Who Knows What Tomorrow Holds

by realest-nat

A trio of (unlikely) heroes finds themselves protecting the President of the United States after a hostile takeover of the White House. On top of that, there's the looming threat of an axis of time attaining godhood. It's going to be a long day. [Following "Aria of the Sol", this is a retelling/reimagining of the Guilty Gear -Strive- story mode. Also on AO3]

12. Like Footsteps on the Shoreline

Silence befalls the world.

Deep beneath the Castle grounds, the sole prisoner hangs her head down. Her face is obscured by her hair – eyes opening and revealing her red irises as she smiles. "The sun has set, and the moon has risen. It is done."

Dust slowly falls around Tír na nÓg's surface after the light dissipates. I-No's body is nowhere to be found – what's left where she stood were a pair of boot prints and her sunglasses. Those watching from the ground level scratch their heads, wondering what happened at such a high altitude. The international crews glue their eyes to their screens, holding their breath in hopes that all ten of the ragtag heroes survived.

"God. Damn. It. I didn't think I was capable of that much output…." The lenses of Aria's goggles further cracked, whereas the device itself withstood the extreme stress of power released from firing her Gamma Ray. Keeping herself standing after everything and catching her breath, her boost wore off as her eyes found a disheartening sight.

Out of respect for his lifelong friends, Asuka warps everyone else away from the couple. He checks them for injuries and their overall well-being. "Is everyone okay?" He visibly smiles and sighs in relief when the group of seven confirms their statuses. Following their example of all looking in the same direction, an intense wave of guilt runs throughout his body from viewing how they were positioned now.

She fights the fatigue-induced sluggish pace to take steps toward her partner. Noting the stillness and loosened grip on the superweapon's handle, the first thing she did when she was close enough was kneel and wrap her arms around him. Struggling to find what she wanted to say, she puts her face against his jacket's right sleeve. "H-hey…." Voice cracking, she lowly muttered between sniffles, "please, don't go..."

"..."

"You... you stayed true to... your word about... a-about..."

"..."

"Fighting to... s-save the world..."

"If the world was going to disappear tomorrow... What would you do today?"

"What kind of a question is that? Stop whatever's ending the world or die trying."

Her embrace tightened as tears ran down her face. "Human, Gear, or neither. The world still needs you."

With drooped ears and saddened eyes, the wolf spirit whined. Its host and companion soothed it by scratching behind its ears and reassuring the worst had come to pass. "It's okay, girl. We're still alive." Another whine followed by a lick to the side of her face, Giovanna patted Rei's forehead. "What? Are you worried about me? I'm okay, I swear." She winced as another sharp pain ran through her body. "Ouch..." Her superior, the President, placed a hand on her shoulder. Half-expecting him to say she's no longer needed, she began, "I'm sorry –"

"None of that." Vernon's voice was firm; however, it sounded... fatherly. He may have his doubts about the agent, but he knew she was more than capable of the job. Facing off against an unstoppable force, she did prove she's worth giving a higher position. "I can tell what you were thinking, but you're not being let go. You take as much time as you need off, Gio. Goldlewis, Erica, and I will await your return." He turns to look at Potemkin, taking note of the damage he's sustained. "Gabriel chose one hell of a man to send to help. Give him my thanks."

"Glad to have been of service." He's bearing through the lingering soreness, evidenced by one of his fists clenching. "It was a good call we didn't jump back in the fray. That healing helped, but I believe it wore off."

Asuka sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, thinking up an answer. "I apologize that it wasn't a full restoration. I'm not that kind of doctor."

"Hey," Gio shrugs her shoulders. "It kept us, especially me, from dying. I'd say it was better than nothing."

Saddened at the loss of someone he could consider a friend, the time traveler meekly looked down at the minty green and white guitar he held in his hands. Rei walks up to him, offering the sunglasses that were left behind. This entire time he was unaware of her true identity. If he had to lose someone like her, it didn't have to be this way. Regardless of if she recalled who he was and why he was important to her in the first place, false memory or not. He threw away his chance to return home a while ago, and now he felt that it would've been for nothing had he gone through with it. Axl softly said under his breath, "it shouldn't have ended like this... Megumi."

After regaining control over his body and revealing the wicked goddess's weak point, the vampiric samurai pierced the ground a few centimeters with his sword. Though he directly participated in the fight, he knelt to show his appreciation for defeating the evil force which used him as a puppet. Now, he could see why his mentor was fascinated by the will of a single person; he wonders what Slayer's reaction to learning about and meeting his second adversary turned primary invaluable ally would be. "May you rest for now… but for all of our sakes, especially hers, this cannot be your end." Nagoriyuki stands up and re-sheathes his katana, briefly bowing in respect.

The King of Illyria – his lifelong rival and their son-in-law – approaches them, stopping a few feet short to maintain distance. "It's finally over. They're gone. We can... we can go home now." Part of him wanted to hold a hand out to help him stand, yet he held back and deemed that action unnecessary. "…Sol?"

Dizzy intently watches the monitor, hoping that the worst possible outcome wouldn't occur. She raises her right index and middle fingers to her earpiece; her left hand's on the screen, calling out for a response. "Dad? Dad! Wake up! Please tell me he's faking it. We're not seeing any movement from him on the feed."

Ramlethal's eyes fixed on the vitals display. Nine of the ten bodies were marked as safe by their green coloring, whereas the tenth greyed out. "It went offline…."

Aria attempts to find any sign of life – checking the radial artery on his wrist, then the carotid on his neck. "I can't find his pulse… I don't think he's breathing… Firing the Outrage with that amount of power must've been too much on his body. I tried to warn him, but…." The sound of her crying is heard around the world; she places her cheek back against the sleeve. "I was worried about you losing me, but now… I'm the one who's… who's ending up losing you…!" Her embrace tightens, with her digging into the leather. "Dammit, Freddie! Open your eyes!"

"I don't understand what it is – nor do I have a full understanding of many things – but you and Frederick still love each other regardless, right?" The pink-hearted servant tugs at one of Jack-O's pant legs before flying into her arms. It hugs her and droops its wings; she pats its back like a mother calming down an infant. Figuring out how to be empathetic, it pained her to see her other half bawling her eyes out. "Is this… what they call 'love?'"

A gentle breeze runs throughout, causing locks of his hair to flow in the wind. Three minutes pass with everyone standing by in silence. All external observers feel their hearts sink from seeing and hearing one woman's emotional breakdown.

That is before it's broken by a raspy voice.

"Aria… you're… squeezing… me… too… tight."

"…!?"

Ky's spirits rose once he noticed the man in front of him taking steady deep breaths – body slowly moving to show signs of life. Right hand maintaining its grip on the Outrage's handle, his left lightly grasped one of hers. Face still downward, a weak smile formed. "…How… many… times are you… able to cry… in one day?"

She couldn't believe it. He's hanging by a frayed thread and using what energy he should be saving to speak. She undoes her hold on him and relocates herself to crouch next to Ky. Gently placing the back of her hand under his jaw, she slowly lifts his head up to face her. His expression fails in easing what she's feeling now, leaving her unable to string words together.

"It almost was, and I didn't listen… I…." Frederick's nodding in and out of consciousness. "I could use a doctor." His body gives out, with his grip on the handle undoing itself – he collapses and falls over to the right.

The other seven audibly gasp in shock. Vernon's the first to break from his stunned state to give a direction, stating, "don't just stand there! We've gotta help them!"

"Hold on just a bit," Goldlewis calls over the line. "We're dispatching EMS teams to your location."

An operator takes initiative to call the nearest locale's emergency services. "Getting their current coordinates… 32°41′32″ North by 114°36′55″ West. Contacting the city of Nuevo Yuma now."

Ky calls for the medic aboard RFO to meet the group in the courtyard. All present rushed to the collapsed body, picking him up and laying him on the gurney the two accompanying swordsmen pushed. As the party started their path to the royal airship, a thought crossed his mind. "Wait a minute," he stops where he is. "If we're all heading back to Illyria, where are we going to put the White House?"

"That's… a good question. We're traveling back eastbound, correct?"

"Yeah? Why would we go the long way around?"

"I know the perfect place." Asuka's long life and knowledge of de/classified Old World history added up to deciding on a significant location. "There should be more than enough fuel to get us there for a landing. In the meantime, use the flight to gather your belongings and bring them to the ship." So much for his radio show on the moon plan. His old friend's safety and continued existence were now the top priority if he didn't want to face the wrath of both the Queen and Princess Gears – and the entire extended family. "I'd say none of us will be returning here any time soon."

"Where's your, uh…."

"My what?"

