Month: March 2022

The Under-realm wedding ceremony was held in Realmgate City. They had decided on an Orc poly wedding. The Brides and Grooms were given old Orc scimitars and an Orc Priest began his speech. “By strength, over weakness,” he began, “these warriors intend to unite their houses and become one. If any wish to try and keep them separate, make your attempt now.” A male Orc wearing old armor then leapt up from the audience.

“Your fate just went from bad to worse!” he called. “You face an Orc who speaks in verse! Your desecration of marriage will not stand! You will all fall by my hand! This pseudo-harem will fall! Your bones will decorate my wall! Shall I say goodbye, when you fall and die, after I pluck out your eye?!” The Orc then roared and charged at the six. Malnar and her lovers quickly went on the defensive, blocking the Orc’s blows. Despite the odds against him, he kept up the attack. “My blows, you will feel! You will be brought to heel!” Just then, Lardeth tripped him up. Falnii then swung her scimitar and he blocked it, but Arsha landed her scimitar on his chest. He knocked her aside and picked himself up only to be met with Foresna and Gorfanth’s scimitars. Malnar then swooped in. “Wait! Wait! Let me live!” begged the Orc. “At least let me write my eulogy!” Malnar raised her sword, then swung. Just before the blade hit him, he rolled out of the way and conjured a maho-particle avatar. Malnar killed the avatar in the most brutal fashion as the real Orc ran from the stage. She then raised her hands and looked out to the audience.

“Be there others that dare interrupt my wedding?!” she called. No one replied. “Then I, Malnar Emboramii, do take Lardeth Felompha, Arsha Royana, Falnii Loftanaf, Foresna Falshenda, and Gorfanth Steelhorn as my husbands and wives!” Gorfanth then raised his scimitar.

“I, Gorfanth Steelhorn, do take Malnar Emboramii, Lardeth Felompha, Arsha Royana, Falnii Loftanaf, and Foresna Falshenda as my husbands and wives!” Arsha raised her weapon next.

“I, Arsha Royana, do take Malnar Emboramii, Lardeth Felompha, Falnii Loftanaf, Gorfanth Steelhorn, and Foresna Falshenda as my husbands and wives!” Foresna was next.

“I, Foresna Falshenda, do take Malnar Emboramii, Arsha Royana, Lardeth Felompha, Gorfanth Steelhorn, and Falnii Loftanaf as my husbands and wives!” Lardeth raised his scimitar.

“I, Lardeth Felompha, do take Malnar Emboramii, Arsha Royana, Foresna Falshenda, Gorfanth Steelhorn, and Falnii Loftanaf as my husbands and wives!” Falnii was the last to raise her scimitar.

“I, Falnii Loftanaf, do take Malnar Emboramii, Lardeth Felompha, Arsha Royana, Foresna Falshenda, and Gorfanth Steelhorn as my husbands and wives!”

“By all the power invested in me,” called the Priest, “I hereby pronounce you husbands and wives! Claim your kiss now!” Malnar planted a deep, passionate kiss on each of her lovers’ lips. The crowd cheered as the band played the Under-realm national anthem.

---

Like the Over-realm, the reception was held in Malnar’s castle. It was the first time Arsha met Malnar’s paternal grandparents. Malnar always called her grandpa “Steel” and her grandma “Bird”. What really shocked her lovers were that they were both Human/Orc Blenders. “So, hang on,” remarked Lardeth, “how is it that Orbak’s fully human?!”

“Don’t you know anything about genetics?” asked Malnar.

“I fell asleep during those classes. Maho-physics interested me more.” Steel and Bird rolled their eyes.

“Can’t snag ‘em all, can we?” muttered Steel.

“Well, we’re geneticists,” said Bird, “so we can fill in the gap here.” She tapped the end of her cane to a wall and made a large two by two grid. “This is called a Rodalen’s Square, the base model for determining genetic chance and named after Tonushar Rodalen, the father of genetic prediction algorithms. We’re gonna use Arsha’s parents for an example. In this instance, the father has a human skin tone. To represent that, we’ll use a large Toket.” She tapped the wall again and the Under-realm symbol Toket appeared along twice along one side of the square. “For the mother’s skin tone, we’ll use a smaller Toket along the top.” She tapped the wall once again and the smaller toket appeared twice along the top. “Now, in this instance, while traces of the mother show, the Human side is considered dominant concerning the skin’s color.” Arsha’s ears wiggled as she smiled. “So, in this instance, both genes would come together and the larger of the two Tokets will be paired with the smaller ones.” She tapped the wall again and each section of the square was filled with a large Toket and a small one. “In our line of work, the bigger letter indicates the more dominant gene. In this instance, the child has a 100% chance of being a Blender with a father dominant skin color.” She then turned to Steel and nodded to him.

