Chapter Ten of Ten
Epilogue:
A flash of time rippled around Exodus, swallowing him from reality and hastily dragging him through Alestia's boiling crust. He found himself surrounded by the rich essence of time ravaging the intruding black-burning chaos. His shouts of surprise echoed endlessly, trying to find Blur or anyone recognisable in this fleeting vastness of gold sandy space, hearing a constant ticking prickling his skin.
Steeling himself trying to handle his unruly harsh breaths and panicking mind thinking whatever happens next he deserves it for Howl will surely demand a lethal price of justice, Exodus didn't dare hope for survival from his crimes yet an angelic hymn cut through his mind fortress luring him out to the cold reality facing him. So familiar yet always terrifying the wolf could never admit this to his mortal allies recognising her voice had been always there with him from the very start.
Feeling the realm slowly stop twisting spirals around him Exodus finds there is simply nothing but power that he's floating on standing before the judging clockface of time. At last, he did it. Victory over chaos in Blur's final moments watching her flourish with great light and delight. His tired bones are ready for rest.
Sacrifice...mercy...heroics.
This is what time herself has witnessed from Exidos's life before and after his involvement with Alestia's fate. Dictated by his looped murder victims as if it was built into the fabric of space itself his fate was always going to live up to the motto "a fate worse than death". And this is exactly what happened.
With great ease and satisfying enchanting humming she pulls on her strings of time weaving Exodus into an eternal prison, the terrible crimes committed on Alestias soil had ensured the time of the Triumvirates would never end robbing Exodus of the one release he had hoped for. Death.
Lifted from the dunes of time, Exodus will always know it was her decision that punished him, with this weight around his neck dropping him back where it all started. His mind was scarred with the blood of billions and the lies he told his spawn, knowing full well that without the Triumvirate's intervention, Alestia would forever be inhabited by the Monarchy alone.
Echoing fragments merged and grew from his consciousness as shattering glass cracked around the wolf god, with painfully heavy, burning breathing taking hold of Exidos. Thrown through an obsidian mirror, he found himself in his realm, with the world around him reforming into an astral mist of gold, ruby red, and midnight purples, all welcoming him back home. Her singing still angelic, keeping the Triumvirates company as she has always done.
Time herself: This is your punishment. Your every action results in consequences.
You...live.
His long lost family standing with their backs to him busy in their calculations watching the Ark form millennia of possible threats and futures completely enveloped by their work neither of them noticing the blood-stained god returning from the wars. Their fingers worked at impossible speeds trying to ascertain what mysterious energy source sprouted and vanished on a primitive fringe world.
Exodus shook seeing ghosts of his past turning the pit of his stomach into knots which pulled the time lord forward with sweating fur unable to comprehend if this was real, was he really back home? His loved ones so tangibly close caught the voice in his dry throat unable to speak even a whisper as his bottom lip quivered.
Archeron: Back already Blur? Did you forget something?
Still enveloped by his work the orange and blue fox doesn't look over to his brother returning back to the Ark having been sent to ascertain if the Monarchy were behaving themselves, his vision entirely enraptured by the confusing readings that time had been fluctuating with no clear reason as to why or what is causing it, something big was and had happened. The silence from his powerful master tickled a sixth sense that something was off with his usually humorous leader.
Exodus attempted a faint smile hearing Archeron refer to his old name yet only a crushing frown spread across his empty face as he fell to his knees overwhelmed by his bubbling emotions. Weakness and weary of something too true clogged Blurs brain.
Looking up at the unusual movement Archeron catches his breath in his throat with a sharp inhale of shock. He reaches out patting practically punching the back of his tutor Reiyo desperately dragging him from his studies. The brown and red-furred Shepherd looks up annoyed at the sudden attack.
Reiyo: Ow! Archeron what do you want? I'm busy right now! Have you found the missing dark matter?
Archeron: LOOK . . . Blue Blur?
Growling with irritants Reiyo turns around to inspect his recently returned brother yet Reiyo doesn't show a flicker of shock but more confusion as to why Blur has been rolling in blood shredding his robes. Glancing at each other both brothers hurry to who they call Blur. Crouching by his side the Triumvirates are stunned into silence seeing his wounds and smelling the stench of death reeking from him. The world builders were nowhere to be seen, no Blade of Exidos, no Gears of Time, no Spear of Justice all of which forced Acheron to wrinkle his scarred snout with intense worry.
Dirty paws drag his brothers into a tight hug as Blur shudders at the weight of all he's done during the four and a half billion years, the sacrifices, the murders. Everything and everyone that suffered due to his decisions.
Blur never believed he'd live to see this day of return now nauseous at the touch of unnatural space-time passing through the Ark's barriers, the perplexed faces of his brothers showed their reaction to time caressing the trio's faces. His presence breached the core protections of the Ark making his mind ache never even considering how he was going to live with the untold number of souls farmed under his watch and in this moment all he wanted to do was hold onto dear life the friends who were always there for him... until they weren't.
