Chapter 40: Resolution, Revelation

Following the commotion with the space time tornado, things finally began to calm down as the DRAGONs took stock and made plans to rebuild the damaged areas of the town. In the meantime, it also gave the Arzenal crew time to actually rest and take a proper load off. Granted, Naomi had elected to start helping the crew working on Wyvern and Halberd since sitting idly when there was machinery to be worked on was, as she'd put it, "not on my agenda."

Ange meanwhile was meeting with Salamandinay while Tusk and Vivian were doing what they could to help the reconstruction. That left Alain and Ikuchi watching on the sidelines as Wyvern's frame was being fitted with brand new armor and various other components. Thankfully, as the facility was well away from the space time convergence it hadn't been damaged. Though there had been a bit of an uproar thanks to Villkiss suddenly vanishing on them when Ange had called it to her.

"So, what's the plan?" Alain asked, glancing at the data pad he'd been given so he could follow the work. He was far from technically unsavvy, but Alain personally left the technobabble to people more well versed than him. Though gotta admit, he thought while panning a window to some weapons diagrams, these swords look interesting. Never seen a Para-mail weapon that converts between melee and ranged modes like this.

"As Lady Salamandinay explained, rather than simply restoring Wyvern to its original form, they're also improving it with the technology we've created through reverse engineering Seiryugo and creating the Ryushinki," Ikuchi replied. "The armor pattern is closely following its original form, but with adjustments to better suit practical combat. We've also upgraded the weaponry. The beam rifle is an improved version of the old one, using the same particle decay systems the Ryushinki's rifles use."

"Plus, free bayonet," Alain chuckled. "So, then what about these swords here? Striker Sabers and… Strike Shield? Huh?"

"Those weapons are based off of the blueprints we're basing the upgrades off of." Glancing up, the two saw Mio approaching. The short DRAGON girl leaned over the data tablet to point at the weapon diagrams. "The Wyvern and Seiryugo both had variant designs meant for more… specialized situations. Seiryugo's additional heavy cannons and rifle are based on said package after we unearthed their blueprints. The package we're adding to the Wyvern alongside the new armor is called 'Seven Swords'. For the… well, obvious reason. It'll make more sense once you can actually use them in the diagnostics we'll need to run once we're done."

"Fair enough."

"Mio," Ikuchi said, "Can you send Ms. Naomi over here for a moment? There's something I need to tell her alongside Alain."

"Sure! Just be sure to not run off so we can run those tests!" As Mio trotted off to where the Halberd was docked, Alain and Ikuchi silently watched as she called out to Naomi and sent her their way.

"Hey!" the Norma greeted. "What's this about some business you wanted to talk about?"

"It's about where things are going in the next few days," Ikuchi said, Alain and Naomi quickly giving him their rapt attention. "The day before yesterday's incident, the Priestesses got word from Lizardia about where Aura is located. We're planning to launch an attack on the area in the coming days."

"If it was from that lady… then Aura is in Misurugi?" Alain asked, Ikuchi nodding in confirmation. "But where? Aura is massive! Where would she be…" Ikuchi nodded again as Alain's eyes filled with a stunned, deep realization. "…the Tower of Dawn! Of course. Embryo's using Aura as a living Dracunium reactor!"

"Correct. The Mana used by the False Humans is spread from that tower in much the same way Dracunium particles were in the old era. In fact, our own analysis has proven there's very little difference between the two in nature. To put simply, the False Humans are close to an artificial version of a theorized evolution. Embryo must have tried to enforce such a change when he 'remade' mankind in his new world."

"So then… if you're planning to invade the Empire, why tell us?" Naomi asked.

"Salamandinay wished to know your thoughts on the matter before we departed in the coming days," Ikuchi said. "We won't ask you to fight alongside us, as this battle isn't yours to fight. You're all free to either remain in this world or return to the False Earth and seek out your allies. Though… Salamandinay did say she would find it encouraging if our new friends fought alongside us."

"As much as a part of me kind of wants to," Naomi admitted, "we can't really do anything until we find our friends and bring them up to speed. Plus, I can't help but think that launching an assault based only on knowing where Aura is, well… it's kind of a bad idea."

"How so?" Ikuchi asked.

"Put simply, it is a matter of logistics and strategy," Wyvern chimed in, Alain drawing his terminal device. "Knowing where Aura is should merely be the confirmation. Tell me, did Lizardia also give you information about the present forces of the Empire and what resistance you could expect in the attack?"

"Lizardia has been feeding us that information for years, and we've taken into account what Alain mentioned of their recent developments with those Mana-controlled Para-mails."

"But what about the bastard in the Siegfried?" Alain asked, a flat lilt to his voice. "Not to mention the Ragna-Mail, who for all we know Embryo probably now has pilots for. Whatever info Lizardia gave you was out of date as soon as they attacked Arzenal. They don't need the Norma anymore. Which frankly makes me worry about the containment areas CROSS doesn't have their fingers in."

