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There was a polite knock on the door to the Queen's chambers followed by the male attendant's voice. “I have the tea you asked for, your majesty. It was two pots, correct?”
Melia had been sitting in the darkened room on a velvet stool at the side of the four-poster bed, but now she stood hurriedly and pressed her hand against the door, ready to block entry in case the attendant tried to step inside. “You may leave the tray outside,” said Melia. “I will collect it momentarily.”
“Are you certain? I can set it down for you in your chambers. I wouldn't want you to spill tea and scold yourself.”
Melia sighed. She'd only been back in the castle a few hours since Noah's group had freed her from Origin and the castle attendants didn't yet understand her. They were keen to go above and beyond to win her approval, and they didn't yet understand that she wasn't the type to enjoy being waited on... (even when she didn't have something in her room to hide).
“I assure you that I can manage,” said Melia. “I am quite different to the simulcrum you served previously. I do not enjoy having everything done for me. Indeed, I prefer to do many things myself. Thank you very much for bringing the tea. Now, I wish to be left alone to focus on important matters. No one else is to come here for the rest of the day. If I need anything then I shall call for you.”
“Please do, your majesty.”
The curtains were drawn across the window to keep the strong sunlight from disturbing her patient. She tapped the blue ether lamp on the dresser beside the bed to raise the lighting level slightly so that she would be able to handle the tea more easily, and then opened the door. The attendant was gone, but Melia listened until she heard the hum of the elevator down the corridor. She picked up the tea tray and carried it into her chambers. She'd asked to be left alone, but how long would it last before someone insisted on making her bed or cleaning? How long could she realistically hide him?
“Ah Melia, you should have put him in a spare room and been honest to everyone about our guest,” she muttered to herself.
Although she didn't wish to be the Queen who had everything done for her, there was a still a respectful reputation and persona she needed to build – which would be very difficult to manage if people started gossiping about men in her bed chambers.
Well – what was done was done. If everyone found out, she would simply move forward regardless.
Alvis had appeared before her shortly after she parted ways with Noah's group in Origin. Or perhaps the term 'collapsed before her' was more accurate. She'd had to carry his unconscious form out of Origin.
How ironic that it would be her tending to him. Because out of all of them – Shulk, Fiora, Reyn, Sharla, Riki – she was the one who was most indifferent to him. She respected his importance. His unwavering bond with Shulk. And everything he had done for the world. She wouldn't hesitate to giver her life for him if it was required.
But the demise of the High Entia... remembering the screams of those who turned into telethia... the pain on Kallian's face... and knowing that Alvis played a part in all of that...
“Melia, I respect your feelings,” Shulk had once told her, “but remember that Alvis is a very different being to your or I. Despite everything, I believe he did what he could to guide the world. What happened to the High Entia was Zanza's doing, not Alvis's.”
Yes, she understood all of that. But emotions were not easy to bury.
However, no matter what painful memories Alvis's presence gave rise to, she would protect him. And she certainly took no joy in seeing his current pitiful state.
He was unconscious in her bed; dishevelled silver hair, deep haggard breaths that made his body tremble, and distressed throbbing lines of red ether burning over his face, neck, arms – and no doubt all over the rest of his body tucked beneath the heavy blue bedcovers.
Being trapped in Origin by Z had been a nightmare for Melia. That was over for her now. But it wasn't over for Alvis. Using Origin, Z held the world and its souls captive. Alvis was part of the world – on a level that most would struggle to comprehend. Thus, the pain Z was causing to the world was reflected on Alvis.
Melia placed the tea tray on the dresser. She checked the steaming aroma of both pots and then moved one of them to the edge closest to the bed. She lifted the lid, allowing the scent to thicken in the air. The other pot was for her. She poured a cup and clasped it in her hands.
Alvis stirred and slowly blinked, revealing silver eyes pierced by bleeding rivulets of ether. He raised a trembling hand in front of his face, turning it over to examine both sides. It was almost as if surprised by his own appearance. It was extremely rare of him to materialize in a biological form and Melia wondered if it had happened this time without him realizing.
“That scent... sea berry, poppy, honey rhubarb and... burdock...” Alvis murmured. He turned his head to the dresser.
Good. He could talk and was aware of his surroundings.