Giovanna taps the straps of her suspenders and points behind her. "Didn't you come here with a backpack?"

"I left it in the guest room's safe." Aria decided wearing the accessory during their time fighting would've slowed her down. "How much time do we have before we reach this 'perfect landing spot' you mentioned?"

Going from his best guess, Asuka replies, "it's about a 700-mile flight. Given the speed we've been going, I'd say about an hour and a half?"

"Guys," Aria glances over at the other four combat-suited male allies. "Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid." They let out quiet laughs at the offense he took to her statement. "I'll be right back." She takes her leave, flashing a peace sign before running off. "You know where to find me."

"I'm going with her," Jack-O fixes the belt on her jumpsuit before following. "You know, out of safety precautions."

"Those bunny guards should be back to their old selves if they're awake." Vernon's sight fixes on the control tower he and Frederick crashed through. "The only one who can summon those cycles is out. Can someone go with me to get them?"

Giovanna fights off the soreness and volunteers herself as his escort. "I can do that."

After the four of them left for their respective destinations, two groups of Nuevo Yuma paramedics arrive in separate ambulance crafts. The dark blue-clad responders exited, chatting about the strange nature of their call.

"This is gonna be the weirdest one we've ever been on."
"True, but when's the next time we'll visit the White House? Are they who made the call?"
"That must be them. Hold on a sec, is that –…?"
"What's the King of Illyria doing here?"
"Is that the Gear Maker?"
"Look who's on the stretcher!"
"Sol Badguy? You're kidding! We got called on for him!?"

Ky greets the equally sized team, bringing them up to speed on what happened. They follow him, albeit with a cross between confusion and concern, to meet with the first medic and Asuka; the second of which was attempting to improve his healing magic. As he's keeping his composure – underneath it all he's panicking – he relays the plan. "We're heading back to the Kingdoms, though we're making the rest of the trip aboard Royal Fleet One. Secretary? Are you still listening?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you contact the city of Neo Roswell and request them to wait for us?"

"You're gonna land the White House there?" The older man lets out a chuckle and strokes his beard. "I'm amused at your choice."

Half of the paramedics share their reasons for long-distance travel restrictions. "Oh, uh, I can't go past that point. My kid's birthday is in two days."
"I promised my sister I'd babysit her kids this weekend."
"My husband's in the hospital, and I'm unable to travel past the neighboring states, let alone across the Atlantic."
"Same with me, but it's my grandmother."
"I'm about to be a parent. My wife's due date is within the next week."

"Understandable. We'll also arrange for a swap once you land."

---

[Neo Roswell, Neo New Mexico]

A family of three decided to go out for a late afternoon stroll. The son stops to point out the unusual sight, mostly from his Dalmatian and Black Labrador suddenly tugging at their leashes and making noise. "Louie! Morgan! Calm down! What are you barking at?"

One of the boy's parents notices there's a crowd of locals trying to look past a barricade. "What's going on over there? Is that… a spacecraft?" Their curiosity gets the best of them – they approach the back end of the gathering. One of the officers politely informs the onlookers to keep their distance. Several vehicles are parked along Tír na nÓg's perimeter, with some driving into the city to transport the surviving un-brainwashed guards and agents to medical care facilities.

The Neo Arizona ambulance crafts rise into the air, with both pilots coming over the communication line before leaving. "Mike-Echo-Delta-1 and Mike-Echo-Delta-2, ready for departure back to Nuevo Yuma. Over."

"You're cleared to go. Thank you for the assistance. Over and out." Asuka bids farewell to the half of the team headed back westward. Facing the remaining half and the replacement crew, he watches as they all board RFO. "We'll organize return trips for all of you when we arrive in Illyria."

The royal craft rises; locals from the ground level watch as it travels eastward. Another barricade officer standing by leans to their colleague and jokingly states, "two hundred and forty years later, that 'historical' sighting has nothing on this."

---

[Washington, D.C. – 3hr, 36mins later]

Despite the chaotic nature of the White House's ascent, the firefight with casualties included, the citizens went about the rest of their day normally. Those standing in the right place caught a glimpse of an ornate airship cruising through. Goldlewis stands alone along the railing of a bridge that faces the river; he's soon approached by a friend. "Danny Missiles? Really?"

"Erica, we all survived an act of God. If I want to get fast food, then dammit I'll get me some." He hears her lowly sigh, peeking from the corner of his eyes to see she placed her glasses atop her head. "Chipp went back home?"

"Yeah. Said he had some 'presidential business' to attend to." She rubs her eyes out of tiredness, yawning. "Did you at least get something for me?" He reaches into the paper bag, taking out Erica's favorite food item and handing it to her. She's given a to-go cup filled with passion fruit flavored soda, places it on the railing, and unwraps the item in her left before taking a bite. "We've finished compiling the data from each country, as well as drafting up non-disclosure agreements." The mentioned documents are stored in the messenger bag she's wearing. She's had the plant-based option on a handful of occasions, but now it struck her taste buds differently. "Somehow, this tastes better than it usually does."

"Heh. Knowing it ain't your last helps." It warmed his old heart to see his colleague smile, especially after today where she spent most of it with a depressed countenance. How they're bonding reminded him of his older brother, though they pursued different career paths. "When they rebuild the White House, we'll be far away from this place. I look up at the sky every day... but from here, it looks completely different." Another bite of his food and sip of soda later, he brings up the elephant on the bridge. "The whole world indirectly knows of her existence and his 'passing.' How are we gonna cover the fact he's alive up?"

"A state funeral is out of the question. You saw that they took him back to Illyria after collapsing." She picks up a pair of fries – the U.M.A. in the coffin's sticking an arm out, holding the tray in one of its palms – and bites down on them. "Vernon and Giovanna are on RFO, and I don't count on them returning until maybe next week or after the holidays."

"It could be staged as a closed casket."

"That's a horrible idea." She drinks from her cup, noting how it's relatively sweeter than she remembers. "Although, what were you going to add?"

He makes a "gun" with his free hand, pointing it up, and pretending to fire. "A twenty-one gun salute to see him off to Heaven."

"Perhaps we could arrange memorials? I was thinking statues."

"For all ten of them? I thought memorials were only for the dead."

"Good point… I did tell Aria I'd do something to honor her." She recalls the conversation with her after arrival. "As far as I'm aware, you're the first and only female knight in the summit's history. And that's saying a lot, considering I know who you were before. Your old friend revealed your identity to us."

"Didn't think he'd share it. You have nothing to worry about. What you see in front of you is on humanity's side this time. Powers, limiter, and all."

"I trust Colin's judgment more than anything, but I'll hold you to your word. Pull this off, and I'll be sure to personally write your name in the books as a heroine, 'Luna.' I don't know how sharing her identity and powers will fare though…." She looks up into the sky, noticing how the moon's currently visible. "Aria 'Luna' Hale – or would she prefer Bulsara? – humanity's heroine."

"Did you leave her and the others out when you drafted the NDAs?" Erica's side-eye and furrowed brows made him retract that question. "Eri, I'm just kiddin'! Think we can interview her for a complete story?"

"I'm sure she'd rather fight instead of talk to you, Goldy." She smiles at the U.M.A. slapping its hand on the coffin's surface to signify it found her remark humorous.

---

News stations worldwide ceased their regular programming to broadcast the same story. Despite the American and Illyrian media's best efforts, reporters from both regions were unable to get sufficient – if any at all – information.

"Hours after the G4 summit's abrupt shift from an international meeting between leaders for world peace to becoming a warzone, D.C. locals are still bewildered at the sight they witnessed. Nearby civilians were left unharmed after the White House's ascent due to the efforts of local law enforcement and emergency services. We've asked the Pentagon for an official statement. Secretary of Defense Goldlewis Dickinson has declined to address one, as did Vice President Erica Bartholomew. His whereabouts are unknown at the time of this broadcast, but President Colin Vernon is reportedly safe after the incident."

"We're receiving word from the Nuevo Yuma region, where the White House ceased its flight course, that their townspeople are unharmed from the airborne combat. Allegedly from several firsthand accounts, the White House was last seen traveling eastbound and landing in Neo Roswell. Government officials from Neo Roswell have shared that the White House was safely landed in the city's outskirts, with a security barrier in place to prevent wanderers and trespassers. Local authorities were seen assisting several Secret Service agents and National Guardsmen in exiting, and safely escorting them into the city. An unspecified number of individuals were reportedly seen boarding the Illyrian aircraft Royal Fleet One (RFO), presumably en route to the capital city. The mayor has offered no comments."

