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Life for the moment was calm. Years had gone by since the world was reborn. There hadn't been movement from the anti-imperialists in quite a long while with the dissolution of the empire, so Mòrag and Brighid remained occupied with investigations and research rather than stake-outs and man-hunts. Zeke and Pandoria had their hands delightfully full with their two-and-a-half year old daughter and with Zeke reclaiming his mantle of Crown Prince, but married life was treating them both well. Tora and Poppi stayed busy in their lab, working on new technology to surpass even that of Morytha, what with so much being rediscovered every day to study and utilize. It was truly a wonderful time to be alive. After so much unrest for ages, the new world deserved a bit of peace.
“Rex?”
The young man looked up from his desk, where he had been going over some billing numbers for Garfont supplies. “Hm?” Turning his head to look behind him, he saw Nia stood at the door to the study. She was in her Blade form, though dressed more casually. Rex was always happy to see her comfortable with herself, and it warmed his heart even to this day. A smile broke across his face. “Hello, love, what can I do for ya?”
Nia took this as permission to enter and she shut the door behind her. “I, em, need to talk to ye about somethin',” she began as she crossed the room. Rex swiveled in his chair and held out a hand for her to take. She smiled softly and entwined his fingers with hers. “Somethin'... rather important.”
"Well, I am all ears,” Rex declared, shutting his book and pushing aside his pen and papers. “What's goin' on then?”
Nia stared down at their joined hands and ran her finger over his knuckles, tracing the tendons and caressing the bones. “How long 'ave tha four of us been together?”
Rex inhaled through his nose and let out a thoughtful sigh as he cocked his head. “Hmm. If you mean married, that's been... eight months now? A little over?” Nia nodded in confirmation. "But if you're talkin' together together? That's a bit harder to pinpoint, isn't it?” He chuckled to himself. “At least on my end it is.”
Nia giggled. “Yeah, I can imagine so.” She leaned into Rex and he released her hand to wrap an arm around her waist, nuzzling his head into her ribcage. “Pyra was first, a course. Though I still say I should be given first place accountin' fer I said it first. But, no matter, t'weren't a contest I s'ppose,” she waved it away, definitely ignoring her husband's head shaking against her chest as he laughed silently. “Nonetheless, she kissed ye first, yeah?”
“Tha' she did,” Rex smiled wistfully, basking in the sweet memory. “But you quickly claimed the second kiss. And Mythra moments after. Then they both 'ad a go for you. That was... what, three, four years ago now?”
“Just between three an' four, I think. When we all decided t'was better t' be together than apart,” Nia agreed. “Tha' ye were th' only one fer us. Besides each other a course.”
His heart squeezed at Nia's casual declaration. “The best choice of our lives.” He hugged her a little tighter. “You all make me so so happy,” Rex smiled sweetly up at Nia. “Truly, I don't think I could ever be happier.”
His wife chewed her lip and quirked up an eyebrow. “Not happier ever? Really?”
“Weeelll, maybe I'd like to visit with our friends more. S' been a while since we've seen our adorable niece, yeah?” Rex leaned back in the chair, folding an arm behind his head. He did miss their friends a good bit. “Maybe we oughtta invite everyone over soon. See if they can take a break from things to come visit for a while.”
“Tha' would be lovely. We could throw a party while we're at it,” Nia suggested with a smirk.
“Oh?” Rex peered up at her. "We got somethin' to celebrate? Not that I don't love a good bash with friends,” he chuckled. “Any excuse to share a drink or three is a good excuse.” He looked back at his desk and pulled on some papers aimlessly, already itching to write to their friends.
Nia's form went stiff where she stood in his embrace. Odd... “Yes, well, we could celebrate ye becomin' a father, I s'ppose. T'would be a good excuse as any.”
Rex froze, his hand hovering over the paper, and his breath stuck in his throat. His grip tightened on Nia’s hip as his brain caught up to her words. He wetted his lips, his mouth having suddenly gone dry. “W-Wha'? What... What did you say?”
“...I-I said... we could celebrate ye bein' a da. Tha' it would... be a good reason t' throw a bash.”
His head felt too full to process what was going on. Was this really happening? His arm slipped from around her waist and Rex swiveled in his chair to face her entirely. Nia's expression was a mix of trepidation and hope. Yes, this was in fact happening. Rex's eyes burned with unshed tears. “I'm... I'm a da?” he stuttered, his voice nearly breaking as he tried to hold his emotions at bay.
With a nod, Nia's own eyes began to glisten with wetness too. “I'm pregnant, Rex.”
That was the final straw. The dam broke. In an instant, Rex burst out crying and leapt to his feet, throwing his arms around his wife. “Nia, y-you beautiful, wonderful girl! Oh my days, th-thank you, thank you,” he sobbed. He peppered her face with kisses, wetting her cheeks with his joyful tears. His body trembled with the overwhelming happiness, and he could feel Nia shaking as well. He held on to her tighter, smiling through his tears. “I love you so much, Nia, so damn much.” Rex planted a final kiss to her lips and shook his head. “Holy hell, this... this is amazin'. This is crazy!” He laughed with a sob and pulled away just far enough to look at her. “Architect above, you're pregnant! We're gonna be parents, Nia!!”
Nia couldn't help but giggle wetly at his enthusiasm. “We are, love." She wiped away some of his tears with her thumb, before he laughed at himself and scrubbed a hand over his face. A thought crossed his mind amidst all the excitement and joy.
“D-Do Pyra 'n Mythra know yet?”
“No,” she shook her head. “I wanted t' tell ye first, seein' as yer the da an' all.” Rex's chest filled with warmth and happiness and he beamed at his beautiful wife, the woman carrying their child. Eyes prickling with more tears, he pulled her in for a deep and passionate kiss, where she no doubt could feel the rush of his love like a flood through their affinity bond.
They broke apart, and Rex rested his forehead against hers, one hand moving to lay tenderly on his wife's belly. “You... are so wonderful, you know tha'? And I love you so so much.”
“I love ye too, ye daft bastard,” Nia giggled.
A dad. He was going to be a dad. Oh there were so many people he needed to write to share the good news! Mòrag and Brighid and probably also King Niall and Aegaeon, and then Zeke and Pandoria, and Tora and Poppi. The whole gang of course. Oh but should he wait and announce it to them at a party like Nia suggested? That would be really fun. In any case, he'd want to write to Zuo and Yew and the rest of the Garfont Merc company. Then there's a number of folks in Torigoth he'd want to tell. Oh wait Auntie Corrine and Gramps would have to know before all of them or else he'd be in deep shit--
“How 'bout we tell our other spouses first, Rex?”
Rex looked up at his wife. “Huh?”
Nia bit back a smile. “Ye were mutterin', love. Write t' folks later. I think Mythra an' Pyra oughtta know first.”
Rex smacked himself on the forehead. “Obviously. Gah, I did mention them just before, didn't I.” He shook his head and grinned, grabbing Nia's hands as she giggled at his over-excitement. “Let's go get them! I don't want to wait another second!”
The Aegis twins sat on the sofa in the living room of the small house the four of them rented on Fonsett Isle, just outside of the village proper. A few other structures like it were built close by as new people settled in Leftheria over the years. Their house in particular was a cozy place, with just the right amount of space for their little family. However, the usual homey warmth was a bit stifling as the sisters sat in uncertainty. They eyed each other, neither of them sure why they'd been called for the impromptu family meeting.
Nia sat in the armchair across from them, clearly buzzing with some kind of anxious energy. Rex entered from the kitchen with a tray of tea, setting it out on the small coffee table within reach if anyone desired a drink. Pyra moved first, plucking up a teacup and saucer to hand off to Mythra before taking one for herself. She smiled up at Rex in thanks, who grinned back down at her before pecking her cheek. He then moved back and settled down on a footstool.
“Alright, what's the deal?” Mythra began, ever to the point. “Family meetings are on Sundays. It's Thursday.”