Both brothers of time oozed horrific shock for Blur's wellbeing and showered support looking after their own wanting to learn all they could to understand why Blur had just returned after leaving only a mere moment ago. His ghostly expression is a telltale sign of the traumatised thoughts beating Blur's rationality to breaking point, finally defeated and left bare Blur's guard down fails and sheds the nightmare he's inflicted on such innocence, flood gates opening pouring out his every fear to Reiyo and Archeron.
Overwhelmed and hyperventilating panic attacks choked him with tears clutching onto his family ugly crying in their arms trying to console Blur, howling in severe emotional despair. The turmoil of his feelings completely haywire stripping Blur down to a core of physiological torment and all of this forced Archeron and Reiyo to focus their healing energies to keep Blur together. Their efforts working to prevent him from taking any darker turns of thought tiltering on a cliff almost ready to give up and lose himself with each heartbeat.
Both Triumvirates washed Blur in the Ark's light yet were unable to comprehend how empty their leader was, Blur who had always held near infinite power especially when holding onto the world builders yet now a broken spirit left the kneeling wolf unoccupied from hope. Something drastic had clearly happened to drain Blur to this extent wearing more blood than is actually inside of him but what could have done all of this damage?
The brothers had no idea what ordeal Blur had lived through but it was only a matter of time before the wolf on their door peeled back the horrors of his mind, horrors to keep the gods awake at night, dreams to make the heavens tremble at the sight of all they've done. The Eternal Conflict bringing the universe to its dying breath leaving nothing behind but the laughter of chaos.
A flash of brilliant light consumed Blur replacing his robes with brand new ones and washing away the grime, blood, dust and wounds from his fur, picture-perfect apart from the horrors ripping his mind apart yet in the hands of his brothers he soon regained a small sense of where he was and what was happening. Still, he felt no warm embrace by the Ark's light being too cold of heart to feel anything but his own crushing guilt now.
Reiyo: Saviour what happened? You've been gone for less than sixty seconds. Who did this to you?
Like an old memory, Blur couldn't help but tilt his head to the side and give a sad smile as Reiyo addressed him as Saviour regarding his first universe-saving antics back on Terra. Tiny embers of a better time flashed through Blur's mind only able to gasp small details of the genocide following the Triumvirate's orders and the many sacrifices he made mangling his morals in the process of saving creation.
The battle not to fall apart was exhausting trying to tell his brothers all that had happened and how he lost three world-builder tools creating a significant power vacuum for the Triumvirates rule going forward. Without these tools the battles they could interfere with would be limited but perhaps a blessing in disguise no longer inviting more powerful challengers of chaos to the order they manage.
The Ark creaked and rocked being far weaker to the next galactic threat that would come, but this was inconsequential and far from the god's thoughts as one of their own was struggling to keep their will to live alive. Like any other family Blur would not face this fight alone never abandoning one another to the wilds of time ever again, still, this did little to soothe the heavy heart Blur carried leaving his brothers to pick up the pieces.
About an hour passed before Blur had managed to grip his minced senses and hold his nerves in a dark conversation, giving him the time and space to grieve he was monitored from afar by his brothers who had spent time looking over the matter of the universe. The fragmented story threads Blur provided them gave just enough for Reiyo to check that there was evidence of time collapsing as well as being repaired. Elements such as anti-matter were absent in parts of the universe even older than he was.
This news actually being worse than he hoped wanting to believe Blur had lost his mind rather than the Triumvirates being responsible for some kind of intergalactic devastation. Slowly climbing the Ark's invisible stairs he saw Blur free floating in a fetal position shaking and rambling to himself. Picking out some words Reiyo guessed Blur was repeating how sorry he was for the lives lost and the lies told.
Jumping into the zero gravity rings Reiyo softly grabbed Blur's shoulder letting him know he wasn't alone, but before Reiyo could tell Blur he believed his loose story the wolf turned to Reiyo with bloodshot eyes and a voice so unlike his own, full of regret, loss and self-hatred.
Blur: Everything burned Reiyo... everyone died and it was me who killed them.
I killed them all.
Reiyo gulps looking Blur in the eye seeing for the first time how much older they were than the boy he once knew. When this first started Reiyo could feasibly say Archeron and Blur were mere children compared to his experience and lifetime within the Ark, but now with Blur's behaviour, the wolf had clearly experienced more than his lifespan of war.
The tone in Blur's voice painted a very clear picture of how much torment and ice had filled his heart.
Reiyo: I know this won't be easy to talk about Blur, I see it in your eyes you'd do anything to change it but we need to know what happened in there.
We only know you've been gone a few moments but time says something far different happened. What happened to you?
Blur: I went too far.
Blur's voice cracks threatening to flood into tears once more but he pushes on helping his brother know the truth, he's a living nightmare.
I took our mission beyond the boundaries and spent... years trying to finish that war. I lost myself the longer I was there Reiyo.
Till nothing remained...I was THIS close to failing. Everyone died, the entire universe was blank with all life extinct!
Acheron soon joined the two floating gods not barring the absence any longer and needing to know what went so wrong.
Archeron: My God... years in a war? I'm...
