Nexus Equilibria
Seventy years after the significant event known as the Circle of the Eternal Oath,
The purple-blue mist continues to swirl softly in the Nexus, dancing gently in the air and radiating a mysterious aura that evokes a profound connection to the enigma of time. The threads of time and change shine brightly, upheld by new faces filled with hope and determination as guardians of this precious legacy—a legacy that carries the weight of history and future possibilities. The rumbling background seems to moan, warning all of the heavy responsibilities they bear and the monumental challenges ahead.
The Third Generation of the Equilibris Custodia, who honor this legacy and the sacrifices of those who came before, have risen to power, bringing with them both hope and fear for an uncertain future shaped by their choices.
Among them:
Laevrin Olith — Fluxwarden Prime, grandchild of Saphira Olith. Laevrin feels the weight of her ancestors' legacy on her shoulders; her bright and passionate eyes conceal shadows of fear and doubt. She views this mission not merely as a duty, but as a noble calling to alter the course of history with the instincts and wisdom passed down to her.
Kaedros Valtheris — Timewarden Continuum, the great-grandson of Eryndor Valtheris. In his sharp gaze lies an intelligence that seems capable of piercing through the layers of time, uncovering the hidden secrets within each second. With a firm yet authoritative voice, he warns, "We must maintain balance—without it, we defy our very essence." His thoughts are diverted by an ominous and haunting threat, a result of the unexpected experiments at Gateway Halcyon Verge, which casts a dark shadow over his mind.
Mira Caereth — Pathseeker, a descendant of Aureth Caereth. She moves gracefully between the two worlds, like a living bridge sensing the subtle vibrations between tension and hope. Her gentle voice resonates like a calming river, reminding all present, "We are the product of choices and consequences. It must be remembered that what we do today will shape the future." Each of her words fosters an awareness of the responsibility interwoven throughout their historical journey.
Jeanne and Joanna stepped back into advisory roles, respectfully allowing the world to be shaped by their successors. This moment of transition left a profound imprint on their souls; memories of the past appeared like silhouettes, offering both blessings and poignant reminders. A mix of warmth and sorrow enveloped them, recalling every decision that led them to this point.
"This is the cycle we create," Jeanne once remarked, her gaze igniting deep meaning in the air.
"We do not need to dominate forever." Her voice seemed to echo within the walls, rich with memories.
"And their choices will become new tests," Joanna added, her voice quivering with emotion, shaken by the lingering shadows of the past. Each word hinted at the heavy burden of responsibility resting on the shoulders of the next generation.
Initially, the Timewardens and Fluxguardians worked in harmony, as if they were shaping the future with unwavering confidence. However, as time passed, their interpretations began to diverge, creating a rift between them. Emotional debates erupted within the convergence space, filling the air with tension at every corner. They started to feel the repercussions of the Gateway Halcyon Verge experiment, which opened new chapters in the manipulation of time and space, bringing hope while simultaneously revealing the instability in their relationships. Every decision reverberated through the foundation of Nexus, echoing in their minds like a voice lost in darkness.
Timewardens (New Continuum):
"Stability must be stricter.
Changes must be monitored with stronger protocols.
A stable world ensures freedom for all."
— Kaedros Valtheris
Fluxguardians (New Change):
"Excessively strict stability is a prison.
Change must be pursued boldly to prevent generational stagnation."
— Laevrin Olith
Mira Caereth, striving to bridge the divide, warned with a piercing gaze, as if she could see into their souls:
"If we forget the original purpose set by Jeanne and Joanna, we will repeat the grave mistakes made by the Nullborn and the Stagnatus."
Yet, Mira's voice is often overlooked, too frequently ignored by the more ambitious young factions that seek rapid change. Her face reveals exhaustion, surrounded by shadows of hope and responsibility, as if weighed down by the delicate balance she strives to maintain between tradition and innovation.
On the outskirts of Earth, a passionate group of young Fluxguardians is conducting an experiment called the Gateway Halcyon Verge—a small rift that could create new possibilities to address social issues trapped in stagnation, such as injustice and inequality. With enthusiasm, they envision a world where every individual has more voice and choice, a bright world filled with hope and endless opportunities.
Yet, on the other side, the Timewardens view this experiment as a serious threat to the natural order. "We cannot create artificial possibilities," they contend, their voices firm and filled with concern. "It interferes with the natural path of free will." They order the closure of the experiment, disregarding the fervent spirit and aspirations of the youth. However, beneath the tension, a feeling of injustice begins to burn fiercely in the hearts of the Fluxguardians. They come to realize that this closure is not merely a threat; it is a denial of the true possibilities they should possess, igniting within them a profound sense of resistance.
"We do not create possibilities.
We merely pave the way for more choices to emerge," they exclaimed, their voices resonating with conviction and courage.
The simmering tension finally erupted into the first confrontation in the history of Equilibris Custodia.
Jeanne, now adorned with completely silver hair like the soft glow of the moon over the night sea, and Joanna, who maintains her vitality through the shimmering flow of fluctuating magic, step forward together into Halcyon Verge. Each of their steps hints at a power tested by time; yet behind their brave faces, they bear the heavy weight of overwhelming responsibility upon their souls.
