After Story: Relapse

Four months have passed since the faithful "world reset" triggered apparently by John's death.

Suddenly, John just found himself asleep. Usually he's love playing videogames, doing things with his PC, and walking around the town, singing. But now... 

He's just sleeping. Not going about in the social network.

His trademark sweet smiles, elation, and energetic vibe can't be seen or felt, somewhat unusually. 

 I'm sorry. I always thought that this is going to happen. Yeah i have the Jade inside me, but that's merely an energy source. Soul is something else, and I'm willingly share some of myself out of a deep love to you. To you, my one and only beloved Bell Aster Springfield, please, forgive me, and accept the fact that I'm relapsing. It's not your fault anymore. Since the moment we met in Milleu, and to the ends of the universe, i love you. Ever and always.

-John Aster (formerly John Archer)

Tears dropped on the letter. 

The tears belongs to Bell, who read this. 

Bell: John... You... you...willing to give it all, even despite knowing that you whittle your own soul... Just for me.

John is bedridden. He's... Okay, physically, but he felt... relapsed, thus his emotions and thinking capabilities gradually fades.

The good thing is that due to many parts of her soul once belonged to John, who willfully gave his own, they can communicate telepathicly each other, and Bell could took control or "charm" and "encourage" John through the use of magic. But when the relapsing happens, Bell could only do much. When relapsing, Bell only felt like she's controlling a puppet. When left to his own devices, John would act like an emotionless doll with only few figment or residual parts of the soul to answer the call in the world of living.

Even doing the deed with a relapsed John felt... like the sweetness eroded into ashes.

John: (emotionless, but trying to shake it off) Don't worry Bell, i make sure of it that i will keep on living. 

John: The world may be against us, but... I... No... We... will treasure every single cherishable moments of our days...

Bell sings a tone. It's been a long time since she singed. Sometimes she do sing like her husband loved to. Her tunes are often cheery and peppy unlike her husband's tendency to sing and compose rock songs, whether it's about love or brooding.

Indeed, an immoralist she is. Or was. Once she unlocked her powers she become... well, different. In her "quest" to appease her brother she made games with otherworlders that shouldn't belong in this universe. Now she regrets it, looking at her beloved, who willingly sacrifice part of him.

Her beloved firmly yet gently grabbed her own hand...

Bell then lifts John up and embraces him.

 

Location Profile: Persica

 

Flag

 

Official License Plate

 Persica is a state in the Western part of the Continental United States of Amelion, stradling around the Amelion Pacifica Coast.
To the north it borders with Brumina Mountains
To the east it borders with the desert states Mohavi and Rhizome
To the south it borders with the mountainous regions of Ironhills with meadows just before the state limit.
With over 100 million residents across a total area of approximately 17,000,000 square miles, it is the most populous state in the United States of Amelion, the third largest national state, and the most populated region in the country.

 

Urban Environments

The South Border, AKA "The Rift"

Styled over the ancient legendary city of Riften, the South Border, AKA Outer Persica, is a popular traveller's stop from outside the regional lines of Persica. It was also infamous for its active criminal activities and corrupt law enforcements, sometimes forcing the D Platoon fresh from Los Suenos to intervene.

 

 San Da Silva, AKA Oakfield

Named after expedition leader Francesco Da Silva, San Da Silva is the second most populated metropolitan city in the State of Persica. During the "nightmare event" it was subject to attacks from zombie, undead, and Novoslavic troops, but afterwards it's just a bustling metropolitan with a technological and magical edge.

Los Suenos, The City of Dreams

The last destination of the Sage Candidates, the city of Los Suenos, being surrounded by a tall barrier, combines medieval and modern look, giving the unique urban aesthetic experience. To the center there's the mayor's castle.

"Underworld"

A "multipurpose realm" where "real-life" military style war games and expeditions were often made. The theme of the season's candidates were "Shadows Die Four Times" and "Sageunknown's Battlegrounds". At that point, John didn't realize that those who died... died for real (Though time resets for the better and those that are not killed by Jonathan Torrington returned)

Later, the area was nuked after a Sage Candidate scored a 25 kill streak.

 

Character Profile: Percival Bryant

 

 

 

American race driver. Often contracted to several major racing teams and leagues. Now retired.

He now oversees his wife, Sophia Bryant Tokitou, who is half Japanese half American and basically having his torch passed to her.

His appearance of an early 20s men (or boy) belie his actual age, which is around 33 years old.

He was infamous for being reckless during his early driving ages, but his charm won over Sophia, who he married just as he retired.

Right now he's kind of reclusive and doesn't appear much in the public view, but he maintained his image and sometimes can be found singing at clubs where race drivers were resting.

He also maintained the simulation program for the team drivers as he spent his retiring times playing video games and tuning the simulation machine.

Character Profile: Jonathan Torrington / Yogiri Takatou & Daniella Tammison / Tomochika Dannoura

Note: This profile is written using the English names.

Refer to

https://namelessstoryteller07.blogspot.com/2024/03/name-change-list.html

for the full name change list.

Jonathan, shirt and tie.

Daniella

Jonathan Voiced by: Koki Uchiyama (Japanese) Sean Chiplock (English) (Type A) Matt Shipman (English) Type B

Daniella Voiced by: Miyu Tomita (Japanese) Brittany Lauda (English)

A pair of hapless, and apparently unwilling couple "spirited away" into Mobius. What they all remember is that they hear some nice tunes in the bus radio.

Daniella in particular, noticed that the nighttime woodland in Wyoming is suddenly changed into an expansive, large meadow at afternoon.

Upon arrival in Mobius, they're greeted by a beautiful, but ruthless woman who identified herself as Bell the Sage. She grant them powers that they could imagine with, however a magical power demonstration "accidentally" killed the group's older members, the driver and what appears to be the group's homeroom teacher.

After a dragon out of nowhere kills some of the group while others are running away, the two managed to overpower the dragon with Jonathan doing the one and only killing blow. 

"Alpha and Omega. Beginning and the end. To those who thirsts will be given the water from the fountain of life, freely."

-Revelation 21:6, reinterpreted. 

 --------------------------------

US Army General: Arrest them!

Rick Sanchez: You have a right to refuse his order, and I guarantee you're going to die if you touch me, and there's no afterlife. Everything just goes black. Don't do it.

A Secret Service guard touched Rick. He fell died instantly.

Morty: Whoa, Rick!

President: Okay. What was that?

Rick: Death.

President: What kind?

Rick: Instant.

President: There was no sound. He just died.

Rick: Yeah, terrifying. It's a terrifying thing to watch happen. It's called a deterrent.

Female Officer: You couldn't just knock him out?

Rick: How is knocking out a deterrent? Everyone wants to be knocked out. Nobody wants to be dead.

 Excerpt scene from "The Rickchurian Mortydate", Rick and Morty S03E10.

 

As it is known, Jonathan / Jon* (*not John, without h) possessed an instant death capability, which, while initially need eye, projectile, and physical contact, with the "death gate limiter" gradually broken by escalating threat, it eventually allows him to kill by sight and thought. He's formerly known as "Alpha Omega" and being a factor of death itself.

To Archer Logistics members and others that doesn't wish to call him by name, he's also called "The Harbinger".

He can kill his enemies with thought, as long as the target has a killing intent, and also he can "kill" individual parts of a being as well, as in crippling. 

He took his current name from his surrogate parent, Allison Torrington, who happily accept a conspicuously high-paying "babysitter" job.

After seeing massive death and tragedy in front of him, especially how there's their innocent homeroom teacher and bus driver being killed without second thought, the dragon attack, and the "Battle Royale" happening to him, he became vengeful against the "Sage" and end up tearing her apart as she tried to seduce him. 

Despite of that, he possesses a good heart and also able to see John's heart during a confrontation to the point that he understood that John doesn't want him and his loved ones to be hurt and eventually, John is the one that can send him and his friends home.

In fact, John is the one for Jonathan that doesn't have a killing intent at all, especially how John deeply in love with the Sage and the Sage deeply loves John. 

Apart from the cyan "wings" around his hair, his eye color, him being taller, and him having deeper tone, Jonathan could be seen as a splitting image to John Archer. That being said a lot of people could tell them apart.

Especially how Jonathan tend to goes around with business suit or a shirt and tie (which, according to John, making him look like Louis from Left 4 Dead), while John prefers wearing camo, military uniform, sportswear, or casualwear.

Jonathan, or Jon, for short, is an aloof and mysterious men who's taking Bethesda like his wife. He even carried himself a custom portable gaming PC and a heavily modded Skyrim during the fateful field trip to Wyoming. 

Little is known about his past however, apart from his girlfriend-later-wife...

 

Daniella, or Dani in short, almost never put out her little twintails. She's also confirmed to be a long line of ancient Celtic priesthood, and thus seeks her spirited-away ancestor as one of her life goals. Dani is the most expressive one, who basically took care of Jonathan, who is awkward in communicating with people.

Dani is noted to be a strong willed girl despite her petite frame. 

Hero X (Teaser)

 Author's Note: This story is unconnected and does not set in the same universe with Nameless Storyteller: Jade Catalyst (formerly Pelagius Effect)

A sultry girl or woman crossed her fingers.

She appears to be a fortune teller. 

She does NOT, however, tell fortunes.

A man, supposed to be 33, but he's looking like late teenager, stubbles and freckles aside due to him desperate shaving, has focused on her sharply, with anticipation and curiosity never felt before.

He just had to sign up for a beta of "Hero X", a "free" game that supposed to change his life. And here he is now. There's no game, there's just invitation to an unusual corner in a city district.

It was his friend, Christopher, who nudged him to sign up for the beta.

The girl/woman said,

"Are you ready to become the hero and accept all consequences that came with it?" 

The boy gestures in "yes"

The boy is really, really tense and sweaty.

"Well then" 

The woman gave the boy a jewelry box.

A ring is inside.

Wait, a marriage? 

John was and still is, surprised, on how a woman really wants him and now she's wanting him on the spot.

The boy wears it, with the anticipation. 

"Before you can become a hero, join me in the ceremony."

"What ceremony?" the boy bewildered. 

The woman holds the boy to her chambers.

The chamber looks opulent. It has the 1001 nights kind of look. 

John is unprepared for this.

The woman introduces herself. 

"I am Bell Bloominglove Aster, just call me Bell, and you are..?"

"You're already telling me, and i.... I'm John... John Garland" The boy, soon to be a man, or he's already a man, introduces himself. 

"Ufufu..." Bell giggles seductively.

"Soon... After this ceremony, you'll be John Aster".

Wait, does this means... 

"To begin with, drink this cup of tea."

John without hesitation drank the tea. It tastes unlike the teas in other places. 

"The ceremony commences now."

"And you, John... please sit down and cast away your tension..." The place is comfortable enough to be relaxing. There's also a nightstand with prepared tea to quench some thirst. 

 

 

 Bell pulls her cloak aside, showing an impressive, sultry belly dancer attire and figure.

Bell smiles and giggles toward John. 

Bell: Ufufu! 

She began to dance sultrily, alluring John and made his "fountain" hardens. 

"You may do me as you please. And you'll becoming stronger by sharing your kindness, your bravery, your experience, and your frustration to me. May it will make you stronger."

John has nothing to say for the matter as Bell invited her to dance. 