I'm stunned I can't imagine what that was like but it's over Blur. Understand you are safe and sound with us now.
Blur: Is it? IS IT OVER?!
I hear their screams in my head Archeron!
Four and half billion years I spent farming the dead to feed that chaos Idol till it finally devoured too much...I was the last earthling in existence watching home turn to rocks and dust. I STOOD OVER YOUR BODY...so don't ever say you UNDERSTAND ME!
The heavy silence of heart break rage filled the Ark for even its angelic humming stopped in reverence to Blur's wave of pain filling the hole in his heart, his brothers softly hugging him trying to soothe an immortal lifetime of torture.
Reiyo: I don't even know what to say Blur... this sounds worse than any nightmare we thought possible. ... ... Four and half billion years...
It took that long to destroy the Idol? To see so much butchering it would change anyone and you seem like something new. We will help you the best we can. That will never change.
Archeron: Let it out. Let it all out we won't judge you... hell, we still stand here because of you. We will listen.
Archeron says this wiping his paws over Blur's fur where his battle wounds with his Alestia self once stood.
The white wolf goes on to explain the killer he's become with the fear in his brothers growing the more they face the monster that survived in his hallow voice and watching the good man they once knew be taken over by the war, hellbent on revenge. Blue Blur has been many things but never blood-soaked.
Reiyo struggled hearing how loathed Blur had become by the rebels and how his actions were forced into genocide, his own anger flaring as Blur described the brushes with death and how his own twin grew to accept death in the end.
Blur: I know now a longer life isn't a better one heh... I should be in a museum.
Reiyo: Or a mausoleum.
Blur: When I saw both of you die I was forced to redo the loop...Again and again and AGAIN!
A part of me died with them each time you know?
On my own on that battlefield, not a single soul left for everyone else has fallen besides that fucking orb. Sick to bastard death of being the one to save the universe now I just want to rest...I want the screaming to stop. I JUST WANT A PEACEFUL DEATH IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK? AM I NOT OWED THIS ONE SMALL REQUEST?
HAVE I NOT DONE ENOUGH TO END THIS...End this...
Finally breaking again Blur breaks into heavy sobs shuddering violently with each sharp inhale, a monstrous mess voids all hope in him sucking the love out of the Ark like a black hole.
Reiyo and Archeron feel sick to their stomachs seeing their fellow god feel the burden of the universe winning and working with crushing survivor guilt, Blur holds his head in his hands having his brain spilt apart from the cries of his victims worming its way through his mind.
The curse Blur carries being the only person fated to save the universe left him with consuming thoughts, that death, would be a gift.
With his brain left in carnage and conflict the likes of Reiyo and Archeron have never seen the extremely old wolf rocks himself to find bits of comfort as his brothers stare into his soul. The both of them trying to figure out what would be the best course of action going forward clearly understanding the chaos in Blur's head was hard to believe and fearful nobody would be able to help reach him from the darkness.
In their bones the price for success wasn't worth paying having bought too much of Blur's consciousness they couldn't bear to watch what was left of him, his haunted brave face a shell of a man that left them only moments ago... it would take a long time for Blur to recover. Maybe he never will... but atleast history will record what has happened as Archeron carefully pinched the scrolls and journal reading through Pro's scribbles clearly showing he would have made a wonderful writer in another life.
Archeron: Remember what I said back in the bunker?
Life is full of hardships, especially for those destined for great things, you've been interlocked with fate for a long time now.
But no matter who you are, we all have regrets when we overcome our fears of fate.
Be honest with yourself Blur, what you did was necessary. You saved us, this universe witnesses a new day because of you. You're a hero through and through.
Blur scowls not caring for this universe having wished he could have stayed on Alestia finding a different solution, he will never forgive himself for the crimes committed against the essence of life he swore to protect. Now that he's won he only finds a vacant victory in this true universe, the world and family he grew attached to were always going to be temporary yet now accustomed to that life on Alestia he couldn't bring himself out of the depression dearly missing all he's lost.
Blur: Every part of the universe was destroyed because of me. I lost things you will never understand Archeron... I stood at the edge of creation. A creation that I devastated!
Those people, that planet it was so precious to me! I can't ever look forward from that, everyone that I loved and grew attached to are gone.
I did horrific things and to top it all off. I survived all of it.
Reiyo: It wasn't your fault.
Blur: I KNOW!
Reiyo: Then stop beating yourself up, if it wasn't for you this universe would be in absolute ruin. You saved it. You did that. You defend them to your last breath.
Blur: But what does this make me? The great exterminator of the universe... I've manipulated my blood into taking his life, I have more blood on my hands than Nagi and Nami ever dreamed of!
The destroyer of worlds. I did this.
Reiyo: You are one who fought fake gods, evil gods, demi-gods... they all failed, every single one of them. You did that, all those people you grew up with aren't real. It was just a nightmare Blur but where you are now is real.
You saved THIS universe and if the cost of that is one man's conscience, one man's self-respect...then I call that a fair bargain. I told you Blur the powers we have could save the universe or destroy it. But nobody you harmed has suffered, they were never supposed to be there in the first place.
