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[umbralant]

EPILOGUE

As the world they've been living in so long quickly dissolves around them, the oppressive air from the Gate fades away from their senses and their vision turns turns completely white. It only takes an instant for their sight to return, but when it does, they'll find themselves in the same dim, dank chamber that they were in a moment before albeit with several main differences: the Gate and the machines that were clustered near it are now gone.

However, you'll only be able to take in this sight for a few seconds before the scenery blurs and suddenly there's the scent of the cool December air brushing past your face, blinding sunlight assaulting the eyes.

It's been six weeks since you've seen anything but the night, so it may take a bit of adjustment before realizing that there's a number of very, very familiar faces before you, as well as one who might not be so recognizable. Either way, one thing is for sure: that long, long Night is over, and it's the start of another Day.

Witamy w Krakowie.

[[Everyone will find themselves in the Main Square. Furthermore, those who had body horror will find that all traces of it are gone!]]

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[ortion]

I know. I know, and what you did was wonderful.

[From the infodump at the meeting, to everything that happened at the final confrontation...Dist couldn't express his presence, but he saw it, and he was so proud. There are still some questions at the end of all of this, and Lucrezia Mongfish is still out there somewhere...but honestly, all Dist wants to focus on is Iago. It's the end, and they're together. That's the important thing.

The weight of Iago's words don't go unnoticed, and honestly that just gets him to squeeze onto him with even more intensity.]

I missed you too, Iago. I could hardly bear these last couple days. But finally...finally we are reunited. And I will never leave you again, I promise.

[psychophant]

You had better not. I'll never forgive you if you do.

[Some threat that is, but it's not like he has anything better. His grip tightens for a moment before he shifts, bringing a hand up to cup Dist's cheek. His stare is intense in a way it usually isn't, but it isn't the near-mania he reaches during trials.]

Never leave my side again. I won't lose you again, Saphir.

[ortion]

[Ah.

In all of the madness these last few days, he had completely forgotten that he had asked Iago to call him by that name. It hits him like a ton of bricks, and as Iago stares him down, his eyes widen to reflect as such. But it's quick to shift to elation, as though he has decided that he likes what he's heard. He's overcome with emotion and trying to hold back tears, but he's happy.]

I won't. [He repeats, and again for good measure.] I promise you, I won't.

I love you so much, Iago.

[psychophant]

[It gets an almost-startled laugh out of him, like he wasn't expecting to hear it despite that being exactly what he's been trying to work around to say. Everyone's known since the damn trial anyway, and he very nearly said it to Saphir over the walkie talkies, but he decided it was best to wait until he could see Saphir again in person.]

I love you too, more than I ever could have imagined. You mean so much to me.

[And then, like he needs to say it again, like he may never stop saying it:] I love you, Saphir.

[ortion]

[Saphir laughs too, completely out of joy. He could never have imagined that his life would turn out this way, but he's so glad it did.]

Oh, Iago... Come here, you. I have a well-deserved reward for your efforts.

[Well, he says that, but he's not actually going to wait for Iago to lean in. He gently tugs on Iago's lovely purple tie to bring him down enough to kiss him.]

[psychophant]

[As though he would ever say no?? It's been a very long week and he wants nothing more than to kiss his... his Saphir and there is not a damn thing in the world that could stop him at this point. His grip remains tight on Saphir's waist, but his other hand is gentle when it slips back to run through Saphir's hair.

He only breaks the kiss when he needs to breathe and even then he's tempted to stop talking and return that kiss, over and over until Saphir stops him.

But, unfortunately...]

There's... something I need to discuss with you. I want to get it out of the way now, so I can go back to kissing you without worries.

What do you want to do from here, Saphir?

[ortion]

["His Dist" has evolved into "His Saphir"!

Well, it's probably a good thing to address this since he probably wouldn't have had Iago stop for a long time...]

I've thought about it, like I promised you that I would. And I have come to a conclusion.

[...]

I am ready to move on. I will end my research, and allow the Professor to rest. After reflecting on it, I believe that she would have wanted that as well. She...only ever wanted us to be happy, and for so long, believed that I would only find happiness in bringing her back. [He smiles up at Iago.] But I've been thoroughly proven wrong.

I want to be with you forever, Iago. It doesn't matter where, as long as I am with you.

[psychophant]

[It isn't a surprise, not really. He can't imagine Saphir would want to use this name if he hadn't reached this decision. Still, it's a relief to hear it. It isn't as though he'd really have a problem returning with Saphir to help him with his research, but there's something he's been thinking about this past week, and now...]