"The other three ambassadors escaped their hostage situation with minimal casualties, and no harm was done to the men. The representatives from the Chinese and Oceanian Federations have returned home safely, as did the Third Allied King. They have all declined to comment on the events, as did First Queen Dizzy Kiske and Second King Leo Whitefang…."

Prepared to speak on their behalf, Ramlethal, Millia, and Zato fend off the media from hounding Dizzy, Leo, and Daryl. Ram's the first to push them back; her voice is noticeably professional and collected. "We ask that you give them privacy. There's nothing to share currently."

"Members of the press," the ex-assassins stand by her sides. "Kindly vacate the premises immediately." The trio steps back as several Convict Hammers and Gauntlet Bodies form a body barrier between the parties.

"Hmph, didn't think they'd be on the ball that quickly." Leo runs a hand through his hair to style it back. He observes Dizzy's current disposition, sensing she's a little rattled. "Are you okay?" He's aware of her history and how she spent some of her early years distrusting humans.

"Yeah… First time dealing with the press." She crosses her arms, wrapping her tail around one of her legs. "I kinda wish my parents were here. Though, it shouldn't be too long until everyone arrives."

"Your father is the God of War, and the same title can apply to your mother. If it weren't for her, I don't think our escape would've happened as smoothly as it did." Daryl's on-the-spot try at easing her semi-succeeded. "Mars and Minerva are more fitting aliases for them than Sol and Luna."

"That was something…." A pair of friendly faces enter the vicinity. "Anyway, everyone, we're back!" Elphelt walks in wearing a winter-ready variation of Ramlethal's attire. Her inverted palette consists of the same hat, a waistcoat with a pink shirt underneath, along with pants, boots, and a fluffy, non-living version of her cloak. "This outfit's pretty comfy and – owwie…." She recoils a bit from the intense strain she voluntarily put on herself. "My body hurts!"

Sin follows close behind, donning a pair of white pants with golden shin armor, a black tank top and boots, and a down jacket. "Take it easy, El! I know you were trying to help calm her down, but that was reckless even for you." He stretches, relieving tension from his more defined muscle structure. "I am never wearing a suit of armor like that ever again! I wonder where that samurai lady and that little girl went…."

"Well, Miss Baiken is Japanese, right? Hopefully, she and Delilah safely returned home to the Colony." She reads the room full of perplexed faces and asks, "what? Miss Dizzy, you do know where we went, don't you?"

"Had Ram not decided to stay here after Ky denied her request, the three of you would've handled it. If those people are safe and nobody was hurt, your mission was a success."

"Can't say that about Dr. Faust…." While Sin led the squad of Gears he called from Dr. Paradigm, he caught a brief look at how the bizarre doctor walked away zombie-like after it all. "Speaking of Dad, he's coming back with Aria and the Old Man, right?" Now he notices the expression shift from confused to concerned. "What? Was it something I said?"

"Er… I'll tell you two what you missed." Leo side-eyes Daryl, asking, "unless you also have no idea what happened after you left?"

"For the most part, no. I don't."

"If you weren't busy with your crew stuffing your faces full of desserts, you might've known." Leo slyly grins at the glare Daryl shoots him. "About Sol…." His smile's dropped for a neutral mien. "We're hoping he'll pull through."

Elphelt raises a brow and tilts her head to the side. "Pull through? I thought he was invincible."

"He's not himself anymore. That Moron reverted him back into a human too soon."

"By 'That Moron,' do you mean the Gear Maker or the Original? While Sin and I were out, who we helped were also pursuing the real That Man."

Dizzy clenches her fists recalling the damage done to both Aria and Frederick – her mother surviving a nearly fatal gunshot, later jumping into I-No's body to undo the godhood; her father forcibly returned to humanity, almost dying in the moments leading up to the final fight. "I'll get answers from the Gear Maker one way or another. Of all people…." She stomps one of her feet down with enough force to leave a dent. "Why did he and that bastard Chaos have to ruin my parents' lives?"

"At least tell us there was a showdown between them?"

"There was, and she had to be held back from killing him on the spot. She's now the most dangerous person on Earth." Eddie appears behind Zato, miming a head tilt, crossing one arm, and placing the other hand "under" his chin. "How many more surprise abilities do you believe she has?"

"I've got at least two records to edit tonight, and I think I'll issue the PWAB's first-ever SSS rating." Millia, who has three slim folders worth of documents in her hand, catches sight of a nearby travel display, sharing, "RFO's currently over the Atlantic – they've left the east coast." She ponders to herself for a moment before asking, "in the end, what was the future I-No wanted?"

"You should know. Or rather, we both should. It's the one thing that can offer us fulfillment. She was never able to find her own."

"What I-No lacked wasn't a past, nor a future. But rather, a present," both Kings chime in. "The past, the future, their hope, and their foundations... None of that means anything without the present."

"A person can never truly know themselves regardless of how many times they stare at a mirror. Personal perception vastly differs from the reality of it all. That's something I know all too well." She glances at the topmost folder – it has a photo clipped to the front. "When she looks at herself, what does she see: herself, Justice, Jack-O, or all three?"

The worldwide broadcast concludes with a feminine voice. "Who are we to thank for saving humanity from certain doom this time around? We may never know their identities, but heroes, if you're listening, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you."

---

Now I ain't tired of sweating for blood and dirt
I ain't tired of sweating for what it's worth
Cause lines get drawn and lines get kicked and blurred
Indelible is what I need to spread the word

To tell me now (tell me now)
And show me how (show me how)
To understand (understand)
What makes a good man?

The unaffected half of the team waits on the bridge, anxiously hoping for the best; they're accompanied by a holo-projection. Hearing footsteps entering the room, Ky spots one of the older paramedics carrying a clipboard. His curiosity overpowers his train of thought, with him asking, "any updates?"

"Axl, Giovanna, and Potemkin are doing well." The notes on them are on the top page – it's soon flipped over. "Mild injuries and cases of exhaustion, but nothing we can't treat until we land." They bring up a screen showing all three awake and chatting with their assigned med techs.

"I'm fine. Really, I am! Not as beat up as Gio, though. Ehehe."

"Shut your mouth, Ax! Keep this shit up, and Rei will bite more than your hand off." Rei's audibly growling and visibly snarling; he jokingly acts scared, high-pitched squeak included.

"Eek!"

"Now I see how the three of us got along well."

"I like you more than him, Pot."

"Hey now! No favoritism here!"

"It's so not. He has yet to annoy me."

Potemkin keeps a straight face, though his lips slightly curved upward. "She's right."

"Aw, come on, man!" It makes Axl internally smile that his momentary allies have become like the best friends he never had.

"You three are the perfect trio."

"You think so?"

"That's how we were at first. So, yes."

"King Kiske, are you sure you're in a state where you don't need treatment?"

"I have Gear cells in my body. I'd think I'll be okay."

"If you insist, sir."

Vernon's next to ask a question. "What about Frederick? How's he faring?"

"He's in intensive care, and as of now, he's alive. The paramedics on board are all seasoned professionals; however, they've never had to work on saving the life of a Gear reverted into a human man. May I ask how that came about?" All eyes fix on Asuka – the guilty party lowers his head. "Ah. How ironic."

Asuka and Nagoriyuki shared the same concern – though one doesn't have the right to be that way – inquiring, "and Aria?"

"She wasn't in any of the patient rooms. Nobody's seen her since we left Neo Roswell."

"I can answer that," Jack-O speaks up. "She's locked in her room and won't come out. I'd say it's best to wait until she exits or we land. Out of respect and privacy reasons…."

"That sounds like her," Dizzy adds. Currently "accompanying" the quintet from the manor, she's picked up on how stubborn her mother can be at times. "How long until you all arrive? We've already informed the hospital that you're all en route."

"About seven hours as of now." Ky shares a detail about RFO he's unsure if his fellow passengers are aware of. "It's going to be a long way home. Feel free to rest in whichever room you'd like."

---

Coming home, coming home
I'm here waiting for your words
I'll be there, lonely too
Can't wait to see you smiling

Coming home, coming home
But those words are now lost in the wind
The moon has come up a long time ago

Incapable of getting a well-deserved rest, Aria lies on the king-sized bed, staring at her room's ceiling. Her jacket and boots have been removed, along with her goggles laid atop the nightstand. Through trial and error, she repaired the lenses, bringing the device back to full functionality. Thankfully, nothing stored inside was lost during troubleshooting. It's placed next to the scrap metal the suppressor was reduced to.

There's a screen only she has access to that's active – it shows inside the intensive care unit. She's been watching the combined effort to keep Frederick alive. It's relieving that the system they've hooked him up to hasn't gone offline, yet she remains worried. She turns on her side, half of her face dug into the pillow. The pink-hearted servant materializes on its own, snuggling underneath her arms to act as a plushie. "I never gave you a name, did I? How about… Cupid?"