Take as much time as you need to recover and learn to see what you have saved this day...I'm proud of everything you've done to keep true history intact.
One day you will see just how beautiful the universe truly is what you sacrificed to save it will be worth it in the end.
Blur just shakes his head not wanting to hear the sacrifices made were just and true, necessary to history's survival. The trauma he's gone through is clearly something only he could understand. An immortal lifetime trapped within the Ark being his home...his prison. Perhaps this is why Howl grew to like him so quickly like kindred spirits.
Blur: You don't know what it's like.
Reiyo: I DO know what it's like Blur. Remember when we met, I spent eternity in the Ark too trying to find a Saviour. I choose you and I stand by that decision.
The control of time is useless when you're a prisoner.
Blur: ... I'm sorry, I... I forgot.
Genuinely ashamed of forgetting parts of his brother's past Blur turns into himself until a reassuring paw rests on top of his, Reiyo simply smiles forgiving him with a look understanding there is so much for Blur to work through. Taking this quiet moment Blur speaks his main crime with his eyes shut tight not wanting to face the music, trying to suppress his tears that refuse to surrender.
Blur: I lied to them...I gave them hope.
Archeron: Since when has hope ever been a bad thing?
Blur: Hope is a terrible thing when on the gallows! Valessa, Fortaime, Damek, Pro they all thought they would return to their lives, their loving families with freedom from us...now they never existed and the Monarchy rules with a less destructive hand.
Just another world lost... I can't carry the weight of another dead race.
Reiyo and Archeron look at each other clearly hurt at the heartbreak in Blur's voice as he tries to face the consequences of victory. His Alestian family is now nothing more than a memory. Far worse than whatever the Seer imagined.
Blur: Everything they said about me it's all true.
Again his voice broke feeling so cold and alone in this universe, the warmth from his brothers only going so far.
I told them what they could get from working with me and what they wanted to hear but it was just a cover... to use them.
"Triumvirates have a way of convincing you"... Ulric was right... Always right.
Reiyo: That's enough now Blur, we're going to fix this now and forever more. Universe be danmed I will not let you suffer like this.
Archeron: Reiyo what can we do? We can't go back there, that timeline doesn't even exist to go back to.
Reiyo: Yes it does... in here it does.
Reiyo strokes the back of Blur's neck scuffing the fur on his head, looking up a glint of hope on his lost face.
Reiyo: If something can be remembered then it can be brought back.
I won't lie to you Blur this will be exhausting, we're going break every rule in the Ark upsetting the balance of life and death. But together we can do this.
You just need to trust me.
Offering a hand to the Saviour Reiyo reenacts one of his first moments with Blur almost coming full circle as a strong grip takes hold of his hand. Pulling the wolf to his feet and floating back down in sync the three gods set upon their universe knowing what they must do.
Reiyo: Come on let's go see the new light dawning. You have a family to join.
Elsewhere hope was flaring once again for a new day was born free from evil and eyes once thought dead now saw a beautiful sight rushing towards him. Heavenly light and peaceful green nature rustled around the groggy white and blue wolf picking himself up from the ground of a pleasant woodland.
Holding his head he rubs a bump having headbutted a thin yet resistant tree with heavy breathing as if something is sitting on his chest, stumbling from nausea he rests trying to figure out where he is and what just happened. A sad whine drives from his cold nose watching leaves and winds moving too fast for what was normal clearly something was still wrong with time. That is until it started to slow down taking a few moments for Blur to see things normally again.
Trials and paths lead in all directions noticing he's woken up at some kind of meeting spot on a walking trek all converging here, or spitting off maybe this was the starting point. Either way, it wasn't too important as Blur went over his memories before this strange place.
He remembers Exodus giving him the time gear, dialling into his destiny and spreading himself across the universe and then.
Then he was here. Blur isn't even sure if he died yet one thing is certain. He knows he's lucky to still be alive.
Blur: Where ...am I? ... heh.
That impossible man, he just can't give in.
Ohhh Exodus if you're here I could kiss you. Hello?! Anyone here? Fortaime! Valessa!... Anyone?
Silence responded as the wind picked up rustling the leaves, since trees were only abundant in Valinorth Blur wanted to guess he was home yet these types of trees didn't resonate with him. He couldn't place why but the sky, the air. The dirt it all felt different and due to this he was almost scared to give the idea this isn't Alestia any credence but having witnessed impossibilities he wasn't so quick to dismiss this alien world idea.
Deciding that waiting here doing nothing isn't going to change anything Blur listens intently ignoring his headache and picks up faint cheering or crying in the far distance, for better or worse at least there were people. And so he set off inspecting the different plants, unlike anything he'd seen before, familiar yet alien finally landing his eyes upon a sign his hopes raised but then dashed finding symbols he couldn't understand.
Blur: Bastards... this definitely isn't Alestia.
?: Quite so, didn't your mother tell you not to wander off?
Quickly turning around his pulse increases hearing the time-warped voice of the Triumvirate tutting at Blur, immediately from the height and slightly higher pitched voice Blur knew it wasn't his clone under that abyss hood.
