Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They say birds preen their wings on a regular basis to straighten out any bent feathers and shed broken, unusable ones. They do this to help maintain balance while they're in the sky and fly through harsh wind currents. 

Naturally, that rule also applied to all creatures with feathered wings. Caring for them is as important as eating a healthy meal three times a day, or getting a solid eight to nine hours of sleep. One can also compare it to an open wound– if you neglect it, the consequences you will suffer down the line will slowly become unbearable.

Unfortunately, one person seemed to have forgotten about that rule's existence. 

“OW! Hey hey hey! I thought I said not to tug at my feathers so hard!”

“I'm trying my best here, you dumbass, but the state of your wing is giving me no choice but to pull them out with force!”

Mydei grumbled under his breath about Phainon’s lack of self-awareness as the man himself sighed, turning around and burying his head in his palm. His golden wing was twitching ever so slightly under his hand in pain, and while Mydei really was doing his absolute best not to aggravate the ache any further, he was finding that impossible to do with each passing minute.

Stupid, stupid man! If only he had said something earlier about this! How Phainon managed to go on this long was beyond him. Even if he wasn't Demiurge, the pain was shared between both forms.

But since he wasn't often Demiurge in Okhema, the chances of someone noticing his wings were bent and crooked like a barbed wire were low. Plus, Mydei knows him well like the back of his hand. That previous battle took a toll on both of them after all…

He carefully plucked another feather and dropped it into the small bowl beside the bed, trying not to wince. The growing pile was starting to alarm him a little, and there was golden blood dripping slightly from the small scratches littered everywhere. However, Phainon’s onyx-colored wing, while cracked in some places, was slowly healing and solidifying, thanks to being made of obsidian. It was the golden one that needed the most attention.

At this moment, one may ask this: since Phainon was notorious for hiding his injuries, what prompted him to tell Mydei that he was in pain? Did something terrible happen? Perhaps the Kremnoan himself found out. Unfortunately, it is neither of those.

The man had complained one day during their spar that his back was aching like hell, and somehow Mydei managed to connect the dots.

“How were you able to hide this for a week?” Mydei asked as he straightened some slightly bent feathers. He gently raked his hand through the non-injured spots when the wing twitched again, this time a tad bit more violently. He could only imagine the amount of pain his partner was going through right now. “Your whole body is shaking under my fingers.”

Phainon huffed out a laugh. “I'm used to it at this point.” He sounded sad. “I know that sounds wrong, but it's the truth. The Destruction within my body is constant and violent. Over the years, it's gotten numb, so the pain is dulled out. My wings on the other hand are a different story. I… I really had no idea they were in such bad shape…”

He tilted his head back to look at Mydei. “You're right. I should have said something earlier about the pain, but Hyacine already has her hands full, and the Black Tide hasn't yet been fully erased. Traces of the code still linger, and it's gonna take me a while to erase them from existence. With all this and reassuring the citizens of Okhema that no more harm will come to them, my own needs come last.”

‘But they shouldn't,’ thought Mydei bitterly. He was aware of the amount of times Phainon had to do exactly that over and over again– to bear the searing heat and pain of forty million Coreflames while carrying the wishes of the Chrysos Heirs throughout each and every cycle. Mydei understood well that even now Phainon would neglect his own well-being to patch up the loose threads so that everyone could live peacefully. He was known to be self-sacrificing, so much so that Aglaea had to monitor him with her golden threads and scold him heavily later, just as a mother would her child. 

(Though in hindsight, even if Aglaea wouldn’t admit it, she always saw Phainon as a small boy who was stripped of everything at such a young age, like how she saw Cipher as her daughter, whom she took in from the streets.)

He opened his mouth to say everything he had on his mind, but Phainon beat him to it. “I know what you’re going to tell me, and I don’t need the knowledge of a million cycles to read your mind. But I promise you, once the lingering issues are gone I’ll live for myself. I’ll do the things I want to do without having fate constantly breathing down my neck. Isn’t that why I spent so long collecting Coreflames and restarting the cycles and…and…”

Phainon trailed off, his gaze dropping to his folded, trembling hands. He didn’t finish the sentence, and he didn’t need to. Mydei already understood. 

‘Stupid, stupid selfless man,’ he thought, turning Phainon around and lifting his chin with two fingers to look at him properly. Even after everyone accepted his apology without hesitation, the guilt still weighed him down. And who could blame him? He carried this weight alone and never once crumbled under all that pressure. After everything that damn Theoros put him through (if he were alive, Mydei would not hesitate to pound Lygus into scrap metal over and over again and melt him in the furnace chamber back at Castrum Kremnos), Phainon never once broke and carried on, giving them and the universe much-needed time.

Those indigo and gold eyes stayed fixed on the ground, shimmering with tears that evaporated almost instantly, with steam curling up where they touched. Phainon’s lips trembled, likely from the effort of holding back sobs. The cracks along his body widened and healed in tandem, golden shards occasionally sprouting from them. Mydei carefully avoided the sharp and jagged edges to pull him into a hug.

“It’ll all be fine soon,” Mydei murmured, gently running his palm along Phainon’s arm. He closed his eyes and held him tighter, his other hand coming to rest at the back of Phainon’s head. The molten heat stung in a few places, but he easily shrugged it off. “You may not feel it now, but soon everything will be ok. This time, you won’t have to run Dawnmaker through any of us. No more does the fate of the world hang in balance. I understand how you feel right now– your body is wired to destroy. It doesn’t know how to relax. I was like that too, when I was in the Sea of Souls. After I killed my father, everyone told me to rest, but I couldn’t. I didn’t know how to. All that kept running through my mind was to stay alert, for someone might sneak up and kill me from behind. 

“Later on Krateros saw how much it was bothering me as I was leading the detachment and helped me work through it. I don’t know how he noticed– maybe because he knows me so well since I’m the son of his closest friend and the Queen, but later on, I was glad he did. I wasn’t planning on telling anyone at first. Just like you I thought it was my burden to bear…”

Mydei sighed. He was a fool for thinking he could shoulder it all on his own, just like how he fought all those monsters endlessly. It took a four-hour-long talk with Krateros about his nine-year exile and his own struggles for him to realize how much of a toll being alone had on both his physical and mental health. He had been betrayed by so many people he had called his comrades. Many attempts were made on his life, only for him to get back up and slice their traitorous heads off their body. Looking back at those moments, he wasn't particularly…proud of how he had acted. The Mydeimos of today would have condemned his past self's actions.

Desperation makes people do a lot of irrational things, and Mydei had been clinging tightly to whatever remained of his sanity after Hephaestion’s death. Even now, his heart still hurt knowing those five couldn't be here anymore while he could because he was a Chrysos Heir. Those who lost their lives were forever gone. It was unfair, and the Mydei of the past would have most definitely torn an entire city down with his bare hands.

But he wasn't that Mydei anymore. He now fought with precision and purpose instead of instinct and fear. The tactics and skills he had learnt have served him well, and thus he was able to lead the detachment without facing many issues. Without Krateros’ help– without the help of Ptolomy, Peucesta, Leonnius, Perdikkas, and Hephaestion, he wouldn’t have become the person he was today.

Phainon nodded. He pulled back just slightly, angling his onyx wing to curl around them both and hugged him again, sighing in content. The golden one, still twitching from pain, drooped low, its feathers trailing against the mattress. “I understand,” he said in a broken whisper. “You went through a shit ton as a child, and even more so as an adult. You definitely would have had those thoughts swarming your brain at some point.”

“Mm. Just like you right now,” he replied. “You need rest. You can’t bear the world if you don’t have the energy to do so.”

“I’m a God. I should have the energy to do so.”

“And I’m still a Demigod. Not a God, but even I have power as well, and I still falter if I don’t take care of myself. Self-care is important, you know.”

“It’s also extremely overrated.”

“Do you want me to bring in Cyrene and have her give you a lecture?”

Phainon gasped dramatically, eyes blown wide comically. “You wouldn't dare!"

“Oh?” Mydei shot him a smug smile. “I do, actually. I know she scares you to death. It's funny really, a God such as yourself with the power to annihilate planets and summon meteors is afraid of a girl with the power of Time and could potentially trap anyone in a specific space time dimension.”

“You see? You just said the reason why I'm scared of her.”

“Liar. The two of you were joined at the hip even before your ascension.”

“Ugh. She likes you more than me.”

“I'm likeable.”

“Now you're lying. You don’t even want people to like you, even now.”

“It isn’t my fault that that’s what the general populace believes.”

Phainon rolled his eyes. “Rightttt. I’m not gonna believe that,” he muttered, yawning before slumping even further into Mydei’s hold, resting his head under his chin. “But, coming back to everything we talked about before… I was right. You and I really are similar in so many ways, huh?” he said, laughing drily and sniffing. Mydei felt his lips quirk up. “Both of us held the hopes and wishes of the people and powered through every obstacle life threw at us.”

“Among other things,” Mydei replied. Phainon laughed, this time sounding more genuine. “But I’m being serious. You’re going to rest in between missions, and when things get rough, please tell someone. You’ve burdened yourself enough. It’s time for you to start letting go . Can you at least try?”

Phainon didn’t speak for a while, and to Mydei, that was ok. That was fine, because at least he hadn’t refused him outright. If the roles were reversed, he’d be taking his time processing everything too.

Time passed, and just as Mydei began to think Phainon had fallen asleep, he felt the faintest nod of the Deliverer's head. So faint, he brushed it off at first until those long lashes brushed themselves against his chest a few times. He held his breath.

“...Alright,” came out that tiny, broken whisper. “If you all think it’ll help, then fine. I…I will need reminding and I can’t guarantee I’ll be completely open…”

Mydei shook his head. “You’re making the effort. That’s all that matters now. We’ll figure out the rest later. I promise.”

“And you always do keep your promises,” replied Phainon, closing his eyes once more. “Now, can we talk about this later? You’re a really wonderful pillow right now, and my mind is telling me to shut down.”

The prince rolled his eyes. “Clingy now, aren’t we?”

“Shush,” Phainon muttered, yawning. “I know you like this. Seeing me not running or flying around doing stuff and instead resting. You can’t complain, dear prince.”

Mydei rolled his eyes. “Who says I am? And don’t fall asleep on me just yet, Deliverer. I still have a few feathers to fix. After that we can take a short nap before we spar. That is, only if you can.”

‘Mmm…’sure…”

“Phainon?”

“....Y…yeh……?”

“...You’re about to pass out right now, aren’t you?”

“.......zzzzzz……..”

“Nikador above-”

But he couldn't blame him now, could he?

Sighing quietly and resigning himself to his fate, Mydei gently laid Phainon down at the center of the bed, positioning him on his stomach so he wouldn’t accidentally injure his wing if he moved in his sleep. He rested the limb across his lap for good measure. He wasn’t tired anyway, so he figured he might as well keep watch and tend to the remaining feathers while he was at it.

He took one last glance at the World Bearer’s sleeping form, mouth slightly open and breathing steady, and got back to work, smiling to himself. He didn't even bother to shift back to his usual form, which was something he always did and was very adamant about, worried that his halo might constantly poke Mydei if he so much so minutely tilt his head to the side. 

One random day, while the pair were sitting on a rooftop, the man suddenly confessed that he felt more like himself as Demiurge and not the omniscient being he was meant to be, nor the figure the people believed him to be. Part of the reason he stayed in that form only around Mydei and the other Heirs was because they still treated him the same way they always had– like the clumsy Deliverer who helped everyone with a smile on his face and a laugh that sounded like wind chimes caught in a summer breeze.

Mydei dropped the last few feathers into the bowl before deciding to stop, not wanting to risk waking Phainon by unintentionally plucking one from a nasty cut. And watching Phainon sleep was making him feel kind of tired too. The healing process, while slow for Phainon, was starting to take effect. The larger gashes were stitching themselves up and clotting. Most of the smaller cuts were gone, and the blood that matted some of the healthier feathers needed to be washed, and Mydei grabbed the wet cloth he had especially for this and gently dabbed at it. He wouldn’t be able to get it all off, but at least he could get the worst spots. 

After about ten minutes of constant rinsing and cleaning and feeling somewhat satisfied with his work he set everything aside on the table and settled in properly, adjusting the wing so that it was lying completely flat on his lap. And right before he let the growing darkness swallow him whole, he leaned forward and placed a kiss on his temple.

“Sleep well, Khaslana,” he muttered before leaning back against the headboard and shutting his eyes and forming a plan for his Deliverer.

Chapter Text

Phainon was a decent flyer. 

Not to brag or anything but he was getting better at adjusting to his new (original?) body and controlling his powers with practiced ease. He was a little surprised at first at how easy it was, like it had always been second nature for him.

Tribbie once said to him during one of their impromptu flying lessons that he was so good he should've been born with them from the get go before she and her sisters started circling him and giggling. Cipher, who had been lazing around on a tree branch over hearing them jumped down and made an off hand comment about how she could easily outrun him and ‘fly’ too if she wanted.

"Just think about it! With my supersonic speed, I’ll build up enough momentum to become the Kitty Express! I’ll be able to ste– uh– help people get what they want by zipping in and out in a jiffy!”

“Ciphy,” Tribbie sighed, shaking her head while Phainon covered his mouth with his hand, stifling a laugh. “You know Agy won’t approve of you snatching stuff from people again. That’s why she gives you everything she wants.”

“I know, I know!” she shook her head violently, pouting at the older Demigod. “It was purely hypothetical big sis Tribbie. But anyways–” she redirected her attention to Phainon– “How about it, Deliverer boy? Care to race this Kitty Phantom Thief once you’ve learned how to go fast using your feathery limbs?”

Her piercing blue eyes never left his gold-and-ivory gaze, and he didn’t miss the way her lips curled into a smile, revealing a glinting fang. Phainon wasn’t one to back down from a challenge, and he certainly wasn’t going to now, but Cipher’s speed was the stuff of legend, and he knew better than to underestimate her, being the Demigod of Trickery and all…

“I’ll even give you a head start! After all, I am quite speedy if I do say so myself, and it wouldn’t be fair if we both start at the same time.”

“Deal,” Phainon said instantly, shaking her hand. “But a little heads up– I won’t be easy to beat, Miss Cipher! Just say the date and time, and I’ll be there.”

Cipher shrieked in laughter. “Now that’s the spirit! Alright then. I’ll let you in all the details in a week. See you soon, Phainon.”

Tribbie, who had been glancing between them, simply slapped a palm to her forehead and let out an exaggerated, drawn-out sigh. “Just make sure Agy doesn’t catch wind of this, or she’ll be livid.”