Pyra took her sister's free hand with her own and squeezed it reassuringly. “It's clearly nothing bad, Myth. They wouldn't have bothered with a proper meeting if it were, instead opting to tell us immediately.” She pulled her hand back and sipped at her tea, humming in delight at the taste. Jenerossi blend, yum.
“Doesn't make it any less annoying,” Mythra grumbled at her cup in her lap. She meant upsetting, but at this point everyone present understood that her verbal descriptions leaned toward the aggressive side. Still, Mythra was clearly put-off. They had a set schedule for a reason, and she exceedingly preferred to stick to it.
“I'm sorry, Myth, ya know we wouldn't do this for no reason. I promise it is a good thing though,” Rex said, leaning over to caress the blonde's knee soothingly. Mythra relaxed a little at his gesture, swapping her tea around to rest a hand over his for a moment.
Pyra noticed Nia out of the corner of her eye, seeing how the Gormotti Blade fidgeted and chewed her lip anxiously. She frowned. “Nia? Is everything alright?”
Nia's gaze snapped to her. “Mm? Oh, em, y-yeah. Jus'... nervous about... tellin' ye both this news... A little, em... scared, t-to be honest.” All three of her spouses turned to her with varying degrees of worry.
“Sweetheart, you know we'll be with you no matter what it is,” Pyra insisted, leaning forward in her seat.
“Yeah, we're a team. We get through stuff together,” Mythra agreed, her own momentary discomfort forgotten to comfort the other girl.
Rex glanced at the Aegises before looking back at Nia with a soft smile. “See? I knew they'd be supportive. No need to worry, love.”
With a tentative nod, Nia inhaled deeply and exhaled, steadying herself for whatever it was she needed to say. “Alright then, I'll jus' rip th' bandage off. Here goes.” She clutched her hands in her lap. “I... I'm pregnant.”
Stunned silence. Time stood still. Something clattered to the floor, and Pyra distantly registered it as her teacup falling from her hands.
“You're pregnant?!” Mythra screeched excitedly beside her.
Pyra jumped to her feet with an exclamatory shout. “Nia!!! Oh my gosh!!” Her cheeks were immediately wet with happy tears as she rushed to Nia's side to pull her up and into a hug. “Nia, this is so incredible!!!” She cupped the back of the other woman’s head and pulled her in for a brief but intense kiss. Nearby, Rex laughed cheerfully, and Nia pulled away and giggled with nervous excitement, ducking her head down bashfully. Pyra pulled away to let Mythra have a turn hugging the other girl. “Oh my gosh you're going to be a mother!! I'm so happy for you!!”
“That's so wild, Nia!!” Mythra exclaimed. She took one of Nia's hands in both of hers and pecked her lips while Pyra slid an arm around the water Blade's waist.
“Tha's, em, another thing I wanted t' talk about with ye's. Yer th' baby's mothers too, alright? I... I won't be havin' any less.”
Aaaand the tears were back. Pyra sniffled once, twice, before breaking down bawling into Nia's shoulder, noticing a few tears leak out of Mythra's eyes as well. “W-We love you so much, Nia-a,” Pyra hiccupped, pressing a kiss to her soft cheek.
“Very much,” Mythra added softly as she brought Nia's hand to her lips. “It'd be our honor to be their moms.” The women hugged each other in a cluster of joyous tears.
“How far along are you?” asked Pyra, once she felt she could properly speak without sobbing.
“Oh yeah,” Rex mumbled. “Forgot to ask tha' earlier.”
“Of course you would,” Mythra teased, looking over at their husband as she wiped away the last of her tears. “By the way, how come you got to know about it first?”
“Probably because he's the one who put the baby in her,” Pyra quipped, placing a gentle hand on Nia's belly. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the life that grew beneath her palm.
Rex laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head as he blushed. “Ah, heh, yeah, tha' I did. Not like you both weren't there also for tha' bit a fun.”
“To answer yer question,” interrupted a red-faced Nia, “th' doc an' I determined I'm about two an' a half months along.”
“Was that why you still went to the clinic earlier this week even though it was your day off from work?” Mythra asked. Nia hummed in affirmation.
“Oh my gosh, already two and a half months! You're nearly in the second trimester. Oh we need to start getting things ready, we'll have to order a crib, we should get it from that woodworker in Torigoth for the Gormotti puzzlewood, hm I bet Corinne has some hand-me-down baby clothes we can use, but a shopping trip will still happen nonetheless, I bet we could pull some due favors in Argentum--”
Nia laughed with her head thrown back. “Oh Architect's arse, yer nearly as bad as Rex when I told 'im!” She cackled full-bodied.
“I can't help it! I'm just so excited!” Pyra pouted, but quickly smirked at Nia's delight. “Oooh! We should throw a party and invite everyone to tell them!” she exclaimed.
Nia shook her head, still laughing. “I swear, ye an' Rex 'ave th' same brain sometimes.”
“We did talk about a party earlier,” Rex confirmed with a grin.
“I think it's a great idea,” Mythra agreed. “They'll never suspect what's coming.”
“As long as yer cookin', Py, I'll be there,” Nia smiled, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye.
Rex positively beamed with joy. “This is just so excitin'.” He crossed to the girls and leaned into Nia, nuzzling his face into her hair. “Hope you're ready to be spoiled rotten for the next few months.”
“She will be well taken care of,” said Mythra with a sweet smile, tucking a strand of hair out of Nia's face.
“I love ye all so much,” Nia mumbled bashfully.
“We love you too, Nia,” Pyra grinned and kissed her cheek.
“You know, we will probably have to look into a bigger place to live, what with a baby on the way,” Mythra chimed in. “Maybe one we properly own.”
Rex stroked the stubble on his chin. “Hm. Not too many places 'round here that'd be suited for a family our size, though. Maybe we should build a home from the ground up. One fit just to us.”
“One we could continue to grow our family in,” Pyra added with a smile.
“An' host all our friends,” Nia agreed.
“It's settled then,” Rex grinned, wrapping all three of his girls up in his arms. “With our family expandin', we'll find a plot a land an' stake our claim for our future.” A future where their children would be surrounded with love on all sides. Rex smiled to himself; he grew up without any parents, and now his children would have four. Life worked out in funny ways, sometimes. But there was certainly never a dull moment.
Nia jolted suddenly. “Titan's bollocks, I 'ave ta tell Dromarch!!”
Never dull at all.
A couple of weeks passed since the little family learned they would be growing in number. “Mmfm,” Rex grumbled as a push at his shoulder pulled him out of sleep. He tried to resituate and bury back under the blankets.
“Rex, get up!” whispered a voice harshly, before Rex’s shoulder was pushed again.
“Hm? S’goin’ on?” he slurred, cracking his eyes open. “Wha’s’appenin’?” Nia’s blurry face hovered over him. “You okay?”
“There’s someone bangin’ on th’ front door. I-I don’t know wha’ it is, o-or who.” Rex sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and finally taking in the anxiety on his wife’s face. The bedroom window only showed pitch blackness, signaling the lateness of the hour. “Can, Can ye please go see what’s goin’ on?”
“Yeah, a course, love, I’ll take care of it,” he assured, taking her hand and squeezing it. She crawled out of bed to let Rex slide past her. With their movement came a sleepy sigh from the other side of their giant mattress.
“Why’re you guys ‘wake?” Pyra mumbled.
“Someone’s at the door downstairs, Nia heard it,” Rex explained quietly. And now that he was awake, he could hear a rhythmic knocking as well.
“S’ too early for this shit,” Mythra groaned, rolling over and burying her face into Pyra’s shoulder blades. Rex silently agreed, tugging a shirt out of his dresser to pull over his head.
“Be back in a tick, just goin’ to see what it is they want.” Rex shut the bedroom door on his wives getting comfy again in bed, Pyra pulling Nia into her arms and Mythra snuggling against her sister’s back. To be envious of one’s own spouses. He sighed and padded down the stairs, jaw cracking with a wide yawn. Passing through the kitchen, he flicked on an ether lamp and dialed back the brightness with a wince. Another set of loud knocks echoed from the front door through the quiet house. “Alright, alright, calm your Camill, I’m comin’.” The deadbolt unlocked with a thunk and Rex pulled the door open. After a second of confusion, he looked down. “What the…?”
