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Epilogue: Rebirth

"Own it. Let it go. Learn."

Tynvandar waved his hands, ushering the cheering down.

Above him, the Phoenix was passing, showering Corona with its glistening white feathers. The event was already being called the 'Feather Rain'. People all over Tower Thirteen made pilgrimages to follow the path of the Phoenix. The majority claimed its birth was being claimed as an act of the Mother Goddess. Others said that it was the doing of a forgotten Chronomancer who had saved the world from itself, a hidden, unsung knight. Other still claimed that mortal hands and mortal hearts alone forged the dazzling light.

Beside him stood Smallfang dressed in lavished clothing and wearing the crown of his father, Leandros. To Tynvandar's left stood a Vampiri_noble, someone who would take Phalgymr's place. But most of the gossip and rumours these days was not on the apparent deaths of the two progenitors or the final reveal of _Lupus' ability to reproduce. No, rather it was on the fact that beside Smallfang, likewise dressed lavishly in a pristine, ruby dress and wearing a circlet embedded with rubies was the beautiful, stunning Elena Clox, niece of the Apex Clericus Solis and daughter of Moonclaw.

He smiled as his niece and Smallfang exchanged meaningful glances, sparing a second to lightly brush their fingers against one another.

"People of Incendius," he boomed, turning back towards the crowd. "Honoured guests and those of you watching from other Stations, today is a new dawn." He paused for effect as he had practised for many days. "Six weeks since the Shadow Wars, our fair Station is still healing but today we mark a great moment in our fair world's recovery."

He swept his arms to his sides, indicating the dozen or so seats to his right and left. Each one was occupied by various dignitaries, all Incendians. "Today, we officially open the Sunrise Council. We are your representatives, elected to act as your voice to the rest of the Station."

The crowd cheered.

The Generals were far from happy that Tynvandar had personally led the formation of the Council. It would mean the Church would not be the dominating force anymore but just a voice amongst many. Then again, they didn't really have much of a say in the matter. Their approval ratings had plummeted ever since the end of the Shadow Wars. How they had handled the situation, the massive loss of life and the fact that they knew about what was happening and did little more than send one fleet of ships to aid did not help matters. They were paralysed as the people all backed the formation of a new Incendius, one ruled by the people and not by the Church.

He couldn't help but wonder if this was what Chronos had wanted all along.

Tynvandar didn't think he would last in the position very long but frankly, he did not care. Knowing that Incendius would be in good hands was enough for him. Retiring to just listening to Church matters instead of matters of state sounded like a good way to spend the rest of his days.

"Our Station has undergone a great change but for once, we have a sun that is not just for those of us who are privileged and were born on the right side of the wall." He turned particularly to Malfemir who nodded in gratitude from where he sat beside Pradia, the leader of the Custodia Lumbra. "This is a sun that we can all share."

More cheering and again, he had to wave them all down into silence. He stole a glance at the brilliant phoenix that shone above them. It was still odd to have absolute night these days. The phoenix would travel across the skies and after a set period of time, it would duck behind the northern rims of the Station, plunging the world into darkness before rising against from the south. Scientists were still trying to truly plot out its course. It seemed that there was some variance in its orbit and they were predicting seasons would be vastly different.

"We still have a long road ahead of us. Wounds that have remained open for centuries will not so easily heal. But together, as one Station at last, we can heal those wounds." He spread his arms wide towards the people.

"No longer is there a division between Lupus or Vampiri. There is no wall to bar one race from the other. No politics that must hide those of us who have suffered and certainly no light that is hoarded on one side of the Station. We are all one now. We share one light. One sky. One Station."

The cheering continued and Tynvandar sat back in his seat, the same size as anyone else's. Yes, his was marked by the insignia of the Church but, well, he was still the Apex Clericus Solis. It just so happens that the High Priest of the Sun had exactly the same voice as the other members of the Council.

As he sat down, he leaned towards Elena who stood beside his seat and between Smallfang's. The representative from the Sunless Lands took up the podium and began his speech giving him ample time to speak.

"When is the wedding?" he asked softly.

Elena blushed and angled her hand away, hiding the ring she held. "Not now, uncle," she replied softly. "But if you must know, two months from now."