Since then he had been practicing with Trianne during his free time, learning to swerve between narrow objects and glide with the currents. He’s almost mastered it, and a few days ago the long awaited message arrived on his doorstep in a light blue envelope with a Coin of Whimsy. 

Hey, hey Deliverer boy! It’s your good ol’ buddy Cipher! 

I have finally finished my…let’s call it work, at Dolos, and now I’m in Okhema. Don’t think I’ve forgotten our little competition, and I hope you haven’t as well. Oh, what am I saying? Of course you won’t! You love competitions, haha!

As for the date, how about this Thursday? The townsfolk will be holed up in their homes, busy preparing for the Georios Fest, so the streets should be clear. Heaven knows how long the Seamstress will yell at me if I so much as brush past an innocent bystander again. The skies are free 24/7 anyways. We’ll start south-west near the Dromas Stable and end at the Garden of Life. Whoever wins has to treat the loser to breakfast, lunch and dinner for one whole week.  And before you start penning down your complaint don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be expensive. Aglaea and Prof Nax will murder me if I so much as lay a finger in her stash. Er, not that I’ll lose anyway! Anyways, I’ll see you then

Yours truly and always hiding in the shadows,

Kitty Phantom Thief

Thursday, huh? It also happened to be the only day where Phainon hadn’t planned anything to do. If it were any other person he would have brushed it off as a coincidence.

He still had time he thought as he flew over the houses, taking care to make sure no one saw him. Phainon had 4 more days before the race, with the presence of all the Chrysos Heirs (well, almost all), and he had to win, not only for the sake of his reputation, but because a certain strawberry blonde haired man would be sorely disappointed if he lost.

That was a bit of an exaggeration. Everyone knows how Cipher plays. If he wins it’d be nothing short of a miracle. 

But for now, Phainon pushed the thought aside and swooped down. There was still time to practice– and right now, he had to meet up with someone for their weekly Sunday picnic.

He landed on the rooftop he was looking for with a soft thud , knees bending and placed one hand on smooth wood. Then, with a quick motion, he folded in his flared wings, shifted back to his usual form and made his way down to the balcony where a certain pink haired, elf eared girl was waiting patiently with a woven basket, humming and looking at the wonderful view.

“Cyrene!” Phainon exclaimed, jumping down and sweeping his best friend into a tight hug, spinning her around. She yelped in surprise, arms flailing for balance, before bursting into merry laughter. Her now long hair, which was tied neatly in a low pony tail was flying everywhere.

“Hello there, you big buffoon,” she replied, ruffling his hair once he set her down. “I thought you were gonna be late as always, but imagine my surprise when I see you’re actually on time for once in your life.”

Phainon rolled and dragged her to sit down on the chairs. “What ever do you mean?” he pouted, folding his arms. “I was always on time for your daily reading and our meeting with the fairies. If anything it’s you who was late when we were supposed to play in the wheat fields.”

“And I always had a valid reason why,” Cyrene shot back with a smirk. “Unlike you. You always slept in, claiming that the sun was telling you to snooze!”

“In my defense, the work my parents gave me tired me out easily. Even though they always insisted I do something simple like tend the cattle, I still did my best to help them as much as I could.”

Cyrene hummed, placing three cucumber and chicken sandwiches and chicken and lentil soup  on his plate. She grabbed her usual chicken and veggie wrap and black bean soup. “You still do, you know” she said, taking a bite out of the wrap. “The helping, I mean. You claim that the Destruction sapped all the kindness from you Khaslana, yet you act no different from when we were young.”

She leaned closer, smiling smugly. “Especially around him . You can't deny you're smitten for now, like you’ve always been.”

Khaslana, who had been sipping from his water bottle, suddenly coughed and spluttered, his face flushing red. He pounded his chest in a futile attempt to stop the choking and attempted to glare at his ‘friend,’ whose smirk only grew at the ungodly sight of his face. The Lord Ravager Iron Tomb. The World Bearer Khaslana, reduced to a coughing hydrogen bomb over a small comment.

The worst part was that he wasn’t mad at Cyrene, because that happened to be the truth. It was he who was overreacting.

“Cyrene!” Khaslana hissed, coughing one last time before chugging down the remainder of his water. He scowled at the giggling girl. “Can you maybe not say that when something is in my mouth!? ”

She tipped her head back, howling with laughter as she wiped the tears from her eyes. His suffering, it seemed, was her greatest delight. Phainon could only stare, utterly betrayed by his childhood best friend who knew her better than anyone in Amphoreus (save Mydei of course). “Oh, oh my Titans, your face! If only I had a mirror right about now! You’re beet red right now."

“My, my! I wonder why?” Khaslana said, rolling his eyes. His cheeks puffed in annoyance, and he growled when Cyrene, who was somehow still sitting on the chair, was still laughing five minutes later. She had doubled over, clutching her sides as tears streamed down her face. “Cyreneeeeeee!” he groaned, dragging out her name in exasperation. “Is your sense of humor really broken if you’re laughing over something so small?”

“Speak for yourself,” Cyrene gasped, and finally, finally she stopped. “It isn’t my fault your crush on Mydei is sky high. In every single cycle you are head over heels for that prince, and honestly? I can’t blame you. I mean, I think everyone in Okhema and the entirety of Amphoreus has a massive crush on the poor man.”

She giggled again when Khaslana opened and closed his mouth and shoved the remainder of his first sandwich in his mouth, causing him to cough yet again. “Oh, lighten up you dummy! I may be speaking the truth, but I’m only teasing you. I’m happy for you two, and everyone else is as well. After enduring so much, you deserve to be happy, Khas.”

Her smile turned rueful, and Khaslana’s breathing hitched. He grabbed the second sandwich and bit into it slowly. “You deserve to be happy.” He kept hearing that sentence everywhere he went. It was a reminder that was being tossed around by all his friends to let go of his past burdens and live life. 

But how? He killed everyone 33,550,336 times, ensuring that the Flame Chase would go on forever until Amphoreus welcomed the true Era Nova. He ensured the death of every Chrysos Heir in every cycle before resetting the world, rewriting all the strings of code before Lygus could get a chance at releasing Iron Tomb to annihilate everything. After Caelus and the others had used the power of Remembrance and the codes provided by Erudition to make Amphoreus permanent, everyone gained their memories of their previous cycles as well. They now know how each Flame-Chase Journey went, and how their lives were ended by the Flame-Reaver. By Khaslana. By Phainon.

He had been mentally prepared to be shunned out by his friends for everything he had done. His actions, while desperate, were not justifiable. 

So, one could imagine the shocked feeling that had shook his body when everyone had given him a long and very tight hug after they found him in the wheat fields looking up at the sky.

Khaslana still had a hard time accepting that this was his reality now, spending the nights with his companions playing games and spending time with the man he loves. He was ready to spend the rest of his immortal days in isolation and look out for the citizens quietly. After all, in his eyes he deserved it. That is, until Anaxa had said something that hit him hard. 

“You say you don’t deserve our forgiveness, but don’t you think that’s up to us to decide? You think what you did is wrong, and it might be in the eyes of the foolish, but we know better. You saved everyone with your little fool-proof plan, and never once did you break. So cease worrying and be the God our home needs.”

They forgave him. They forgave Khaslana’s actions and Phainon’s inability to stop him. Tribbie, Trianne and Trinnon latched onto him and didn’t let go. Hyacine gave him a tearful hug and reassured him she was here anytime.

Castorice also had given him a hug, and the memory of her warm hands engulfing his shivering frame made Khaslana want to cry. He couldn’t feel the effects of her curse anymore. The tears started to fall when his mind registered the fact that his first best friend he made in Okhema who couldn’t touch anyone was hugging him, cradling him as if he were a fragile thing. In truth, he still feel like he is one.

Hysilens and Cerydra hadn’t said much, but they each offered quiet words of comfort before Aglaea stepped in, and Khaslana had held his breath. The person who saw him as a son and took him in without any question. The person who raised him alongside the triplets.

She let out a quiet sniff before tucking his head under her chin, and just like that the tears fell down rapidly, evaporating as they touched his skin. His wings, one of which was razor sharp gently folded themselves around the two of them. Khaslana hid his face in the crook of her neck, crying and crying while Aglaea had tearfully whispered how proud she was and her faith in him  had never wavered. He wasn’t worthy of her affection. He had never earned it. Not in this cycle, nor in any before.

But in that moment, he allowed the selfish part of himself to feel it. To hold it. A single fleeting moment—one of many still to come.

Then, out of nowhere, Cipher managed to swoop in, grab him by the legs, and toss him into the air before catching him and setting him down again, laughing at the startled, indigenous shriek that escaped his mouth. Everyone, even Anaxa, had burst into laughter. Mydei had snatched his hand a few minutes after and led them back to his room so he could properly rest. 

That evening he had the best rest ever, with Mydei’s fingers in his snowy white hair as he dreamt of beautiful golden wheat fields.

“Everyone says I deserve to be happy, but my brain tells me otherwise,” Khaslana murmured. He grabbed Cyrene’s hand and played with her slender fingers. “I try to tell myself otherwise, but I keep thinking I don’t. It tortures me Cyrene, almost every day and night. Mydei helps me through it, and they work, for the most part…”

“You’ll understand one day,” Cyrene said, squeezing his hand. “The pain and trauma that you endured for millions of cycles will not go away over night. But remember you have people who love and cherish you, Khas. They’ll remind you that you no longer need to bear the burden of your duties all by yourself. Myself included. One day, you’ll truly be free, and do things you want to do without any fear.”

Khaslana pursed his lips.”You think so?”

“I know so.” Cyrene gave his hand one last squeeze before letting go and leaning back in her chair. “Now, let’s change the topic, shall we? We only get to meet like this on Sundays, and I want to enjoy it! Of course, we can come back to this if you want, but don’t you think the mood’s getting a little too heavy?” She smiled, nudging him gently. “Come on. Let’s finish lunch and talk about our old home instead.”

And just like that, somehow she managed to switch the mood in an instant. Somehow, she managed to make him laugh as he wiped his eyes. “You’re so evil, you know that?”

Cyrene chuckled. “So you’ve said almost every single time we’ve had this conversation.”

They talked about the ongoing restoration of Aedes Elysiae, how Caelus, using the power of Remembrance from his book, was slowly rewriting everything into existence under her supervision, while weaving in his own little touches along the way. It was his way of leaving a mark, a quiet declaration that this world had now been touched by the Trailblaze. A little memento for them to come back to. The Hero of his Heart.

“If you ever need me, or anyone else, we’re just a phone call away.”

The sun was no longer overhead, and as the pair finished the last of their lunch, they began tidying up. Khaslana stood and stretched, groaning in relief before jogging over to the edge to watch the passersby below. It was one of the things he liked to do. Despite being a God, having all eyes on him did get uncomfortable. It wasn’t like before, when he was just the Deliverer helping the citizens with their day to day chores. Now that he was the World-Bearer, they see him only as that. But up here, where their eyes couldn't follow, he could breathe freely.

Well, as free as he could be without stuttering, because his eyes had just landed on someone who made his heart instantly implode. His mind screamed, ‘why why why was he here now!??!?!?!’

Khaslana leaned forward, narrowing his eyes to make sure he was seeing it all clearly. There, in the middle of the street stood Hyacine, who was holding what appeared to be an injured Chimera in her hand, petting its head while Mydei was talking to the owner of the medical store. He couldn’t make out what either of them were saying, nor could he see what the prince was doing because his back was towards him. He had to resist the urge to jump down the ledge and walk on over to see what was going on.

He could, however, hear the soft whines coming from the Chimera. Its eyes were tightly shut, and as Khaslana squinted, he could just make out strips of white bandages wrapped around its bright purple body. Hyacine was doing her best to keep the poor creature comfortable, but the pain clearly overwhelmed it.

‘The poor thing’ he thought. Khaslana had always had a soft spot for animals, and that hadn’t changed after his ascension. He still helped Hyacine at the Garden of Life, tending to the Chimeras with quiet patience. Some of them even liked to climb onto his wings as if they were a playground, letting them parch, nap, or simply cling onto him as he sat on the soft grass. They all loved him, and he had to physically restrain himself at times from bolting straight towards the Garden whenever he was occupied with a boring task.

The urge to fly down was stronger than ever, but before he could say a word to Cyrene Mydei swivelled around and walked towards the healer with a paper brown bag in one hand and a blue berry in the other. He gave the bag to Hyacine and made a weird motion with his fingers. ‘What was he doing…?’

“--lana? Khaslana, what are you–” he heard Cyrene call him, and he raised a hand. “One second Cyrene, this is important.”

“What is?” she said, her heels clicking against the stone as she followed his line of sight, letting out a little ‘oh’ in realization. “What a coincidence, don’t you think?”

“A coincidence?” Khaslana scoffed, his eyes not leaving Mydei. “Yeah, right. It’s just pure luck, Cyrene.”

The Chimera was now in Mydei’s hands and was nipping at the berry, letting a sad awooh. Mydei was caressing its fur gently, avoiding the wounded spot as he coaxed it to eat the medicine. The tender look on his face, the soft smile gracing his lips was making Khaslana’s heart beat a little too fast for his liking. “I didn’t think he was this soft with animals…”

“Love sick fool,” Cyrene muttered under her breath. He deliberately chose to ignore that. “But you have to agree that love suits you.”

Khaslana inhaled softly, his heart stuttering as he watched Mydei gently pat the Chimera’s head after it finished eating the berry. The sight stirred a memory of how Mydei used to ruffle his hair in the same gentle way, right after forcing down those awful fever pills. A small part of him wondered if he could still get sick.

And, in a small voice as he watched Mydei and Hyacine leave the market, propping a hand on his cheek and with a small smile on his face he said, “Yeah. For once I have to agree with you.”

“It…It does, doesn’t it?”

Chapter Text

Fighting the black tide these days was a lot tougher than before.

It was strange that the enemy of Amphoreus that had swallowed most of the cities into the Evernight were strings of code, programmed to fuel the Destruction and bring forth the birth of Iron Tomb. That they, and including themselves before Phainon, Cyrene and Caelus’ joint plan were nothing more than a bunch of numbers woven together to create them and their personalities. Mydei still had a hard time believing that they are their proper, true selves only now. Even with his memories of the previous cycles, the whole thing felt so…surreal.

He didn’t know how to put it into words, and quite frankly he wasn’t interested in doing so– he spoke better with his fists anyway. Phainon was much better at talking, charming vendors using complex vocabulary and eloquent phrases. When he asked about if he had learned all this at a young age, all he received was an embarrassed laugh and a shake of the head. 