"What is CROSS?" Ikuchi asked.

"It's an organization formed out of the remnants of the Ancient Humans and Mana Humans sympathetic towards Norma," Alain explained. "After the first Libertus ten years ago, most of the Ancient Humans were killed. The ones who survived started networking with the other survivors from the kingdom that was helping them stay under the radar. The Mana humans that join CROSS get implants that limit their ability to take in and use Mana to the basics needed to blend in. Otherwise, they live and work just like a Norma or Ancient Human would."

"I'm kind of only really just learning about all of it myself," Naomi added. "Which is… kinda funny since I'm one of the kids who was born around that time. Though I'm one who barely even remembers my parents."

"Interesting. I was under the impression that all Norma were brought to Arzenal," Ikuchi noted. "It would seem the situation was more complex than we had first assumed. To think there were actually False Humans who were trying to defy Embryo. This kingdom who was helping the Ancient Humans, what was it like?"

"Honestly I don't know much about it myself," Alain admitted. "It was called the Solus Kingdom. It didn't have a lot of pull compared to the larger nations like Misurugi, so they could fly under their attention pretty easily. They were generally more sympathetic to Norma than most, trying to find ways to integrate them into society rather than just shipping them off to facilities like Arzenal. They also were open to negotiations with the Ancient Humans and even wound up letting them move into a coastal city. Farbanti, is what we called it. Though… nowadays it's not much more than a waterlogged ruin. Not that different from the city we crashed in."

"I see," Ikuchi said. "Sadly, it's a bit too late for me and Salamandinay to convince the High Priestess to change plans. Word has already been sent to the clans of the other Progenitors to send all they can to aid in the attack. Knowing all of this, had we the time, perhaps we could form a better front by joining forces with this CROSS group. And possibly the survivors of the attack on Arzenal."

"We'd have a hell of time locating them if you lot were helping us," Alain joked. "Though… explaining that to Alektra would be a problem and a half."

"Alektra?" Naomi murmured, leading Alain to curse under his breath for his slip up. "Where have I heard that name before? I swear I know it."

"I meant Jill," Alain explained, Naomi's eyes widening. "Alektra was the name she went by during the first Libertus. She changed it to Jill so the Norma Management Board wouldn't suspect anything. Officially, she died after the attack on Farbanti."

"I assume this… Alektra is someone important? The Norma's leader?"

"That's right," Alain nodded. "She was also Villkiss's pilot before Ange came around since she was born into the royal family of Galia. Amusingly enough, the two both ended up on Arzenal as teenagers instead of after they were born. Frickin' hypocrites."

"Interesting," Ikuchi mused. "The royal families, hiding the fact they could also bear Norma. It would seem the False Humans aren't as far off from the Old World as we assumed them to be. But, never mind. Lady Salamandinay wanted you to know because we're indebted to you. If it wasn't for you who knows what would've happened to our city? While we will not ask you to participate in our invasion, if you decide to return, we'll open a separate Singularity near Arzenal so you can begin your search."

"Let us talk it over with Ange and Tusk once we're done here," Naomi said. "All four of us should decide what to do. Thanks for the offer though. Heh… never thought I'd be saying that to a DRAGON."

"I would… also like to apologize on our own behalf," Ikuchi added as he took a deep bow, making Naomi flinch in surprise. "The war between our two sides has seen many die at each other's hands. And while I haven't fought outside of our attack on Arzenal, many of my brethren have no doubt been as responsible for the deaths of Norma as you have our people. I wouldn't blame you if, even now, you can't bring yourself to trust us."

"No, it's… it's not that I don't trust any of you." Naomi looked over her shoulder to the milling about group of engineers, a wistful smile coming to her face. "Most of us Norma just assumed the DRAGONs were mindless animals who invaded our world for who knows what reason. And when we found out the truth it was like everything we'd based our short lives on was just… shattered. It used to be simple but now it's just a big mess. So please stop bowing, it's not worth it."

"At this point I think we can set aside the fighting," Alain added, as Ikuchi rose. "Let's make a deal. Once Wyvern is all put back together tomorrow and we're done testing it out, you and I can settle this in a duel. Not to the death of course. It's just… fighting's kind of the only thing I'm good at. So, the best way I know how to settle this is duking it out. You and I can bury the hatchet of this war between Norma and DRAGONs by settling our fight from Arzenal. Instead of enemies let's spar like friends. Deal?" Ikuchi looked down as Alain held a hand to him until finally, the DRAGON boy chuckled and clasped Alain's with his own.

"Deal. And, depending on how the next few days go… I honestly hope there's a chance we can end up as allies to stop Embryo once and for all."

