One Last Time

Alba has Tenki surrounded by guards. Though the guards hold their weapons up, each struggles to calm their breathing because of the man they threaten.

Inside the throne room, Stella begins her prayers before opening a portal to Earth. She began her preparations when Cato and Tenki first left, hoping to use it as a way to bring Cato back.

“Alba, please. You’ll need my help to find Aimi.”

“Asphoros will lead us to her. It is best you remain here, your relationship with Aimi will cloud your judgement.”

“I can stop her.”

“Then why haven’t you? You had the opportunity, many times. That was before she ascended to her role at the top of the Mundus. She is no longer the woman you love, and should I allow you to go with us it puts our world in danger, it puts you in danger.”

“Was it not the same with Asphoros? He is still your father, but you fought against him.”

“I was willing to kill him if need be.”

“If we must, can you kill Aimi?” Cato said.

“You had the opportunity but didn’t as well. We all understand that killing is not the only option, help me chase just that.”

“Absolutely not!” Alba said.

“Enough.” Stella joins the group, “You three always butted heads like this when we traveled together, it’s nice to see you have not changed.”

“Three? You were deep in the arguments as well.” Cato said.

“What was that?”

“Nothing at all.”

“Hmph. I agree that Tenki’s judgement will be compromised, but he is also the only chance we have to stop the rift bearer from destroying our world before we can find her. She still holds great love for him; we must use him if nothing else.”

“Stella, would killing Aimi fix this?” Alba said.

“Rift magic is limited amongst the gods for many reasons, what we experience now is just one. I cannot guarantee an answer however. The tears in space that cause these collisions have been created over time because of her unstable magic, but it is difficult to say such scars would disappear should she do so. It is possible of course, but should it not then we must prepare for what must be done.”

“What about healing those scars?” Tenki said.

“I don’t believe it possible, even for the first bearer herself.”

“Then do you have any suggestions?” Cato said.

“I am of the heavens, I do not wish to see a world killed. But saving one, it will only come with sacrifice.”

“Then let’s go, we can figure out our best option after we toss Asphoros back into his seal.”

The rest of the heroes group watch as Tenki prepares to return to Earth. Sacrifice has never bothered him; the idea of the cost, of what may end never crosses his mind, the hero only believes that it nothing to fear so long as others do not have to pay it.

Stella leads the group as they step right into the busy streets of Shibuya.

“How did you do that?!”

They’re swarmed; an unbelievable magic trick just performed before the eyes of those passing by.

“I love your outfits; how did you make your wings so realistic?”

Cato steps in front of Alba, touching her could cause severe damage to the human body because of her magic. Tenki does the same for Stella who is terrible with crowds.

“Ah thank you everyone, we were just practicing. We really must get going now.”

Tenki grabs Stella and leads the group into a less traveled corner where she can rest.

“I’m sorry, opening a portal on such short notice makes it difficult to choose a good location.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Tenki said.

“The people here seem fine after what happened.” Cato said.

“That’s just how it is in this world, even disaster won’t stop the need to work and survive. AMDO may have calmed their nerves as well. We should split up and search”

“I can’t feel Asphoros or Aimi, it is our best option. I will go and search the base with Alba. Stella, follow Tenki.”

Stella nods. “Forgive us Tenki.”

“It’s fine. I can only hope that she is home. If you find them, contact us immediately, Asphoros only grew stronger as he was sealed.”

“Fine.”

The groups disperse, Alba and Cato vanishing into thin air as Stella and Tenki take a more conventional means of transportation; the train.

Stella stares at the arriving train in awe, smiling as a splash of sweetness from her drink delights her taste buds. Eyes continue to look her way, the unreal beauty with wings folding to cover her body like a coat.

“How is it?” Tenki laughed.

“Delicious. I will have to offer one to the gods when we return.”

“You’re confident that Mundi will survive.”

Stella looks to Tenki, “I’m confident that the hero will do as his title implies.”

Tenki smiles. “I am not the chosen one.”

“Because your arrival was chance? The hero is not as such. Your arrival was chance, that is undeniable. But your ascension to the title, amongst all those in Mundi, that was not chance. It is the fate you chose.”

Tenki and Stella board the train where she once again marvels as it moves. It’s quiet inside, allowing her to focus on the feelings of the one sitting next to her.

Stella’s words were not to scare Tenki, but to reassure him. He feels relief in knowing that his destiny was never one of a hero, but so too came doubt that he would have the power to do as the hero must. She hopes to remind him that his power was gained by his own efforts, and that too can save the world.

After leaving the train, Stella and Tenki arrive at his home.

“Nothing like what you have in Mundi.”

“But still very comfortable. Care for a drink?”

“I am not allowed to drink alcohol.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time you broke that rule.” Tenki said as he led her inside.

Inside, Stella smiles at the pictures of Aimi and Tenki. The man inside the pictures shares little resemblance to her traveling partner, but it is him nonetheless. If nothing else, the smile he bears is one she has seen many times.

Tenki offers her water before sitting at the dinner table. Stella remains standing as she sips her water,

“Do you wish for me to interfere?” Stella said.

“Do you have a better option?”

“One that would break your heart. What you seek is dangerous, something that I should not allow. But how could I stand in the way of the hero doing his best to save our worlds. I once believed that there was only a single answer to every problem. But you shattered that belief by words alone.”

Tenki smiles. “You knew about my plan then.”

“That is why you separated us. It would be your only way to put us out of commission if need be, but I will not stand in your way. It’s best you use us, Asphoros will be difficult to beat even for you.”

“I hoped to have Aimi send him away.”

“May I ask why we came here?”

“I wanted to see it one last time.”

“Then you know where she is?”

“She is the woman I love. I’d like to ask for your help one last time, Stella.”

“Fighting the demon king is a given, what is your next request?”

“None of this is her fault, I ask she not be punished afterwards.”

“Very well, my debt to you for the times you have saved me.”

“Thank you.”

Tenki looks back to his home as he prepares to leave. Taking it in, he and Stella vanish.