But now, all that smooth talk was replaced by gentle words that offered comfort and solace. Phainon did his best to help the Heirs adjust to their new life, free from cycles and constant calculations. He would visit them all whenever he was free and just talk. He visited them whenever he could, simply to talk. No lies. No hidden innuendos. Just everyone laying out their true feelings on the table and healing together as a team. As a family. That’s what they were now, weren’t they? 

Mydei darted through the battlefield, summoning his blood crystals and trapping the creatures so Phainon could absorb the codes into his system. They covered his body, growing from his skin and gauntlets in rough, jagged shapes, acting as a weird, makeshift armor as he punched and threw the abominations into the walls and on the floor. Somewhere from the other side, he could hear the sounds of a greatsword cleaving through the earth.

He twisted through the herd and launched himself up, bringing his fist down. Spikes of red filled the arena, and the shrieks of the Corroded Daemon turned silent as the crystals locked its limbs into place. ‘Good,’ Mydei thought. ‘They should hold for now until Phainon reaches.’

The duo decided to split up while they were making their way to the broken temple for two main reasons: they could cover more ground that way and Phainon did not want Mydei to be in the way when he unleashed his meteors.

“I know you're immortal Mydei, and you don't have your weak spot anymore, but I'm not willing to take any chances,” Phainon, stepping forward as he transformed, golden light enveloping his frame. His wings unfurled and the glowing halo formed behind his head. He glanced at Mydei over his shoulder, his molten gold eye sharp. “I just got all of you back. I'm not going to lose you again. That's an order.”

Mydei wanted to argue. He really wanted to, but one look at Phainon, at the barely concealed agony in his eyes, and he found himself agreeing with his words. He was looking out for him in his own way, and after all that.. who could blame Phainon for being a little paranoid?

“Alright then,” Mydei said slowly, moving to stand next to him. “I'll take the left side. I can hear the tell tale signs of a Dark Sun Gryphon from here. I'll tackle it while you take care of the rest.”

Phainon rolled his eyes fondly. “Just say you want to wrestle a lion.”

“A corrupted lion,” Mydei pointed out. He rolled his shoulder a few times and smirked. “Up for a challenge, Deliverer? Or are you too afraid you'll be beaten even in that Godly form of yours?”

“In your dreams! What do you propose this time, oh mighty Lance of Fury?”

“You said there are still traces of the Flame Reaver's vessels here, and you and I both know how long it’ll take you to eliminate those. And a Gryphon won’t hold me back. So, once I’m done trapping it I’ll make my way to your side, lure away one of the vessels, and from there we’ll see who can kill it faster. Remember, you may be stronger, but I have more experience fighting it. Therefore I have a slight advantage.”

“Even though the Flame Reaver was essentially me?” Phainon grinned.

“Exactly. So, what do you say?”

“As long as you go somewhere safe, then yes. What happens to the loser?”

“They'll have to run 100 laps around the Holy City every morning and evening for a whole week. And no using flight Phainon, I can hear that stupid gremlin laugh in your brain from here.” 

Phainon shook his head. “My stupid gremlin laugh? You wound me, Mydei! But anyways, challenge accepted. Just make sure you lure one of the clones as far away as possible.”

Mydei heard a low, guttural growl come from behind him and smirked– the beast had finally decided to emerge from the shadows and show itself. He spun around and planted his feet firmly into the ground. 

The giant brute was slowly creeping towards him like a predator stalking its prey, its sun head glowing a deep gold. Corrupted pieces of code floated from it's ashen body like smoke, disappearing into the air. The growl grew louder, its tail swishing back and forth.

Mydei summoned his blood crystals, ready. He could call upon the Lance currently resting in its rightful place at Castrum Kremnos, but that was too easy. He wanted a proper challenge, a proper battle for once. And after knowing the feats of his mother, who wouldn't want to take their chance and bring down a beast?

He stood his ground, eyeing the Gryphon intensely. The other monsters were too busy freeing themselves from a cage they couldn't get out of, which put the lion at a major disadvantage. It couldn't absorb their corruption to fuel its own attacks, and all Mydei had to do was avoid getting hit by the Dead Sun Archer and aim for its weak spot– its stomach.

This may be the first time he was fighting a Gryphon in this life, but it wasn't his first time either. He had his memories of all his past battles. He had fought them so many times in the past, and emerged victorious. 

So it was no surprise when the Gryphon lunged at him, claws bared and ready to rip his head from his shoulders. Mydei blocked with ease, seized one of its legs, and hurled it against the wall. It tried to rise, but he swiftly encased its paws in ruby red crystal. The creature roared, thrashing and straining to break free but to no avail. He created a small lance and, without any hesitation, drove it through its belly. 

The Gryphon let out one last weak roar before its sun head fused out and landed on the ground in a dull thud.

The battle ended before it could properly begin.

‘That was a disappointment,’ Mydei thought, rushing towards the exit and towards the courtyard where Phainon was. Those things usually put up a fight. It must be because Iron Tomb was no longer present in Amphoreus.

More Corroded Daemon's tried to block his path, launching their arrows as a last ditch effort to stop him from reaching his friend. It was a cute attempt, Mydei had to admit, but a rather futile one as well. A couple flick of the wrist and they were engaged in the same prison as their comrades.

How pathetic. 

Mydei kept running.

The ruins were completely covered in vegetation. Moss patched up the cracks in the stone pillars and tiles. Vines and other creepers latched themselves onto the walls, and some even had small white flowers bloom from their body. And as the more he walked, the closer he got to his destination the scenery was still intact. Mydei allowed himself to smile freely at the sight– despite Phainon’s insistence that he was bred for Destruction he also has the power of Preservation in him as well.

He reached the clearing, and the first thing he noticed were stray meteors bouncing off the walls and ground. The next was the blur of gold and onyx zooming through the field, a large greatsword, slicing and severing the limbs of the archers. Overhead, numbers and letters swirled chaotically, an amalgamation of symbols filling the sky.

Whatever was happening, Mydei did not like it one bit.

He rushed into the arena, blood crystals already in hand as he slammed his shoulder against a Decrepit Bow and swiftly caged it before slamming the ground with a loud roar. Red shards erupted from the ground, piercing all the creatures nearby and killing them instantly. 

More Daemons swarmed the area, absorbing the lingering corruption from their fallen comrades as they charged their arrows. He didn’t give them the chance to fire and conjured up cage after cage, trapping them all onto the walls. Symbols merged and split apart in rapid succession, as if trying to form…something to stop him. It was chaos, pure and utter chaos. The system was struggling to stabilize its roots and failing. Most of the corrupted files were purged, but what remained was this: a fractured, writhing mass. The scepter was gone, yet its influence still lingered, twisting everything in its path.

Mydei wasted no time in shoving ruby red shards into their core, powering them down. For good measure he even yanked them out of their bodies–they were going to be absorbed by Phainon anyway.

The deed was done. They have been taken care of.

Above him, the harsh clang of metal rang out.

‘Ah. Now comes the hard part.’ Mydei thought grimly.

He looked up to find Phainon locked in battle with the two vessels, darting between their combined attacks and parrying their blows. Even from down here, Mydei could see their movements. They were chaotic, frantic even. They fought like desperate men, flailing without precision or intent. They may have been mere vessels of the Flame Reaver, but the ones Mydei had fought before moved with purpose. Were they in agony? Confused? 

One of them glanced down, spotted him watching, and immediately dove straight toward him.

“Mydei!” Phainon screeched, but Mydei shook his head and leapt aside, narrowly dodging the sword’s swing. “Focus on your own battle, Deliverer!” he yelled back, effortlessly leaping across the field and throwing his blood crystals, trying to pin it down. At least he didn’t have to worry about the luring part. 

The vessel lunged forward, its blows clashing against his gauntlets and hacking away the crystals from his body. Mydei quickly conjured a lance, countered the strike, and drove it back before seizing the offensive.

Despite its erratic movements, its fighting style was undoubtedly similar to Phainon’s, so Mydei wasn’t struggling too much with predicting its movements. But it certainly wasn’t easy, and he was starting to feel the slight ache in his muscles.

He kept attacking, swinging his lance in wide arcs and driving it into a corner. However, just as he moved in to imprison it, the vessel blinked out of sight and teleported behind him, slashing its blade in a vicious arc that nearly tore into his back.

Mydei heard Phainon yell his name again as he once again went on the defensive, twisting and pivoting on his heel and blocked every single one of the vessel’s attacks. As much as he wanted to yell back saying he was fine, he had to stay focused.

The dance continued. The vessel kept trying its best to stab Mydei while he weaved and ducked, summoning blood crystals from the ground. He was instructed by Phainon not to kill them (as if they could even be killed in the first place. They were shadow clones for fucks sake!) and imprison them instead. At first, he didn’t think it’d be too hard since he did the same thing last time when he fought the Flame Reaver without much difficulty.

He could have never predicted that the vessel would be so fast!

Shit. He could only dodge for so long. He had to regain the offensive and trap it. Fast.

Mydei split his lance into two and charged, meeting the vessel head-on, fighting with the true might of a Kremnoan warrior–with brute force and sheer power. He had wanted to be as careful as possible for Phainon’s sake, but with the way things were going, and with the vessel showing no signs of cooperating anytime soon, he had no other choice.

He pushed forward, slamming his lance with every ounce of his strength, startling the vessel, who let out a shaky gasp. Good. He was tiring it out!

Unfortunately, he was also growing weary as well.

Mydei had to be faster. He kept telling himself it’d be over soon. Once Phainon handled vessel one and he subdued vessel two the battle was over.

Step left. Go right. Parry. Lunge. Twist. Sidestep. Rinse and repeat. Mydei and the vessel were on even footing. The only edge it had was that it could fly. Just like Phainon. But even then he wouldn’t call it an advantage, considering the amount of times he sparred with Phainon in his Demiurge form.

There were moments when he found himself backed into a corner, escaping by only the slimmest margin. Other times, he nearly had the vessel within his grasp, only for it to slip away like a snake through water.

The vessel fought much like Phainon, there was no doubt about that. But if Mydei really focused, he could spot a subtle difference, so minute it might seem insignificant at first glance. It wasn’t.

The vessel was leaner, and therefore faster, but every third or fifth strike left its left side exposed for just a fraction too long. A tiny flaw, but more than enough for Mydei to exploit.

His lance vanished in a flurry of red and cracked his knuckles. One punch. That was all he needed. 

Mydei surged forward, his crystals coating his gauntlets and throwing punch after punch at the vessel. As expected, it blocked every single one, but he didn’t give it a chance to retaliate–he had enough staying on the defensive.

And then, he saw it.

The third strike. The way its body twisted a tad too close to him.

Mydei grinned, fangs bared. He caught the vessel’s sword mid-swing, much to its surprise, yanked it with all his strength, and drove his fist into its stomach.

It worked. The vessel was sent flying across the arena, it’s garbled screams filling the air. Without wasting any time Mydei ran and summoned more crystals, and after nearly 15 minutes of fighting, it was down.

He let out a huge sigh of relief. Until he heard Phainon scream his name again.

“What is it!?” Mydei yelled back, tilting his head up and saw the Deliverer and the other vessel locked in battle right overhe–

Oh, wait.

The vessel was plummeting toward him.

If Mydei were any other person, he would have shrieked very loudly. Fortunately, he wasn’t, and because he wasn’t, all he did was jump ten feet in the air and away before the vessel could give him a concussion.

It landed with a sickening crunch, the sound of breaking bones (which still unsettled him to this day, since they were shadow clones!) booming through the empty space. Phainon dove after it, shouting, “Mydei! Trap it now!”

He didn’t have to be told twice–the vessel was starting to recover, but Mydei hastily covered its whole body in crystals.

Now it was finally over.

Now  he could breathe easily

“Thanks Mydei,” Phainon said, landing on the ground but not fully touching it. He clasped his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I'll take it from here. You can watch if you like, just maintain a distance.”

Mydei nodded. “Of course,” and squeezed his palm one last time before retreating to a small corner. Leaning against a stone column he crossed his arms and observed.

This was the first time he had come across the Flame Reaver’s vessels after the final showdown he had with it during Okhema’s fall. They looked the same as before too– the exact same look with a more shadowy texture to their bodies. Knowing now they were a part of Phainon who did their best to stop the plans orchestrated by the Destruction made him feel…

Actually, he didn’t know how to feel. Sorrow, grief, a mixture of everything.

Phainon walked (floated? He was walking in the air) towards the two vessels and knelt down. For a moment, the hum of their energy pulsed beneath his palm, warm and alive. Then he placed his hand fully on the blood crystal, and at once they vanished in a flurry of red, fragments falling around him and dissipating into the air. The vessels sucked in a sharp breath.

“Rest,” he heard Phainon say, leaning forward and pressing his forehead on theirs. He closed his eyes. “Our mission has finally come to an end. You no longer need to suffer.”

“̴̠͂͛̀̕E̷̳̜̜̦͆͠-̸̘͙̱̹͋̅e̵̯̦͗̀̅͠ń̵̲̼̟̠̀̏̒d̶͓̭̩̈̽̃͆ͅ?̸͎̜̄̓”̶͖͕̫͙̔̒̄ came the broken reply from the vessels. Mydei couldn’t see their face behind the masks, but he didn’t need to. The confusion, shock, and faint relief in their voice said it all. He dug his fingers deeper into his flesh.

“Yes,” Phainon replied, pulling back. His free hand rested on the left vessel’s shoulder. “The real Era Nova has finally descended upon Amphoreus. Our thirty-three megaannum struggle was not in vain. Everyone is alive. The Gods have fallen. It’s over now.”

They shuddered again, breathing heavy, as if the words Phainon were uttering were nonsensical. ‘I'm probably not far off the mark,’ Mydei thought darkly, relaxing his grip on his forearm just a tad bit. Amphoreus has been through 33,550,337 cycles, and Phainon has lived through each and every one of them. 

“Rest now,” Phainon said again. “Amphoreus is in safe hands. I will make sure Nanook doesn't set THEIR gaze on our home once again. 

“̸̧̅͜ͅW̶̨͉͓̽h̴̨̺̱̏̿̓-̵̤̻̌͐͐w̶͇̬̾͑͘h̷͚͉̀̚͝ä̶̗͜t̷̙̬̒ ̷̬̓͛a̷͖̻̰̓b̸̜̊ớ̸̲͙̾ŭ̷̲̲͛̋ṱ̸͋̏͐ ̷̨͇̙͂̑̃L̷̹̲̈́̓-̶̮̾Ļ̶̋y̸̧̩͍̾ġ̶̳̖̞̃̋ǔ̴̫͗͝s̶͖̈́̕?̷͖̩͈̿̕”̵̧̢̛̄͘ the vessel on the right asked. Right. That stupid, fucking droid man. Mydei wished he was alive so he could beat him into a pulp. 