Smallfang leaned across her. "We just want it as a small ceremony. No gifts."

"You know I cannot do that," Tynvandar said with a grin. "And when you say small... does an official salute from small starships count?"

Smallfang just rolled his eyes and turned back towards the procession.

Tynvandar did the same, smiling to himself.

It was going to be a rough road but he was sure Incendius would pull through. He thought about the destruction at Mirecragg, the release of Titus Shockarm, his flight back and forth from the Sunless Lands, the firing of the Sun Spire and then the final battle at Chillfarn. For him, it seemed like so long ago and his failures weighed on him.

But looking at the way his niece and Smallfang held each other's hands, he was sure it was worth it.

After all, it was a new dawn.

*****

"I'm really sorry about this," Andy said, his ears folded back in apology.

Artem Ford smiled faintly back and shrugged. "Perhaps they will be lenient knowing I helped somewhat..."

The Leomian wasn't counting on it. He pulled a lot of strings to let the Inquisition allow him to escort Ford to the interrogation room. He wasn't sure what would happen beyond those walls but at the very least Ophelia and Ford would be allowed to sit next to each other as a High Inquisitor dealt with them.

Execution was on the near horizon. Perhaps not immediately. Maybe in a few weeks? The Sunrise Council's formation was still very raw and no one wanted to ruin the momentous occasion by reminding everyone on who was to blame for the pain and suffering that had occurred.

The Church had decided to omit Harm's involvement. It was another lie that they knew would bite them again in the rear later but it was either that, or further destabilise the rest of the world knowing that a Chronomancer was loose and had been under the Church's guidance.

"You did what you thought was right... and it ultimately helped save Incendius."

Ford chuckled softly as Andy opened the door for him. Ophelia was already waiting inside, her hands pinned to the table by manacles. Tanar got up from where he rested mournfully at her feet. "Well, I'm just happy the world was set right. I'm bitter that the Church escaped relatively unscathed but..." He smiled softly. "I can trust Master Chronos to change that in the future."

"You know I'll be there to try and stop him, right?" Andy replied.

"You can try, Andrew. You can try."

Tanar padded out just as the High Inquisitor arrived. Andy was a little surprised. The heavily armoured man looked rather young for a High Inquisitor.

"Good day, Andrew Konran." The man nodded towards the Dire Wolf. "Paladin Tanar. I am High Inquisitor Desmond Killian. I will be executing the proceedings this afternoon. Will you be staying?"

He seemed nice and Andy prayed to the Mother Goddess that the guy would be lenient. "I'd rather not, thanks. Just... go easy on them...?"

Killian shook his head. "I can only do as the Mother Goddess guides me, Initiate. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Thought so." Andy nodded grimly and turned. "Thanks anyway."

As he began to walk away, he noticed Tanar was prodding his leg with his nose. Andy ignored it for the moment until they were out of the Inquisition's building. Even then, he didn't say a word until he was standing in one of the many gardens of the Holy District. There, activated Celestial Crime and drew a slash through the air. He stepped through the rip in space with Tanar leaping after him.

He stepped out into the archives of the ruined Sun Spire. Full disclosure was given to the public and anyone could access the vast knowledge that the Church had accumulated. Of course, no one was told of the Redaction Spell or the fact that 'full disclosure' was not so 'full' seeing as the Spell had also altered official records.

He stood in front of the pedestal where the massive, old tome that was the Farmer's Archives sat He ran a paw over its surface, frowning.

"When we spoke to Io," he said softly to Tanar, "she mentioned Protocol 7. However, we never read of anything like that here in the Farmer's Archives. There was no mention of the _Sun Spire_as a weapon either. Why do you think that is?"

"The Redaction Spell?" Tanar offered. "Andy, that Inquisitor..."

Andy waved a paw at his companion as he ran several thoughts through his head.

No record in the physical archives...

... but a record in the data archives of the Inquisition...

The Inquisition...

"Harm Chronos wanted us to fire the Sun Spire," he said softly. "He was the one that told us to ask Dorthango about the Archives. He didn't tell us to look at the physical archives themselves." His eyes widened. "Goddess..."

"Andy!" Tanar barked. "What did that Inquisitor say his name was?"

Andy shook his head, turning to the Dire Wolf in frustration. "Desmond Killian. Why -?"