Half unvoluntarily, John's arms began to dance around Bell's body as his eyes also inspect every body movement Bell did. 

"John, i know you can't hold it anymore... Let it out.... Make this night our first..."

John didn't expect it. 

John was a half unemployed single shut in with an (according to boomers) unhealthy obsession on videogame. John was even slightly plump due to being not moving around often.

But now he's different. Dressed in a vest-like garb that shows his slim and smooth body, John looks like he's ready for her.

Suddenly, a queen-sized bed, adorned with curtains, exist in the back of the couple.

Without hesitation, both moved to the bed, with Bell stepping backwards and John walking forwards...

With Bell facing up and John facing down...

John lets out a playful, joyful laugh

John: Ehe....ehehehehe

Bell replies with a seductive, sultry giggle.

Bell: Ufu..... ufufufufu...

 John's large, hard "fountain" then got plugged to Bell's sensitive, sweet cat. 

Bell: Ahhhhh.... Ufufufu... 

Bell: Embrace me! 

Bell: Do me! 

Both excited and cheeringly doing it. 

Pleasure excites both nerves as the binding act is done. 

Each of their hands embrace each other. 

In their mind the couple fantasizes romantic scenarios. 

Scenarios that felt like an eternity of pleasure. 

Both of them went deep.... Really deep. 

John: Bell...!

John: My purity... Will be let out! 

John was hesitant on either letting it out and calming down or keep sharing the romance... 

But never mind, John is really, really passionate, and thus, he prefers thrusting it as both him and Bell sweats so much.

John grunts as he exerts himself.

John: Nggggh.... ngggh.... nggghh... ngggh...

Bell responded with seductive giggles and soft moans as she's stimulated...

Bell: Ahhh.... hahahaha..... ufufufufu.... ufufufufu... 

John: Bell.... my love... can i.... do the first time?

Bell: Ahhhh.... yes.... let it out.... you're okay now....

John firmly holds Bell's hand as...

John: I'm coming!!!!!

Bell: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......ufufufufu....

John passes out as he felt like he's launched into outer space.

 

John awakens. Strangely, despite both should felt like drenched by sweat...

John felt like he's just done out of taking a bath... 

So does Bell, with a fragrant that felt like out of this world...

Bell: John... thanks for the impressive night you've given to me...

Bell: Thanks for the kindness you've been given to me...

Bell: Now.... we're a married couple.

John quickly wants to take a picture together for this unforgettable moment...

 

"Yay, now we're married!" sort of thing. 

John also noticed that his body changed... He looks cooler, his stubble all but vanished, the trace of facial hair, apart from eyebrows, are none.

Truly he became his dream form, and truly he has a loving wife now.

But...

What price would he pay for all this?

And...

What will be of his life from now on?

John blinked, and suddenly, a UI appears in front of him.

Battle Song Client.

John: Wait... am i in a videogame now?

Reality is shattered in front of John, in a good way though.

He can check his specialty, his quest journal, his inventory, and... most.

Bell: Ufufufu.... Happy now?

Bell: That's your interface. You'll get used to it. You can customize it either to your liking.

Bell: Just remember...

Bell: (whispers) the more you love me, the more you'll be stronger...

John: How could i increase... all or any of this?

Bell: Whenever available, you will complete quests. Apart from those that are marked "Urgent", you can take your time.

Bell: Dimensional vortexes, gates, and through (Bell gives me a virtual reality device) this kind of device...

Bell: Is used to enter the battle dimension through the crisis point.

Bell: You will be assigned to fight the enemy...

Bell: And then... you gain experience...

Bell: I guess you already know of that.

Bell: Now...

Bell: Do you want to mingle further, or go home?

John: Can i take you home? How could i convince you?

 In a flash, Bell changed appearance. Far from a sultry belly dancer, she now appears as a well-dressed woman.

Bell: Or this?

In a flash, Bell changed appearance once again. This time with her jet-black hair, she appears as a well-dressed woman, but more conspicuous.

John: Anything you prefer.

Bell: Take me home, then.

John: But what about your place here?

Bell: Oh, you're free to mingle here... or in your house. I think your house is a better place.

Bell then conjures a console-sized...

Bell: If you need me, rub this pot-like lamp...

Bell: And it will be either you enter this lamp, or...

Bell: I go out and mingle with you.

Bell: Either way, this is now your fast travel point, and as you go back home, your home will be a fast travel point as well.

John: Ehe.... ehehehehe...

Bell: Ufu.... ufufufufu

Bell: Eh... we already did once... You must be so energetic!

Bell: Regardless, you're now setting your path as a hero.

Bell: And here, before i forget. 

Bell transferred some Victory Points - VP to me.

I started with 5000.

1000 VP is equal to 1 US dollars, which is kind of not worth it... However...

The VP can be used to purchase gears and stuff. Still kinda pricey but still it's better for weapons and armor.

Bell: And oh, the Hero app can be tied to your Steam, Epic, XBOX, Nintendo, and PlayStation account!

Bell: If you earn achievements and levels there, you can transfer it here and allocate it! 

Bell: That means if you don't want to fight... And others can cover that... You can keep playing favorite game!

Bell: Streaming it is also just as good, and in fact it's better! 

Is it that powerful? 

John: Thank you.

Bell: No, it is you, who i should thank.

Bell: For giving me an impressive gushing of kindness and enthusiasm... 

John then kisses Bell, as they're just married.

One question though...

John: What would happen if it's time for us to have children?

Bell: There's just one thing... I'm older than you. Past the age of a woman capable of conceiving. So... we wouldn't be able to have children. 

Bell: You're free if you want to conceive others and build a... "harem".

John: Ehhhh.... wait?

Bell: But that's your decision. 

Bell: You can't get away from me, as the moment you draw my attention to me and the moment we're... one... there's something installed to you...

John: Yeah, i know that, and i don't mind either.

John: So what's the point of giving you my "mystery white liquid" if you can't bear children?

Bell: It's the liquid of your.... Kindness. Contentness. Frustration. Emotion. Satisfaction.

Bell: You give the fluids... and i can maintain both of our youthly forms, and you can build your powers... 

Bell: Kind of like "skill allocation" or "achievement claiming". Like that, ufufu!

Even though John has already letting his desires out for her, John still felt the waves inside him, and he blushes.

But never mind...

John: Well, i think if we're seen together, that would bring unwanted attention to me...

Bell: Then let me enter the lamp i just given and bring the lamp with you! Don't worry, it's indestructible, and you can easily sense the presence!

Bell: See you later!

John felt asleep, and as he awakens, he awakened in an empty, featureless room with an empty table apart from the lamp.

John sniffed the lamp. It's her fragrance...

"Ufufu!" Bell's signature giggle echoes from the lamp.

John contently walk home with a magic lamp as his new possession.

After Story 3 - Sharing A Soul

 

The sight of a sleeping, pillow-embracing John never bore Bell in the slightest, even though it's her view every night. Sometimes days, if he takes a customary nap.

However, as she tries to make herself, looking at the mirror...

She reminisced about how terrible she is as a power-drunk woman setting up game-like scenarios upon strangers pulled out of a whim due to their magical potential...

and then made them participate in a real "battle royale"

"I'm really, really sorry for losing my humanity" she thought by herself.

It's a mistake, or a sin, that she couldn't forgive by herself.

Bell, for some reason, can't sleep. The opposite of John, who slept soundly.

For a change, this is one of the few days that both did not do the deed, especially how John fell asleep quicker than expected.

Bell began to think...

And suddenly, she's getting the knowledge, memory, and personality of her beloved John, whom she shares a soul with.

"So this is what it feels to share a soul..."

"This might be interesting" she thought for herself.

But no, she didn't want to peer to others without consent anymore. No... not.

She thought of grabbing the game console.... or the PC... controller or keyboard...

And maybe having a night of play.

Video games are normally not a thing that interests her in the slightest. 

However, as she discovered this princess-like form of her...

She became highly obsessed, like her husband.

And now, even after all the things done...

She still kinda obsessed.

For some people especially in the "Alpha Universe" which both John and Bell had some unpleasant memories of...

It's a useless, time wasting, money wasting rabble.

But for many people, especially the "tail end of 20th century" generation...

It's an avenue of creativity,

Avenue of journey.

Avenue of storytelling no mere words or sequential images could tell.

A story in which the holder of the controller actively participating.

A playground in which players toward each other or logic-coded beings trade blows, soft or hard, for fun, or for rage.

An avenue where anybody can learn how to build and better themselves.

It affects both John and Bell's train of thought. 

Bell then tries to record her voice. 

"Do you wish to enjoy every single day to the fullest? What we want is for people like you to always have a reason to smile."

Bell: Hmmm....

Come to think of it... 

John...

He smiles because i smiled. 

He laughs because i laughed. 

He cries because i cried.

And from now on...

He granted my wish. 

He saved my life. 

He absolved me of my sins. 

If any... He isn't that much different from... 

Oh my, what am i thinking? 

I was too much of an immortal that apart from playing roles, my common sense had lapsed so much. 

All my life i do things, good or bad, to impress my beloved. 

Be it Noir, be it John... 

Oh, my, i can only remember two men of my lives. 

But the two i remembered... 

Are the most... 

Special. 

Later....

John awakened, seeing his dear Bell asleep.

John then checked the social media. 

John heard people saying that i act... Unusual. 

What? 

Blisscord chat:

Mella77: You're John27? 

John27: Yeah. 

Mella77: You played Call of Duty? 

John27: No... Not since Modern Warfare 3...hold on. 

John minimized the icon. There is icons of Call of Duty games. 

There's even an additional drive for Call of Duty! 

Wait a minute, am i....? 

Mella77: Well you're acting odd, but... 

Mella77: Not a bad thing though. 

Mella77: I mean you're killing it in the ranks... That's what is odd for you... 

John27: Wait... What? 

Wait... What? 

John opened Black Ops Cold War and seeing his rank... 

Wait a minute... 

This isn't me... 

Me? 

What? 

John: Ehe... ehehehehe

Suddenly from the back, a comforting presence can be felt... 

Bell: Ufu.... Ufufufu... 

John: It must be... You. 

Bell: John... 

John: Bell... 

Just by thinking it, John can become or assuming control of Bell, and Bell can become or assuming control of John. 

As long as one of the other willing or sleeping. 

Bell: Must be... Because of your soul... 

John: Not my soul... Our soul. 

John27: Sorry... I'm going to get busy. See you later

Mella77: Later too, big shot! 

John knew that Bell did it. She intensely, as me, played the games i suddenly got into. 

After Story 2 - Shaken

 

One moment, in the Police Department of the City of Los Suenos, State of Persica...

Judge: John... you still have the shakes?

Judge: Ummm.... y.... yeah.

Judge: Might need to lay off the caffeine. Get some good sleep.

Judge: I know, you're ranked higher than me, but...

John: Well, if you know me personally, you know how often times, rank doesn't matter.

John: Besides, i'm just standing in whenever you're not available.

John: And don't be a stranger either, ehehe.

Judge: Well, as the platoon's lead, let me take over the platoon, and you're relieved for duty until i say so. You're going to need extended time-off if you still have the shakes.

Judge: I mean, it's been like 3 or 4 days since you have the shakes.

