Chapter 53. Hard-earned win
In the same opening, surrounded by trees where they'd hidden from Nexus once before, the kingdom of Ocerania gathered alongside the deities to witness Ruby and Odeen marry. The summer breeze broke through the trees, casting a cooling billow across the calm, bright landscape.
Jasher assisted Safire to her seat, getting her situated around her pregnant stomach. He doted on her every move, slinking in beside her when a familiar face approached. "Is this seat taken?"
Alisha perched herself beside Safire, smiling warmly. In the time that they'd stayed with her, the three had grown close. "Gosh, you're really showing now, huh? It's been a while, we need to catch up again."
Safire chuckled warmly, rubbing her hand against her stomach as her other hand squeezed Jasher's. "Yes, we're to be wed soon, also. Jasher found a beautiful home on the outskirts of a nearby town that we've renovated and made our own. I finally feel like I have found a home. And Genis is beyond excited, painting the nursery already. I'm just lucky that Odeen found it in his heart to give us a... Uh- Jasher?"
"A nest egg." Jasher leaned against Safire's shoulder, rubbing her stomach with a pleasant smile. "He gave us quite a bit in gold and jewels to be able to find a comfortable home and settle down on Earth."
Alisha nodded in agreement, unable to hide the grin that spread. "I know... He gave me a bag of gold, too. I insisted that he paid for the damages already, but he said that he wouldn't take no for an answer, claiming it was for hosting them, being thrown into harm's way, and for being Ruby's friend. Apparently, Ocerania is doing well. Do we know when the Inbetween is opening to the mortals?"
Vatic invited himself to sit beside Jasher, groaning with the pain in his joints. "It should be sometime in the coming year. Nexus has been running himself thin, changing the laws and preparing the Inbetween for the two worlds. This will be the first time Ruby's seen him in weeks. I truly hope that everything goes according to plan today."
Jasher chuckled dully, nudging Vatic's side with his elbow. "Still planning to croak it after Odeen gets hitched, huh? Don't you ever know when to quit? I'm sure that Odeen would drag you back from the afterlife if you tried." Vatic shot him a cold glare, causing him to pull away. "Got it... not ready to forgive me yet – cool."
Aram stood beside Odeen, waiting for Ruby to arrive. He sank his left hand into his pocket, slyly pulling out a singular chip. The sudden crunch had Odeen flinch, spinning around to glare at him. "Seriously? I told you to leave them back at the castle. You have a problem."
"You're just jealous you didn't think of bringing some. You seem unnerved, my poor pet." He shoved a chip into Odeen's mouth, grinning wildly. "She isn't going to run off. She adores everything about you."
Odeen reluctantly began to chew, grunting with dissatisfaction. His heart fell when Nexus clambered up onto the boulder where the ceremony was to be held. He adjusted the uncomfortable tux nervously, standing on Ruby's side. "Odeen, Aram." He nodded his head welcomingly.
"Nexus... It's incredible to see you." Odeen's smile was undeniable. "I trust that things in the Inbetween are going well, considering the things I've heard. Congratulations if I haven't said it yet. You're going to change history."
Nexus straightened up slightly, sighing with satisfaction. "I think the three worlds have been separate for far too long. It has taken my attention away from Ruby, but it seems like you've got that handled."
He beamed with Nexus's compliment, stepping forward with his hand extended. "I hope after this, we get to see a hell of a lot more of you. Ocerania hasn't been the same since you left."
Nexus reached out, shaking Odeen's hand with a humble nod. Odeen jerked back when music filled the field, playing from Alisha's speaker and Ruby's charged phone. The first thing Odeen noticed was Sophie rushing to her seat after preparing her daughter.
He sucked in a harsh breath as the buildup carried through the open plain just before white began to crack through the trees, approaching steadily. He could feel his heart in his throat when Ruby's silhouette peered through the treeline, arm-in-arm with William, as they met the red carpet that led to the altar.