"Stop this before it becomes an unhealable wound," Jeanne commanded, her voice piercing sharp like the whistle of the wind carrying an urgent message. Her wise tone vibrated in the air, blending hope with a deep sense of unease, creating a tense atmosphere amidst the existing strain.
Kaedros Valtheris bowed his head, his deep eyes resembling an endless ocean concealing unspoken doubts. "I comply, Saint of Continuum." His voice was laced with a note of despair, like a storm threatening to engulf the horizon behind dark clouds.
But Laevrin Olith responded with a keen, realistic gaze, inspired by ancient tales often recounted by his ancestors:
"With all due respect, Custodes Realitatis,
if free will cannot choose bold change,
"Are we still upholding will, or merely harboring fear?" In this tone, Laevrin recalled the impact of the Halcyon Verge Gateway experiment that shook their existence, causing him to doubt every choice they made, like the shadows of the past that continued to haunt him.
Jeanne held her breath, caught in a heavy moment of reflection. Those words reminded her of a young Joanna, many years prior, when their dreams and hopes illuminated long nights with cheerful light as they envisioned a better world. She felt a weight on her chest, as if that memory was filled with darkness enveloping her soul—darkness born from uncertainty and loss, threatening to swallow everything, and serving as a poignant reminder of the challenges that the new generation must face.
That night, behind the sturdy walls of the Sanctum Aristeia, Jeanne and Joanna conversed on the balcony—just as they used to, when the stars twinkled brighter, as if eager to hear every word spoken, and they still held onto the belief in the power of choices that could change everything.
"They are starting to forget," Jeanne whispered, her voice trembling like leaves in the night breeze. "They debate the methods... and forget the meaning." A lump of worry enveloped her words, creating a dark aura around them, as if she felt the vibrations from a world they could no longer save.
"They are too much like us back then," Joanna responded, turning her gaze to the dark night sky, where ominous clouds obscured the light of hope. "The same ambitions. The same determination. But they do not know the wounds we have endured." She clutched her throat, her expression reflecting a pain too deep to articulate.
"I'm scared, Joan." Jeanne's voice softened, the tone of fear overshadowing the remaining hope, making her sound vulnerable in the stillness of the night.
"I'm scared too, sis." Joanna's voice quivered, revealing all the unspoken emotions, a delicate thread connecting two souls in this impasse.
Joanna held Jeanne's hand tightly, her eyes sparkling with unwavering spirit. "But we once agreed:
—it's not a failure, but a test they must face on their own." In that clasp lay warmth, a sign that despite being trapped in dark memories, they remained united in deep conviction.
"If not, we will only become old rulers caught in fear of letting go." The words resonated in the air, creating an emotional resonance between the shadows of a frightening past and a hopeful future.
"I just hope they remember...
the first vow we ever made," she whispered with hope, there, in that forbidden place, hope crept along, threatened by the relentless passage of time.
However, some Timewardens and Fluxguardians began to reject a crucial part of the original vow:
"Non Imperium, sed Testimonium."
"Not to rule, but to bear witness."
Some of the young souls began to believe that serving merely as witnesses was not enough.
"We must take on the role of guiding the future."
Seeds of dominance began to sprout.
Not from malice,
but rooted in fear and a strong desire to fix the world more quickly.
Ideological disputes began to take shape and come to the forefront of their discussions. In her twilight years, Sheena, with eyes that held centuries of wisdom, called Jeanne and Joanna with a calm yet urgent voice. "I see the tide that once terrified me is now rising forcefully," she warned, concern etched on her face. With a worried gaze, Jeanne asked, "What should we do, Sheena?" She felt the relentless passage of time slipping away, like water that cannot be held back. "But I also see a light—a beacon of unwavering hope—that will not extinguish as long as you both stand together." She continued, "If one day I am no longer here, remind the new generation that they do not simply inherit power; remind them that they inherit choices—a great responsibility in this uncertain world." "This is becoming increasingly apparent with the ongoing Halcyon Verge Gateway experiment, which represents two sides of a coin waiting to be tossed, demonstrating how decisions can shape vastly different futures." She reflected on the broader implications of the experiment for their world, emphasizing the potential futures at stake. "And if they forget... Excalibur will call upon them to remember as if reminding them of unfulfilled promises—a promise to maintain balance and grasp the meaning that has been divined."
Sheena passed away a few weeks later,
The world lost one of its witnesses, a symbol of hope that continued to fight against the darkness of night.
In Nexus Equilibria, Jeanne and Joanna stood together, a gentle breeze blowing by, bringing a peace that felt hollow, echoing their deep sorrow and shared commitment to the past.
"I'm scared, Joan," Jeanne's voice trembled, revealing the vulnerability of her heart.
"I am too, sis," Joanna replied softly, her voice muffled by the roar of anxiety within her.
Yet, we have already sown the best seeds we could, full of hope and love, wishing that future generations will tend to them and allow them to grow into something beautiful and beneficial.
Joanna took a deep breath, "Sometimes, I feel that the experiment has only deepened our uncertainty." She longed for the warm tranquility that existed before this crisis struck, when everything seemed clearer and simpler.
"If that tree grows crooked...
That's not our failure,
it's a call for the new generation to straighten its branches, to fight for a better future."
And in the distance, the light of Excalibur continued to shine,
dim... but not extinguished, as if embracing the yearning for hope in their hearts.