Then it hit him.

Desmond Killian...

Io mentioned that a High Inquisitor by the name of Desmond Killian disappeared...

... disappeared... disappeared and related to Harm -

BOOOM!

He turned around as the entire building was suddenly shaken. They exchanged glances before bolting towards a nearby window. A small, black ship rocketed out from somewhere in the midst of the smoke and explosions. It flew away but not before Andy caught sight of Ophelia Ford peeking out one of the many portholes and waving at him.

Andy grinned.

"That sly bastard!" he laughed.

Tanar shook his head, also laughing. "At least he takes care of his subordinates. The question is how the hell did he get a High Inquisitor who disappeared five hundred years ago to come here?"

Andy grinned broadly, turning to Tanar. "He's the Chronomancer, Tanar. What did you expect?" His eyes glinted at the challenge presented before him. "A High Inquisitor that still has access to all his powers and rights. Someone able to smuggle an escape ship and explosives into the Inquisition's home. What does that tell you, Tanar?"

The Dire Wolf smirked and turned around. "That Harm Chronos _controls_the Inquisition."

*****

Aria had heard the explosion but she did not care about it. Strangely, she was a little hurt because Hunter and Eton had decided not to attend Tynvandar's momentous unveiling of the Sunrise Council. Then again, she understood completely. Station transfer papers were a pain and having Eton transfer to another Station was a big deal. She had to pull some of her own strings to make it happen but she was glad to do it.

Besides, those two had stayed most of the six weeks to help with the reparations. They deserved it. Everyone did.

She sighed softly and ran a hand down her face. The oak she rested against offered some delicate shade against the new sun.

It was a sun hard won by the people and not by a single deity. It was still built on a deception of sorts. Somehow, she knew Hunter was involved in the creation of the sun but they all agreed that it was better this way. This deception was not built out of guilt, hatred or blame. It was just... out of a desire for privacy.

That she could definitely respect.

Aria turned her gaze to the distance and let out another sigh. "You are out there... You are already enacting your next plan. I just wish I knew what it was."

"Speaking of Harm Chronos, I presume."

That was not a voice she recognised. It was a deep, rough bass. When she turned, she was surprised to see a slim Wulfun with brown fur and a grey, creamy crest running from the underside of his jaw and - she presumed - down his chest. The man had soft blue eyes and grey-streaked, black hair. It struck her as odd that he was dressed in rather casual clothing of Havenese style. She knew thousands of people had flocked to the Incendius for the unveiling and to lend relief support but this man looked... out of place even then.

Plus he knew about Chronos.

"I am sorry, you have me at a disadvantage... Mr...?"

"Warburton," answered the Wulfun. "Jeff Warburton." He held out a paw. Aria shook it lightly, still suspicious. "You commonly know me as General Solomon."

Aria instantly froze and released Solomon's paw, hastily saluting. "I - I - I apologise, General! I had no idea -"

"Then the security works, for once," Solomon chuckled, turning his gaze away and leaning casually against the tree. "No need to be so formal, Templar Valkyrie. No one is looking. Well, perhaps my daughter who is hiding in the trees above us."

Aria jerked her head up and watched as a tiny Wulfun girl squealed in delight and leapt down into her father's arms.

"How did you know?" the girl asked.

"We have noses, little one," Solomon chuckled, nuzzling his daughter affectionately. "We use them." Solomon set her down and patted her rump lightly. "Now go hide again. But don't stray too far!"

"I won't!"

The girl hurried away.

"Your daughter, sir?" Aria asked, utterly surprised.

"One of them," Solomon answered with a fatherly smile. "Ah, little Lilly is always so energetic. Her twin, Lia is much more bookish than her. Yet they share in common the hobby of tormenting their older brother, Alex." He shook his head. "I would do anything to ensure their safety."

"If you do not mind me pointing out, sir," Aria said, "revealing your identity to anyone, even myself, is a grave risk."

Solomon waved away the concern with a short 'bah'. "Lady Valkyrie, you are a venerated hero of the Shadow Wars. Your deeds have reached your family back in Haven. I came to personally deliver this letter to you." He handed her an envelope.

She frowned as she slowly opened it. It bore the seal of her family and she dreaded what it contained.