The crowd fell hushed and silent at how she seemed to glow. Serina stood in the far back, casting lights around Ruby's intricate wedding gown. Her hair was tied back in delicate plaits that joined into a high bun; light coiled curls cascaded down, framing her bright features.
When her eyes met Odeen's, every ounce of hesitation melted away. She smiled with tears pricking her eyes, increasing her pace enough to pull her father along beside her. Odeen couldn't hold back his tears once she came to the end of the carpet, giving her father a small kiss before he returned to his seat.
Ruby lifted her gown, climbing the boulder to come to Odeen's side, taking his hands with a look of pure joy and determination. Nexus inhaled, holding his head high with pride. Jasher and Safire squeezed one another's hands. Vatic leaned in, already sobbing pathetically. William offered Sophie and Vatic a tissue, despite holding his own tears back. Aram stepped back slowly, giving the lovers more room.
Odeen took Ruby's hands, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Ruby, we met through extraordinary circumstances. But that is to be expected when the woman you fall in love with is extraordinary. I knew you had a fire inside you – but I never knew the extent until you set my life ablaze." She chuckled weakly, fighting back the tears in favour of her makeup. "I have never had such fun in my life. I feel like I'm breathing for the first time in my life. You have made every second a new adventure that leaves me excited for the next chapter. I promise with this ring." He held out his hand for Aram to place the band in his palm, moving to slide it onto Ruby's finger. "That I will never let you chase after, or throw another deity into a parallel dimension where I cannot save you. Not that you'd need me to."
Ruby chuckled weakly, feeling Nexus step forward to dab under her eyes with a handkerchief. She leaned into the sensations before he stepped back again. "Odeen, when I first met you, I thought you were a tyrant and a buffoon. Now I see you're the single best person for me. You're a kind, gentle, and patient man, and someone so chaotic needs that to ground her. You're an incredible king, a loving partner, and soon to be the best father on any plane."
The crowd hushed as Odeen's face fell into seriousness. His eyes snapped down to Ruby's stomach before back up rapidly. "Are you?" Ruby nodded, squeezing his hands tightly. "We're gonna be?"
"I found out this morning." She sniffled weakly, fighting back the urge to laugh. "I wanted to tell you so badly, but I never had the chance. No time like the present, right?" She took the ring from Nexus, sliding it onto Odeen's finger. "We're gonna be parents."
Odeen's breath stuttered. He stepped forward, embracing Ruby tightly, pulling her into an overjoyed kiss before addressing the crowd with pride and excitement. "I'M GONNA BE A DAD!"
The small clearing erupted into loud cheers and claps. Safire and Sophie were both screaming with excitement, almost jumping in place. Vatic chuckled weakly, leaning back to wipe his tears away. "A bit unorthodox, but I'm happy for them."
The ceremony concluded with the traditional kiss before Odeen scooped Ruby from the ground. "She's mine now, deities!" He broke out into a sprint, heading toward the forest. Ruby chuckled, holding Odeen tightly.
Nexus jolted, taking off after them. "Hey! I didn't agree to that, I only just got back to Teralu, fucker! Wait until the ceremony is over! Odeen!" Aram rolled his eyes, fishing out another chip as he sauntered after the married couple.
Vatic pried himself from the chair with a pained grunt, clapping his hands to address the crowd. "The bride and groom have gone off to prepare for the reception, so if you would return to the castle, refreshments will be served shortly. Simply follow the decorations through the forest."
The area began to vacate, and everyone left excited and lighter. Serina approached Vatic once the excitement had died down. "May I have a word with you, Vatic?" He turned toward Serina with a sceptical nod. She led him toward the forest with a pleased hum. "You are quite the mystery, aren't you? All you wished for was for Ruby's safe return. You didn't ask for extended life like Odeen, or riches like Alisha and Jasher. All you wanted was to see the man you raised happy. That doesn't feel like a selfish wish to me."
"I need for nothing. As of today, I have completed my life's mission, and my promise has been fulfilled. I would have preferred the pregnancy announcement to be after the wedding, but Odeen is overjoyed."
