A larger-than-average bird of prey burst through the tavern doors, its wings stirring the dusty air. Mira recognized it immediately. The Nexus's messenger, sent to retrieve nearby adventurers, appeared like clockwork — twice a year, without fail. This also meant her short moment of bliss with the Team would come to an indefinite end.
The bird's communicator crackled to life, delivering a garbled message from a voice the crew seemed to know all too well. They rose from their seats, bowing respectfully to Mira. At the counter they paid for their meals, with the correct currency this time — more than necessary, as if to leave behind a gesture of gratitude. Without a word, they followed the bird outside, where a shimmering bubble enveloped them.
And just like that, they were gone.
Mira lingered, staring at the empty doorway. She had enjoyed their company, their camaraderie, their stories. Compared to the usual rowdy patrons and pilgrims, they had been a delight. She wasn't sad, not exactly. Angie and Emaila had promised to keep her updated on their adventures, after all. But she couldn't help feeling wistful — and slightly disappointed, about the game she never got to play with Sabbath. Such a shame.
***
The team materialized in the Nexus, but not in its usual communal space. This was the inner sanctum, Ray's quarters. It took a bit for them to orient themselves to the new space, his was a mercurial form of spatial warping. So it was more than a little bit unsettling at first. Their figures shimmered briefly before solidifying, each of them steadying themselves in their own way.
The air here hummed with activity, the quiet buzz of unseen machinery and arcane energy. The room itself was a marvel — sapphire threads of light wove through the space, shifting and curling as if alive, a harmonious blend of ancient wood and shimmering ether, the kind of place that seemed more memory than reality. Shelves of parchment and tabs cluttered the walls, all filled with research and obscure diagrams, illuminated by a floating globe of soft blue light.
Ray stood at the center, a warm smile creasing his weathered face. His eyes, sharp and kind, radiated quiet pride.
"Welcome back, Team Holiday." he said, without haste, "You've done what many could only dream of — survived, thrived, gotten a chance at a life as long as mine."
The faintest flicker of a smile crossed Sabbath's face. The others exchanged glances, an unspoken acknowledgment of their journey.
"Holiday." Jon muttered, testing the word as he adjusted his crimson cloak, the material shimmering faintly under the ambient light. "Has a certain ring to it, doesn't it?" He paused for effect, letting the cloak settle before continuing. "Though I think 'Arbiters of Brilliance' might've captured my essence better."
Angie rolled her eyes. "I have a couple suggestions for you."
Ray chuckled, the sound warm and infectious. "Names aside, you've earned your place in Nexus history. But I didn't bring you here to sing your praises — well, not entirely. On to business, shall we?"
A table etched with glowing runes approached them, as he retrieved a small metallic case. Inside were five silver cards, each engraved with intricate symbols and a singular crystalline slit. He handed them out, one by one.
"Your citizenship tags." he explained. "These will grant you access to the Transit Gates and the Kingdoms beyond. Use them wisely."
Sabbath turned the tag over in his hand, the weight of it more symbolic than physical. "Twelve years." he murmured. "And now we're free to walk into any Kingdom like we belong."
"You've always belonged." Ray said. "The chains never defined you. But now…. now you get to decide what comes next."
Emaila held her tag up to the light, its glow reflected in her eyes. "What comes next, indeed. We were just talking about starting in Arthuria, weren't we?"
"Arthuria." Hayz echoed. "Good place to start, I'd say. Lots of cottages."
"And Knights," Angie added with a smirk. "Lots of knights. Should be fun to find one or two while we're there."
Jon leaned casually against Ray's desk, his tone almost theatrical. "Speaking of Arthuria, Ray, those Stormbreakers — fascinating craftsmanship." He gestured to some prototypes which lay in stacks at a distance. "Such quality, such elegance — surely the work of a master."
Ray arched a brow slowly. "Why young lad, are you fishing for compliments, or do you actually have a point?"
"A bit of both." Jon admitted with a grin. "But mostly, I'm curious. Their enchantments are unlike anything I've seen. Surely there's a story behind them?"
Ray's smile deepened. "They are Nexus craft, forged with a singular purpose: to ensure their wielders could face any trial and emerge victorious. If anyone asks, I made it for myself, not you lot."
Jon's grin widened. "Fascinating. And I suppose you wouldn't mind if I —"
"No, Jon." Ray interrupted, his tone firm but good-natured. "You're not dismantling one for research or to satisfy your curiosity. And no, I'm not looking for any apprentices. I've taught you enough, have I not?"
The others laughed. Jon's relentless curiosity was as endearing as it was exasperating.
Sabbath drawled. "We've talked about it, Ray. Arthuria feels right — not just for what we might gain, but to reconnect with the world. It's been too long."
Emaila added: "It gives us a chance to ask questions. Talk to people, get a feel for the land again. Books and rumors only tell you so much."
Ray nodded, his expression thoughtful. "A wise choice. Arthuria will welcome you, even if they don't realize it yet."
Angelie's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "And when we get there? What then?"
"Then." Sabbath replied, his gaze steady, "We find our place. Wherever that may be."
"Oh, and what about little Shaul?" Ray asked.
Sabbath replied, shifting awkwardly. "Welllll, he was never Bound like we were, so I sent him ahead to scout for suitable cities. He's far more competent in such things. Plus he mentioned something about wanting to grow his abilities against beasts with natural resistance, where better to find those than in Arthurian soil?"
Ray replied with a knowing smirk "That trouble maker. I guess he'll be fine."
Ray stepped forward, placing a hand on Sabbath's shoulder. "Whatever path you choose, just remember: the Nexus will always be a part of it. And so will I."
For a moment, there was only silence — a rare, poignant pause in the lives of those who had spent so long fighting to survive. Then Ray stepped back, his warmth undiminished.
"Now go." he said. "The Transit Gate awaits. And so does your future."
They huddled together and embraced Ray, their show of affection saying what words couldn't. He had been a constant in their lives as Bound, crafting gear, mentoring, and serving as a surrogate father figure – a steadfast presence they'd grown to rely on whole trying not to burden.
"Oooh, kids. You sure do know how to make a man cry."
Then, together, they stepped through a mini gate, leaving behind the hum of the Nexus and entering the unknown.
This was farewell — for now.