Much to her relief, it was a congratulatory letter. No mention of birthing the next Valkyrie.

"Good news, I hope?" Solomon asked.

"Very good news, General." She folded it and let out a sigh. "Though I dread the thought that I must continuously save a Station from Harm Chronos to have my family stop pestering me about passing on my legacy."

"Let us hope it does not come to that, Lady Valkyrie." Her smile wavered. The General saw. "Is something the matter?"

Aria hesitated but knew she could not hold secrets to the one General she respected and admired. "General... Harm Chronos is seeking out the pieces of the Infinos Arcanum. To what ends, I do not know. But... I fear that he already three fragments of them and he was closest to Lumire! He could locate them so easily! With all the pieces, he could..."

She dared not think of it.

Solomon was gravely silent for a long moment.

Then...

"Lady Valkyrie, you have seen my daughter. You know I have a family. Therefore, it is with great trust that I reveal to you something that not even the other Generals know and that Harm Chronos must not know." Solomon reached down his shirt and pulled out a silver necklace... on which hung a small case... where a disc rested... a disc with arcane runes.

"Harm Chronos will not complete the Infinos Arcanum. Not without this."

Aria's eyes widened, her jaw dropping in shock. "How...?"

"When the Church enacted the Redaction Spell, it had to use one of the shards in its possession. I found another but never told anyone else because I was opposed to the Redaction Spell." Solomon stared fiercely at her. "I think you can agree that it only empowered Chronos all the more. However, everyone was afraid and desperate. It was a short term solution that only led to more problems. That said..."

Solomon reached forward and gripped her shoulder, smiling proudly. "With soldiers like yourself fighting for us, I am comforted in the knowledge that regardless of what Chronos has planned next, we will persevere. Never lose hope, Lady Valkyrie. Once we do, we lose to him."

Aria smiled. Suddenly, she could feel the warm rays of the sun on her flesh and was inspired to do more.

"I'm ready!" came the cheerful cry from somewhere to her left.

General Solomon smiled but did not let go of her.

At that moment, Aria swore to herself that she would not lose to Harm Chronos. No matter what, she will not lose. The General had trusted her with his greatest secret and the safety of his family. She would not betray that trust and she swore to live up to his expectations.

"Thank you, General. Now if you will excuse me..." She fished out her spear from over her shoulder. "There was an explosion not too far away. You best get to safety."

*****

A small tap hit Jeremiah Chronos' shoulder. He rolled his eyes, hefting the beer in his paws. He was loathed to turn away from the hot, saucy girl he was trying to hit up but he was drunk, the girl wasn't interested so being interrupted was better than getting shot down. Then again, if whoever was vying for his attention was the boyfriend...

He turned... and had to lower the sunglasses he wore even in the dark club.

"Holy sheeeet! Harm!" Jerry threw his arms around his youngest brother. A wave of relief washed over him. Some part of him had feared that those texts and calls he had been receiving were just fronts from the Church who were too ashamed to admit his brother had died. After hearing about the bullshit that had been kept secret on Incendius, he truly wondered what the Church was capable of.

But seeing his young brother in front of him... It almost brought him to tears.

He fought them back though and held Harm out at arm's length. "Shit, bro! I didn't think you'd make it!"

His brother smiled and shrugged, the muscles beneath his thin, white fur brimming. Harm really looked so much bigger now. It had been years since they had last seen each other in person. He wished Klaus would just stop being an ass. "Well, I promised, didn't I? And please, just call me Hunter."

Jerry frowned. "Hunter? Isn't that your callsign at work or something?"

"Actually, planning on changing my name officially to 'Hunter Hart' once I can pin Klaus down."

Jerry could see where that conversation would go but decided that this was not the time for family politics. This was a time for celerbration! His brother just came back from a goddamn war!

"Hey! Didn't you say you'd bring your boyfriend along?"

Hunter beamed and stepped aside. "Yup! Jerry, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend." Jerry's eyes boggled at the massive mound of Lupus muscle that stepped forward. The denim jacket ripped at the sleeves and fishnet singlet hugged that muscular frame very well and those tight leather shorts... Jerry favoured the girls but he would gladly tip the balance for this hunk of muscle.

