Chapter Text
Alex looked over the Southern Cliff of Irenaeus and took in the view before him. He hadn’t seen the cliffside ever since he was a kid migrating from Cerain to the Open World Refuge. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the breeze brush against his cheek and carry his braids off of his shoulders. The wind took his responsibilities, and they, too, flew into the sky. He entered his youth with a serenity he had seldom felt.
That was the effect of Irenaeus, one of the many wonders of the world. Alex was confident it’d be the last time he’d feel such tranquility, for he was to face an assembly of international leaders in a matter of hours. He had been one of the few colorless to ever walk into the Capital, and he’d be the very first to hold an intergovernmental position. Today was his inauguration.
That was merely the proposed theory, though. He knew that a smooth transition into the World Peace Bureau wasn’t going to happen, and his inauguration would surely lead to the 5th War of Righte. His back would be a target more than it had been in previous attempts on his life, but it was a risk he was willing to take. He was determined to.
“Alex.” He opened his eyes and turned around to see Kyrumi tapping his watch, looking at him expectantly. There was a smile on his face, one that Alex hadn’t recognized, one that he forgot.
“It’s time. You need to be two hours early.”
“I know,” Alex smiled weakly in return, “I’ll be right there.” He turned back towards the cliff and took one last breath. The smell of dew weighed heavy, and the wind nipped at his skin. The air was fresh and cold as any good morning should start. It reminded Alex that the sun would peek over the Courier Mountains, greeting the world once more. He searched his pockets for his wooden charm, feeling its grooves as his eyes bore into the golden leaves of Atticus. Alex prayed he’d have a chance to visit such a place again soon.
His eyes trailed up the branches, pausing as he saw spring blossoms. Atticus wasn’t meant to bloom till high noon. He winced as a gust of wind hit his face and push him hard on the ground. He caught a glimpse of newly blossomed flowers swaying towards him. Alex laid there in wonder, and as it moved past him, he swore he heard the blessings, wishes, and laughter of his family.