I don't know, what should I do now?
Not sure who I am anymore
Was it only me?
Who thought we were family

She watches it worriedly staring at the monitor. "Are you worried about him, little one?"

Coming home, coming home
I'm here waiting to hear your words
I'll be there, brought to you
Can't wait to see you smiling

Coming home, coming home
But those words seem just to fade away

It nods. "Yeah. Me too…." She sings to calm herself and the servant. "The sun has gone down a long time ago."

Her goggles activate on their own – it projects the photo they took, changing to the one she saw in her dream state. The image remains before it alters to her wearing a lunar-themed wedding gown, and him wearing a designer tuxedo with a sun pin on the lapel.

---

[December 14. Seven hours later]

By the time RFO landed, jet lag hit the pilots hard enough to where they were admitted after the trip. Concerning the ship's most important passenger, everyone else aboard made the effort to clear the way into the hospital. Ky felt a sense of déjà vu as this was nearly identical to how Aria was brought in – minus the property damage.

After following the team that pushed the gurney to the designated room, Aria stops in front of the door. "I have a request. May I stay here until he recovers? I…." She turns her head to the right, looking through the window. "I don't want to leave him. I want to be there when he either wakes up or passes."

The physician and the nurse trade a glance before the former gives the okay. "All things considered, sure. Why not?"

"Pardon me for interrupting," Vernon enters the conversation. "But do you have patient rooms for all of us? We're not as critically injured, so maybe just overnight stays?"

"Indeed, we do. By these patient care reports, they'd recommend additional care and some tests run. Though," the nurse directs her next line at Aria. "Do you mind me asking what your relation to the patient is, Ms. —?"

She places her hand on the top of the clipboard, lowering it, and making brief eye contact. "I'm his wife."

---

It's an ungodly hour. Ambient noise runs throughout, mostly from the medical machinery she's come to know remaining powered on, emitting low steady beeps for the normal readings. The only ones who weren't placed in patient rooms were Vernon, Jack-O, and Asuka – tonight, they're staying in special visitor's quarters.

A duffel bag's been dropped off with a note listing what's inside. Contents include, but are not limited to, clothing, stationery, unread books, and her favorite snack foods. The uncovered window allows the moonlight to shine through, giving the interior a blueish-black hue.

There are three unheard messages left on her comm unit. They're all from the royal residence's occupants.

"Miss Aria, this is Ramlethal. I didn't know what clothes you wanted me to bring, but hopefully what I packed is sufficient for your stay. Here's to hoping Sol has a quick recovery."

"Hi, Aria! It's Elphelt and Sin! We heard that you saved the day when you and Sol went to America for that political conference."

"If only the people knew your name because the media surely doesn't. Regardless, you're being hailed as a hero worldwide!"

"Mom? It's me, Dizzy. I was trying to reach you, but I guess you'd want to be left alone now, huh? I understand if you don't want to call back. Do know that I'm available if you need someone to talk to."

The radio's volume was at the right level to drown out the machinery. What's playing now is a guitar-driven tune sung by a woman.

And I swear I won't surrender
And I'll die right by your side
Even if I'm beaten, black and blue
There's no place left to hide

And I swear I won't surrender
And I'll die right by your side
I'm just up around the bend

Aria catches one last look at the neutral visage before she falls asleep. "My one and only fairweather friend."

---

[December 15. Kiske Residence – 11 am]

As with RFO's design accommodating individual passengers, the manor's spacious enough to lodge the octet that arrived from the hospital. Dizzy answered the door, greeting the group and welcoming (most of) them in. She wanted to slam the door in Asuka's face and tell him to kick rocks – her kind personality prevented her from doing so.

An hour passed since everyone was shown to their guest rooms – the exception was Jack-O as she brought Aria's goggles home with her, choosing to stay in the device. It was out of precaution for herself due to her uncertainty of if she can permanently retain her current form without the need to return, especially with the distance between her and Aria. They all split into groups, spreading themselves out and across the perimeter. This wasn't planned as they chose to familiarize themselves with each other before going out in the city.

Giovanna and Ramlethal were the first to hit it off. They chatted while taking their dogs for walks, occasionally stopping when their pets wanted belly rubs or to take a break. "I hear you're the one who kept an eye on me when the White House turned out to be a spaceship."

"Uh… y-yeah. That was me."

"Thanks." Rei approaches and licks the side of Ram's face. "Rei! Down, girl! I'm so sorry. She's never done that to anyone else. Aside from licking Aria's palm when she first arrived in D.C."

She smiles and laughs. "I don't mind. Can I pet her?"

"Go ahead. Can I pet your dog?" The magehound paws at her pant leg. Gio notices the name tag on the collar after picking him up. "Farrokh?"

"Yeah. That's his name. It's Persian for 'happy.' My sister Elphelt suggested we name him 'Freddie,' but I had a better idea."

"Let me guess. After Sol?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"A little. You chose one hell of a man to name this adorable little pup after." She sees Rei sniffing Ram's hat. "Don't even think about it. That's hers, not yours." The wolf fakes a whine; she places the accessory atop her head regardless.

"Rammy," Venus and Velva rejoined to form Lucifero. "I didn't know you had a girlfriend."

"I do not! We just met!"

Gio plays along, raising a brow and giving her a soft smile. "Are you single?"

"See? She's interested!"

Ram covers her face with her left hand to hide her blushing. She points to her familiar with her right, yelling, "self-destruct!"

Potemkin and Elphelt were on the other end of the backyard, opting to talk about their choice of weaponry: firearms. She's aware that he hails from Zepp and recognizes the difference in their respective ammunition. "Ooh!" Peeking inside his opened gauntlet that had the rounds removed, she wanted to know everything about them. "Do these hold traditional bullets?"

"Correct. I figure your magic bullets are stronger."

"These must pack a punch if they were created in this era. Ya know, because of the ban like two centuries ago." She can't contain her eagerness to try them out. "Can I fire it? Pretty please?" She summons Ms. Confille and Ms. Travailler, holding both near him. "You can test fire these if you'd like."

"Perhaps another time. They're rather loud, and I wouldn't want to disturb." He's referring to Nagoriyuki, meditating underneath a tree away from everyone else. Axl's seated next to him, playing a tune on Marlene.

"Well, I know you know better
Everything I say
Meet me in the country for a day
We'll be happy and we'll dance
Oh, we're gonna dance our blues away."

"And if I'm feeling good to you
And you're feeling good to me
There ain't nothing we can't do or say
Feeling good, feeling fine."

"Oh, baby, let the music play."

"Sorry, man. I didn't mean to interrupt your focus."

"I didn't think you'd play something from so long ago." Nago opens his eyes, smiling as the song brought about a sense of nostalgia. "I remember the year the original band released it. 1972."

A group of four servants set up for teatime, placing cups in front of the six seated at the dining table, pouring freshly brewed tea into each one. Dizzy stares Asuka down while stirring sugar and honey in hers. "Now that you're here and somehow managed to get invited into our home as a guest, tell me everything. Tell me everything related to your history with my parents. Or, so help me," she points the spoon at him, bending the metal with a clamped fist. "I will let Necro take over and throw you in a specialized holding cell like Ariels."

"Wow," Sin says after he eats one of the mini chocolate-hazelnut sandwiches. "My mom's never been that angry before! She probably gets it from Aria and the Old Man. I'd tell her the whole story if I were you."

Asuka glances at Jack-O, hoping she'd help him out here. She doesn't; instead, she sips from her tea and gives him a side-eye. "It started in the 21st century. As you all know, I was one of Chaos's students, as well as the one who he entrusted the [Flame of Corruption] and [Scales of Juno] to. I met your parents at different times – your father first, and your mother second. The three of us were friends who not only attended the same university but also were recruited to work for the same research team after graduation. What we were part of was known as the Ecosystem Evolution project."

"That'd later be rebranded as the Gear project?" Vernon's read the Old Era's remnants of classified records – he knows something about back then that the U.S. government hadn't destroyed.

"Yes. I noticed something was wrong with Aria, and she told me about her illness. I don't know why, but she kept it a secret from Frederick and requested I stay unaware. I couldn't do that. The following words mean nothing now, but I couldn't stand the idea of doing nothing and slowly watching her die."

"...Frederick, listen to me. This is about Aria..."

"A-ha! I was wondering where you two were! And of course you're here in the lab!"

"I thought you went home."

"I'm working tonight! Unlike SOME people, these cells are very delicate. They might die if someone doesn't keep an eye on them."