"Jerry, this is Eton Slater, my boyfriend."

Eton held out his paw. "Pleased to meet you, Jerry."

"Likewise," Jerry replied, grinning broadly, taking the paw eagerly. "Hey, can I get you two lovebirds a drink? My treat!"

"I'll come with," Hunter replied.

"Get me something like Lupus Chilled Fire, won't you hun?" Eton asked.

They retreated to the bar where Jerry tried to flag down the bartender but there were so many people it would be half an hour before they got anything. In the meantime, he turned towards his brother, beaming broadly.

Hunter saw the smile and blushed lightly. "What?"

"You dawg!" Jerry laughed, nudging his brother. "You snagged a muscle mountain! Shit, you two open to a threesome?"

Hunter gave Jerry a look caught between amusement and incredulity. "Sorry, Jerry. We're pretty tight. Eton's a Paladin and he transferred to Haven to serve under the Lasting Armageddon. He's going to be working with me."

Jerry's eyes widened. "Holy shit... you're serious about him, aren't you? This isn't just some fling, is it?"

"We did kind of fight a war together. Hard to just throw that aside, you know?"

Jerry shook his head, slapping his forehead in shock. "Fuck... My little bro has a serious relationship and I don't! You're making me feel old and lonely, bro!"

"You're just two years my senior!" Hunter laughed, nudging his brother back.

Jerry grinned. "Come on, it's been ages since we last saw each other. Tell me what you've done. What was it like down there? What _really_happened? We got all the Church bullshit and propaganda but I wanna hear it right from the source."

Hunter got a strange glint in his eyes and he nodded slowly. "Okay... well... Where do I start? I guess..." He looked off to the distance for a second, his eyes drifting out a window.

"It all began when the hands of the clock started turning..."

******

The new 'sun' was indeed dazzling. It sprayed warmth against his fur and though it was a fleeing sensation, it was still very nice.

Harm swung his legs over the edge of the now defunct Sun Spire, humming a little tune to himself. He closed his eyes, swinging softly to the song. Though the fires of Killian's escape with the Fords did break the essential peace of the moment, Corona and indeed all of Incendius was in a much better state.

He got to the second verse before twisting his ears back.

"That is a very beautiful tune," Adramalech said. "It sounds familiar. What is it?"

Harm smiled and patted the space beside him. The God of Fire crouched down beside him, back to an average size. On his other side, Apollia folded her wings and sat down. "I'm surprised you even remember it. It's very, _very_old. It's called 'Morning has Broken'. Even I can't remember the original composer or singer."

"How appropriate," Apollia chuckled softly.

His eyes lifted to the fiery bird which was just flying overhead. A feather passed him. "The feathers were a nice touch by the way."

Adramalech snorted derisively. "The strength of people's courage and indeed their willingness to come together to push back the darkness was far stronger than anything we had ever felt. It was like... Like it had this brilliant synergy with one another. When we took one and put it next to another, both_their potential for energy multiplied exponentially. When we stuck others to the equation, piecing together that bird up there, the power was just... just _beyond anything we could ever fathom! We had to release some of that energy or it would turn all of Incendius to ash."

Harm smiled softly. "That is what Athena has been telling us for a long time. One heart may be strong and indestructible but combine it with others that share an undying bond and it is unbeatable." He smiled at them both. "I trust you two realise that now."

Apollia laughed softly. "After what we have gone through? How can we not?" She gripped his paw tightly. "Thank you, Chronos. Thank you for freeing us from our guilt."

He laughed, holding his paws up. "I didn't do anything. Hunter did all the leg work. I just put the pieces into place!"

"Still... Thank you."

Those words seemed to affect the Chronomancer and he stared distantly down at the people who were crowding around the Inquisition facility. It had been such a long road, so much preparation, so much pain and suffering. He was just glad that it paid off.

"You know what's funny?" he asked softly. "I was ready to be blamed for everything. I was set to be cast as the demon, the monster and the villain. But now that everything has turned out so well... I'm... relieved."

"It sounds like even the immovable Chronos has a heart!" Adramalech laughed, wrapping one of his arms around the Wulfun's shoulder and shaking it lightly. "So who is the person you will be bonded to that will make you unbeatable?"

