145. Closures

145. Closures

A circular distortion in space appeared within the treasury of the Golden Index and the ruined summit of the City of Vocals. They were intrinsically linked, and Jury had the pleasure of herding everyone through the portal.

They were disorientated by the shifting world. Everyone simultaneously held their breaths as tens of thousands of people found themselves wondering if this was truly the end. They didn’t know where they were, aside from the Golden Index personnel and Frost’s friends.

Were they in yet another twisted subterranean world? Was their encounter with the Big Red Heart only the prelude to something worse? Uncertainty filled their hearts as L.S, Broker and Frost’s companions moved towards the front where they were met with a brigade of colorfully dressed men and women.

They wore suits, sleek one-piece dresses and decorated fur coats. L.S and Broker were motioned to join them, and after a brief exchange, they turned to face all countless thousands and delivered one clear phrase, which was amplified by a strange unforeseen magic.

“We’re home.”

The adventurers and the civilians of the Nex Megalopolis couldn’t believe it. There was no sudden cheer or burst of enthusiasm. Rather, it was an emotional rollercoaster that saw even the hardest of adventures cover their eyes and embrace one another, truly glad that it was all finally over.

The people of the Derma layer didn’t know how to react. What were they talking about? Why were all these people crying? Was it a bad thing? Were more painful experiences yet to come?

They were afraid, but plenty more had their hearts filled with optimism. It turned out that the emotional burst of their saviors was infectious. A good kind of disease, in a way, unlike the Big Red Heart that they all feared.

Then, they saw her. The Angel in black, accompanied by another taller Angel and a smaller one. All three of them were sat atop a mythical golden spider that demanded their attention not because of its ferocity… but because of how gentle that creature presented itself.

Jury, Ignis, the Moons… even Ayel, Perla, Stella, Sana, and a sleeping Aster, who was held in the arms of Perla, joined them all at the front as Frost prepared to address everything to them all. In the meantime, various subgroups of the Golden Index could be found weaving through and picking out the Painters, escorting them off to the side.

At the same time people pushing trolleys of delicious necessities could be seen flooding into the grand treasury. Despite how many people there were it hardly filled even a fraction of this magnificent place.

All these people were Blessed, given how they were able to directly communicate with the despaired and disheveled, offering them their aid as a small brigade of healers could be found weaving through with nothing but earnest smiles.

It turned out that there were many more Angels than they realized existed in this strange place. Since Caraplis controlled the majority of the Guilds, she issued a quest that required healers for this specific purpose.

It was either that or directly consulting with Inflow Direct. This was the easier choice.

Frost still had not fixed her broken apparel. An oversized overcoat and a few rounds of [Cleanse] fixed her miserable appearance. She took a deep breath and saw countless wary faces stare at her, expecting nothing but the worse.

And so, she gave them all a comforting smile and spoke from the bottom of her heart.

“It must be scary being somewhere unfamiliar. After everything you have lost. Your homes. Friends. Family. Loved ones. I’m sorry. A lot of the devastation was caused by us, whether directly or indirectly. Even if it meant that we were able to get rid of those monsters, it doesn’t change that we also irreversibly hurt many of you.”

She began in a somber tone. As victorious as they were, Frost could not pretend that people did not die along the way. The one hundred adventurers and civilians was but a fraction of the thousands that disappeared on that day.

“I’m sorry. We’re all sorry. I know my words aren’t enough on their own. I’m sure it’ll be difficult to overcome your pain even as time passes. But right now I can guarantee that your suffering is over.”

Her voice reached them. Many had already begun crying, whilst others were still confused on what to think. In their culture Angels were the most sacred of beings. They were trusted existences that could do no evil, so it was bizarre hearing one apologize to them for their wrongs.

Yet at the same time, it was also what made her words resonate even deeper within their hearts. Frost felt as though her words were harping on invisible strings. A small pulse of a golden glow flashed in their chests one by one.

She didn’t know what it meant. But gold had become the universal color of hope, therefore, she had to believe hope was slowly welling within their hearts.

“You were treated as livestock. Many for most of your life. Your senses were robbed. Your freedom stolen, and your happiness trampled. That won’t happen ever again. It’ll be hard getting used to this place. The Golden Index will do everything they can to make sure you live happily without fear of losing parts of your bodies again.”

Carpalis had already arranged appropriate accommodation and housing for them. The City of Diamonds was large enough to house another few hundred thousand if required. The number of Golden Index personnel was considerably lower than most Ateliers, and their citizens were even smaller.

