Final Judgement

Both Kael and Kazuki froze, too stunned to speak.

Then, from the far side, a goddess's voice rang out—firm yet gentle.

"Behave yourself, Atar."

She turned to them with a gentle smile.

"Welcome, my children. You need not fear what my fellow god has said. He is not the one who will pass judgment, nor does he hold the final word."

A breath of relief escaped both Kael and Kazuki. Atar muttered something under his breath, clearly displeased.

Kazuki stepped forward, glancing at their thrones. His voice was hesitant but steady.

"I… I think I know who each of you are. You resemble the statues in the Hero's Tomb."

Kael's eyes sharpened as he watched, what Kazuki would say next.

From the right, Kazuki began to point them out, his voice trembling.

"The goddess who defended us, Zam, Earth Goddess—A tall, statuesque woman with skin like polished stone, her brown hair falling in braids of obsidian, threaded with sprouting green strands.

Next to her… Haoma, Lord of Plants—A youthful, androgynous figure, clothed in vines and blossoms, their skin the color of fresh leaves.

Then, Tir, God of Water—A calm warrior-scholar in silver and deep blue robes.

And Ahura, God of Wisdom—The radiant elder, crowned in light, his long white hair flowing like silk.

Beside him… Spenta Mainyu, Spirit of Creation—A serene youth draped in white and gold.

And finally, the one who wanted to end us, Atar, God of Fire—A towering figure cloaked in shifting embers, veins glowing like molten lava beneath charred skin."

His eyes fell on the broken throne next to Atar. then looked at them nervously. "Was I right?"

Haoma leaned forward, his voice soft and melodic. "Yes, Kazuki… mostly. Tir is not only the god of rain and water, but also of Judgment. And Ahura is our king. But you did well."

Atar rumbled. "Enough with introductions. Tir, begin the judgment."

Tir straightened, his calm gaze fell upon the two boys.

"Very well. We will begin with Kael. Kazuki, I know you have things you wish to say, but you shall speak after. Kael. At the ritual, you wished for a peaceful life. While what may be called peaceful is subjective, tell me—did you feel that wish fulfilled when you were sent to Earth?"

Kael thought for a moment before nodding.

"Yes. I… I did enjoy every moment of it."

Tir's gaze sharpened.

"And if you were to die now, suddenly, Would you not ask for it again?"

Kael hesitated, his voice low.

"…But that was less than a year, for a lifetime of hardship. It feels—"

Tir cut him off.

"I said before—what counts as peaceful is subjective. You faced challenges on Earth as well, even life endangering ones."

Then Tir's eyes narrowed.

"And more importantly—you are the subject of a forbidden ritual. A summoning belonging to a god whose name we do not speak. Knowingly or unknowingly, by taking part, you have sinned."

Kazuki's head snapped toward Kael, eyes wide.

"That ritual… the one you took part in—it was a demon lord summoning."

Kael's breath caught. Shock froze him, leaving him speechless.

Tir's voice rumbled on, merciless.

"The fact you were granted even a second chance was mercy in itself. Otherwise… eternal damnation is all that awaited you."

Tir's eyes turned to Kazuki.

"Kazuki. In your diary, you wrote that you wished to be a hero, like those found in stories. Tell me—do you now feel that wish fulfilled?"

Kazuki tried to deflect.

"…Before that, I have a question—"

"I knew you would. But first, answer mine." Tir replied, cutting his words.

Kazuki straightened, his face serious.

"Yes. I did."

Tir gave a single nod. His tone softened, almost approving.

"Good. Now—ask your question."

Kazuki's hands tightened into fists. His voice cracked.

"You who see all things… why didn't you help Ardent? If you knew, why didn't you give him power like you gave me? Why let him die?"

The hall grew tense. Then Spenta rose from his seat.

"We did not give you power, Kazuki. We awakened the light that was already within your soul. Every affinity is etched into a soul at its birth. The only one we ever bestowed power upon was the original hero." He glanced at the broken throne, his voice softening. "But those were different times than now."

Kazuki frowned, confusion on his face.

"Then… how did I have light affinity? I'm from earth and light is hereditary."

Ahura leaned forward with a warm smile.

"My child, not every truth is meant to be unearthed. Some truths are burdens that would crush even the strongest will. Let this one go."

Kazuki's breath caught.

"But—"

Tir's voice silencing him.

"Do not question a god's word. Ahura is wisdom itself. If he withholds an answer, it is out of caring for his children."

With that, Tir returned to his throne. The room seemed to grow colder.

Atar leaned forward.

"Then speak, Tir. What is your judgment?"

Tir's gaze fell upon them both, unflinching.

"For Kael…this is the end. The fire awaits him. He partook in a forbidden ritual. Mercy has already been given to him."

Kael's breath stopped in his chest.

Tir turned to Kazuki.

"For Kazuki...he did not choose the ritual. He bore its weight unwillingly. We would return him to his own world but, we have already sent him back to the world of the living once before. Yet for what you have done—for saving the kingdom, we grant you ease. The peace of Heaven shall be yours."

His words fell like a gavel, sealing their fates.

Haoma spoke first, his tone sharp.

"Tir… that is a harsh judgment."

Zam rose from her throne.

"Yes, Tir. This is not justice, but severity. Where is fairness in this?"

Spenta inclined his head in agreement.

"I too find it severe. Mercy should not be cast aside so quickly."

Atar slammed his fist against his throne.

"Enough dithering. Let us end this farce quickly."

But before Tir could speak again, Ahura raised his hand. The chamber fell silent, none of them dared to speak.

Kael, voice heavy with bitterness, broke that silence.

"You think I chose that ritual out of the kindness of my heart, or the stupidity of my mind?" His eyes burned with defiance. "No. I chose it because I had nothing. No power in the whole kingdom."

Ahura stepped down from his high seat and walked toward them.

"Kael… your soul bore no affinity. Had it been otherwise, you wouldn't have honed your body to the point where, when kazuki took over, it's muscle memory would carry him through training and battle."

Kazuki stepped forward, despair in his voice.

"Then you condemn him for a fate you yourselves set? You gave him no power and now you call his desperation a sin?"

Ahura's voice cut through the hall.

"I hold the final say here. And neither of you shall meet your end in this place."

Atar rose to his feet, flames roaring off his form.

"What madness is this, Ahura?"

Ahura's gaze never wavered.

"This is not madness. It is recompense. For the gift I denied Kael. For the truth I concealed from Kazuki. And more than that—" his voice deepened, "—because both still have a role to play in what is to come."

Atar stepped down from his throne, sparks trailing in his wake, his fury smoldering.

"I respect you as king, Ahura. But in moments such as this… I begin to wonder if Angra was right about you."

With a searing flash of fire, Atar vanished from the chamber.

Kael and Kazuki embraced, relief and joy breaking across their faces. The sight drew quiet smiles from the gods, even the sternest among them.

Ahura stepped forward, resting a hand on each of their shoulders. His voice softened, filled with warmth.

"Now, my children… tell me. Where is it you wish to return? To the world you were born into… or to the new one you have come to know?"

Kael said, "Whether I'm sent back to Earth or to Terra, I'll face it head-on."

Kazuki replied, "I don't know. I really miss my mom and Hana, but I've also grown attached to the others, especially Zephyr."

Kael looked at him and said, "Not going to lie, I got attached to your life as well. Your mom is one of the sweetest and most caring women I've ever met. And Hana... she's a great girl. I miss my old friends but I'd like to spend the rest of my life with Hana and mom."

Ahura smirked and asked, "Do you know what makes each person truly different?"