"You've already met them," he chuckled softly, pushing Adramalech's hand off. "They're the reason we're fighting."

He rose to his feet and reached into the pocket of his vest. There, he plucked the piece of the Infinos Arcanum he had retrieved from the Concave of Shadows where Adramalech had dropped it when he sacrificed himself all those millennia ago. After Aria had destroyed the combined one five years ago, the piece went straight back to where it had originally been left and it had been guarded by a dark force ever since. A reason why the Shadows had intensified their attacks and efforts recently and why Harm had to act immediately.

Asmodeus knew he was planning something and he knew it revolved around the Infinos Arcanum. Azzy would do _anything_to keep it away from his paws.

He held the device up towards the sun. The rays of the Phoenix glistened against its bronze frame, shining against the fiery runes embedded into its surface.

"We'll be with you the entire way, 'Master' Chronos," Apollia said, also rising. As she said this, her form began to fade, dissipating into a gentle wisp of light that flooded into the piece of the Arcanum.

Adramalech rose as well, nodding his agreement. "When the time comes, just call on us. Doesn't mean I forgive you for tricking us, though."

"That'll have to be an argument for another time, Adra," Harm chuckled softly.

Like his daughter, the God of Fire disappeared into the Arcanum but not before asking, "How long do you think we will keep fighting?"

The question made him think of everything that had happened just to come to this point. The sacrifices and deaths, the sadness and tears, the triumphs and smiles and the roads not taken. From his plans and preparations in Clockwork, to his announcement at Mirecragg, his fight with Titus at Ironfrost, the firing of the Sun Spire and the battle at Chillfarn. So much had happened.

And so much still has to happen.

It felt like very long road ahead.

But he knew he would not be alone. A small smile touched his features as he cast his gaze behind him. There, about a dozen men and women of different species stood, each of them dressed in the black of a Paladin. For a moment, they just stared at one another. Then the one leading them, a girl with maroon eyes, bent her knee. Serena Whitefeather bowed her head, pressing a fist against her chest in allegiance. The others shortly followed, making him grin.

Harm clutched the piece of the Infinos Arcanum in his paw and looked to the distance.

"From now... and till the end of time."

******

Knock-knock.

"Enter," Rushwater said without looking up from the papers on her desk.

"Ma'am?"

That voice made her peer upwards and frown. "Harm... or is it Hunter?"

"Hunter, ma'am," Hart said, stepping into the room completely and shutting the door behind him.

"Good. I prefer the name." Rushwater gestured at the seat in front of her. "Have a seat, Hunter. What can I do for you?" She didn't fail to notice the folder he was holding.

"I'll be brief, ma'am," he responded softly. "I... I uh... I need a favour."

She had been fearing this moment since she had spoken to him back on Incendius. She stood and quickly poured herself a glass of whiskey. It was clichéd but she liked it stuff. She offered some to Hunter but he refused. "What kind of favour?"

"Do you... Do you remember back on Incendius you gave me several choices...? About taking officer training, joining the Inquisition, becoming a Paladin or even getting command of my own ship?"

She gulped down the rest of her drink. The buzz was not there and she poured herself another glass. "Yes, yes I do. Have you made your decision?"

"Yes ma'am. I have."

Here it comes.

Losing her best engineer was hard but she had prepared herself for it ever since she learned he was going to be fighting for a Templar. Most of the time during the Shadow Wars, she expected to get a letter from some Church officially telling her that Hunter had died in the line of duty. While she was relieved he was alive, she now dreaded how it changed him. She had grown fond of the Wulfun and she would miss him dearly.

"I would like you to sign off on this... if you wouldn't mind..." Hunter pushed the envelope onto her desk and opened it.

She read the first few lines and frowned.

"Hunter... Are you sure?" she asked, utterly amazed. It... it was not an outcome she was expecting.

"Yes, ma'am. I am sure. I have never been so sure in my life."

Rushwater regarded the pages... and then Hunter again. The determination in his eyes, the drive... the initiative. She had never seen that before. It made her proud. Change was scary... but this... this was a change she could back.

"Well then..."

She picked up her pen and signed the form. Then, she handed it back to him, smiling softly.

"Here you go. Report for duty tomorrow, Hunter."

He saluted sharply. "Ma'am, yes ma'am!"