Where Wishes Endure

"Do you know what truly makes each person different from the other?" Ahura's voice carried through the chamber, calm yet heavy with meaning.

Kael and Kazuki exchanged a glance, each lost in thought.

Kael spoke. "Mind"

Kazuki followed. "Soul."

Ahura looked at them both, his gaze gentle yet piercing.

"You are both correct. The soul is the unchanging essence of a person, and the mind—your memories, and experiences—is what shapes how you grow, how you act, and how you see the world. Mind colors the soul."

"These attachments you speak of," Ahura continued gently, "are born from memory and the emotions you carry for your friends and family.

I can grant you the memories of the other, without taking away your own. By sharing one another's memories, you will gain a deep understanding of each other without losing your sense of self. But I will not alter your souls—for that would erase who you truly are.

In this way, you may return to your new lives as yourselves… but carrying the memories and experiences of the other. Essentially, you become one without losing your sense of self."

Kael blinked, his mouth half-open. "So, I'll actually remember everything Kazuki went through?"

Kazuki let out a low breath, eyes wide. "That's… unbelievable. Having another person's memories on top of your own."

Kael gave a shaky laugh. "Wow… that's crazy."

Kazuki nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. Almost like one mind in two bodies."

Kael chuckled softly. "Guess that makes us closer than brothers."

Ahura looked at them and asked, "Is this truly what you both desire?" 

The two met each other's eyes, and without hesitation, nodded in agreement.

Ahura nodded with a gentle smile. "So be it."

He lifted his hands from their shoulders and began returning to his throne. "Once returned, you will carry each other's memories as if they had always been yours. Now… if there is anything more you wish to say to one another, say it and bid each other farewell."

Kael and Kazuki looked eyes. Slowly, they reached out, their hands meeting in a firm clasp. Then, pulled eachother into a tight, heartfelt hug.

Pulling back slightly, Kael whispered, "I'm glad we met, Kazuki."

Kazuki nodded, eyes glistening. "Me too, Kael. I'll never forget you."

Kael continued. "Take care of the others for me… and tell them I love them."

Kazuki's voice was steady but soft. "I will. And you—take care of mom and Hana for me."

Zam wiped a tear from her eyes. "I'm… getting emotional."

Kael turned to the Gods, his voice steady. "Thank you for giving me another chance. I'm truly grateful to you all." He then bowed.

Kazuki followed, his own voice quiet but sincere. "Thank you," he said, bowing as well.

Tir let out a long sigh. "Typically, I do not reveal details about other souls, but… since both of you care so deeply, know this—Thalion Ardent is now with his family. He is happy and at peace."

Tears welled in both their eyes once more. Still bowed, they whispered their thanks to the Gods, as their hearts swelled with relief and gratitude.

Haoma looked at them "Take care of yourselves. Challenges await you both."

Zam spoke with a soft voice. "We will be watching over you."

Spenta nodded at them.

As Kael and Kazuki lifted their heads, Ahura spoke. "Until we meet again." With a graceful wave of his hand, they both vanished.

Tir glanced at Ahura, frowning. "You undermined what was just and fair, Ahura. And you manipulated them toward the decision you wanted."

Zam added, "You always like to make everyone do what you want, while giving them the illusion of choice."

Ahura remained silent, his gaze steady.

Spenta turned to him. "Do you think they can overcome what awaits them?"

Ahura's eyes softened slightly. "I know they will."

In the hospital, doctors and nurses worked frantically to revive Kael. Hana sobbed at the doorway, while Hikari clasped her hands in desperate prayer.

Then—the monitor made a sound again. A pulse returned.

Relief washed over them, and Hana rushed forward. A nurse caught her arm.

"Now isn't the time—you can't see him yet."

"Please," Hana begged, tears streaking her cheeks. "Just a moment. I need to see him."

The nurse hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. Only for a moment."

Hana hurried to the bedside. Kael's eyes fluttered open, weak but alive. He managed a faint smile.

"Hey, Hana… it's still me. Kael."

Hana grasped his hand tightly.

"I'm glad you're back to me. Don't ever do this to me again, okay?"

He gave her a weak wink, earning a shaky laugh through her sobs.

As the doctor lead Hana out, Kael's gaze caught mom's waiting outside. He gave a small wave. Her breath hitched as relief softened her face.

Then, as Kazuki's memories began flooding into him, one stood out sharper than the rest—the death of Master Ardent.

Kael's smile faltered, tears spilling as he whispered,

"He... he died with a smile. Kazuki, you made him proud."

In Nólemundë, silence hung heavy. Tears streamed down faces as they mourned.

Then—Kazuki's chest heaved. Breath rushed back into him, and his eyes flew open as he bolted upright.

Zephyr's hands shot to her mouth, trembling. "Kazuki…?"

He blinked, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah… it's me."

The room erupted. Cheers, laughter, and sobs of relief all mingled as everyone rushed toward him. The twins flung themselves into his arms, hugging him tightly.

Zephyr wept openly, clutching his arm.

Caliondur wiped his face, then broke into a wide grin. "After such a holy reunion, we must celebrate!"

Gorran let out a deep, shaky laugh as he brushed his tears away. "Yes. We should. I don't plan on holding back."

Later in the celebration, as Gorran drank with the elves, Kazuki told the story of the Gods, of Kael, and what was told to them. Alvis stroked his beard. "Intriguing… and they said you still had a role to play."

Caliondur raised his cup. "Either way, to meet the Gods themselves is a gift by itself."

As they talked, Zephyr slipped in and sat beside Kazuki. He turned to her. "Where were you?"

"With the healer," she answered softly. "I wanted to check something."

Concern flickered in his eyes. "Are you okay?"

She smiled. "Yes. I'm fine."

Then, Rumilion burst, breathless. "Everyone! The curse — the curse of the land has been lifted!"

Hearing that, they all poured outside, rushing past the dungeon gates. And there, beyond the barrier, the once-ashen skies cleared to a vast blue. The blackened soil turned lush and green before their eyes.

Kazuki froze, hardly believing what he saw.

Shouts and cheers filled the air.

Zephyr tugged at his sleeve, leaning close. "I need to tell you something…"

His eyes widened at her words — then softened. Without hesitation, he drew her into a kiss.

The elves cheered, sweeping Kazuki and others into the air. Carried high on their shoulders, Kazuki glanced down at Caliondur.

Caliondur smiled knowingly. "They are calling you, heroes."

Kazuki's heart pounded as he looked out over the reborn land, Zephyr's hand in his.

As Kael was being released from the hospital on a wheelchair, he looked at Hana and mom, as he asked for their help to stand. They each took his hand, and together they lifted him to his feet.

Kael smiled as he looked at the rising sun, painting the sky in gold.

Hana tilted her head. "What are you smiling at?"

He breathed in deeply, savoring the moment. "At being alive… and being here, with you both, in this world."

Tears welled in their eyes as Hana and mom smiled back at him.

So, both Kael and Kazuki realized how wrong they had been in answering Tir's question. The fulfillment of their wishes was not a distant goal, nor a fleeting moment, but the present they lived in. And as long as they lived, their wishes would endure, shining as brightly as the dawn.