Judge: Good thing, that everything's still (kind of) in order.

John: I see, dismissed then.

John walked out, passing a squadmate.

Martinez: Yeah, you too. Stay safe out there.

John left police station.

John opens the map, seemingly readying fast travel.

But no, John want to bask in the night, starry sky as usual.

There's something called "sunbathing", but for John, he prefers "moonbathing" especially since his time in Alvarn.

Of course, he's still couldn't... and for the rest of his life... never... stop thinking of his beloved.

Bell Aster Archer, formerly Bell Springfield, or just call her Bell or "darling", "beloved", "strawberry ice cream".

In return, she calls him "darling", "beloved", "sweet peppermint ice cream coffee".

As he could felt her presence thanks to sharing one soul, he smiled, pretty much assured that things are just... going... to.... be... okay.

He then took a little shopping at the local convenience store.... and then...

...he fast-traveled into the private quarters of Tower District, his and his wife's home, sweet home.

His wife smiles less often since that... well, let's just call it "nightmare". With quotation marks.

Also the constant nightmares she... well... and i.... suffered makes me felt that things just never be over yet.

Bell unintentionally summoned a harbinger of death and destruction, and her reckless refusal of reversing it, thinking that it's fun and claiming that it's "harder to send back" (she could just ask me nicely or giving up a lot of power)

I broke free of her subconscious mind control (that i willingly subject myself due to the inherent fear of the harbinger that Bell seemingly stave off) as she gradually has her bodily functions lost. The harbinger attacked Sasha as well, though Sasha intended to protect us. 

Miracle or not, i managed to protect the ones i love and eventually, send the harbinger and friends home. 

Still i can't believe that to keep watch, because at the best of times the harbinger is a chill fellow, that i managed to send out a clone to live with him. Did it on a whim because Dani, the harbinger's girlfriend, wondered if there's somebody like me. 

Several days have passed and the nightmare returns... 

Meanwhile... 

Bell: John! 

Bell finds John attempting to load his gun to his own chin.

 His face is calm, but Bell can feel the sorrow inside him.

Bell: (echoes)John... I love you... (echoes) 

Using her charm, Bell managed to have John put the gun down.

Without much talking, Bell put him into a deep sleep and carry him to the queen sized bed. 

He's been through a lot, and he's far younger than herself, so it can't be helped that his mind was shattered. He could put together his mind at times, but it was only for a short while before it shattered once again. 

For the last few days, John sometimes have tendencies people said to be "suicidal". 

Bell often found John alone, at the balcony, crying. 

And this is like the third time John attempted to use his weapon on himself. 

Bell begs endlessly for forgiveness and wishing that things would become better.

As it given while her husband completely forgives whatever he did...

She, to this day, can't forgive herself.

Especially how her husband mind is clearly, at times, shattered. 

As she enjoyed the sight of her beloved sleeping soundly as usual, she contemplates.

Bell: John... 

Bell: I'm sorry, i really am...

Hours later..

John awakened, with his lover and dear wife on his side.

He held no grudge. He absolved and forgive him. 

He thankful to whoever turn back time, giving us second chances, though not without its flaws. 

He rubbed her hair. 

She awakened. 

John: Bell... 

Bell: John. 

Tears dropped from their eyes as emotions flooded their soul. 

John: I.... I..... 

Bell: ......

Without further "crying together" time, Bell immediately put John back to sleep. And herself of course.

 

The next day....

The meeting room in the middle (as opposed to the upper private quarters) section of Tower District, now in the surface of Los Suenos, Persica, instead of floating ever since that the summoning thing...

As usual, John didn't pay much attention to the matter... Still, he's never seen as incompetent.

But yeah, today there's a lot of "shaken" incidents between John and some people who just can't dismiss the "nightmare".

As usual, before the meeting, Bell has taken care to cast a couraging spell on John. Days to come just had to become harder.

The matter has good news and bad news.

The good news is that Archer Logistics will see more paid day-offs and open company gatherings.

The bad news is that several dig sites...

Including the island where Bell and John vividly remembered the confrontation...

Is under control of the government-funded Altman Research.

Rothwynn also take control of several logistics-related operations, especially concerning the hot zones around the continents of Eufrices and Rabiah.

But the most surprising of all... 

Is that Deputy Chief Andersen, basically the de-facto authority of the military security of the United States of Amelion...

Will be taking over as the chief of Archer Logistics.

Knew him a little. 

"He's stern, but reasonable" said a girl, only known as "Snow White" that was hand-picked personally by him as part of Andersen Security.

John: So, basically, i'm relieved of my duties?

Andersen: In short, yes. However, you're still an employee and executive of Archer Logistics. Make the company proud.

Andersen: You'll also retain your duty on decision-making towards non-combat branches of Archer Logistics.

Andersen: As for you, whenever you've called in, it's in my authority.

Andersen: Dismissed.

Yeah, Andersen was stern, but he's still having lots of leeways. Especially for things that aren't in the fault of somebody.

Bell awaits, smiled.

John: I think this is it, it's time for several days off as i... no, we... thinking of what to do next.

Bell: Yeah, sure.

John: Maybe... just maybe...

Bell: Hmmmm?

John: Do the usual thing of having my legs and arms guiding my way through the world...

Bell: And don't forget. If you will it.... As our souls were the same...

Bell: I can fast travel nearby you at will or in distress...

Bell: And you should be able to do the same.

Bell: By the way...

Bell: That troubled look of yours...

Bell: I might've need to get used to it. Ufufu...

John: Seriously, Bell, what kind of look do you prefer?

Bell: Anything but being angry, of course!

Bell started to become gradually happier as John's chipper attitude gradually returned.

 Still, the relapse apparently never fully heal because part of John's soul is shared with hers, but with constant happiness and stimulation, John is functional and could live daily lives unimpeded.

Somehow, winter never came even in the beginning of the year, but all John and Bell wanted is to make an impression... based of an ancient Far Eastern tale about a literal star-crossed lovers that, if made together based on prayers, will grant wishes in return.

 

After Story 1 - Reminiscence

8th of Dawn Star, 20E24

Dear diary,

May this be written in hopes that this fleeting memory segment lasts forever. 

Like, a day had passed since how everything "should be" over. 

But as interdimensional connection became possible thanks to how i subconsciously possess powers or knowledge greater than Bell did...

I manage to discreetly keep watch on the two.

Jonathan Torrington. 

Daniella Tammison. 

Especially Jonathan, which i see as a mirror of me. Nobody really wants to be taken away without consent to a strange, although fertile, world. 

And Dani... She's a bit haughty, but she deserves a life of her choosing. 

And there's Little John, basically myself with the desire, romance, and ability to form direct verbal communication removed. 

The third part, especially, is necessary given that direct mental link is often... risky. 

Now back to the part. 

Such a lust for revenge... 

I understand why Jonathan did things that considered "terrible" 

It's a revenge. 

For that my beloved started a chain reaction of events, starting from murder of two innocents, and then gradually splitting the class into killing each other. 

Is it the machinations of Mephala, or Boethiah? 

Either way, I'm not ascribing to those two Daedric Princes. 

Maybe I'm with Sheogorath, given how I'm often has mood swings. And i felt like an alternate me saving Sheogorath by becoming him.

And now... Myself.

Looking at Bell Archer, who smilingly sleeping, giggling, holding a photobook of me. 

Am i blinded by charm? 

Does she lied to me? 

Looking back, she's not the lying type. She's just losing her marbles due to the overdose of mana caused by the Sagestone embedded inside her... something she doesn't realize she had it since... many, many years. Even more than my current lifetime.

She's started as a loyal maid to the household, and then due to her inexplicable beauty and youthness... She decided to take me when i was lonely because my brother is busy playing his role.

Since then, I'm happily married to her. 

 Years afterward, she discovers something hidden inside her. 

And then she turned to a form she considered as the one i dreamt most.

No, not a busty, scantily clad woman. 

But an elegant princess - like woman with the dress of an aster tataricus color. Though i love to call her "strawberry ice cream" at times because I'm not into flowers. Teehee. She proceeded to add "Aster" to her middle name afterwards.

Who were also a gamer.

And always happy and cheery. 

Knowing that she, using magic, could exceed the boundaries of just mere screens, 

She tried. 

She's just too happy with her toys. 

Problem is her toys are people. 

Yeah, Alpha universe, the one i left at age 33 before i was reborn in Omega Universe's 1991, or more accurately 19E91...

Was a terrible universe be set by wars, resource shortages. 

But there's still glimmer of hope, friendship, compassion...

But then a bus full of university graduates were taken away, might leaving a large missing report and crying families. 

Not to mention she did that without consent of the people inside the bus and she just.... Whap.. Whap... (blasting apart) 

Back then it was funny. 

But come to think of it, it was terrible.

Imagine if you're a hardworker and then Whap Whap you're dead for no reason apart from amusement. 

No wonder revenge is sought. 

My "active soul age" is 66, 33 in Alpha Universe, 33 in Omega Universe, 

So i matured out of killing and wanton acts. 

But still, I'm an active military personnel, given i pledged myself as a passion to protect the ones i love, including the Great United States of Amelion we lived and loved.

I was surprised when Bell announced a "battle royale" game. I thought it was a huge theatrical mock-up, until i realized that the deaths were real.

After a lot of the candidates were killed by each other, Jonathan had his way with Bell. All Jonathan wants is for him and his surviving friends to be sent home. 

Bell refuses, instead she wants him to join her. Her charm doesn't work, as Jonathan tore my beloved Bell's senses apart (for a very justifiable reason).

That i realized that her charm got the reasoning part of me. However...

I can't live without Bell. I still believed that Bell is the one who selflessly served me since she volunteered herself.

And then i cried. I offered my help. That... 

That saved Bell and Sasha. 

The partial killing stopped and Bell agreed to gave them the Sagestone. Required to return to their universe. 

However they have no idea who's using it, and Bell were in pain of losing bodily functions.

Heard that the spirit behind Daniella, Mackie, could figure something out, so i let them be. Not to mention my mind was clouded by a sorrow back then.

Then, the Hive Mind and a demonic artifact called "Marker" appears.

It was... to say the least, crazy.

Both of us were eaten, Jonathan tried to save me but i was beyond saving.

Then i awakened. 

Well, both of us. 

The Sagestone is gone. 

Bell suffered the loss of bodily functions inflicted directly by Jonathan back then.

Sasha fared a bit well given that he's only losing an eye that can be replaced with a cybernetic one. 

And me?

I was crying, begging like a kid to stop hurting my beloved ones.

I cried as hard as i can so that my sorrow could drown the rage and will for revenge. 

It worked. 

I survived intact, as Jonathan didn't feel any killing intent from myself.

The power inside me, the Jade, offers himself a way to help Jonathan and friends home.

Then after the loop...

 

I do the initiative. This is supposed to be Bell's grand welcoming... 

But i took her place (though she followed me regardless, but she's too afraid to be alone and frail to do anything). Instead of turning them into Sage Candidates, i want to return them home. The bus driver and the teacher were unharmed, though shaken, as if a nightmare happens.

The Sagestone, on the hands of Jonathan now, were made use by myself (as Jonathan just can't) to send the class back home. 

But back then, beforehand, i had a single request towards Jonathan... 

Bell. Kill her. As i kissed Bell. 