“Hello Rex-Rex!!” A fluffy orange and white striped wing waved eagerly.
“T-Tora?”
“And Poppi!” interjected the young mech-Blade, also waving with enthusiasm.
“Tora and Poppi are here for friend party gathering! Tora much excited to see friends again! Has been too many months since last seeing,” the Nopon said with a bounce. Rex noticed their suitcases beside them. It had been two weeks since they’d sent out the invitations to their friends, and the day of the celebration was upon them.
“Titan’s foot, Tora, it’s the middle of the night!” Rex exclaimed softly, threading a hand in his hair. “H-How did you… I thought ya weren’t arrivin' ‘til tomorrow?”
The fluffy wing gestured widely. “T-Technicality of that, time of now is tomorrow, now being morning time!” Tora diverted with a forced smile.
“Tora…” Rex warned. He was too tired for Tora’s long-winded fibs.
“A-Ah, R-Rex-Rex too smart, eh heheh,” the Nopon laughed weakly. “Tora and Poppi come in a-and Tora explain, good?”
With a controlled sigh, Rex pushed the door open wider. “Yeah, alright, you’re obviously welcome to come in. Just try not to be too loud, yeah? The girls are still in bed.” The Nopon and his Blade entered and Rex shut and locked the door behind them. He helped them pull their luggage out of the foyer into the living room, where he gestured for them to sit. “Make yourselves comfortable. Ya need anythin’ to eat or drink?”
“Tora famished, could use snacky-snack if Rex-Rex offering?” the young Nopon grinned as he plopped down in the armchair.
“Masterpon stop for snacking break approximately seventeen minutes ago. Use of “famished” is incorrect. “Gluttonous” more appropriate word choice,” Poppi corrected, to which Tora made an affronted noise. “Rex not need to put himself out for Masterpon sake. Already doing favor in letting us in home at sleeping hour.”
“Alright, if ya say so,” Rex chuckled tiredly, taking a seat on the sofa. “So, tell me. Why on Alrest are you here at,” he glanced at a wall clock, “2:17 in the mornin’, instead of a reasonable hour like any sane person?” He leaned back against the cushions and crossed his arms. “The usual ship from the Torigoth province doesn’t arrive until three in the afternoon. How’d you get ‘ere from Gormott so fast?”
“Tora decided not to wait for slow-slow transport! Was able to sell ticket and buy passage on sooner-leaving, smaller titan boat. Smaller titan drop Tora and Poppi off at harbor closer to Fonsett, and Poppi-boosters flying get Tora and luggage between islands much-much speedy compared to bridges! And, eh heheh…” Tora rubbed the back of his head with a wing. “...Tora miscalculated exact timing of arrival with all changes made.”
“I’ll say ye surely miscalculated,” said Nia’s voice with a feline growl. Rex turned and spotted two of his wives standing at the base of the stairs. Nia wore a snuggly looking robe over her night dress, whereas Mythra seemingly borrowed some of Rex’s older sweatpants to pair with her sleep shirt. Nia scowled at the Nopon with her arms crossed over her chest, looking far more awake than Mythra did, who clung to their wife. “All yer noise kept me awake, could ‘ear it even through th’ closed door. Ye sure are a loud ball a fur, aren’t ye?”
Poppi gasped excitedly at the sight of them. “Mythra and Nia!” The little Blade rushed across the room to pull both of them into a hug. Despite their sleepiness, neither woman could deny her affection. “Poppi missed having time with girls, missed friends very much!”
“Yeah, we missed you too, Poppi,” Mythra smiled sleepily.
The artificial Blade pulled back suddenly, glancing between the two before settling her gaze on Nia. “Something different with friend. Scans detect--”
“Alright, I set up a cot in the study,” said Pyra, who came down the stairs with perfect timing. Rex could see the shock in Nia’s face as potential disaster was avoided. “The inn in the village won’t have your reservation for you until tomorrow afternoon-- or I guess… this afternoon-- so you can sleep here for the rest of tonight.”
As Pyra led Tora through to the study, chatting with him amicably despite the late hour, Rex darted over and took Poppi by the hand. “Poppi? Could I talk with you a moment?”
Poppi smiled up at Rex. “Poppi happy to discuss anything with friends.”
“Great, follow me.” He led the little Blade into the kitchen where he was certain he wouldn’t be overheard by Nopon hearing. “Okay. Poppi. I’ve got a favor I need to ask of you.”
“Of course! How can Poppi help Rex?” she asked with a happy little sway to her hips.
This was going to be tough to explain without giving anything away. “Alright. So, I know ya do a lot of passive scans, yeah?”
Poppi nodded. “Yes, Poppi keep constant environmental scans running in background processes to boost system efficiency. Primary environmental scans focus on ether sources.”
“Right. Those. Well. I want ya to keep the results a those ether scans to yourself for a while, until I tell ya otherwise. Even if you sense somethin’... unusual, particularly if it’s about the ether signatures of our friends. Got it?”
“That… odd request…” Poppi pondered. “But… Rex not ask for things from Poppi unless really important. Is this one of those things?”
Rex smiled. “Yes, it’s really important. I promise it’s nothin’ bad, and you’ll find out what’s goin’ on soon. But, for now, don’t say anythin’ about your passive scans to the others.”
With an enthusiastic salute, Poppi grinned at him “Will follow orders, Rex!”
“Excellent. Let’s get ya to bed now, you’ve ‘ad a long day of travel.” Taking the little Blade by the hand, Rex led Poppi out of the kitchen, pausing only a moment to fetch their suitcases, and led her upstairs to the study.
“Unka Weeeeeex!!!”
Rex stood at the end of the dock and suddenly found himself with an armful of toddler. “Princess!! How's my favorite niece doin'?” He nuzzled the top of her little green head, causing the little girl to giggle.
“Good!” she grinned.
“Linka!!” Rex looked up and saw his best friend the Crown Prince of Tantal jogging across the port. “Linka, please,” Zeke von Genbu panted once he caught up to them, “don't run off without Mummy or Daddy, sweet girl!”
The little girl pouted fiercely. “But Dada! It Unca Wex!!” she whined, as if that explained everything.
“Aww, don't be such a worrywart my Prince, Rex was right there to catch her,” followed Pandoria, who appeared moments after her husband. The electric Blade grinned at the other man. “Great to see you, Rex.”
“You as well, Pandoria,” he replied, putting out his free arm to hug her. Linka then scrambled across the adults to wiggle into her mother's arms.
“Indeed, old chum!” Zeke postured, having recovered from his sprint in record time. “It's been far too long!” He slapped Rex's back good-naturedly, sending the slightly shorter man teetering for balance. “I'm so glad we had the chance to get away from all the bustle and doldrum of court life to spend some quality time with our dearest friends, wouldn't you agree Pandy?”
Pandoria rolled her eyes with a smirk. “Every day is a chaotic adventure with you, my Prince, in spite of the doldrum. But yeah, I'm super happy we're here. Plus, we finally get the chance to show Linka around Leftheria and Fonsett Village!” She bounced the little girl in her arms, who giggled in response.
It was truly wonderful to see Zeke and Pandoria again. Both of them looked great; Zeke was actually wearing a shirt that covered his whole chest and pants with no holes in them, and Pandoria sported a pinstripe vest, a blouse with a ruffled collar, and cut-off pants rather than her standard Blade attire. Linka wore a dress that matched her mother's pinstripes, making them look near identical. They looked like life was treating them well. Oh how Rex had missed them-- even if it hadn't been too terribly long since they'd last seen each other in person, only a couple of months.
“Man, it's hard to believe Linka is this big already!” Rex commented as the group began walking off the dock. “Feels like just yesterday you could hold 'er in one arm!” A dock-worker had just finished loading and securing the von Genbu luggage onto a cart the royal family brought with them. Zeke slid them a few Gs with a nod and grabbed the handle to pull the cart behind him.