"Well hey, if you all succeed at yanking Aura from Misurugi, we're gonna get one hell of a leg up," Alain chuckled.

"Wonder how the Mana Humans would react to losing their schtick," Naomi chuckled. "Would definitely make those fancy new Para-mails of theirs useless as hell! Anyway, I'm gonna go back to sprucing up Halberd." Naomi leaned up and pecked Alain on the cheek before trotting off, Alain chuckling as he watched her go.

"I recall you mentioning other mates besides her," Ikuchi noted, making Alain flinch. "I'm curious. Does Arzenal promote males taking on multiple mates as we do?"

"Uh that's… complicated," Alain chuckled, a bead of sweat running down his brow. "When you're not sure just how long it's gonna be till the reaper punches your ticket, you don't exactly handle things the normal way," Alain fell out of his sudden bit of embarrassment, a more somber expression coming to him. "And frankly I've realized the ways I've been a kinda crap partner, even if it was because we were never sure what day would be the last one."

"Well then… when you find them again, make up for what you all wasted," Ikuchi suggested, putting a hand to Alain's shoulder. "In the meantime, why don't we assist in getting Wyvern ready?"

"Heh… good idea. It's been too long since I was able to work on my partner."

With evening beginning to roll around, the four older members of the Arzenal group had convened at the base of the main temple. Tusk was performing maintenance to his Air Runner but listened quite attentively as he was filled in on what the other three were told.

"Honestly… I think helping the DRAGONs is a good idea," Tusk argued. "Embryo's world would definitely be at a disadvantage if they free Aura. And the chances of that go up if we help. A Ragna-mail plus a restored Wyvern sound like more than enough."

"But… is it the right thing to do?" Ange said, Tusk looking back at her. "I'm feeling… doubtful."

"I getcha," Naomi nodded. "As much as I want to get back at the Mana Humans, how many innocents would we end up condemning by helping free Aura? Not every one of them is responsible for sending us to Arzenal or stoking the flames."

"It's not just that," Ange admitted. "It was a lie that DRAGONs were our enemies. It was a lie that Norma were fighting to protect world peace. It was all lies and I'm sick of it. It's more than just the consequences of whatever actions we could take. What if we fight with the DRAGONs and it just ends up being another mistake?"

"It's not like Sala is trying to force us to help," Alain mused. "But a part of me wants to put faith into her and Ikuchi. They're not bad people. They just want to free their people from Embryo's grip same as us. I agree with Tusk. It could work out but I'm not about to jump headfirst into the deep end on faith alone. Ikuchi agreed with me that if they had the time to change plans, they'd probably take it slower. Plus, there's our friends to consider. Finding them is the first thing we need to do. Not throw ourselves into a fight we're not sure we could even help win."

"Is that right either?" Ange mumbled. "It sounds like a bad joke. A former princess of the Empire helping the DRAGONs to invade it? I just don't know what's right or wrong anymore."

"Nobody knows that," Tusk said. Ange turning to face him as Alain and Naomi exchanged looks and quietly excused themselves to the side. "What's right or wrong isn't the important thing. I think. It's about doing what you want to do. Whatever you feel is the best action to take. Just do your best to do what you think is right. And I'll be there supporting you every step of the way."

"Idiot," Ange grumbled, tugging at a bit of her hair. "What'll happen if I do things for such selfish reasons?"

"You think?" Tusk realized.

"You're a relief though, the way you're so dense," Ange chuckled, Tusk laughing.

"Well, thank you for the complimeeee-!?" As Tusk took a step forward for a playful bow, his foot stepped on a stray screwdriver. As he pitched forward, coming close to sweeping Ange's leg in his fell, Alain darted over and caught Tusk before anything worse could happen.

"Geez," Alain grumbled as he yanked Tusk back to his feet. "Is it possible for you two to have a moment without ruining it?"

"I uh… th-thanks," Tusk said, then wincing when Alain chopped him on the head.

"Word of advice: If you're gonna defy physics and end up between her legs, do it on purpose." Alain shot Ange a glare when she ecked in response. "You're not off the hook either! I'm still miffed to know you two still haven't made any progress after getting interrupted a few days ago. It is not that hard!"

"Well excuse me for not being a sex maniac like you and your harem!" Ange bit, Naomi sliding over next. The way she put her hand on Ange's shoulder and the resulting smile were not friendly.

"Now now," Naomi's voice had an air of menace to it. "I understand being frustrated and maybe a bit pent up. But there's no need to toss out accusations like that, is there?"

"W-When did you get scary?" Ange winced, backing away as Naomi chuckled.

"Hey everyone!" The chipper tone of Vivian's voice broke the sudden tension as she came running along. "Mom said she wanted to thank all of you, so she's helping throw a big party!"