"Actually, I believe the Gear cells are quite resilient..."

"Hush! I'm not just cultivating Gear cells! Besides, tomorrow's an important day for both of you. Go get some sleep! Gah...!"

"What's wrong?"

"N-nothing, just a stitch in my side. I must have run here too fast..."

"What the hell..."

"(Aria...)"

Ky recalls the date Asuka and Jack-O visited Leo's office and the exchange. "What you told me, Leo, and Paradigm matches this. Continue."

"My memory is fuzzy for an exact date, but late 2016 is when the 'prototype' was made."

"You mean when you converted my dad into a Gear? I can tell you're leaving out a crucial detail."

"It was a forced conversion." He senses Dizzy's intensifying rage, hoping she doesn't reach around with her tail and wrap it around him as a restraint, opting to continue with, "and when your mother was placed into cryosleep. That was the only way she would agree! I'm about as anti-military as you are, Mr. President, but I couldn't prevent intervention. The complex was destroyed and the work underwent a closure, there were more casualties than could be counted, and I went under the radar."

Necro and Undine morph out of their wing forms, acting as additional pressure to tell the truth. "Elaborate."

"2042 was when the project was reopened for weapons-grade development, and 2074 is when it happened."

"The activation of Justice."

He's caught off guard by Ky's addition. "How do you know that?"

Jack-O takes a bite out of the sable cookie she had on her teacup's saucer. "We were there when Aria almost blew the castle's prison floor to oblivion. It wasn't pretty."

"She told us Ariels sabotaged the test, yelled at her, and passed out. Luckily for all of us, she wasn't killed by her own power incontinence." Ky faces Vernon and adds, "and she had one hell of a situation to get control of it."

"What an insane sequence of events," he removes his glasses to clean them. "Revival with powers, insisting she tags along as a secondary conference knight," he places them back on, taking a sip afterward. "And finishing the day leading us to take down a deity."

"That's all I've got to share with you." He can't bring himself to take a drink, let alone a bite out of the miniature food. "If only I could've gone back in time and prevented her illness. None of this would've happened."

All eyes are on Dizzy for the final word. She discerns what's been shared is honest, and decides to remain merciful. After finishing her tea, she sighs and rubs her temples, stating, "it's a good thing I'm nothing like my mother."

---

[Downtown Shopping District – late afternoon]

"I've explored here before. Good thing for you two they have big and tall shops." Axl's waiting outside the fitting rooms. He's swapped half of his clothing for a plain tee and a zip-up red/black plaid hoodie, keeping his pants and boots the same.

Nagoriyuki walks out wearing a grey turtleneck with the area from the shoulders up blocked out with black, a long peacoat, charcoal pants, and steel-toed boots. His idea of a finishing touch is donning a pair of designer glasses. "How does this look on me?"

"Just keep those fangs hidden, and you blend right in." They wonder why Potemkin hasn't come out yet. "You okay in there? Is something wrong?"

The door he's behind muffles his voice. "You two would laugh if I said it."

"We won't. There's no judging here."

He remains quiet for a minute before stepping out; it's a miracle there were options for someone of his body type. Changing out of his usual, he's wearing jeans, work boots, and a green long sleeve button-up with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows; topping it all off is a forest-green scarf covering his collar. "I've never worn casual clothing. I'm used to my uniform and suits." He'll admit what he's wearing now is a welcome change of pace. "This is surprisingly comfortable."

The duo comes to an agreement that his choices fit perfectly. "Well, now you have some!"

Something draws Nago's attention when he looks back into the store's main room. A woman that felt familiar passed the front window display; he didn't catch a sufficient look at her past the mannequins, though he discerned she had a beauty mark above the left corner of her mouth. "…are you…? No… you can't be…."

Another trio was taking a break at a café a few blocks down. Vernon's retained his formal fashion, with the difference lying in him wearing a trench coat. "Been a while since I've gone out in public without going fully incognito."

"The best thing about Illyria City is the highly diverse population. The citizens obviously recognize me, but they mostly respect privacy and go about their day or night." Ky adjusts his shirt's sleeve, then brushes a stray breadcrumb off his pants after taking a bite from his panini. "There are no homogenous physical appearances here, although you might see someone who'd likely pass for your doppelganger."

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," Asuka remarks after finishing his cappuccino. His idea of a disguise is a white button-up, a grey waistcoat and matching slacks, and a pair of suspenders. His signature eyepiece was left out. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your approval rating?"

Ky doesn't explicitly state his history with the title of First/High King. He resents the Conclave for placing danger on Dizzy and Sin years later. "For a position I intended to get elected for under a different reason, it's 92 percent."

Outside a women's clothing store named QuarterPink, a halo-less Jack-O looks over the new outfit she bought. "I could use something like this." It consists of a black skull-and-rose pattern print blouse, paired with high-waisted black kick-flare jeans; she keeps her heels on. "Better than wearing my jumpsuit everywhere."

"It looks good on you." Giovanna's dressed in a casual style – dark denim jeans, a black beanie, and a combination of a tank top and a color-blocked hoodie with a mint floral print along the sleeves.

"Do you think Aria would like what we picked out?"

"Don't you know your own 'sister?'"

"We're 'twins,' though I don't want to copy her. I'd rather try to be my own person instead. You know she has a biker/brawler style, but she's got feminine clothing too." Her sight drifts off to an eerie stranger walking around. "…how?"

Gio checks the reflection in the storefront's window before asking, "is there someone behind me?"

"No… just thought I saw one of the others." She pretends to lose interest and starts walking away; the other doesn't pay any mind. Waiting until she had a lead on her, Jack-O tries to find the woman again. "I-No…? Impossible… you disappeared after we won…."

---

[Bar district – Downing and Tipton's. 9 pm]

I'm leading in the wind
Head bowed down from what I saw
My shadow for a friend
Still, some things are worth fighting for

So, I'm moving on
Asking where you might have gone
From what I knew before
Some things are worth fighting for

Giovanna winces at the bitter taste of her non-alcoholic drink. "I get why they named this 'Painkiller' now. It tastes like the meds the doctors prescribed for me." She sticks her tongue out in minor disgust. The bartender gives her a glass of water to wash it down; their facial expression reads, "I warned you."

"It has been two days since G4's end, and thankfully we have an update. The 76th President of the United States is confirmed safe and alive! Along with one of the Secret Service's agents, we've received word he's currently in Illyria City."

She lowers her voice to avoid attracting unwanted attention. "Do you guys think they've figured it all out?"

"Probably not."

"Speaking from experience," Pot bites down on a chip. "The less known, the better."

"I've got a question. What's that thing around your neck?"

"This? It's a limiter."

She flexes and pretends to punch something in front of her. "Those gigantic arms can knock the soul outta someone, huh?"

Axl's feeling the starting stage of a buzz; he holds it down. "Creative with your word choice, aren't you?"

"Let's just say my boss wasn't too happy with me because of it." Rei's wearing a dog sweater decorated with a pattern of sunglasses, bones, and pizza slices; the phrase sewn on reads life is ruff. She's drinking water out of a bowl, wagging her tail as Axl pets her and scratches her ears.

"You think they'd let us spend the holidays with them? Or at least Christmas?"

"Dizzy and I are good friends, and as far as I'm aware, we're friends of her mother's. Surely, they wouldn't mind. I've been granted clearance from Gabriel to return to Zepp whenever."

"I'm leaving back to the States when Vernon does. What about you, Axl?"

"Don't have a place of my own. I just go wherever. I wonder… would Ari and Sol let me stay with them for a while?"

"Doesn't hurt to ask."

"You're right. Excuse me for a few," he stands and pushes his barstool in. "I gotta use the little time traveler's room."

Once he was out of earshot, Potemkin deems it the right time to ask about the guitar Axl's carrying around – Marlene's headstock is leaning against the bar counter. "They had a connection after all?"

"You did hear him when he tensed up, right? Something about asking if she always had short hair."

"And she asked if he always had his styled with a bandana in return. He muttered out a name when it was all over."

"Megumi."

An odd sight catches his eyes. He subtly turns his head to look out the window, with her following. Both watch her ask the passing citizens questions, miming playing guitar and tying a bandana around her head. "…what in the world…?"

"I'm back," Axl announces to his companions after he returns from the restroom. He remains silent before clearing his throat to ask, "what 'cha two lookin' at?"

"Uhh…." They turn back to him, with Gio trying to think up an answer. "Just… just people watching." She's able to tell he doesn't want to call her out on her bluff by sitting back down. She sips from her water, turning back to face outside again. The mysterious woman seemingly disappeared from the crowd. "…She's gone…? Could you have been…? Do you have a special someone?"