Blur: Who goes there? Friend or Foe!
Shaking their head amused the Triumvirate brings down their hood letting Blur take in the brown and red fur of a creature unfamiliar to the Alestian.
Reiyo: I don't think any of that matters, friends, enemies... so long as there's mercy.
Relax Blur I come at the request of the Saviour, and so a friend to you now. You may call me Reiyo. You're safe now, you'll always be safe here on Terra.
How does it feel to be on the first world you've saved, do you remember it at all?
Shifting his defensive pose Blur notices no obvious weapons from the Triumvirate and humms uncertain if he should trust this god. He shakes his head silently giving his response. Familiar yes but he doesn't recognise it from any of his dreams or memories.
Reiyo: I suppose that's to be expected, you were created for Alestia's environment after all. Rest assured there will be no harm to you here you're on a developed world... no war on these lands, but there will be time for that later, please come along we thought you might be lonely so we bought you some friends.
Humm that's a lie, I'm told you're more like family.
Blur: Family? The rebellion? They're here too?
Reiyo: Some but not all, you have people you love and those who love you if that's what you're asking. Please follow me to the Wayfarer and you'll have the reunion most richly deserved.
Turning on his heel Reiyo doesn't wait for a response expecting Blur to follow knowing he doesn't have a choice when his family is concerned. Heavy paws crunch on the leaves as Blur runs after him catching up instantly.
Blur: Terra, is that the name of this planet?
Nodding with a smile Reiyo looks into Blur's eyes with a curiosity curling his lip in a question. His voice was steady and even, trusting yet keeping Blur on his toes.
Reiyo: Welcome to the planet of the dead Blur. Terra houses those passing on from Earth and because of you. Alestian kind too. There's immigration as well but do not worry about that you'll have plenty of time to learn about your new life now.
Blur: . . . I'm dead . . .
Reiyo: Ah, it's something you'll get over at some point, you still have the pleasures of life so don't worry, this is your second wind.
In your case there really isn't much difference apart from a new place to call home if you wish. Alestia is gone but I happen to know you find family with the people you choose and in the end, that's all that matters.
Echoing Ulric's words Blur's eyes light up and joy spreads across his face not having understood what Reiyo meant about Alestia.
Blur: So, who are you? Why isn't Exodus here?
Reiyo:... The Saviour, or Exodus as you call him. Is recovering, the occupation took a heavy toll but he wanted to be here, maybe one day he will face you once again when he's ready.
Right now he's back home and with some sleight of hand, he's witnessing the time of the first anniversary of his favourite band. In Tokyo too naturally. Brother Archeron is with him making sure he takes time to relax.
Reiyo says this as if Blur knew what Tokyo is, the confused look makes him chuckle apologising for the mix-up. Having two Blue Blurs was confusing even for the god.
Reiyo: I'm here to ensure everything goes smoothly for YOU, a part apology and method of recovery for him. I stole his future and led him by the hand to the disaster you both lived through so now... it's my mission to help you both move on from it.
You see before you were created I plucked the Saviour from Earth and turned him into what he is today. Even then I know he told you the blade created you, but he was also created by another powerful tool. A combined world builder of the immortal king.
Did the Saviour ever tell you about the Exodus project?
Walking through the peaceful woods Blur takes in a deep breath feeling inadequate to reality, death had meant nothing and now his own creation was being exhumed.
Blur: The Exodus project? No, he never said project, I know of my blade...or his blade I suppose. The Blade of Exidos.
Reiyo humms nodding and sighs itching his chin thinking back to his moments with Exodus as if it was yesterday.
Reiyo: I see, well before the Saviour was born, even myself the immortal king Velasquez used world builders such as the Blade of Exodus to create life and rule as a god. But division from his spawns caused the tools to be fragmented. Without the world builder life in the universe and Terra was ... tough for a time, genocides in the federation but to get to the point that involves you.
The Exodus project created Blue Blur, the Saviour you fought and worked with. Accepting my help and his fate he helped heal this universe and now we live we all live peace and prosperity, until the choas Idol arrived but now even that passed.
I do wonder where the true soul of Blur came from but even some mysteries we can't solve. You've proven not every creation is the same so I wouldn't call you a clone as the experience of life forges all of us into different beings.
However I'd be lying if I didn't tell you how relieved I am you had the building blocks to be a hero, you helped save this universe once again we all owe you and your namesake a great debt... without your sacrifice we wouldn't be having this conversation.
Blur: This is so much to take in... God I can't wait to be rid of you lot. I swear if I see the third brother I might go mad.
So, I died, my namesake is a mystery and Exodus came from a project that healed the universe during his awakening, incredible... I suppose I'm glad I did my part too. Heh
It worked... I did it.
Placing a paw on Blur's shoulder Reiyo grins hearing Blur soak in the true victory, understanding his war is over.
Reiyo: Just keep it quiet about Exidos, it was his first attempt at intergalactic salvation so there were... learning curbs, along the way.