They had all the room in the world…

… And Carpalis’ heart was sort of like a reflection of it. Big, spacious, and inviting. But because of that it also brought attention to the ill-natured.

There was no longer any reason to distrust her.

“It’ll take time before you can call this place ‘home’. Please don’t worry about that. They’re willing to wait for as long as it takes before you warm up to them. Until then, know that you’re safe now. Welcome to the Golden Index… and welcome to the world above.”

The entourage broke into an emotional outburst. No words could describe Frost’s own emotions as she watched thousands weep, fall, and ponder on their future. It was all uncertain to them still, but at the very least they believed that for now… Everything was ok.

Soon, the masses moved towards the bright light at the end of the treasury. They were finally exposed to the vast world beyond their subterranean hell.

They couldn’t believe just how vast the skies were as the colorful, exuberant Golden Index personnel escorted them in multiple groups towards their new homes somewhere within the City of Diamonds.

When Frost looked up at the summit of Carpal Tower, she could have sworn she saw Carpalis and Magus waving down at them.

I don’t want to cry again.

Frost thought to herself, nearly out loud as the Little Frost nestled onto her lap. Her golden eyes glistened as she stared up at her, smiling cutely as if trying to cheer her up.

At the same time, the Big Frost sat a little off to the side behind her, giving room for Jury to hop up and join them.

“Nicely done.” Jury hummed, drawing Frost into her chest. “I don’t think I’d be able to speak to so many people like that. Are you ok?”

“Better now that I can relax like this.” Frost grinned past her exhaustion. “Haaaaaaah… It’s… been a month, huh? A bit under two more and we’ll be right back up there.” She pointed her eyes towards the floating Nexus.

“Mmm. I can’t wait!” Jury was hopeful of the prospect. Seeing the Nexus now after being stuck in the Derma layer for nearly 6 days was liberating in so many ways that Frost couldn’t even begin to describe it.

“I give that a speech an 8 and a half out of 10.” Cer cheekily said, folding her arms as their large group steadily moved towards Carpal Tower.

The brigade of Painters, Perla, Aster, Stella, L.S, Broker and both rescued healers followed in a tidy formation. No same face was ever made as awe filled them to no end. The city was beautiful and so vast that it was like an entirely different world.

The scent of bittersweet coffee, the savory scent of sizzling meat from nearby cafes and the sound of casual conversations was almost an entirely foreign concept to the Painters, nevermind Stella who couldn’t believe just how… carefree people were.

“Brr…? Bzzzzt.”

As if sensing her wariness, Snap suddenly swiped both her and Sana, plopping them onto the softest patch of fur along its back. They sank and were submerged in a sea of long, golden grass.

“A-Ah!? U-Um… So soft!?” Stelle exclaimed, tumbling in the fuzziness as Sana couldn’t help but smile.

“… Um… Thank you Mr. Spider.” Sana hummed. “It’s so fluffy. It’s not an Anid? Wow…”

“Snap. The spider’s name is Snap.” Ber corrected, her voice higher pitched than normal.

“That’s right! Snap, because if it moves fast enough then say goodbye to your neck –” Cer’s tail was instantly squeezed by Res to shut her up.

“Ahem. Snap’s named after the snapping sound it makes. Isn’t that right, Frost?” Res sighed.

Frost didn’t even need to say anything, as Snap began nodding cutely as both Alter Frosts flashed a thumbs up emote over their heads. Cer was surprisingly tame despite having three Frost’s right there before her.

Ignis then hopped up to join Frost and Jury, only adding to the allure.

But Cer was not so insensitive to know that now wasn’t the time.

Although…

“Heh. Be glad I’m generous enough to give you a one-day invulnerability period. I can see it now! Little Frost on my lap. I’m on medium Frost’s lap. And Big Frost’s staring down at me with those hungry – Ouch!? Res!? Wait, Ber!? Why’d you hit me!?”

“Knocking some sense into you Sis. What else?” Ber spoke like it was the most obvious thing in the world, causing Sana to suddenly giggle.

The triplets looked at each other, then at Sana and smiled to themselves.

“A-Ah. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh –!”

“Laugh all you want at these Jesters of the Nexus!” Ber shouted, resting her head on the palms of her hands.

“Right Sana. Keep smiling.” Res assured.

“We’re as much of a laughing stock than L.S at this point. What’s a healer’s cute laugh going to do to a Moon?” Cer beamed. “Jester this, Jester that. I sure don’t miss being stuck with the rest of those trashy Moons up there.”

