself you know even if she is royalty!"

"When did you guys have the time! I... don't have the words..." Melia was brought to a point of tears remembering how she nearly gave up on many occasions during her journey whether it be her love towards Shulk towards the Telethia that killed her four most loyal guards in Makna or just the despair she felt over the deaths of those closest to her she never felt that that she had the right to be happy to enjoy the life that she had fought for against a god who told them otherwise. " Well I guess I cannot refuse such an offer! " Melia took the lead and ran towards the various steps and corridors and to get to her favoured gardens the same ones that housed the memory of her biological mother all those years ago.

"Never seen Melia run that quick before! Sure she isn't using the Monado for that?" Reyn was taken aback as the white winged princess became a blur to his gigantic stature.

"Maybe your eyesight's getting worse maybe a effect of getting old!" Sharla shot back as sharp as her various rifles

"O-Old? Hold on a sec I'll prove you wrong! Hell I'll shoot the horns of an Armu from a mile away!

"Do that and you'll be seeing me in the hospital."

"Might do any excuse to see you is a good one." Sharla gave herself a dirty grin after remembering their last appointment a couple days prior Reyn noticed this and doubled down "Might need a check up think I've come down with something..." her grin turned into a full on blush with heat collecting in her core however such an innuendo wasn't unnoticed given Reyn's boisterous personality.

"REYN!" Fiora quietly shouted to not ruin Melia's moment and gave him a quick dose of sense via a hit jumping on the head.

"Just like when we were kids..." Shulk thought to himself. "Come on we cant let her get away!"

The group of trailed behind Melia in a messy group run with Reyn being on the receiving end of Fioras relentless assault of discipline.

Landmark: Imperial Villa

"Do you think we done a good enough job?" Dunban questioned his work after a days worth of gardening.

"Ooh Melly look so sad so Dun Dun and Riki make her all smiley smiley! Riki danced around Dunban as he gave the garden one last look as Melia and co. were bound to come in at any moment. "Also Dun Dun have arts based on flower so Heropon know he right Hom Hom for the job!"

"It's just the one but I guess your right have I told about my fondness of flowers?"

"Hmm no Riki not know that Dun Dun like flower." Riki stopped dancing and stood still and faced the Hero of the Homs as best as he could with his shorter stature compared with the rest of his humanoid friends.

"Well to put it simply my late mother had a garden before it got destroyed by a Mechon raid when I was a child Fiora was still very young by then so she might not remember clearly however it was also the same raid where she lost her life. And so to honour her memory I kept up maintained of her garden whenever I had spare time however I was a child alongside Fioras primary caretaker so it was very rare that I got to tend to it. Unfortunately we lost that house in another raid and most of the plants didn't survive even the small plants in our newer home feel abandoned and eventually I became old enough to enlist in the colony's defence force and well the rest is history."

"Tale of Dun Dun so sad... Is that why Fiora named after flower? Because Dun Dun's mamapon like flower's?"

"Never thought of it that way but If I had to guess then maybe so."

The sound of automatic doors could be heard in the distance with the sounds of many running towards his direction. Melia ran in the forefront of the group with the rest trailing behind.

"I... I can't believe it...It's almost like it was never broken." Melia turned towards Dunban and Riki at the centre of the villa surrounded by the display of floral elegance.

"I do wish we could've recreated it one to one as it was before but-" Dunban was quickly interrupted by a quick hand to his lip from Melia a rare gesture of physical action Melia wanted to take in the sight.

"You all did this for me... *sniff* thank you..." Tears began to flow from her eyes without restraint. Fiora was finally happy that one of her closest friends could finally be happy for herself for once in a long long time she couldn't stand Melia pity party despite how well she tried to hide it. Dunban quietly removed her hand from his lips as she was frozen in it sight.

"I guess I'll leave you alone I don't wish to interrupt your moment."

"After all this no you can stay you don't need to feel like you need to leave for my benefit" Melia tried to protest but Dunban was already beginning to make his exit. "Dunban please stay you deserve to appreciate your efforts." Melia went back to her more royal self but still heart warmed from the earlier.

"I'm afraid if I do I'll be late for my meeting but I promise you all I'll return soon."

"Oh what you got a meeting with some colony official or something?" Reyn shouted out from the far back.

"I guess you could say that but I promise I'll be back before long. Sharla watch the boys for me Fiora take care of your self and Melia please allow yourself to be happy." And with a quick bow Dunban head off back towards the Ascension Hall with a small bundle of flowers hidden beneath his wounded arm underneath his cape such a detail didn't escape Fiora's eye.

"It seems that Dunban is in a bit of a rush. Is something wrong with him?" Melia questioned Fiora who had a soft smile on her face with her hands held behind her back and skipped towards Melia who stood at the centre of the Villa softly petting Riki on the ground.

"Hehe I'll tell you later much later when we have the time" Fiora gave out a soft giggle that told only told Melia a part of the picture now she was truly lost until Fiora told her more. Shulk gave Dunban a quick glance and recognised the look in his eyes the eyes of a man that found love which was exceedingly rare ever since the departure of Dickson his former lover only known to his inner circle a open secret amongst his friends.

"Shulk you noticed too don't you?" Reyn down towards his friend how seemingly began to grow again Infront of him starting to threaten his height

"Shh! I don't think he wants everyone to know even if we do see right through him."

"Really I just thought I was just being clever still Dunban you sly dog..."

Landmark: Ascension Hall

Dunban walked down the corridors of the Ascension Hall making slight adjustments to his hair Alcamoth it self was still relatively empty given how it was recently declared safe for civil living so he only saw the occasional explorers civilians, builders and High Entia officials when roaming the snow white city. Though a retired warrior his sense were still as sharp as the steel he brandished only dulled by the love in his heart as he walked towards the meeting point in one of the many pods on the outer ring of the city a little corner of privacy in this open area with a breath-taking view of the entire city.

Vanea stood on the outer rings watching her lover walking towards her from a distance her eyes are far better than any biological being but that could not stop her heart from racing she actually found herself nervous as this was her first love outside of Lady Meyneth in her long life she paced towards the pod in a poor attempt to hide a prepare her calm and caring personality. She perfected her ash grey skin that paired ruby red eyes and ethereal orange accessories and native Machina clothing she felt ready to love for the first especially to man who complimented her emotionally.

Dunban was approaching and Vanea and she knew it each step he took closer and closer to that pod made her reconsider every word she had yet to say the first out of many Homs to accept her people when they first came out of hiding. Vanea had her back turned towards the pods entrance in a effort to bide more time to steady her heart as that man has an enchanting effect on other whether or not he realises this and uses it to its fullest potential she does not know.

"I'd like to thank you for earlier." Dunban spoke first softening his voice to not scare her way his words made Vanea turn softly to eye the man with hair as black as night with eyes that shone like the stars" Your Mechon drones helped the search for those particularly flower's much easier it would've taken several day's by hand if not weeks and so I thank you."

"Well it was simply the most logical solution there is no need"

" Even still I must give my thanks... and more" Dunban revealed the flower's he hid in his caped arm and presented them towards his silver saviour with a slight bow. A small container was presented with a bundle of Lewisia Silver a flower that was often grown in Agniratha that grew wildly even after picking.

"Oh my! That's but how-" Vanea hands rushed to her face then the flower unsure on what to reach. " Agniratha was destroyed either it all fell into the endless sea or was evaporated by the explosion!"

"That might be true but I'd made sure to collect some of the flowers when we were there. It's a hobby of mine that I've revisited as of recent..." Dunban persisted in his bow in his attempt to hide his fore coming blush.

"Thank you Dunban... I'll never forget this I don't know how I can ever repay you..." Vanea let her hand brush through the silver flower's although their stems long and messy and intertwining but the care put into its growth is clear. "You can raise your head you know. Vanea gave out with a quick laugh.

"I guess I can fair lady..." Dunban managed to supress his incoming blush and rose to meet eye level with a slight tilt of his head in adjustment. Vanea held the vial of flowers in one hand with the other gently playing with the silver petals. She didnt have anymore worlds to give to such a thoughtful gentlemen she took a step closer and took her hand off the silver petals and carefully grazed Dunbans chin and cheek being aware of her own strength as to not hurt the man her orange decorations reflected off of his grey eyes allowing her to peer deeper in his soul she could tell as a product of her long life that he was wounded yet full of love, lonely but surrounded with those he cherished dearly.

"Vanea..." Dunban murmured his deeper voice settling in her mechanical core Vanea wished she could keep the sensation there forever Their lips grew closer and their eyes began to close the ether began to settle.

Their lips made contact. Dunban savoured her metallic flesh and indulged in it digging deeper for more begging for a deeper taste. Vanea took in Dunbans scent and sank into his soft flesh a rarity given the hard edges of his homeland she felt the blood rush across his face in her hand and tasted the iron from it and the taste stole any sense of restraint and she wanted more as the moment lasted for an eternity.

GASP

"That was lovely... I would like another if you would let me..." Vanea held Dunban close with one hand stroking it with a desperate fever eyes locked in a dance. Dunban was standing as tall as he possibly can given his partners larger taller stature but he didn't care for appearances as they were all alone.

"Well then approach me, If you dare..." Dunban knew he could've overstepped but it was a flirting style that always worked out for him in his past and was proven correct when rewarded with another deep metallic kiss reminiscent of the blood in his mouth when on the battlefield. They stayed with each other close and intertwined like the stems Vanea held but it was interrupted.

"Vanea there is something I wish to tell you..."

"What is it please tell me..." Her head ran with anxiety's hoping she didn't do something wrong or whether it was something to do with his preferences in potential partners.

"It's just that in my past I've seen other people I hope that not a problem given who he was and what he did." Dunban left her personal space and retreated into his more introverted self his arm began to ache and his eyes began to darken and shut in his deep and loving soul.

"Dunban please look at me" Vanea put the vial of flower's down on the ground and held him by both shoulders to force him to approach her. "I know what Dickson meant to you I've heard in passing and I know of how you reviled his action as he proved is devotion to Zanaza and how you mourned as he was killed on Prison Island and how much you proved in your efforts to apologise to the people of Mechonis after learning of our history I was there to see how you changed and how you love." She pulled him in closer and readied herself for her next set of words. "And I for one do not care."

A fire burned in the Homs hotter than any ether furnace as all his doubts about their relationship burned away as he ran into the third act of their act of passion hands roaming each others bodies but not venturing any deeper as they were still in relative publicity in the ruined city. The two separated after a time and held each other close as they sat on the nearby integrated pews in the pod.

"Thank you Vanea it's just that I thought that I can-" Dunban was cut off and Vanea stroked his hair taking in the varied textures and length.

"Don't worry we Machina do live a long time so ending up with someone with previous partners is not uncommon please do not fear."

"But after all he did- No after what I have done..."

"You didnt know any better then and when you knew of our existence the first thing you did was to right those wrongs. And I forgive you Dunban I truly do." Dunban could have cried after hearing those words but his pride would never allow such a moment of weakness to show even if it did make him seem more sterner than he would actually would've preferred.

"When you have a moment I would like to invite you back to my home I have more plants from Mechonis that I would like to grow and I would like you to be there."

"For company or assistance?"

"Cant it be both?"

"Sly Homs, very well I'll come over when I find the time"

"Well then it's a date." Dunban rested his head on his lady's shoulder's and Vanea leaned in and held him close the two of them lay there staring though the windows surrounding the city falling into a light sleep sharing light kisses from time to time.

-

Present Day

"And that's pretty much it well at least from what he told me." Crys only stared at her mother with a sense of disbelief

"You skipped over a lot of parts there mom."

"Well obviously how am I supposed to know the parts I weren't there for besides he rarely tells that story no matter many times I ask him." Fiora walked back onto the control podium and began to descend towards the city below and docked the Havres in an empty dock. Fiora descended from the vehicle and held her sons hand as he scaled down the oddly shaped vehicle.

"Alright guess we're early! There's a bakery not too far from here that Melia told me about it the other day lets go see it before your lesson!" Fiora looked at her son who's eyes trailed the stone ground towards the open streets leading to the cloud white centre city.

