OCs 4

Enemies No More - Part 3 (Unreality)

Zeus ran a hand through his hair. "This is...a lot... Okay, um... We're spread pretty thin. I manage a thousand galaxies personally. Why don't we share the weight?"
Ariana frowned. "Dad didn't tell us this story... Grace is pretty trusting. What if it's a trick?"
"It's the truth. I was created a bit before the end of the war..." Maze explained. "Ambros, Merle, and dad were...quite the trio. The Legendaris didn't stand a chance. I say we try to turn a new leaf, but don't give them too much control either. They might take out their grudge with Cloud on us."
"True..." Zeus agreed, rubbing his head. "Okay, they'll be here soon. Maze, get Al. I'll get Merle. They were part of this too... We end this today."

- - - - -

In their formal wear, Ariana, Zeus, and Maze walked down the steps and over to greet them.
"Thank you for coming," Ariana smiled. "I am Ariana, and these are my brothers, Maze and Zeus."
Kali glanced at Maze in surprise. She remembered him... He didn't follow his orders. He was an ally among the Mythos before Grace was ever born.
Maze glanced back at her and smiled slightly.
"I appreciate the invitation," Claude said. "Cloud did a lot with the place since I was last here..."
"He was pretty extra," Zeus remarked.
Ariana shook her head. "Anyway, please come in. Let's have a chat."

"What is he doing here?" Devon asked, freezing in the doorway.
"Hello, Devon," Merle smirked, examining the knife next to his plate. "Nice to see you again."
Zeus sighed. "With Ambros gone, we figured it'd be better to at least have Merle be part of this conference... Also, this way, we can keep an eye on him."
Kali glared at Merle and took her seat. "I'm watching you."
Al sighed and rubbed his head. "I'm watching all of you... I'm missing work for this."
"I think they'll manage to survive a day without you," Merle stated.
Zeus took the knife from him then sat down.
The others took their seats.
"So... Let's address the elephant in the room-" Maze began.
Al cringed.
"What?" Maze sighed.
"It's just... The wording is overused, and this is too formal for such casual phrasing," Al stated.
"Are you...editing me in real time?" Maze said, shocked.
"...sorry, continue..." Al sipped his drink.
Maze sighed. "...so, Grace told us your story... Between the three of us, we don't feel that a monopoly on every dimension is necessary. We propose we could work together, like our families used to-"
Merle hit the table, glaring at Maze. "None of you were there! Ambros and I didn't fight father's war just for you to surrender what we won! You have no right!"
Maze frowned. "I was there for enough of it to know it was wrong."
"And that happened forever ago. Don't you think it's time to move on, Merle?" Zeus asked.
Claude sighed. "...you know, Merle is right. Both sides fought extremely hard. I think Merle, Al, and I need to work this out before we can move forward."
"Since when have you been reasonable?" Merle scoffed, taking a sip of his drink.
Al sighed. "I don't like to be in conflicts, just to write them... I agree with the kids. You Mythos kids are putting way too much strain on yourselves - and neglecting our dimensions in the process. We need more masters of reality."
"They can just create more Mythos kids if that's the only problem," Merle said dismissively.
"Merle, you and your brother were created to serve a particular purpose, weren't you?" Claude asked.
Merle's eyes widened. "I...so what? We served our purpose well."
Claude leaned forward. "And what if I told you that Cloud created you for selfish reasons?"
Merle froze and glanced down. "...if you'd argue that, then all of the Mythos kids were created for selfish reasons... Not just me."
"That's my point. Cloud was selfish," Claude stated. "He created you only to serve his purposes. Why do you think we lost the war?"
"Because we had numbers..." Merle said softly, not liking where this was going.
"Why was Maze created?" Claude continued.
Merle glanced away. "I don't like this game."
"It's not a game... You were created to serve a purpose without being given a choice. The children I created were created just to be. I didn't create thousands of people just to win a war. I didn't create twins who were intended to weaponize the power of creation," Claude explained. "I'm not saying this to hurt you. I'm saying this to let you know... He's gone now. You can serve your own purpose now. He wanted the dimensions because he was jealous. Cloud isn't in charge any more. All I ask is that you consider your own feelings about my family and not what Cloud drilled into your heads about us. We would love to work with you if given the chance. And those who don't want to work the dimensions, from either side, can have a break. What do you think about that future, Merle?"
Merle thought for several seconds of silence. "...it's up to our new leaders, but... I won't fight the outcome."
Al raised an eyebrow. "Still good with words I see..."
Claude glanced at Al. "What do you say now?"
Al sighed. "I say... I'm done interfering. But I'd be glad if my decision was overturned."
Merle crossed his arms and glanced over at the trio. "Well? Your choice."
Zeus, Maze, and Ariana exchanged a look then nodded.
"...the feud is over. The dimension work will be split among those who want to continue working them," Ariana stated.
"And those who don't are free to just...be," Zeus added. "And territories are no more."
Maze smiled. "This is the course of action that sets us apart from our father's demands and sets forward the future of unreality. Since I was born, there has been injustice. It is over..."
"Will you move forward with us, mutually willing to leave the past behind?" Zeus asked.
Claude glanced at Kali and Devon then nodded, smiling. "Let's move forward."