“Now, what if Arsha married a Human/Kitsune Blender of her own skin tone?” he asked. He used his wand to clear the square and run a pair of Tokets along the top and side, one large and one small. “In this instance, there’s a bit more of a chance the child will be different. In this instance, with both Large Tokets so close together, the child could be a full Human when it comes to the color of their skin.” The upper left section with Large Tokets on both the top and side filled itself with both of them. “Or perhaps the child will be a full Kitsune.” The lower right section filled with both small Tokets. “Or, more likely, the child will still be a Blender.” The remaining two sections were filled with first a Large Toket and a Small one.

“So, in your instance, an Orc’s traits are dominant?” asked Lardeth.

“Exactly,” replied Bird. “And Orbak had the genetic prize of getting all the human traits from us.”

“Caused a bit of a stir when his birth was announced, let me tell you!” chuckled Steel. Bird swatted his arm.

“Come on!” called Malnar. “It’s time for the photos!” Malnar and her spouses got pictures of them and Malnar’s side of the family. Even Yunfeen got to visit. Once the reception was over and the photos were taken, the wedded group headed to the ship and it took off for the last wedding ceremony in the Mid-realm.

The announcement for Arsha’s wedding to her lovers soon broadcasted across the Realms. There would be three wedding ceremonies, one in each Realm. The first one would be at Wysper City and would be a traditional Zephyr Poly Ceremony. Because of the multiple ceremonies, Arsha and her lovers decided on wearing multiple copies of their wedding clothes. The media was outside the Grand Zephyr Temple where the wedding would be conducted. While they would all take the Royana name, Lardeth was considered to be the one to initiate the wedding. Once everyone was inside, Malnar, Arsha, Falnii, Foresna, and Gorfanth stood in the center of a room as the audience watched from balconies. Lardeth then took the stage and glided around his lovers, causing clouds to form in the room. The clouds then surrounded his lovers and held them in a gentle embrace. Lardeth then rose into the air as the clouds holding his lovers carried them upwards and around the room. Lardeth then glided to the center of the room as his lovers orbited him. Soon, they drifted towards him. First came Arsha, then Falnii, then Gorfanth, then Malnar, and finally Foresna. They all clasped hands. “Malnar Emboramii, will you allow me to bind my soul to yours?” Lardeth asked in the traditional manner.

“Only if you allow me to bind mine to yours,” replied Malnar.

“Always,” answered Lardeth. A cloud then extended from his wrist and wrapped around hers. He then turned to Falnii. “Falnii Loftanaf, will you allow me to bind my soul yours?”

“Only if you allow me to bind mine to yours,” replied Falnii.

“Always.” The cloud on his wrist extended to Falnii’s and wrapped itself around it. Lardeth then turned to Foresna. “Foresna Falshenda, will you allow me to bind my soul to yours?”

“Only if you allow me to bind mine to yours,” said Foresna.

“Always.” The cloud on his wrist then extended and took Foresna’s wrist into its gentle embrace. He turned to Gorfanth. “Gorfanth Steelhorn, will you allow me to bind my soul to yours?”

“Only if you allow me to bind mine to yours,” answered Gorfanth.

“Always.” The wrist cloud then extended and curled itself around Gorfanth’s wrist. At last, he turned to Arsha. “Arsha Royana, will you allow me to bind my soul to yours?”

“Only if you allow me to bind mine to yours,” replied Arsha.

“Always.” The cloud took Arsha’s wrist, then it gently brought their hands to Lardeth’s and enveloped them all.

“With their souls bound,” called a Priestess, “I hereby proclaim them all married and thus the Rulers of the Over-realm!” The crowd cheered as the combined cloud floated down and dissipated.