“I know! She was just a squishy little prune when she was born! Now look at her, she could wrestle a phonex and win!!” Pandoria squealed, nuzzling kisses into her daughter's soft cheek. Linka shrieked and batted at her mother, who only doubled down with her love attacks and made the toddler laugh loudly.
Down the path a bit, a tamed Ardun was tied to a post. Next to it sat a small wagon, and Rex approached it confidently. “Alright, this is us. Rented this lad to do some work for me, specifically haulin' friends across the islands.” He gestured to the luggage cart. “Zeke, you can tie that to the back, and the three a you can sit in the wagon proper.” Rex got to work hooking the wagon up to the Ardun.
“Right'o, chum!” Zeke exclaimed, before tugging the cart right over a small hole in the ground and sending it and himself tumbling into the dirt.
Eventually, everything was set and the group was on their way. It wouldn't be too long of a journey, not with how the Leftherian archipelago had settled after the major titans collided with the old continent. The larger islands had migrated closer together, and with no Cloud Wall to cut it in half, a trip across the whole way was much more of a straight shot. This trip in comparison was a breeze. It was only an hour and a half from the harbor to Fonsett, and the whole trip was filled with chatter. Linka curiously pointed out various sights that Rex would explain and Zeke would recall some story of a creature they'd fought.
As the hilltop village appeared around the bend, the toddler began jumping excitedly, rocking the wagon. “Whoa, cool your engines baby, turn that power down a notch!” Pandoria said, trying to get Linka to settle.
“Yook Mama!!” the little Bladeling replied as she pointed at the village, entirely ignoring her mother's pleas.
“Tha' right there is Fonsett Village, Linka! S'where I grew up,” Rex described proudly from his place in the drivers' seat. “And just at the bottom of the hill, that's where I live with your aunties. That's where we're headed!”
As they rode closer to the house, Rex smiled to himself when he heard what sounded like Pyra call out from inside “They're here!”
The wagon pulled up to stop just beyond the small fence surrounding the plot, and Pyra came bursting out of the house with a grin on her face. Zeke hopped out of the wagon with only a little bit of stumbling and helped his wife and daughter climb out safely, Linka settling in her father's arms. Rex climbed down and circled to the back.
“Oh my goodness it is so good to see you all!” Pyra exclaimed, rushing over to pull Pandoria into a tight hug. Rex smiled from where he was untethering the luggage cart.
The electric Blade giggled excitedly. “Same here, it's been way too long!”
Zeke ambled forward with Linka. “Ah, the wondrous Aegis, so delighted to see you again, my dear.” He took Pyra's hand and kissed the back of it.
“Indubitably, my good Zeke,” Pyra joked with an overly-dainty curtsey.
“I'd hug you but I seem to have my arms full with precious cargo,” Zeke mused. “Which is odd, because I swore I was holding my daughter a moment ago.” Linka giggled at her father's silliness from his arms. “Hmm, where could she be...” He overdramatically looked back and forth, with an exaggerated frown of confusion on his face. Zeke lifted the toddler in the air, inspecting the space beneath her. “No, not under there,” he hummed, as Linka squealed. He brought her back down abruptly, resulting in a shrieked laugh. Pyra hid a chuckle behind her hand as Zeke whipped around to Pandoria, Linka clutched to his chest. “Darling, have you seen a small girl, cute as a button, spitting image of you with mint green hair anywhere?”
Pandoria tapped her chin. “Hmm, that sounds familiar buuuuut I don't think I have. Would you say she's about,” she held her hands out a distance apart, “yay big?”
Zeke tucked Linka under his arm like a sack of potatoes and put his hands on his hips, the little girl still giggling wildly. “You know, I would say so. I wonder where she could've gone.” He stood there another moment, the only sounds being the toddler's laughter and Rex and Pyra's muffled chuckles. He and Pandoria searched, turning their heads back and forth with synchronized movements. “Hm. Here, hold this,” he said, handing off Linka to his wife without looking. Pandoria took the toddler without glancing down at her, and Zeke circled around the wagon with loud inquisitive hums. As he made it back around, he did a dramatic double take at Pandoria. “Wha-- Well there she is!!”
Pandoria pretended to startle and notice the fact she was holding her daughter. “What the-- how'd you get here?! You sneaky girl!!” Pandy attacked her with tickles which made Linka shriek with laughter yet again.
Rex pulled the luggage cart around the wagon and inside the fenced yard. Zeke moved to take it from him but Rex waved him off. With a shrug, Zeke turned back to the women. “Well,” Zeke said with a clap of his hands, “now that we've located her-- Linka, do you remember your Auntie--?”
“AUNTIE PYWA!” Linka shouted, leaping away from the tickling hands into Pyra's arms.
“Hello to you too, Linka!” Pyra laughed, catching the little girl. Rex grinned to himself-- his friends were naturals as parents. It made him excited for his own fun he’d soon get to have. And damn did Pyra look perfect holding a child. Not her own, but that could be rectified in the future.
“I didn't realize that your ascent to the throne would be heralded by child-torture, Prince Ozychlyrus.”
With a grace only found in the (former) imperial inner-circle, Mòrag Ladair crossed the yard from the open front door with a bemused smirk on her face. She was relatively dressed down, not in her recognizable Special Inquisitor uniform but in simple slacks and boots and a short-sleeved turtleneck tunic. She’d even forgone the iconic uniform hat. Zeke clicked his tongue in mock annoyance. “Damn. I thought we had made it here first,” he exclaimed.
“We arrived earlier this morning,” explained Brighid, who as always was only a step behind her wife. The flame Blade looked just as regal as she always did, just a lot more relaxed.
“I must say, it is good to know that your voluminous vocal heritage has not been lost to the unknowable genetic lottery, and in fact might have only been enhanced with your combined traits,” Mòrag teased as she sauntered up to the Tantalese prince, hands together behind her back.
“I'll have you know, I only understood about half of those words, but I can spot a backhanded compliment from a titanped away,” Zeke countered.
“She said Linka's loud cuz we're loud, my Prince,” simplified Pandoria.
“Ah... Well, to be frank with you, I can't honestly deny that,” Zeke chuckled. “Good to see you Mòrag.” He put out his arm which the woman immediately clasped.
“You as well, Zeke, Pandoria,” she nodded to the electric Blade as she acknowledged her with a cheerful gleam in her eyes.
“And it is especially lovely to see you, Your Little Highness,” Brighid smiled at Linka.
“Do you remember your Aunties Mòrag and Brighid, baby?” Pandoria prompted the toddler.
“Hewwo!” Linka beamed, waving over at them.
“What the heck is taking so long out here?” came Mythra’s voice. Rex turned and saw her and Nia exiting the house, walking hand in hand. Nia wore a loose flowy top that hadn’t been part of her wardrobe until recently. He smirked at what it hid.
“Shell’ead, why’re ye makin’ a racket on my lawn?” Nia scowled.
“Well well! If it isn’t Blondie and Furry Ears!” Zeke smirked. “You both look awfully chummy.” He wasn’t wrong; Mythra had become very clingy to Nia in the past couple weeks. Not that anyone particularly minded.
“Here, I’m going to take the Ardun up to the village stable, you all go inside and make yourselves comfortable,” Pyra decided.
“I can do that, love,” Rex tried to stop her, but was met with an armful of toddler.
“You’ve driven back and forth a lot today, I can take care of it. Go relax with our friends.” The redhead pecked his cheek and shooed him and everyone towards the house. “I’ll be back shortly.”
As the flame Blade went to take care of the animal, Rex set Linka down and smiled at his friends and family. “Well, you all heard the lady. Off we go!”
“So when are Poppi and Tora supposed to be getting here?” Pandoria asked as she sat down in the living room. A spread of tea and sandwiches and cookies and other finger foods sat temptingly on the coffee table, courtesy of Pyra no doubt. Rex snatched up a Hot Ruby Steamed Bun and ripped a bite off of it before Nia could swat at him for eating before the guests.