True that Bell's damaged soul, which includes her disabled bodily functions, were destroyed.

But her consciousness... Through the kiss, i preserve it, and bring it back to her body. 

And thus, Bell returned, and healthy. 

But her soul is tied to me. Not physical condition so harming me wouldn't harm Bell and the reverse also applies... 

Two bodies, two consciousness, one soul.

If one dies the other would die as well. 

And just by "entering the mindspace" or "contemplate deep", we can see each other.

Bell also gradually felt and act like me, and i feel like turning to act like her at times.

We also have each other's memories. Turns out she was a model, voice actress, and singer in Alpha Universe. Who were exceptionally beautiful even after hitting late forties. 

It's bittersweet, indeed, but the cherry on top is that i can become closer to my wife, and my wife wouldn't left me for life. 

I send the bus and its occupants home by using the Sagestone and my own high mana concentration, not without giving them apology gifts and, for the subject of interest, a tailor made flesh and blood clone of me that i can remote control whenever i needed.

Yeah, pretty crazy story, isn't it? 

But still... The feeling lingers.

Regardless, in this largely unmapped world of Mobius Earth, also known as Omega Universe, there's a lot of fun things to do. 

I have a Logistics to run, 

A family to come home to, 

And a talent group to interact with. 

This is... 

John Archer, signing off.

As i finished writing off the diary i decided to lay down despite the sun is shining. 

As peace returned to Persica, the Tower District, no longer floating, were put down in the high rise areas of Los Suenos, as it should be. 

I thought up things that i can do... 

Would it be returning to the SWAT? No... Judge learned a lot. He can do it. 

Visiting the talents? A-chan said they're full for the day. 

Walking around town? Mmmm... Beds too comfy. 

Or... 

Vacant. 

Bell? 

Bell: Morning, my dear...

As i wrote the diary earlier, Bell already awakened and preparing breakfast. 

Bell: Blueberry jam pancake and Earl Grey. You haven't got your breakfast yet. 

Bell: Ufufu... 

Nice to see Bell became the usual... 

But she's refraining from being a "maniacal overlord" again. 

As i munched and gulped... 

John: Done. Thanks. 

Bell: John... 

John: (teasing) What? Charming me again? 

Bell: Of course not! 

Bell: If you have nothing to do... 

Bell: Please... 

Bell: Be with me... 

I hugged and kissed her.

John: Bell! 

Bell: Wait, it's too early! Besides last night... 

John: I know, I'm just wanting to enjoy your fluffy apron sleepwear! 

Bell: Ufufu... You...

Bell: Please, never change! 

Bell: Please keep being the childlike yet resourceful, brave, and thoughtful John Archer i loved! 

John: (smiles) Now... About Sasha... How he's doing? 

Bell: Well, he's doing well, getting along with Fuwamoco in the Security Line... 

Bell: And i heard he's start dating Kobo Kanaeru... 

John: All's well that ends well, i see! 

Bell: Yeah, but i think we should enjoy not just ourselves, but also living and being alive. 

Bell: (smiles heartfully) Once again... 

Bell: Thanks for granting me second chance in life! 

Bell: You're a Lieutenant Colonel... 

Bell: But you're the Captain of my life! 

Bell: Please, your decision stands with me. What will you do today or tomorrow?

John smiles back. 

End. 

After Story 4 - Miraak

After Story series is a series of self-contained story taking place after the finale.

Note: This assumes that the Dragonborn is a male Nord, Breton, or Imperial.

It's just like another morning for the couple. Bell wakes up early while John, feeling very tired, were soundly asleep. Just, maybe he will wake up later.

Bell comforts John as she enjoys the usual view of John's sleeping.

As Bell prepared a morning tea for herself and later, for John, a familiar, yet strange person greets her.

Miraak: Hey, pretty lady.

Miraak: Bell Aster, i presume?

Bell is no stranger on summoning people from another world.... but after that, just call it "Harbinger Event", she wouldn't do that anymore.

She didn't summon him. He just present himself to her.

Bell: And you are?

Bell recognizes him as a splitting image of her beloved husband John, but his medieval garb, his unusual scent... more like the scent of a nature instead of perfumes... and his dragon aura makes him "definitely not her beloved John"

Not to mention he exudes a winter-like aura... something that the fiery John Archer wouldn't.

Miraak: Miraak. Nice to see you. Well it's not my actual name. I was known as Lewis, but i took the name Miraak out of a tyrant i vanquished.

Bell recognized the names. And recognized what kind of universe he's from.

Certainly, Miraak isn't just "somebody".

Nevertheless, she generously smiled at him while preparing a tea for him.

 

As the surroundings of a palace bedroom seemed boring, Bell remember on how to switch it into a forest-like surrounding through the holographic lamp.

As somebody who could cook, brew, and made something for himself he has no need of it, but the generosity and smile of a lady? He shouldn't reject it.

Bell: How do you know me?

Miraak: That because you're summoning a "harbinger" made a ripple effect in the universe. Some divines and daedric princes would certainly "know" you. Better watch out.

Miraak: Or not. It would be the harbinger's universe that will be marked, not mine, not yours. But certainly, please don't.

Bell: For the sake of myself and my beloved, i will not do that anymore.

Miraak: Not even summoning the dead! I remember knocking up Potema's cultist. Let's just say they're annoying and Potema was an eyesore. 

Bell: So.... why you're here? Aren't... i assume, you already have a beloved one in Skyrim?

Miraak: As for why i'm here, given that recently, yeah, only recently, that i managed to get the Daedric Princes to borrow their power. Especially Uncle Sheo.

Miraak: Borrow, as in, if the time's come, the artifact would be returned to their rightful owners, waiting for another champion to claim its favor.

Miraak: Also heard that this... Omega Universe... is an attracting point for interdimensional intruders and reincarnated souls... 

Bell: Ufufu...

Miraak: Lady, i found your giggling attractive, but...

Bell: Part of Uncle Sheo reminds me of myself, so... 

Miraak: You know him?

Bell: Long story short, i did. Though not in person.

Bell: Nevermind.

Bell: About your loved one?

Miraak: Nothing special. Just a shopkeeper's sister. The one that kickstarts my journey just because she, and her brother, need to have an ornament, solid-gold, in the shape of dragon's claw, delivered back to them.

Miraak: That quest lead me to the road to my destiny... as it's turns out, i'm the Dragonborn...

Bell knew the whole story, but listens anyway in interest.

And then...

Miraak: So, i heard about a harbinger. How are.... they.

Bell: A he. And i learned best not to interfere another world's affairs except by consent.

Bell: Maybe not at all, especially how it scares me so much.

Bell: That harbinger can kill by will, down to the soul... and i made myself a huge mistake of summoning its party. Without consent. I thought they'll enjoy it

Bell: And i, myself, had the Amelion Bloodstone - it was a Sagestone - clouded my decisions and personality to the point that i am not myself.

Bell: Sorry, it's just to unpleasant to mention it.

Miraak: "kill by will, down to the soul". What a waste... Why i said it's a waste... Even Sithis left souls for us to contain and make good use.

Miraak: (Shows soul gems and Black Star) Want some? Don't worry, i am generous. That thing can be regained over and over, and i don't really need a Black Star anyway.

Bell: No thanks, for my dearest, beloved, one John Archer provide me with magicka everyday.

Miraak: I insist for this two. (drops Black Soul Gem and Black Star anyway)

Miraak: Yeah, i sense you're such a powerful and charming presence. Everybody could fell over their heels toward you in instant.

Miraak: But you seems too old to conceive, to the point that you can only do the deed to gave comfort toward each other and to receive magicka, right?

Bell: (gestures a yes)

Miraak: Oh, one more thing, if i may, i could take you to Tamriel, or i could bring you something in from Tamriel... just.... ask.

Miraak: I love to hear your voice.

Bell: Ummmm... no thanks.... right now.... my only concern is to make him happy, and this universe as well.

Miraak: I see, nice to meet you, and don't be a stranger!

Miraak left... just as soon as John enters the dining room...

John: Must be binging Skyrim too much... i see myself from Skyrim...

Bell: Ufu....ufufufufu....

Bell: My beloved, you're a funny person. No wonder people liked you a lot.

Of course, Bell's soul, or at least the soul of her Sage form, is John's, thanks to the harbinger tearing Bell's soul apart and John gave him his soul as a replacement, so... they knew each other. But they pretended to be surprised.

Bell: And now, i presume you're thinking of a vacation?

John: Well, everyday is a vacation for me and for us!

John: Hey, a soul gem! 

Given how much of an extraordinary world this is... a soul gem is not on the place.

John: Well then, i dig in!

Bell: John!

John grabs the soul gem, cradling it around his chest, and then gently squeezed it. It is smashed, and... a flash happens.

Bell: What's just happened?

John: Ehe......ehehehehehe

Bell: Ufu.... ufufufu.... what? ufufufu.... answer my question!

John: I gave you part of my soul, my alternate universe counterpart has some spare souls, and thus, i can use one!

John: And so... we have our own souls again... well, technically, what's inside yours is mine, and what's inside me is.... whatever. Especially how soul and consciousness are turn out to be different things. Like if i want to tell you, there's a story about a Courier who got shot in the head, and then several adventures later, lost their brain, spine, and heart because a bunch of scientists wants to experiment with their resilience, thus the Courier has to fight back and even have the choice to either reclaim or leave the parts in the pedestal...

And yet no matter the choice, the Courier is still the same Courier as it was in the beginning.

Bell: (in curiosity) ummm... ummm... tell me more later. Tell me more!

John: Matters on hand. We're back to the way it used to be! 

 

 

 

Sasha: What's the ruckus? I love hearing my beloved brother and sister having fun.

John: How's the peacekeeping?

Sasha: Tiring, but well done. 

John: And Kobo?

Sasha: Had some contacts with her and, you know how she dotes on me.

John: Well then, it seems like you've got yourself a girlfriend!

Sasha: Ahahahaha... not now... i still have a lot to take care.

John: Sasha....

Sasha: Eh? 

John: Did you want to return to who you used to be? 

Sasha: Well, it's just an eye, besides the electric eye is helpful. Maybe sometimes later. 

Sasha: Well then, i need a rest. Later.

Sasha goes to his quarters.

John: Bell...

Bell: Now....

John: Ehe....ehehehehe

Bell: Ufu.....ufufufufu

Bell: I love to see your chipper self returning. Now, come to the bed and...

Bell: Do me.

John: Seriously? In this high noon? 

Bell: Set the surroundings into a beach. Just a warm up for the vacation.... Ufufu. 

Unlike other or most couples, John and Bell never found doing the deed every day at least once to three times a day tiring. Especially how their bedroom can be altered with a holographic lamp to resemble the surroundings of nature, beach, night sky, or even sky high and space...

Especially how Bell can still change her forms.

 

Chapter 1TJ Re... - Finale - That Day...

I found myself in the bedroom of Tower District. The sun shines brightly, as if it's 8 AM.

I am awaken. John Archer. 

And besides me, my wife, Bell Aster Archer...

Along with Sasha...

Awakened at the same time.

Her expressions are of fear and sorrow. Something she never show to me. 

But i was awake from an apparently terribly vivid, as if it's real, nightmare. 

Something about war, harbinger of death, nukes, broken arm, Hive Mind... 