"Yes, I know all too well about your death pact." She turned toward Vatic with a playful hum. "I've come to offer you a wish consequence-free." She vanished without a trace before Vatic, leaving him stunned and confused.
Until a familiar voice called to him. "Well, look who's here." Vatic turned back toward the voice, finding Osha standing in his full glory. Vatic's age had been reduced back to when they knew one another. He felt his youth run through his veins like a rapid river. "You've been a wonderful father to our boy, Vatic."
His eyes welled once again as his head hung, yet a smile crept upon his features. Proud and undeniable. "He's grown strong and true. He married a commoner woman today, Osha. Perhaps the times have changed."
He felt Osha's cold, yet welcomingly rough hand brush against his jaw, lifting his head slowly so their eyes could meet. "I've noticed the shift. Perhaps we might have our time in the afterlife. But I fear, though your promise is complete, you have a new mission before we meet again."
Vatic leaned his cheek into Osha's hand, inhaling the sweet fragrance of his king once again. "I trust they'll live a long and happy life together. But I also know that I want to be a part of it as well. Would you wait just a moment longer, sire? My mission is not complete yet."
Osha's features softened before he leaned down to capture Vatic's lips with his own, feeling time slow down for them in that moment. "I'd wait an eternity just to see you again. I've missed you so."
Vatic smiled, pressing his forehead against Osha's. "I've missed you, too, sire. More than you would ever be able to comprehend. We'll have our time soon." They shared in that moment for as long as the wish was upheld. Even after Osha vanished, Vatic felt the lingering sensations on his skin, causing his smile to never falter. "We will meet again."
The castle bustled with excitement as Ruby rushed down the hallway, dragging a heavy satchel behind her, and two sets of small footprints pitter-pattered behind her. "Alright, do we have everything ready? Does everybody have enough clothes? What about your location trackers?"
Lights flickered above their heads, and the sounds of modern luxuries filled the castle walls as Odeen picked up the satchel, slinging it across Aram's back. "Ruby, dear. We're going for a few days. Not months."
"Oh, come on! I just want to be prepared. Is that a crime? Nexy, Ora, who wants to go by melodies?" Behind Ruby stood a fierce-looking four-year-old, bouncing and holding her hand high. Her fiery red hair laid in ringlets, mirroring her father. The bright, green-eyed two-year-old behind her copied his sister's movements excitedly, his blonde hair slicked back and neatly combed began to stick up from his small fingers playing with the gelled ends.
Ruby chuckled warmly, taking to her knee to brush the strands down. "Alright, that's three for melodies, two for tears." She scooped her children into her arms, smirking at Odeen. "Clearly, we know who the winner is."
Odeen scoffed, rolling his eyes dramatically. I told you, the melodies give me motion sickness." Ruby merely sneered before calling upon the travelling tears in reality to pull them from the ground beneath. "This isn't over, Ruby! Aram, quickly."
"Just admit defeat, Odeen, the melodies are actually cooler than the tears. Even I'm jealous that an ex-mortal can use them, but I can't." He tore a hole into the Inbetween, stepping inside without a second thought.
Odeen mimicked his words tauntingly before turning back to find Vatic waiting in the corridors. "You sure you're not coming with? Nexus will be happy to see you. It's just for a few days."
Vatic held up his hand, shaking his head with a polite dismissal. He remained youthful and spry, yet his priorities remained the same. "While the offer is tempting, the trading matters with Earth must be tended to. Go enjoy your vacation, sire. Ocerania will still be here when you return."
Odeen nodded, turning to enter the portal to the Inbetween happily. Ruby watched the kids run off to play, surrounded by mortals and deities who worked tirelessly to create homes, jobs and lives between the two worlds. Three enormous portals sat around the widened platform, letting in all who sought a new life, and populating Ruby's new world flourishingly. Safire stepped from the crowd, drawn by Odeen's unmistakable hair. "RUBY!" She screeched.