" That would be nice I could do with a pre practice snack." Fiora held out her hand to hold Crys' he responded in kind a bit embarrassed but held onto it receiving a surprising firmness alongside a sense of comfort. Mother and son walked down the streets it was informally as outer Alcamoth or "Outermoth" for short but it was formally known as Gran Dell to which nobody really minded the architecture was mostly Homs like with a more castle like aesthetic with much more metallic accessories on many buildings and a grand clocktower and a fountain at the city centre where one could walk to any of the other districts or inner Alcamoth.

"Ooh! I can smell the bakery from here we should hurry before they run out!" Crys picked up his pace leading his mother along.

"Ok ok just be careful!" Fiora skipped along to pace alongside her son. Before long the two were at the shop entrance Fiora looked around and knew exactly what she wanted and eyed a Sweetest Debt the shops pride and joy although much smaller as originally made a year ago. The two of them walked into the store and was greeted with the homely scent of bread and various baked goods carpeted floors furnished with many desks, chairs and even scented candles.

"Hello Hom Hom! How can I help friends!" Arara was on a stool to meet at eye level with Fiora and most other humanoid customers.

"Hello there! I would like one Sweetest Debt! Crys what would you like?" Crys stood as tall as he can for a kid his age and made eye contact with the Nopon and began channelling in the image of his uncle to steady him self.

"One Sweetest Debt to go please."

"My my littlepon so serious! maybe is all grown up?" Arara almost got so scared that he almost fell off his stool but managed to secure his place by the tip of his fur and grabbed a hold of the desk to scootch himself closer.

"Oh sorry... did I say something wrong?

"No no just so serious, however Sweetest Debt cannot be made to go unless you don't care for cleanliness of clothes in which case Arara doesn't care."

"Then I'll have it to eat in." Crys relaxed his posture and lowered his shoulders and watched as his mother handed over the gold and received the devilishly sweet treat. The two of them sat near a window that had a great view of the central fountain.

"Crys you've seem a bit down lately is everything ok?" Fiora had not yet taken a bite out of her dessert even though they have been sat down for about two minuets.

"Well I can tell you for sure its not about the upcoming performance I've kept up with my practice and in terms of school I'm doing pretty well."

"You know that not what I mean."

"What could you mean?" Crys knew he failed to deflect the conversation and knew he couldn't change the subject. Fiora's eyes shifted into a worrisome position her emerald eyes began to shimmer with tears but she hid it behind the façade of a toughened mother but she knew she couldn't keep this up for long and her time was running out even when prodding around her sons emotional defences.

"Well I can't force you so please take your time and please tell me what's gotten you so down."

"I uh.. well its" Crys cannot tell his mother about his nightmares he had of late that he knew were memories from previous lives at times of him being on a battlefield seeing many faces before putting them down as if they were a common animal others with him dying by the blade from an army in white angular armour with each dream sequence having the intensity of a memory down to the scents, feelings and emotions. There was no choice but Crys had to do something he was unfortunately good at due to his more mature dementor compared to other kids. Lying that was his only option and to his mother no less Crys hated himself for this for how personal this felt towards him and what it meant.

"It's about Origin." Crys stammered out his hand now under the desk fumbling with his clothing to keep him grounded to this world and to build up focus and courage to look his mother in the eye and lie to her. "I've... overheard what it's meant to do and well I'm worried did it.... work?" Crys knew this was a shitty excuse and an even worse performance but he knew that people would believe him hell any adult would and it wasn't an uncommon fear for those in the know especially for someone in his position as the eldest son of the chief engineer and on further inspection of lone nights a victim of its results and he knew that he wasn't an idiot that blindly trusted whatever an adult said even if they have his best interest in mind.

"Ah I see it makes sense" Fiora held her spoon by the edge and cut away a small portion of her dessert and pulled it towards her on the plate. "Maybe we should've have hid it better from you its not right for a kid to know about stuff like that." Crys saw an advantage to better cement his lie but he knew he had to play carefully and set the foundations of his tall tale carefully before his mother saw right through his strategy."

"But why! You always told me and Nikol to always be honest with you and dad and especially other people."

"Although true but... there are times where you have to hide to truth to protect other people."

"To hide the truth? What do you mean?"

"Well.. I cannot say for sure (Maybe Melia would be more suited to conversations like this...) have you ever lied to protect something or someone?"

"I don't know I guess I would but I cant say if I ever had to...." Crys was on the backfoot and his foundation was shook but his defence was still salvageable. "But I hope I never have to."

"And what would you do if you were forced to?" Fiora knew this was uncharacteristic of her but it was her best offensive tool given her own experience.

"If it was necessary then I would but until then I would try at least try talking through the problem first" Crys hoped that his mother brought his lie so he can just leave this entire scenario was stressing him out putting a strain on his heart physically and emotionally. Fiora could tell his son was lying but decided to let it be she had her own secrets and stories and apprently her eldest son she knew to bring this to Shulk later to talk about but until then she would let this lie and walk past her it hurt her too as Crys looked so much like Shulk and it hurt her.

"Thank you."

"Huh?"

"Thank you for telling me the truth Crys. I never knew that this affected you so much." Crys had succeeded much to his knowledge he began to take small but calculated bites of his treat to not show his excitement over tricking his mother he knew he wouldn't be able to live with himself after this especially with the knowledge that he might be a serial murderer killing a myriad of children for hundreds of life times as sin that was carved in his identity.

"Oh shoot the time guess piloting the Havres at that speed was for nothing I suppose!"

"The what?" Crys glanced at the wall mounted clock and in his shock looked towards the far larger one outside just to reconfirm. "Oh no at this pace I'm going to miss-"

"Just go Crys I wont keep you! You know the way there right?" Fiora teased

"Of course I do! I'm not little anymore!" Crys packed his things and took one last bite from the Sweetest Debt leaving it half finished much to his dismay and began to run out of the door" Oh and Mr Arara thank you!" Fiora gave her son a wave through the window as the Nopon emerged from their nap it as he needed it for the oncoming lunch rush as his store was quite popular. Fiora looked through the glass by her side watching her son run off into the streets of Gran Dell blaming herself for not seeing these signs sooner she looked down at her plate with the dessert taunting her vison.

"Well... although not all went down terribly, two cakes for me!" with a swift hand she ate both cakes without a second thought almost to the point where she wondered if she even brought any at all.

-

Location: Gran Dell
Area: Commercial District

Crys ran through the city streets lightly painted with the rain from the evening the night before he took care not to slip but made the effort to run to not be late but not fast enough to mess up his perfectly tailored set of clothes he ran past the fountain into the Commercial District giving a quick glance to the grand clock to check the time.

"Ok good four and a half minuets left guess I can slow down a little don't want to get there out of breath that would be a bad look."

With a quick pass around a corner almost tripping over and turned up stone in the path or bumping into the occasional Nopon he didnt see although he was barley that much taller than them. Two and half minuets went past and Crys arrived at the studio theatre although unassuming from the outside as a consequence of the Homs architectural style for survivability and functionality over the years he entered the building as if it was his second home and wiped his feet on the abrasive carpet underneath to dry the moist crevasses under his shoes he receptionist at the front desk as quite smile he came often where he recognised his face so asking for permission to enter just an unnecessary precaution.

"There comes the star of the show! a bit later than usual Crys you ok? Mr Devvon sat up from his slouched position and fixed up his hair and shirt he was a Homs that stood tall with earthy grey eyes and medium length brown hair accompanied with an old war wound on the side of his torso that he kept hidden paid with a few scars on his hand a consequence from repairing the many stringed instruments in his usually dazed state.

"Just got caught up nothing to worry about. Is everyone ready?"

"They sure are honestly everyone always comes in early what's even the point of setting an entrance time. I might as well hand over the keys to you your much more punctual than I am!" Devvon hand a hand to his head slowly leaning back into his sleep before his lunch.

"That sounded a bit too real..."

"Hah! knowing you it will happen eventually keys to the studio! Go on Noah and the rest are waiting for you." With a quick wave from the older man Crys walked inside navigating the various dark corridors until he reached the main stage where various classes were getting in their seating position determined by their instrument and role not by experience and instrument as many assumes. Crys made he way onto the large stage where he was seated to the front right of the audience as the lead of the woodwinds for the song they were practicing the stage's shape optimised to direct sound towards the audience without the usage of technology as it was seen as dishonest to the art.

"Crys! You came I was wondering what took so long!" Noah who was was four years his junior but just as skilled through Crys' devotion in teaching the art of the flute.

"Of course I would come somebody has to lead."

"Thank goodness! I don't I would've managed if you missed practice or much less during a performance." Noah fidgeted with his flute looking down at it as it was coated in a black that reminded him of the night sky with bronze patterns that swirled around it. Every flute had the same pattern and design with unique designs being given to those in high positions or with distinct talent.

"OK PEOPLE POSITIONS!" the conductor demanded the attention from everyone in the room like as if it was a monster hushing any and all rouge conversations not permitted by her. She stood taller than most men with full length white wings and hair rarity among those in the High Entia given the recent past with a strict face adorned with soft mother like features and green ether accessories that was a part of her day to day clothing.

"Yes Ms Myers!" The entrer room of talent ran to their positions and began playing the anointed piece. Sections of musicians were silenced as to not tire them out and to better hear how others were playing or to be subjected to scrutiny. Lead players were put on the spot and performed double the practice to ensure perfection. Her hand was sharper than any sword Dunban wielded with many years resting behind her eyes many more that any Hom thought possible this went on for hours on end before they were given the sanctity of a break. By then Crys had off his outermost layer's for more mobility to further enhance his perfect form as the forefront of the woodwinds.

"At this point Ms Myers is going to drill us harder than Square-tache." Crys used a spare handkerchief to help clean out his flute during his break.

"Square-tache?" Noah questioned while doing the same as his older friend.

"An old defence force colonel from Colony 9 he's kind of ancient history the more I think about it."

"Older than the Bionis?"

"Probably older!" The boys laughed but not too laugh and the space can redirect sound well enough where a person sitting at the back of the audience could hear every word they said.

"Well I'm glad we don't have to fight like our elders now we can live in peace like the queen promised." Noah faced the Homs in his blue eyes rivalling his own.

"The queen huh... yeah I guess she did promise that well she's been saying that a lot lately."

"Hey Crys your family is close to the queen right like really close!"

"Shh! Not so loud it's supposed to be our secret!" A couple heads threatened to turn even Ms Myers couldn't resist such gossip.

"Sorry.... But well I've been having dreams where... Eh never mind it sounds stupid." Noah redirected his focus back to his flute but this wasn't unnoticed by Crys."

"No it's alright what type of dreams?" Crys leaned closer using his shoulder to create a make shift room for any sake of privacy.

"Well dreams of fighting with a whole theatres worth's full of people I don't know."

"I see did you do anything... more?"

"I don't know sometimes I was hurt or doing the hurting but they aren't very clear..." Crys leaned even closer but kept an eye out for any prying eyes.

"Makes sense not all of my dreams are clear... Was I in any of them?"

"I think so you had longer hair and a red sword or red armour I'm not sure..." Crys' theory's were all but confirmed it was a past life there was no way their dreams had similar features between the both of them.

"Really? well I've been having similar dreams but I cant remember any bigger details just feelings and when I wake up but when I'm actually dreaming I feel like I'm living a whole other life..."

"Same! Wait you believe in past lives?"

"No not really... But hey if you do have any more of these dreams tell me about them I maybe we can sort this out." Crys gave his younger friends a comforting smile as he peeled away opening up the space between them.

"Well I believe they are past lives most people think that what dreams are." Noah began to adjust he sheet of music to the current verse adjusting his posture ready for the next round of drills."

"Past lives? I'll be more open to that..." Crys reset into his form an noticed that the break was running out given that the tension in the theatre was rising like bread in the oven. He put the flute towards his mouth and prepared his next breath already knowing what need to be played as he had it memorised but he looked towards his student turned friend wondering if he would accept him after knowing the truth about his past life that he was a murderer a liar, manipulator he wondered if this is what fate had in store for him in this current life and the next if Noahs theory's about dreams were true. But now wasn't time to worry it was now time to be the best person he could possibly be serving others with his music that was all Crys felt he could do right he wasn't as empathetic as his mother or as smart and helpful as his father he shared nothing in common with his familiy aside from looks and even then he barley thought so as of late as he looked into the mirror with each and everyday.