“Indeed,” said Melia. “Quite an unusual combination that few can stomach, but Shulk once told me this was your favourite type of tea.”
“I thank you for the thought.” His voice was strained by rattled breaths. “However... I'm afraid that I may not be able to drink it right now.”
“Then I will ask for more when you wish to partake. For now, you can simply enjoy the warm aroma. The scent of tea is always soothing and I find it aids recovery. Now, forgive me for being direct but the world is at a crucial stage. A brave group of youths are fighting for the freedom of this world. I did not expect to see you. And certainly not in this awful state.”
“I...”
Alvis faltering. A rarity. It must be as she suspected; he hadn't consciously materialized.
And how lost he looked. Such a powerful being quivering under the blankets. The sight would have been agonizing to Shulk.
Melia sighed as she sat on the stool beside the bed with her tea cup clasped in her hands. “Bear with it, Alvis. Shulk would not want you to die. You must bear with it for his sake. Noah and the others are fighting. They will seize our future. And once Z is gone, I believe you will recover, correct?”
“I can feel the world crying.” The red ether in Alvis's eyes condensed to form red tears that slid down his cheeks. “This... this isn't what I saw... this isn't supposed to...”
Melia placed her tea cup on the dresser and drew a handkerchief from one of the drawers. She gently wiped his face. “The world will not end here. I have disagreed with some of your previous actions, but your promise to Shulk seemed genuine. Z is not your fault. He is a manifestation of our own fear – the fear of everyone in this world. You couldn't have anticipated that.”
“The future is not written. There will always be many paths and uncertainties. Shulk's wish – the wish from all of you – was for a world with no gods. But such a world comes with risks because the outcome can never be controlled. Maybe I-”
“We gladly accepted those risks. And we still do now. We will face everything that comes at our world. Fear may have created Z. But fear exists to be conquered.”
Alvis smiled, but the bleeding ether still rolled from his eyes. “Your wisdom reminds me of Sorean.”
How dare you speak my father's name. When you are the reason I lost so much...
Those emotions were there inside of her. For years, she'd wondered what Alvis really thought of the High Entia. Of her family. Had there been any emotion inside of him when they turned into telethia? She could ask him now – it was likely the only opportunity she would ever have.
But with ether streaming more and more from his eyes, she already knew the answer.
Does the world ever need its hand holding in comfort? In her mind, Melia could see Fiora with her brilliant smile and warmth. Fiora had been Melia's best friend – guiding her. And she knew what Fiora would be telling her to do now. And what Shulk would want her to do in his place.
Melia gently took his hand that lay atop the covers and clasped it with both of hers. Alvis seemed to hesitate but then she felt his fingers clinging to hers.
“We are the ones who created Z,” said Melia. “And we will conquer him. We do not need your help. And you know this, do you not? Would you have handed the world to us if you knew we would – what is the word the Keves people would use? As yes – if you knew we would 'snuff' it up? All events – even terrible events – lead to new opportunities for us. The colliding of worlds is frightening. But a wonderful opportunity to meet others – like Nia. We were all surprised when we realized what would happen. And frightened. But also excited. Especially Shulk. And we couldn't wait to meet them. How dare Z and the Moebius put our two worlds against one another for their own games! We don't want to fight. We all want to live side by side. I want to walk with Nia side by side and hold her hand.”
The mere mention of Shulk's name seemed enough to brighten Alvis's eyes. “I did not foresee the battles you would continue to fight – and so soon after Zanza. But I know a beautiful future is there. I saw the worlds merge. I saw so many from both worlds hand in hand... I saw it... I can still see it...”
His breaths were growing more haggard and the red ether lines throbbing more tightly.
Melia sighed. “Alvis... if the scent of tea gets you this worked up then I may have to go back on my promise to bring you more.” She cleared her throat as she adopted the lofty queenly voice – the tone she used when she and Tyrea were teasing one another. “You are forgetting your stature as Divine Seer. You mastered the ways of the elite aristocracy. How easy you let it slide now by succumbing to this state.”
“I beg your forgiveness, your highness. Alas, I have been absent from my post for so long that I am certain you will already have appointed a replacement.”
She'd almost forgotten his sense of humour. She'd had few dealings with him in the palace, but both Kallian and her father had enjoyed his company.