"Party huh? Sounds good," Alain mused. Though with another call, attention turned as they saw Dr. Gecko trotting down the steps. "The doc?"

"I'm glad to have you all in one place," Dr. Gecko chuckled while Tusk flinched at her approach. "And while Lamia's party certainly sounds fun, I do hope you won't mind taking a bit longer before heading off. I finally finished the tests on Alain's samples. It took longer than I wanted thanks to yesterday's mess knocking out our systems for a while."

"So… you going to say it here, or do we need a blackboard for this?" Alain asked.

"Unfortunately we will need to go to my lab. The rest of you can come along if you feel like it, or go with Mii here to the party."

"We want to know what the results are too," Naomi said, Tusk and Ange nodding. "Easier than having Alain tell us about it afterwards. And probably more accurate."

"Fair enough, follow me."

Once the party arrived at the lab, Dr. Gecko pulled them aside to a presentation area, tapping a display board to turn it on as the five attendees took their seats. Clearing her throat and waving her hand, Dr. Gecko brought up a series of DNA sequence images.

"Now, since I doubt genetics is a thing any of you were taught beyond the basics, I'm not going to bore you with too much technical chatter you won't understand," Alain and the others shot the doctor a set of annoyed looks for the playfully patronizing statement. "First, let's look at this image…" the woman gestured to the image furthest from here. "This here is Tusk's DNA, which I got from a sample when he was… helping us."

"Uhm… you're welcome, I guess?" Tusk leaned away as Ange glared at him.

"To put it simply, Tusk's DNA is the closest example we can get to the pattern of the original humans of the old world," Dr. Gecko stated, then pointing out a highlighted portion of the image. "Sans this part right here. I'm assuming this particular gene relates to the factor that allows the False Humans to control their… Light of Mana, was it?"

"Yeah," Tusk nodded. "Alain and I had Norma mothers. That gene is a mutated version of the one that allows for Mana Control though an additional organ in the nervous system. All Norma have it, and their children tend to inherit it. The mutation causes our bodies to reject the intake of the Light of Mana, dispersing it rather than collecting it."

"Hm, those scans of your nervous system make sense as to what those extra nodes were," By now Tusk was wondering just how much the doctor had found out about him just from that rather invasive "study" she had conducted. She then gestured to the middle sequence, which had several other highlighted, standout portions. "For comparison then, this one here is the DNA sequence for Ikuchi. These highlighted segments are the additional genes that make us People of Aura what we are. Particularly the D Type Factor, which controls our ability to transform between our human and dragon forms."

"That's the one you had to fix with me!" Vivian chirped.

"Correct," The doctor nodded. "These other highlighted portions are other control factors meant for stabilizing our internal Dracunium. Development of necessary additional organs, so on and so forth. As you can tell, this leaves a notable gap of differences in the sequences between the People of Aura and the Ancient Humans. However, we're also close enough to avoid… complications."

"Complications about what?" Ange asked, a brow raised.

"Just things to keep in mind for the possible future." Gecko's telling lick of her lips left little question to what she truly meant as she enlarged the third and last image. With quick taps of her right hand, several segments of the sequence were highlighted. Alain took note of how at least two of them were the same colors she had used on Ikuchi's sequence. "Now, as for why you're all here. This last sequence is, obviously, the DNA sequence of Alain that I've been analyzing the past few days."

"So, what did you find?" Alain asked, his eagerness to know and apprehension of what it could mean radiating from him.

"First, let me ask a question. As of late have you, if even slightly, begun to feel as if you have some sense of what the people around you are feeling?" The way Alain's eyes widened was pretty much all the response Gecko needed. "Before I tell you what I found, first, a preface. As you likely know already, the Wyvern and Seiryugo emit what we call Neo-Dracunium Particles, a refined version of the same particle which caused our world to end up in the state it's currently in. ND Particles are more efficient in their energy production and lack the risk of fallout Dracunium Particles possess."

"So… does this relate to ND Particles interacting with the human body somehow?" Naomi asked.

"Correct. When ND Particles were first discovered and further experiments were conducted regarding their interaction with the human body, a theory was born by the man who led the project. The man we all call Embryo."

"WHAT?!" Tusk and Alain shot to their feet as they shared the exclamation, Gecko waving them down.

"Let me finish if you please. The theory he put forth was that, were humans to spend enough time exposed to high quantities of ND Particles, particularly particles in a charged state such as the activation of something like the Wyvern's ARISE System, what were otherwise subtle if not utterly unnoticeable changes would begin to grow into something… more. Not an evolution of mankind into a new form, but rather, a step forward in our evolution that we simply had not been able to achieve before. This is where my question about Alain being able to sense something akin to thoughts comes in. Could you describe it for me at all?"