He hoped he could turn back the hands of time and be better.

Notes:

Quick info dump about the character ages cus I kinda had a uh oh moment while writing all this and never specified anything

Add 12 years to the canon age for any XC1 and XC2 character

All of Rex's kids are about 9 years of age
Panacea and Crys are 12
Nikol & Noah are also 9 years of age

Chapter 7: Just A Name Nothing Special

Its been twelve years since the cloud sea dispersed and the titans joined with the land the endless sea of white now changed with an endless sea of blue in all decorated with many smaller islands the shapes of the largest titans that can be made out in the distance the have now become one with the land covered in an spirited green vibrating with the new life with the eternally present world tree in the distance looking over all of Alrest now known as to all as the last standing artifacts from the world of the architect.

The stories of a sea of white were beginning to become stories towards the newer generation used to inspire those born into a world free of strife with more land than people knew what to do with. Food, water and other resources aplenty. Tales of ancient drivers and their legendary blades now lost to those who remember of sealed in pages of forgotten literature. The miscellaneous items and decerped budlings from the old world saw the sun for the first time for close to an eternity fresh air needlessly running throughout the myriad of half forgotten alley ways and shops, concrete drinking up fresh rain water and letting it pool on the tops of roofs nurturing new life the grew off the sides to eventually scale down like hair off a head.

Azurda's draconic roar spread freely through out the air wings open flying freely sandwiched between the blue of the sky and the sea, the sun kissing his back with a holy warmth that spread throughout his body and blood. Mythra stood proudly unaffected by the altitude or speed her long blond hair trailing behind her well groomed keeping its signature shape and style from five hundred years ago. Behind her was Milton keeping low towards the ground keeping in his centre of mass for even a sliver of control his hand dug into the grass foot firmly anchored to the ground but the boy held his head high ignoring the small tears streaming down his cheek spiky hair that had his mothers golden shine that now started to dirty with streaks of brown in later years.

"What wrong scared?" Mythra looked back with a hand on her hip with a smile " We could slow down if this is too much for you."

"No I can handle this... It's just so cold all the way up here I should've brought something also there aren't any seats or anything how are you not scared of falling off!"

"Well I know that even if we did fall Azurda would catch us. Besides this "fear" of falling off is all in your head."

"All in my head? Also what do you mean would catch us that doesn't sound any better!"

"Just try it come on." Mythra turned fully to face her son as if he was taking his first steps all over again. Milton put his head down and focused his attention on his right leg bringing his knee towards his chest then his left now set up in an half assed squat next his arms spread wide to gain balance lightly gripping onto the spiked protrusions on the side of the titan he used the spike as a base so position the rest of his body upright by leaning towards it then slid into an upright position.

"Half way there now come on." Milton bit the bottom of his lip just to see if he was still alive and peeled away from the spike now on his on two feet his arms were now again spread out to his side ready to return to the reliable lilac spike's.

"There now I'm standing this good enough?"

"Don't be silly you look like a scared Nopon"

"Well as long as it works I don't see a problem with it!" A small burst of turbulence quickly passed the underside of the titan Milton's body was now latched onto the side of the titan using a piece of rope that was fastened on from weeks prior the further secure him self.

"Ooh! Felt that one" Azurda's voice made his body tremble with a deep vibration if Milton didnt know any better he would though it was an earthquake personally set to bump him off.

"Your not making this any better can't you grow a tree or two!"

"Well if I did I wouldn't be as fast! besides it much prefer having my backside free."

"Still can't believe that dad used to live like this. Sound like a fairy tale." His golden eyes looked towards the world tree in the far distance over looking the world of Alrest "Actually it all sound like one big fairy tale."

Mythra walked towards the her son and sat besides him following his eyes to the land of her birth and beyond.

"When you put it like that sure I guess you can say that. but you do know what they say seeing is believing right?"

"But you wont let me go see. Can't have an adventure all in your head plus I can fight well enough and I can't really ger hurt I'll just regenerate."

"But it's unsafe out there there are people that just don't see eye to eye with us."

"So is that why dads out there all the time to fight these bad guys. I bet it would go way faster if we just used Siren to get rid of them."

"Milton." Friction was felt in the air as the pair of golden eyes met neither backing down showing. Mythra shifted into a more calculative and reserved mind set calculating her next words on the boy who was unaware of the weight of his word.

"That power... it's not meant to be used like that we talked about this."

"Barley... whenever I ask what exactly Elysium is or why me and Glimmer core's are different you guys always just avoid it you know... Like Mio knows about Ma being a flesh eater and what it meant back then and she looks happy so why cant you and mum tell us what it really means to be an Aegis."

"What it means to be an Aegis?" Mythra though to her herself a word that seemingly defined her entire existence on Alrest to some a weapon to others an saviour.

" Well the term Aegis is just a name on it's own it doesn't mean anything-"

"That doesn't answers my question mom."

"I wasn't finished don't interrupted again."

"S-sorry..."

"Apology accepted. Now as I was saying the term Aegis is just a name nothing special it doesn't have any meaning. The name only came about after Malos stole the name from an Indoline treasure then destroyed it Infront the current praetor five hundred years ago claiming that he born of divinity not just some reflection."

"Well I guess that makes some sense names on their own don't hold much meaning."

"True but I'll tell you and Glimmer the rest later okay?" Mythra started to tidy up Miltons hair to make it more presentable towards the high profile members waiting for them on Origin much to her disarray.

"Okay you better promise to tell me the rest of that story!"

"Fine fine I promise! But seriously how do you tame this mess up here!"

-

Area: Origin (Left Half)
Landmark: Hanger, Lower Main Gate

Azurda approached the lower hanger landing with a lightness that stood in contrary to his size and lowed his body so his precious cargo could descend from starboard with ease into the silent machine. Origin itself was quiet no power ran through with the exception of the lights to brighten the interior and the very few moving parts to aid with traversal from the lower levels. Guards from Uraya and Tantal were present as they were the closest land masses towards it but they were few and far between and only now resided in the lower level keeping out flying monsters that roamed too closely or taking in the view from that high up.

Before long a Tantalese Knight ran forward towards the hanger entrance now sporting much lighter armour given the much warmer climate removing several layers of insulating clothing now replaced with an light yet durable leather with cut outs at the joints for easier movement and the removal of the long coat only reserved for the purpose of rank formality the only things left untouched was the the signature red hair, spear. helmet and the colour of the armour.

"Good afternoon madam please allow me to escort you through to your room"

"No need just need to see Tora I know he's still around here somewhere poking around."

"Ah! project engineer Tora would be in the control terminal"

"Thank you and don't worry your free to go I know my way around!"Mythra had developed a habit as of late to use foresight to get through the most mundane of conversations in an effort to get through them quicker it often left those on the receiving end gagged on their own words.

"Azurda we might be a while so don't stay here for our sakes ok?"

"Oh your shoving an old man like me off already?" His voiced bounced with with a laugh aged with a millennia of sarcasm.

"Come on you know its not like that besides I don't want to keep you cooped up down here."

"Alright alright say no more. It's not like I'm going to turn to stone!" Azurda checked his back and made sure Milton got off his back before descending of the edge and transitioning into a glide that seamlessly went into his flight a rare sight given the lack of free roaming Titans nowadays.

"Bye Gramps stay safe!" Milton waved away his draconic guardian and was responded with his iconic cry that marked the sky leaving Milton relatively alone in the spacious hanger admiring the complex mechanism at work given that this was his first time here and needless to say it exceeded his expectation from what he heard about it.

" Still cant believe all of this came from the world tree and that old city below... Wonder what the other half looks like..."

"Well hopefully we can see that one day come on we don't want to keep the other waiting." Mythra held onto Milton hand before heading towards one of the rising platforms that led to the control terminal through a series of lifts, corridors and strangely enough ladders. It didnt take long for the two to arrive to the control terminal one of several built to manage the systems of Origin each terminal specialising in one system or feature such as data management, storage, power and other features that all ran in sync with each other and the other half that was built in mind rather than making a central computer that managed everything in case of a cock up during use at the moment of the intersection.

Coming up on one of the more final set of a never ending array of stairs and lifts they find the control terminal Tora and Poppi was fidgeting about with.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Tora, Poppi you in there?" Mythra peeled her head through the metal arch as the terminal rooms took inspiration from the small building that once housed the Omega Fetter with a central console in the centre with a spew of cables coming and going underneath it ether lines painted the walls in with a artificial breeze that sterilised the air it made those who were not permitted in feel unwelcome. Mythra's head peeked through the arch guarding the terminal in an effort to not hit her head on delectate interments or dangling wires.

"Meh Meh? Friend Mythra is here!" Tora got his stubby arms out of the wires under the floor and attempted to tidy his mohawk and fur to become somewhat presentable his fur began and due to stress and late nights it began to grey in some places mostly present on his mohawk, the base of his wings and his body.

"Ah and it seems she brought along littlepon! Please come closer!" Milton let go of Mythra's hand and walked towards Tora they were not unfamiliar with each other but Tora's work concerning Origin has made him relatively unavailable in day to day life. Tora's wide brown eyes looked up to the to the boy who wore traditional Leftherian clothing that was famous for being light and surprisingly sea worthy with the chest section open to reveal his emerald core crystal identical to his mother in shape and brightness and was pleasantly surprised to be met with a hand to ruffle his head mohawk.

"Hehe I know who you are funny Nopon man!"

"Tora is not pet or man! He is very important engineer! Needs to be treated with much respect!"

"Why is your fur so bristly its not soft like Dromach's do you not bathe or is it because your old?"

"Wha- No! I am healthy Nopon boy and I am NOT dirty!" Tora peeled away from Milton's hand and began to do his defensive dance.

"Really now? I don't think so!" A hand began to descend towards Tora at seemingly light speed and began to rapidly pet him rendering his mohawk non existent to the Aegis' assault.

"C'mon Milton leave him alone he's not a pet!. Anyways Tora do you mind if I use the comms terminal to see how the guys from Bionis are doing."

"Meh Meh Bionis people- I- can- STOP PETTING TORA!"

"Eep! Sorry I just can't help it your so bouncy and it's kinda fun..." Miltons hand made a strategic retreat returning to his body.

"Anyway! This terminal can talk with Bionis people fine! Actually all terminal became more generalist with minor quality of life features communications is one major feature!"

"Nice! Come on out of the way lemme use the it!" Mythra ran towards the terminal and booted up a connection to the world of Bionis utilising light to communicate between both worlds and with the gap between them currently being frozen made connecting between the two worlds more consistent which led space for optimisation and improvements.
The terminal began to draw in ether from the wires below flowing towards the top that concentrated into a point that fanned out into light that shaped itself into a screen nothing was yet displayed.

"What wrong with the thingy is it broken?" Miltons posture was relaxed with arms crossed looking towards the Nopon inventor with a skeptic look.

"hehehe Tora is brilliant engineer-pon! My inventions never fail!"

The machine began to whirr and disturb the dust in the air with the light beginning to take shape from the static, noise crawled from the crevices etched into the metal messy and disorganised taking up space in the already crowded room.

BZZZT

"He__o? A__est do you __ad me?" A voice came though it was low distinctly feminine, refined and carried a strictness with it. "Alr__t do __u read me? Who's th__e!"

"Damn it! connections slipping... Tora do something!" Mythra hand were firmly on the machine looking for any glaring technical failures but the Nopons unique engineering style made this deceptively difficult.

"Don't worry Tora will fix it!" The Nopon ran towards the terminal and dashed underneath a panel with his wings and the forefront heading towards the depths of the machine followed with a click and a resonant humming sound.

"Alrest do you read me? It's Tyrea!"

"Yes we hear you just some technical issues on our end but we don't have visual yet don't worry though we can hear you just fine. Oh your talking to Mythra by the way." Mythra used her leg to kick and nudge Tora to work faster and fix the machine.

"There are other's with you? Please introduce yourselves."

Tora was the first to speak from under the terminal wings coated with a slick oil.

"Tah-da! Alrest's greatest engineers Tora!"