“Actually, they got here yesterday, practically in the middle of last night,” Mythra groused. She poured tea and handed a cup of the Armu Milk Earl Grey to Brighid, then another to Pandoria.
“Furball “miscalculated”,” Nia emphasized with air quotes, “‘ow long it would take them to get ‘ere, an’ ended up poundin’ on our door at two in tha mornin’.” She crossed her arms with an annoyed huff and an ear flick, and Rex pecked her cheek to comfort her. “Woke me up right quick.”
“Let me guess, the furball is still sleeping, then?” Zeke remarked. The deadpanned stare and nod from Mythra made him snort. “Typical.”
“In his defense, they did travel across the islands by foot. That’s gotta be somewhat tirin’,” Rex brought up, stealing a Baked Narcipear off of Pandoria’s plate. She stuck her tongue out at him and he just winked and popped the treat into his mouth as he walked away. He left the last exchange between himself and Poppi from the previous night unmentioned, as per the nature of secret discussions.
“Well, in our defense, he wouldn’t ‘ave ‘ad ta walk all tha’ way if ‘e’d just stuck to th’ schedule we’d agreed upon,” Nia countered. “I ‘ave ‘alf a mind t’ go wake him up meself now tha' we’re all here.”
“Nah, that won’t be needed,” said Mythra. “I told Poppi that once she was recharged to wake him up if he wasn’t out of bed by a certain time. I think I said... one in the afternoon.” She glanced up at the nearby wall clock. “So that should be happening any second now,” she smirked.
Right on cue, as the clock ticked to mark the hour, a large thud sounded from above them, followed by a disgruntled yelp. Metal clanged down the stairs as Poppi came into view, carrying her Driver thrown over her shoulder. Tora was wiggling indignantly. The little Blade gasped and her eyes lit up seeing everyone gathered. “Friends! All of Poppi’s friends!” She dropped the Nopon unceremoniously with a thud and rushed into the living room. Mòrag, being the closest, was the first to receive a hug. “So good to be with all of friends again!!”
“It is a delight to see you as well, Poppi,” Mòrag smiled, returning the embrace. Poppi flitted around the room hugging all of the newcomers as Tora picked himself up off the floor.
“Meh meh!! Rude of Poppi to wakey-wakey Tora with such extreme force!” grumbled the Nopon, dusting himself off.
“Masterpon was not awake, and friends had arrived. Poppi used adequate force,” the mech replied from where she was cuddling Brighid next, before moving on to Zeke. “Masterpon should not sleep so late when expecting company.”
“Long journeys make Tora tired. Cannot help it,” he pouted. “But! Is good to be seeing friends again! So uppity-side of wakey is worth it.”
“Mama… dat a po-pon?” asked Linka curiously from her mother’s lap.
“He is a Nopon, yes baby. Hey Tora, Poppi!” Pandoria called to them. “I think this might be the first time Linka’s met you since she was born. Come say hi!” The Nopon Driver and his Blade made their way over to where Pandoria sat with the tiny girl. “Linka, this is Tora, and Poppi,” she introduced, pointing to each of them in turn.
“Hello Linka! Gotten much much bigger since last seeing!” Tora grinned, waving with his wing.
“Poppi was once small girl like Linka. One day, Linka will be big girl like Poppi!” exclaimed the little Blade with a big smile.
“Can you say hi to Poppi and Tora, baby?” Pandoria encouraged.
Linka stared at the two new people and smiled widely. “Hewwo Poppi an' Towa!” Everyone in the room swooned at least a little at how adorable the scene was. Rex spared a glance at Nia and noticed her subtly put a hand over her belly, no doubt thinking about their own baby she’d get to have the same experiences with.
“Can Poppi do biometric scan on Linka to add to file about friends in Poppi’s database?” Poppi asked, looking between the two parents. “It for personal record-keeping, and Linka is friend now so Poppi look out for Linka.”
Zeke shrugged and nodded once his wife also nodded. “Sure, I don’t see why not. I’m assuming you have tons of information about all of us up in that big noggin of yours after all these years. So, scan to your little metal heart’s content, Poppi!”
With a salute, Poppi closed her eyes and reopened them, and they took on an unusual orange glow as they slowly moved down Linka’s form. The tiny girl nibbled on a cookie, entirely unaware of and uninterested in what was going on. “DNA sample required,” Poppi announced, and she poked a metal finger near the toddler’s lips. As it is the case that young children have a tendency to explore the world by sticking things in their mouth, Linka instinctively turned her head and bit around the appendage. Noticing that it was not the cookie she’d been eating, Linka startled and blinked up at Poppi with confusion. The Blade pulled her hand away and the orange glow intensified for a moment. “Scan and analysis complete!” Her eyes faded back to normal.
“Well I certainly don’t recall you ever probing a finger in my mouth, Poppi,” Zeke said, a little weirded out if the expression on his face meant anything.
“Poppi not needed saliva sample from Zeke. Zeke get injured enough Poppi was able to use blood instead,” Poppi replied, unphased. Rex nearly choked on his tea trying not to laugh, and started coughing as the liquid went down the wrong way. Pandoria, for her part, did not hold back, and cackled loudly at her husband’s expense. Even Mòrag stifled a chuckle behind her hand.
“She’s gotcha there, Zeke,” Mythra snorted.
The front door opened suddenly, catching everyone’s attention. “I’m back!” In walked the flame Aegis, followed closely by a large fluffy feline figure. “And I brought someone with me!” Rex smiled at Pyra as Dromarch wove his way around her legs to greet everyone-- a great idea on her part to fetch the beast Blade.
“There’s my favorite tiger!” Pandoria grinned.
“Ah, Dromarch, I was beginning to wonder if we would need to send a search party to locate you before the day’s end,” Mòrag teased.
“Your concern is appreciated, Lady Mòrag,” Dromarch replied with a rumbling laugh, “but I merely spend my days at the village schoolhouse assisting the teachers and children when my Lady does not require me. I try not to be too hard to find.” The large feline crossed into the room. “In any case, I apologize for my delay; one of the youngsters had fallen during play and injured their arm. I was aiding the teacher Smaia in healing them.”
Nia rolled her eyes. “Pfft. Don’t apologize fer doin’ what yer good at, Dromarch. Ye were needed, an’ yer here now. It’s all settled.”
“So, what did we miss?” Pyra asked, as she crossed to sit between Pandoria and Brighid on the sofa. Dromarch curled his way around his Lady’s legs and ushered her toward the unoccupied armchair. Despite not knowing the full scope of her condition, the loyal beast was aware Nia had been feeling unwell recently and was as pushy doting as ever. Rex appreciated it at least, even if his wife grumbled about it.
“Your spouses regaled us with the tale of Poppi and Tora’s arrival,” Zeke mentioned. “Very hilarious, if I do say so myself.”
“And then Poppi stuck her finger in Linka’s mouth,” Mythra smirked. Pyra gawked.
“Pardon?” Dromarch inquired with confusion.
“You can’t leave out that it was for a… what was it called? Biometric scan? Of the child,” Brighid cut in. “It makes it sound like she was just violating Linka’s personal space when you put it like that, Mythra.”
Mythra shrugged. “Yeah but it’s funnier that way.”
“Poppi notice something during analysis of Linka, now that friends on topic,” the little Blade chimed in. “Eye shape conducive to that connected to farsightedness. Will require corrective lenses.”
“You… can detect that Linka will need glasses?” Brighid repeated incredulously.
“Correct!” Poppi nodded.
“Wow, she’s goin’ ta look even more like ye, Pandy,” Nia pointed out. “Inheritin’ everythin’ from ye it seems.”
“These aren’t even real,” Pandoria said, pulling off her glasses and holding them out, adjusting Linka in her lap. “I wear them cuz they look cute on me, not cuz my eyesight’s bad.”
Rex set aside his tea cup and narrowed his gaze across the room. “Wait a minute… don’t you wear contact lenses, Zeke?” All heads turned to Zeke, who suddenly tensed up.