---

The reception was held at the Felomphas’ castle. Though, by Lardeth’s taking up her family name, it was now under Arsha’s care. Still, Arsha insisted on calling it the Felomphas’ as it was theirs to begin with and it would be where Over-realm affairs were settled. As with the wedding ceremony, Lardeth was the center of attention as he danced with his spouses. Soon it was time for the wedding photos. The brides and grooms were having their photos with Lardeth and Falnii’s families. They started with Lardeth’s first. When it came time for Falnii’s, they started with her parents. Her five moms and one dad were a relatively small family for a Zephyr. The camera clicked once. “All right,” called the camerawoman. “A few more pictures, then we go to Queen Falnii’s sisters.” The camerawoman set the camera again and got another photo. When she set up for the next one, Falnii’s father got a gleam in his eye. Falnii saw that.

“Daddy,” she warned. By that point, her spouses looked and saw the grin on his face.

“Uh oh,” gulped Malnar. By that point, all of Falnii’s moms were looking at their husband too.

“Flenaf, don’t you dare!” scolded Falnii’s plump mom. “Not in our daughter’s wedding photos!” Too late. With an unrepentant shout of laughter, Flenaf Loftanaf dismissed the clouds making up his top and revealed a vibrant green hoodie commemorating Falnii’s one guest tour with the Three Maidens. The shutter of the camera clicked and the rest of the party burst out laughing.

“Daddy!” wailed Falnii in embarrassment as she covered her face.

“You were a guest with the Maidens?!” yelped Gorfanth. “No wonder they were so familiar with you!”

“I’m jealous, Falnii!” chuckled Arsha. Falnii simply whimpered.

---

When it came time for the grandparents, Arsha was surprised to see what Endram’s parents were wearing. “Er, Lardeth,” she muttered, “I have to admit, your dad’s parents aren’t what I expected.”

“I told you they travel a lot,” replied Lardeth.

“Yeah, but given your dad’s nature, I was expecting floral shirts and bingo nights. I didn’t think they’d show up to the wedding in full armor!”

“Oh, that?” asked Endram’s mom. “Got called in for a practice session, even though we had the weekend off. Didn’t have time to change before we came here.”

“Grandad,” Lardeth asked Endram’s father, “what happened to your cheek? Did you cut yourself?”

“No, I slipped getting out of the carriage. Now it’s just a little bloody. Still, rather that kind of cut than the ones I went through.”

“So you fought in the War?” asked Arsha.

“Arsha,” said Lardeth, “Grandad and Grandma are ones who led the counterattack on the Plains when Dr. Borg was trying to strip mine them.”

“That was you?!” yelped Arsha. “You commanded that army?!”

“We couldn’t let the Centaurs lose their home,” explained Grandad. “Their cavalry skills were too valuable to allow them to scatter.”

“It wasn’t that big a deal, to be honest,” muttered Grandma.

“Not that big a deal?! Your actions saved our side in the long run!” replied Arsha. “Without you, we would have lost the Over-realm! That counterattack not only saved the Centaurs but raised Elven morale across the Realms!”

“It…it did?” asked Grandma.

“Wait, you two seriously didn’t know?!” asked Lardeth. “Grandma, Grandad, Elves have been singing songs about you since that counterattack!” Grandma and Grandad were stunned.

“I mean, it wasn’t…was it?” Grandad asked Grandma.

“Apparently,” replied Grandma. She then shook her head. “Never mind, this ain’t about us, it’s about you six right now!”

“That’s right,” said Arsha, “we have a ceremony in the Under-realm to go through.”

“We’ll see you kids in the Under-realm!” called Grandma. She and Grandad headed off.

“Let’s go!” urged Lardeth. He and Arsha rejoined their spouses and entered the wedding ship. It then took off for the Over-to-Under Realmgate.

The day of Arsha’s Coronation finally arrived. Arsha tapped her foot nervously as she looked at the doors to the Throne Room. It was set up as a themed coronation, but she didn’t know what the theme was. “Ones, I know you’re not in a position to do anything about my prayers,” she muttered, “but PLEASE give me a sign that the theme’s got nothing to do with the Final War!” The trumpets blasted. “Here we go,” she mumbled. She opened the door and was pleasantly surprised by the theme. A tank-like machine stood by one side of the aisle as a yellow creature with pincer claws stood on the other side. A monkey waved his arms and grinned.

“Had the Doc take care of the Vrelmax and Legonan before you showed up!” hooted the monkey.

“Kindly refrain from calling me ‘Doc’!” called a voice. The owner of the voice was an elderly, well-dressed gentleman with a cane, top hat, monocle, and pointed beard. “My apologies for this unannounced visit, My Lady,” said the man, “but the Vrelmax and Legonans had a frightful plan to upend your coronation and undo history as we know it! I couldn’t let this slide, you understand.”