"Well, it's… not really thoughts, exactly," Alain stated. "More like… emotions, intent. I first felt it a few days ago when Arzenal was attacked by the Empire, but I could also tell what Vivian was trying to say to me when she was stuck in her DRAGON form. I couldn't read her mind or anything like that. It was more like I knew her general thoughts. And now it seems to be a lot wider than before."

"Hmm… aside from that, are there other things that you've noticed? Such as changes in your perception, reaction speed, or just overall physical ability?"

"Yeah, actually," Alain nodded, putting a hand to his chin. "Especially when I'm piloting. In my last few battles, it felt like I was able to react to things faster than I usually do and a better sense of things going on around me. I could handle maneuvering Wyvern in ways I used to feel a lot more pressure pulling off, and my stamina seems to have improved too."

"I see. Increase in mental acuity including a sixth sense; along with increased situational awareness and physical ability," Gecko nodded as she fell into quiet thought. "It all lines up. Now then. This theory I was mentioning, this 'next step' was known as the Newtype Theory to the people of that time. It was something of a working title but it's all we have. The idea behind these 'Newtypes' is that they would be humans that would not only become far more physically suited to the change in humanity's lifestyle as they began seeking expansion into space, but also who could overcome the barrier between their fellows that was our own minds. Though in fairness, the theory never posited the Newtypes as 'different' from the old humanity. Rather it treated the concept as humankind unlocking a sense that we had always possessed but could never use."

"And Embryo thought ND Particles were the key to that?" Tusk realized. "But then what would that make Mana Humans?"

"Ikuchi said something like that earlier today," Alain remarked. "He thinks that Mana Humans were Embryo's attempt to artificially induce this 'Newtype' change into people. Though apparently, he forgot to factor in his own idea about some emotional sense when he went about it."

"Or maybe he couldn't," Gecko suggested. "While Lizardia has told us the Light of Mana is like ND Particles, in terms of nature it's still closer to normal Dracunium. In some fairness, the only known way to generate ND Particles is with specialized reactors like the ones mounted on the Varia-mails. So lacking those, he went for the next best thing. And well, the results of that are pretty clearly off the mark."

"So then what does it mean?" Alain asked, glancing to the side as Naomi put a hand on his arm, concern spreading over her face.

"Well, the good news is, it's not as if you're no longer human. You're far closer to an Ancient Human than we are. But you are a step past them," Gecko stated, a sigh of relief going through the group. "Still, I can't imagine suddenly being in tune to feeling the emotions of others is a fun time. It's not like it'd be an exclusive thing. You'd be sensing both the good and bad."

"Yeah," Alain thought back to the Arzenal invasion and how as that disaster raged on, he was practically plagued with a storm of emotions running the gamut of what people could be expected to feel. And the worst of it all was the lingering feeling of death that came with that thought. Every agonized final thought, panicked wish to survive, every curse sworn upon the ones causing their agony in the final moments of life. It had all been so clustered and chaotic that in the moment he'd barely had the time to process it.

But now that he could think about it, he felt like he was going to vomit.

Then he contrasted it with the festa. How amid it, the way even those positive emotions echoed in his mind. Not his own, but close enough to his mind it was as if he was in tune with every person around him. And yet right now there was nothing. He looked to each of his companions, and felt nothing. He even attempted to focus on the idea of feeling what they might be at the time but nothing came of it.

"Hagh… maybe it has to be more intense than something basic," Alain grumbled.

"You're taking the news about this surprisingly well," Gecko observed, "All of you are, actually."

"I guess I'd been suspecting something was up with me for a while," admitted Alain. "And maybe hearing it's not like it's some drastic change means it's not really that bad. But it is something to think about."

"Well, I suppose this is better than blind panic. I'll leave the lot of you to discuss it on your own terms. For now, I'd suggest you head off to that party. You deserve to relax after what you've all been through the past couple of days." With their business concluded, the five shuffled out en masse. But rather than start talking, since the matter might as well have been settled, they remained quiet. Though the silence was soon broken as Vivian ran to the front to talk Ange's ear off about whatever Lamia was planning. Naomi, however, took note of how Alain still had a tense air about him. Without a word, she slid her hand to his, their fingers threading together as he took notice. And Naomi could feel a slight shake in Alain's grip. As usual, she thought. He's putting on a tough front even when bothered by something. That part of him is hard to change.

As the evening turned into night, a space among the intact parts of the city had been set aside for the surprisingly large gathering Lamia had arranged. And to Alain and Tusk's own surprise, it was a barbeque party of all things. Alain was only used to such an occurrence during the Festa, and that was usually bundled with all sorts of other foods to go with it. Though for the veteran Arzenal pilot, it certainly came off as familiar in sight what with the clothing of the DRAGON girls being as revealing as it was.