"Hey didn't my mom tell you to fix the machine?"

"GASP! Such rudeness! Interrupting AND undermining Tora's introduction to otherworld!"

"Well you can do all of that all over again when you get the screen working!" Tora went back below to fix the machine. It wasn't long until the screen displayed a image of the empress' shadow she hasn't aged a day and stood taller than most her silver hair flowed like water and white wings well groomed if one never knew better they would've thought her to be the current monarch.

"Oh it seems we have video now good." Tyrea gave the room a quick scan and spotted all three silently acknowledging their earlier banter. "Ah you most be the Nopon responsible for the construction of Origin on Alrest. On the behalf of the Melia and all the beings of our world we thank you." Tora puffed up his chest and raised his chin in confidence showing off to the assassin. "Lady Mythra it's good to see you looking well."

"Well what can I say life has been good as of late and I have to say you look well too."

"Thank you, now who's the gentleman hiding back there?" Milton stepped out from behind his mothers figure and into the view of the screen head tilted up eyes taking in every detail of the feared assassin.

"Oh-uh the names Milton miss it's nice to meet you."

"You look every bit like your father Milton I hope you do him proud in your future."

"Oh right yeah I'll do just that..."

"You don't sound too confident little one?"

"Well you know it's just a lot to live up to you know..." His hands were switching between being folded to by his side and oddly enough trying to reach out his hand to shake Tyrea's his mind running a million miles a minute with a million more questions at the ready not knowing where to start. Tyrea and Mythra talked for seemingly hours on end mostly about the affairs of the world and what they were planning to do going forward. Tora mostly talked about technical feats and what he planned to do in the future the conversation was wasn't nearly as long but it was just as dense he wasn't really paying much attention only keeping an ear out for buzzwords relating to Origin which was mostly regarded as an open secret for those in the known. Naturally the flow of the conversation went towards Milton and for once Tyrea was caught in a corner not really knowing how to relate to the boy sure she had Teelan to compare to but their lives were so different from life styles and how long the young boys have lived not to mention conversating causally among friends is a recent luxury she had to grow accustomed to.

A silence settled in the small room a nice break to recuperate thoughts and refresh oneself. Small pastries and vials of juices were sprinkled on a nearby table a stool brought while Tyrea had a small cup of tea with accompanying cookies. The floor was open and Tyrea stepped in and made her presence known and invited Milton with a question that would for sure pique his interest.

"Young Milton do you consider your self a strong fighter?"

"A fighter me? Obviously I wanna fight to protect just like my dad does simple as that. Although I haven't awakened my blade yet..." Milton stepped towards the terminal to get a better look at Tyrea now fully invested in the topic eyes bright but weighed with doubt.

"Awaken a weapon? Ah yes that's how things are over there a most useful power."

"Obviously although not all blades are weapons now they've changed over a bit over the years like my sister she can summon a massive instrument!" Milton exaugurated his arms to give scope the the size of Glimmers Wildfire Kithara almost knocking himself out of balance.

"Well I would love to hear that someday as well as see the plays in Fonsa Myma I've admittedly gotten quite bored with all the plays here in Alcamoth."

"Is it because you have lived such a long time and seen them all?"

"No I just find melodramatic dramas so boring they might as well be history lessons given how those old playwrights write them!"

"Ok ok ok so can I ask you a question!" Milton was essentially bouncing in place barely containing his excitement.

"You are free to ask ahead." Tyrea sat one leg crossed over another hands resting on her knee.

"Hey so did Origin work on your end or not also what does it look like?"

"Milton!" Mythra interjected in an attempt to salvage the situation as the topic of Origin was still quite a sore topic for those who truly know what happened during the events of Aionios.

"Sorry it's just- I just thought it would all work out especially after all of the work you guys put in just for it to all end up being- Sorry just forget I said anything." His voice trailed off throat choked up.

"Sorry Ty I-"

"No Mythra its ok a fair question to ask we're not strangers no need to keep secrets."

"No its not ok... I shouldn't have asked that." Milton spoke up eyes now downcast and hand kept tucked in his pockets feet kicking around loose screws and crumbs of food. "Hey look listen I'll just come back with a different question gotta go to the loo anyhow besides I know Tora would love to talk tech anyhow" Milton backed away from the terminal and ducked away from the small room into the wild alleyways of Origin however such a poor excuse didnt slip by the aged assassin. Tyrea gave Mythra quick look and the message was quickly understood and she soon exited to room to follow.

Milton walked through Origin empty lanes and bridges his consciousness seemingly fading in and out of reality not having a destination just walking for the sake of it this went on for seemingly minuets on end.

"Stupid why did you talk out like that you totally messed up and made a mess of things for Mom and Dad what's wrong with you man!" Milton scratched and ruffled with his head and walked in small circles before collapsing on his back in frustration staring at the ebony celling that slowly shifted revealing more layers of salvaged metal.

"Besides what does It means to be an Aegis anyway... It's just a name nothing too fancy she says it like the world would care hell do they? Should they?"

tap tap tap

Foot steps were heard in the distance and his body bolted upright head swivelled and got into a Gormotti battle stance neither attacking or defending just ready hand raised protecting his face.

"Shit... Who's there?"

tap tap tap

"From behind?"

tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap

Mythra ran into the area it was a load baring piece of metal that occasionally became a bridge when the metals of Origin shifted in a hypnotic fashion that overlooked the open ocean "There you are Milton what's going on..."

"Nothing it's just that I wasn't really feeling like myself just needed some air y'know"

"You know I can sense when you're lying."

"You can?"

"I'm joking obviously come on sit with me." Her legs dangled over the edge sawing over the sea below giving a view overseeing the titan of Tantal.

"If I fall architect help me..." Milton sat stifling his underlying fear of heights he would never dare to admit to anyone. "Ok I'm sat how badly did I mess up."

"Well compared to me not nearly as much. See Tantal's head over there?" Her hand traced the spine of the titan in the distance leading to its crown. "Right there is where I messed up real bad almost lost everything because I didnt fight hard enough."

"How your as strong as the World Tree is tall I don't believe you."

"Well its true even broke my blade and was separated from Rex for a bit we obviously found each other again what happened between is a entirely new story"

"Your skimming over details again!"

"Well that's not my story to tell not in its entirety anyway." Mythra hand then pointed north towards the worlds tree catching Milton's attention. "When we found each other again it was on the Cliffs Of Morytha where we awakened to our true power when we let go of the fears we carried."

"Back when you and mom shared the same body right... Isn't that also where you confessed your love to him right?"

"Rex told you that? Well yes that too..." Mythra hand were rested on her face with he elbows on her knees to accommodate her legs positions over the edge a habit she kept since the days or Torna finding comfort with the warmth from her hands laying on her face. "What is a fear you carry Milton?"

"I- I'm not scared of nothing... Well maybe heights but don't tell anyone!" The two sat for a while looking over the sea not focusing on any one thing for too long clouds walked through the air with leisure the song of the waves could be heard below with and never ending applause that spanned over the horizon.

" Sorry that I ran off like that earlier I didnt know that talking about *that* was such a sore spot for her or well everyone I messed everything up.

"Oh were going to call it *that* now? Seriously no big deal its all ok I just overreacted I had no clue how she would react especially when you just tossed up the topic out of nowhere. I think I'm just on edge because she's a princess and I do not want so mess things up."

"Well fair enough guess I have to go apologise to her majesty then wonder what is like to be a sister to a literal queen." Milton rolled away from the ledge and further into Origin where the ground was more consistent.

"Sorry mom..."

"For what?" She turned to face the boy noticing slight redding around his eyes.

"For not really being myself recently just been unsure as of late you know. I've just over heard a lot like how it might be the end of the world and stuff and with everyone working overtime and knowing there isn't stuff I can do about that well... Anyway it doesn't matter lets leave it at that ok!"

"Alright fine" Mythra stood up and dusted herself off before reaching her hand out "Walk with me?"

"No it's ok I know the way just follow me!" Milton looked around and realised he had no idea where he ended up he felt like a idiot in offering to show the way while being lost himself. " Actually never mind... But this is the last time ok!"

"You sure do apologise a lot you know that?"

That was a lie that never stood as Milton fell back on his word and held his mothers hand consistently when traveling to new or faraway places he was truly the most comfortable in Leftheria or areas with plenty of water fresh or sea. It was not long before the made it back towards the terminal Tyrea's figure was eternally present and focused on what ever jibber jabber Tora was going on about.

"Uh hi again your majesty..." Milton walked towards the podium firmly cementing his hands on its side so he didnt run away out of sheer intimidation from looking at the silver haired princess.

"Your majesty? I admit I've rarely been called that even in official circles. I suppose you have gained your baring young Milton."

"Yep! So lets just forget about before ok."

"Already forgotten. So what did you want to talk about?"

"Never thought you asked! So what's it like being a sister to Queen Melia?"

-

Area: Fonsett

Glimmer was often seen as the universal big sis of Fonsett all the girls ran to her with all sorts of things whether it was gossip or secrets admiration or advice smart as she is cold her fire burns as bright as her heart. Being the first of her siblings to awaken her blade and the best academically all around she's often felt as if she had the pressure of the world on her shoulder but she know that isn't something her family would ever do to her but she knew that someone would have to pick up the slack among her sibling given that Mio and Milton were too free spirited and adventurous to stay put and sort paper work but if it meant that her brother and sister can live in peace she would walk through a million miles of it.

She practiced her art several days in the week it was her way of destressing from several more days of thorough studying not out of necessity or survival but to not to think about the incoming end and now that said end passed over she had more time as of late to decide what she wants in her life. Today her lesson was different as it involved her blade weapon instead of the traditional string instruments she preferred to use a personal mission of hers to unlock its true potential.

Her potential.

Glimmer summoned her Wildfire Kithara and prepared a stance similar to that of a Bass Violin to accommodate the size of her blade even though it adjusted to her size given her age it wasn't perfect but since was anything was when someone was new to something but she has time by her side.

"Good now hold it lets see how it feels." Ursula was sat Infront of her with Beary resting on the floor besides her being besides a silent guardian. Her life has drastically changed now being a famous singer performing any where and everywhere soothing and endless souls across Alrest and taking the time to teach music where she went now no longer needing to fight hell there were rumours that blades that no longer wanted to fight and truly lived their lives forgot to summon their blades.

"It feels ok a bit strange though can't really feel the weight of my Kithara like a regular instrument I don't honestly think I can get used to that."

Glimmer summoned the bow of her Wildfire Kithara and began to play a simple song just to warm up her fingers pressed on the strings of ether with earned discipline and confidence the sound it made was divine only being held back by the acoustics of the room an innate benefit of this being a blade is that she did not have to manually tune her instrument. She began to pour small amounts of ether into it sparking it alight with a flash and flame. The heat was of no effect to her given it belonged to her as a fire blade and that her teacher was an ice type blade.

"I feel like I can raise this higher should I?"

"If you feel comfortable doing so but try not the burn the floor ok?"

A raise of her bow on the string caused it to vibrate this gave her the confidence to play much harder the flames rose and threatened to leap out but was contained without much effort. Glimmer stopped playing and pouring ether into her blade the flames dissipated into the ether without any smoke.

"Why did you stop? You was doing well." Ursula looked at her student with worry even Beary perked his head up searching for where his music went.

"The flames were going to come out I don't want to hurt you or burn the room."

"But you have full control over them. Besides fire can heal not hurt I know I've seen it happen"

"You think I have a healing type blade? I always assumed I was a non combatant type."

"Well go and see I've always wanted to help break other people out of their shells ever since I've had help breaking out of mine." Ursula stood up and mounted Beary giving silent protector a quick hug and rub. " Lets go out side and see what you can do! Can't break anything out there and if anyone gets hurt me an Beary will fix them up!"