“Uh… w-well yes--”
“Didn’t we learn that the whole eyepatch thing started because you could only afford one lens for a long time?” Pyra recalled with a tap to her cheek.
“The Eye of Shining Justice is visually impaired,” Pandoria confirmed with a nod, to which Zeke cried out an affronted “P-Pandy!” in response.
“Wait, so then that means Linka inherited that trait from you,” Mythra explained.
In the span of a few seconds, Zeke went through numerous facial expressions, from his initial indignation to confusion to awe to exuberance. He let out a gleeful laugh. “Ha! She got it from me!” Rex kept in close contact with his friends, and knew from his letters with Zeke that as much as he loved his daughter, he secretly wished she'd gotten some physical traits of his. Still, Zeke did adore that she looked just like his beloved wife.
Mythra side-eyed him. “Yeah… That’s what I said…”
“You say this as if it is a good thing,” Brighid remarked.
Zeke puffed up with a proud smirk. “That’s right! I, Zeke von Genbu, Bringer of Chaos, Zekenator Extraordinaire, strongest Driver in all of Alrest, have passed my legendary Eye of Shining Justice down to its one true inheritor!!”
His electric Blade giggled quietly. “Well, uh, honey, your one true inheritor is currently falling asleep on my shoulder.” True to Pandoria’s word, the tiny girl was struggling to keep her eyes open, the cookie she’d been eating slipping from her hand. Zeke practically melted, cooing at the sight of his daughter. He moved around the sofa to kneel next to them. It really was quite adorable.
Glancing around the room, Rex smiled to himself as he took in the expressions of his wives. Pyra had her hands clasped at her chest and looked fit to bursting with joy. Mythra was twisting the end of her hair with her fingers absently, awed curiosity in her eyes as she watched the other family. And Nia… One hand clenched her shirt where it rested over her midsection, gazing softly at the scene. Rex huffed a silent laugh under his breath. Her ear twitched, and Nia’s attention turned his direction. Her lips pursed into a gentle smile, while her eyes held a conspiratorial gleam. Their friends sure were in for quite the surprise.
“Why don’t we get you all settled in your rooms at the inn?” Pyra suggested in a soft voice, not wanting to wake the toddler. “Dinner won’t be for a while, so you can have some time to refresh yourselves after traveling, and then we can all meet up here around six. Of course, you’re welcome to come back sooner to hang out if you’d like.”
“Yeah we definitely should put her down for a nap before party time,” Pandoria said, standing with Linka in her arms.
“I wouldn’t mind a bath myself,” Brighid agreed and stood as well.
“Ladies, you are welcome to put your belongings in our cart, and ol’ Thunderbolt can haul it over to the inn for you,” Zeke offered to Mòrag and Brighid.
“I would not turn down such a courteous offer. It is much appreciated,” replied Mòrag.
“Masterpon, Poppi will take things to inn as well,” the mech Blade decided, crossing to the stairs to fetch their suitcases.
Soon all of their friends were making their way out of their house, promising to be back in time for dinner. As Rex shut the door behind them, he turned to his family with a smile. “Alrighty. Let’s get ready for a party.”
The party was set up behind the house near the beachfront. Tall torches were staked in the ground to illuminate the area. The dining table and chairs had been brought from inside, along with a few other borrowed pieces to extend the length and allow for more room. Multi-colored triangles of paper fluttered in the wind on banner lines of twine.
“You’ve really outdone yourself this time, love,” Rex called over his shoulder as he carried out a platter of veggies through the back door. Numerous dishes of all kinds of food covered the tables, some with ether heaters under the dishware to keep them warm. Everyone’s favorites were there. Pandoria had been by a while ago to assist in food prep, but had left for the inn to change. Rex set his platter on the table along with everything else.
“Well, we’re celebrating an important announcement. I want everyone to enjoy themselves,” Pyra replied. She brought out a pitcher of Fizz Juice and set it at one end of the table.
“I had been wondering why we were all coming together for an extravagant dinner,” said Dromarch, startling Rex slightly. He’d forgotten the feline was around; last he’d seen, the beast Blade had been curled up on the large bed upstairs with Nia as she napped.
“Ah, y-you weren’t supposed to hear that,” Pyra grimaced as she wrung her hands.
The feline sat back on his haunches and looked between Aegis and Driver. “Tell me truthfully. Does this have anything to do with my Lady’s recent condition?”
Rex looked to Pyra, who glanced over at him as well. Rex scratched his cheek. “W-Well, um, y’see…” he laughed nervously.
Dromarch hummed thoughtfully. “I figured as much. And I can ascertain what it is that’s been afflicting her.” The Blade smiled softly at Rex, who blinked in shock.
“You… You can? Wha-- How?”
“I am a seasoned healer as well, Master Rex,” he chuckled. “And my Lady is my Driver, and I am deeply in tune with her ether flow. But I promise, I will keep the news to myself. I assume you wanted me to find out alongside all the others?”
Pyra nodded. “We wanted it to be a surprise. Nia did want to tell you sooner, but then we were torn about who all to tell when…”
“--and then we just decided to tell everyone all at once, so it’d be even across the board,” Rex finished.
“Please do not worry, I am not upset or offended in any way,” Dromarch shook his head. “I will still act surprised when it is announced.”
“Thank you for bein’ so understandin’,” Rex sighed with a smile.
With Dromarch’s help, and eventually Mythra’s, the set-up for the party was finished in no time. Pyra hustled them back into the house to get dressed, and within the half hour, their friends began to arrive. Folks from the village came as well, including Rex’s aunt Corinne, and some of the Garfont guys. And of course, the party was being held on the beach for ease of access for one particular guest.
“Gramps!”
The titan swung his large head over and smiled. “Rex, my boy!” Rex ran over and threw a hug around the closest part of his grandpa he could reach.
“How’s your little vacation been treatin’ ya?”
Azurda chuckled. “It has been very nice, yes, thank you. Very relaxing assisting Dromarch and the teachers at the school, compared to hauling you and yours back and forth between the various Garfont Mercenary sites.”
“What, a half dozen squealin’ tikes is more relaxin’ than cruisin’ along with me on your back?” Rex laughed. “Nah, I knew ya needed a break. Some of the newer outpost locations are a bit far out there. I appreciate ya bein’ willin’ to take me where I needed to go, Gramps.”
“Always, my boy. I am happy to help you where I can,” Azurda smiled. “Ah, but it seems you are needed.” The titan nodded in an indicating way, and Rex turned around to see Pyra beckoning him.
“Sorry, Gramps, duty calls!” The young man rushed off to find his red-headed wife, who stood near the house’s backdoor. “Hello Py, what’s up?”
“Everyone is here, I think it’s time to gather at the table.”
Rex nodded and smiled. His anxious excitement was building. “Right. Let’s do this then.” He turned out toward the crowd of friends and family. “Everyone! Hey, can I have everyone’s attention!” No one seemed to hear him over the din of the conversations and the music that played from the record spinning on a side table. He frowned, until he felt a nudge at his side.
“I got this,” Mythra assured. She walked over to the record player and pulled the needle off, then cupped her hands around her mouth. “HEY! LISTEN UP!!” Everyone went quiet, those closest to Mythra even startling at her shout. Rex held back a chuckle.
“Thanks, Myth,” he smiled at his wife. “Hello everyone! Go ahead ‘n take your seats, and we can start eatin’ this gorgeous food!” Rex took a seat at the head of the long table, closest to the house. He had initially insisted that Pyra sat there, as out of all of them she filled the role of head of their household. Even the other two women agreed; she was their homemaker. Despite that, Pyra declined and all but forced Rex there. She wanted him and Nia to have their moment in the spotlight, and he’d be finishing off the dinner with a short speech anyway.