"Thank you so much for protecting us and this town," Lamia told Ange and Alain as they looked across the gathering, drawing their eyes away from Vivian as she stuffed a plate full of items from a grill, Naomi alongside her and making sure Vivian kept it measured.

"I just helped Salako – Salamandinay out a little bit," Ange said, tapping Alain with an elbow. "Me and this guy only did part of the work. It was her and Ikuchi that made sure it actually happened. Besides… there were a lot of people we couldn't save."

"That's the way of things," Alain muttered, he and Ange looking out over the remaining rubble left from the vortex. Hearing some rather pleased cheering from another direction, Alain looked back and was quickly amused to see Tusk surrounded by some rather excited girls, one of which was holding some chopsticks out towards him. Ange was quite quick to give a displeased glare at the sight.

"Why those…"

"Go and get your man back," Alain chuckled, giving Ange a light push. Ange quickly grabbed a couple of plates and stacked them high, Alain watching as she very quickly made boundaries clear by scaring off the girls crowding Tusk by taking a bite out of some rather suspiciously arranged foodstuffs, which also freaked Tusk out a bit. "Frickin' idiots…"

"You're rather encouraging, aren't you?" Lamia mused. "Though from what Mii tells me, that's just how you are with others."

"Ahaha, Vivi hasn't said anything too odd about me, has she?"

"Well aside from how the members of her team fawn over you. Everything she's told me about you was all glowing praise. I'm glad my daughter has such a wonderful older brother to look up to."

"I've sorta just always felt responsible for people younger than me," Alain chuckled, a light shade of red on his face as he put a hand behind his head. "Blame the nature of Arzenal. Eighteen is considered pretty old there since it means we've made it through six whole years of fighting. Once I got used to being one of the older ones, it sort of just started coming naturally. Especially with how many little kids end up there."

"So Mii said," Lamia hummed. "She told me how you and Ersha were always looking out for the smaller ones like the parents they don't have."

"Heh, believe it or not, Ersha wasn't always the mother hen type," Alain snickered. "Used to be one hell of a delinquent, beating the crap out of everyone as kids. But then she chilled out as we got older… and as we kept losing friends." Lamia gave Alain a sympathetic look as his expression dropped, "She hates losing people she cares about, more than anyone I'd say. But she also knows that, since she's older than the others, she has to be someone they can lean on. So, the motherly big sister is how she ended up."

"Honestly, I'm kind of surprised how positive Mii is. For how often she talked about people she knew dying in battle against those of us who invaded the False Earth," Lamia's words, while certainly sympathetic, didn't stop the pang of guilt Alain felt in his chest. "You all grew up in such a harsh place; never knowing just how long you'd get to live or what day would be your last. Despite our own fight, our children get to be children at least. It's unthinkable to us to force ones so young into a battle where we know their lives could be taken. I know I can't apologize for any of it but, if it's at least something, whatever decision you all make, you're welcome here as far as I'm concerned. Mii considers you her family so I might as well do the same."

"I… thank you," Alain tugged at his bangs to hide his eyes, Lamia chuckling at the clear show of embarrassment. "I'm not sure we're not going to go back but… thank you."

"Well, Mii said she still wants to save your other friends. And that she wants to show them this world, given the chance."

"Sounds like Vivian."

"Anyway, you enjoy yourself tonight. You've definitely earned the right to relax and take your mind off of things. At least for a while."

"Maybe." Alain stepped away from the railing, scanning around until he found Ange and Tusk. The two were seated on a stairway, chatting away as they ate and looked across the gathered people. Moving closer, Alain started hearing some bits of the conversation.

"But it really is a nice place," he heard Ange say, a wistful smile on her face. "Even though there's suffering. Even though there's no Mana, everyone lives life to the fullest. Oh… I see."

"You're seeing it to, huh?" Alain said as he approached, Ange nodding as she kept her hair down from a sudden gust.

"Yeah. It's like Arzenal," Ange stated. Taking a moment to think, Ange stood up. "I'm going back home. Momoka's waiting!"

"Ange." Tusk said with a smile, Alain chuckling.

"Nice to see you make a decision," Alain noted. "Won't be satisfied with this if our friends aren't involved."

"I see. So you've all made your choice," The three turned around and saw Salamandinay approaching alongside her usual entourage. "We may be forced to fight again."

"Actually…" Ikuchi spoke up, stepping ahead of Salamandinay. "Alain and I came to an agreement about things, since he made his plans clear to me earlier today."

"Oh? Were you waiting to tell us this until we were all gathered?" Salamandinay asked.

"I won't allow it. It's too dangerous!" Naga stated, her hands going for her swords. "Who knows how they'd try to threaten us later?"

"At least hear what I have to say first," Ikuchi warned, Naga flinching. "Alain and I plan to settle this age-old conflict between our peoples tomorrow. Not in a battle to the death. But in a duel to settle what we started during the attack on Arzenal. After that… no more of this. No more fighting between the People of Aura and the Norma. Salamandinay, this is the end to at least some of the fighting we've been looking for."