“I understand completely, Dr. Snood,” assured Arsha. “I’m surprised the Vrelmax and Legonans went with a joint operation. They aren’t exactly friends.”

“Oh, it wasn’t a joint operation, it was a war. A temporal cold war, if you will. The two sides are trying to be masters of the Nineteen Timestreams, but we all know that the Stream Masters are the real guardians.”

“And yet you’re the only one breaking the Non-interference Oath.”

“Now, now,” chided the current Dr. Snood, “there’s no need to bring that up. Now, I must be off.” He took his hat off and pulled a silver rod out. He pointed it at the frozen Vrelmax and Legonan and they rose into the air. “Good luck, Arsha Royana!” he called.

“Hey! Wait for me!” called the monkey. The group then left and the doors shut. Once they did, the sound of an ancient engine could be heard gunning itself, then fading away. Arsha smiled as she turned to her parents.

“Very nice touch,” she said.

“We figured you could use something joyful,” replied Hanako. Elgrad then nodded his head to the priest. Arsha bowed to her parents, then she turned to the priest, placed her hand on the Codex, and raised her other hand.

“I, Arsha Royana, do solemnly swear,” began the priest.

“I, Arsha Royana, do solemnly swear,” repeated Arsha.

“That I will execute my duties as Queen of the Mid-realm faithfully.”

“That I will execute my duties as Queen of the Mid-realm faithfully.”

“I will uphold the laws and dreams of my people.”

“I will uphold the laws and dreams of my people.”

“I will care for those that are in dire straits.”

“I will care for those that are in dire straits.”

“With the help of the now Mortal Divine Ones, I will not let evil corrupt my judgement.”

“With the help of the now Mortal Divine Ones, I will not let evil corrupt my judgement.”

“If necessary, I will give my life to save my people, should disaster strike.”

“If necessary, I will give my life to save my people, should disaster strike.”

“I hereby pronounce you Queen of the Mid-realm!” The crowd cheered as Arsha sat on the throne and waved to her subjects.

“My friends and family,” she began, “it has been a long, tough road for all of us. There were moments where we nearly fell to despair when Oyed was around. But we persevered. We triumphed over despair. We’ve proven that hope is stronger than despair. We’ve proven we won’t surrender to hopelessness. Now, we can enjoy the peace that will reign, and so will our descendants. I don’t exactly have a glass in my hand, but I propose a toast! To the unity of our people!”

“To the unity of our people!” cheered the room.

---

Once the initial ceremony was over, the ball was in full swing. Arsha and her lovers were dancing merrily, with a noticeable smile on Foresna. “Now this is a ball I can get behind,” he said as he danced with Gorfanth.

“Come on, masquerades aren’t THAT bad,” replied Gorfanth.

“I want to see my lovers’ faces as we dance,” insisted Foresna. “I want us to gaze lovingly in one another’s eyes.”

“Well, a mask DOES tend to hide the eyes in some cases. It’s never a bother to get lost in your eyes.”

“Flatterer!” Lardeth and Malnar then came up. They all swapped partners so Foresna danced with Malnar and Lardeth danced with Gorfanth.

“Arsha and Falnii will be coming up to us in a minute,” mused Malnar. “I haven’t had a chance to dance with Fluffy and I know Foxy’s looking to dance with you.”

“Then we exchange when they come,” said Foresna. “For now, I just want to be with you, Bonfire.”

“Tell me, did Arsha propose to you yet?”

“No, she said she wanted to propose to us all at once.”

“Perfect! Now, when she’s gonna do that, I have no idea.”

“Me neither. It’s tearing me apart!”

“May we?” asked Arsha’s voice as she and Falnii twirled up to them. They exchanged partners, making Falnii and Malnar one pair and Arsha and Foresna the other.

“Have fun!” called Falnii as she and Malnar twirled away.

“This is a perfect night,” sighed Arsha as the two Mid-realmers danced.

“Any peaceful night with all of us,” replied Foresna, “is a perfect night.”

“True that.” Soon, Arsha and her lovers all had a turn with one another and the ball wound down.

---

As everyone was heading to the port, Arsha and Foresna stopped Malnar, Gorfanth, Lardeth, and Falnii. “Guys, hold up!” she said.

“Foxy, is something wrong?” asked Lardeth.