Phainon shook his head. “He’s gone. The equation that he was trying to perfect has been rewritten. Amphoreus is no longer stuck in a timeloop. Everyone is alive and well and happy and things are finally at peace. Our plan has succeeded. I’m here to grant you the rest you deserve after bearing the burden of forty billion Coreflames.”

Forty billion Coreflames. That was the reason Phainon’s body was covered in cracks, golden blood seeping through the fractures. He called himself a hollow shell, kept alive by nothing but the fuel of his own rage. The only reason why he kept going and never faltered despite being close to do so on so many occasions was his anger. His fury at the Destruction. His sorrow that everyone he loved and cared about were nothing more than the creations meant to fuel the Lord Ravager.

Mydei had taken one long look at his body– at the numerous fractures and splits littered all over his torso. At the blood flowing through the tiny crevices in his arm, and told him he was more than a mere shell. He was the blazing sun that rose and defied all odds to give Amphoreus the future that she deserved. Because that was the truth. The simple, plain truth.

That was the longest time he saw Phainon cry. And through it all he had held him in his arms.

Phainon took a few steps back, allowing the vessels to rise. Their swords were gone, and the edges of their cloaks had begun to dissolve into tiny gray cubes that drifted upward like ash. Mydei sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes flying wide. Were they…

“̵̠͔̗̬̑̒͠T̴͔̖̖͗͆̀̚-̵̼̲̱̬̳̽́t̶̛̫̰̣̜͎́̾̔ẖ̶̪͈͉͖̪̃͊̀̐̌a̴̰̞̼̋͆n̸͂͘͜ͅķ̸͚͔̼́͝ ̸̧͖͎͓̋̀̍̇͆y̸͎͓̱̹̜̌̌͜o̷̝̎̓͋̉ű̴̜̝̿̔́͗,̶͇̯͉̌͒̕”̴̹̬̳̠̤̻̽ came the vessels’ reply, their voices breaking as they trudged toward Phainon, who stood with his arms raised as if ready to embrace them. But Mydei knew better. This wasn’t the gentle farewell hug Castorice offered to the departed. This may have been his first time witnessing this, but even he could sense what was about to happen.

In a blinding flash of white light, the first vessel closed the distance and fused with Phainon, the brilliance nearly searing Mydei’s eyes. The second one followed not long after.

Mydei grunted, shutting his eyes and raising a hand in a vain attempt to shield himself from the blinding light. He heard Phainon let out a choked gasp–no doubt from the pain of absorbing their negative energy. Every instinct screamed at him to rush over and make sure Phainon was alright, but he forced himself to stay put. His gut told him something was going to happen, and that it’d be better to stay put.

The light dissipated, leaving Phainon on one knee, breathing heavily. His sword was gone, and his wings shuddered with violent tremors. Mydei couldn’t see his face beneath the disheveled curtain of hair, but the sharp, shallow gasps of pain told him everything he needed to know.

Yet, Mydei still stayed rooted in place. Despite the pain Phainon was in, Mydei knew it would pass soon. His regenerative abilities were stronger than his. 

And he was right. Before he knew it, Phainon was starting to stand up. His wings flared up, and in his right hand, where his sword would normally be was a black orb. Mydei’s eyes widened, and he ran and hid behind the wall. 

Just in time as Phainon launched into the air.

Mydei glanced up at his floating form, his cloak billowing elegantly behind him. The sky had turned a deep, blood-red as the erratic codes condensed into clusters of red and black cubes. One by one, they ascended in neat lines, merging with the orb above.

Phainon was absorbing them.

Now this wasn’t something new to Mydei. He’s witnessed the man do this every time after all. Yet, the sight does unsettle him a little at times. The way the cubes vanished into Phainon always made his skin crawl, especially knowing why he was doing it and what it did to him. The one good part was that the whole process only took a handful of minutes to complete, and that it didn't corrupt his soul.

After what felt like forever, Phainon made his way back down once again, hovering right above the ground, his back towards Mydei. The gold crystals jutting out of his shoulder and back gleamed under the dying sunlight, and his hair was gently swaying with the wind. His wings, which were stationary at first twitched, as if they were sensing that someone was rapidly approaching. He turned his head, and Mydei stopped, holding his breath when a singular, sharp gold eye stared right at him, narrowed and glowing a deep amber. He heard a deep growl erupt from somewhere deep within his chest. 

‘Shit. He really does look like a proper God right about now,’ Mydei thought, lifting his hands in surrender. Does he see him as an enemy right now? Were his senses on high alert or something? What did those vessels do?

His heart stuttered as he waited for Phainon’s reaction. Mydei knew Phainon wouldn’t strike him down—wouldn’t even lift a finger with the intent to harm, but with the way his body tensed, a flicker of doubt crept into his mind. 

‘No,’ a firm voice echoed in his mind. Phainon may still carry the rage of millions of cycles, but he also knew to distinguish friend from foe. And anger wasn’t the only emotion he harbored. Above all that fury was also kindness and compassion. Something Mydei learned early on was that Phainon had managed to regain some semblance of his humanity after he broke the cycles, gradually learning how to not only be a God, but also human. To work with those small and powerless. He might insist that his humanity was nothing more than a remnant, a fragment of who he used to be, but Mydei knew better. 

And when he saw that golden eye widen and soften as their gazes met–saw his feet finally touch the ground, the glowing orb fade, and his quiet, eager steps close the distance before he threw himself into a hug Mydei smiled and held him tightly, relief settling deep in his bones. His Deliverer was growing up all over again, and he couldn’t be more proud.

His head rested in its usual spot beneath Mydei’s chin, wings wrapped around them both, the feathers bristling softly against his back. Phainon’s breathing was a little labored, which was understandable, given he had just absorbed the two vessels. Mydei held him close, sighing into his hair. He was bone-tired, craving nothing more than a hot bath and the chance to finally relax. But he couldn’t bring himself to let Phainon go. Not yet. They both needed rest, but that could wait just a little longer.

The world around them could have crumbled, yet the pair simply breathed, finding calm in the warmth of each other’s embrace. The sky had shifted from blood red to a serene blend of deep purple and blue, speckled with countless stars across the vast expanse. This sector was now free from the roots of the Destruction. Just a few more, and Amphoreus will finally be free. 

Mydei heard Phainon exhale softly and mutter something into his collarbone. He raised a questioning brow. “Didn’t quite catch that, Deliverer.”

“I’m sorry,” Phainon whispered, hugging him tighter. His right wing brushed against that spot gently, like it would break if he put too much pressure before settling. He didn’t open his eyes.

“Sorry?” Mydei frowned. “For what?”

“For scaring you back there. I saw that momentary look of fear that flashed across your face right before I regained my composure. I didn’t mean to do that. My brain wasn’t rewiring itself fast enough.”

Ah. Of course he was feeling guilty about that. Mydei would too a little, if the roles were reversed. “I wasn’t scared for myself, Phainon. Well, maybe just a little. I was mostly worried about you.”

“About me?” He pulled back to look at him.

“Didn’t you just say your brain took a little longer to rewire itself than usual this time? Isn’t it because you absorbed two vessels in one go?”

Phainon hummed, pressing his lips in a thin line. “This is the first time you’ve seen me do this, yeah? You already know the vessels are, to an extent, a part of me. They’re fragments of my soul scattered everywhere, wandering aimlessly without any purpose. I’ve managed to hunt down ten so far, including these two. They…they carry memories as well. Negative ones. They overwhelm my senses when I merge with them. There are memories that they have that I don’t, and they hurt. It feels like they are burning a hole in my brain to make space for those memories. For a few moments, I lose myself. I try to push back and regain my senses, but the battle is always tough.”

His head rested on his collarbone again. “Thank you for staying still so I could process that it was you standing behind me and not something else. But I… Mydei, I–”

“Absolutely not,” Mydei said firmly, shaking his head. “We are not going down that route, you understand?”

“But I almost, you –!”

“But you didn’t.” Mydei made sure he was gentle with his tone. He carefully pulled at the knots in Phainon’s hair. “And I knew you wouldn’t. Phainon, you do understand you’re no longer a weapon forged to destroy, right? Your ‘broken body’ as you call it is powered by wrath no more. You feel every emotion on both extremes like before. Therefore–” he loosened his hold to flick his forehead, smirking slightly when he whined under his breath– “as your partner, I command you to shut up and accept my words.”

Phainon blinked slowly once, mouth agape. Then twice. Thrice. Mydei bit his lip to hold back a laugh–he looked like a fish out of water right about now.

Then, laughter.

Pure, unadulterated laughter.

The sound spilled from Phainon’s mouth as he tilted his head back, eyes screwed shut. His trembling wings brushed against Mydei’s back, drawing out a few stray giggles from him. 

Tears welled in Phainon’s eyes as he wiped them away with a finger, laughter spilling out between shaky breaths. “Yo-you, did you ju-just–” he tried to say, but the rest was lost in another fit of laughter. 

“Did I do what?” Mydei grinned. He slammed his hand into Phainon’s golden hair and ruffled it, chuckling when he shrieked. “Tell me, oh great World Bearer, what did I do?”

“I–you just ordered a literal God to shut up,” Phainon gasped between breaths, still heaving with laughter. “If you were anyone else, I might have thrown a meteor at you.”

“Oh?” Mydei raised a brow. “So you’re saying you would’ve thrown a meteor at, let’s say Aglaea or Castorice?”

“...Anyone other than the Chrysos Heirs.”

“And I don’t see you as an Emanator, for your kind information, and you know that well.”

“Sadly,” Phainon murmured, closing his eyes. Golden light swirled around him as he returned to his base form, his eyes shifting back to sky blue as his wings and halo faded away. “But it’s something I appreciate. I think I’d have gone insane if you all dropped to your knees every time you saw me.”

Mydei barked a laugh. “Hah! As if I’d bow to anyone. Especially to the person I consider my equal.”

They finally pulled apart, albeit reluctantly, though their hands remained entwined. The tiredness was getting to Mydei, and he doubted he could wait any longer before he collapsed from sheer exhaustion. “Shall we get going to Okhema then? We have to give Aglaea the report before we can do anything else.”

“Sure.” Phainon smiled softly. “And after that maybe we can take a quick bath and spar? I don’t feel like sleeping just yet…”

Mydei rolled his eyes. “If you want to fight, just say so. Honestly, you’re so insufferable at times, you know.”

“Only for you,” Phainon happily chirped.

And wasn’t that a tragedy?

But a wonderful one, nonetheless.

"Soooo, uhm.."

"Uhm what, Phainon?"

"The competition? Who won? I mean you finished your battle first."

"...Let's call it a draw. It's been a long day for the two of us."

"Oh. Ok then."

"But you're still running 50 laps tomorrow."

"Mydeimos!"

Chapter Text

‘How long has it been since we've all gathered together like this? Gathered here without worrying about the demise of the world?’

Aglaea dipped her feet into the water, humming softly as the coolness washed over her. The hem of her dress floated around her ankles, swaying gently with the ripples as she closed her eyes and basked in the warmth of the sun.

In all her long, long life as a demigod, maintaining peace in Okhema and leading the Flame-Chase had been her one goal. Whatever mortal desires her heart longed for had to be cast aside in favor of collecting all twelve Coreflames and keeping the Council of Elders in check. She had a duty to fulfill, a duty that only got more heavier to bear following Hysilen’s death. 

Over the years her soul, once strong and unyielding, had begun to wear thin, dulling her senses as her humanity eroded. In every single cycle, it had always stretched thin, becoming delicate like the gold threads she wielded. In some, she was the last Chrysos Heir standing. In others, she took her final bath in warm and radiant gold moments after someone sacrifices themselves just so she could keep fighting. 

A fighting chance.

Yet all they did was delay the inevitable.

Every. Single. Time.

Yet, given the chance, Aglaea would do it all over again. For the safety and future of Amphoreus.

A gold thread was wrapped around one hand, slithering around her arm like a snake. She didn’t need to use them to sense what her fellow Heirs were thinking–it was for safety, in case someone accidentally got injured. In all honesty, there was no need for her to use them anymore, now that the black tide was gone and the people of Okhema–of Amphoreus were safe. The only times she had them out were to monitor the others when she wasn’t looking or to keep an eye on the Council.

Aglaea yawned, leaning back to savour the sunshine. Her golden curls swayed gently in the wind, brushing against her shoulders as her muscles loosened, melting into the warmth. Titans, how long had it been since she’d had proper rest? During the Flame-Chase, she had always maintained a strict sleep schedule, thanks mostly to her teacher. Her threads would watch over Okhema during the Curtain-Fall hours while she rested in her mansion, curtains drawn and doors bolted shut. Yet, there had been many nights when she stayed awake past midnight with her garmentmakers, poring over hastily written scrolls that told of villages and cities laid to waste by the black tide, sent by her messengers.

Those were the only moments her heart truly ached for the powerless, for those who couldn’t defend themselves. In the quiet safety of her chambers, she allowed herself to mourn just for a while before dawn came, when she’d have to steel her resolve once more.

But now, she had to force her body to relax. Every night, under the stars and the soft flicker of her bedroom lights, she reminded herself that peace had finally come. Okhema no longer needed the protection of the Chrysos Heirs. Humanity has finally won its war against the Gods.

She’d continue to be the leader her people needed, chosen as their city’s representative while the other major cities worked tirelessly to rebuild. Aidonia hadn’t been greatly affected, so its walls still stood strong. Mydei had been traversing between Okhema and Castrum Kremnos, overseeing the reconstruction of the fortress. Cyrene was currently in Aedes Elysiae with Cerydra, unable to join their little gathering today. As the cities rose from the ashes, new trade lines were established, with Aglaea at the helm negotiating deals and strengthening relationships. Most cities agreed to work together, while the others–mostly the followers of Thanatos and Zagreus have been…less than cooperative. Mostly the Thanatos followers.

These issues were to be expected, and it wasn’t something Aglaea wasn’t prepared to handle. She also had Tribbie, her sisters and Hysilens by her side…

“So that’s where you were. I was beginning to think you fled back to Okhema to continue your work.”

And that blasphemous, foolish scholar.

Aglaea closed her eyes, her lips curving upwards. “Finally done with that long, winded lecture of yours I see. Must you torture your poor students even while we’re on vacation?”

“It wasn’t a lecture, woman,” Anaxa huffed, sitting down next to her. He unbuckled his boots, tossed them aside, and began rolling up his pants. “I was simply answering a question Castorice asked me. And before you say anything, she understood me perfectly. Despite popular opinion, I don’t speak in limericks.”