The conversation derailed almost immediately as the triplets gave another showing of the comedy skits they were universally known for. It caused Sana’s face to brighten up as Frost couldn’t help but to also laugh.

Then… She looked over at L.S and Broker.

“I’m sorry. To you, Broker. And especially you L.S. I ended up hurting you for no good reason.” Frost apologized from seemingly nowhere as they approached the long, carpeted street leading to Carpal Tower.

It was oddly vacant. They had it all to themselves as the Painters wandered around, curious by the bizarre contraptions, decorations and machines that threw out symbols and numbers at the pull of a lever.

“Ahaha. Sorry is all I get?” L.S said. “Let’s see. Sausage legs. Being pulled around like a dog. Oh, and don’t forget the intimidation I faced! Poor L.S being made less of a human than she already is!”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to make it up for you.” Frost apologizes again.

“Frost. She’s rife with sarcasm. But I can imagine how difficult it must have been to work with you in her shoes.” Broker criticized, to which Frost wholly agreed. “L.S is from the Golden Thumb, and one of the few that are exempted from making vows with the Golden Pinky. That is the level of trust magnificent Carpalis has granted her. It was formally I who was supposed to touch base with you.”

“I understand.” Frost embraced the humility, sinking further into Jury’s arms.

“As I said before, it’s so jarring hearing the woman who ate a whole section of a train speak so meekly! Never mind the Big Red Heart! Oooh! Does this mean I have leverage over you? Could this be blackmail in some capacity?” L.S’s voice only continued to grow higher as she raised her arms.

Then, they suddenly fell to her sides as she fixed up her tie.

“No. No it’s no. Truth be told, I despised you for a good portion of our journey. It is in my nature to laugh no matter the situation. That way, my heart cannot be read. For benevolent Carpalis’ sake.”

L.S began.

“But you have the rare ability of self-reflection. Humility, and understanding. Enough that she entrusted you with speaking to potential future Golden Index personnel. But I have my own heart. My own trusts and beliefs. I would be truly miserable if I thought of you as something lesser after you stood in the face of the Big Red Heart for so many lives.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Frost’s eyes slowly widened, swelling with tears again. She was happy to hear this. So incredibly happy that she couldn’t help but to smile.

“Rejoice Frost! I forgive you!” L.S concluded as they finally reached the archway entrance of Carpal tower.

And as expected, they were greeted by all of the nameless ex-slaves they had rescued over at Grandis.

“Frooooost! Hello Jury!”

“Everyone! You came back so soon!”

“Woooooah! How many more people did you collect this time!?”

“Fluffy Snap is back!”

“H-Hello!” The last one was from the Serum S cat-girl, who adorned a red-tinted dress and bowed politely at them from the entrance. She was like a maid, but judging from the color scheme, most likely a battle-orientated maid associated with the Golden Middle.

“… Thank you, L.S. And thank you, Broker for your help.” Frost said as she slowly slid herself away from Jury and the Alter Frosts. “Perla. Ponea. Good work as well.”

She began thanking everyone one by one, including the Painters as she slipped from Snap’s back and faced them all one last time. The Golden Index Captains and the Painters were only here to escort them. Not that they needed to, but L.S and Broker wanted to say their goodbyes properly before they all headed off.

The Painters were trusted enough that they could partially join the Golden Index depending on how things went. As Impuritas, they could even be elevated into Exalted.

Eventually, she turned to the Painters and thanked Ayel and Bhodie for their hard work. It was difficult wrapping her mind around the fact that they were Impuritas. But it didn’t change that they were good people with hearts in the right place.

Frost acknowledged them for not what they were, but who they were. She didn’t see them as Painters. She saw them as people, just like anyone else. They were also the only ones who directly fought the stray Aspirators that flew too close to the others… as well as the ones who helped saved so many from the City of Vocals.

Thus…

“Ayel. Thank you. Bhodie. I’m impressed beyond words with how you were able to get so many people out of the city. The rest of you… Welcome to the Golden Index. I don’t think I can keep speaking on Carpalis’ behalf. She’s kind enough that she’ll let you stay for what you did.” Frost thanked, causing Ayel and Bhodie to look at each other.

“That should be our line. Without you, the rocky sky would have been the extent of the world we knew. It’s inspiring just how blue those skies are. And that rock must be the Nexus… It’s beautiful.” Ayel said. “They say the world is only as much as a person can see. Paintings allowed us to break through that notion. I’m glad that our paintings were not based on lies, like that false star. Well… This is our farewell, Amalgam and friends.”