I'm so proud of you.

[But that first, because it's just as true now as it was when he said it before.]

I believe you're right. I understand that it's incredibly difficult to leave everything behind, but you won't be alone. Never again. I'll be right here with you. Forever.

[It's a promise.]

If you don't wish to return home and we aren't going back to Nohr... Well, how would you feel about Terca Lumireis, Cumore's world?

[...He didn't invite himself, Cumore invited him!! But he doesn't think to clarify that, so.]

[ortion]

[Just hearing Iago's response to his decision brings Saphir so much relief. He didn't expect anything else, really, but...there's just something about having it confirmed.

Iago's suggestion of where to go catches him off guard. As much as he put thought into his decision about his goals, he hadn't even begun to consider just where they'd go after all of this. But Terca Lumieris...]

I would like that, very much so.

[He and Cumore discussed Terca Lumireis briefly, and he read whatever was written about it in the party journal. It sounds like a world very similar to his own. He could certainly adapt well enough. Perhaps he could go into working with blastia.]

I presume you two have already discussed this...?

[psychophant]

We did, yes. It was... something to get through the last week.

[Hope, especially after he couldn't reach Saphir anymore.]

It may not be quite as suitable for my goals as somewhere else would, but right now the only thing I want is to keep you safe. And to keep an eye on Cumore, because Teru Mikami is a terrible man who is going to disappoint him terribly.

[saphir it's so terrible, his bff has horrible taste!!!!]

I would like that, though. I'm certain you'll enjoy blastia and I'm very interested in the magic present in Cumore's world. We'll be an unstoppable force together, just as we planned.

[ortion]

[Saphir laughs softly at the bit about Cumore and Mikami. He saw the absolute disaster that ensued during that final confrontation, but he's glad that the two of them have apparently smoothed things over already.]

Well, I would say that this was happening from the start, then! Not that I am complaining. I look forward to seeing Cumore's world for myself, and beginning a new life with you there.

[With Iago apparently reigning over the Council and Saphir becoming...idk, the Imperial Knights' chief researcher or something. Connections are awesome.]

[psychophant]

[Cumore has connections, money, and a nice manor, we are set for life. But let's be honest, we'll get to Aspio and bury ourselves in books and never leave.]

That's what I want more than anything, to live my life with you. I never would have imagined spending my life with anyone, but nothing could bring me more joy.

[Not even ruling. Probably.]

Oh, I do want to ask... Would you like me to call you "Saphir" around the others as well?

[Or do you want to keep that limited to him for now?]

[ortion]

[They'll be living there with Mikami for a while, no doubt. Cumore's just gonna be like, "Guys..."

As for the question about his name...he does pause to consider it, but ultimately he nods.]

Please do. I need to grow accustomed to it again. [...] You might have already puzzled it out, but "Saphir" is my name. "Dist" is an alias- one I took up after I left Malkuth to continue pursuing my goals. Seeing as I no longer intend to return to Auldrant, I...don't see why I shouldn't try revisiting it.

[The name was always a symbol of his past, of happier times with Jade and the Professor. But after all this time, he's happy again- in a way he never would have dreamed.]

[psychophant]

"Dist" is a very cute alias. [oh my god] But I'm happy to help you feel accustomed to your name again.

[Saphir is such a cute name too!! But maybe everything about him is cute. Hmm.]

I... did suspect that, given something Rean received from the post office shortly after we could no longer reach you. It was your research notes. I already asked Rean not to speak a word of it to anyone, and no one else saw.

[Rean did look through them, but Iago's confident Rean isn't going to say anything about it. If there's anyone he can trust to be a halfway decent person, it's Rean.]

[ortion]

[Iago!!!! Though it gets him to blush a little, he smiles and takes it in stride.]

The intent was to be charmingly intimidating, mind you...

[But he'll take "cute". It's better than many other things he's been called over the years.

His smile slowly fades at the mention of his research notes. If they had his actual name on them, it can only mean one thing...]

...It was about my work on Professor Nebilim's replica, I presume.

[That was something lost to him back home that he was trying to get his hands back on. One of the remaining roadblocks in his research. For it to turn up in Krakow sure is...something. Well. He doesn't need them anymore, does he.]

Thank you for keeping it safe from prying eyes. As for Rean, well...I am not terribly concerned about him getting a glimpse.

[They do agree on Rean being decent.]

[psychophant]

[cute.......

But he'll leave that alone for now, he can tease his darling Saphir later!!]

