Chapter 28: Spark of Hope

When we return to the command centre, everyone seems to have discussed the ramifications of this idea among themselves and concluded that we should talk to Alcor before rather than after fighting Benetnasch. I concur that it is better to lay our plans out early, so I hold Yamato's hand tightly as I close my eyes.

Alcor, if you can hear me, they're ready to discuss our plan, although I believe it would be best if you pretended to be hearing of it for the first time. Despite regaining his memories, Yamato would only assume that we have been plotting behind his back all this time otherwise, and it'll fester — I know him.

"I hear you, Shining One," he answers, suddenly appearing above us and floating down. Nodding at me, he turns to the others. "Children of Possibility, you appear to have come to a decision."

"Yes," replies Ronaldo, "but we should let Hibiki explain it, since it's his idea."

Everyone else shows some sign of agreement, so I explain our plan to defeat Polaris and have Alcor regress the world.

"What…? Defeat Polaris?" As requested, the Septentrione reacts much like he did the first time I suggested it. "That had not even occurred to me… So you would then require me to manipulate the Akashic Record and regress the world to its previous state," he muses as if pondering it deeply. "That is certainly one way of doing things. With the timeline of the world regressed, all the destruction and death would be reversed as well. And with Polaris gone, she would no longer be a threat to humanity… And yet… How peculiar you all are." His wonder is genuine. "You'd hand over control of the Akashic Record to me? A Sword of the Administrator System? Why do you trust me so willingly?"

For a moment, I worry that we won't have a real answer, that Yamato is going to be brutally honest, or someone is going to admit that they trust me, and I trust him, so we're going with my plan because no one has a better idea.

Fortunately, Daichi, ever the wonderful friend, is quick to reassure him on everyone's behalf. "What're you talking about, man? You helped us out a lot! You're our friend. Of course we trust you!"

"Friend… Hm, the word itself seems to have a warmth to it." Alcor smiles with true happiness — I suppose it is a pleasant surprise for him that the others would think of him as their friend too, and I'm happy that we are able to give him this. "Very well. Once Polaris is defeated, I shall alter the Akashic Record and regress the events of this world. And…" He turns to me, meeting my gaze with firm resolve — he's ready. "I shall help you fight her. From here on out, I will walk alongside you."

Yamato sighs then. "I'm a little hesitant to ally with a non-human, but what choice do we have?"

I silence a chuckle, leaning into his side. As reluctant as he sounds, this is as close as he's going to get to saying he remembers forgiving Alcor in the last cycle and is willing to accept our decision. But Alcor understands, of course — they're old friends, after all, and Yamato has always been proud and stubborn.

"Thank you, Hotsuin Yamato." Their eyes meet briefly, and I hope the hint of warmth I see isn't wishful thinking. He turns back to me. "Shining One…" I am truly grateful to have met you. Thanks to you, whatever anguish I harboured is cleared. Turning to the others, he continues, "Friends, my name is Saiduq, Al Saiduq. I… would like it very much if you would refer to me by that name."

Perhaps this is supposed to represent his clean departure from Polaris' design? Well, I suppose if it makes him happy, the reason doesn't matter.

Out of the blue, the sound of applause resounds through the room, and as one, we all look around, reaching instinctively for our phones — can't be too careful these days.

"W—what is it? Who's there?" Daichi asks no one in particular, searching for the source of the sound.

"Impressive. This is the strength of your will."

I recognize the blonde that enters, still clapping, but I have no idea how or when she got here, or where she has been all this time to have survived everything that has happened.

"Louisa?" She looks exactly as I remember — beautiful, regal, not a hair out of place.

"You!" Alcor immediately floats between us —it would seem he recognises her as well— and everyone takes that as a cue to start the demon summoning app. Yamato, too, angles his body subtly in front of me, like he wants to protect me, but feels it's insulting to think I need protecting — it's quite charming.

Unconcerned, she walks languidly towards me, and again I find I can't look away. "Kuze Hibiki, I told you we would meet again if you truly have the will to change the world's order." As she approaches, the shoes on her feet smoulder to ash, and she removes the clip to shake her hair loose. "As you have proven that beyond question, allow me to show you my true form." Six majestic wings spring forth from her back in a burst of iridescent white feathers, and she glows, almost blinding in radiance. "I am the Tyrant, Lucifer," says a deeper voice as the light fades to reveal a more masculine form with horns — still blond, still beautiful, but less clothing and less human. "If thou wouldst defy the gods, my power is thine..."

"I must say I did not expect you to join us so easily," Alcor interjects with a frown, though he does not attack.

Lucifer smiles, and it is breathtaking. "I have been watching thee for some time, and thou hast finally seen the truth of thy misfortune. Now thou walkst a path much like mine own. Thou willst be cursed for it, thus I bless thee. Thou art the spark this world needeth, Kuze Hibiki, so allow me to walk by thy side on thy path to true freedom."

He extends his hand, and I take it. As soon as we touch, he glows brilliantly once more and vanishes as the light seems to absorb into my body. I feel stronger somehow, and Yamato takes my hand as I'm staring bemusedly at it.

"Ha… To secure the aid of even the King of Hell… You truly have far surpassed me."