He isn't celebrated in true history as the Exodus project was never needed here. Terra now lives in a grand federation of worlds all connected by the two-way system. You can go anywhere that allows migration. Earth does not for example along with a few fringe worlds but that won't stop the Triumvirate, also consider the Saviour grew up on Earth and took their form he can get by easily.
Blur: There form?... wait so not everyone will look like my kind? Well, that's a silly question I mean. I don't even know what you are.
Reiyo: There will be a lot for you to learn in this brave new world, the entire universe is open to you now with all walks of life and creatures to befriend. But I'm sure you'll boldly go to the final frontier if I know you well which I like to think I do. Your adventure isn't over, it's just beginning.
Now this is where I leave you only for a short time do not worry. You'll be coming up to a road, keep walking straight down and you'll find your family on the left near a tavern called the Wayfarer.
We brought your family first so they will be accustomed to Terran life and will help you adjust... that and you were our biggest problem to recreate. Unfortunately, my attendance is required elsewhere but I'll be back soon.
An instant later Blur watches as Reiyo vanishes in a bright light leaving behind the sound of shattered glass, this time Blur feels no pain not being directly impacted. He can hear a bustling city before him with no walls preventing his entry he swallows his apprehension and walks forward almost wishing he still had his guide.
New lands and new creatures crossed his path while looking for the Wayfarer in a language of signs all unreadable, naturally, Blur had no idea he was walking past the tavern until a heavy paw gripped his shoulder stopping Blur in his tracks with a tug.
?: Monarch?
His heart thundered at the scare but even more so at the rough yet hopeful voice, his swift heel turn met the questioning gaze of Ulric with his signature grin melting Blur's heart. His tail warping into a blur of blue wagging so hard at the beautiful man infront of him.
Blur: Is! ... is it really you Ulric?
Taken back by the gentle offer of a kiss on Blur's lips the king whined happily returning the affection smiling excitedly at the unexpected passion from Ulric both relieved to have found each other again. Seemingly getting over his squeamish nature of public affectation.
Ulric: What do you think?
Blur: Mmm I'll need another to make sure it's really you.
Blur laughs pulling his husband in for a deeper meaningful kiss showing just how much he loves Ulric ecstatic at having found him so quickly. The two stay connected for a while in the middle of a busy street letting the world pass by them left in their own paradise.
Finally parting for air the devotion in Blur's eyes matched that of Ulrics who led Blur to a nearby building. It looked more like a fancy post office than a tavern but the sound of drinks clinking and the smell of rum soon made Blur realise what kind of place Ulric had been staying at.
Blur: Ofcourse you'd be here. Well go on do they have the strong stuff here?
Ulric: Plenty of drinks to make your eyes water Monarch, but watch where you stand I've seen the barman drop thirty glasses since I've been here.
A crash and swift apology come from inside as the patrons cheer at another glass being broken, some cheers seem familiar, was that Sovy cheering?
?: Phidget! AGAIN? Mom can't keep replacing these ya know!
Phidget: Sorry PB! I'm still learning...
?: My fault PB I was showing him a trick, I'll clean it up.
PB: That's the least you can do Konrad, try doing tricks after closing time alright?
Konrad: Sure thing boss.
Blur looks to Ulric in shock at the clattering inside, the bigger white wolf shrugs humoured at the ridiculousness of it.
Ulric: Thirty-one.
Both wolves break out into hearty laughs rolling on the wooden planks they rest on, pulling each other into a tight hug both simmer down silently admitting the fear that once plagued their minds that they would never see each other again, holding hands they watch the world pass them by turning around clueless to the war these strangers have come from.
Blur: How many worlds has my regret saved you think?
Ulric looks to Blur concerned by the odd question, he doesn't respond instantly chewing it over trying to understand what Blurs getting at.
Look where we are Ulric, the afterlife... all that suffering I put the universe through... and for what? A couple of minutes more of life-threatening to rip apart the trust my family has in me. I should have died earlier considering this is what was waiting for us.
Ulric: That's not fair Blur. You weren't to know and you did choose right in the end and that's what really matters, nearly everyone is here waiting to see you. Fortaime, Valessa, Damek, Pro. Sovy. But no Howl yet. Halin... is here, but it's not 'our' Halin. Me or Reiyo can introduce you when we visit the castle at some point.
Royalty still has some benefits you've been summoned to meet the king of Terra.
Sitting in the cool air for a moment Ulric nuzzles Blur's neck hugging his strong arms around him for a moment and speaking once again in a lower voice.
What a way to die, finally had my time burning out and now we're undead? I don't even know what I am yet. Reiyo hasn't given us all the details, his presence has been spotty since the start but maybe one day Exodus can give us some proper answers.
Blur: Maybe you're right, new life. New problems. I'm sorry Ulric I just had it on my mind.
Ulric: Never apologise for seeking support. We'll get through it together but this life is a gift. I want to spend our time now learning this new world and creating the family we should have had from the start.
I can tell you more about this place to call home, atleast until we can get back to Alestia.
