Gathered around a table after Indol had surrendered, Rex prepared to share the last stretch of his plan. Indol would be busy as evidence of more and more of Amalthus' crimes came to light so they were not much of a concern for the time being. It seemed to him that all of his loose ends had been handled. He decided that it was time to go to the World Tree.
All eyes feel on him as he stood from his chair, "I'm going to the World Tree."
"I can't say I didn't see this coming," Morag was the first to reply, "But might I ask why? What is left for us there?"
"I don't know, but maybe…maybe the Architect…Klaus, has a plan. Last time we were there, he didn't have much time left. I don't know why exactly, but something to do with another world. Either way, if I'm gonna get any answers from him, I think it needs to be soon.
"Pyra and Mythra have already agreed to come, but I can understand if any of you have other things you need to take care of."
"I got nowhere to be," Nia leaned back in her chair.
"Indeed," Dromarch confirmed with a dip of his head.
"Tora not leave grand adventure yet," Tora bounced energetically, "Isn't that right, Poppi?"
"Masterpon and Poppi will see quest through to the end."
"Ha!" Zeke leaned forward dramatically, "You think I'd pass up on an opportunity to meat the Architect? Count me in!"
"Diddo for me!"
"This does appear to be a once in a lifetime opportunity," Morag responded with a bit more calm, "I see no reason not to go."
"Agreed," Brighid nodded, "I'm curious myself."
"I'm afraid I'm needed at the Praetorium," Haze declined, "We're still discovering the depths of Amalthus' crimes and someone needs to help keep order."
"Alright, I understand" Rex nodded to Haze before addressing the others, "Though, the World Tree may not be what you were expecting."
Using the Omega Fetter, Mythra was able to call Ophion off allowing them to dock at the World Tree. Pretty much everyone but Rex was mesmerized by the man-made nature of the "tree," but Rex pressed onward. He did not know exactly how long they had, but time had been short last time. It did not help that he did not know what their time frame was relative to the first time.
As they made their way down the long pier-like structure, they were making good time. It still amazed Rex how anyone could have built this, but he just hoped that the Architect could use some of that genius to help them out.
However, as they walked, Rex noticed that Mythra seemed a bit out of it. She was not awestruck by the sights, rather, she seemed to be deep in thought. Judging by her expression, it was not just a happy conversation with Pyra like she had been known to have since they had regrouped. No, something was up.
"Mythra," Rex grabbed his blade's attention. She looked at him somewhat absently, "What's on your mind?"
"It's just…I can't contact Siren. I thought I'd make sure we're ready for anything, but when we got here…nothing. It's not responding to me. Ophion did, but it only takes orders through the Fetter these days. I don't know what's up, but I don't like it."
"That is strange, but I don't think we'll need Siren. Amalthus is dead, and I still got Malos' core crystal with me. Jin doesn't seem to mean us any harm. I think we're good."
"There's that hopelessly optimistic nature of yours again. Isn't it exhausting keeping that up?"
"Eh," Rex put his hands behind his head as he walked, "It's just how I am I guess. It's not like I never get down, but what's the point in dwelling on the bad?"
"Ugh, no wonder Pyra's so infatuated," Mythra could not hide her smirk, "But I suppose I should thank you for helping us out of that bad spot. I…I especially wanted to thank you for helping Pyra. You took care of my sister. Thanks for that."
"Oh, uh, don't mention it. Just remember, I'm here for you. Both of you."
"Heh, thanks. Do you…do you really think that father could separate us?"
"Well, I think it's worth a shot, but don't worry even if he can't. We'll figure something out if he can't."
Mythra hummed in response. Honestly, it did not feel right to her taking time Pyra could be spending with Rex or even just living her life. She supposed she still felt guilty after Pyra had pointed out the exceptionally raw deal that Mythra had dealt her. That did not stop them from insisting that they did not mind her taking her own time, but…Mythra had seen how in love they were. She knew they must have wanted to spend even more time together.
Despite her worries, Mythra flashed her driver a smile. It seemed to do the trick for him, but her sister was not so easily convinced. She did not say anything, but Pyra made a note to talk to Mythra later.
Eventually, they found their way to the door leading inside. Rex led the way as they came into a partially glass walkway, but the view of the inside of the World Tree was not as Rex remembered. Instead of an eerily quiet and mostly still place, the inner workings were very active. Machines flying to and fro seemingly doing something. What that was, Rex did not know, but he suddenly found himself wondering if Mythra had a point.
"Alright, let's get going," Rex said tearing his eyes away from the sight that he found ominous. One look to Mythra and she knew something was not right here, but they kept walking regardless.
A bit more walking led them to the room before the massive elevator. It brought back some less than pleasant memories, but Jin was alive this time. Though, Rex was also not sure what that meant for the long term as Jin had still done some terrible things. However, that could wait as they continued onward.
"Look at the size of that thing," Nia was in awe of the massive elevator, "How high up does that go?"
"Space, I think," Rex answered as the doors slid open, "No turning back now."
No one said a word, but they could mostly all tell from his demeanor that something was not right. All the same, they stepped into the elevator without a moment's hesitation. They had come this far after all, they would see this through.
A/N: And into the final arc. Also, after some tweaking, I got the poll link to work. Go to my bio and copy and paste the link to find the poll. If you missed what that's about, vote for your favorite of Pyra and Mythra and it may impact a one shot I might do. If you haven't looked at those one shots feel free. Though, one of them was kind of dark.