“There’s something I need to do first!” urged Arsha. She then arranged everyone in front of her and pulled out a long box.

“Arsha, what’s going on?” asked Malnar.

“It’s something we’ve all been waiting for since we first started dating,” replied Arsha. She then knelt down, giving them all the same idea. “King Lardeth Felompha, Ambassador Falnii Loftanaf, Farmer Foresna Falshenda, Queen Malnar Emboramii, Blacksmith Gorfanth Steelhorn,” she opened the box and revealed five rings, “will you marry me?” The stunned silence only lasted for a second.

“Queen Arsha Royana, do you even need to ask?!” replied Gorfanth.

“YES! YES! A THOUSAND TIMES, YES!” cheered Falnii. She spoke for everyone. Arsha slid the rings onto their fingers, then hugged them all.

“We better start planning,” said Arsha. “This is gonna be the Wedding of the Age!”

“We’ll plan when we all return to our castles and tell the Realms the news,” said Lardeth. “For now, we must make sure the Realms are ready.”

“I can’t wait for the day we finally say our vows!” cheered Arsha. Malnar, Gorfanth, Lardeth, and Falnii said their goodbyes and headed to their ships so they would make the announcement. It was finally time for the Realms to REALLY be united.

Arsha and the members of her old crew that left the Endeavor stood at the port, waiting for their respective shuttles. Just then, the Welmevas’ shuttle arrived. “Well, this is it, Cap,” chuckled Denstra.

“You arrive on a shuttle,” sighed Arsha as she recalled, “and you leave on a shuttle. Funny how fate works like that.”

“Yeah, fate’s got a goofy sense of humor.”

“What will you do?”

“We’re thinking of applying to become Protectorate Pirates,” replied Twirja, “mostly to keep an eye on Reb.”

“Well, when you send me the application, I’ll certainly sign it!” promised Arsha. “Good luck on your Protectorate Training!”

“Goodbye, Arsha!” called Denstra as she led her family onto the shuttle. Once it took off, Dalengor’s arrived. The two old friends hugged each other.

“So much has changed since you found my hibernation egg all those years ago,” chuckled the Shadow Dragon. “I never would have made it in this new world if it weren’t for your help. Now, my people and Mordek have made peace with one another and we’re prospering!”

“What’s gonna happen now?” asked Arsha.

“I’ve accepted a position as Military Advisor for General Dotan. He picked me because of my experience with this time zone. I’m all too happy to help.”

“He made an excellent choice. You’ll still visit, won’t you?”

“Oh, of course! Just as long as our schedules line up.” The two friends hugged once more, then Dalengor boarded the shuttle. Once it left, it was Nazay’s turn.

“I’ll be back for your coronation, Arsha,” he said.

“You keep me appraised about your marriage to Merrim, you hear?” requested Arsha.

“Will do.”

“Oh, and make sure you have a map of Largandra handy when I’m crowned. Don’t want you getting lost like you did on my first day, hm?”

“How’d you know that?!” yelped Nazay.

“A certain Shadow Dragon told me.”

“I’m gonna SKIN her for that!” Nazay’s face was as red as his tail. He boarded the shuttle and it took off. Thangred and Shalvey then approached Arsha.

“Captain, we’re gonna miss you,” said Thangred.

“I understand you have a new show in the works?” asked Arsha.

“Yep, an animated show called Stone and Scales about a Merman who goes on all sorts of hijinks across the Realms with his Dwarf girlfriend and upset the machinations of the Great Evil!”

“Gee, I wonder who the inspiration is,” chuckled Arsha.

“Guilty,” replied Shalvey. “The Great Evil, however, is gonna take a more comedic role than Oyed did.”

“Then we REALLY won against him,” remarked Arsha. “What was once a terror that hung over the heads of every single denizen of every Realm has been reduced to nothing more than a monster that frightens children into behaving. Such is the fate of all evil.”

“Yeah, well, them’s the breaks for him. Good luck as Queen, Arsha!” said Shalvey. Thangred then pushed her chair onto the shuttle. Once it left, there was one last shuttle for Thengo.

“I’m gonna miss our teatime sessions,” admitted Arsha.

“My cave’s open for a visit,” assured Thengo. “I’ll always have time to listen to your woes if, for some reason, your lovers can’t help.” The two hugged and Thengo entered the shuttle. It took off and Arsha sighed.

