Worthy and Nostalgia

The destiny that had been whispered about for so long was finally unfolding, and the tension inside the mansion was almost unbearable. Every single eye was fixed on the shimmering gate, waiting, holding their breath, desperate for the signal that would confirm the portal had linked to the other side.

And then—it happened.

The portal’s glow shifted into a vivid green, and a ripple of excitement ran through the hall. Cheers broke out here and there, quickly drowned by the swell of celebratory music echoing across the chamber. The sound was bright, alive, the perfect backdrop as the portal roared awake. Its light exploded outward, bursting like a contained sun, rising higher and higher until it stretched into a blinding pillar that seemed to scrape the ceiling itself.

For a heartbeat, the world was only light.

And then the glow began to fade. Slowly, shapes appeared within it. Three silhouettes. Three figures standing side by side, their outlines solidifying with every second. People pressed forward, even those watching from the garden, because they all knew—this was what they had worked toward for months. Maybe years.

Faces softened, eyes glistened. Some couldn’t hold back tears. Because what stepped out of that portal wasn’t just three people. It was the return of something they thought they had lost forever. A presence that filled the air with a calm they hadn’t felt in so long.

And then the light was gone.

Lexus stood tall, arms crossed, his usual stoic stare locked on the crowd like stone. Beside him, Lucy radiated her own brand of chaos—bright eyes, cheerful grin, and a random jar of food in her hand, spooning mouthfuls like the moment wasn’t history in the making. And in the center—Axel.

He didn’t need to say anything. Just standing there, his posture steady and his gaze burning with quiet intensity, was enough.

It was Lucy who broke the silence.
“Hey everyone! We’re back!”

The room erupted. Cheers, shouts, clapping—it was like the roof might blow off from the sound alone. Lexus gave the faintest nod, almost imperceptible, while Axel turned slowly, his eyes darting across the enormous chamber, drinking it all in.

The room was massive. High vaulted ceilings, windows stretching upward like they belonged in a cathedral. At least fifty people were scattered across desks filled with computers—some familiar in shape, others built with designs Axel couldn’t even begin to recognize. Every detail screamed strange yet oddly familiar, like home and not-home twisted together.

Before he could linger too long, a voice cut through the noise.

“Took you long enough.”

A girl leaned against a desk, pulling a lollipop from her mouth with a smirk. Another voice, sharp and serious, followed:
“Yeah. We’ve been waiting. What held you up, Lexus?”

Axel’s breath caught. He knew those voices. He knew them deep in his chest.

He turned—and froze.

“Pedro… Luz…” he whispered.

It was them. And yet, it wasn’t.

Luz’s face carried the same spark he remembered, but sharper now, harder. She smirked wide, one hand on her hip. A cropped denim jacket sat over bandages wrapped across her torso, paired with a leather skirt, black leggings, and chunky bracelets that clinked when she moved. Her hair was tied back, fierce, confident.

Pedro looked older somehow, the easygoing grin of his best friend now muted into something steadier. His hair was short, clean-cut. He wore an open black jacket over a plain white shirt, black pants, and boots that looked like they’d seen battle. His expression was serious, yet there was still a flicker of warmth in his eyes.

“Hey, Axel,” Pedro said, eyebrows raised but his voice steady. “Miss us?”

Axel’s throat tightened.
“How—how is this even possible? You’re just like my friends… but… what are you doing here?”

Before he could spiral, Luz cut in, her smirk widening.
“Wow. Who’d have thought even our other selves would have to put up with you?”

The words stung, but Axel couldn’t stop the tear that slipped down his cheek. Seeing them—versions of them—felt like someone had ripped open the past and shoved it into the present.

He inhaled shakily. “You… you’re their counterparts. Aren’t you? Different, but still them.”

Lucy grinned, spoon still in her mouth, while Lexus placed a firm hand on Axel’s shoulder.
“Good,” Lexus said simply. “This makes things easier.”

Axel swallowed hard. He let himself breathe, let the flood of emotions settle, and realized one thing for certain: the adventure was only just beginning.

Pedro took the lead, his tone slipping into something almost commanding.
“Come on. We’ll give you the tour. You need to know where you’ve landed.”

Luz slipped to Axel’s side, walking with the kind of swagger that said she’d been waiting for this moment. Lucy kept munching without a care, and Lexus trailed behind, arms still crossed but his gaze scanning every shadow.

They passed through a long corridor that opened into fresh air. The space beyond smelled of damp earth, alive and vibrant. Rows upon rows of crops stretched out in perfect lines—corn, pumpkins, tomatoes, leafy greens, and others Axel couldn’t even name. Off to one side, cows grazed lazily, their low moos blending with the chatter of caretakers tending the land.

“This is our farm,” Pedro said proudly. “Everything we eat, we grow here. No relying on supplies we can’t make ourselves.”

Axel blinked, a smile tugging at his lips despite everything.
“We… we have cows in my world too. And fields like this. I didn’t think…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Didn’t think something like this could exist here too.”

Luz laughed, short and sharp.
“Guess nature doesn’t care what world you’re in. It finds a way.”

They moved on, reaching a massive open yard. Dust clung to the air as fighters sparred—wooden swords clashing, spears striking, fists and kicks flying. Axel watched, wide-eyed, as two combatants moved with a speed and precision that left him breathless.

“This,” Luz said, hands on her hips, “is the training ground. No one survives here without fighting. And no one fights without training.”

Axel stared, awe clear in his voice.
“They look like pros…”

“They are,” Lexus replied flatly.

Pedro chuckled under his breath. “You’ll get your turn soon enough.”

The tour continued into a low, rectangular building. The sound of rushing water and scattered voices echoed from within.

“Changing rooms,” Luz explained. “Showers, lockers, gear. Nothing fancy.”

Axel nodded, trying to store everything in his mind.

At last, they arrived at a long hallway lined with doors. Pedro pushed one open.
“This’ll be your room, Axel. You’re bunking with Lexus.”

Before Axel could react, Lucy burst out laughing so hard she nearly dropped her jar.
“Watch out, Axel! He snores like a bear in hibernation!”

Lexus stiffened, scowling.
“That’s not true.”

“It totally is,” Luz teased. “Once, we heard you from the other hallway.”

Axel tried to hold it in, but the laughter bubbled out of him anyway. For the first time since stepping through the portal, the weight pressing on his chest loosened.

The last stop was the dining hall—a sprawling space filled with long wooden tables, the air thick with the smell of warm food. Dozens of eyes turned toward them the moment they walked in.

They sat together, plates set before them. Axel took a deep breath and finally asked,
“Why only you two? Why are you the ones showing me around?”

Pedro’s voice softened.
“Because we were the closest to you. To… him. It felt right. And honestly, it gives us peace seeing you here again.”

Luz leaned forward, her grin lopsided.
“Look around. See how everyone’s staring? They can’t help it. For them, it’s like the past has walked back through the door.”

Axel lowered his gaze, turning the words over in his head.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around this. But the truth is… I didn’t come here out of solidarity. Or curiosity. I came because… something’s calling me. And I know I’ll find my answers here.”

Luz and Pedro exchanged a knowing look, then smiled.
“Then it’s settled,” Luz said. “You’ve got one job now: to become a worthy Axel.”

“A worthy… Axel?” he repeated, frowning.

Pedro leaned closer, his voice steady.
“You’ll understand soon enough. But first—you need to hear the story of this world.”

The dining hall quieted, everyone listening, everyone waiting. Axel felt the weight of it settle over him, heavy and unavoidable.

The truth was about to be revealed.

And with it, his true destiny.