“I wasn’t implying anything,” said Aglaea, chuckling under her breath. “I was merely stating what I saw. Hysilens would also agree with me.”

“Well, she’s busy swimming in the river, and even if she were here her opinion hardly ever matters to me.”

“Careful there, blasphemer. That’s my best friend you’re talking about.”

“And she’s not here at the moment.”

Aglaea sighed, rubbing her temple. “Good to see you haven’t changed one bit,” she muttered. “I might have started wondering if Cerces did something to you otherwise.”

“Hah! As if a Titan could change me. And here I thought you knew better. You disappoint me, Aglaea.” Anaxa smirked.

“If you think I was serious, then you never really knew me.” Aglaea kept the faint edge of hurt from her voice. It still felt strange, being able to feel again. After becoming a demigod, her senses had dulled over time, until she was little more than a husk of the person she once was. It never bothered her, since she vowed all those cycles ago that she’d gladly make whatever sacrifices were necessary to ensure the completion of the Flame Chase journey before undergoing Mnestia’s trial. Yet, there were moments where she found it deeply ironic–the demigod of Romance, stripped of the very emotions she was meant to embody. Yes, the romance part was not meant to be taken literally, but it still felt odd.

Anaxa rolled his eye, as if reading her mind. “I’m not taunting you,” he said, his tone softening. “I may be a blasphemer, but I’m no hypocrite. Your heart is no longer protected by that shell you’ve worked so hard to maintain over the years. It’s exposed, vulnerable. I’m not going to take advantage of that.” He shuffled a little closer, until their legs were bumping each other. “Besides, we’ve just started piecing our lives together. Who am I to bring it all down?”

…He was right. After their conversation in the Vortex of Genesis, whatever ire they had towards each other dissipated after she had let him resonate with her Coreflame. After she let him see the ugly parts of her she hid away–her withering soul, her decaying mind, everything.

The shocked look on Anaxa’s face had made her laugh softly under her breath. It had been a long time since she had seen him surprised.

Right before his death, they made a silent promise–a promise they both remembered after finding each other in this new world. A promise that was slowly blossoming into a beautiful flower. Because of them. Because of their willingness to heal. 

“Still,” Anaxa continued to say, raising her hand and placing a small kiss on it, the gold ring adorning her finger gleaming in the sunlight, “I suppose I should come around more often. Life at the Grove these days is nothing like before. I finally have more breathing space while you’re stuck hearing those officials yap your ears off.”

Aglaea hummed and laced their fingers together, thumbing at the near identical ring sitting snugly on Anaxa’s finger. “Like I said before to you, it’s nothing I can’t handle. Hysliens handles half of the negotiations and helps me take some weight off my shoulders, while Teacher makes sure I eat my meals on time and takes me out at times to remote locations to relax.”

“Yet you still feel tired every morning. And before you try to deny it, Cipher told me everything herself. She barged into my office last Sunday morning and ranted for a good hour about how you nearly stumbled into the kitchen and almost knocked your glass over during breakfast. If she’s worried about you, I don’t even want to think about what the others are thinking.”

He leaned in closer, their breaths mingling. “You don’t have to be that unshakeable pillar anymore, Aglaea. The Flame-Chase is over. This time you have people who can help you. Who will help you get through all this. Hysilens, Tribbie, Cipher, they’re all here with you.

“I’m here for you, even if I’m always at the Grove. You’ll always have my undying support no matter what. Just say the word, and I’ll be at your beck and call.”

Aglaea’s breath hitched. Her hands came to rest on Anaxa’s shoulders as she gazed into his eyes. Up close, she could make out every individual strand of his mint-green hair, some brushing softly against her cheeks. The red crystal dangling from the chain of his eye patch refracted the sunlight, scattering a faint rainbow across his face. Anaxa tangled his hand into her hair, pulling them even more closer until their bodies were flushed together. She silently hoped he couldn’t hear how fast her heart was beating in her chest.

She drew in a slow breath, willing herself to stay composed. Her left hand slid down to his chest, coming to rest over the eight-pointed star. “You truly mean it?” she whispered. “If… if anything were to happen, and I needed your help…”

“I’ll be by your side. Always.” And he pressed his lips against hers, and Aglaea melted into the touch, letting out a content sigh.

One of Anaxa’s hands drifted to the small of her back where her dress left skin bare, his fingers tracing idle patterns that sent a subtle shiver down her spine. When they pulled apart, Aglaea leaned in again, feeling his smile ghost against her lips.

It was short, it was sweet, and it was something Aglaea found herself to enjoy these days. These silent moments with him, something she didn’t have before. It was something she never found herself wanting in the past.

Now? Aglaea cherished these moments, recording them all into her brain.

They parted again, and pressed their foreheads together, eyes closed and breathing softly. The world around them faded as she revelled in the moment. This soft moment, reserved just for her and Anaxa. She knew she’d experience more moments like these–quiet touches, whispered promises, the kind of peace she once thought unreachable. 

And she found that her heart, tender and sensitive, longed for these moments just like her. 

Anaxa huffed a small laugh and placed a light kiss on the corner of her mouth before pulling back. However, just as Aglaea leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek, a sharp laugh rang out, breaking the moment. Both of them leaned back and turned their heads toward the sound. A smile tugged at Aglaea’s lips at the sight before her.

The triplets, little Ica, and Phainon were up in the air, shrieking with laughter as they played a game of airborne volleyball, with Hyacine acting as referee, blowing loudly into an orange whistle. Mydei stood a few feet away, a small, fond smile on his face as he tossed the ball back whenever they missed. Under the shade of an umbrella sat Castorice and Cipher, the latter sprawled across Castorice’s lap, animatedly waving her hands as she no doubt recounted tales from her early days as the demigod of Trickery. 

But Aglaea’s focus was on Mydei, who was now beckoning Phainon to come to him. He eagerly complied, flying low enough for the prince to mutter something in his ear. Phainon laughed, tossing his head back before kissing his cheek and flew back to the arena, unaware of the blush that was rapidly spreading across his neck and ears. She stifled a giggle.

Anaxa raised a brow. “Don’t tell me you’re going to use your threads on those two, you foul women.”

Aglaea rolled her eyes. “Don’t be foolish Anaxagoras. I know when not to pry. They don’t need Mnestia’s intervention.”

“And yet you used it on us, and we were technically together, thanks to the Titan’s we represented it.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “If you really had wanted us to be in a proper relationship back then, you could have just said so. You’ve gotten your emotions back, and I no longer stay locked up in my lab conducting blasphemous experiments.”

“And you really think I believe that?"

“I still conduct experiments, just nothing of the blasphemous sort.”

Aglaea rolled her eyes again. “Then I’ll ask Cipher to check on you from time to time. You know she has her ways of infiltrating rooms. It’ll also be much easier to convince her since she willingly goes to your place, as you’ve mentioned already."

“I forgot she listens to you nowadays,” Anaxa grumbled. He loosened his hold and brushed her hair out of her face. “But fine, if you insist. But if she sneaks in the night and disturbs my sleep she will forever be banned from the Grove, and not even you will be able to convince my mind.”

His hand slipped beneath her jaw, gently tilting her head from side to side. “But you do seem to be getting better. Those dark circles under your eyes are almost gone. You look… fuller. Softer. Younger, even.”

“That’s what everyone says these days, mostly Teacher,” said Aglaea. Anaxa released her as she drew her legs out of the water and slipped her heels back on. She stood and offered him a hand. “But anyway,” she said with a small smile, “enough talk about politics and everything else. We planned this whole vacation to unwind, didn’t we? And here we are, sitting away from all the fun.”

Her eyes drifted to Mydei once more, who was carding his fingers through Phainon’s wings. The game was on its first interval, and everyone was resting up. Hyacine was with Little Ica and giving him some water, while Tribbie, Trianne and Trinnon were practicing with the ball. Castorice and Cipher were still under the umbrella, the former now talking. 

Phainon sat between Mydei’s legs as the prince softly smoothed out his crooked feathers, listening to him recount the match. He mimicked Cipher’s earlier antics, flinging his hands in every direction. Mydei hummed now and then in acknowledgment, occasionally tapping his shoulder or giving a light punch to his back whenever he squirmed too much. Soft laughter bubbled between them, and Aglaea’s heart swelled with quiet joy. 

Anaxa slipped an arm around her waist, the corners of his mouth lifting in a quiet grin.
“Shall we join them?” he asked.

“Let’s,” Aglaea replied, looping her arm through his and leading them toward their friends, feeling freer than she had ever felt in her life.

Chapter Text

“Operations are going smoothly, as expected. The remains of Glamoth have all been taken, and I’ve personally ensured Archforger has received the materials they require. All you have to do is use that white beam trick of yours and destroy any evidence of us being there.”

“That’s good,” said Zephryo, hands clasped behind his back, head tilted up. Beside him, Celenova yawned and stretched, settling with one leg over the other midair. Her hair drifted behind her like a slow, winding river as she idly twirled a strand around her finger. Asteroids drifted past, veiling the presence of the two omnipotent beings. In the vast sea of stars, streaks of yellow and orange light unfurled across the darkness, swirling in an endless celestial waltz. 

Zephyro inclined his head slightly to his right. “Any news from the other Ravagers so far?”

Celenova shrugged. “The only reports I receive in my flagship are from the Legion. I do not know about the others whereabouts, only that they’ll arrive when THEY summon us once again.”

She sighed, letting her hair slip from her fingers. “I do wonder where Phantylia is, though. Last I heard she was still on the Xianzhou Luofu stirring up more trouble within the Alliance, using the borison this time. Admirable, though, I do keep telling her they aren’t our enemies. At least, not for now.”

“She’s associated with the Hunt,” Zephyro said, folding his arms. His sword caught the glow radiating from Celenova, its edge gleaming like starlight. “Naturally, she’d be drawn to the Alliance rather than the Galaxy Rangers. You also know who she really is.”

“Don’t we all? Anyways, enough about our peers, what about you? I have logs from every other Ravager except yours, despite our frequent meetings. You’ve been off the radar for quite some time. I was starting to think something had happened. Then again, something did, didn’t it.”

Zephyro hummed. “You’re aware then.”

“I was waiting for you to say it,” Celenova remarked drily. “The Amphoreus Experiment. It failed, didn’t it? I heard the Astral Express used the power of the Glowswather to turn that spectral world corporeal after defeating Lycurgus. Or should I say… Zandar. Such a shame, isn’t it? The very creator of Nous doing everything he could to destroy them…and failing spectacularly in the end.”

“Yet all is not lost.” Zephyro’s voice was calm, smooth, and steady, fitting for an Emanator standing firm against the Nihility. He drew his sword in a single, fluid motion and pointed it at Celenova. “The birth of Iron Tomb may have been crushed by the Nameless and the Genius Society, but wasn’t it you who said that Trailblazing always ignites something? Tell me, since you know the outcome of the project, you must also know what they ignited, don’t you?”

She laughed, purple ribbons swirling around her as she rose to her feet. The ring above her head contracted. “I had a hunch a while ago, but from your words, I can tell my judgement was correct. There’s no need for more words, is there? Our part is done, Zephyro. Now, I think it’s time to let fate decide that boy’s destiny.”

“I agree. Now then, shall we dance amongst the stars before we part ways?”

“Hah! It’s been a long time since these ribbons have crossed paths with that tempered blade of yours. Let the stars bear witness to this magnificent duel.”

They both launched at each other at the same time, the sound of metal and thick fabric clashing with each other reverberating through the space. Their conversation was over. There was no need to linger about, lest he got caught.

It was time to wake up now.

Phainon opened his eyes and frowned, sitting cross-legged in the air. His honey-gold gaze rested on the hands in his lap as thoughts swirled. Strategies and designs began to take shape. He forced himself to stay calm.

He had yet to meet the other Lord Ravagers in person, and, quite frankly, he didn’t want to. The battle with Zephyro was still fresh in his mind, even if the one he faced had only been a mere simulation. Still, as one of them now after absorbing Iron Tomb’s rewritten code courtesy of the two Genius’, Phainon had gained the ability to catch glimpses of the others.

He was still working on refining this newfound ability; for now, all he could do was listen in and remain unseen during their little meetings, gathering what information he could about their next moves. Whenever he caught something useful, he would relay it to both Aglaea and the Express, holding meetings of their own either aboard the train or in Aglaea’s quarters with the other Heirs. For now, he felt certain they wouldn’t be setting their sights on his home anytime soon. At least, if he was interpreting Celenova’s words correctly.

If anyone dared to hurt the people he loved, he would hunt them down to the end of the universe and make sure they die a slow and painful death. 

But for now, he didn’t have to worry about that.

Phainon sighed and unfolded his legs. A few strong flaps of his wings kept him steady in the air. There was nothing to report today, so the long walk to the Garden of Life could wait. He could always text Aglaea later, after he’d gotten some rest. The ability left him drained in both body and mind, and even keeping his eyes open felt like a Herculean effort. He wasn’t even sure if he could shift forms right now.

He lowered himself to the ground and headed straight for his room, tugging off the gauntlet from his right hand and tossing it carelessly onto the table. Pulling the covers aside, Phainon dropped onto his bed and reached for the Chimera plush Castorice had given him, clutching it tightly to his chest. Its soft fur brushed against his hollow skin, the front paws pressing into the long crack running down his torso. It should have hurt, and if he tried hard, he could almost imagine the pain blooming there, raw and fresh. Anything against that spot was enough to irritate his flesh– even a falling leaf could set it alight without the salve Hyacine had made especially for him.

But it didn’t. Not because of the cream. Not because the crevices carved into his form had weathered millions of years, the nerves long since withered to dust, leaving nothing behind to feel. Not because the golden blood now filled this fractured shell, standing in place of the organs that had eroded with time. Phainon didn’t have an answer as to why. Cyrene has once told him it was because the anger and hatred that once burned furiously in his heart was gone, the ashes it left behind giving birth to this. This feeling of pure bliss and happiness. 

Maybe she was right. Maybe she wasn’t. He was content with his life. Well, as content as one like him could be.

The fog in his brain grew and he closed his eyes, letting sleep take over him. How long had it been since he had proper rest? Was it when he visited Aedes Elysiae, napping in the golden wheat fields under the clear blue sky? Or when he and the Heirs had that sleepover at Castorice’s house, where Trianne insisted they all piled up all the pillows and blankets in the living room and created one big ‘fortress’ for everyone to sleep under. Phainon couldn’t remember. Not like it mattered. He was tired now and this body was demanding rest. And who was he to deny what it wanted?

Phainon folded his wings in, letting the onyx one spill over his lap, heavy and dark, like a second blanket. He dug his fingers into the soft plushie and yawned loudly. He stretched his limbs one last time before settling in…

…Footsteps echoed from the hall and jolted him awake.