Before I can reply, Saiduq clasps our joined hands in his own, and I am immensely heartened that Yamato doesn't pull away. "Friends, your decision has enlightened me. The world is filled with endless possibility. It is awful, but also beautiful. For so long, I have watched you, and like you, Shining One, I want mankind to create its own future, by the strength of its own hands."

I squeeze his hand, confident. "Leave it to us." I glance at the others, and they nod wholeheartedly.

"Yes... I must." He smiles, and I mirror it. "With your potential, this is sure to become a world of wonder. Today, just as you have all placed your faith in me, I place my faith in you. Let us claim true freedom together."

Just as I wonder if Saiduq will hold on until it gets awkward, he lets go. Yamato doesn't though, and as we begin planning how to proceed in earnest, I lace our fingers.

Finally, we will be free to pursue our dreams, unfettered by the designs of the Administrator, and suddenly, I am overwhelmed by everyone's trust.

"Thank you," I tell them, "for believing in me. Together, I know we can achieve the world that we desire."

"Wow, haha!" Joe claps me on the shoulder. "Spoken like a true leader. And without stumbling at all! You're as good as an adult! I'm counting on you, leader!"

Ronaldo sighs, palm pressed to his brow. "Sometimes, I can't tell who the grown-up is here."

"Don't worry about it, man." Daichi pats his arm. "Hibiki's always been a super reliable dude. It's actually kinda daunting sometimes."

"Indeed," Makoto agrees with a chuckle. "Kuze is unusually mature — it's very impressive. We could all stand to learn something from him."

"Heh." Ronaldo brightens. "I suppose you're right. Besides, anyone who can keep up a relationship with Hotsuin must be quite formidable."

"That's rather rude," Yamato interjects sharply.

"No, no, I'm with him on this one," Hinako chimes in. "You never give anyone else the time of day."

Before Yamato can protest, Io, Otome and Airi burst out laughing.

"Humans are such interesting creatures," Saiduq remarks with wonder, chuckling. "Even faced with these trials, you find joy and humour in your lives. You have such strong wills."

"And we'll prove it," I agree, indicating the scanners — Benetnasch is here. "Let's do this!"

My words are met with a resounding cheer.


Back in the Stratum as Saiduq prepares to regress the world, it's hard to believe it's over, that Polaris is really gone. Saiduq tinkers with the Astrolabe as the others discuss their newly regained memories and future plans, and I lean into Yamato's side as we watch. We know what we're going to do when we get back. We don't need words to share our goals and feelings now — they are one.

"No…" Saiduq murmurs suddenly, expression clouding with worry, and we exchange glances.

"What's wrong?" I ask, drifting to his side with Yamato close behind.

"According to the System, if I remain your Administrator, I would have to pass the Throne to the next in line when his turn comes in a few centuries. This would be a mere reprieve. Humanity wouldn't truly be free."

And who knows what the next Administrator will do, several centuries from now, when we are no longer alive to protect the world we fought so hard for?

"Could you not… I don't know… simply refuse?" Daichi asks, overhearing our conversation and coming to join us.

If only it were that simple, and Saiduq confirms, "Just as I could not fight Polaris earlier, when the time comes, I will have no choice but to surrender my Administrative Authority to the next designated Administrator in the cycle."

"Because you are a part of the System," Yamato surmises.

"Yes… Unfortunately, I would not be able to preserve your liberty."

No, wait, that's it! "What if you gave this Administrative Authority to someone who isn't a part of the System?"

I catch Yamato's approving smile, his violet eyes alight with pride — as usual, we're onto the same idea. Daichi doesn't seem to have caught on, but my outburst has attracted everyone's attention — they've moved closer to listen.

Saiduq's eyes widen. "Intriguing," he breathes, a hint of awe. "Truly, humans come from a position of freedom. Yes… Yes, I believe that is indeed possible." He resumes working on the Astrolabe. "But it is far too dangerous to burden a single person with, so instead, I shall entrust it, with this world, in equal measure to all thirteen of you, my friends."

"And when we die?" Ah, my beloved, ever practical.

"It will be passed on to another who inherits your will. Thus will this world remain free in the hands of humans." He turns to us. "Very well. Are you all ready?"

Just then, I spy a flash of red behind him and —"Saiduq!"— shove him out of the way in reflex. A blinding light —Lucifer, I realize, it's Lucifer— lances forth to meet the red flash, but I still feel… something when they disappear. I… I don't know what it is, but I feel light-headed suddenly.

Everyone is screaming my name, I catch a glimpse of metal before gold and blue arcs of light chase it off, and then Yamato's arms are around me, his eyes wide with fear again.

No. No, no, no.

"Hibiki! Hibiki, stay with me!"

"It doesn't hurt," so why does everyone look so worried? "Don't be afraid. Everything will be fine once we regress the world."

"Damn it, Alcor, hurry up!" Yamato snarls, his grip tightening.

No, no, don't misunderstand. It takes surprising effort to reach up and touch his face — everything feels so far away. "I couldn't let our dream be destroyed."

He gasps —or sobs, I don't know— and covers my hand with his own, presses his lips to my knuckles. "It means nothing without you."

"Or you," I agree, content. "But it'll be okay. We're right here, together. Everything will be okay."

"Now!"

With a lurch, the Stratum collapses into a familiar swirl of coloured lights. Then it all fades away.