"I had one."

"Got a photo? I wanna see the one who managed to snag you."

"Eh, okay." Reaching in for his jacket's inner pocket, he takes out the photo he always carries around. Pot and Gio scoot closer, with Rei peeking her nose in as well, for a better look. "I'm sure you two probably overheard me mutter her name, but this was my girlfriend, Megumi."

The government agents piece together two things. Firstly, not only was the hard rock witch they all fought their ally's (former?) girlfriend, but secondly, the woman from a few minutes ago was too. "Holy shit."

---

It's night two of the wait. Aria's voice message inbox has three new entries she hasn't heard yet.

"Hey, Aria. It's Gio. Just calling to check in on you. Hopefully, it won't be too long of a wait until you get an answer. Wait… ah shit. I could've worded that better. Anyway, what's your opinion on cute clothes? Because I went shopping with Jack-O earlier, and we found something you might like!"

"Gio, are you calling her?"

"She didn't answer, so it's just a message. I'll tell her you said hi."

"Aha. ~ Before you hang up, let me actually say something to her." Jack-O's voice is clearer here. "We miss you, but the one you put a toy tag on its butt and named Cupid's been patiently waiting for your return."

"Ari. It's Axl. You don't need to call back, but thought I'd let you know that everyone's at the manor. We're all waiting for you and Frederick to come home."

"Ms. Aria, it's Nagoriyuki and Potemkin. We're calling to ask how the two of you are faring. Never did any of us think we'd come together and worry about someone like you, let alone about Sol too, but it wouldn't hurt."

"I'm certain she's at least attempted to contact you by now, but Dizzy's the most worried. I've known her for a few years, but I wasn't aware she's your daughter."

"Thanks for the concern, everyone…." Aria's reading the newest volume of a comic that was published yesterday. Snacking on a treat a nurse left for her, she changes the station. "Huh. That's a familiar sound."

Fate
Up against your will
Through the thick and thin
He will wait until
You give yourself to him

In starlit nights I saw you
So cruelly you kissed me
Your lips a magic world
Your sky all hung with jewels

"The killing moon will come too soon."

Two more messages were left an hour later.

"Hello? Aria? It's Ky and Vernon. We probably sound like everyone else that's tried calling you, but has there been any update on him? We haven't heard anything from the hospital."

"We got calls from Goldlewis and Erica earlier. They're hoping the same thing as us – that Sol's going to pull through."

"…(Come on, you can do this. Just say something!) Aria? It's Asuka. I told Dizzy everything. She's not as furious as I thought she'd be. I'm sure you've heard by now that the media's been indirectly praising you as a hero. If only they knew your name. …y-your actual name, not the 'other' one. (Oh, this is awkward. I'll stop it here.)"

---

[December 16. Ceres Gardens – 2 pm]

"What the hell am I supposed to do...? No matter what I decide on, it'll be like I'm running away from something..."

"What's wrong with running away?"

"Huh?"

"You've run away countless times in the past, discarding possibility after possibility."

"D-discarding... That's not fair! You don't know anything!"

"Actually, I do. You played with time to save someone. At first, it was just to see that person smile and say 'thank you.' That was good enough at the start. But do it enough times, and... Well, the person you saved and those that continue to suffer become different people to you. Once you start viewing things through that lens, reality just becomes akin to a piece of fiction you wrote. You lose all sense of value. That's why I stopped trying to change things..."

"You..."

"It's time for me to go. Finding new ways to use this irregular power sounds like a lot of fun. And if you ever feel like leading a more debauched and dishonest life, look me up. Next time, I'll be sure to welcome you... properly."

While everyone else was either home or somewhere else in the city, Axl went out for a midday walk; he's joined by Nagoriyuki and Jack-O. The trio stops to rest after purchasing to-go drinks, taking seats on one of the park's ornamental iron benches. She's wearing a shirtdress, along with Halloween-themed leggings, knee-high boots, and a crossbody bag that has Aria's goggles inside; her hair's tied up in a ponytail. "How does it feel to be back in control of your own body?"

"I can't describe it," Nago answers. Dressed in something like the clothes he bought yesterday, today's outfit is a black shirt, tan coat, grey pants, sunglasses, and his regular footwear. "I'm grateful we all went from enemies to allies, and none of us quit afterward."

"And we're thankful you were there to help us." Axl's donned a dark grey winter jacket, light grey sweater, white sneakers, and stone-washed jeans; in addition to retaining his bandana, he's wearing I-No's sunglasses. "Without you, we never would've figured out the weak point."

"If only Aria was here with us." She's playing peek-a-boo with Cupid. "She'd know what to say."

"You say that like she's dead, Jackie."

"I took notice that you can emerge from and possess her body." He remembers how she suddenly appeared as a counter to his body double during their clash. "What exactly are you? You don't look like a Forbidden Beast."

"Who? Me? I'm, uh… I'm not sure. Like, I can't put a definite label on myself. Asuka created me as half of Aria, but I'm not fully human?"

"Aren't you like Ram and El? A Valentine?"

How long Nagoriyuki's been asleep remains unclear; however, this is the first time he's heard about Aria's clones. "Valentine? What is that?"

"Long story short: they're Aria's 'sisters.'"

"I'll give you the gist of it. So, when Aria was turned into Justice, she was attacked by the Universal Will. Asuka salvaged half of her and made that into me. I think it was last year that the first Valentine appeared and attacked Illyria; she's dead now after losing in a showdown against Sol. Ramlethal and Elphelt, on the other hand, are different stories. The one thing the four of us had in common was we were compatible with Justice, and Ariels planned to use the ones she made to fuse with Aria and bring about a new vision of humanity."

"In short, the three of you are pieces of her?"

"Pretty much, yeah." She sees Axl's focused on their fallen foe's instrument. "Didn't know you could play guitar."

He tunes the strings, ensuring he doesn't overdo it and twist them enough to snap. "When you have as much free time as I do, you pick up some things to keep yourself busy. A long time ago, I had a girlfriend who had a guitar just like this one." He strums a few times for a sound test. "Got any requests?"

"What was a song you recall from your old time?"

"There's one that went like this. Was for some superhero movie that was released the year before I fell into a time slip for the first time. Meg and I saw it, but it ended up being bad in a good way – that you couldn't help but laugh at how campy it was.

The zeppelins rain upon us
The guns of love disastrous
A shadow lies amongst you
To defy the future cast

Is it bright where you are?
Have the people changed?
Does it make you happy you're so strange?
And in your darkest hour
I hold secrets' flame
You can watch the world devoured in its pain
Strange."

Jack-O and Nagoriyuki notice the same woman from yesterday approaching. She has long black hair, dressed in a dark blue outfit that bears resemblance to I-No's – the difference is she has pants, open-toed wedge sandals, and a white blouse underneath her off-the-shoulder jacket. "What a familiar tune. I personally prefer the alternative version that focused more on a dramatic piano sound.

Time has stopped before us
The sky cannot ignore us
No one can separate us
For we are all that is left
The echo bounces off me."

Axl continues the bridge. "The shadow lost beside me. There's no more need to pretend."

The mysterious woman ends it, following up with, "cause now I can begin again. I'm sorry to interrupt, but have either of you three seen my guitar? It's surf green with white accents." She sees what Axl has in his hands. "Hey! That's it! A Duesenberg StarPlayer II with the name 'Marie' inscribed along the side."

"Funny you say that… The name on this one is 'Marlene.'"

"Well, duh. I named my guitar after an Old Hollywood actress. She was professionally known as Marlene Dietrich. Hold on a second…." She studies his appearance, combining the physical details with the voice. "You know… someone who looked exactly like me said, 'I'm giving you my unfair way of life. You asked for this. Here's a hint, try and find him – he'd be thrilled to see you again.' I wonder who she meant. Two days later…." Her lips curved into a smile. "I now know who she was talking about. Is it really you, Axl?"

His heart's about to jump out of his chest. This woman's voice is the exact one he recalls from back before the slip and before she died. Trying his best to keep from stuttering, he softly questions, "do… d-do you know my real name?"

"Of course. Your real name is Will. The rich kid that lived in London and cried whenever he had to resort to violence." She watches Jack-O's reaction as if the latter's heard those words before. "I'd calm you down with a tune and reassure you everything would be okay. It was the middle of May 1998 when I last saw you."

"Hey, Ax. Is this…?"

He sets Marlene down, leaning the back of it against the bench's seat. Standing up and collecting himself, he slowly turns around to face her. He's on the verge of joyful tears as he's met with an embrace – she acted fast enough to avoid eye contact, resting her head on his shoulder. "It's been a long time…."