Student and teacher left the studio towards the many beaches of Leftheria settled not far from the music school its sandy white beaches spooning the land masses across the archipelago. The sun began to set the sky painted a warm orange with hues of reds and pinks as if it was painted by an artist, the water surprisingly warm began to fall asleep waves lazily lapping the shoreline licking leftover shells and rocks. Glimmer summoned her Kithara and dug it into the sand for stability and resumed the Bass Violin stance in a standing position. Ursula stayed on Beary adopting Nia riding position from when she rode Dromach ready for action. The strings of ether came to with one end being strung and plucked with the bow while the other hand aided with a small motif Glimmer often hummed or strummed in her time. Near the end of the motif Glimmer poured more ether into her blade the strings began to alight with flame again threatening to burst from their string prison. One final flick of her bow bursts the flame forward free in the air as it circled her before dissipating.

"That sounded nice I feel a little stronger too!" small embers fell on Ursula small bursts of warmth tickled her cheeks and tickled Bearys nose baiting out a quite sneeze or two.

"Really I felt like I could've done more... Maybe a different song would give a different effect? No that sounds... logical."

"Ooh! That's simply amazing we've got to try more!"

"Well lets start! What song should I try?"

Hymns, rhythms and motifs carried out on the beach throughout the late afternoon coming in with varied effects that came from the burning blade each and every string of song carried though the islands that eventually put the sun to sleep a undeniable sign of the time they put in. Glimmer relaxes her right hand holding her bow and lets it relax by her side fingers lightly holding onto the tool the Kithara rested on her shoulder buried in the grass flames long extinguished with one breath out her blade dispersed into the wind with her body collapsing into the sand.

"Im-so-exhausted didnt know using so much ether can take a toll on my body..."

"hehe don't worry I can help with that" Ursula waved her hand and a cool breeze waved over Glimmer restoring her strength a much needed change in temperature given today lesson which evolved into training." This will help in the short term and with good rest you'll be right as rain!"

"Right as rain?" with a quick Kip-Up she turned to face her teacher "I'll take your word for it, thank you for today I don't want to keep you."

"Oh no it's alright todays lesson was perfect I feel like we made good progress today!"

"Feel? No I know we did, don't think I would've figured this stuff out on my own." With a hand on her core she gave a slight bow though for to formal given their relationship as a family friend it felt right to her in the moment, Beary reciprocated by bowing their head towards the sand with Ursula having a hand on her chest and bowing her head in synch with her furry friend. The two parted way's with the ice blade retreating towards the nearby inn to rest for her journey as a nation superstar.

Glimmer walked through the streets of Fonsett the ground beaten and flattened over years of commute and commerce many shops and stalls closing for the day kids played around the fountain giving her a wave and a cheeky splash the village elder gazing at the sunset as it sank lower and lower taking its warmth with it. Her family home was around the corner slightly on the edge of the village to accommodate their large family although this wasn't much of an issue as the size of the Fonsett was ever expanding over the years. Her hand held onto her keys ready to open the door when it suddenly opens Infront surprising her as she didnt expect anybody to be home.

"Glimmer! How was your lesson, what did you do today did you learn a new art?" Mio was at the door greeting her sister although in height Mio was the shortest compared to her siblings even her ears were shorter than her mothers almost indistinguishable from her hair at times.

"Whoa whoa slow down there asking way to many question way too fast. But in short it went well maybe I'll show you tomorrow. Is mom inside?"

"Yeah! We picked up some ingredients in Uraya think we're making Whitebait today."

The two sisters entered the home enamoured with the savoury scent of the fish heightened with the fish's new saltwater environment with the seeds prepped with layers Hearty Kordeth Puran hot on the side. Pyra was hard at work in the kitchen taking out the smallest of bones in the fish with machine like proficiently and speeds fires perfectly controlled without a second look or constant readjustment.

" Hey mom I'm home need any help with anything?"

"Oh Glimmer there is no need it wont be long until I'm done go wash your hands!"

Dinner was set before long with spare meals being put under wraps keeping out hungry insects. The table was set perfectly for the three of them with with room to expand as they were expecting Mythra and Milton to arrive before long.

"Hmm that's good can I have another?" Mio shared her mother appetite for fish but had her fathers hunger left unattended she could fish the oceans dry in a day.

"Hmm sure just leave some out for the other's ok?"

"Yep got it!"

"Glimmer how was your day today?" Pyra looks towards Glimmer her red eyes meeting orange.

"Well for one I leaned that ether can take a lot out of me like physically and I can set my blade on fire and shoot it about we don't know what it does but that's something I'll figure out."

"Whoa... so like is your blade extra hot?" Mio was back at the table ears catching every word

"Well I guess yes? I don't really feel the heat that much. Besides I have a new mission in mind."

"A mission?" Pyra looked with scepticism.

"Well me and Ursula found out that different songs gave out different effects I want to figure out most of them we only stuck with small motifs and experimented with scales I plan to work my way up from there and figure things out."

"That's amazing! I don't think I'll have figure that out luckily we had Ursula come through."

The three resumed their meal and before long the thumping of wings and the crashing of the waves could be heard in the distance the sun had long set and the night had taken over stars replacing clouds black overtaking blue. Mythra and Milton came through the door with the evening chill trailing in behind them they quickly washed their hands and sat at the table indulging in the hearty meal recapping on the conversation they missed.

"Gotta admit that pretty smart never thought of a blade weapon needing a sort of password to use ether ability's that new even to me." Mythra looked towards the dessert scheming a way to steal it from under Pyra's nose.

"Well I wouldn't call it a password more like a combination. you wouldn't call the ingredients to a sandwich a password."

"Well Pyra speaking of ingredients what's in the cake?"

"Its just Blossom Custard nothing too fancy just added flakes of Choclit I heard it makes it taste compliments the cake!

"Well I'll be the judge of that in a minute."

A blue flash could be seen from Rex's study subtly glowing in a pulsating rhythm that flashed through the doorway that caught the attention from the family. "I got it!" Mio ran over to the study using her natural agility to dash and weave through furnisher as if she was a small stream of water. Vaulting onto the deceptively tall chair that clung to her father scent and conformed to his posture perfectly due to years of use showing its age with a bent metals around the armrest paired with fading colours and variable leathers and cushions. The communicator was buried behind a small stacks of books and papers and odd little trinkets that came from here and there. The device itself a small circular screen that resembled a small mirror one would use for makeup with a crystal on its side that gave off the glow with a small control panel on the bottom its simplicity gave off its age further enhanced with the many small cracks and small layers of dust that built up on the circumference of the device. A quick press of the bottom panel and the screen suddenly became animated with the image of her father.

"Da!"

"Hey Mio I don't even need to be there to tell Prya made something good! What d'ya have?"

"Oh we had some fish that tasted really good and we got cake as well! Oh and what's the World Tree like all the way over there?"

"Oh you know nothing special just full of Parisax and Guldos nothing me and your ma can't handle the main objective today is to see what's wrong with the tree the systems are doing something strange. Oh before I forget mind getting your everyone in here just wanna say goodnight ya know."

Before Mio could turn around the rest of her family appeared behind her watching on the two youngest watching on one with a pensive and patient look the other being held back from running towards the communicator and ruining the moment.

"I can see you all waiting there ya know, wish I could give everyone there a hug."

"Wait where's Ma?" Mio questioned her dad.

"Well she out healing some of the mercs that got hurt by the some of the machines and monsters sorry she couldn't be here."

"Whoa they must be pretty tough if Ma has to be there all queen like are you going to be okay?"

"Yeah 'course I will be I be back real soon I promise you that! Can I have a quick chat with your moms really quick." The three quickly left the room at the behest of her father leaving only the two Aegis's " Hey Pyra, Mythra got some news and not of the good variety."

"Well what is it?" Pyra looked at her driver with worry Mythra looked more serious and was already one foot out the door mentally to aid her husband. Rex quieted his voice ensuring it can't be over heard.

"Something strange been happening at the World Tree fog beasts have been appearing possessing and forming out of the old tech." Rex's fingers were interlaced with his elbows on the table.

"Fogbeasts? Impossible thought we solved that crisis years ago besides if this was true I would've recognised the energy coming from the portals" Mythra posture stiffened eyes widened and senses heightened.

"Not the regular kind they got some sort of purple aura and no real weaknesses or strengths they move and fight like machines it's weird heck they aren't even aggressive or defensive."

"Weird indeed..." Pyra thought.

"There is also a rift so we'll need you powers to help close things up."

"Ok got it we'll drop the kids off somewhere as we make our way over. Pyra any thoughts as to where?"

"We should let them decide that at worst we can leave them here."

"Thanks guys I know I can count on you guys, you call the kids back in." The door opens with the three kids walking in with Mio pretending to be oblivious to the news.

" Hey kids sorry that took so long just boring adult stuff I had to get through."

"Well boring as it is when are you going to take us along for your missions one day! We're strong enough to help!" Mio eyed the master driver with a look that even made him shrink back.

"Hey come on that's not fair..."

From the distance a Urayan man with a strong accent could be heard shouting for his boss's aid a symptom in showing that something bad had or is currently happening.

"Oi Rex it's getting bad those things are moving in!"

"Got it Zuo. Just let me finish up here first."

Rex looked back towards the communicator now standing his body barely fitting in the frame given his size.

"Righto guess it's time to get to work. Mio, Glimmer, Milton love you all and have a good night alright."

"Wait so soon I know they need you but cant you stay for a minute longer?" Glimmer stepped forward so the communicator could pick up her voice.

"Wish I could truly you know how long these could go. Pyra, Mythra love you both and see you soon and Milton take care of your sister's when I'm not there got it!"

"Yeah I promise you that they wont get hurt one bit!"

"That's my boy. Alright see you guys soon."

The blue light on the machine went out the ether fizzled out with the metals cooling soon after. The five of them were left alone in the study some with more info than other's.

"Soo me and Pyra are going to help your dad all the way out there at the world tree the mercs aren't going to cut in and they're going to need the extra fire power. So you guys are gonna go on a little vacation tomorrow."

"We are?" Mio looked to her sibling with equal confusion.

"Yep! Sorry we had to spring this on you so we'll give you tomorrow morning to decide on where to go!"

Pyra was idly fidgeting with a piece of salvage mentally preparing for serious potentially life threatening combat after a decade of living with her family that rex promised her so long ago she truly loved the life that they have built for themselves with all of their shared kids, beachside house and lavish meals seemingly living like royals. Mythra was ready to fight again unlike Pyra she always was as she constantly offered herself up whenever Rex went onto his missions ready to fight for their family wanting to prevent another Torna from happening ever again not to her or to anyone else in Alrest.

Chapter 8: Machines Possessed

"That's my boy. Alright see you guys soon."

Rex turned off the communicator and looked into his reflection on the glass his golden eyes stared back at him now carrying the weight of adulthood he never thought he would see his face lengthened and matured but still held his optimism. He rose from the chair and equipped his iconic anchor that cemented itself on his left arm its bronze beaten and worn like most of his salvaging suit. He exited his tent to see the land of Morytha now being overrun by mother nature with the corpse of the Tornan titan wrapped around it base meters away. The base itself was rudimentary only consisting of a make shift port for titan ships a handful of tents for recourses and rest spots and a med bay food only consisted of pre-packaged rations and food prepped and stored on larger long distance titan ships used for transporting men and resources over the coming months for those stationed there. Very few titan nations wanted to explore Morytha more than necessary and even less wanted to establish a more permanent base there as the vast majority of the land there as borderline inhospitable with many monsters hidden in its depths and many unstable structures towering over their ships land glassed over with a war long past besides that they had to focus on settling on the newly founded Elysium as there was land and resources plenty so scrounging around a land of the dead was seen as wasted effort for most only interesting those wanting to acquire ancient machinery or weapons beyond their current understanding.

" Sorry that took so long Zuo so what's the situation looking like?"

" Righto Boss so like you said the machines are neither attacking or defending but their numbers are multiplying and ontop of that a purple aura has been seen "possessing" these machines."

"Anything new? They on they on the move?"

"Not in a organised fashion. It's almost like they are searching for something if I had to guess."

"How far up have they been seen?"

"We've got reports all over the tree how ever exploring above the middle level has been difficult, It's unstable and the air is thin not to mentions it's cold enough to freeze your balls off if you ain't wrapped up."

"Hehe well that makes sense if it's similar to the fog beast incident from years ago there has to be a portal somewhere... We got any progress on that?"

"Hmm we got a place suspected but its filled with a bunch of possessed machines around the mid level."