'Wonderful!' Phainon thought miserably, a low growl ripping out from his throat. How the fuck was someone in his house? He didn't accidentally leave the front door unlocked again did he? 

He had half a mind to hurl a few stray meteors instead of confronting the person head on. His limbs felt so heavy that even lifting a finger seemed like too much effort. He doubted he could do much damage either, and he really didn’t want to destroy this little place he had built for himself.

But before he could turn around and do something Phainon was sure he was going to regret, he listened intently. The footsteps sounded…familiar. Too familiar, in fact.

Every Chrysos Heir carried a distinct rhythm in their footsteps, and Phainon had learned to recognize them ever since returning to Okhema from his years at the Grove. Aglaea’s heels clicked sharply against the floor, regardless of the surface. Tribbie, Trianne, and Trinnon preferred flight, their presence marked by the delicate flutter of their tiny bronze wings.

One cannot hear Cipher enter, but during the small moments he spent with the thief her footsteps sounded like Aglaea’s but faster, which made sense since it was her who made her boots. Hyacine always had a little skip to her steps, followed by soft humming, letting her patients know she was coming over for a check up.

Castorice, like Cipher, always made sure her steps were quiet, akin to Death itself. Yet, the sound of small bells always accompanied her wherever she went. And Anaxa’s steps were calm, fast paced, similar to Aglaea, carrying the calm demeanour of a scholar of his calibre. Hysilens glided across the streets, moving with the fluid grace of a Sea Siren, every step carrying the echo of her ocean heritage. Cerydra always made her presence known, footsteps loud yet graceful.

However, these footsteps fell flat, moving in a cadence Phainon knew too well. It was one that could only belong to a single person. A person he had spent many lifetimes with.

Phainon chuckled under his breath. Of course his beloved king would come at this hour to check up on him to make sure he was taking care of himself. And he had the spare key to his house, so thankfully it wasn’t because he had accidentally left the door unlocked.

He closed his eyes, holding back his laughter as the shuffling reached his room. He loved doing this all the time with Mydei, back in the early days of their relationship. He’d pretend to be sleeping whenever the then prince stopped by, either to drag him to the baths or to the grounds for a spar and then the baths, and pouted every time he got caught almost immediately. 

But Mydei, despite acting all irritated and vexed, indulged in his little game, sitting on his bed and threading his fingers through his hair or pulling his head onto his lap to trace small patterns on his bare arm, sending goosebumps down his spine. Some days he’d even hum a small tune if he was in a good mood. 

Phainon heard the bedroom door creak open and forced himself to steady the frantic rhythm of his ‘heart.’ The rustle of fabric drew nearer, nearer, until a tall shadow stretched over him, blotting out the little bit of sunlight seeping through the curtains. His wings quivered ever so slightly, betraying the anticipation he tried so hard to suppress. He could only hope Mydei hadn’t noticed.

It seemed he hadn’t, for a minute later the mattress dipped beneath another’s weight, and a soft, calloused hand pressed briefly against his forehead before sliding up into his hair, fingers scratching gently at his scalp. And oh Phainon’s sleep-addled brain wanted him to lean into the touch so badly.

Yet he restrained his urge and let his muscles relax, which wasn’t too difficult with the gentle touches he was receiving.

It wasn’t rare to witness Mydei’s softer side these days, though Phainon still found himself having to coax it out from time to time. It was subtle, but there, in the meals he cooked for him and the other Heirs. The way he tended to his wounds when the Destruction rooted deep within him got worse. How he indulged in Trianne’s games and painted with Castorice. It was sweet, watching the man who had guarded his heart from the rest of the world being more open with his emotions.

“Deliverer~” Mydei singsonged, and Phainon nearly bit his lip too hard to stop himself from giggling. “Don’t tell me you’re asleep at this hour of the day.”

‘Yeah? What if I am?’ Phainon thought. ‘I could tell you, but wouldn’t that ruin the surprise.’ 

Mydei should’ve known by now that Phainon was messing with him–he’d been doing it nearly every time. Sometimes Mydei caught on right away, hence playing along, yet there were times he didn’t, and he found that to be pretty amusing and strangely exhilarating. Then again, everything between them turned into a ‘competition,’ and those always left him feeling the same.

“Great,” Mydei murmured, and Phainon ceased his internal monologue. “Phainon, are you actually sleeping right now? I can see your eyelids moving, and I don’t think those who are in a deep sleep move their eyes.”

‘Oh shit. Don’t tell me I’m gonna get caught early again!’

Phainon felt a finger gently poke his forehead. Then at his eyelid. Harder that time.

'Ow!'

“Ouch!”

…And he gave himself away.

Mydei jerked back, nearly falling off the bed. “Phainon!?”

He smiled weakly, raising his hand to wave at him. “You caught me.”

“So you were pretending,” the man huffed, crossing his arms. “But then again, I’m not surprised. You do this all the time after all.”

“And you keep playing along all the time,” Phainon chirped, shuffling forward and laying his head on Mydei’s lap. “Now be a good boyfriend and continue petting my hair lest I get all grumpy and change the weather.”

“Since when were you able to change the weather, dumbass?” scoffed Mydei, running his fingers through golden hair once more. “Raining meteors does not count as a weather fluctuation, and every researcher at the Grove would agree with me.”

“Is too,” Phainon retorted, poking the king’s cheek. “Instead of drops of water it’s chunks of mass and other space debris. Same thing!”

“Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

“Mydei!”

“Shush.” A cold finger was on his lips. “Calm down Deliverer. You and I know how much effort you put into making this place for yourself. Wouldn’t it be nice to not ruin it because you couldn’t rein in your emotions?”

“...I am calm though,” Phainon pouted, earning him another eye roll from Mydei. “But anyways, why did you have to poke me hard on the eyelid? What if I was actually asleep?”

“I think I’d know if you were asleep. But I’ll admit, I didn’t expect you to give in so soon. Usually, you put up a lot more resistance.”

Phainon hummed. “What if that was part of my plan? What if I wanted to concede early just so I could experience the heavenly sensation of your wonderful fingers scratching my scalp and sending pleasant tingles down my spine?”

Mydei blinked at him a few times before barking out a laugh. “Just admit you love it when I pet your hair. And since when did you start beating things around the bush?”

 “See? You’ve gone and fallen right into my trap! I’ve purposefully lured you into thinking something is wrong with me to get what I want!”

“And to think you’re the World-Bearer, yet here you are, playing the kind of mind games six-year-olds use on their friends.” Mydei’s grin was now in full display.

Phainon laughed, airy and tired. “Wasn’t it you and the others who told me that I should be my old self? Or…” he gasped, placing a hand on his chest, eyes glinting mischievously, “you secretly like it when I’m all tough and mighty!”

His laughter only rose in volume when that smile morphed into one of annoyance, eyes closed and tears forming at the corners. Oh, Mydei was so easy to tease these days. It was one of the things he didn’t realize he missed so goddamn much after Cyrene and Caelus had extracted him from Iron Tomb. 

“Deliverer,” Mydei growled, hands swatting his hair away from his face and pinching his cheek. “Seriously, how do you laugh like that? You sound like a broken tea kettle right now.”

“At least I-I don’t sou-nd like a-a cat scree-ching loudly,” Phainon gasped, forcing himself to calm for the sake of his king, who looked like was three seconds away from choking him to death. As if he would commit such a sacrilege act against a God like him.

He hiccuped, a few stray giggles slipping past his lips as he beamed up at the pretty face above him. The hand in his hair continued to card through the strands, while sunset eyes remained fixed on his own. He reached up and cupped the back of his neck, combing through red locks until they settled on the firm muscle. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Mydei parroted, leaning down ever so slightly, and Phainon tugged him down to press a small kiss to his lips, smiling as the other sighed in content. 

It was brief, yet oh so sweet and wonderful. After a few more kisses, their foreheads met, eyes closed, breaths mingling as they savored the quiet moment. A few stray blonde locks brushed against his cheeks.

It was only the afternoon, yet Phainon already felt as though he had toiled through an entire day. He hadn’t expected his clairaudience to sap so much of his strength.

But before that he obviously needed to ask why the man was here in the first place–was it something important? Or did he feel like seeing him? “Did something happen? Are things alright?”

Mydei pulled back, rolling his eyes. “Do I need a reason to see you? Or will the God of World Bearing smite me for barging in unannounced?”

Phainon groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I was just about to do that, until I realized it was you. Good thing my senses kicked in–I’d rather not explain to Krateros why you’re sprawled on my floor like a flattened pancake with blood all over you acting as maple syrup.”

“Then I should be grateful you didn’t,” Mydei said solemnly, yet the grin on his face widened. “Krateros’ wrath is one no one can face, God or not.” 

“That’s something I know all too well,” Phainon grumbled. Mydei chuckled, brushing a kiss against the corner of his mouth before returning the soft one pressing on his lips. "But honestly, did something happen? Or am I forgetting something?"

Mydei shrugged. "For once, no. I was going to invite you to the baths. I figured soaking in the hot waters should help with the muscle ache, but you look like you're gonna shatter if you so much so as sit up."

He wasn't wrong. It's been a long while since his body experienced the fatigue and discomfort that mortals faced, and he getting used to actually feeling again was taking a while. But the baths sounded so appealing right about now...

"Carry me." 

Mydei gaped at him. "I'm sorry?"

"You heard me." Phainon felt his lips curl up in a devious smirk. "If I can't walk to the baths, you can carry me there. Plus it's not a long walk either, and you know the route to take to avoid the citizens."

"Phainon you are not...I-you," the king sputtered for a few seconds, eyeing Phainon incredulously as the God continued to look at him smugly before sighing in defeat. "Fine," he muttered, staring pointedly at the bedside lamp. "I'll do it just. This. Once. Only because I don't want to see you injure yourself further. I don't need Aglaea on my tail."

"Sure," Phainon quipped, arms wrapping around Mydei's neck as he was hoisted up by string arms. "Only because you don't want Aglaea on your tail. I believe you."

"Shut up before I drop you."

"As if you wou-ok ok OK I'LL STOP AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH MYDEIIII!!!!!"

“Ok, wow, the hot bath is sooooooooo good right now, it's not even funny” Phainon groaned, slipping into the tub, wings spread all the way out. The halo behind his head glowed above him brightly, painting the water in a beautiful shade of marigold. He propped his arms on the side and tilted his head all the way back, eyes closed. Steam curled from the water, soothing his muscles.

Mydei huffed, settling down on the other side with a tray of fruits. “I’m always right, aren’t I, Deliverer?”

He could practically hear the smirk in his voice. Lowering his head, he sank further and fixed the king with a glare. Slapping his arm with his golden wing, he muttered, “Look who’s letting a small victory get to his head. Weren’t you the one who told me not to do that very thing months ago?”

“Oh, I did indeed say that, but I didn’t mean for every victory.” Mydei plopped a few pomegranate seeds into his mouth. “What kind of person wouldn’t relish in their wins?”

“First it’s one thing, now it’s something else. Make up your mind already! I don’t want to be interpreting things wrong here and later be subjected to your scrutiny.”

“Then allow this lowly king to reiterate his words, your Holiness.” His hand grabbed his chin and pulled him a little closer. “Celebrate your victories when you can, but don’t brag about them constantly. That’s something you never see me do, right?”

Phainon shot him a half-heated glare. “I also thought I told you not to call me that, didn’t I?”

“Changing the subject, aren’t we? Also, I’ve also told you not to call me Your Majesty a bunch of times, yet here we are.”

“Now who’s changing the subject?”

“I’m only following along.”

“Righttttt.”

Mydei hummed, staring at him for a few seconds before letting go and settling back, tossing Phainon an apple. “But there’s your answer to the previous question. I hope you’re satisfied with my response,” he snarked. 

He rolled his eyes. “I was going to say no, but I know how that would end, so I say yes. Consider yourself lucky this time, Mydeimos.”

“I’m terrified,” Mydei deadpanned. He rolled his shoulders and chewed on a grape. “But whatever. There’s something I do want to talk about, and you better not change the subject for that.”

His brows lifted at the sudden shift in tone. Phainon’s wings stirred a little, sending soft waves rippling through the water. Why was he feeling anxious all of a sudden? He hadn’t even heard what Mydei was going to say. 

‘Because a serious Mydei always meant one of two things: either something bad had already happened, or it was about to,’ his mind helpfully supplied. Great. “Go ahead. I promise I’ll hear you out this time.”

“Good.” The crunch of pomegranate seeds filled the air. “Then tell me why you look as if you’ve been working nonstop for a week when you and I both know you haven’t, not with me and Aglaea doing everything we could to keep you from overworking again.”

Phianon blinked once. Twice.

“Huh?”

“What are you talking about?”

Now Mydei was the one looking at him as if a second head had sprouted from his body. “What do you mean by that? When I saw you in your bed I genuinely thought something was wrong because you always refuse to rest unless I drag you to sleep.”

Oh. Oh. 

That was something he did, huh?

Phainon let out a sigh of relief, wings relaxing into the bath. That… that scared him for a moment. He thought Mydei was going to ask something he couldn’t answer. “Yeah, about that. I was keeping an eye on what the other Lord Ravagers were up to, trying to see if I could fish out any useful intel for the Express. It’s been a while since I last caught wind of their activities, so I figured I’d try again.”

“Oh.” he saw Mydei’s shoulders tense. The king sat up straight, eyes sharpening. “Did you find anything?”

“Sadly no. I heard a conversation between Zephyro and Celenova about the Amphoreus Experiment’s failure, but that’s about it. And something about leaving my destiny in fate’s hands…”

Phainon trailed off, replaying the conversation in his mind. “ Now, I think it’s time to let fate decide that boy’s destiny.” That was what Celenova had said. What did she mean by that? Was there more in store for him? Mr. Yang had told him not to worry too much about what they say, and so far he had been doing a good job at that.

But this was the first time they ever explicitly mentioned him.

He swore to everyone that he’d protect them from any threat, and he was not about to back down on that promise. Should the Ravagers ever come to Amphoreus and harm his people or his friends, he’d be ready.

And he won’t lose.

More waves rippled in the water and Mydei was sitting next to him, the tray in front of them. He was careful not to mistakenly lean against his wings. “Stop,” he chided gently, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. “You’re overthinking again.”

“Not really, no,” Phainon replied, laying his head on the crook of his shoulder, onyx wing covering both their backs. “I’m just thinking of different ways to kick their butts when they decide to show their ugly faces here.”