Blur: I think Reiyo will be coming back soon to explain more on that, something about Alestia being gone but I don't know what he means.
Ulric humms puzzled and concerned, Blur squeezes his hand and leans into Ulric resting his head on his lover's shoulder and listening to what Ulric has learnt since arriving here.
Ulric: Well Terra is certainly different from Alestia, for one thing, it's peaceful. No war, no crime. No use for a sellsword here but there were rumours of a fringe world threatening other worlds in this federation of planets. Apparently, we're on a galactic stage here.
No longer making deals with pirates in Mazeo here, now it's trade issues on the Galactic Council. I don't know how seriously it will affect us but right now. I don't think I could care I have everything I need here.
Saying this Ulric strokes Blurs whiskers tickling down his ribs, belly, hips and thigh getting a jolting snort of laughter in return, both hearts joined forevermore watching as two moons glowed in the bright sunlight blue sky.
Blur: We aren't home anymore but this place doesn't seem too bad.
Ulric: Apparently Terra is an open planet, a lot of immigration comes through but from what I heard this planet can take it in its stride. I suppose it should considering the galactic stage each planet seems to be on but one things for certain, the life we know will never be the same.
Reiyo: Truer words were never spoken.
Both wolves jump having the silent arrival of the Triumvirate look above them. The Shepherd grinned in delight toying with mortals at the expense of a good laugh. Blur growls at the intruder but doesn't act further easily upset at gods in gold.
Blur: Oh back again? Goody. Where did you go?
Reiyo: The Monarchy
He says it as if it explains anything at all, the irritation clear in the god's tone rolling his eyes at the confused looks from Ulric and Blur.
Ulric: Is something the matter with Howl? Does he need our help?
Reiyo: Howl? . . . Oh, you mean the body the Monarchy possessed? No its more complex than that. You never actually saw a true being of the Monarchy have you? Hmmm
I'm afraid this won't be easy but there's nothing you can do about it but listen, your home on Alestia is forever gone. It's the Monarchy's world by right of true history, we were the invaders and much like you Blur, the population of Alestia came from us... they aren't the welcoming bunch you praised.
We cannot place you back and there is no Howl to bring back to you either.
Blur stood up clearly about to fly off the handle in protest, Reiyo raised a hand freezing Blur before he could interrupt. Ulric quickly learned that each god had different abilities also raising and gripping his great sword handle.
Ulric: What did you do to him?!
Reiyo: Just listen and you will understand! He can still hear me and I will release him once I'm finished. Relax Ulric the war is over this is just...tutoring.
Exodus lied to you all, he feared if the you knew the truth Blur wouldn't have commited to his fate and I agree.
With Blurs reset it took the Triumvirate off of Alestia which also removed all of your kind Ulric, only the Monarchy remained following their original path but with no choice Idol to gould them into true evilness the threat to other planets is their trade deals...for now. Alestia is a fringe world and you don't have access to it but the silver lining is Exodus couldn't live with his decisions.
Lucky for you, not him. It's as a final gift from the Triumvirate the rebellion family has been brought back... hmm more recreated actually, but we couldn't afford to bring all of Alestia here... only your immediate family.
However, there is a choice.
Snapping their fingers Blur falls forward not expecting to suddenly unfreeze and is caught by Reiyo staring into his soul.
I can take you them, you can witness the Monarchy in their true form... hostile and abashed to mortal kind. I gave this choice to Exodus to bring back those he lost due to his reset and he chose not to.
He didn't want to ruin the lives they made for themselves and now you have the same choice Blur. You can go and attempt to rekindle your friendship with the Monarchy or you can stay here with your family and forge a new life with just them.
You have this time to think and speak with your friends I will stay nearby awaiting your decision.
Pushing Blur into Ulric's arms Reiyo moves inside without another word as Blur looks to Ulric lost on what he should do. Faced with an impossible choice Blur can't decide if he wants to follow his clone's choice or make his own mind up, did he really have the right to interfere with another race turning their world upside down?
The choice made harder knowing Howl or the beings he trusted don't accept visitors nor seem like the 'friendly' beings Blur grew to trust, even at the height of that trust Howl was never overtly friendly to begin with. It's something he would raise with his family and so he followed after Reiyo pulling Ulric inside who didn't need any convincing for another drink beckoned his thirsty throat. A good opportunity to celebrate something spectacular tonight.
Pushing the doors apart Blur inhaled the strong smell of beer and stopped in his tracks seeing tables full of friends and family. Pro surrounded by brothers, sisters and parents he never knew. An incredibly big table for ten strangers Blur never knew. Pro's crying is unclear if he's happy or heartbroken but the hugs from his siblings seemed genuine and the horrified ashamed shock from his parents could paint a thousand words. Their eyes begged for forgiveness.
Fortaime and Valessa were sitting on the knees of familiar faces in Blur's childhood, the loving embrace of their long-lost parents ripped old wounds open bleeding with every emotion. Their children now adults raised by village elders beside themselves with tears caused heavy hearts in all, cutting to the burning question of the reunion it was flanked by heavy explanations as to why their guardians turned to a life piracy attempting to make amends for their disappearance.
