Where is He

Tenki stares at his old home. Bought soon after he married Aimi, the two were lucky enough to have saved the money to do so after four years of dating.

“She’s kept it in great shape. I doubt I would have been able to do the same.”

The area is quiet, only the street lamps give Tenki light as he stands by the door. He only lived in this home for a year before disappearing. It is his home, but so is the little wooden shack in Mundi. One granted to him after a successful rescue of a princess, the comfort he created there is difficult to replicate.

After staring at the home for another five minutes he makes his way inside. The code at the door is still the same, the day of his first meeting with Aimi.

Tenki trips as he walks inside, catching himself with the door before turning the hall light on. In front of him is a large living room with a row of windows at the end. Much of the décor is the same, though Aimi has bought a few items in the time he was missing.

“It still smells like I remember. You don’t think she kept some of my old alcohol in here?”

Tenki laughs as he walks past the fridge. Although short lived, the abundance of sweet memories draws his body into the living room. In another timeline, children would be frolicking about as well,

“Well, it is still possible.”

Tenki turns to the door, footsteps fast approaching. Unsure of where to stand, he remains at the center of the living room and waits for Aimi to enter.

Aimi messes up her first attempt of typing in the pin, her second attempt works and she bursts inside.

“Welcome home.” Tenki said.

Aimi stomps towards Tenki who opens his arms. She grabs him by the collar, pushing him against the wall as Tenki grabs her wrists by instinct. After years of fighting, any attack draws his defensive abilities from within.

“Where is he?”

“Who? Cato?”

“Yes! How dare he? I let him roam about and he attacks us? He has no idea what he has done, I told you not follow me.”

“Aimi, please, let this go. I don’t know where he is, but I assure you that he will not be looking to harm people without great reason. He is strong, but a very peaceful man, I’m better known for violence back home.”

“That isn’t your home. Tenki, the people of that world will become bigger threats in the eyes of AMDO now. If news reaches the general public, I can only imagine what will happen. People of our world are not kind to outsiders.”

“He only did so because he feared what would happen to them. It doesn’t have to be this way; you have to trust me when I say they are not all dangerous. Magic is not just a weapon. Look.”

Tenki summons a wisp, allowing it to brighten the dark living room.

“Enough, Tenki. I need to rest; Cato will be hunted down now. I can’t promise anything.”

“Could I ask you to help us?”

“Help you?”

“Yes. Have you guys tried anything else? Like sending them back home for example.”

Aimi paces next to Tenki, scratching her head as she does. “We can’t. We don’t have a grasp of magic as you all do.”

“But someone could have taught you all. Have you tried to work with any of them? Surely they can’t all be dangerous.” Aimi remains quiet, “Aimi, what has happened to those who have come to this world? The magic within your suits, how did you gather that?”

“Can we forget about this. I will let this go if you do.”

“You. What has AMDO done to them?”

“Tenki, don’t ask any more questions. I need to rest; I’m going to bed.”

Tenki grabs Aimi’s arm, “You’re using magic like an energy source. But taking magic from another, even in Mundi that is a difficult thing to do.”

Tenki lets go, realizing his tight grip on her arm but she reciprocates. Grabbing his arm as he attempts to step away from her. She squeezes, his once thin wrist now solid as the bark of a tree. Not just that, Tenki bears little resemblance to the man she married. He has great bulk now, his face bears scars from war, his eyes are missing the warmth that once looked her way.

“Tenki, we do what we must for the safety of this world. We don’t kill them, if that is what you are thinking.”

“Siphoning magic cannot be easy on the person. They are committing atrocities; how can you be sure that is all they are doing? You must understand that there could be other goals in mind once they witness the power of magic.”

“AMDO isn’t a weapons manufacturer, we defend this world. Tenki, who were you on the other side?”

“I was Tenki, the hero. I protected them from a great evil, but only succeeded because those seeking to protect far outnumber those seeking to harm it.”

“That’s fantastic, I always knew you were kind. Our world is the one in danger now, allow me to protect it. I want to return to the life we had; don’t you miss it?”

“I… that life was full of lies.”

Aimi skips a breath, diverting her eyes. A member of AMDO must swear utmost secrecy, even their loved ones may not know of their work. She has kept it from Tenki, her parents, she would have kept it from their children.

“I did it to protect you.” Aimi whispered.

“What?”

“I lied to protect you. Every time I returned late, all the events I missed, I did all I could so we could have another chance to experience them. It wasn’t a lie, I did what I must to protect people. And you were always the most important. Why? Why am I not the most important to you anymore? I searched for you for six years; I’m still the Aimi you left. But, where is my Tenki?”

“I’m still me-”

“No you are not!” Tenki doesn’t respond, the tears in Aimi’s eyes continue to well, “You look at me as if I’m the one who has changed. You keep your distance, you watch your words, was six years enough to make me a stranger in your eyes?”

“Aimi. I had to change if I wanted to make it back to you. I couldn’t remain weak, and only strength would be enough to find a passage back home. Even after six years, you’re the woman I love, I want nothing more than to be with you.”

“Then stay here. Don’t think about that other world, don’t think about my job. We’ll find a way to reintegrate you into our society. But please, don’t leave again.”

“Let me help.”

“No! You’ll have to make a choice if you do.”

“Do you think I would choose something over you?”

“I do. The way you look at me, the way you spoke of Mundi. I do. I promise, I do all of this for your safety. You don’t need to be strong anymore. When all of this is done, we can go back to how we used to be.”

“How can you be sure? What if this is never done? What if this brings danger you can’t protect yourself from. The people of Mundi are not violent, but their power is far stronger than you are ready for. You’ll need me.”

“You can’t leave here. If they find that you are here.” Aimi picks up her phone, “What? Slow down… I’m on my way.”

“What is it?”

“I’m begging you to stay here.”

“Tell me. I don’t want you to keep more secrets.”

Aima looks down, her hand still firm around Tenki’s wrist. Something she wishes she had done six years ago, she risks losing him again should she let go.

“In another six years, I will love all the same. Will you?”

“Of course. But we won’t be forced part ever again.”

“I hope that is true. I have to go.”

“Aimi.”

Aimi sighs. Looking to Tenki and searching for her husband. The sweetness of his voice is gone, replaced with tone necessary of a man who has overcome death using a blade. Much of who she married is gone, but she doesn’t wish to lose more of him by keeping a secret.

“Our base is under attack.”