Mydei let out a snort. “Of course you’d be thinking about that, wouldn’t you? Try not to go overboard, alright? You won’t be the only one stabbing them.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll make sure not to kill them too quickly.” He rolled his eyes playfully. “I doubt they could be killed that easily. I borrowed a few logs from Dan Heng and saw that a Ravager was actually killed by a faction called the Galaxy Rangers, albeit with a lot of effort. Celenova eventually took his place.”

“If they could do it, so can we.”

“With a lot of effort. But it’s possible.”

“Then we’ll worry about that later. For now, let’s stay here for a bit and then I’ll make us lunch. After that we’ll go spar, do some shopping and head to the Grove for lunch. You do remember Hyacine invited everyone, right? I heard from Aglaea that Professor Anaxa was cooking this time.”

How could he ever forget that? “Trust me,” Phainon beamed, ‘the professor’s cooking is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Your dishes will always be numero uno of course, but Anaxa’s come in as a close second. I’ve only had the chance to eat his food twice, and each time I was left wondering when I’d get to taste it again. Seriously, his squid ink pasta is to die for Mydei! I’m praying that he makes that.”

He yawned, and slumped forward, closing his eyes. He smiled when he felt Mydei’s chest rumble as he laughed. “I think someone needs their sleep before nightfall arrives. Get some rest, Phainon. I’ll wake you up when the water gets warm.”

“Mmm,” Phainon hummed, snuggling further. “But…before I do, can you do one small thing for me?”

“What?”

“Say my name.”

“... What?” 

Phainon could hear the confusion in his voice. “You heard me. Say my name.”

“But I did though?”

“Yes, but I mean my real name, Mydei. Not my alias.”

“Oh… Is that all?”

“Yeah. I… I like it when you say my name. And while I don’t mind when you call me ‘Phainon,’ the only one who ever uses my real name is Cyrene, and she’s my best friend. The only person who’s always known me completely. Well… aside from one other, but I don’t think I need to say who that is now, do I?”

He patiently waited for Mydei’s response, who was no doubt waiting for his brain to finish rebooting. He grinned to himself, cheering on the inside–catching him off guard was hard, and whenever he did he always gave himself a mental pat on the back.

Then, he heard it. “Well then, in that case, I’ll wake you up soon, Khaslana . Sleep. You’ve earned it. You’ve earned it a long time ago.”

He did, didn’t he? “Alright then,” Phainon murmured, letting out one last yawn as his eyes slipped shut. Just before sleep claimed him, he muttered one last sentence. “I like it when you say my name… I wish you’d say it more often.”

The last thing he heard was Mydei choking on his pomegranate juice, and he regretted not taking a picture of his red face with his teleslate.

Chapter Text

Mamoreal Market was empty, just like Cipher knew it'd be like every single Thursday morning. 

She wouldn't have to worry about the citizens complaining that she knocked them over and crushed their wooden carts filled with fresh produce (not that she ever cared about that in the first place) and be the free cat she always wanted to be. She was the fleet-footed Kitty Phantom Thief! Speed was something she was born with. A slow feline was no feline at all, as the old Dolos saying goes.

She zipped through the streets, the wind brushing her hair as she cackled loudly, using her tail for leverage every time she decided to leap from stone pillar to stone pillar or roof to roof. It was still well early into the Entry Hour, the cool breeze giving her goosebumps. The roads thankfully weren't littered with baskets, shields and other stuff the people sometimes left after they close their stores, but if anything were to get damaged, well…was she to blame?

Cipher glanced up at the sky behind her and could faintly make out a humanoid shape emerging from the clouds, gold and onyx standing out from the dark blue. She grinned and picked up the pace, flipping her Coin of Whimsy once more.

Who would've thought the Deliverer boy actually agreed to her little competition she proposed out of fun? Cipher assumed he would at least think for a few seconds before answering, but imagine her surprise when Phainon blurted out an enthusiastic yes without any hesitation. If she had to be honest, that was the first someone had ever managed to catch her off guard since her ascension as the demigod of Trickery.

Ahhh, it has been a while since she's had a proper challenge. Everyone in this boring little town was either slow or stupid, and sadly she didn't have the time to put up with either. If it weren't for Agalea–as well as her own heart, as much as she hate to admit it–she would've fled Okhema a long time ago. Going on adventures was her calling, or so Cipher thought at first. She had explored almost every nook and corner Amphoreus had to offer, and not much has changed after she had become a proper planet. There wasn't much to see, or steal for that matter.

‘Gah! I'm getting all mushy again,’ Cipher thought grimly, shaking her head as if that small action could banish her feelings away. Since when did she start losing focus? This wasn't like her!

Speed. Speed speed speed speed speed! That's what's supposed to be on her mind now. The thrill of everything blurring around her as her boots carried her to wherever she wanted to go. In the blink of an eye she could be anywhere she wanted. If she wanted she could be all the way at Styxia and steal–er, borrowing Imperator Cerydra's treasures! Yes! Borrowing them! 

But anyways, she enjoyed being the fastest being in all of Amphoreus, and Cipher bet that Phainon was feeling the same right about now. The sensation of flying was something his body had missed after being repressed for so long. That was sort of another reason why she hoped he'd agree to race her. Losing a part of yourself…was something she was familiar with. Something that she knew Khaslana was also familiar with, but not in the same way as her. 

Point was, this was her way of showing the Deliverer boy that he was wholly human. That divinity and godhood could not take that part of him away. Because, well, since when did Gods ever take part in races? Or maybe she has yet to fully grasp the mentalities of Emanators. 

Eh. Not like she cared. Aglaea and that purple and black witch had that covered.

Right now she was savoring every moment, eager to see the look on that boy’s face when she reached the Garden of Life before him, smug smile and all. No one had ever beaten her–not even Bartholos–and today would be no different. She would finish the race first, claim her prize of free meals for a week, and taste the sweetness of victory once again. Oh, maybe she could pay a quick visit to Styxia and tell Princess Homebody all about it while slurping though bowls of chicken and egg noodles and Caesar salad. Cipher remembered Pollux sorely missed her company, so there’s one more reason to go to the Nether Realm. And the meat. She can't forget the meat for her this time.

Haha! This day was going to be the best day of Cipher's life, and it hadn’t even started yet. Things were looking purr-fect, and nothing would stop her. As she neared the elevator her mind was racing, all sorts of plans swarming in her head. With a flick of her tail and a gleam in her eye, she scaled the wall like a prowling feline, claws hooking neatly into tiny cracks, muscles coiling and releasing in smooth bursts, her body flowing upward with effortless grace. She wasn't going to use the lift like a boring person. Why would she when she had the power of speed and agility on her side?

Now, Cipher wasn’t exactly one to brag. Well… maybe just a little but only when it helped her make a point. She was nothing like her old friends back at Dolos, and certainly not like the Council of Elders, who threw a fit at every scrap of praise or hint of criticism that came their way. She knew when to keep quiet, and Aglaea always seemed to appreciate that about her. But today was different. Today, bragging was more than allowed–it was deserved. Once the race was over, she’d make sure Phainon saw her already waiting at the Garden, smug smile and all. Flying might be faster, sure but nothing beats the thrill of racing across the ground.

She hopped down from the ledge and landed gracefully on all fours, the specks of dust billowing around her. Heh! She made it in record time! And with so much time left to spare. Cipher couldn’t wait to see Mydei’s…not so surprised look upon her arrival and maybe drag him to play a quick game before Phainon comes and she drags him to the nearest diner for some delicious fish. Her stomach was already rumbling at the thought. It’s been a while since she ate some good fish and not the cheaper quality ones.

Right as she was about to make her presence known when she heard something. A laugh that sounded oh so suspiciously familiar. A laughter that should’ve been impossible to hear because…because…

Oh shit.

Cipher started to curse internally as she hid behind the pillar and carefully took a quick sneak peak, praying to every Titan that her ears needed checking and she was in fact mishearing things.

She, in fact, did not mishear anything.

Because, right in front of her eyes were Mydei and Phainon sitting on the grass, playing with the Chimera’s and giggling like an old married couple.

Some of the little critters were hanging off of Phainon’s wings, kicking their tiny paws and climbing each section like it was a mini jungle gym. A red and orange one with tiny horns laid curled up on Mydei’s lap, sleeping peacefully. A grey one somehow had made its way on Phainon’s head, playing with his messy gold hair and flapping its wings in time with Phainon.

And those two assholes were acting on lovey dovey, whispering into each other's ears and laughing, and if Cipher squinted her eyes she could make out a faint blush on the Deliverer’s cheek. Their hands were entwined, faintly hidden behind the blades of grass

Cipher’s jaw dropped, her tail lashing in surprise. Wha– how?! Phainon was still learning! He was fast, sure, but nowhere near her level. And the Deliverer boy would never cheat either, it was against his moral code.

And to top it all off, she now had to sit through those two being sappy, cheesy, and downright corny, while every fiber of her mind screamed at her to either bolt before they noticed or march over and slap them both silly. While the second option sounded much more pleasing, Aglaea’s golden threads were everywhere. 

She was about to turn on her heel and let those two lovebirds carry on with their coddling, planning to check on them later (and no, she had absolutely no intention of lying to his face. Cipher took her competitions seriously and would own up to her defeat) when a Chimera scampered up to her, pawing eagerly at her feet. Its purple-and-cyan eyes shone with unrestrained joy. Master Thief-Cat, the one Cipher had rescued weeks ago and proudly named. She’d wanted to adopt the little cutie, but leaving her home alone every time Cipher disappeared on her escapades hardly seemed fair.

Unfortunately, her little awoo’s managed to attract the attention of the two people she did not want to talk to at the moment, and as much as she loved Master Thief-Cat with all her heart, she couldn’t help bus hiss at the little traitor. Oh Titans, she must have looked like an absolute idiot standing there looking at them gobsmacked.

Thankfully, neither of them pointed it out. “Cipher!” Phainon waved cheerfully, waving his hand. “I was wondering where you were. Me and Mydei have been playing with the Chimera’s for a while.”

Mydei rolled his eyes. “He's exaggerating. We’ve been here for only five minutes. Though color me surprised when I see this idiot arrive here first instead of you. Did you get distracted by any chance?”

Cipher shook her head, picked up Master Cat–Thief and sat down next to the couple. “I didn’t. I wouldn’t! I even kept looking up and you were behind me,” she exclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger at Phainon. “How in the world did you beat me? Don’t tell me you tampered with the weather currents to give yourself a boost!”

Phainon raised his eyes in mock surrender. “Hey, hey! I don’t cheat. I never cheat! I take my competitions seriously. Though if I’m being honest, I think I got lucky? The breeze wasn’t too strong like most mornings and I followed the techniques Lady Tribbie taught me. But I really think I won because of the weather…”

He let the purple Chimera hop off his lap and clamber onto his wing. “But I have to say my sincere thanks to you, Cipher. This fun little challenge…was something I didn’t think I needed. If I may, can I be honest with you?”

Now that was a bit of a shocker. And a sudden mood shift. But was it really? Cipher was never in Okhema all the time and really only ever stopped by to get her clothes fixed by Aglaea or stock up on supplies. But she doesn’t have to be a detective to know Phainon was a man who had been–and even now–shackled by both his past and his future. He hid his pain and fury behind those frivolous smiles that became synonymous with the Deliverer. Despite everything Aglaea had said about him, the part where she mentioned that he had ‘no flaws’ had made her want to laugh. Someone with no imperfections whatsoever? Puh-leeze! One look at Phainon and it was clear he was haunted by his thoughts almost every day.

She hated when people got all emotional and sentimental around her, and that was something that would never change. She was the last person someone should be trauma-dumping on, and it wasn’t because she was some cold, unfeeling creature who couldn’t care less about others. She had her own troubles to worry about, and it wasn’t like Okhema was short of therapists. But, when it came to her comrades, her friends…she was willing to try. And Phainon opening his heart? That was something that happened once in a blue moon.

So with the grace of a cat Cipher stretched her hands and tail, started to run her nails through Master Thief-Cat’s soft fur and with a yawn, acting all nonchalant she said with a wave of her hand, “sure, go ahead. Do whatever you want I guess.”

She heard Phainon chuckle, and her lips curved upward. She flicked her ears toward the Deliverer, her tail swishing idly and brushing against Mydei’s arm. He tried to stop her, but it was no use. “You know… there are days when I dissociate, for a lack of a better word. I spiral into self-doubt about everything, and sometimes my mind insists none of this is real. Before I realize it, I’m in the air, the sky is red and Dawnmaker…” He faltered, then shook his head. “The point is, my mental state is far from perfect. But all of you, you’re here for me. You drag me along into your activities, pulling me out of those self-deprecating thoughts, and for that…I’m grateful. You all remind me that this life, the life we all worked so hard to build after life times of torture is worth it.”

‘Deliverer…” Mydei trailed off, but before he could say anything else Phainon continued. “There will still be rough days, and I cannot guarantee that I’ll ever be back to normal…to be frank that only feels like a dream. But with you, Mydei, Lady Tribbie and Trianne and Trinnon, Hyacine, Professor Anaxa, Aglaea, Castorice, even Hysilens and Lady Cerydra, things are now easier to manage. With all of you, life becomes a bit more…bearable.”

The smile on his face was small and pitiful and Cipher sat up, her tail flicking Phainon on the head as Master Thief–Cat leapt from her lap to go play with her friends. Oh hell no there was absolutely no way she was going to let this man sink into self-pity right in front of her eyes. She had seen what that kind of thinking had done to Castorice over countless cycles, and Titans be damned if she was going to stand by and let it happen again. He might have been offering his thanks, but beneath those flashy, ornate words she could hear the cracks–the doubt, the guilt, the quiet ache he thought he was hiding. 

Yes, Cipher hated it when the people around her started to talk negatively about themselves as if she was their counsellor. However, when it came to her friends, that was a different story.

“None of that talk!” she growled, springing forward to press a finger to his lips, nearly jabbing Mydei in the ribs with her heels in the process. “I said, none of it! Sheesh, you and Princess Homebody are soooo alike, it's uncanny. You’re practically a carbon copy of her. Or maybe it’s the other way around. I can’t even tell anymore, but anyways! Don’t go thinking you’re so sneaky, trying to bury your real thoughts under all that polite, dramatic wording. I can see right through you, and so can everyone else, including your boyfriend here. You’re not fooling anyone, feather–boy.”

Phainon’s eyes were wide like saucers, lips parted. She took a step back and leaned against Mydei, who was glaring at her. She gave him an equally unimpressed look before ignoring him entirely and focused on the Deliverer. “Look, kid, you know well I’m not the kind of person who says stuff that’s overly sentimental and shit, but for you, I’ll make an exception this one time, and if you need anything, for fuck’s sake go to Hyacine. She knows how to handle this sort of stuff.