Speaking of, dinner was delicious. Pyra wasn’t kidding when she said she wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. Quite literally everyone’s favorites were on the table. Fried Octomayo, Quoteletta, Cloud Sea Crab Sticks, Dried Sunfish Juicy Samod, Addam’s Embercakes, Pan-Fried Tartari, and of course both Orange Cream Paratha and Snowbaby Potato Salad for the lady of the hour. Oh and the desserts, Architect, Rex could write songs about the desserts. Sky Jewel Tarts, Thawing Mille Feuille, Melodious Melon Parfait, even going as far as ordering Lovemerry Cake from Gorg's patisserie in Uraya and having it shipped just for the party. Rex couldn’t believe this was all happening. Even without knowing the meaning behind the gathering, everyone came together to have a good time. Rex smiled to himself and looked around the table.
To his right was Pyra, with Mythra just on her other side, both of them enjoying their drinks as they finished up their plates. Next to Mythra was Brighid, then Mòrag, who held her Blade and wife’s hand delicately. They chatted amicably with those around them. Then there was Aegaeon, who had arrived later than his other companions, bringing the regards of the former-Emperor-now-King. Beside the Ardanians was Yew then Zuo, with Roc just beyond them; Roc had taken to staying at the mercenary guild’s HQ with the two men and working there, saying it was fulfilling. Zuo was laughing at some joke that had Yew shaking his head.
To his left was Nia, looking nervous yet radiant. Beside her sat ever loyally Dromarch, whom Nia had a hand buried in his fur. Then it was Pandoria who was talking with Mòrag, and then Zeke with little Linka seated in his lap. The little Bladeling was pulling Fried Octomayo off her mother’s plate. Next to Zeke was Tora and Poppi, Tora being scolded for telling a bad joke to the mercenaries. Auntie Corinne sat next to the little mech, with another Blade on her other side: Karyn, Rex’s first ever Blade besides Pyra, who presently worked in the orphanage with his aunt. Fonsett's Mayor Willas sat beyond her. And at the far side of the table, the end opposite of Rex was left open to Gramps to give a clear view into everything, though his dinner was on the ground beneath him.
Time to address them all.
Rex stood up from his seat, downing his drink and clearing his throat with how tight it felt. “Right. Can I have everyone’s attention?” he said over the chatter. Someone started shushing the others and it went quiet as the requested attention turned to him. “Thanks all for comin’. I know some a ya came a ways to be here tonight, and that truly means a lot that you’d travel all this way just to visit.” He inhaled and huffed out what he hoped was the last of his nerves, smiling despite this. “You all are very important people to me and mine,” he gestured to his wives, “and we wouldn’t be here as we are without any of ya. And for that, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” Rex glanced around the table, at all of the faces of the people who had irrevocably changed his life in some way or other. His smile softened to something more genuine. “Without a shadow of a doubt, you lot are not just my friends, but my family.” He focused down at Nia and nodded his head for her to stand. Here goes everything. Nia visibly exhaled her own nerves and stood, and Rex wrapped his arm around her as she came to his side. She mirrored him and her shoulders relaxed a little; they had each other for mutual support. “Family, to me, is forged in the soul, and comes not just from blood,” he defined. He circled his thumb on his wife’s waist, meeting her loving gaze. “But!” Rex turned his head back out to regard his audience. “That doesn’t discount the bonds through relation and how special they are,” he added, glancing over at his friends with their daughter with a smirk. “How precious they are.” With a nod at the Aegis twins, they stood and came to flank their spouses, Pyra going around to hold Nia’s free hand and Mythra doing the same to Rex. “With that, we, uh, have somethin’ to say.” Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Mòrag tilting her head slightly and furrowing her brow, then suddenly widening her eyes in suspicion and possibly shock. It made the most sense that Mòrag out of anyone would easily guess what the announcement would be.
Next to Rex, Nia pulled her arm out from around him, and smoothed her hand down her front. Her dress, which had hung loosely on her form and flowed prettily in the breeze, now curved against her distinct figure. Her hand cupped beneath the small bump that was her fifteen-week belly. Rex could see Pandoria’s jaw start to drop, and Zeke’s brows begin to shoot up. Brighid’s piercing eyes started opening. Nia smiled with a nervous laugh. “I’m pregnant.”
Someone shrieked; Rex was pretty sure it was Pandoria, but it could’ve been Brighid. Hell, it also could’ve been Zeke. But suddenly the table erupted in cheers and joyful exclamations. Pandoria leapt up and rushed to Nia, practically jumping to embrace her and chatter excitedly, Brighid not far behind. Numerous other folks got up from their seats to circle around the foursome and give their congratulations and well-wishes. Within a blink, Rex was tugged backwards by Zeke and pulled into a bear hug. “Oh Rex, old chum! This is spectacular news!!” Rex laughed into the other man’s shoulder and threw his arms around him. Not only had Zeke been a mentor through everything, he was like an older brother. Rex was so excited to share this with him. “I can’t believe Furry Ears is pregnant! I have so much advice to give to you.” Zeke turned to put his arm around the younger man’s shoulders. “For instance, did you know that once they start walking, babies can and will get into everything within their reach? Oh I ought to just write a novel to send to you. Yes, I’ve got the perfect title. The Thunderbolt Guide to Parenting,” he described, painting it in the air with a sweeping hand gesture.
Rex hadn’t stopped grinning since Zeke began. He let out a delighted laugh. “That sounds perfect, Zeke. Can’t wait to read it.”
In turn, Zeke looked over at him and smiled warmly. “Welcome to the beginning of fatherhood, chum. I promise it’s going to be a fun and wild ride.” His attention was then drawn down and beside him, where a head of green hair stood next to his leg and a tiny hand tugged on his pants. “Speaking of, I thought I left you in our chair, my sweet Princess,” Zeke cooed as he scooped up his daughter.
A tap to his shoulder had Rex turning away to meet Mòrag’s soft smile. “Felicitations, Rex. I know you all will be wonderful parents.” She opened her arms and Rex’s grin widened. Mòrag giving out hugs was a rarity, but they were excellent to receive. He returned her hug firmly.
“Thank you Mòrag. Your support means the world to me,” he said genuinely. Though their initial meeting and relationship had been rocky to say the least, Mòrag was someone he knew he could always count on to aid him, and he would likewise have her back. She was a moral compass he knew he could always look to for guidance.
“Rex-Rex!!” Rex pulled away from Mòrag and chuckled at the sight of the bouncing Nopon. “Happy happy days to Rex-Rex and Nia and Pyra and Mythra!”
Rex laughed. “Thanks Tora, these are happy days!”
The Nopon wiggled his wings with excitement. “Tora can’t wait to be unclepon to Rex-Rex and Nia’s littlepon!”
“Well you’ll have to wait just a while longer, Tora,” Rex chuckled. He looked over at Nia, who was being approached by Poppi.
“Poppi realized something!” he overheard her say. “Poppi detected new source of ether coming from Nia when first arrived. Source located in lower abdomen rather than coming from core crystal. Ether source must be from baby Nia growing!” Poppi turned away from Nia’s shocked expression to face Rex, putting her hands on her hips. “That why Rex tell Poppi not to mention scans to others?”
He rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled. “Yeah, heh, I had a feelin’ somethin’ mighta come up. Since that’s kinda how we found out about Linka, remember?”
They had been staying in Tantal since just before the royal wedding, sticking around afterwards to help out in the castle as advisors while the newlyweds went on their honeymoon. Then they remained even after the happy couple returned a week later, because who doesn’t like being with friends? (The only one who really had to be anywhere was Mòrag, but the then-Emperor had ordered her to stay and enjoy herself, under the guise of garnering positive relations with the recently-borders-opened kingdom of Tantal.) The following month, after breakfast one day when Pandoria turned down eating due to nausea for the umpteenth time, Poppi innocently asked if the unexplained ether source in her stomach was making her sick. Lo and behold, one doctor’s visit later, Pandoria was found to be pregnant. So Rex had good reason to believe something like that could happen again.
“Well I’m certainly glad ye thought a tha’ before it spread amongst th’ crew,” Nia smirked at her husband.
Rex grinned back. “For sure.”
Friends continued to come up to them with congratulatory exclamations. Roc cawed their delight alongside the veteran mercenaries. Aegaeon gave his sincerest regards.