"And no matter how it ends I'm not intending to fight you anymore anyway," Ange spoke up.

"See!" Naga snapped. "She's going to – what?!"

"You've always been too quick to jump the gun…" Ikuchi sighed, Kaname chuckling as Naga's face turned red.

"I'm not your enemy," Ange assured. "That's all over as far as I'm concerned."

"And like Ikuchi said earlier… I've had enough of the fight between our people myself," Alain said. "Tomorrow, the war between Arzenal and the DRAGONs is gonna end. After that… well, maybe we can figure out how to take down Embryo together instead of butting heads for no reason."

"Then feel free to return to the other side when the singularity opens," Salamandinay said. "And, if Ikuchi and Sir Alain do plan to settle whatever lingers between our people tomorrow, I see no reason to object to their duel. Also, did Dr. Gecko tell you all about her findings yet?"

"We had that run down a while ago, yeah," Alain confirmed with a nod.

"And…?" Salamandinay tilted her head.

"It's… it's a lot to process, but… well, it could've been worse," Alain stated, giving a shrug. "Not the weirdest thing in my life to be honest. Anyway, I'm gonna go take a walk for a bit, clear my head and all that."

"Don't be out too long, else Naomi might complain," Ange chuckled, Alain ignoring her as he stepped off. Making his way through the crowd and further out into the city, Alain began trotting his way across some of the rubble until he found a quiet spot. One that overlooked the now ruined Tower of Aura off in the distance. His eyes scanned up from the tower and to the sky once more, from the moon hanging above and the stars spangling that dark blue expanse beyond the clouds. His eyes started tracing through those stars, and slowly, they began recognizing lines within the stars, memories of constellations he'd had pointed out to him when he was younger.

"When the hell did I forget what the night sky looked like?" A bitter chuckle left Alain's mouth as he shook his head. "This sky really isn't different from ours… just took me way too long to recognize it," Standing up, Alain drew his knife from his belt and gathered the length of his loose ponytail into his left hand. Sliding his hand up to just around the base of the tail and setting the knife to it, one quick swipe severed the tail from his nape, the tie dropping to the ground as the remaining strands fell about his neck. Letting his fingers slip, Alain watched as the now severed strands were carried off by the wind to who knew where.

"Hehe… sheesh. Ersha'd be nagging me about now for cutting my hair with a knife like that. Then she'd probably drag Salia over into helping clean it up so it looks nice," As his amused chuckling died down, Alain bent known and picked up a stone. Bouncing it in his hands, as he felt that frustration and worry build up again over the potential fate of his comrades, Alain gathered that feeling and then pitched the stone as hard as he could, echoes of the rock skipping and bouncing off the rubble disturbing the quiet of the night. "There… got that out."

"You've been doing quite a bit of hiding how frustrated you truly are," Wyvern spoke up, Alain scoffing as he sat down. "It's a bad habit of yours."

"I'd say this time it was less hiding and more trying to figure out how the hell I should even react," Alain said, looking at the reflection of his eyes on his knife's blade. "How do I react to ending up in this world? To not knowing if my friends are even alive? To learning why this stupid war was even going on? To being told I've… changed? How the hell do I react to all of that happening in just a few days?"

"I cannot say," Wyvern admitted. "My processes are based on logical reasoning and pattern recognition. I can consider responses to scenarios, yet I do not have the capacity to be lost in a fugue of emotions as a human does. However, I do know you well enough to know that, after all we have been through that led us to this world, to learning what we have, that it is not enough to stop you."

"Damn right it's not," Alain bit. "I may not know just how to react to it all at once. But… I can't just stop because it's all hitting at the same time. It's why we have to go back. To make sure everyone is alive, to make sure learning all of this won't mean nothing. But… what do you think about all of this? I know what you said, but…"

"I believe what happens next is dependent on the results of our return," said the AI. "I cannot make a solid prediction of what the People of Aura's invasion of Misurugi will lead to. There are simply too many unknown variables to make a proper assessment currently. However, were I to give my thoughts in the style you would, regardless of what we do not know, how we respond in kind will determine the final outcome. A prediction based on variables is not a defined answer. Merely a guess. I can run statistics and predictions all I wish but there is always a factor I know will determine the final outcome beyond everything else. The human element."

"So, the thing that determines it all is the fact we humans never react exactly as predicted, huh?" Alain mused. "Maybe that's why things are how they are. No matter how hard someone tries, they just can't engineer humans to be anything other than an unsteady variable, huh?"