It was, yes. Rean did say he'd read through some of it, but again, I can't imagine it ever being a concern.

If they're here on this side, we can take them with us, if you'd like. There are some things I'd like to bring with me as well.

[Assuming any of our stuff is over here...]

[ortion]

[Iago now has a lifetime to tease Saphir, it's fine.]

I certainly wouldn't want to leave them here if I am able. I don't intend to do anything with them now, but...a reminder of the past that I've overcome might be nice.

[A memento of sorts.

...Or maybe he'll end up disposing of them himself one day. A decision for another time.]

Perhaps we can investigate our former rooms before we go.

[psychophant]

[Just remember, Saphir: you chose this.]

Of course. I'd like that. There is something I promised I'd show you.

[But for now... For now his grip tightens again and he runs his fingers gently through Saphir's hair.]

I did warn you that I wouldn't want to let go. Allow me just this one moment of weakness for a bit longer.

[It's not quite teasing, but it's certainly not serious at all.]

[ortion]

[He sure did, which includes potentially being killed by Iago's fashion from his younger years. Though he spares Iago a curious glance about being shown something, he's easily distracted by his partner's affectionate gestures.]

Of course. How could I forget? We were in the middle of something, weren't we? Everything else can wait.

[With a light laugh, he leans back in for another kiss.]

[psychophant]

[teasing > his own embarrassment, always. he can just pretend like he isn't embarrassed, it's fine.

But of course, he wouldn't want anything else. He has suffered this past week without his Saphir and he is never letting go again. Everyone else is just gonna have to deal with them being Like This. We're probably going to be here for awhile...

So anyway, after they've got that out of their systems......]

Come, let's see if there's anything left behind on this side.

[...he is absolutely not letting go of Saphir's hand, though. We're holding hands the whole way back and there's nothing you can do about it!!!]

[ortion]

[He's certainly not complaining about the hand-holding, but he's initially a little shy about it. Ahhhh...

Eventually, they're back at clergy housing. It's so surreal to be here with Iago again. Soon enough, they're walking down the familiar hallway toward Saphir's room.]

Did you stash them in my room?

[Where would they even be safely hidden in Cumore's.]

[psychophant]

[ahhh, so cute...!!!]

Of course. I kept most of my things in your room even after I moved to Cumore's. His was crowded enough as it was.

[there were so many plants, saphir. so many.

Anyway, here we are! On opening the door, it's apparent that a lot of stuff is gone and Iago frowns.]

Well, it seems most of my belongings didn't make it.

[...are his clothes still here???? Gods, what if he lost his outfit and cape????

Anyway, feel free to check the desk if you want while he raids the closet - your notes are definitely there, though it seems like only a few things got brought over... At least Iago's Freeze staff is still propped up against the desk! Now he's not totally defenseless once his magic returns to him.]

[ortion]

[Horrifying realization: Saphir just got Iago into suits and now they're going to Terca Lumireis. They're going to need to get suits made for them!!!

...unless they raid the boutique for a second time before leaving.

Anyway, Saphir goes through the desk and manages to find the notes tucked away in there. That's really about it, though. His toy-sized version of Kaiser Dist RX is gone, along with the other trinkets he acquired.

When he's done raiding, Iago will find Saphir quietly going through the notes. He's looking at them with a somber and contemplative expression. It's...odd seeing them now, after everything he went through and the decision he ended up making.]

[psychophant]

[On the plus side: his outfit and cape are here! Unfortunately, the Dark Mage outfit is gone, but that is probably for the best for poor Saphir who does not deserve this. Someday he'll realize Iago's usual outfit just doesn't have a proper shirt and he's wearing mesh with something over it and he'll die, but today is not that day.

He sets those on the desk before moving to join Saphir, guiding him toward the bed to sit. In some ways, it feels like nothing has changed from the last time Saphir did this for him.]

Tell me what's on your mind.

[He's sitting close, of course, though he's not trying to read the notes any. He already went through them all anyway, but that's not the point.]

[ortion]

[He'll see Iago putting it on and just...will stop working again.

He lets Iago guide him easily, and nestles up close to him when they're on the bed.]

Ah, it's just...I haven't seen these notes in well over a decade. I had been working hard to get them back for quite some time, and had just about given up ever getting my hands on them. I find some kind of irony in the fact that they showed up here.

[Who knows what his reaction would have been if they showed up sooner? Probably a lot different, at any rate.]

But now they are a reminder of my past that I moved on from, and nothing more.