Chapter 24: Rest

Jim arrived next to Hiro, panting. “Is he… is he going to die?”

Hiro opened her pouch and stared at the vial in her pouch.

The emerald potion.

She hesitated. Once it was used, that was it, she didn’t have another.

But looking at Tayo, his life nearly extinguished…

She didn’t hesitate again.

“I won’t let that happen.”

She opened his mouth and poured the liquid down his throat. For a moment, nothing.

Then—

His health bar stopped.

2%. Holding steady.

Tayo’s eyes fluttered close and passes into unconsciousness with the hint of a smile.

***

The soft rustle of curtains and the scent of clean linen stirred Tayo from a dreamless sleep.

When his eyes finally opened, he found himself in a room unlike any he’d ever seen.

Sunlight streamed through wide windows, illuminating the murals on the walls—sweeping images of birds in flight, meadows blooming with impossible color, and constellations painted in gold. The bed beneath him was soft, silken. His limbs, though sore, moved freely.

At the far end of the room, a girl gasped.

It was the NPC Jim had fallen for—her eyes wide and sparkling. Without saying a word, she turned and bolted out of the room, her voice echoing down the hallway.

"Jim! Henry! He's awake!"

Tayo rubbed his face. He looked down and noticed it: a faint pattern glowed across his body.

The door creaked open.

Henry stepped in, casual as ever, a grin spreading across his face.

"Hey," he said softly.

Tayo sat up straighter. "Henry... How am I still alive?"

Henry walked over and pulled a chair close to the bed and sat.

"Hiro," he said. "She used her vial on you."

"What about her boyfriend? The one that potion was meant for?" Tayo asked.

Henry smiled and reached into his coat pocket.

"Don’t worry. Turns out our loot included some high-level potions... and this."

He pulled out a bejeweled key, and held it up for Tayo to see.

"The portal key," Henry said.

Relief rushed through Tayo like a breeze.

Before he could speak, Jim burst into the room, eyes damp with emotion.

"How can I ever thank you?" he asked.

He didn’t wait for an answer—he pulled Tayo into a fierce hug.

Tayo, startled, slowly returned it.

***

Hiro’s room was also beautiful, not fantastically beautiful, just beautiful. Something you could believe human hands made. She was braiding flowers into her hair.

She wore a simple pinafore; her bow set aside in the corner of the room.

Across the bed lay Haruto, awake and whole. He flexed his once-wounded legs.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, adjusting the last one.

"Perfect," he said, eyes never leaving her.

He sat up and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her lips.

She kissed him back, lingering, before pulling away.

"Do you have to go now?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said softly. "But I’ll be back soon."

***

The park in Valia was a haven of color and calm.

Cherry trees in full bloom danced in the breeze. Under one of the great trees, Tayo and Henry waited—Tayo seated, still regaining his strength, Henry standing beside him with his arms folded.

Footsteps approached from behind.

"Hi guys," said a familiar voice.

They turned to see Hiro approaching.

"Hello, Hiro," Henry greeted.

Tayo stood up slowly, steadying himself. His heart beat a little faster.

"I’m really grateful, Hiro," he said. He would have loved to hug her but he didn't feel that would be appropriate, so instead he takes her hand in his.

"Thank you."

He let her hand go. She is surprised but then in a friendly manner tapped his shoulder.

"You’re welcome," she said. "It’s not like I could let my teammate die, could I?"

They smile kindly at each other until a shadow overcasts them.

A gust of wind kicked up, sending blossoms swirling and dust flying.

Henry shielded his eyes. "That’s not good."

The three turned as the wind grew stronger, leaves spiraling around them.

Above the treetops, something massive descended—a giant bird.

It landed with surprising grace, shaking the ground.

Atop the bird sat Marie, reins in hand, her green cloak flapping behind her.

"I hope none of you are scared of heights," she said. "I thought this would be faster."

"Nope." Henry remarked.

Tayo gave a weak shrug. "Not of heights."

Hiro and Henry climbed up first.

Tayo followed. He grabbed some sort of saddle horn, but his strength gave out. He slipped but hand caught him.

Henry gripped his wrist tightly. He pulled Tayo up. Hiro leaned over and helped steady him.

Tayo smiled. "Thanks."

Marie turned around. "Alright, let's go!"

With a screech and a powerful leap, the bird soared into the sky, rising above the rooftops and rivers of Valia.

Below them, the city of hills sparkled.

And above, the portal shimmered… 

waiting.