My left hand... Is fine. I can move my fingers.

Also a commemmorative watch i forget wearing...

And my lower body... Is intact.

Bell: John... John...!

As i try to regain composure, dress up for the day, and make sense of the situation, i heard...

An unusually distressed call from my wife.

Bell: Did you feel any pain? 

John: No. Just discomfort. What a nightmare. 

Bell: Yeah, i didn't feel any pain either. However... 

She tries to stand up but collapsed.

Bell:  right ankle, left ankle, right little finger, ring finger, left little

finger, right shin, and left earlobe...

Bell: My...my.... it's true. Even if it's a nightmare, the injury is real.

Bell: Jonathan Torrington killed those body parts in attempt to stop me having my way to him. 

Bell: There is no pain and no visible damage. It's just like those body part doesn't exist. 

Bell: Maybe not even a nightmare, but a looping time phenomenon.

Bell: I also felt considerably weaker. With my magic now all i can do is changing my forms, charm, and increased focus. 

Bell: Like myself before i discovered the Sagestone within me... 

Bell: John...

Bell: Please.... Forgive me.

John: You don't need to say that, because i'm always here for you.

Bell: I'd became high and full of myself that I'm not the Bell Aster Springfield you recognize.

Bell: John.... i.... i.... hold me.... i'm scared...

John noticed desperation in Bell's words.

John noticed tears on Bell's face. 

John desperately tried to embrace Bell, calming her down in turn.

Right now the only thing, apart from water and tea, that's could warm Bell's heart are only John's warm embrace. 

Bell noticed that John suddenly became so mature in events of great distress.

Bell noticed tears on John's face as well.

Bell: The good news is that i don't feel any pain anymore but i can't feel my damaged body parts anymore... 

John: Yeah, sort of, but i still have vivid recollections about...

John: (cries)

Bell: John, please don't cry for me. You're a grown up man.

John: But you always said that "this is a grown-up matter!"

Bell: But you're 33!

Bell: Forgive me for treating you like a mana fountain or a joy doll.

Bell: Forgive me for hiding the fact that I'm bringing people without consent, killing innocent people, and making your supposed to be friends kill each other...

John: My dear... We're given second chance... But what am i?

Bell: You are yourself.

Bell: My shining star in the darkness... 

Bell: Archer Logistics' shining star... 

Bell: And my beloved. 

John: (sob) (sob) (....) Teehee.

I stopped crying, chuckles a bit, given that is my beloved often said "This is a grown up matter!" when she's hiding something from me. 

Bell: I guess the "Sage Candidates from the another world" was such a mistake. Big mistake. 

Bell tried to turn into another form, but... 

Can't. 

John, starting to unbutton his pajamas, have to provide. 

Bell unusually never seen running out of mana, but... 

Yeah, John have to provide.

Usually whenever John anxious, John does the deed with his beloved Bell, to varying levels of success. Mostly followed by a sleep, though.

But first....

John: Sasha, how about you...

Sasha: I can't feel my right eye... it feels... blind.

John: Go get a replacement eye at the Prosthetics. Tell them i sent you.

Sasha: Then i'll go.

Back to...

John: Bell... 

Bell: John...

As John wiped Bell's tears out of her face... 

Both kissed. And frenched.

Both disrobed out of their sleepwear. 

Then unusually, in the morning, the couple started to do the deed.

John: Here i am! Ngggggggggghhhhh..... Uhhhhhhh..... 

Bell: Ahhhhhh.... Ahhhhhhh.... Owwww.... Ahhhh... John.... Please.....

The moans are more aggressive, it feels like John's hurting her. 

John tried to stop, but not only John's already deep inside her, but Bell then grabs his arm, and then, 

Bell: Please, go on. It is the only way i feel sensation after the terrible nightmare.

John then continues pounding and humping her.

Then... 

I continued to do it until i gush over her.

Aggressive screams and moans dominate the soundwave to the point that if this room isn't soundproof enough, the rest of the buddies would come over knocking, checking what is wrong.

Bell: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH..... 

Bell: Ah... Huh....huh....huh....

John: What do you feel now? 

Bell: Much better. Slightly better. But i can't feel the senses that is already lost or taken away.

Bell: Also... Is this pain I've feeling after all of this? 

Usually whenever John is doing Bell, Bell often only giggles or doing playful moans, ended by a laughing climax. 

But now, it was like back when she was a maid. 

It... Feels like hurting, but it's actually a pleasure act. 

But nevermind. 

Well, it's been i don't know, weeks or months since i turn into another form, but...

Bell turns into the silver haired maid.

She can walk as usual, but her personality shifted.

Bell: Anything wrong, my master, my husband? 

Bell: Do you wish for a tea, or a coffee?

John: Are you okay? 

Bell: Yeah, I'm fine. What's the matter? 

John then rests himself to the large, ample bust of (maid) Bell. 

John: Now now, my sweet Bell. All i want is you... 

John: (deadpan) I just wish you to become the Sage Bell i love. 

The maid then turn back to a sage.

Then tried to walk, but collapsed. 

Bell: Hmmmm... I can feel myself again as my another form...

Bell: But as usual, the forms i took affect my personality... 

Bell: And i felt... Tired. Like how i am quicker than usual to feel tired. And inevitably i have to return to this "damaged" form due to the mana drain.

She can now turn into other forms she wanted as usual and suffered no problems with the form, however...

Bell: If i turn into this well dressed princess of a Sage Bell i can nullify the mana drain... However... 

Bell: Do you want to know what happened to me? 

Bell immediately collapses when she tried to walk. Luckily, she fell into John's embrace. 

Bell: ...as i already said, right ankle, left ankle, right little finger, ring finger, left little

finger, right shin, and left earlobe...

Bell: I completely lost the feel of that body parts. That body parts are dead.

Bell: I can still turn to other forms, but thanks to the mana deficiency caused by the permanently wounded soul of mine... I can't stay in one form... 

I see. It wasn't a nightmare. It's a timeloop. Happened whenever i "failed my mission" 

Last thing i remember is that i fought an unusually strong woman to hold her back as i tried to save Bell...

I lost my left arm, but the pain is nothing compared to what if i lost Bell. 

I pleaded. Screamed, so that Jonathan could stop attacking Bell and Sasha...

I have awakened something inside me...

I could've send them home at the time.... 

Only to be devoured by an unimaginably evil being afterwards. 

That eldritch being died in the hands of Jonathan, but i... died losing my whole lower body. 

However... 

A glitch or something made it so that it retried everything and everyone, Bell included, also has the memory of it. 

Could it be the "fabled" "New Game+"? 

Her Sage physical form became the target of revenge from that guy because she refused to bring him back home and that guy want answers for the death of his fellow friends...

That being said, despite equally lost a lot of friends, as suddenly the group picture i took shot with has missing members... As if they're never there.

Santos... For one...

Well, Santos was a jerk. Said the man Jonathan he's attacking what anyone should perceive as a civilian...

Luca... Well, she had it coming. Kinda missed her, but eh. Still have Bell here. 

John bear no grudge to that guy Jonathan Torrington, because he trained to suppress his killing intent to prevent himself of being killed. Guess Undertale teach John something, huh? 

John do, have mixed feelings. Especially how to care a slightly disadvantaged wife. 

"The thing of beauty, i know... Will never fade away..."  John hums one of his favorite song, to assure Bell that he still loves her. 

As John take a look at Bell's face, who is just as beautiful as usual...

Since the damage is in the soul level, not physical like other disadvantaged people.

John ponders... 

It is true that what was happened is not a dream. 

I then try to get some fresh air. 

Checking the date/time.

6th of Dawn Star, 20E24

Turns out that tomorrow is supposed to be the day where Bell left me to go... Somewhere.

I remember... This day is supposed to be the day where Bell left me without saying anything, demonstrated the Battle Song system she coded out of combining two separate video game engines and through magical powers, being brought to life.

And casually reported the losses as if it's nothing. 

I see the gaming computers, still alight like back then. The ones used to code Battle Song. This is supposed to be the day... 

Bell: Shut it down. Forget about it for the time being.

Bell: Right now please be with me. I'm really, really scared.

Hours later... 

Then i see Sasha enters the room. 

Earlier, I send him out to the Prosthetics so that he could get a replacement eye...

He wears an artificial right eye, which glows blue on him, because one of his eye were hit by Jonathan's "instant death" attack.

Sasha: John, this is the day... 

Sasha: The day when Bell started processing the Sage candidates. 

Bell: However the bus is already on track through the universe summoner so there's no way to prevent the transfer.

Bell:...... (Bell looked down in sadness) Sasha... I'm sorry, if only I'm not dragging them to be Sage Candidates...

Sasha: Don't worry. Thanks to John here i can see again. 

John: Let me... handle this... 

Sasha: No... Not just you, the Logistics. 

Sasha: I've already put Sebastian on the line. Just.... Not me. I need a rest. The loop phenomenon has been really shocking for us.

Sasha: By the way, John, thanks for the replacement eye. 

John: One, that is complementary. Two, that is aftermarket. I merely brand it. Three, you're welcome. 

Sasha smiles.

John: If you want, you can rest here. It'll be 5 hours from now. 

Bell couldn't send them back for whatever reason. However...

John understood that it's just Bell too scared of draining her mana permanently, even though Bell just had to undone the damage he caused to reverse most of the damages. 

Bell forget that John, her lover, is the source of the mana that made her a stronger mage, who eventually discovered the sagestone inside her.

Bell also forgotten her natural charm, her hard-earned military training, and her kindness and strength were her true powers.

Bell fell in love with John partly because of John's unusually large amount of mana.

And when they made love, as Bell cannot conceive, the act is merely a mana transfer.

And thus, as a Jade Catalyst, John is the one who has immense amount of mana innately.

Combined with the Sagestone, it should be enough to tear a hole back to another dimension.

John: Try to let go. Immense power without compassion is not good.

Bell: Yeah, i know, i'm acting all too high on myself, i started, in a flash, forgetting what's important. I'm really, really, suddenly, being too hungry for souls of the dead, and... and... (cries)...

John: Calm down, i forgive you...

John: Besides, i love you whoever you are. Not because you're a high and mighty magician, witch, or whatever.

John: But i love you because you're beautiful and kind.

John: Selflessly, you chose to serve the Tuatha De nobility... 

John: Selflessly, you offer yourself to the lonely me...

John: Selflessly, you helped me rescue Thea, my beloved sister-in-law.

John: Selflessly, you accompany me and my decision to separate myself from the nobility. 

John: Killing aside, selflessly, you want to improve the lives of some people... 

John: Though you lapsed off and went on a deep abyss at some point.

John: Why.... Just why....? 

Bell: Forgive me for not being myself... I lost touch with the world and start doing crazy things that might made you happy.

Bell: I love you too. Not because you're a mana well to be exploited... But because your kindness and bravery... 

Bell: John my dear, thanks... And...

Bell: The bus' already marked, i can't cancel the transfer easily unless through large amount of mana.

Well, there's no choice. I think.

John: At least today, just stay in the bed.

Bell: John... 

John: I said stay... 

John: And for this, let your shining jade in the darkness take the lead. I... we... won't want any harm.

John: But first... 

John became unusually insightful. He believed that he can do the impossible, because his haughty wife did... the impossible.