"Got it gather the boys and meet me at the entrance in five."

"We're not gonna wait for you wives to come here?"

"Were just going to clean up the areas closest to us take down the more dangerous machines and maybe see what's going on besides its going to take hours for them to arrive once they're here we can make a proper expedition."

Zuo gave his boss a mock salute and a cheeky grin his round glasses needlessly reinforced to inevitably break during combat before walking off to gather Rex's crew.

Nia was at the med bay providing healing to those unfortunate to encounter the machines possessed the bodies covered in burns from energy blasts accompanied with gashes and cuts with the armour proving to be ineffective against the ancient weapons.

"Thank goodness they aren't as violent as they were years ago these would've been much more severe..." The room was was thankfully empty with the exception of the small victimised group. A solder began to rise from their bed freshly healed as if he was never injured.

"Thanks Ms Nia thought I was going to die..."

"Hey you would've if it had cut closer to your inner thigh severing your- Never mind how does ya leg feel right now?

"Hmm it's alright ready to go!" The solder rose from his bed and jumped on the spot repeatedly never felt healing on that level before. "Oh wow! this feels amazing I-woah thanks seriously!" He dug into his pocket and gave over a small handful of G's "I know it ain't much but thanks for saving my life!" Nia clasped his hand closing it with the G inside.

"Hey no need for all that besides I'm plenty rich from well... everything. Now go on got others to fix up!" The solder ran off with a renewed vigour meeting with his blade at the entrance the sight of the two made her smile knowing that Jin's dream of blade and human equality being finally achieved granted there were places that were all not there yet but it was a change. She picked up a scent she knew all too well smelling distinctly of salt water in recent years with a faint smoky-metallic smell here and there when he was out and about.

"Rex! you know you cant be in here unless you hurt."

"Right I get that just wanna let you know that I'll be investigating the World Tree and that Pyra and Mythra will be here in a few hours."

"Hmm got that. Who's gonna watch the kids?"

"I trust them to figure that out besides its just gonna be a bit of recon gonna scope out the scene see what makes them tick."

"I swear on everything if you come back to me looking like them..."

"Promise you this that isn't gonna happen besides if things look dangerous we'll just fall back."

"You best remember that I wont be there with you so no doing anything stupid!" Rex pulled Nia in for a quick hug before departing she took in his scent a secret pleasure of her she wouldn't dare to reveal to others before peeling away wanting more.

"Hey Nia after all this lets go on that vacation we all talked about a while back."

"Oh that old thing? Don't think that's ever going to happen in Garfont hounds you every other day."

"True that but I think after this I've earnt that! Love ya see you soon!" Her Ardun of a man exited her tent the naive boy who wanted to reach the top of tree now became he source a strength and inspiration to all who've met him if Vandham was still around he would've probably been put out of a job not from retirement but from how damn similar Rex filled in that role in his own way.

---

The front gate of the base was surrounded by Rex's crew idly waiting consisting of Whirlwind Yew and his Mega-lance blade, Lightning Zuo and his Mega-lance blade, Adenine, Roc and the ex terrorist turned hero Mikhail of Torna.

"Ay boss what took ya so long!" Yew had a hand on his hip and his arm wrapped around his blade a small cigar that clung to his mouth in recent years.

"Not much really just had to say goodbye ya know in case of the worst." Rex ran in towards the group idly counting that all was accounted for before standing before Roc and equipping his dual scythes one resting on each side of his hip. "Right so we ready?"

"Ready as well ever be considering we're going to be on the front lines... Why don't we just send the blade bots would make the job easier." Mikhail wore his Tornan armour as usual when out on missions his wavy blond hair was significantly longer yet suited his face well blue eyes and suave smirk worn with confidence he sat on the bench near by mindlessly throwing an apple between both his hands at an dizzying pace.

"Well for one most have run ages back and so they were destroyed so uh sorry... And besides we cant risk them being possessed so we gotta do this the old fashioned way."

"With me as the main and only defender? Sure your not suicidal?" The apple stopped in his left palm he rose to his feet and began chuck it in the air at higher and higher elevations before stopping between his teeth losing a chunk in a crunchy bite that rang through the dead city. "Hmm well I guess I wont be too bored then needed an excuse to let loose."

"Mikhail we're not here to fight just to observe we cant risk sending anyone else."

"If possible Rex could we try reconnecting to them? Overwriting the programming that possessed them in the first place?" Adenine was face deep in her tablet recently fashioned for her so that she could study the world tree for as long as she pleased while constantly dotting notes in her book that never seem to run out of paper that was chained to her side. "It's tearing me apart knowing that my precious data is being tortured by some mysterious virus!"

"Once we have the situation under control we can make that a secondary objective but until them I need you to stay focused."

"Don't worry! I am one hundred and one percent focused! Just...don't break anything too hard... please?"

"Got it but no promises if things get rough. Roc ready to roll?"

"Ready as winds beneath my feathers."

The gate was torn apart metal creaking and moaning against the asphalt beneath it the road ahead was familiar enough for those to travel solo with traveling guides planted at regular intervals landmarks sprinkled aplenty down the path. First on the groups trail was the skyscrapers that stood as tall at the tallest trees on Gormott some grey as the streets they walked wearing an long forgotten language with long faded colours and images holes that painted its sides where the winds sang at all hours of the day the man made structures of long past proved to win the battle against time with the scars to prove it. Next up on their trail on the outskirts of the titans of stone were the World Tree's roots that grew and seemingly feasted on all dead and dying matter like the trees from above the only sign of life in the land of the dead bringing in life to a land that has long forgotten the beauty of life. The make shift bridges of the roots of the World Tree had naturally connecting it towards the corpse of the Tornan titan it's body became ground zero for fertilising the land before it supporting small signs of life in plants and incest's around and above its womb the with the occasion migrating avian monster making a nest in nearby. The path towards the Megaflote Base cut through the sacred womb of the golden country was infested with Parisax and neglected machines both sharing a sickening orange glow with the main Tornan Womb now emptied out text on the wall illegible from decades of weathering the core was long dead and as cold as Tantalese winter.

"We can take a short break at the Megaflote base there's a makeshift elevator that can take us up to the lower levels but we can take a break before we head up." Rex held out his hand in the air and balled his fist and held it into a stopping position before sitting sitting down on the wombs steps.

"Rather we just go all the way up the sooner these incest's are away from me the better seriously have you tried removing literal bookworms?" Adenine squirmed and winced at every crawling sensation real or phantom holding her book close to her starry core. "Besides did you forget us blades don't get tired so our stamina wouldn't be an issue."

"Ahh really? What about us poor driver's should we just trud on and die?" Zuo was rubbing the last remnants of Parisax viscera off his glasses a common victim of combat at times like these he often wondered if he should just buy goggles for the sake of practicality.

"I-I meant no such extremes! honestly your such a cry baby..."

Mikhail stood at the centre of the the Titan womb stating at the celling with his gaze drifting off to the dead egg pods at his eye level taking note of the mineralised blade to titan corpses.

"Your from Torna right? What was it like growing up there."

"Huh oh not really." Rex's question caught Mikahil off guard he tried to keep his voice and surprise low as the room echoed every action. "Besides you can just ask Mythra heck you probably have why bother me."

"Huh good point but I want to ask you what was it like growing up in the golden country."

"Well for one I wasn't born Tornan despite my looks. I was born at the titan Estham and sold off to some village as a slave that didnt last long though the village was burned down and I was left the sole survivor."

"Ah sorry for asking..."

"Wasn't all bad though Jin and Lora took me in essentially and life was good for a time we even explored every part of the titan and I gotta say nothing today could compare."

"Not even Estham your home titan?"

"Hey come on not every titans going to be as jaw dropping a Uraya or Leftheria. Besides I can barley remember what It looked like." Mikhail looked towards the celing stained with five hundred years of dust and began to think deeply about his past. "Well from what I remember the people were nice and they looked like me y'know wavy blond hair and deep mesmerizingly lapis blue eyes..."

"All right all right no need to polish your blade."

"The Titan wasn't really all that big if I had to guess it would be half the size of Tantal the air was sweet like candy and the grass was soft so-so soft you could sleep there."

"Sound pleasant. Like hearing about the the old days y'know."

"Well not for everyone got sold off to be a slave well lots of our people got sold off for slavery and other purpose's the titan itself wasn't very rich in resources like Gormott but we didnt abuse its recourses like Mor Ardain we was just born on a poorer titan but life was peaceful for the time I did live there." Mikhails gaze returned to Rex "Don't know where they went wrong maybe we just got exploited by stronger titan countries due to how Estham orbited the World Tree maybe they just didnt really care. Well hey no point in worrying it's been five hundred years doubt it's still around."

"The titan? Surely not could've just fused with the land like the rest."

"With what Malos done to the world before being killed several people died and a good few Titans sank not everyone made it out of that alive surely your still not that naïve right?"

"Of course not I and looking back I should've seen the risks I should've been more decisive could have saved a lot more lives that way."

"I do miss having a family y'know... Miss them all..."

"Mikhail you do know your more than welcome to come to Leftheria."

"You are but the rest of them? Your perfect little village nope never architect forbid the rest of the world."

"Well it's not like were going to let you live the dark forever besides your doing good work repentin' genuinely you helped a lot of lives."

"Well when you put it like that... Eh might as well one day go and give the whole public hero thing a try."

"That's the spirit." Rex heaved from the steps dusting himself off "C'mon bring it in."

"Huh wha-" Mikhail stared at Rex arms wide open and smile wide. "Oh no I'm not really-" A hug from the man in blue warmed his heart and softened his posture his arms reciprocated the gesture. "F-fine don't tell this to no one got it?" He pushed off after a moment and adjusted his hair back into form. "C'mon lets climb this damn tree breaks over isn't it!" Mikhail walked off up the stairs and out off the womb onto the roots that bridged one world towards another.

---

Pyra began to look over the kids making sure they looked presentable and prepared for the day ahead as the all weirdly enough collectively chose to got to Mor Ardain for the time being.

"Now I'm not complaining or anything but Mor Ardain? There has to be more fun places to go." Mythra was busy braiding Mio's hair with surprising speed and form minding her ears as she passed off Milton to Pyra as she held a secret to taming the bush on his head.

"Well I wanna see Sena it's been so long!" Mio stood soon after as the braiding was done and began to mimic he stance with her hammer.

"Milton why'd you wanna go to there?"

"Well I wanna train with Miss Morag. Hey think I can take on the entire army with an arm behind my back?"

"One no the Ardanian army will overpower you with their numbers barring their titan weapons. Glimmer why'd you wanna go?"

"I find the instruments there interesting not like they sound or look particularly good besides I would just be out voted anyway."

"Well that's how we do things here I guess... Still you shouldn't think like that you have to at least give your opinion."

"Well if I had to give my opinion I would rather stay home..."

"Well how bout's we do that next time yeah?"

"Yeah okay... Thanks for listening"

The five of them left the shared home towards the beach greeting several of the villager's on the way. "OI Gramps wake up!" Mio shouted as loud as she can causing the ground to shift and rumble as the waves crashed towards the beach.

"No rest for the wicked I say... Take a titan ship from time to time!"

"Sorry I mean it I just want to to ask a small favour! Can you fly us over to Sena's house!"

"Hmm Mor Ardain? It is a fairly easy trip but promise me not to carry back any thing extra don't want anything falling off like last time!"

"Okay I promise! Come on lets go!"

"Just the kids?" Azurda looked towards the twin Aegises "Any reason not one of you cant come?"

"Something going on at the World Tree so Rex need our power so it's going to take a while" Pyra came up to pick some of the seaweed of his horn while whispering her words closer to his ear.

"I see should I be ready?"

"Maybe we'll call if we do."

Azurda gave the pair a look falling back on years on experience to gather an answer.

"I see. Well then all aboard!" The wings unsheathed from the sand and blocked out the sun as they rose his tail.

"Aww yeah! Hey can I drive ya today?" Milton jumped onto the back of the great titan climbing its neck just to dangle down making eye contact.

"Milton get down from there you might fall off!" Mio ran towards her brother preparing to catch him in case he fell a terrifying two foot towards the soft sand of her home town.