Ruby braced herself when Safire threw her weight into her arms. "Haha, hey! It's good to see you, too, Fire. Jasher! Glad you two could make it. Where's Opal? She's usually your shadow!"
Jasher approached, shaking his head with visible amusement. "She took off with Genis to go explore. Have you seen Nexus yet? This place looks amazing, it feels like we haven't been in here for centuries."
"We were here last year." Safire scoffed, taking Ruby's hands. "He's been running around, claiming that things need to be perfect for his announcement. Apparently, he has a surprise for you."
Ruby rolled her eyes, looking around the populated world he'd created. "I assume he's in the centre square. I'll go and find him. We can catch up later, alright?" Ruby was gone before they even had the chance to argue.
She appeared right behind Nexus, knowing his signature melody off by heart, approaching him from behind to wrap her hands around his eyes, blocking all vision. "Guess who!"
Nexus scoffed, turning around to embrace Ruby without a second thought. "The most obnoxious mutual union a deity never asked for, obviously. I'm glad you made it on time. I was just about to do the announcement."
Ruby chuckled, squeezing Nexus in her arms securely. "You're growing, but you're still so short! Just a little longer." She taunted before pulling away when his words registered. "Wait – what announcement?"
Nexus grinned, pulling Ruby toward an enormous, cloaked figure. "Ladies, gentlemen, and deities! If I could direct your attention this way for a moment, I'd like to take this moment to thank my wonderful mortal union for being present today!"
Ruby let out a small huff, crossing her arms in amusement. "I thought I was the most obnoxious, but alright. So thematic, Nexus."
He took hold of the corner of the heavy, velvet cloth, revelling in the fact that all eyes were on him at that moment. "Ruby, you singlehandedly saved the world with your quick thinking, wit, and the pure inability to admit when you're outnumbered." She held up her middle fingers toward him. "This is for you, though now I feel you don't deserve it."
He pulled back the cloth, and what hid beneath took Ruby's breath away. A colossal statue of pure gold had been constructed directly in the heart of the Inbetween, depicting Ruby crushing the aether gem beneath her heel confidently. She covered her mouth in awe as Nexus leapt down from the podium. "What do you think?"
"It's a bit dramatic, don't you think? Gee, at least it's not a duck." She taunted, but she couldn't hold back her appreciation, pulling Nexus in for a crushing hug. "But I love it. This really makes me believe that I belong here."
Nexus smiled warmly, squeezing Ruby right back with a cheeky sneer. "You do belong here. Even if you make it hard to love you, I can't help it." The sounds of applause had been drowned out to them, entirely engrossed in their own world.
The day kicked off with a grand celebration of life, love, and overcoming adversity. A celebration to remember where all three worlds were free to come and go as they saw fit. Later that night, as the party wound down, many returned to their home dimension, and more chose to stay and live in the beautiful landscape of the Inbetween.
Ruby and Odeen had already made it to their bed in the constructed hotel that was made specifically for when they visited. The nights in the Inbetween were cool and calm, yet Ruby felt as though she couldn't breathe. The warmth that surrounded her was overwhelming to the point that she felt herself sweat. Her eyes snapped open in shock, and within the dimly lit room, the culprit was easily found.
Nexus met the harsh, unforgiving ground the moment Ruby kicked him from the bed, staring down at him with rage-fuelled eyes. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Nexus?! How dare you enter my marital bed!"
Nexus groaned, rubbing his head in annoyance as he returned to his feet, brushing down his robes with insult. "Me?! Aram started this, so why the hell are you snapping at me for it?"
Ruby's neck creaked back to find Odeen well and truly asleep with a muscular arm draped across his side. Aram peered up from Odeen's side, shushing them. "Could you two please quieten down? My pet's asleep, and he shouldn't be disturbed. He needs his beauty sleep."
Ruby's eye twitched with the unfiltered anger that boiled through her veins with no outlet. "FUUUUCKING DEITIES!"