“Rex, dear?” Ah, there was someone he knew he’d need to talk to. Rex slipped through the crowd of his friends to find his aunt, smiling as he approached her.
“Auntie, I, uh, hope you don’t mind that I waited to tell you until today,” he said sheepishly. “I-I wanted to tell you sooner, but…”
“But then half of the village would have already known?” Corinne teased.
Rex laughed. “Hey, just remember that you said it, not me!” He glanced back at his wives and the rest of their friends and tugged his aunt away from the crowd a little. “So…” He fiddled with his wedding band, a ring of three swirling metals, representing each of the women he married. He cleared his throat and tried again. “So, um, wh-what, what d’ya think?” Rex peered up at her, waiting for a response.
Corinne had initially been privately outspoken against his simultaneous relationships with the three women. It had taken her a while to grasp that no, he was not stringing them along, no, he was not getting between their own interpersonal relationships, no, there really wasn’t much if any jealousy involved, yes, they wanted to be with each other as well as with him, yes, he knew two of them were technically sisters in a weird way but no that didn’t affect things. And yes, they all really wanted this. He loved them all, and they loved him. Folks who didn’t know him or understand his relationship with his Blades had called him greedy, selfish, a glutton, a pig, and far worse. They didn’t matter, they were nobody, and he tried not to let it get to him. But this was Rex’s aunt, the closest thing he’d ever had as a mother besides the one in his fuzzy memories. Her opinion meant the world to him. Thankfully she had come around by the time of the wedding, when she understood that the bonds the four shared went more than just between Master Driver and his Blades, but with each other as well. That their loves were equitable in their own ways.
His aunt looked him over with a discerning eye. “Are you happy, dear?”
Rex nodded without hesitation. “More than ever, somehow,” he chuckled nervously.
“And the girls are as well?”
“Definitely. Don’t think we’d be havin’ a party if they weren’t.”
She hummed thoughtfully, and smiled. “Well then, that’s all that matters.” Corinne opened her arms and pulled the young man down to hug her. One of her hands caressed the back of his head. “I’m so proud of you, Rex. They would be too, from where they watch over you.”
Rex stiffened slightly with surprise at the mention of his parents, before embracing his aunt tighter, ducking his face down. He sniffled back the tears that were threatening to drip down his cheeks. “Thank you, Auntie Corinne. For everythin’,” he whispered into her shoulder.
“I love you very much, Rex.”
He swallowed past the lump in his throat and nodded. “Love you too, Auntie.”
Their friends had stayed for another few days, continuing the celebration and general camaraderie. Pandoria had given the women all the advice she could offer, including the proposal to give them some of the baby things that Linka had outgrown. Zeke did likewise with Rex, sitting him down and talking to him, though how useful his input would be remained to be seen, considering some of it involved teaching the baby flashy moves to use in a fight. After learning about their decision to build a new home, Mòrag and Brighid offered the services of some of the Ardanian constructors they knew at no cost to the growing family. Tora chimed in as well, saying that he and Poppi would assist in drawing up the plans, and outfit the house with the latest ether connectivity.
All in all, it had been a wonderful time with their friends. Rex was happy to be alone with his wives again though, and reveled in the peace. He was currently sitting at the kitchen table, architectural drafts spread out and going through edits with Mythra. Nia was seated in a cushioned chair they’d added to the table set for her comfort. Pyra was at the stove, setting water to boil for a fresh pot of tea.
She wandered over to the table and peered at the plans. “What room is that?” Pyra asked, pointing to an area of the second floor.
“That’s the nursery so far,” Mythra explained, tracing the space with her finger. She pointed out a boxy shape in one corner. “That’s the crib.”
Pyra cocked her head to the side. “Hm. Do you think we could make the room… a bit bigger?”
Rex looked up from where he was measuring out a line. “Why’s that?”
The red-haired Aegis turned bashful, which piqued Rex’s interest more than it already was. She looked away as her cheeks turned pink, glancing over in Nia’s direction. “I was just… thinking…”
Nia smirked and raised an eyebrow. “Wha’ about?”
“I…” Pyra clasped her hands at her chest. “I want to have a baby too.”
Rex blinked. And blinked again. “Wha-huh?”
Mythra sat up straighter. “Wait, so I’m not the only one who’d been thinking that?”
Nia clicked her tongue. “Honestly, I’m surprised it took tha two a ye’s this long. Ye weren’t subtle about yer starin’, loves.”
“It makes sense for us, in a way. The babies would be able to imprint on all three of us as mothers easier if we could trade off feeding,” Pyra suggested. “And it’s not like we wouldn’t have Rex there to help us.”
Rex just looked between the three of them, slack-jawed. “I-I… wha’?”
“They want babies also,” Nia reiterated.
Rex blinked. “S-Sorry, come again?”
“That’s the plan, for you at least,” Mythra smirked. Rex choked on his tongue.
Nia swatted her arm. “Oi, give th’ poor lad a break, he ‘asn’t fully caught up yet.”
He stared out blankly at the wall ahead of him. Three babies? At the same time? That was going to be a lot of work, to say the least. And the construction timeline for the house would need to be moved up considerably. And that’s not even mentioning how much more of everything they were going to need to acquire: triple the clothing, triple the diapers, triple the food. However… it could be doable. Their friends had already offered a lot of help. And, Architect above, they would need it. It would be tough. But his beautiful wives wanted to share this special experience together. And who was Rex to deny them? Triple the work, but triple the love. He had that in spades.
Rex pulled the page of plans over to him and grabbed an eraser, rubbing away some of the lines. Pencil in hand, he carefully traced new dimensions, measuring out the needed space with his ruler. Graphite walls rebuilt, he doodled in two additional rectangles, mirroring the one already drawn. With a confident hum to himself, he pushed the paper forward to the middle of the table. “There. How does that look?”
“It’s perfect,” Pyra said softly.
“Couldn’t agree more,” Mythra added in a gentle tone.
Glancing around, Rex felt the warmth radiating from his wives, their smiles filling him to the brim with pure happiness. This was it. This was what he fought for, what he came home for, what they wed for. This was family. Their golden affinity, this was love.
“So,” Nia started, looking between the Aegis twins, “‘ow are ye both decidin’ who’s gonna be th’ next one ta get up th’ kyte?” Aaaaand the moment was gone. Rex slapped his hand to his forehead.
“Up the what?” Pyra repeated with scrunched eyebrows.
“Up th’ kyte. Up th’ duff. In th’ belly, ‘owever ye want ta say it,” Nia shrugged. “Who’s gettin’ pregnant next?”
“Me, and it’s not up for debate,” Mythra declared. That actually surprised Rex a little, how adamant she was.
Pyra startled. “What, why?”
“Nia said 'I love you' to Rex first. You got to kiss him first. I was third both times for that stuff, I will not be third on this,” Mythra explained, very seriously.
Pyra’s face softened and turned thoughtful. “You know, that does make sense. I can understand your reasoning.” She smiled up at her sister. “I don’t mind waiting for my turn.” She moved her chair next to Nia and took the woman’s hand in hers. “In the meantime, Nia and I can discuss decor for the nursery.”
Mythra nodded. “Awesome.” Standing, she grabbed Rex’s hand and started dragging him from the table. “Come on, you got work to do.”
Rex stumbled out of his seat and was pulled halfway across the room before he dug his heels in to stop. “Wha’-- right now?!”
“Obviously. No time like the present.”
Nia giggled from behind them. “Seems fair ta me.”
Shaking his head, Rex followed after Mythra, still dazed but excited nonetheless. “Well alright then, I s’ppose! Rule eleven of the Salvagers’ Code does say--”
“Can it, dork. Bedroom.”
Life has a way of never staying calm for too long. Sure, there are lulls between world-shaking events. But before you know it, you're running head-first into the next big adventure thrown your direction. Facing new obstacles can be tough for even the hardiest of souls. Rex simply thanked his lucky stars that he had a knack for adventuring, and that he had such a big loving family to help him every step of the way.