“Goodbye~!” Bhodie winked.

But before they could even leave, they suddenly froze in place and turned to a childish voice that cried out:

“Painter! U-Um! Thank you! Thank you for letting me know what the stars were like! Thank you so much!” Stella exclaimed.

Frost could have sworn sensed Ayel smile beneath his mask.

“This… kind of acknowledgement is fantastic. I’m elated that my painting has touched you. By the way, kind Amalgam! I believe that since we’re all forsaking our old world, how about you give us a new name to go by!?” He asked as every one of the few dozen Painters turned, nodding in approval.

Let’s see. Artists? Painters of Hope? How about Masterpiece? Nav?

“You have a terrible naming sense. Don’t forget that both our names come from you.”

Huh? I think Frost is a cool name. Nav’s not bad either. What’s wrong with Masterpiece?

“Not all of them are Painters from what Ignis observed. Some are sculptors. Others can create artistic objects.”

Alright, let’s see you name something then!

Nav gave it a few seconds before it uttered:

“Objet D’art. The Painters create paintings that can be translated into reality, like objects. It means ‘work of art’ in one of the languages of your world.”

Admittedly, Objet D’art was a much better name than simply Artists. Frost liked it enough she inadvertently blurted it out, and much to their surprise:

“Objet D’art. Splendid! It rolls right off the tongue!” Ayel and the Painters… no, the Objet D’art approved of their new titles and bid their farewells, alongside L.S and Broker.

Frost was happy with their closure. L.S’ creepiness became somewhat charming, and the Impuritas Objet D’art posed to be a great addition to the Golden Index given their willingness to help people.

And they were going to need all the help in the world. Frost knew that at least one Atelier was deeply rooted with the Impuritas underneath. There were all sorts of flavors to choose from, but none stuck out more than the Scarlet Logic.

Only they were able to bring people back from the dead via replication. It was entirely possible that Leitmotif was relying on this up until he realized that Frost could devour his soul.

Carpalis could do the same, and if it interfered with the replication process, then it may be the reason why the Scarlet Logic sanctioned Carpalis after she struck down multiple Midnight and Dusk teams. This was during the war between the 2nd Branch and Scarlet Logic that cost many innocent lives.

Additionally… She recalled Cara, the Manager of the Dawn Collection Team’s words.

What is the soul, huh.

“Quite the strange question. I believe we should take this train of thought and present it to Carpalis.”

Yeah. I’d rather we get multiple heads in this. Before that… Let’s… Let’s rest.

Frost was dragged by the Ex-slaves straight into the lobby of Carpal Tower. Beautiful platters of food, beverages and all sorts of casino games were arranged like they were hosting an event. The event of course was their reunion.

“Wanna see our progress!?”

“Come on! Look at my muscles! I’m 10 percent on my way to reaching Jury’s level of muscle tone! Then, it’ll be fair game, right!?” The wolfwoman exclaimed, slapping her muscular belly.

Frost had to wonder if there was a chance for wolf Demi-humans to be afflicted with Cer Syndrome.

Ignis gently took Stella’s hands and invited her into the unknown place as Perla stayed close like a motherly figure.

“… Let’s go. There’s lots of yummy food waiting for us inside.” Ignis hummed.

“Is it ok? F-For me to come?”

“All that food isn’t going to eat itself. C’mon. But I get how you feel, aha.” Perla awkwardly laughed. “Your sleeping friend wouldn’t want to wake up to a hungry Stella, would she?”

“You’re right!” Stella’s fist curled into balls of determination.

An air of celebration filled the City of Diamonds that day.

The bereaved thousands finally found a place to call home, and the many that helped this happen were rewarded considerably for their heroics. Even the people that couldn’t fight and were merely dragged into this mess were offered all the help they’d need to get their lives back on track.

Sana was still shaken by the events and required psychological help, most in the form of respite. She was not going to return to Inflow Direct until she recovered from the horrible events, and from the death of her friend; T.C Gral.

He died a hero according to Sana. She recalled him shoving her further back to save her from the initial impact that crushed both him and the front compartment.

Hopefully Inflow Direct won’t have an issue with keeping Sana here. If they did, then it wouldn’t be Carpalis that they needed to consult.

It would be Frost and the overprotective Moons.

That being said, everything came to a close.

But where one door in life closed, another was bound to open.

Their journey within the Nex Megalopolis had only just begun, after all.

And there was still much to learn of the world of Elysia.