The reunited (and time-displaced) couple let the tears flow. Axl wraps his arms around her, turning his head to whisper, "I've missed you so much, Megumi…."

---

[730 pm]

After some initial hesitation and a thorough explanation that she isn't who they thought, Megumi's welcomed as another guest into the royal home. She clarified that she has no clue as to what I-No's responsible for, yet she apologized for the other her's behavior. Her belongings were stored in Axl's guest room after being brought over from the hotel she's stayed at – I-No provided directions and some amount of money to get by until the reunion. From her time wandering around since the swap, she proposed the idea of everyone going out for the fireworks show in the city's central municipal park tonight.

This is the only time Aria's answered when someone called her. "Mom? It's me, Dizzy. Has there been a sign of improvement in Dad's condition?"

Aria's looking at the display arrangement, sharing the current status. "His monitors are still active, so there's something we can keep hoping for. Are you planning on swinging by tonight?"

"I may be the Queen, but I wouldn't want to abuse the perks." It's half an hour until the visiting hours are over. She wonders if they'd pay no mind to her and possibly Ky arriving later. "Unless it's okay by the hospital staff?"

"You're his daughter. I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you visited."

A crowd of children in the call's background is heard voicing their excitement. The one nearest to Dizzy shouts, "it's about to start!"

"Oh, shoot. Sorry, Mom. The fireworks are going to begin soon! I'll call you back after the show."

"Fireworks?"

"Mhm. You should be able to view them from there, though they'd be partially obscured by the architecture." Dizzy chuckles as both Rei and Farrokh wag their tails – they feel the same excitement as their owners. She's glad Ramlethal and Giovanna have become fast friends, as have their dogs. "We'll pick this up in a few, okay?"

"Heh, okay." Her comm goes offline after the call ended. Before the sky lit up, she moved the two chairs in front of the window, getting into a comfortable position to watch the event. Elbows resting on the windowsill with her arms lightly folded, she leaned forward, leaving a small gap between the glass and the tip of her nose before sitting back.

What she doesn't see is the one lying on the patient's bed opening their eyes. The faint sound of ruffling sheets and light footsteps were the precursors to feeling a familiar presence occupying the seat next to her. He places his right hand to rest on her shoulder – arm around her from the back. "Lovely view, ain't it?"

Aria nearly jumps out of her skin, keeping herself from summoning a Justice arm or firing one of her two rays. She emits a hushed squeak of surprise before looking out the left corner of her eyes. "…Frederick!?" He's visibly smiling at her despite the sleepy eyes – the medical drugs haven't worn off yet. "Don't scare me like that!" The realization kicks in that his early awakening might jeopardize his recovery. "What are you doing? You're still under the anesthesia's effects, and –…."

Aware that he's been on everyone's minds about if he's hanging on to what remains of his life or taking a ticket on the No. 9 train, he brushes it all aside. "And you're saying I should miss the opportunity to watch tonight's fireworks with you? I'm gonna feel worse in the morning and probably forget this, but it'd be worth it. Even if I fucked up my chance at recovery and these are my last few minutes, I'm glad they were with you."

"Freddie…."

"Just… let it slide this once? It'll be our secret."

"…Okay. But as soon as the show's over, you're going back on that bed to rest." He doesn't respond, keeping his smile on as a sign of agreement. She rests her head on his shoulder – the situation reminded both of them of their night chat on the manor's rooftop. Placing the blanket she's used for the past two nights around them, she feels him lacing the fingers of their free hands together underneath the material. Regardless of how the high's affecting him, she'll admit one thing: she loves his soft side more than the gruff exterior.

The room's radio volume had been turned down; however, it's still audible despite the fireworks going off. A piano-driven tune with an upbeat melody paired perfectly with the display of lights bursting into a variety of colors and shaping into minimalistic and intricate patterns. He assumes it's the drugs altering his perception, but the fireworks that burned the brightest were a red sun and a blue crescent moon.

Laughter ringing in the darkness
People drinking for days gone by
Time don't mean a thing
When you're by my side

Please stay a while
Ooh, you know I never could
Foresee the future years
You know I never could see
Where life was leading me

But will we be together forever?
What will be my love?
Can't you see that I just don't know
Don't know

---

[945 pm]

The show lasted for two hours; there's an afterglow lingering against the darkened sky. This isn't the only night the city's planned for such an event – as a new method of bringing the people together, the fireworks shows are going to be a weekend occurrence during the major year-end holidays. However, tonight's were especially significant for a different reason – they didn't know it yet.

A handful of musical acts signed on to provide live entertainment, with the last one of the night closing out their set in a few. Relatively larger in terms of popularity than those before them, the band performed a new song of theirs for the first time.

Give me your hand but realize I just wanna say goodbye
Please understand I have to leave and carry on my own life

I don't belong here, we gotta move on, dear
Escape from this afterlife
'Cause this time I'm right to move on and on
Far away from here

Got nothing against you and surely, I'll miss you
This place full of peace and light
And I'd hope you might take me back inside
When the time is right

"Such an odd occurrence… I feel sorry for whichever dimension got I-No in exchange for her." How the team was acting friendly toward Megumi eliminated any red flags in Nagoriyuki's mind. He directs his question at Ky and Dizzy, "any news from Aria?"

"No," she answers. "But at least the system didn't turn off."

"That's a relief. Are you visiting them tonight?"

"I'm thinking about it, but," she faces her husband. "Can you come with me?"

He exchanges a look with Vernon before answering, "I think it'd be best if you did so alone. You know, for family purposes."

"You're family too, dear."

"Perhaps when we receive full confirmation that he's alive and not potentially in a coma. I will accompany you, but I'll be waiting in the lobby."

"That's fair." Dizzy spots a group of friends posing for a photo together, hearing them indistinctively chatter amongst themselves. "Hmm. What those people did looked like it brought them closer. Maybe we all could –...?"

"It's a good thing I carry these around with me." Jack-O takes out the goggles from her bag, activating them to find the camera function. "Gather 'round. I know she'll love this." She hands the device to a servant, who levitates to the right height to get all of them in the shot. They all scoot in – canines and familiars included – smiling and putting up peace signs or waving. "On three. One. Two. Three!"

Click.

---

[1045 pm]

"If there is one thing that's true. It's not what I say, it's what I do. And I say too much, yeah, that's true. So just listen to what I do. A thousand years go by, but –" the graveyard shift receptionist takes out their WalkPod's earbud once they noticed a blue-haired woman entering. "Ah, Queen Dizzy! Your mother's already advised that you might visit tonight." They reach over to the left corner of the desk, grabbing the clip-on badge. "Here's your pass, and you're welcome to go right up to the patient's room. The location's written on it."

She looks back at Ky, who's already taken a lobby seat. He encourages her to go up alone. "I'll try not to take too long."

Ten minutes later, she finds the number written on her card. Reading it brought her back to a month ago – the difference here is she isn't accompanied by three others. "Huh. This is the same one she was in." Dizzy takes a deep breath before she gently knocks on the door with her index knuckle. "Hello? Is it okay for me to come in?"

"Yeah." She's taken aback by hearing it wasn't Aria that answered. "It's unlocked."

"That voice…! It belongs to –…!" Slowly opening the door, her heart rate steadily increased from what she was feeling. She's met with the sight of both of her parents awake – Frederick's seated upright on the patient bed, with Aria on the adjacent chair. She keeps her composure while taking slow steps inward. Coming close enough to see that her father is indeed alive and breathing, her body involuntarily freezes, although her tail's wagging. He senses her hesitation; his answer to this is giving her a gentle smile and holding his arms open as a sign that it's okay.

Water wells up in her eyes; she's giving them a beaming smile so wide it's an inch away from being painful. Disregarding what happened since their first meeting, she takes another step forward. All three come together for their first hug not as strangers, but as a daughter meeting her parents for the first time.

---

"...I don't have any family, and I was always kind of a bookworm. It's not like I enjoyed studying, I was just desperate not to be left behind... I thought that if I kept to myself and didn't trust anyone, then I couldn't ever be hurt. But that made my world cold, small, and dark. I never felt alive there... I didn't even have any friends until I went to college. Can you believe that? But then I met you, and [Asuka]... I even fell in love! For the first time in my life, I found something I wanted to care about. I was happy..."

"Aria, I..."

"But once I'm gone, I'm worried you'll be alone too... So please, promise me. Frederick. Promise me you won't be alone."