"Perhaps. Considering not even the humans we now know Embryo specifically engineered not only remained stuck in the old habits of mankind, but also were able to see the flaws in their own world and seek to change it like your allies in CROSS, it has made me consider a simple fact that, unlike we machines, human will is simply far too varied to be predictable. There will always be an outlier, an exception to a rule, or something simply out of place that may cause one to act in ways entirely unforeseen to the expected outcome."

"Hehe… well, you're not wrong about that. Guess we just need to wait and see what happens once we get back. We can decide things properly then."

"There you are!" Alain turned around as Naomi came hopping across the rubble. "I was wondering where you went off too! Ange said you went to clear your head."

"Ehe, well, I've got a lot of things on my mind is all. Having everything be shaken up is… well it gives you pause."

"I get it," Naomi chuckled, sitting down with Alain as he looked upwards again. "But… I've got hope things'll be okay once we're back. Everyone's tough so I'm sure they made it out alright."

"That's… not really what I'm concerned about," Alain chuckled. "But don't worry. Wyvern and I were just having a chat. I'm basically all settled. It's just… I'm so used to having an idea of what's going on, not knowing is weird. Life really was simpler when it was just hunting DRAGONs and killing time on Arzenal."

"Have you been thinking on it more? What you'll do if we somehow get through this to something better?"

"Honestly I think it's too early for me to do that," Alain admitted, letting his head come to rest on Naomi's shoulder. "First, we need to find everyone and actually win this. After that… then we can take the time to figure out where to go from there. But I feel like I've got a lot to do before that no matter the case. This isn't just trying to make it through week by week, not knowing when we're going to end up dead. I realized there's a lot to sort out with myself and everyone we just let fly because of how things were."

"Yeah, I think so too," Naomi agreed, her head coming to rest against Alain's. "It really is a different idea. When it was Arzenal we didn't need to think just… do what you want and take it by the horns. No need to waste time on saying how we feel, just make it clear. But what about when we're not just taking things a day at a time? When we can actually think about life years from now?"

"Guess we're really not as grown up as we figured," Alain chuckled, sitting straight as his hand came to rest on Naomi's. Glancing at him, Naomi's eyes raised in a bit of surprise as she saw Alain's face starting to go red. "Dammit! Why does it suddenly feel so weird to say it now? I've said it plenty of times before no damn problem!"

"Alain?"

"Gagh, screw it!" Naomi squeaked in surprise when Alain suddenly closed the gap and kissed her. It wasn't as if this was new to her, or something she was unused to. But, as she soon sank into Alain's arms, she realized something was different about the way he held onto her. It wasn't like before, where there was a sense of attempting to cling to something alongside the affection. He was gentler, more intent to hold her close and savor it. When they finally parted, Naomi was panting and her face bright red. And Alain was the same shade.

"W-What was… that was…" Naomi breathed, her eyes fluttering.

"I decided something," Alain said, putting his hands on Naomi's shoulders. "I haven't figured out what I want to do after we beat Embryo yet. But I decided on why I want to beat him. I don't want to just make a world that's better for the Norma and Ancient Humans. I want to make a world where I'm allowed to make everyone I love happy. So I… I'm not going to take things lightly either. Naomi… I love you. And I'm not just saying that to get it out of the way like usual. I…" Alain flinched when Naomi flicked him on the nose, casting her face down as it nearly started glowing.

"Idiot. Getting all serious on me like that and saying those things. You know that I know all of that. Everyone else knows all of that. But just out and saying it with such a serious look on… don't surprise me like that, alright? I wasn't freaking prepared!"

"Come on, at least let me finish first," As Alain sighed, it was his turn to be surprised when Naomi grabbed him by the face and kissed him in turn. When she parted, he let out a sigh. "Guess I deserved that, huh? Still I'm also way too selfish. I Can't even love one person."

"It's fine to be that way. I love you for who you are Alain," Naomi's reply got a similar glowing blush out of the young man in turn. "And so does everyone else. We all love you because it's you. You chose to stay on Arzenal when you could have left. You became one of the best pilots around to help keep us safe as we fought alongside you. You stayed by my side when you didn't know if I'd wake up again. So let me start paying you back from now on too. Let's see this through to the end. After all, we're wing mates, aren't we? Let me be there to help lift your wings up so we can find whatever is waiting for us after all of this."

"Heh, yeah," Alain placed his forehead to Naomi's the girl chuckling. "Thank you, Naomi. I love you."

"You already said it, idiot… I love you too." Under a star-spangled sky far more familiar than when they had first arrived, a resolve was made clear as the two aimed to move forward. Whatever fate awaited in the days to come would be faced head on and without fear.

A/N

BOY did this one end up being a doozy once I got it done. Wanted to cover a decent amount considering, y'know... end of one arc leading into a new one and all that. And OH BOY are we going to be heading into some hopefully fun stuff on entering the end game of the show, hehehe. I have too many plans already...