"All right you three take care over there okay? Oh and mind the sand it's coarse and rough and it just gets everywhere." Pyra knelt down and played around with Glimmers cheeks prying a small smile from her before being ended with a kiss on the head she looked over to see the her sibling treating Azurda like a personal tree to be climbed throwing all caution to the wind. "Well I guess you gotta take care of them... Still have fun ok?"

"It's alright it always will be I'll make sure of it."

"Oh Glimmer you siblings are lucky to have such a good big sister."

"Hey! Glimmer we're waiting for ya!" Mio was stood on the head of the titan with her brother balancing on it horn walking closer towards it tip.

"Coming I'm coming! Bye mom I love ya" Glimmer ran towards the titan immediately reining in her brother almost considering using the nearby rope to tie him down. Azurdas rose from the ground spewing sand across the village a mere imitation from the sandstorms on Mor Ardain. Ultimately the titan departed long into the distance the sound of laughter paired with a concerningly thin silhouette a bit to close to the edge.

"Proud of 'em you know."

"Huh?" Pyra had to quickly dry a tear before facing her sister

"All of them trust me they can take care of themselves."

"It's not them I'm worried about. It's the world they live in."

"Well we raised them to be strong so the enemies of the world better watch out."

"Hehe well as true as that is we know that life can be cruel... Hope they are stronger than we were when we were their age."

"What? when we were-"

"Wait-wait my mistake slip of the tongue I swear"

"I kid I kid jeez... Still we gotta get to the World Tree quick c'mon got a ship booked and everything."

"Right okay *sniffle* Lets go!"

---

Area: World Tree
Location: Lower Level: Benetnash, Elevator #6

The elevator that cemented itself at the base of the world tree was made of something no scientist on Alrest could ever figure out in several lifetimes that ceased to function not long after the conduit dissipated into the unknown all those years ago now the machine function by the miracle of Ardanian engineering with several black panels stitched onto the sides and ceilings the central podium defiled from its sacred silvers to a unsightly monolith of wires and bruised bronze. The lower levels of the World Tree occasionally switched between faulty lights to reserve power with small red lights dotted around the tree like stars theorised to be the machines constantly repairing the energy supplies in the hidden rooms natural light jabbed its way from the outside and the canopy of the World Tree carrying with it rain water that nurtured the plants life that wandered in.

"And we're here. Huh quieter than I remember...." Rex had Roc's scythes at the ready in both of his hands taking point with Yew and Zuo by his side Adenine at the centre with Mikhail at the rear.

"Hey! You do know it's bad luck to say things like that!" Adenine was furiously swiping and tapping away on her tablet trying to connect to the systems.

"Right right my bad... Just sayin-"

BEEP BEEP BEEP

"Ooh! A connection! Wait something wrong that good!"

"Good!?" Rex turned his head towards the stary scholar "Never heard of a good problem."

"Well we can go study it saves us the trouble of looking."

The group walked down the stairs and peeked around a corner to see a Docel Sentry idly scanning and perusing data mindlessly.

"Well any dangerous?"

"Hmm nope as long as we stay out of it's way it shouldn't scan us and send drones."

"Could ya plug into it use it as a way to fix the rest?"

"Not without risk of it bringing in its friends."

"Guess I'll buy you some time!"

Rex stepped into the the range of the machine now reaching eye height after several years he stood into a battle stance ready to hook into the steel flesh of the machines.

Nothing happened.

"Hmm? Is it broken?"

"N-No it's functional just disconnected from the servers for a while."

*A WHILE MUST BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT*

The group was startled weapons drawn and readied eyeing the sentry

*MY MY ITS A SHAME REALLY YOUR NOT A SCARY AS I THOUGHT THIS MAKES MY LIFE SO MUCH EASIER AND THIS TIME I'M NOT TAKING ANY CHANCES!"

The feminine voice crackled through the speaker the blue auras shifting into a visceral violet the roof began to shake and rumble as sheets of metal began to rumble.

*YOU SEE I HAD MY EYE ON YOU FOR A WHILE AND THIS ENTIRE OVERGROWN BUSH IS UNDER MY CONTROL AND LURING YOU IN IS JUST MADE MY DAY."

"Shit! EVERYONE MOVE!" Rex shouted overpowering the noise of the metal raining from the sky as the group split off in several directions as a Gerolf Sovereign descended through the ceiling caving the ground in its cyan highlights now mirrored the purple the sentry glowed forcing the machine move in a more animalistic fashion rather than it stoic and refined movements pained with two Margot Sovereign by its side shaped like a feminine pair of knives that might as well stared literal daggers into your heart.

"I got ya!" Mikhail held Adenine in his arms as he landed on his back the impact from the large machine landing alone blew him back towards the wall "Stay here and keep your distance and try to shut those things down!"

Yew and Zuo landed on their feet backs beside each other with their respective blades already providing them ether eyeing down one of the Margots

Not good those bots can shut down our blades for a bit and with the big one at the back he can do some serious damage but he should be easy enough to avoid given his size... Rex looked towards the Gerold Infront of him its cannon at the crackling with purple ether ready to let loose a volley of energy.

"MIKHAIL!"

"YEAH?"

"The ladies! Remember how to take them out?"

" Couse I remember! Take on the big guy right?"

"Yep! Yew, Zuo take on the other one the big one's with me! Roc watch my back!"

Mikhail summoned his Infinity Fans and strummed the dark ether throughout the feathers it hummed with a solemn vibration that calmed his heart for the fight ahead before he dashed forward towards the Margot feinting an attack towards it side with one hand for it to dodge for it to be caught in his other an attack he wont land again given the nature of machines. It's visor began to glow a yellow colour and began to emanate an electric field that cut off ether.

"Mikhail careful it's using the Blade Virus!" Adenine looked at her tablet she could see the basic information of every machine within her immediate radius however interaction with them was severely limited locked only to surveillance and analysis.

"Don't worry I'm not just a blade or did you forget!"

He threw one of his fans aiming for the head disrupting the machine and cancelling the art early as it stuck it's head only for it to respond but pointing its bladed legs towards the blade eater for the attack to suddenly bounce off altering its path making it's body stand upright.

"There!" the thrown fan was recalled back into his hand severing is head from it's body how ever the machine still stood although in limited capacity.

Rex ran towards the Gerold with Roc providing suppressive fire from the distance piercing its armour and stuffing it joints disrupting its movements. The driver jumped onto the gun and jumped towards its shield and used the hooked end of the scythe to drag the shield down towards the ground with one arm using his body weight to carry the blade all the way through.

"Roc blind the bot!"

"Got it!"

A further volley of feathers focused towards the robots head shattering it optical sensors however it's sensory capability's were still fully functional in retaliation it shot out a Familion type that drove around the steel floors trailed with black geometric patterns. The Familion type connected it systems with the Gerold becoming it eyes it locked onto the Rex and prepared a thunder driver an art that knocked the salvager down and away more than enough times in his youth.

"Roc head's up!" He threw up both scythe's towards the air for Roc's talons to catch onto them Rex ran towards the low rider and jumped over it mid dash sparking the ground alight and faced it rear and fired an anchor between its exposed spine. It's tired revved on to prepare for another charge but rex ran towards a supporting pillar pacing himself to match the machines timing.

"Rex what are you doing this is no time for games!"

"Keep holding down the big one wanna get this one down in one shot!" knowing the bastard it's mobility is going to disrupt our already shoddy formation at this pace were gonna have to fall back if it's going to be this aggressive no we'll have to considering the artifices this thing might have access to dammit this whole missions going to shit!" "Yew, Zuo get ready to launch your bot!"

"Launch it? Easier said than done!" Ey Zuo ready for that combo?

"That old thing? Why not!"

Zuo charged the Margot with his great axe in one hand swinging it in a wide arch intentionally leaving himself open the Margot prepared to fire an ether blast just for Yew to strike its back with the butt of his spear breaking it. Zuo spun his body carrying a great force and after one revolution and swept at its base toppling it.

"Nice one! SPINNING BOY!" Yew performed his signature art launching the foe a new property with forged from years of practice. "NOW REX!"

The cycled bot charged towards Rex but it didnt prepare an art to go with it just a wild charge.

Damn underestimated it time anchor down gotta use its momentum against it! Rex planted his feet into the ground and shot out the spikes on the bottom of them to cement himself even further into the ground the Familion charged ahead at full speed dead straight towards Rex. He had his full focus on his anchor still embedded in its spine and began to alter its path over to its side the machine unable to keep steady on the uneven terrain fell towards the ground the the tension from Rex at the centre still kept it airborne barley two inches from the ground the sensation felt near weight less as Rex began to spin it around and around building further momentum and steadying his aim and raising it up higher and higher until it met the launched Margot.

Good enough! "HA!" with a heave he launched cycled machine towards the Margot taking his anchor with it tearing apart both metal and cloth along the way meeting its mechanical sister in the air with an harrowing clang, crash and explosion as it met the ground. "Damn another anchor gone... Rest easy old friend."

"Ahh! smart thinking but that's an expensive technique what you gonna call that one?" Roc descended and handed the weapons back to his driver.

"Don't plan on using that often think I tore the suit open a little... Anyway we got bigger fish to fry."

Mikhail finished up his Margot with a concentrated explosion of dark ether at its core. "Hey didn't I tell you to take care of the big guy."

"Well you know something doesn't have to be big to be effective."

"I hope your still talking about fighting old man!"

*WELL AS FUN AS THAT WAS I THINK ITS TIME TO END IT ALL! NOW DESTROY THEM ALL LEAVE NOTHING LEFT FOR THE RATS!*

The Gerold weapon began to crackle with ether unable to contain all the built up energy and began to fire bullets of ether randomly sometimes in longer beams or quick volleys.

"Not good!" Mikhail erected an blade barrier with Yew and Zuos blades supporting it further increasing its size and durability. "Got a plan to shut this thing off?"

"I'll look for an opening and cause a distraction mind lending me your power?"

"Yeah sure whatever and next?"

"I'll go for the head everyone else can focus on the flank-"

Adenine was on top of the machine with a wind knuckle in one hand and her tablet in the other aiming her hand right down the Gerolf's spine.

"HEY BOOK BABE WHAT ARE YOU DOING UP THERE!"

"Don't worry I go- WHOA!"

The Gerolf's shots began to shift the metal from the ceiling sticking itself into the ground still firing rounds and beams all around the place.

Focus girl you studied these things for years you know everything about this thing. You know it's weaknesses... Her legs lodged themselves into the gears the pain surged though her ether lines into her core but the pain was temporary as the payoff was to be much greater she stuffed the tablet in her satchel and her book levitated off to her side provider her room to summon her second wind knuckle as the pair of them charged up with even more ether.

"MORTAL STORM!"

A single high powered burst of wind ether tore through the machine like paper at point blank range tearing it down as it collapsed to its knees liquid ethe began to bleed out and catch ablaze as the weapon powered down and fell apart the visor and ether lines showing its vitality died down and went black. The scholar fell but her book cushioned the fall her ankles were mangled but were on the mend thanks to blade regeneration nothing but a inconvenience for the time being.

"Adenine are you alright?" Rex and co. ran towards her as she laid on the floor eyes on the verge on tears.

"No no I'm not alright the fall destroyed this tablet! All my data... Years of research notes... Lost forever...."

"Now correct me on this but don't you got this all backed up?"

"Well sure but there are somethings I wouldn't want to keep on the public servers..."

"All right I understand no need to explain."

*DAMN IT IS THIS WORLD JUST AS STUBBORN AS THE OTHER? THIS ENTIRE PLAN TO TAKE YOU OUT THE RUNNING EARLY WAS A WASTE!*

This world? Is she talking about the Bionis? Rex turned towards the sentry and got up right in its face making sure the camera got a good look at his face. "Course we from the very start well we both knew they contacted us as soon as you launched your attack on them."

*IM-IMPOSSIBLE HOW? WE MADE SURE THAT- IT'S ALL...*

"So that's what ye are huh." My bluff paid off good what else do you know...

*HUH?*

"Mobius!"

The word cut through the air silencing every other thought that dare ran it's course.