Truly, he was a marvel. Shulk had explained that Alvis was a machine – something created by Klaus before he became Zanza. And yet there was no mistaking that he was a person who buried the same emotions as everyone else.
“I never received any official paperwork confirming you resignation from the position of Divine Seer,” said Melia. “Therefore, you still work for me. So I command you – you will stay here. You will rest. And you will watch as we break free from Z and seize the future.” She stood, placing the teacup on the dresser but then she paused and looked back at Alvis. “Alvis. I expect you will try to mysteriously disappear before I return. I will not permit this, or any other deviant behaviour from the Divine Seer of the Antiqua family. Shulk is no longer here, but his soul resides in Origin – along with the others – so there is no need for mourning because we will be reunited once Origin activates and this world resumes its rightful path. And when that happens, you will be waiting to greet Shulk. Because Shulk is dear to me and I know he would love to see you again.”
“I am not sure...”
“Alvis. I do not care what kind of powerful being you are. Right now you are lying in a Queen's bed. The least you can do in return is to do as I ask. You may be a machine but you have lived among us mere mortals for long enough to understand what behaviour is correct.”
Alvis smiled as he closed his eyes. “Did you know that I can sense strong feelings from others at times? And right now... I can tell tell that you will not tolerate defiance.” He sighed. “Living... in a mortal shell... it was... rather nice... at times... Well then, I leave the fate of this world in the hands of you and everyone else in it. As it should be. And... I will see you upon your return. Indeed... I really... really... would like to see him again...”
Melia smiled at the peaceful look on his face. “It suits you to be honest with your emotions. Shulk has missed you greatly. Now, wait here while I bring him and everyone else back. It's time for me to head out.”
“However... just... one thing...” said Alvis. “Are you sure you will head out? Wearing that? Forgive me... but... it doesn't seem practical for a fight that will decide the fate of your future.”
She paused. He did have a point. A very good point.
This dress. A black ballgown adorned with silver ornaments and blue feathers. Tyrea had insisted she wear something grand for the anniversary and had presented the dress as a gift. Tyrea had overseen the design – and Melia was certain that Tyrea had gone to every length possible to create something pompously enormous because she knew how much Melia loathed unpractical royal garments.
And yet...
It really was rather beautiful. For a one-off special occasion.
(How unfortunate she'd ended up wearing it for a thousand years thanks to Z).
But there were other options she could turn to. When Melia had arrived at the castle earlier, she had asked an attendant to find her new clothes – and a trunk had been delivered to the door of her chambers. The attendant had made it clear the garments weren't suited for a queen, but Melia had made it clear that she really didn't care as long as it got her out of the dress. But with Alvis in the room, she hadn't been able to bring the attendant in to help her change. And the corset was impossible to change out of without some help.
Well. She would manage perfectly fine alone. She'd rip herself out of the dress if she needed too and apologize to Tyrea when they were finally reunited-
She suddenly felt hands on her back – gently unlacing the corset.
“Alvis. Do you have any idea how inappropriate this is?”
“I beg your pardon, but I sensed your frustration and it was rather... overwhelming... to put it mildly.”
She sighed. “Keep your eyes closed. Or there will be far more bleeding ether spilling out of you.”
“I am an administrative computer of a phase-transition experiment. I spend most of my time floating in a vast sea of collective unconscious. I assure you that the sort of thoughts you have in your mind right now are really of no – what would the Keves say now? They are of no 'snuffin' relevance to me whatsoever.”
“Ah, but Alvis – I know that isn't true. Did you know there are others like you? In Nia's world?”
“Like... me? That's-”
“Yes. Another administrative computer of a phase-transition experiment exists and takes the form of two women. Who have a husband and children. Nia told me. Which means you have sisters, a brother-in-law, and-”
“The sea of unconsciousness sounds significantly less complicated.”
The corset was undone. Melia held it to her chest to keep herself covered as she turned to face Alvis. She wasn't quite sure how he'd managed to stand, given how much he was trembling. Even through his clothes – the same outfit he'd wore in Alcamoth – she could see the vibrant red ether lines – as if the pain of the world was slicing into him.
“I can manage from here. Back to bed,” she said. “One step at a time. Origin and Z. And then to the world that we deserve. And by we – I mean you too.”
He smiled; silver eyes shining. “Well... I look forward to seeing the world you create.”