“Do you have any idea how hard it gets for all of us to hear you talk about yourself this way? You may be thanking us, but I know the real reason why you are. You may be sincere, but you’re using it as a shield, and I can’t stand it! I'm happy that our efforts are paying off, but you also need to start putting in the effort of letting go .”

Cipher paused, gauging out Phainon’s reaction. She had so much more to say but didn't want to all at once. Matters like these were extremely sensitive after all.

And once she saw him give her the tiniest nod as Phainon curled in on himself a surge of empathy rushed through her. Mydei hadn't moved from his spot next to her and instead clenched the grass, fingers twitching harshly against the dirt. Cipher had to commend him for that–if the roles were reversed and Castorice was in Phainon’s place she would've been restless herself.

“Listen to me, Phainon. Or Khaslana, whatever you go by. I know how it's like to feel alone. Truly alone, even if you have friends around you. Cassie and Agy have seen that ugly side of me plenty of times, and I think big sis Tribbie did as well at one point. I may look like I'm having the time of my life but hah! It's a mask I use, and that's what you're doing now because you think you're protecting everyone. From what exactly? Your Emanator powers? From yourself because you think you're a monster?”

“Cipher–” Mydei growled. 

She lifted a finger. “Sorry, little lion, but this is the only way to get through his thick skull. And just so we’re clear, I don’t see you as anything less than human, Phainon. None of us do. So why do you keep on treating yourself that way? You saved Amphoreus and all of us. If it weren’t for you holding Iron Tomb back the Trailblazers would’ve had a much harder time bringing it down. And it’s thanks to you for resetting the cycles over and over until the Express arrived to rewrite our home’s history. They might’ve been the final push we needed, but there wouldn’t have been any final push without you.”

After she had regained her memories thanks to Caelus and Cyrene and learning of the Deliverer boy’s action, she felt betrayed at first. After all, Phainon was their friend and a most trusted ally. Her anger and confusion had blinded her senses, and after she had calmed down poor horror overtook her senses. Before she knew it she rushed to Phainon and Mydei’s house and burst through the front door in her night dress, hair sticking up on all sides and nerves frayed, a dozen apologies on the tip of her tongue.

Though she never got the chance to utter even one out, for Phainon had scooped her into a hug and said two words that broke her resolve, the guilt spilling out as they both cried, muttering sorry over and over again before Mydei pulled them apart and made them stew. I know .

And here she was now, saying the unspoken words she wished to say all those months ago and Phainon looking at her like she had the answers of the universe in her palm. 

Mydei was looking at Phainon with worried eyes, probably wondering if her words were harsh for his poor, fragile brain. Pretty little possessive cub, any lion would be protective over their mate. But she stood by what she said earlier and refused to back down. Not when Phainon was looking at her like that . 

“Give yourself a chance, won’t you? Stop beating yourself down over the past when you’ve got all of us here, alive and kicking ass. We’re not going anywhere, and you’re not about to lose control and pull some dramatic ‘reset-the-planet’s-time-cycle’ stunt like a hammy-whammy stage villain again.”

Phainon snorted, loud and raw. “That’s one way to describe my eternal performance, I guess.”

Cipher grinned, fangs on full display. “I had a couple of other options in mind, but this was at the forefront of my brain.”

“Never change, Cipher. Never, ever change.”

“Don’t worry, pretty boy. I have no intentions on doing so. And stop looking at me like that little lion, if you’re trying to spook me, it’s not working.”

Mydei grumbled and rolled his eyes. “No idea what you’re talking about,” he said, focusing his attention on the Chimera sleeping on his lap.

“Sure sure,” Cipher said, standing up and stretching out her limbs. “Well, it’s been fun talking to you all and everything, and while I would love to stick around for a bit longer, I gotta dash.”

“So soon?” Phainon asked.

“Princess Homebody is expecting for my humble arrival, and I’d rather not face the wrath of the Holy Maiden of War. As for our arrangement, Phainon, I’ll treat you to food starting tomorrow. It’s a good thing I didn’t use up all my savings the seamstress gave me…” she mumbled at the end. She still had the goodies she stole from the rich folk, but she gave away a good portion of it to the people living in the streets. It wasn’t that she had no money on her at all, but her funds were significantly less than before.

Phainon barked out a laugh. “If you can’t pay that’s fine, Cipher. I can help out if you need.”

She furiously shook her head.  “N–no! That’s not happening! A deal is a deal and I will honor it. Name me the place where we’ll eat and I’ll be there. And it’s not like I’m going anywhere either, Agy and Prof Nax asked if I could stick around in Okhema for a few days.”

Cipher headed for the elevator, giving Master Thief–Cat one last scratch behind the ears before she headed home to grab her things. But right before she pressed that button…

“Hey, Snowy,” she said, not bothering to turn around.” She didn’t need eyes in the back of her head to know he was giving her that confusing stare right about now.

“Yes, Cipher?”

“It’s entirely up to you, but if you want, you could join me and Cassie when we visit Hyacine at the Grove for my therapy sessions. I’ve heard group counseling can be really effective, and you and I are not so different, aren’t we? Just give it some thought, okay? Once you make up your mind, you know how to find me.”

“I…I will. Thank you, Cipher.”

“Save your thanks for when you’ve started to feel better, Phainon. That’s when it will matter.”

Night time in Okhema was always beautiful.

Phainon stood outside the balcony, dressed in a simple loose shirt and pants and gazing at the moon. The wind was gentle, caressing his cheeks and playing with his snowy white hair. The stars were out, shimmering under the moonlight. The streets were empty, and the street lights were extinguished. 

It was a peaceful night, yet he couldn’t calm the turmoil that raged in his heart. No matter what he did his mind couldn’t stop replaying the conversation with Cipher. It wasn’t that he was actively trying to forget her words and toss them out the window, but right now that was all he could really even think about. While he was helping Mydei cook dinner and finish the last of their chores he spaced out, and nearly burnt the eggs and knocked over a glass. He apologized profusely to the king, who had rolled his eyes and told him there was nothing to be ashamed about before heading to their bedroom, claiming he needed to comb his hair and untangle the knots.

Even as Phainon leaned against the railing, cheek resting in his hand, trying to savor the tranquillity that night usually brought, he couldn’t focus. It was as if he were waking from a hazy dream, the clash of harsh tones and kind words snapping him back to reality. Cipher was known to speak sharply, always saying what was on her mind and being blunt. It was something he admired about her, even if it felt like she was picking him apart. 

He sighed, fighting the urge to unfurl his wings and wrap them around his frame. He felt oddly small at the moment, as if the universe was about to swallow him whole. It's a silly thought, really, for a being like him. Being one of Nanook's henchmen, one of the most powerful Emanators in the cosmos. He's defied fate thirty three million times. Maybe in the past his reasoning for feeling so down would be that his code was acting up. That maybe Lygus had somehow fucked up the rebooting system in his little Exomyth. Or maybe because he was always meant to be an anomaly. A being that should and shouldn't exist. He would've said that. He most definitely would have said that.

But he was no longer someone who was made from strings of zeroes and ones. His heart pumped blood because it needed to for him to be alive, not because of a command. Air filled his lungs because without it he'd be dead, not because he was programmed to do so. Phainon and everyone were real, living human beings, not bugs that served to fuel a power hungry machine.

But it was Cipher’s words that had knocked his senses into place. Not fully, but a little bit. They were words he had heard plenty of times but for some reason when they came from her they had hit him differently. She didn't sugarcoat her words just like the others, but she wasn't afraid to say them out loud. Everyone else had a bit of hesitation in their eyes except for her.

If Phainon had to describe how he was feeling right now…he couldn't. 

‘Gahhhhh,’ Phainon thought, rubbing his face. Cipher chose the wrong time to say all that to him. Then again, it all started because he said all those words. But when he tried to feel regretful over his meltdown the feeling never came. If anything he felt grateful.

Guess he wasn’t the emotional brick wall he always thought he was. Otherwise he would’ve shunned himself from everyone.

Footsteps padded across the wooden floor and Phainon let out a low chuckle, silently wondering if the universe had its eyes on him all the time. He leaned against the sturdy figure that had dropped its head on his shoulder, humming in delight as a wide hand ran down the length of his arm. “I thought you might’ve gone to sleep by now.”

“Not really tired,” Mydei yawned. “Vigethos and Fig Stew are busy playing around on the bed, so we'll have to wait until they tire themselves out ”

“Well, there goes our bedsheets,” Phainon mumbled, summoning his wings and wrapping the gold one securely around Mydei’s waist. “Shouldn't we head back inside and get them off from there?”

“They'll be fine. You know they listen to us.”

“Still, how do they have so much energy? I'm a God and even I get exhausted from time to time.”

Mydei shrugged. “They’re still young. If you're really worried about the blankets though, I can head back in and have them play on the floor.”

“No, that's ok,” Phainon said, dropping a kiss into his hair. “You're right. There's nothing to worry about.”

“Are you sure about that?” Mydei raised a brow. “Are you saying that to convince us right now? Because I'm not. I'm not convinced at all, Phainon.”

Was he? He meant the Chimera’s when he said that but he wasn't a fool to know what Mydei was really talking about. And the king knew the answer to that question very well.

He sighed and whispered, “can we save this conversation for tomorrow morning please?” He felt his voice crack at the end but he could care less.

Phainon could hear Mydei’s frown. “Phainon–”

“I promise,” he broke in gently, carefully untangling himself so he could meet his gaze. His hands traced their way to those broad shoulders, holding them with a steady grip. “Tomorrow at the breakfast table, we’ll talk. If you forget, I’ll remind you. If somehow I forget, then you remind me. Cipher’s words really struck a chord with me, Mydei. They truly did. The only person who’s ever managed to read me like a fiddle is Cyrene, and that’s only because we’ve both endured the same ordeal. I need to start taking the first few steps before I find myself unable to do so. You all have my back, and 

“I want to heal Mydei…I really want to…but I just don’t know how… ahh .”

He sniffed, tears pricking the edge of his eyes and before he knew it, he was being pulled into a hug, chin tucked under a sturdy chin, the scent of lavender and pomegranate filling his nostrils. Deft fingers made their way through his hair and he gasped, fighting the urge to sob. 

“Phainon,” the man whispered into his ear as the wind picked up, their only shield against the cold being Phainon’s wings. “My sun, my star, my everything. Healing isn’t linear. It bends and breaks, and it’s never the same for everyone. There is no ‘right place’ to begin. All that matters is the will to take one step forward, no matter how small. And hearing those words from you… it tells me everything. You want to recover, to feel whole again, and by saying it, you’ve already begun.

“But in my eyes, you’re not broken, Khaslana. You may bear cracks along your body, and your mind may feel fragile at times, but you are not broken. To me, you are whole, utterly and completely. And I’ll keep telling you that, again and again, until the day you finally let yourself believe it.”

He sniffed again, the tears rolling down his cheek and vaporizing. “It’ll take a very long time,” he laughed nervously, swallowing the lump down his throat. “You know my mind is stubborn. Who knows how long it’ll take you all to help me recover fully.”

Mydei held him closer. “And I don’t mind. I’ll gladly wait for that day to come, and when it does we’ll celebrate. First with all our friends and then just the two of us. We have an eternity together. A few years is nothing.”

“But what if…what if you get tired of me? What if one day you wake up and decide that I’m not worth it because I was taking too long?”

“HKS, you really think that low of me?”

“Not you. Me.”

“I think you know the answer to that question in your heart.”

“You mean my metaphorical heart.”

“I can hear it beating rapidly right now you dumbass.”

“...You got me.” Phainon huffed, nuzzling his nose into the crook of Mydei’s neck. “I guess if you say so then…”

Mydei hummed, rocking them side to side. “Out with it, Deliverer. I can sense you have something else to say.”

Blue eyes flashed gold for a few seconds in mild surprise before Phainon huffed out a laugh. “It’s…ok I’m not gonna sugarcoat it with lavish words, I was thinking about Cipher’s offer, tossing and turning her words in my brain.”

He stepped away and smiled.  A genuine smile, laid bare and true for the man he loved. Cipher had been right. He was done running from his problems. It was time Phainon began to face them, to tend to his health in both body and mind. The road to healing would be long, but just as Mydei had said–if he only had the will to take that first step, every step after would carry him closer and closer to a life of peace. The life his friends wanted him to have.

Mydei raised a brow, arms crossed. “So soon? I was expecting you to have an answer a few days later, or even forget.”

“You wound me Mydeimos!” Phainon gasped, his wings vanishing in golden light as he placed a hand over his heart. “I don’t dodge important stuff all the time, you know.”

“Sure, it’s only when it comes to matters that concern you.”

“Believe whatever you want to believe.”

“You little HKS. But enough of that, what’s your answer?”

Mydei crossed his arms and raised a brow. Phainon bit his lip to stop himself from laughing at his serious face. This was a serious conversation, if it could even be called that, and his king looked so nervous he was about to ask if the Kremnoan language did indeed have a word for fear in their dictionary.

But no. Not this time. He was going to treat this moment with the gravity it deserved. He was taking that first step, and he wanted Mydei to be there with him through every other step of the way. Phainon could only imagine the ecstatic look that’ll appear on his face once he says yes. That he will go to Hyacine’s office and talk. Let out all his frustrations and sorrows to his friends and share the burden of World–Bearing. Because after all…

World–Bearing isn’t something only one person could do all by them self.

He stepped forward, closing the space between them. With a cheeky smile, his lips hovering just an inch from Mydei’s, he whispered, “I think you know the answer to that in your heart.” Then he closed the distance, pressing their mouths together in a gentle kiss, his hand settling at the nape of his neck and smiled as one strong arm made its way to his waist, the other cupping his cheek, holding his face in place.

The future was uncertain, and there’s no telling what was in store for them. There will come days where they’ll be knocked down and on their feet, or when it would feel like fate was on their side. But Aglaea taught him to live in the present, and to deal with whatever comes at them when the time comes.

Being a Lord Ravager came with its own set of unique challenges, and Phainon always welcomed a new challenge. A creation of the Destruction who was now destined to hunt down his creator. Poetic, but that wouldn’t happen anytime soon. At least, not anytime in the foreseeable future. 

For now, he’ll enjoy the feeling of Mydei’s lips on his, the stars as their witness. He'll focus on healing and become the person he wanted. The Hero in his Heart. The part of him that longed for him to be a normal person. As normal he could be.

This time, with his companions and his beloved by his side.

"I love you," Phainon whispered after they finally parted, hugging him tight, fists on his chest. Mydei let out a breathless laugh, pecking his lip one last time.

"I love you too, Khaslana. 

"I love you too."