John: Give me the Sagestone. There will be never a time to play deity again. 

Bell: John, you're unusually stern. 

Bell: But if that's what you want...

But the Sagestone is fragmented. I think the Sagestone is already on the other side. 

John then called on Sasha, inviting him to come over. 

John: Sasha, i know you're scared, but... 

John: Take good care of Bell. We're in this together. 

Sasha smiled. 

Sasha: John... You never changed. And that's what i like about you. 

Meanwhile, almost at the same time.... 

Daniella Tammison, just call her Dani, was awakened after a terrible dream involving battle royale, reluctantly fighting the Sage, and... a lot of things. It's depressingly lucid and vivid. It's good that she doesn't feel the pain anymore. But her nerves and her heart still can feel it at times.

It feels like three months, yet, when she checked the time, it's...

January 6, 2024.

The others murmured. 

saying that suddenly, yeah, time looped.

Definitely isn't a nightmare. How could a nightmare last like... three months?

However some of the students are missing. They are, what i remember, the Sage candidates in which Jonathan have no other choice but to kill them.

 Taylor... for one. As if he doesn't exist.

Layhell Janssen, who almost possessed her Mackie, dead too.

Reyes, who Bell poked to doom, is there. I think those that are not killed by Jonathan is accounted for in the loop. He prefers laying down to his fellow seat mate's lap. And no, he's disinterested in slightest to me, let alone any girl. He's closer to boys ever since i knew him.

Mackie: Rise and Shine, li'l Dani!

Dani: I'm 20!

Mackie is already here with Dani, choosing to reveal herself sooner instead of back then in Outer Persica's "palace hotel". 

Maybe she's always with me, just trying to cover it until the time's come.

In the meantime, Jonathan sleeps beside me, as if he doesn't care.

Jonathan opens his eyes, seeing a familiar, "aww snap, here we go again" moment, and then closes his eyes again after saying,

Jonathan: Hey... wake me up when we already home.... i'm... tired of this.

The bus stops at a meadow, with the driver and teacher panicking and tries to stop, regaining composure.

Wait, I've seen this before.

But there's something different. 

Instead of the sage killing the bus driver, the teacher, then the battle song installation, and the dragon, as i remembered, there's a convoy of military vehicles approaching us.

I guess, recalling the time that happened before, that means the dragon is already killed by Jon, then?

Instead of a woman "straight out of Princess Connect Re:Dive" as i remembered...

A young-looking, gorgeous guy in a slightly heavy military gear enters the bus.

American.

He wasn't even armed at all.

It's that military uniform guy. Bell's little brother, perhaps? I remember Bell dotes on him and she often said "It's a grown up matter" or something.

He didn't wish to attack me, even under Bell's control, he quickly broke control... 

Even after i unintentionally sever his arm in the "nightmare", he doesn't seem to be angry. 

He also cried seeing Bell being attacked. Pleading to send us home...

That would work if not how he and Bell got devoured by a "Hive Mind" who then proceed to drink his essence...

And his final moments being him staring at us hauntingly... 

My... My... I still feel guilty remembering it. Too painful. Not a nightmare though as i see Jonathan is holding the Sagestone supposed to be given from Bell after a forced extraction. 

Despite his faint smile, a bit of sadness radiates in his expression.

"John Archer, Colonel. Archer Logistics. Rescue Operations" he said. As if he pretended not to know us.

 Everyone: Ehhhh? A military colonel? 

"Responding to a stranded civilian vehicle. Operation authorized by the State of Persica National Guard. Sebastian, Sasha, guard the surroundings with the others"

"And unless i gave a Code Red, no weapons. Absolutely nothing raised. We're dealing with a civilian vehicle full of late teenagers and young adults here."

John: Driver... Kenneth. Teacher... Robinson. 

John: Get out in an orderly fashion and follow the soldiers. I'm sorry you guys have to be stranded like this. But give it a day, and we'll send you home!

Out of curiosity, i decided to peek on John. He's talking with the fellow squadmates....

and... of course... Bell.

John: (speaking to outside of the bus) Hush.. Hush... Go take a seat around Sasha there.

Sebastian: (out of sight) Bell wanted to follow you. She just can't and doesn't want to be away from you. 

Sebastian: (out of sight) Sasha decided to go with us, but he stayed. He can't bear looking at his enemies in the previous loop.

Kenneth and Robinson: Keep that.... wench away from us! No! No!

I looked outside. 

I heard it. The driver and our teacher were afraid of Bell. For good reason. It's a timeloop that feels like a nightmare. But the pain is real. 

That woman.... Bell.... She seemed sad. I remember how i was terrified when she just easily kill our driver and our teacher, then telling off those without Sage awakenings to just die, but...

--

Bell:.... their only sin is that they loved me and i loved them... Please, spare John and Sasha! 

-- 

The nightmare... I remember him being terrified of Jonathan after Jonathan had his way on Bell, who refused to send us home...

Or it is a time loop? 

However that guy, which, i see the badge that his name is Archer, he's highly calm and reassuring, even to the terrified homeroom teacher and bus driver.

Then suddenly he shows his smile while he's trying to reassure the rest of the group that they'll be okay.

He proceed to escort the other students slowly. 

"You're going to go back soon" 

"We'll handle it from here"

He said.

"Kyaaaah" 

"What a handsome fella!" 

The girls are swooned. 

John: Alright, no touching, everybody stay calm! Pack your bags and get out in an orderly fashion! 

Cheers from fellow students start to be heard as a reply because of his charming look.

If it's any other army they would detain us or kill us wholesale. Especially looking back at the death and destruction we apparently caused. 

But this. This one is different. 

Mackie even remarks that she can't sense any killing intent from the guy despite having more than a thousand reasons to do it. 

I decide to wave and smile at her.

But at the same time, John tries to be friendly with me.

Dani: (waves) I....... Ihi! 

John: Hey.....lady!

John: You, Daniella Tammison, and Jonathan Torrington there... 

John: Stay until i told you to move. Just want a little... talk. 

I usually got annoyed with unwanted advances. But all he wants is to be friendly with me. He's not romantically involved, i think.

But still, despite my smiles, i am still very guilty of breaking his arm... Even that doesn't really happen.... Or is it? 

Seeing her darling smiling at somebody who smiled back and waved at her darling, Bell climbs in, shows a slight pout, and then... 

Bell: Daaaa....rling!

Bell: Why you're flirting with somebody younger than you? I'm here! 

John: Off all things, you've annoyed with that? E... hehehehe! 

 

Bell's insistence to look after John is less of a jealousy and more of a concern, given John stared DEATH no sorry THE END OF ALL THINGS itself. 

But John, knowing that, calmly responded.

John: Also, you'll be scaring everyone else with that look, darling!

John: Everybody else please calm down! Sebastian, help with the tents and gathering!

I looked outside. The rest is already at the gathering point. Surrounded by humvees and tent of various shapes and sizes. 

Sebastian: Driver... Kenneth. Teacher... Robinson. Rest at the infirmary with Parker there. The tent with large red heart there.

Sebastian: The rest, go to the accommodation tent we prepared. Feel free to book in any room!

Gabriel: You... You?

Gabriel Reyes remembered that time... So he lowered his head. 

Bell: I.... I'm sorry everyone...

Bell: Especially you... 

Gabriel: No, it was i who have to apologize for trying to kill you.

Gabriel's anxiety and phobia intensifies as he remembers that time. 

Gabriel cries.

Bell: Gabriel... 

Gabriel: Uwaaaaaaahhhhh! (cries and ran away) 

Bell suddenly became apologetic. However as she tries to walk, she fell down... If not for her holding to her surroundings. 

Bell: John, help! 

John: In a minute, darling. I'm going to handle the ones in the back first.

Surely, everyone do remember the whole thing. 

Yeah, not a nightmare indeed.

But it is very ironic how the princess-like woman terrifies everyone, while the military-looking guy here... doesn't.

Then he looks into Jonathan, who is now asleep for the whole thing, and.

John: Hmmm, Jonathan Torrington... 

John: Hey missus, can you wake your honey pie here? 

W.... Waitaminute, honey pie?

I silently trying to wake Jonathan up. 

After Jonathan is awake, John immediately talk to him.

John is brave to look at the one that can easily kill people in a whim at the eyes. 

John: Wake up. The bus will be cleaned, fixed, and refueled. There will be a summer camp here.

John: Pretty sure everybody is shaken due to this... unforeseen consequences.

John: But Jonathan... You won't going to kill me, right? 

Jon(athan): Why should i kill you? You come here to help, not to harm, right?

Jonathan: Also, since that time, i didn't feel any killing intent from you. Your heart is as pure as... 

Jonathan: Jade Catalyst.

John: So... You're already expecting me? 

Jonathan: Well, if it isn't a nightmare but it's a loop, please, accept my apology.

John: What apology? Oh... Sasha... Please don't tell him... 

John: (smiles a little) And I'm willing to cooperate. 

John: Don't worry. I know what a revenge is like. Just want to thank you for not harming me.

Bell: Jonathan.... thanks for sparing Sasha and not harming John. 

Jonathan: Daniella and Mackie told me... If not for him... There goes the chance of going home. 

John noticed the Sagestone. 

John: That Sagestone you're holding on? That's the key home. But we need preparations. Come with me. 

Jonathan: It just appeared on my hand after that nightmare. Didn't really know. Maybe it's time loop. 

Jonathan: But if you're really, really, insistent on helping us.

Jonathan: (smiles heartfully) Do your best.

Jonathan : I don't really know about the Sagestone thing apart from its immense mana or magical energy, but... you seem to know how, given your origin and how you're acquainted with the woman...

John: Ehhhh... not just acquainted... We're married for years. 

John: You should try it too. Together for life, with the one you love... like... Dani here!

Dani: (blushes) Heyyyyy!!!!

Jonathan: All right, pack up and get out.

It's that easy, really. As not as there's no killing intent, Jonathan wouldn't kill. 

Summer camp? We planned to go to Wyoming. It's been like a month or two... And i can really think that it is, surely, it's a reset loop, not a dream. He also already known that everybody is shaken. 

Me and Jonathan then follows John out of the bus, where soldiers and military utility vehicles circle the area around us.

It seems like, unlike the woman i remembered entering the bus at that time, he tries to be helpful. Very helpful indeed. 

John: The point is that, this is Mobius. You should've come here by consent. Now... I just want you two to forgive what my woman did to you and to your entire group.

John: As it turns out, I'm a Jade Catalyst. I can provide lots of mana, but i personally doesn't prefer using heavy magic.

John: Combined with the Sagestone... You all can go home. You'll need my help. 

John: These army guys will assist in refueling, and then, you all can go home. Your relatives and next of kin would definitely be worried about you all. 

John: Regardless, if you intend to stay, go visit Vincent at the recruitment tomorrow. 

John: There's also gold bars as tokens of apology, one for each members, including the driver and the teacher. Along with a personalized gift for one of each person. 

The others, shaken as if apparently they're affected by a time loop of a "shared nightmare" decided that they should stay a night or two here. 

Maybe a week if they're going for a change of plans. 

Then i overheard and see John talking with Bell.

Bell: I need your mana. Urgently. 

John: Not here sweets...

Bell: But... 