“Well, she muttered, “that’s the end of my old bridge crew. …Now comes an upcoming portrait sitting and getting some proposal rings.”

---

Arsha spent the day shopping for rings for her and her lovers so they would have a wedding later. Once she got them, she found a nice dress and met with Irmalii for the Royal Portrait. They were in a grassy area outside the city walls and Arsha adjusted her new dress. Irmalii set up the canvas and Arsha took up a pose where she looked to the side and placed a hand on her dress. She could hold her main body’s pose, but her tails were another matter. “Arsha, will you hold your tails still?” asked Irmalii.

“Sorry!” gulped Arsha. Her tails went back to their original position.

“…Arsha, tails!”

“Sorry!” This kind of exchange went on for a while until the day was nearly done. “All right, come and see!” Arsha sighed in relief and her tails resumed moving again. She came over to see her portrait and smiled.

“Perfect!” she said. “And I saw what you did with Foresna’s! Now we’ve all got Royal Portraits! And there’s plenty of time for me to get used to this dress.”

“Where did you get it, anyways?” asked Irmalii.

“Same dress shop you got yours.”

“They’re really comfy, aren’t they?”

“Sweet Ones, they are! The bodice hugs you in all the right places and the skirts never tangle in your legs! But I see why you only get them on special occasions. Those are EXPENSIVE!”

“Yeah, they’re not something one can buy every day.” Irmalii then wagged a mocking finger. “So our economy better not tank because you decided retail therapy was what you needed!”

“I won’t let it go that bad! I promise!” giggled Arsha. Just then, Domesta appeared.

“Excuse me, my Lady,” she said, “but there are four important visitors requesting yours and Foresna’s presence.”

“They’re here!” cheered Arsha. “Domesta, I wish Foresna and I were where our visitors are!” Domesta snapped her fingers and Arsha and Foresna appeared right next to Malnar, Gorfanth, Arsha, and Foresna. “Welcome, my Lords and Ladies, to Castle Royana!” greeted Arsha.

“It’s great to see you again!” cheered Malnar as everyone gathered one another in an embrace. Once the hug was over, the new arrivals whistled in amazement. “Look at you!” chuckled Malnar.

“That looks great on you!” agreed Lardeth.

“Thanks, you guys!” replied Arsha. “So, you ready to see what the Crown Princess goes through to become the Mid-Queen?”

“You know it!” answered Falnii.

“I personally can’t wait to see you ascend!” said Gorfanth.

“Well, we’ve got two days left, so be ready! We’re gonna have a ball, the ceremony, and there’s a surprise once the festivities are done.”

“What is it?” asked all her lovers.

“Wait and see!” said Arsha. “Trust me, you guys will love it!”

Arsha and Foresna woke up and got themselves dressed. It was time to disembark from the Endeavor. Arsha hoisted her bag over her shoulder, then she and Foresna first headed to the bridge. Arsha started the Ceremony and placed three fingers on the Captain’s Chair. “I am Arsha Royana,” she said. “I have served Realmfleet and have learned much. Thus now, I have proven that I can command. I wish Bashoon Barmek luck as my successor.” Once she finished speaking, she and Foresna made the long trek to the landing ramp. Once they went down the ramp, they walked towards the venue where the Ceremony would be completed. It was a nice little park in the center of the city. Once they reached the park’s entrance, they saw an aisle with the old and new Endeavor bridge crew lining it. Foresna headed off to the side of the aisle and Arsha went down it to approach her parents. She set her stuff aside and knelt in front of Elgrad and Hanako. “Arsha Royana,” began Elgrad, “you have been away from home for five years now and have fought in the Final War.” Arsha silently wished that he didn’t say that, wishing for a normal Tour’s End Ceremony like Lardeth and Malnar had. “You have served Realmfleet and expanded your knowledge. What have you learned?”

“…I have seen the darkest aspects of the Realms,” she said. “I’ve learned that not even my own crew was safe from prejudice…but I still saw good triumph over evil! I saw heroes supporting those that couldn’t defend themselves, whether they never knew a fighter’s life or were robbed of the ability to fight! I saw heroes that sprang from the enemy’s side and proved to me that no one is beyond redemption, even if their entire life is filled with nothing but blind hate! Moreover, I saw those heroes continue to build people up, even after the fighting had long ended! My journey has proven that a hero can pop up at any moment and will even fight against smaller evils. Good will always triumph and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those heroes.” Elgrad and Hanako grinned.

