Arc the Lad

Disclaimer: I do not own Arc the Lad anime characters, Lieza, Elk, Arc, Clive, Kukuru, Toshu, Quote, and the others.

Note: This occurs after the end of the Arc the Lad anime series.

The darkness was overwhelming. Clive sighed. It was what he had wanted. What he had thought he wanted. He had wanted revenge on the spirits who wouldn't grant him their power. Clive sighed again.

"The spirits …love everyone ….even you," Lieza had said.

It was true. He knew, but wouldn't acknowledge it back then. He laughed bitterly. He had chosen his fate and his path. It had been inevitable and too late to turn back…and now he was floating around in the chaotic darkness trapped there within it all inside the Holy Ark forever until another would try to open the Ark…..

~

Smeria years later….

"All hail Lord Arc!" Quote announced.

The people of Smeria cheered, and Arc made a motion. At once, trumpets blared and the festivities began.

Arc smiled as he walked around. It was so much more peaceful now compared to the times five years ago. The Ark was once again in its rightful place. Arc quietly made his way to the shrine maiden's temple.

"Arc!"

Arc grimaced to himself inside his mind. Apparently, Kukuru had sensed him before he could surprise her. He smiled as she ran into his arms. He embraced her compassionately. His thoughts swayed to Elk and Lieza. They had not been in contact or heard from for the last five years. He had no doubts that they were alive and well.

"I thought you were would be here." A flame haired man with hair reaching down to his shoulders and a sword sheathed on a strap on his back smiled and walked toward the two.

Arc and Kukuru turned to blink at him.

"Toshu!" Arc called.

"Yeah, it's been long, hasn't it, Arc?" the man remarked.

Arc nodded.

Kukuru giggled, "Toshu, how have you been?"

"Eh? Been? I've been….well…as Elk would have said it, thinking on my own! Yes, yes, that's what I've been doing. What do you think?"

A grey haired Hunter now entered the scene. "He's been traveling about with me."

Toshu made a face. "Nah. Why must you follow me, Shu? I told you not to come with me."

Shu smiled slightly. "What was that you said a while ago? I remember you saying that you won't allow me to be heroic all alone."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Toshu demanded.

Shu smiled.

"Shu! What is the meaning of this?" Toshu grabbed for Shu's clothes.

Kukuru looked extremely embarrassed. Arc was impassive.

"Why you!" Toshu started to strangle Shu.

Shu just continued smiling.

"Toshu!" Arc called.

Toshu paused to look at Arc. Shu, meanwhile, removed Toshu's hands from his neck. Kukuru's face was pink with embarrassment.

"Have either of you heard from Elk?" Arc asked.

Shu shook his head.

"I bet that flame boy's back to causing trouble. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised," Toshu commented. ~Considering all the trouble he caused me back then. Hmph.~

"He's fine. He's a full fledged Hunter now," Shu replied.

"You and that Hunter business...hmph… hey, want some wine? I snagged some form the party going on over there?" Toshu asked.

Everyone refused politely.

"Well, your loss…" Toshu downed the whole bottle in ten gulps. He smiled. "Ah, I'm going to enjoy the party now. See you later, Arc." With that, Toshu swaggered off.

Shu sighed. "I'll be going as well. I just received contact from the guild on a bounty."

"Good bye, Shu," Arc and Kukuru bid the Hunter.

Shu smiled and left silently.

"They're still the same," Kukuru said with a grin.

"Mmm." Arc nodded and embraced her again.