John: I know sweetie, but not here. 

John left to help the others, while... 

Bell: Dearie, wai....(collapsed) 

Bell: Owww... it hurts. 

Bell then collapses, forcing John to carry her around his back. 

John: Have you tried moving yourself with kinesis, if changing yourself feels embarassing or consuming more mana magicka? 

Bell: Ummmm... I do... Did it but that felt a bit uncomfortable. 

John then quickly kisses Bell behind the bus, away from the other's view.

But here and there's not the time of being intimate, despite the sunny weather, not so hot temperature, and dress being perfect for romantic moment.

Bell then... Did just that.

Bell: Through Alteration to move my dead limbs and Illusion to make others look like I'm walking, i'm floating, but to others i look like walking. Still it's more exhausting than just walking. 

John: Hehe, you'll be more comfortable riding on my back. That's why I'm wearing the heavy utility vest for.

John: Here, ride on my back.

John: And go home. You'll scare the others.

Bell: No.... No....! I won't be alone! 

Then Jonathan talks to Dani.

Jonathan: Well, i think all of this isn't a dream. Definitely. You're thinking what I'm thinking?

Mackie: That there's a higher force behind all of this.

John approaches Jonathan. 

John: Hey, is that an Esteem Board you're holding on? Wanna play a game? 

Jonathan: Steam Deck... But yeah, sure. 

John: Eh, nevermind. I'm going to set up a large tent filled with amenities... 

John: Videogames, foods, drinks, lounge... 

John: Might want to have an FFA in Call of Duty later.

Jonathan: Wait, this universe has the same game as well?

John: Yeah. Do you want some Minecraft, Fallout, or Skyrim?

Jonathan: Already had played all of those, and i spend my down times playing those, if not sleeping.

Jonathan: Problem is that this is a different world, and i can't connect to the master server, i mean they do probably have the same services, have Bethesda, Microsoft, or whatever, but i'm not a registered citizen or account holder of The United States of Amelion...

John: Well, if you're really well-versed on taking a soldier, please... take me out. Then you can go home...

John: (grins while taunting) Come on.... come on!

Jonathan tickled John instead. 

John: Ahahahaha..... Hahahahaha... 

Jonathan: Like... why should i kill you? All you want is to help us, right?

Jonathan smiles back. 

The two could get along well. He was before the loop begged, crying, wanting to help while stopping the crazed Sage woman had her way on Jonathan...

And now, they're amicably conversing like old friends... 

I wish the real world have a nice people like John... 

Later that night...

Both Dani and Jonathan awakened after booking a tent and fell asleep. They started sitting at a bench while getting a water and a pizza prepared by the makeshift mess hall tent. 

Looks like i'm overslept in what supposed to be a nap. I mean... Jonathan's warm, it can't be helped.

And after all, I've becomed mellower besides him. 

And there's...

Well... even for just a day, they put up a tent full of game consoles, couch, carpet... basically everything a late teenager could dream of.

A fridge box full of energy drinks... Nah isn't my thing.

There's orange juice as well.

There's Carol, Ryouko, Reyes...

Playing their favorite games...

Carol's into Call of Duty, Ryouko's into Armored Core, and Reyes... into Overwatch 2.

Well, they seemed to have their time of life.

Jonathan: Come to think of it...

Jonathan: The big screen... missed home.

Jonathan: Not much of a shooting game and fighting game player, though.

Jonathan: Some dinner would be nice.

Mackie: Yeah, lil'Dani, you must be famished.

The three then hanging out in the "gamer's cafe". Everything's free for picking, given it's a complementary and "apology".

Jonathan: Pizza's taste like home. 

Dani: Is that so? But... Yeah. 

Did i hear singing?

 

Yes, i've been wondering where's John...

If there's one thing i can remember of him, it's his "angelic" voice. Especially when singing. He can compel anybody, including Jonathan here...

"The thing of beauty.... i know...

Will never fade away

And i'll do my duty..."

... 

It's soothing, to the point that aurora borealis came up in the sky.

The song describes that gentle kid John really well and his love to...

I mean, he's a determined type... if only my heart is...

Wait a minute.... nevermind.

 He's been gentle. Helping from day to night.

He's also kind... and i really wish what happened like days ago were just a terrible nightmare.

Mackie: I can't sense anything bad about that guy. He's that kind of person who wants the best for everyone.

Still, even after the timeloop, i felt bad for breaking his arm.

Well, he doesn't seem to mind either. In fact he smiled as i came across him.

Dani: Hehe, i think i want to stay here for longer. 

Jonathan: But what about Mom (Allison)? She'll be worried sick about us.

Jonathan: I missed her. And if i told John about Allison, he would urgently help me, no, not just me, us, to go home. 

Well, i said it. Whoops. Going home with you then.

Meanwhile...

Before Dani proceed to take a rest, John approaches.

His face being stern is unusual.

John: Evening, and sorry for being late, but you and Jonathan, can you help me? 

John: One urgent matter, afterwards, i have no need for you two anymore. 

Dani: Ummm... Yeah. Sure. 

Jonathan: Guess i have to follow then. 

John then leads both to Bell.

She's alone. Away from the would-be Sage Candidates. Away from fellow Archer Logistics servicemen and servicewomen as well. 

Sitting. Frail. Miserable. Yet trying to act like the woman she always are.

Of course, the woman is surprised, given her darling brought the two that supposed to be their worst nightmares.

Jonathan look intimidating with his usual stoic appearance.

Bell: Eh... Eh... Dear, why? 

John: (to Bell) Now apologize to Daniella.

Eh....eh.... everything is forgiven, as long as it's really, really sure that tomorrow, we'll going to go back home!

Bell: Everything's my fault. He doesn't need to. If any, it should be me. 

John: Now you have two choices, Jonathan...

John: Either witness me doing this thing... Or kill me, release me from this miserable world... 

John: Of course, if you choose to kill me, i'll make my loudest scream ever and you'll have no chance to make it home. 

John: Bell... 

Bell: John...

John: I'm scared as well, but if you want to walk and feel the "dead" part of you again... 

John: Just... Just don't think. Feel the good moments we spend together as we kissed. 

Bell: If that's what my darling said, so be it.

Bell: John... 

John: Bell.... Free yourself...

John: Think of entering myself through my mouth... 

Mmmmm.....

The two kissed. 

Dani: WHAT'S THE POINT IN INVITING US TO SEE A COUPLE KISSING EACH OTHER?! 

John: There... There... 

Bell tries, and succeeded, in standing up and trying to walk on her own.

Bell: My fingers... See... 1,2,3, 4,5...

Bell: Strange. All of them felt like a nightmare. Now i can feel all of my body parts again. I feel... healthy. Recovered.

Bell: (to John, kissing his forehead) Thank you! 

Bell: Just want to surprise you... 

Bell then turns into a very hot silver haired maid with a very visible bust, as if she tries to invite her mate. If I'm a male i would be smitten instantly. But she has the caring spirit as well without the malice. 

Bell: Do you all want some tea and biscuits? 

Dani: Uhhh... Uhhh... This is late at night. And honestly with that exposed top, you're terrifying me!

Bell: Ah yes, pardon me for being so inappropriate, little one. 

Bell turns back into her "Sage" form.

John: Well, here Bell can turn into another form with matching personality.

Dani: THEN WHY DON'T JUST STAY THAT WAY AS A MAID?! THAT SAGE HAS BEEN CAUSING A LOT OF TROUBLE FOR US, AND FOR JONATHAN HERE!

John: Long story short, she unintentionally discovers a sagestone within her. And the rest...

Bell: (to Jonathan) Thanks to you, i have been recovered!

Bell: But...

Bell: (embracing John from the back) My life is tied to my best man ever here.... if he ever dies (not that he'll make it easy), then i die as well...

Bell: But i promise...

Bell started to shudder reminiscing about what just happened for the last 2 days before the apparent flashback...

Bell: (To Dani) I won't do things like spiriting away people without consent anymore. Never! 

Dani: Hmph. You better.

John: (with smiles that seems unbreakable, despite a faint hint of sadness) Well then, you should ask people if they're willing too.

John: Disenfranchised people, poor people... Those that are rejected by society...

Bell: Well, good idea... But not from the other dimension, of course.

Bell: (hugs John) But please, i never want to see Mr. Instant Death and Ms. Loudmouth here!!!! Aaaaahhhh!!!

John: Don't take killing lightly then. You... I mean we... Only have to kill if it's right to do so. Even for years i suppressed my killing intent.

Bell: So... Honestly i wasn't myself when i became... carried away with power... 

John: Yeah, i understand, but you, please, human life is not something you toy with!

John: Just as you treasure me, you should treasure others, for there's always somebody who were somebody else's "John".

John: Never attack unless the ones that intend to attack you. Or you made sure that it's a "friendly competition" where nobody actually got hurt.

Dani smiled. Mackie followed. Jonathan also smiled a bit.

Mackie: That man is precious... If only he could follow us home... 

Dani: Mackie! 

John: Well then, see you all tomorrow!

Bell: Noooo! Not tomorrow! Not ever! I just want to be with you until the stars and moon are no more!

John: Well, tomorrow is their last time they're here. Ever. I promise it.

John: Unless... you intent to come back here, i always welcome you.

John: Well then, good night everyone! 

Dani, Mackie, and Jonathan parted ways. 

Both John and Bell then lit another "romantic moment" spark. Especially how John promises that "almost every night will be a honeymoon". 

John: Ehe.. Ehehehehehe

Bell: Ufufufufufu

John suddenly wanted to do it. Bell had to carry him to the private tent, to check that her strength did really come back.

John, later awakened close to dawn, with Bell at her side, speaks his mind. 

John: Sometimes, you have to forgive the enemy. And this is the perfect moment. Not to mention, he never intend to do harm. All he wants is to go home. It's just you... I mean we, picked the wrong candidate.

Bell: Don't say it's a "we". It's entirely my doing. 

John: And please, killing unarmed people is bad.

John: And realize that if there's something valuable besides us (like me), you didn't have to seek power by draining others. 

Bell: Yeah, what a crazy year, isn't it, darling? 

John: (looking at the beautiful star adorned skies) But don't be afraid to deliver happiness. What if, just what if... 

John: We take in candidates, just in this universe, not from outside, the disenfranchised ones. The poor, the homeless, the abused... 

John: And of course most importantly, volunteers... 

John: And due to the nature of the world we can physically enhance them to be better. 

John: Unlike the world i was before my soul moves there, this world have so much, as in "hyperborean", which i think means unimaginably large... 

John: Amount of useful resources due to the relatively young nature of the world.

John: Then there's the reincarnates... 

John: Those who are lucky to be sent to this world are lucky they can learn from past mistakes, be better, and be what they want to be.

John: And outside of virtual reality or simulated environment, don't make them kill each other. Rather tell them how to build and make things better. Fight only evil, not each other.

Bell: That's something i should've done from the beginning, but... 

Bell: I remember how sad that universe and figures i think a class full of graduates would be a perfect choice for candidates... 

Bell: And i.... I.... still can't believe i made them all fight each other... even if it meant so that i can harvest from the weak...

John: That's really, really, not what i expected... But... What's (un)done is (un)done, right? 

Bell: Just keep talking your hearts out. I'm listening.

