Chapter Text
It was supposed to be a happy ending. The Anti-Hex was completed. The world was saved. Everything was supposed to be perfect. Regardless of what things were supposed to be, it wasn't clear if a certain owl got the message.
Otus has flung off somewhere from the blast of the Anti-Hex and Molstrom’s death. The Anti-Hex had drained all his energy, so he was left to helplessly fall back to Earth, owl cloak flapping from the speed of his descent behind him.
Solus saw this as he, along with the rest of Otus’ friends, got flung in the opposite direction from the blast. He didn’t see this for long, however, as the sheer force from the blast and the stronger gravitational pull from the Anti-Hex pulling the floating islands down into the oceans knocked him out.
Solus opened his eyes to a version of Vellie he didn't recognize. Everything was a silhouette, the ground was a dark gray, and the sky was slightly lighter and filled with stars worthy of a painting. He thought it would be best to have a high ground, so he was better aware of his surroundings. Something told him to stay in his general area, so he just flew up to gain a vantage point. That’s when he noticed the citizens were different. They weren’t made of… whatever they were supposed to be made out of. It was just whiteness taking their shape. Wherever he was, he felt safe. All his anxieties didn't exist there; they never did. Solus felt the most relaxed he had ever remembered feeling in his life. Seeing Otus flying towards where he was, Solus landed. Solus decided to tell Otus what he felt, no matter what. Otus approached him, had stood there silently, beckoning him to speak like he normally did.
“Otus!” Solus greeted the other owl excitedly, “I’m glad you're doing well! Y-You don't recognize me? It's me, Solus.” His stutter was back, but he didn't care. He cared about nothing at that moment. “Listen, umm... I don't know if you think of me as a friend, but... I always thought of you as m-my only friend. I hope the next time we meet, it’ll be under different circumstances. There’s so... so much I want to tell you.”
That's when he opened his eyes again to find himself in Alphonse’s arms. He was looking at Solus the same as a mother would look at her child being struck by nightmares.
Otus’s time in the astral realm lasted a little longer. He continued forward into the Vellie graveyard to find Asio waiting for him.
“Welcome, Otus,” his mentor started when he got close enough, “I’m very glad to see you again. You're probably wondering where you are. You’re not dreaming. You’re seeing visions of the past... and the future. And from today. You may not remember any of it, but it is real. You grew up with excellent people, Otus. Full of affection for you and hopes for your future. And regret for things said and done. These visions are our gift to you. The truth, I think, is often the greatest gift. Especially since people are so prone to forgetting the things they should cherish most. You must have many questions. Come, sit down.”
Asio sat on the ground and nodded his head in a motion inviting Otus to sit with him. If this were the physical realm, you would see the tears running down Asio’s face. He had learned everything his student had done to save the world. He was so proud of Otus and the light of hope he brought to the dying world.
Otus sat with his mentor. He was crying too, if one was able to see it, not of the strong surge of positive emotions like Asio, but worry. He was worried for his friends, for himself, for the future. He recognizes how young he is and the tragedy that would come if he had died in the study.
With a few deep breaths, Otus finally asked his first question,“... Is everyone... going to be ok?”
Otis gasped and quickly put a hand to his throat and then his mouth. And Asio let out a small laugh.
“That was you, Otus. Continue,” Asio told him.
“Geddy, Alphonse, and Twig, and all the rest..? Are they okay?” Otus finished his thought.
“Yes, my child. You succeeded out there, ” Asio reassured his student, “The fact that you’re here means that the Anti-Hex worked.”
“What will happen now?” Otus asked his teacher next.
“The islands will be sinking, ” Asio explained, “Your generation will know the surface, as we did. Thanks to you, the world will be whole once again. It will be difficult to adjust to life on the surface after all this time... But it will be overcome. I hope you don't blame us for what we’ve put you through. We tried to change the universe, and we paid the price for that. You paid that price too. In order to end the Loop, we were willing to do anything. Even risk our future. Your present.”
“...I'm not sure I understand, Asio,” Otus told him.
“It doesn't matter,” Asio told Otus, “All you need to know is that we wanted to discover the nature of the Universe, and in doing so, we lost ourselves. Maybe one day, in this life or the next, you will learn about the Loop. But there are far more rewarding things to learn about the universe than how it ends. You're probably worried this is the end for you. Don't worry. In this world we created, there is always a second chance.”
The ground shook, and Asio stood up again.
“Our time is up,” Asio explained, “And I know I'm not the only one, but... I've always believed in you, Otus.”
With the final parting words from Asio, everything faded to white in the astral world, and Otus opened his eyes in a falling Tropos.