“Your tour has been instrumental in your growth,” said Hanako. “We have no doubts that you will lead us well when you ascend to the throne. Rise, Arsha Royana, Crown Princess of the entire Mid-realm!” Arsha rose and addressed the crowd.

“I meant what I said,” she called. “I’ve been hailed as a hero, as have my lovers, but we wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without the actions of all the heroes across the Realms, both those that are still alive to those that gave their lives for their homes and loved ones. So, please, for the love of the now mortal Divine Ones, while you praise those that gained fame, remember those nearest to you. Sing songs, thank them for their service, raise monuments, do something to acknowledge their sacrifices. That’s all I ask of you.” Once she finished, Bashoon walked up to her. She was wearing a duty uniform with purple command trim.

“Well, Ca-Your Highness, this is it,” she said.

“So much has changed since we picked you and your family up in Vorkath,” replied Arsha. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to change a bit of it.”

“Nor do I,” agreed Bashoon. “I’ve enjoyed my career under your command. Now I’m ready to begin the next step towards my ultimate goal.”

“Just don’t forget the goals of your crew. Theirs can align with yours.”

“Understood, My Lady.” Bashoon and Arsha shook hands, then Arsha surprised everyone by pulling Bashoon into a hug. Bashoon was startled, then smiled and reciprocated.

“You’re gonna be a great Captain in these times of peace,” said Arsha. “I just know it.”

“I’ll command the Endeavor and her crew with the respect and dignity that is due to them,” promised Bashoon. They broke off the embrace and Bashoon walked down the aisle with her new bridge crew following her.

---

They all entered the bridge and took their stations. “All right, everyone,” called Bashoon. “Assume your posts.” Bashoon sat in the Captain’s seat and Endea sat in the seat next to her while Anya moved her water chair to the other side of Bashoon. Laverda, Malak, and Marshii took up their old positions as Melandra and Orthena respectively assumed Thangred and Elmar’s old posts. Nazay’s replacement was a Revenant Kitsune man named Nambura, Shalvey’s successor was Temnasia, a robot that rebelled against Dr. Borg during the final battles of the War, the new Security Officer was a female Golem called Gurnak, the Engineer directly under Melandra was a male Insect-type robot called Geturak, and a Revenant human man calling himself Lurkath was the Science Officer directly under Orthena. “Ms. Temnasia,” called Bashoon once everyone assumed their posts, “any missions?”

“The Haldebor Drider Caves,” reported Temnasia, “are requesting medical supplies as a mine has collapsed. Everyone has made it out, but there are a lot of injuries.”

“All right then, let’s get underway. Mr. Nambura, set a course for the Mid-to-Under Realmgate, then plot a course from there to the Haldebor Drider Caves.”

“Course laid in,” reported Nambura.

“Let’s fly,” commanded Bashoon.

---

The Endeavor rose from its landing spot and went higher into the air before it flew forward towards the Realmgate. The crowd below waved goodbye as it flew off. They waved until it vanished from view. “Goodbye, Captain Barmek,” said Arsha, “and good luck.”

---

Once the ceremony was over, Arsha and her parents sat in Arsha’s room in the castle. “You know,” mused Arsha, “I just want to ask this; are you sure you want to step down?”

“You have the Eternal Age of Unity as the background for your rule,” replied Elgrad.

“We’ve ruled during war and peace,” supplied Hanako, “now it’s time for our daughter to rule during only peace.”

“Then I guess the next question is will the end of the month work for you guys?”

“Sounds perfect to me,” said Elgrad.

“And me,” agreed Hanako. “Plenty of time for Lardeth and Malnar to settle any affairs of state.”

“In that case,” declared Arsha, “I’m gonna send them the invites!”

“Very well, we’ll make the announcement for the Town Crier to call out tomorrow,” replied Elgrad. He then kissed Arsha on the head. Hanako kissed her as well before she spoke.

“You’re a good woman, Arsha,” she said. “I know we haven’t always done the right thing for you, but I can say, with no exaggeration, your father and I are proud of the woman and commander you have become. May your rule be blessed with happiness.” Arsha and her parents then hugged and remained together for a bit. Elgrad and Hanako then broke the embrace and left Arsha’s room while Arsha began typing out the invitations to Lardeth and Malnar. Once she finished and edited them, she sent them out. She looked out the window and sighed.

“The instant the Coronation’s over,” she said, “that’s when I do it.”