John noticed Bell, wearing nothing but a blanket, smiling at him. Admiring his gorgeousness. 

Sometimes both forget they already do the deed. Even in this couple of stressful but blessed days. Where many people got their second chances. 

Especially how Bell finally got her lost senses back.

But now every time i touch my heart... I can feel hers too. 

She's now actually soulless... Due to her soul being destroyed... 

However... The consciousness is saved... She's still herself.

But in the vessel, body of Bell Aster Archer there's the other half of my soul. 

We share a single soul now...

My soul now belongs to both myself and herself, and despite maintaining her peak condition high endurance and strength... 

Her life depends on me. If i dies then she does too.

She can't however, feel my pain, because pain is a physical matter. 

Though thanks to the "Return by Death" and "Perseverance Made Spirit" that it is impossible practically for one of us to die unless when perseverance has no need anymore... Though it'll be hurt as hell.

Looking at my wife, who has a perfectly sculptured body... 

I kissed her once again. 

But yeah if there's a perfect time to do the deed... It's now. It's good for stress relief.

It's just that Bell is way past the human age of fertility so despite her 19-20 something appearance she's still somebody with an unusually long age thanks to her quirk and how she turns that part so that it can consume mana from male. Especially the nice ones and life partners. 

Bell: Don't worry. Keep talking. You're really the one i expected. A smart, gorgeous, cute, sweet, nice, and warm hearted... man.

Bell: What am i without you? 

John: No, what am i without you either? 

John: ehe. 

Bell: Ufu. Ufufufufu

Bell smiled as she embraces John.

John: I will be with you until the sun, moon, and stars are no more.  

Everybody's tired, but content given that somehow time loops back but with the unpleasant factors being wiped out. 

Tomorrow...

After lunch time... 

Alright this is it. 

I'm not much of a mage, but...

John sets up a Jade Catalyst powered dimensional portal teleportation device. John's not much of a magick person, and even if he did, he rely on his heartful wish instead of an "artifact of unimaginable power". Not to mention this mess needs to be cleaned up...

John knew there would be risks. But that's better compared to keep stranding those that would ruin the world much further.

"Transference Portal" 

"Alpha Universe"

"Wyoming, United States" 

John: This is it. You all have save travels back! Don't forget about the gifts, they're marked, one by one! 

John: On the behalf of Archer Logistics, we say thank you for your patronage! 

A large glowing magical gate appears. 

The bus got send back to the place where it belongs to. 

As the bus already went into the gate and the gate closed, disappeared... 

John collapsed. 

Bell also felt her heartbeat thumping unusually. 

Bell faintly spoke to John, who laid down unresponsive due to using all his mana for the day as the Sagestone itself, which shattered afterwards, ain't enough. 

Bell: John.... John? 

Bell: Wake up please... 

Bell: Dearie...

Bell: John...? 

Bell: John! Noooo.... John! (cries)

Bell: Heavens above... And John... I'm sorry... I really.... really am...

Bell: John..... (cries) 

Bell passed out after she cries.

 

 

A second chance, together

Jade: John.... 

Jade: Thank you... 

Jade: For doing the right thing... 

Jade: And fulfilling your destiny. 

Jade: I will always be with you as long as you live, but only in dire times. 

Jade: Now you wake up, return to the realm, and make your hard earned beloved happy! 

Then Bell awakens as she senses a steady, sound, harmonic heartbeat in John's center chest.

It beats sweetly in rhythm.

John: Uhh... Hmmm... Warm....

John: Sorry, I'm no stranger to dozing out. Especially if I'm very very tired.

Bell's heartbeat returns to normal. 

Bell cried tears of joy as...

They found themselves in the medical tent. 

Female Soldier: You okay lady?

Female Soldier 2: Colonel? Glad you're awake. Magicry is surely exhausting, isn't it? 

Bell smiles to the young looking soldier under John's command, and gently asked them to drive home.

Female Barista: Hey, Colonel... Here, open and drink it. Must be a tough day, right? 

John: (drinking a coffee) ummmm..... Mmmmmm.... 

Soldier: If i may, we should left. You two deserve a private time. 

Bell: Ufufu...  

Bell: Once you're not tired anymore, let's go home... 

John: No fast travel please. I just want the soldiers to feel comfortable with me. 

Bell: You want the helicopter or humvee? 

John: As long as i am besides you... 

End.

 

Afterword:

Without acknowledgement to those that are killed by Jonathan before the timeline reset as they're might as well as never existed, the bus and its occupants return safely to the "Real World" (Alpha Earth) with a neat box of gifts per occupant, including the teacher and the driver. 

This even includes a commemorative signed photobook of John Archer!

With.... mixed reception. Many from the girls said it's cute. Some, especially the male, thought he's a love rival, or a pipsqueak.

Gabriel: Eh, he looks really good! And lovable! 

Carol: I wish to work together with him. 

Ryouko: He's a bit jumpy but he's pretty good natured. 

Whittington: If he's with us he'll swoop in and getting you instead of Jonathan or me! 

Dani: (to all) whatever, we won't going to meet him again.

Jonathan Torrington is reunited with his adoptive guardian and namegiver, Allison Torrington. Yet to this day it is never known just how the dreaded "Alpha & Omega" came to be. One thing that's sure is that, apart from the death bringing tendency, he's just a good kid, and all one's need is to not mess with him.

Jon: I think, apart from the gold bars, the gift for us were the biggest one.

Both Jon and Dani received a special gift that came with a large box. The box contains a clone replica of John Archer with the exact same personality but not the desire and can only speak through device or text messaging, if at all because he often won't or can't speak. Called "Little John" the replica joins the Torrington family, and basically became Jonathan's brother. He works for the family as a package delivery man.

Dani: Awwww.... Wish granted. 

Dani: But you (Jonathan), with him... kinda remind me of that delivery guy that brings a baby around his chest in a world of nothingness... but instead of baby, it's a full grown man. 

Jonathan: (smiles) indeed. Somehow i felt like i have to protect him.

Little John: (pushes button on his smartphone) Allison... Ma... Ma... 

Allison: A brother! I'm so happy! Yes John, I'm a "Ma Ma". 

"Jon.... John.... hmmmm..." -Daniella.

Daniella Tammison married Jonathan, with Mackie as the best woman. However Dani would want to take some time before being mom. 

The Tuatha De nobility family, which John were part of, oftentimes visit the Tower District. Yet John, usually cheerful, frowns upon their patronizing behaviour and thus actively trying to avoid them.

John... keeps doing what he loves to do, as the guardian of Persica and as the head chief of Archer Logistics. He also prepares several military and security unit to prepare for situations John unable to cover. Still, his mind sometimes clouded by doubt, despite having making terms with the fleeting nature of life.

John: Just because the "avatar of the end" is out of this universe, doesn't mean everything's over. In the meantime, i've been sending a "light" clone of mine to keep watch. He's just as human as i am, he's just... a bit different.

Sometimes, John has crying fits at the night, in which, as usual, Bell always there to calm him down.

John: (cries) 

Bell: John... You're a grown up. Why you're crying loudly like that? 

John: ....It's... nevermind. Things just can't ever stop. I just want a comfy life. But no the world and the universe they won't.

Bell: (smiles) We're in this together. And... 

Bell: Without you i would live my rest of immortal life disabled... I rather soon die with the one i love together rather than living without the things i love. 

John: Without you i wouldn't have any purpose in life either. You... You... You... You... 

John: Uwaaaaaah! (cries louder) 

Bell: Ufufu...

Bell: (hugs John) Well, cry it all out. Once you're dry... Sleep on my lap, then we have a nice tea time at dawn! 

Bell had her soul "fixed", thus, she regains the parts that Jon "killed", and she back to the usual Bell Archer she is. Well, more like "affixed" since her damaged soul was merged by John's. Which means that both lives were tethered each other. If one dies the other would die as well. Physical conditions are not affected, though.

With no Sagestone, Bell's magical ability is severely reduced. Now basically all she can do is to shapeshift or regenerate wound like before she "unlock" the Sagestone within her and of course, the good old military, physical training, beauty, and intelligence. It helps that thanks to sharing the soul with John, she can think and act like what John think and act of.

She could however, re-learn magick. 

Bell: Eh, i can still do Destruction and Illusion magic as usual...

Bell: But no, I'll rather increase my Restoration magic skill... 

Bell: (looking at the sleeping John) for the sake of him. His charms heal countless people. 

Bell: If i could unintentionally heal my beloved with my passive charm, why i couldn't actively try to heal the ones i love and care of? 

Her innate immortality is gone and her body became mortal due to her sharing a soul with a mortal man. Good thing the man ages slowly, being 33 but has the physique of a late teenager.

That being said, at times, she's haunted by the lifelong guilt of causing.... a lot of things to happen. However, John and Sasha are more than willing to forgive her.

Especially John, who just... can't... live without her.

 The next day... 

Bell: A simple tea time... and you don't ask me to turn into the maid that you'll always love... How ascetic...

John: Whatever you look like, i'll admire you always. For the coming months, maybe years, i maybe just want to enjoy you looking like what you are now. Besides, it's your "default" now, especially after you're sharing my soul with me, right?

John: I love you Bell. I want to be with you until...

Bell: The sun, moon, and stars are no more...

Bell determines to make the most of her moment with John, her most treasured husband and being in the world. She promised that when the time's come for John, she will arrange a proper respect-giving instead of trying to preserve or prolong the human John Archer is.

Bell: Because of you, I'm getting my powers back.

Bell: I have several new forms i can use to make you happy as well!

John: Like i said, you look better as it is today.

Bell: I'll always be with you if you change your mind.

Bell: So... What should we play after this cup? 

John: You choose. 

Bell: Skyrim it is. 

John: Like we have played it a thousand times... 

Bell: Only like three times actually completing the game due to the game being packed in content. 

By virtue of sharing the same soul, Bell sometimes felt "being his lover", and sometimes she would caught consciously doing what her lover love to do, though she still herself and has her own body.

Bell is terribly shaken of the events that happened before the loop. However, realizing what kind of happening that just happened... Bell vowed not to repeat the same mistake.

John: Yeah, to think of it, spiriting away people is equivalent to a kidnapping or hostage taking. True that this world is much "freer" However they should have consent.

Bell: John... 

John: Yes sweetie?

Bell: From this point on... Going forward... The Logistics... Sages... Every decision... Belongs to you. 

Bell: I'm unworthy of making decisions!

John: No, you still worthy! 

Bell:...... 

John: By simply appearing, you deliver smiles to... Everyone. Hololive, the Logistics members... They look up to you.

John: Your mere presence heals hearts, and you can directly heal people... 

Bell: But that's yours, ain't it?

John: But you're better on healing than me.

Bell: Am i? 

John: You.... Me.... (touch own chest) 

Bell: John.... Your heartbeat... Is mine. 

John: Yeah. 

Bell: So.... What'll we do next?

John: You're soft... 

John: Ehe.... Ehehehehe.... 

Bell: Ufufufu...

Bell: But seriously, from this point on, every day, tomorrow, the future... Even the path of myself... 

Bell: I give it to you, John Archer.

John kept walking his own path, whenever his mind and his leg guides him. He even vowed to see what will be of the world, his lover's origin, and how without the "instant death guy" what will happen to the world.

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