[December 17. Illyrian Royal Medical Center — patient room 107. 10 am]

I used to be on an endless run
Believe in miracles 'cause I'm one
I have been blessed with the power to survive
After all these years I'm still alive

I'm out here kicking with the band
I am no longer a solitary man
Every day my time runs out
Lived like a fool, that's what I was about, oh

I believe in miracles
I believe in a better world for me and you

"Considering what the President and First King shared with us, it's honestly astounding you're alive." The lead physician's relieved that their second special guest within a month didn't pass away. "The stronger anesthetics should be wearing off by now, but you might still feel the side effects a little longer." Placing the clipboard back in the wall-mounted holder, they decided it was a good time to depart. "I'll check back in a couple of hours. Let us know if anything comes up."

As the sound of footsteps faded away, Aria looks over a copy of the patient record, and then over Frederick's body. "You've still got some of that healing factor. Or you're just too hardheaded to die."

"Heh. Probably both. Or, as you'd put it, I was healed by my lover."

She faces him while placing the document on the table behind her. "I was hoping that the drugs were going to make you say something sappy again."

"Like what?"

Aria makes a heart shape with her hands, placing it over the center of her chest. "You were restored to health by your caring and loving wife." Her line delivery was enough to make them both laugh. Running her right hand through his hair, her lips curved into an unsure smile. "Welcome back to the land of the living?"

"This doesn't look like heaven. If you're my welcome guide, then I'll stay." He's still sore, but he extended his arm out for her to hold his hand. The warmth from the fire magic still dwelling within them made their contact feel safer.

"I should've asked someone to bring me the bodysuit and halo so I could greet you like an angel at the pearly gates."

"Eh, I like the Luna gear better."

"I don't think an alias would be necessary anymore."

"Can I still use it affectionately?"

"Like a pet name?" His nod in response caused a slight blush to rise – she obviously likes the idea. "…Sure. Since you've saved the world for the last time, are you still up for that 'alternate life' you mentioned the other night? We don't have to stay at Ky and Dizzy's. They can arrange something for us."

His ears perked up at the suggestion. Did she remind him about his statement regarding them settling down? Having survived an act of God, and finding themselves as the duo who dealt the finishing blows to one, living a quiet life together a few minutes out from the capital didn't sound like a terrible idea. "What did you have in mind?"

"A fair-sized home, nothing too big or small, probably just down the way from their place." Her smile partially fades as she believes her next words would discourage him – they'd shoot down his original plan of moving up north to Iseo. "I don't want to throw everything away and live in seclusion in some abandoned military-held zone. We're way out of our own time, but we finally have a family. People who care about us, and we care about them in return. Unless you have a better idea?"

His reaction was the exact opposite of what she anticipated. Simply shrugging, he replies, "I'm fine with anything. Can't imagine I'd be able to go out much or at all because I'm supposed to be a dead man."

"Not too long ago, I was a dead woman walking. Besides, the world thinks that Sol Badguy is dead, not Frederick Bulsara."

He lets out a weak laugh since she's right. "Point there. You know, now that I think about it, this situation is just like a month ago."

She quickly patches it together, deciding his statement's entirely true. "With you in my place, but I didn't have to be dragged in? This is the same room where I spent my time recovering. It was also -..."

His hand's grip slightly tightens around hers. "Where you got your new start."

"Y-yeah. That's exactly it. This is where I woke up to my new life! Not as Justice, or Jack-O, but as myself. Completely unaware of my set of powers and what have you. That same day, I met our daughter and her husband, and then I saw you again. Just this time... I've been here since you were checked in. I'm sure if they wanted to, everyone else would've tried to get me to leave, but they didn't and I wouldn't have listened."

He located the duffel bag placed near the bathroom door. There's a pant leg hanging over one side, and next to it were two pairs of footwear. "Way to tug at the old heartstrings. Stubborn as always, aren't you?" If he were honest with himself, he wanted to do the same when she was still unconscious. He had the feeling that the staff wouldn't have thought about asking him to leave the premises, even though he almost kicked the doors clean off the first time.

"One of my best qualities," she winks and laughs at her own remark.

"Hey, Aria."

"Hm?"

Frederick slowly sat more upright, ignoring the mild pain, leaning over to bring her in for a hug. Despite being stripped of his powers, he has some remnant of the super strength. Planting a kiss on her cheek before resting on her shoulder, he smiles and tells her, "thank you."

It takes her a second to process everything. Those two words made her temporarily stop and think about them. "Thank you." The warmth from his embrace snapped her out of it – she soon placed her arms around him in return. Each day since her awakening in the present, she's felt something was off about her existence – that she's incomplete whilst feeling the need to fulfill her potential. With all that's happened – from meeting an eclectic group of people she never would've thought she'd come to call friends and family, to finding a place in this reality as a hero instead of a villain – it filled her with a sense of personal pride.

"What is peace? Some people... No. Everyone wants an answer to that question. Why? It's simple."

Dizzy breaks the news to everyone over breakfast. All thirteen of the manor's occupants shared the same reaction – mostly a sense of relief, it's mixed with joy that their heroes will return soon enough. Discussions about celebration, who's visiting them each night until the discharge date, and welcome back gifts fill the air, along with cheerful sounds from the dogs and servants. Although he doesn't show it, Asuka's internally over the moon that his two best friends are still alive (and together.)

"Because no one's ever seen it before. Even if there's no misery before our eyes, we know that it's out there, somewhere. There are hills and valleys, but that doesn't mean we should flatten it all out."

Word reaches the Castle and the Pentagon soon after via a secured line. Goldlewis shares that the Service agents and Guardsmen that were "rescued" in Neo Roswell returned to their homes; Erica adds none of them remember anything that happened, which causes a sense of concern in herself and Vernon. Leo and Daryl share they're glad the Earth's still turning, and they've all entered a new time of peace thanks to a highly ironic source. The Second King declines the offer of a sweet as the thought of consuming dessert at this hour annoys him; his fellow monarch sarcastically praises him for good health habits. Ky sighs in aggravation that the ones who are older than him still go after one another's throats like little kids – he secretly appreciates the bantering, as does Dizzy, evidenced by her giggling. (There's no update about the five unfortunate targets… Thank goodness for five-layer immunity, right?)

"Mechanisms that simply prevent inequality take sin away from mankind. We belong neither in the wilderness, nor shut in buildings. We belong somewhere peaceful. Peace comes to be when people forgive each other's sins."

Somewhere over the Pacific, a group of marine animal-shaped airships was placed back in formation. The strongest member of the sky pirates and her close companion are recovering from the mission they assisted with. The captain's glad the two girls made it back alive, as are the rest of the crew.

"When all sin vanishes from the world... That's when peace will vanish too. And the gears that give mankind meaning will stop turning. Is peace just a dream, then?"

Concerning the other three involved, the two that vanished into thin air returned home. The pink-haired ronin and lost girl share traditional snacks and drinks – made from recipes passed down over the generations from the Black Sunrise's survivors – while seated underneath a cherry blossom tree. They're joined by a fan-wielding friend; he tells them of what happened during their little episode, sparking interest in meeting the hero(ine) someday. (As for the doctor… He's got a companion that's also starting from square one.)

"It's not that simple. Just as every human face is different, so too are the worlds we all dream of. Some people are just incompatible. But if there's one thing I know for sure... There's no need to aim for a perfect world..."

The ex-Sanctus Maximus was released from her specialized holding chamber and transferred to a standard-sized prison cell. She chats with the two swordsmen; her smile unnerves them a bit, though she explains it's a genuine one. They're under the impression that she's aware of the fate-deciding outcome of three days ago, mostly from the phrase she broke the silence with. Meanwhile, on the surface, a pair of (regrettably) lifelong acquaintances visit their old colleague's bakery. He offers the pair anything they'd like on the house, whereas the green robot head tries to suggest a non-existent (as of today) special. High above the skyline stands a lone hooded figure – those who he could've called friends haven't seen or spoken to him since that fateful day. He's unaware that two of them are still around and in the city no less.

"As long as you keep trying, that world will eventually come to you. What matters is that, before that happens..."

An old friend of the Queen's decided to come out of seclusion. Their appearance today was unexpected yet welcomed by the one they looked after all those years ago. Word had reached them that the public's welcomed her not only as a political figurehead but as a person regardless of her genetic makeup. She invites them in, sharing there's an important figure they'd probably like to meet soon – they take up the offer, voicing a genuine interest in who she means.

"You know the meaning of your life."

A sense of déjà vu, what was playing on the radio had neared its end. A famously timeless song, the version heard now had a hauntingly calm sound.

Fill my heart with song
And let me sing forevermore
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words….

They kiss, gently pressing their foreheads together and smiling. "I love you."