Moving to the far walls of the tavern Blur left his friends to privacy however he needn't bothered as each table was fully captured within their own bubble of reunion ignoring the outside world while sharing their stories. Making his way to the bar along the edge walls Blur's eyes fell upon his foxy advisor happy to see even he has a happy ending. That is until she spoke sounding far different than Damek.
Blur hadn't realised he was looking at the mother rather than his rebellion advisor looking incredibly similar as they merged together in a tight embrace nearly spilling their drinks. She couldn't properly express how much he's grown through her choking sobs cradling her son close, whispering that everything will be alright now keeping a tighter hold on Damek promising to never let him go again. Refusing to let the occupation split them apart anymore.
His father seemed vacant struggling to come to terms with all that had happened and where he in the world he was, his drink untouched and still. It's hardly a surprise that the shock of an almost perfect afterlife would bring some stunned emotions.
However all was not well for some, Blur could see Ulric's pain as his eyes looked up at the bannister above leading to the private bedrooms seeing his parents turn away from their killer, their own son. They hadn't given Ulric the chance to explain how manipulated he was by the Triumvirates something Reiyo spotted and set to work to fix, climbing the stairs he would attempt to smooth over whatever wounds he could.
Blur kissed Ulric's head stroking his muscly arm telling him it would be alright in the end, there would be plenty of time to make up and if not then atleast they have each other.
All that was left was Sovy who while not close to people who clearly resembled his parents he ofcourse never knew them murdered before he ever got the chance to know them. The conversation seemed more cordial causally trying to learn about each other with gentle promising steps of laughter, a heartwarming moment as Sovy's eyes brimm with delight talking about post stamps and the hobbies he's picked up over the years. It seemed almost everyone had got their families back and could live the lives ruthlessly savaged by the Triumvirates.
Everyone that is until Blur spotted his parents, again this thought never crossed his mind even when he's been witnessing this very miracle from his friends with their lost blood ties. Now with his past awaiting him, he bottled along his fear fleeing from the tavern not looking back at the confused hurt faces watching their son run from the life he buried long ago.
Shouts of his name followed him all the way to the darker woods trying to find a secluded spot, his breathing deep and overwhelmed with fantasies of impossibilities. Blur shaked alone feeling the changed winds speak of his new fate, a new future with family and friends from past and present, he couldn't understand why he felt fear seeing his parents but all he knew was that he didn't want to harm them.
It wasn't long until his peace was disturbed by the only person who could ever be allowed so close. Ulric bent and leaned through wet branches trying to get closer to Blur who had half climbed up a tree in a thick foliage, he stayed silent yet it didn't stop the hunter from finding his prey.
Ulric: Blur? ... do you want to talk about it? Are you ok?
Blur: Ok? Ha! Am I OK? ... my parents are back there waiting for me and I can't... I can't do it. I can't see them.
Ulric: Can I ask why not? They adore you I'm sure. They haven't been here long but they all know about heroics, your sacrifice. Everyone here does.
Blur: My genocides and hatred too! I can't look them in the eyes knowing what I've done. Everywhere I go Ulric death follows.
I do not want to bring that to them.
Ulric: Let them tell you that then, even if it's terrible news you would atleast know where you stand if they are ready to forgive and forget.
Right now it's just your fears talking and I know whatever you think you are. You are their son. And they couldn't be more proud of everything you've achieved. You've defied death itself to get everyone here and it's about time the wounds of the Triumvirate heal.
They can help you, give you the love robbed from such a young age. You helped me even briefly with my parents and I killed them in cold blood... let me help you make introductions, it's not as bad as you think.
Slowly climbing down the tree Blur showed his hesitation not yet deciding if he wanted to go with Ulric or not, pacing Blur bit his nails something he hadn't done since childhood yet now seems to find comfort in it. His subconscious desires to hear his mother's voice telling him off, one of the odd yet treasured memories etched into his mind.
Cupping Blur's hands Ulric guides his husband in slowly forming a hug around him, his affection leaving a mark on Blur's heart in time of need thankful for his protector and taking a deep breath Blur nods steadily. Ready to leap into the unknown once more.
Walking back into town side by side Blur saw his family and friends all lined up outside watching their Saviour approach finally feeling his home come to him, accepting that it was never Alestia that was his home but the family he's made in his journey's
Out in the vast beauty of space miracles worked and mercy prevailed, lovers finally given the chance to both live happily ever after. . .
And they both lived happily
happily
happily
. . .
- Author's note -
And that, as they say. Is that.
Once again I thank you for reading my story to the end and I hope you found closure and happiness in this different ending. I'm undecided about which end I want to consider 'true history; each one has its appeal but in either case, I am glad to see Ulric showered with devotion.
Thank you Klace for making such a brilliant universe, at the time of writing Major Minor 2/(revision) hasn't been released but if it does I really hope it doesn't torpedo the background elements of this story. But we shall see.
Feedback is always welcomed so drop a comment and let me know what you think, maybe there will be a follow-up or one-shots in the future.