The wind howled through the snowy streets of Osaka as the group stood in stunned silence, staring at Kael. His presence was almost surreal—like a ghost returning from the past, one they hadn't even realized they were waiting for.
Kael's tired eyes scanned his old friends. They were frozen in place, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and relief. Slowly, the weight of the moment hit them all at once.
"H-Hana... Tetsu... Ryuu," Kael's voice was raspy, almost foreign to them. "I... I didn't think I'd ever see you guys again."
Tetsu stepped forward first, trying to hold back his emotions. "Kael, where have you been? We've—"
"I know," Kael interrupted softly, his voice barely a whisper. "I know what you've been through... but I couldn't come back." He paused, the pain in his eyes more than enough to silence any further questions. "I couldn't risk it. My power—it's too dangerous."
Hana stepped in next, her heart heavy with the weight of the months they'd been apart. "Kael... You don't have to do this alone. We're still a team. Come back to the academy. Please."
Kael shook his head. "I can't... The moment I step back into that place, it'll be like a target on all of your backs. It's not safe. Not for any of you." His hands clenched into fists as his thoughts drifted back to the battle with the beasts, to the power that had nearly consumed him.
"Kael..." Ryuu said, his voice steady, though there was an edge of desperation there. "You don't have to carry that burden alone. Come back with us. For Christmas. You can at least rest. Get some sleep. Have a meal with us. Then, if you still want to leave, we won't stop you. But you need a break. Please."
The words hung in the air like an invitation to the past—an invitation Kael wasn't sure he deserved, but one he found it hard to resist. After a long pause, he finally nodded, his eyes softening just a little.
"…Fine. For Christmas, I'll come back." He exhaled, as if the weight of a mountain had just been lifted off his shoulders.
The next day, after a quiet breakfast, the group ventured to the local mall, a festive air filling the bustling atmosphere. Christmas decorations were everywhere, with garlands of lights twinkling, snowflakes hanging from the ceilings, and carolers singing in the distance.
The group moved together, like a family, a team reunited after a long, painful separation. The snow continued to fall gently outside, but inside the mall, there was warmth in the air and even more warmth in their hearts.
"I'll never get used to this," Kael muttered, looking at the row of brightly lit stores and the happy shoppers around them. It had been a long time since he'd done something this normal.
"We don't have to buy gifts for each other," Tetsu said, grinning, though there was a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "We can just enjoy the day. I mean, we haven't done this in years."
Hana nodded, her expression brightening. "It's about time we had a peaceful day, without fighting."
"Agreed," Ryuu said. "But we're still getting gifts. You have to do it. It's Christmas!"
Kael rolled his eyes but followed them, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
The group spent hours walking through the shops, searching for the perfect presents for each other. Hana found herself smiling, picking out a small book for Eri and a set of new fighting gloves for Tetsu. Ryuu found a stylish jacket for Kaede, and Tetsu—a custom keychain of a phoenix—because he knew Hana would appreciate it.
Kael, on the other hand, seemed to have something in mind for everyone. He smiled softly as he bought matching academy hoodies for everyone, along with some personal items for each: a new pendant for Hana, a rare manga for Ryuu, and a blade sharpening kit for Tetsu.
When the shopping was done, they gathered around a small coffee shop to take a break. The scent of fresh coffee filled the air, and they sat around a large table, sharing stories and laughter. Kael, despite his earlier reluctance, seemed to relax, enjoying the easy conversation and the feeling of being part of something bigger than himself again.
As the night drew closer, the group exchanged gifts under the softly twinkling lights of the Christmas tree in the center of the mall.
Tetsu grinned as he opened his gift first—a sleek, black hoodie with the academy logo emblazoned on the chest.
"Matching hoodies," Ryuu said, grinning. "I think we've been officially roped into the Christmas spirit."
Hana opened her gift next, a carefully wrapped book with a gentle laugh from Kael. "I figured you'd like this. It's the one you've been eyeing for months."
She smiled, her cheeks flushed. "Thanks, Kael."
Ryuu received a stylish jacket from Hana, a thoughtful gift he wasn't expecting. "I'll be the best-dressed guy in the academy," he joked, pulling it on immediately.
Kael's expression softened as he opened his gift—a simple letter, handwritten. It was from Tetsu, Ryuu, and Hana. "We're glad you came back," it read. "Take it easy. We've got your back, always."
Kael's chest tightened, the weight of their friendship sinking in. For the first time in months, he felt the sense of belonging he'd been missing.
"Thank you," Kael whispered, a tear slipping down his cheek as he looked at them. "I didn't think I could come back. But now... I don't feel so alone."
The night stretched on, filled with laughter and memories of the old days. They weren't just a team anymore—they were a family, stronger than ever.
And as the snow continued to fall outside, they finally understood that even after everything they'd been through, some things—like friendship—would always keep them warm.