"Wait Rex you can't be serious that Mobius?" Mikhail held Adenine in his arms to aid her recovery. "No can't be no way they returned makes no sense hell they can't even possess machines that's not what they do."

"Thought that too until they destroyed the city..." Rex murmured under his breath still eyeing the sentry glowing purple ether.

"What was that?"

"Nothing forget about it. As for you Consul I swear on everything that I will hunt you down and end you for good."

*AS IF WE'RE NOT EVEN HERE IN REALSPACE ANYHOW BUT THAT WILL CHANGE SOON. ANYWAY PIECE OF ADVICE BOY SCOUT MAYBE YOU SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON YOUR OWN PEOPLE INSTEAD OF BARKING AT ME!*

"What are you saying?! Explain yourself!" Rex shook the sentry until it snapped under his hand the light fading into nothingness as he dropped the half he held towards the cold ground. "Lost it again damn."

"Hey boss that ain't like ya..."

"True enough Yew. Sorry you had to see that just thought we were done with all the fighting you know."

"If what you told us was true I would act the same way too."

"Adenine sorry to be a bother but that strange energy did you trace it before you broke your tablet?"

"Oh sure did I wrote it down just encase something like this was going to happen it pays to be prepared sometimes." She handed Rex a slip of paper slightly stained with machine oils and lubricants but still fully readable and in surprisingly neat handwriting.

"Thanks your a gem. Okay team time to retreat back to base."

"And then what should we prepare mobilise the entire base for an all out assault?" Zuo's hands were readjusting his glasses once again now seriously reconsidering the upgrade to strap on goggles.

"Maybe Zuo maybe."

---

The Morytha base was still for the majority of the late afternoon the air was stilled with anticipation the sun began to set as the the winds died down so did the movement in and out the various tents.

Hey whats that?
No way is that a-
Shit not again!
A red one?
Hey that shape doesn't it look like?
Ready the titan ships quickly!
Should we call base?
Where's Rex and the group?
Did something go wrong?

"Well this isn't good at all..." Nia looked up as she saw an artifice in the distance she considered it was those weird red one with the head as flat as a plate and a claw as big as a Krabble nowhere as near graceful as Mythras Siren or as evil as Malos' it cut through the air silently droning on in a straight line seemingly lost in it's path. The gate was busted wide open as Rex and Co. ran in not so soon after the team was out of breath as they ran the several miles from the World Tree to the coast base.

"Nia-We need to- Have to warn-"

"Whoa slow down what's going on and why did I see an artifice fly past a couple secs ago?"

"We gotta call Tora Origin's in danger It's-" Rex eyed the crowd before whispering his next words. "Mobius..."

The words shook her as she stumbled back a step but stood back upright as she quickly grabbed Rex's hand and ran towards his tent where the communicator rested now the first line of defence.

"C'mon Tora you best pick up or I swear..."

BZZZT...... BZZZT....... BZZZT......

"Hello friend Rex?"

"Poppi! Ah it's good to see ya! Listen can you put Tora on it's important."

"Meh Meh if so important why not ask Poppi! Poppi is much smarter and more reliable than Masterpon!"

"Well uh... Anyway enough of that listen I need you to run over to any of the communicators to talk to the people of Bionis! It's really important okay!"

"Poppi can see Nia's seriousness so must be very serious situation!"

"It is Poppi please we don't have much time."

"I see..."

Her eyes gave off a flash and the bolts and screw holding her body together let out a loads of ether and steam concealing her body keeping the Nopon secret of transforming robots hidden. Poppi shifted into her QTπ form her most powerful form and tapped into the signal of the communicator a newer feature added into all 3 Poppi forms allowing.

"Poppi QTπ mode online. Nearest communications device is.... Twenty seven meter's away ETA to destination..... Seventy five seconds."

Poppis figure left the screen only leaving the background of Origin with the only sounds being heard was that of the blade running through the tight crevices in and around Origin taking shortcuts by skipping various floors by vertical leaps and secret door's.

"We have arrived at the destination Ms. Nia. Initialising communications." Poppi became a proxy for the communication systems visuals as she connected via a hidden wire in her wrist.

"Nice!"

BZZT BZZT

No one picked up.

"Come on Mel pick it up I know you got nothin better to than sitting on your arse all day..."

BZZT BZZT

*click*

"Hello?" Melia was on the other end seemingly in casual wear hair and feather's wet and loose draping past her shoulders. "Nia this best not be one of those weird Alrestian gossips that I have to know about or asking if I have a-"

"MEL GET DRESSED WHAT ARE YOU DOIN?"

"I was in the shower that's why I'm naked and missed the call from earlier." She began to dry off her feather's with a specialised hand town to minimise damage and limit accidental plumage.

"Well hurry that up we just got attacked by Mobius and they're heading for Origin my world and yours."

"What? No that's impossible how?"

"That's what I thought too they possessed the old machines from the world tree and opened up a portal somewhere on the higher levels." Rex was looking through Adenines notes and began to draft a plan for the immediate future as there was nothing her could do to confront a speeding artifice. "We just don't have time to plan anything concrete as they are currently attacking us from both ends."

"I understand I'll do what needs to be done. Any surprises we should know about?"

"Not sure... Keep an eye on any machines and shoot down anything that flies towards your half of Origin I guess other than that I don't know what else we could do right now." Rex scratched at his head wrapping around the World Tree's seemingly city like map.

"I see. Let's keep communications open we cannot afford to lose them at this time! Whatever advantages we may find we will share with you!" Melia set her communication device on stand by the screen went dark but the light stayed up the ether flowing thought the systems in a hypnotic loop.

"Thanks Mel! Rex what's the plan?"

"As for here We'll stick to the our original plan find the portal and close it with Pyra and Mythra they should be here soon in the hour give or take. As for Origin-"

"Poppi has suggestion."

"Okay lets hear it Poppi." Nia turned face rex keeping an ear turned to the machine.

"Poppi suggests we use pre-emptive action by utilising titan weapon."

"Well obviously we cant let it reach Origin but there ain't no titan or paired weapon that can sink and artifice shit cant even call siren through Mythra to take it down and we aren't going wait an hour!"

"Origin is located in-between Uraya and Tantal if possible can use the Ether Accelerator to defeat artifice."

"Good call Poppi don't think those red ones can dodge them or have the firepower to push it back. Nia tell Poppi to redirect the call to Zeke hopefully they didn't take down that old thing."

"Got it! Poppi call shellhead!"

"Understood contacting Zeke Ozychlyrus Brounev-"

"Ey you don't have to be so serious! Using Zeke's full name and all!"

"Well this is serious situation so Poppi must be serious heropon."

"Another mode?"

"Yes. Should I turn it off?"

"Nah no we need all hands on deck architect knows I find someway to make light of the whole sich. Rex need a quickie?"

"Huh? A what?"

"A heal you look bruised up."

"Well don't want to waste your energy but I have to be my best go on."

Nia extended her hands as a blue aura surrounded the pair of them restoring stamina and mending wounds.

"Hmm that's good think i'm good for now though."

"What why? that was nowhere near enough!"

"True as that is we still have a time to prepare I'll get some people readied up for us when the two of em touch base. Sides that I'm famished."

"Well makes sense I'll handle shellhead then."

Chapter 9: Eternal Interlude

The vastness of space was a mystery for Z in all of his knowledge that be siphoned from the Ontos core before he became Alpha and eventually A as information from the old world captured his attention the most as see what humanity was truly capable of given enough time the world that his god attempted to migrate too with the people of the city all that time ago now he resided here accompanied with his counterparts X & Y.

Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and Earths moon were all they could see in the infinite darkness with faux stars that lit up the environment a hollow beauty that they had all the time to ogle and adore about what environments those other planets might host to theorise how life on a moon colony might be like. All those question were eclipsed by one that loomed over their head as that is the source of their return as far as they knew they were dead wiped from memory scattered into the ether into a memory their names to be quietly cursed and eventually forgotten by the generations.

Z sat in the vastness of space staring into the sun expecting it warmth on his cracked and pale skin only to be met with nothing its heavenly light were only an inconvenience never blinding or ever-present in his perfect world of Aionios.

Y floated towards Z hands behind his back approaching him from behind his large figure weightless in the eternal space.

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown they say."

"You think I am a king?"

"Simply put yes. You had your pawns, advisors, fighters and slaves you were a king."

"But we are nothing to gods and weaker that our pawns."

"Like a game of chess our lives have had many twists and turns. No if anything we were the pieces on the chessboard with you as the king and M & N as your queen able to take any action on the board with ouroboros as the pawns on the other side able to corner you into checkmate. Truly a game for the ages."

"At our detriment no less." Z stared at towards the ground only to be met with nothing not even the quietness of the amphitheatre made him feel this lonely not this aimless only the vastness of space made him feel this way even in his current conversation he never even had the energy to look towards Y. " Do you think this is our afterlife? With ourselves as eternal company?"

"In this limbo? In all honesty if I had to comment on it this would be hell."

"Hmm yes I agree even in most mortal depictions of hell there would at least be something to experience something to feel even if it's just eternal suffering."

X flew towards the two getting in Z's face attempting to elicit emotion from his face only to be met with boredom surrendering to the stillness.

"Well in this way at least you got your endless now right? No annihilation events no pesky ouroboros and all the time in the world! You agree with me right Y?"

"In a way yes our goal has been achieved technically."

"But not like this..." Z stood back turned towards the his hand positioned itself to be met with wine as if it was fated only to be met with nothing." Not like this... I wished to be adorned to be seen as a saviour by the people of the old world their idealised version of a perfect world death a fleeting afterthought and time eternal... But they spat in my face and abolished my dream... I only wanted to help them that was no IS my purpose to be a saviour! Now I am nothing."

" You wish to be seen as a saviour like Alpha all that time ago?"

"No but..." Z turned to face his X & Y hand out stretched facing them for the first time in an eternity. " We can learn from him."

"Learn from him? How he failed spectacularly hell he isn't even dead just plain gone." X pushed her hair out of her face pushing it back to face Z clearly.

"If my god did teach my anything is that humans are conservative creatures and in order for them to change they have to experience great suffering. This is a lesson you know better than the back of your hand Y through your countless experiments."

"Although true I fail to gain the subtext of your message..."

"Oh Y do not fret. Both of you come take my hand."

X and Y cautiously took a hand from Z on edge as they have never seen Z act like this in the eternal now even at his end by the hand of ouroboros his blinding rage at the fear of death and the rejection of his vision was nothing compared to how he acted now.

"X join hands with Y we will now form our own trinity."

"WHAT!" X & Y both shouted instantly shocked at such a suggestion as they knew they have no such power even with the knowledge of the trinity processor and its functions.

"This is truly unexpected... Have you gone made Z!? Has the emptiness of space truly drove your mind to the edge!"

"It just might if you don't do what I say! Now come back towards me and join hands together now! Besides we truly have nothing to lose."

X face now portrayed fear a rare expression as her hand inched towards Y and Z "H-Hey just tell me this before we do this... Why now all this effort?"

"You really want to know X? It's because of them."

"Them?" Y asked connecting his hand with X's

"Matthew. Nikol. Glimmer. Sena. Taion. Lanz. Eunie. Mio. Noah. M. N. Rex. Shulk. And A. They have all bin given the chance to try again to perceive and become stronger and our complacency allowed them to needlessly get stronger and I've ignored them hoping they would just see my side and understand what I promise them a boon to their existence. My words will just not get through to them. My consuls lacked the strength to carry out my will. My solders wavered but all is not lost."

"And why is that my king?"

"Because we will try again."

Z's eyes his iris displaying a draconic figure performing a moebius strip now restored pulling power seemingly out of the atmosphere the space around them warped in random directions.

"T-This power how?"

"Stay in synch with me X don't allow your mind to wander!"

Power flowed between them and their respective Iris reactivated warping the space even further drawing in more and more energy carrying with it new and unparalleled data.

"So this is how you saw the world my god. I wish I could pray to you for the blessing to take your place."

Notes:

Made a quick intermission chapter before posting the second half of machines possessed as it might take a long time write and publish might post more intermission chapters explaining what certain characters are doing at the time.

See ya later and thanks for reading!