The sun broke gently through the shattered clouds above the Vrasnai capital, casting golden light across the scarred land. The winds carried whispers of a new beginning. Kazimir stood at the edge of the throne platform, the weight of legacy pressing on his back like a mantle stitched from ghosts.
He turned to her—Vanessa, radiant in the half-light, her hair blowing behind her like a war banner yet to be raised.
"Vanessa," Kazimir said quietly, yet the air seemed to still to hear him. "Take over as Queen until I return. My mission isn't over… not until evil itself ceases to breathe."
Vanessa's eyes shimmered with something fierce and proud. She bowed with purpose.
"No issue, my king. I will carry your vision and make this kingdom a home worth returning to. I swear it on the blood of the Vrasnai and the ashes of our past."
Kazimir gave her one last look—a silent nod between warriors—and then turned. His palm pulsed with dimensional energy as he carved open a gate of blue lightning, rifted from the very fabric of space.
"Let's go, everyone. We're going home."
Jessie ran to Vanessa, her arms thrown around the new queen in a grateful embrace.
"Thank you for everything. Without you… we wouldn't have made it."
Vanessa gave a soft laugh, one hand brushing Jessie's cheek with warmth.
"And without you, I'd still be a slave to his chains. But promise me this—come back alive. All of you. I'll be waiting."
From behind them, Mia stepped through the gate, her tone dry but her pace brisk.
"I've had enough of interdimensional trauma. I'm out."
Jessie chuckled, half in disbelief.
"That's her way of saying goodbye. I hope she finds peace."
She turned back to the gate.
"Kazimir… he'll stop the gods if he has to. He'll win. I believe in him more than I believe in anything else in this universe."
As Kazimir walked through the gateway, a roar erupted from the crowd of Vrasnai behind him. They shouted his name—not as a ruler, but as a symbol. A storm that walked like a man.
The Return
The doors to the Prismic Gathering Headquarters opened slowly.
Mia stepped through first, the warm hum of the city lights washing over her. Then the rest followed—Tyrone, Jessie, Neve… and Kazimir.
Cheers erupted. Familiar faces gathered with laughter and light.
Raijin was the first to charge forward.
"Yo! Tyrone, my guy! You bag any Vrasnai ladies or what?"
Tyrone flashed a grin so wide it almost split his face.
"Made out with a warrior queen after I beat her in a duel. Real heat."
Raijin cackled and slapped hands with him.
"Type sh*t!"
On the other side of the room, Mia fell into James' arms like a storm seeking harbor. Her hands trembled. She didn't speak—she didn't have to.
Neve—beaming—wrapped Jessie in a whirlwind of affection, arms flailing like a hyperactive meteor.
But Kazimir stood still—until Riah approached.
She didn't speak at first. She simply placed her hand against his chest, her fingers brushing the torn fabric, the bloodless slash that marked where his life had once ended.
"The Phoenix blessing is gone," she whispered. "That means… you died."
Kazimir looked away, his voice quiet.
"Yeah… I made one mistake. But I came back. Because you were watching over me."
She pinched his cheek suddenly, eyes fierce.
"Do I look like I'm laughing?" Her voice cracked with restrained emotion.
"What if I hadn't trusted my gut? What if you hadn't come back?"
Everyone watched, hushed. Even the air dared not move.
Kazimir smiled softly, a tremble in it.
"But I did come back. And I'm standing right here… with you. You don't have to fear anymore."
Riah's eyes burned gold with fire and tears.
"Then prove it to me. Duel me—with blades. If I win, you promise to never fight alone again. If I lose… I'll force myself to follow you anyway."
Kazimir blinked in disbelief—then laughed.
"So no matter what… you win."
"Exactly," she smirked.
"Draw your sword."
Clash of Flame and Storm
Within the central hall, they stood before the gathered warriors of the Prismic Gathering.
No powers. No gods. Only steel.
Blades clashed like thunder. Kazimir moved like lightning—swift, precise, relentless. But Riah… Riah was fire given form. Every parry a blaze. Every counter, a spark of fury and grace.
She leapt into the air, rotating, then came down with a blazing arc. Kazimir blocked it at the last second, twisting her blade to the side. They separated. Circled.
And then—simultaneous lunges.
Kazimir struck forward.
Riah ducked low.
Steel flew. Kazimir's blade clattered to the floor. Hers stopped just short of his throat.
Kazimir froze.
Riah's breath was steady. Her flame never flickered.
"I trained day and night," she said softly. "Not just to fight beside you—but to protect you. I might not be stronger… but I'm close. And I'm ready."
Kazimir lowered his head.
"You're right. I've always known it. But now… I accept it. From this day forward—it's you and me."
She dropped the blade—and threw her arms around him.
"Then I'll protect you to the last drop of blood. You won't die on my watch again."
Tyrone, watching from the crowd, exhaled deeply.
"God… they're unbreakable. One day, that'll be me…"
A Promise in the Garden
Two hours later, the wind whispered through the garden. Gendai stood beneath the open sky, watching birds cut across the horizon like living brushstrokes.
A sound behind her—a door creaking open.
Tyrone approached, half-smiling.
"Don't think we've ever really talked before, Gendai."
She turned, calm and unreadable.
"That's true. You're the one Kazimir's training. What do you want?"
Tyrone chuckled nervously.
"Honestly? I've always wondered how strong you really are. People say you're the strongest under the Vandor, but… you don't act like it."
She sighed.
"That's because strength isn't always loud. You're not ready—but I'll give you until the New Year."
His eyes widened.
"Then it's a deal! I'll take your spot, Gendai!"
She cracked the faintest of smiles.
"We'll see."