Blue

by the reformist

With Earth behind him, Blue takes to the stars and finds a planet filled with threats, mystery, and perhaps even romance. As he gets more involved with the denizens and enemies of the world, he realizes just how far he must go to protect newfound loved ones and past allies. This spin-off takes place after For the Love of Life, and wraps up the Secter and Tatsumaki series entirely!

11. Chapter 11

A fog of colors, pulsating yellow and white. Blue crept his eyes open, only to be treated with the harsh glare from above. He groaned and eyed his left, seeing a window with draping silk curtains and towering skyscrapers outside. Each building was dotted with glowing windows, the night kept away by their illumination. Turning his head to the right, he heard a woman gasp.

Blue tried to pull himself up, but only one of his arms obeyed. The other did nothing, as if it wasn't even there anymore. Someone opened a door not far from his feet, before slamming it shut again.

He rustled underneath a blanket, his back aching despite the plushy mattress below.

"Misha…" said Blue. "Was that you?"

Perhaps everything that had happened was just a dream. Maybe he had never actually left Earth, and instead had been injured and recovering this entire time. Misha, Charel, Akazo, Revair and the rest, all just a dream.

Footsteps outside the door, followed by the door opening. Blue barely managed to turn his head downwards to see Secter and Sycamore enter, the both of them looking shocked.

"You're awake?" asked Secter. "How do you feel?"

"Misha," said Blue. "Where is she…"

Secter and Sycamore exchanged worried glances.

"She's alright," said Secter. "Away, in a nice hotel for the moment."

"Charel with her?" asked Blue.

"Yes," said Secter. "Fubuki, Tatsu, Sycamore, and I check up on them every day."

"Good…" said Blue.

"How are you feeling?" asked Sycamore. "Shocked you're even awake…"

"I don't feel anything," said Blue. "No pain."

"That's good," said Secter.

"How long have I been out?" asked Blue.

"Almost a week," said Sycamore. "You've been recovering, slowly. Takes a while for the serum to flush all that poison out from your body."

Blue reached over with his arm to pat the opposite side of his bed. His hand found blankets, and nothing more. Groaning, Blue looked over and pulled his blanket down past his shoulder. The only thing that remained of his arm was a clump of bandages wrapped at his armpit.

"Yeah…" said Secter. "I'm sorry Blue, we couldn't save your arm."

"Figured," said Blue.

"It was already dissipating by the time we got you to the hospital," said Sycamore. "There was no way it was going to heal, even with serum and bandages. All the healing power went to that poison."

"That's…that's fine," said Blue. "I don't care about me."

"Blue…" said Secter.

"Only Misha and Charel," said Blue. "I just want them to be ok."

"They're…" said Sycamore. "Grieving."

"You know what happened to them?" asked Blue. "Did Akazo say?"

"He did," said Secter. "Can't say I fully trust his version of events, but it's all we have for the moment."

"And where is Akazo," asked Blue.

"He's also been recovering," said Secter. "Poisoned too, though not as bad as you. He's almost back to full strength, and Koros has been watching him like a hawk."

"Ugh," said Blue.

"What?" asked Secter. "From what I heard, you two had some arguments or something? I don't trust the guy, any time we show up he just grins and watches us like we're pieces of meat."

"All he cares about is a good fight," said Blue. "He helped me, but…he's not my friend."

"He…" said Sycamore. "Wants to fight?"

"He did save me and Misha and Charel," said Blue. "When he didn't have to. But…part of it was just because he wanted to fight you all, and needed serum. He's deathly afraid of poison."

"How dangerous is he," said Secter, turning dead serious.

"Very," said Blue. "Beats me in a fight easily. Would kill you all."

"Then what do you suggest we do?" asked Secter.

"I…I don't know," said Blue. "He'll probably still want to fight, but he has…something of a soft side, if he gets to know you well. Still, don't trust him."

"And what if we just refuse to fight?" asked Sycamore.

"Don't know," said Blue. "I can't…I can't really think straight right now, I just want to see Misha again."

"You're not going anywhere," said Secter. "It'll take at least another week for you to be able to even walk, as of right now you just need more rest."

Blue grunted and started to pull himself up. Something inside him stretched and strained at the effort, and soon Blue's mouth was filling with blood, forcing him to cough and choke. Secter and Sycamore rushed over, pushing him back down and turning his head to the side to let the blood ooze onto the pillow.

"Stay down, stay down," said Secter. "Easy, Blue. Your organs are still too frail to be moving around, alright? You'll kill yourself if you strain too much."

"The more you fight, the more serum you'll need," said Sycamore. "Which means the longer you'll be out of it."

Blue relented, relaxing himself back down on the bed. Sycamore and Secter leaned away from him.

"Ugh…" said Blue. He glanced over at Secter's hand, noticing something shiny on one of his fingers. "You married her?"

"Hmm?" asked Secter. Looking down at his ring, he realized. "Oh! Yeah, we got married a little over a month ago."

"Good for you," said Blue. "You…you deserve it…"

"Thanks," said Secter. "Blue, you should really get back to rest though…"

Blue wiped at his mouth, spitting the last of the blood down onto the floor.

"Not yet," said Blue. "Tell me more about Misha. How is she doing? How is she feeling? And Charel too, what does she do?"

Another nervous glance exchange from Sycamore and Secter. Blue watched with intent as they did it.

"They…mostly just stay indoors," said Secter. "Occasionally go out onto the balcony, but…"

"We don't let Misha do that anymore," said Sycamore. "Secter, do you want to…"

"Why," said Blue. "Why can't she."

"Blue…" said Secter. "Misha…she cut herself a few days ago. Near suicide attempt."

Blue's breath caught in his throat and he found himself choking again. He coughed and sputtered, Sycamore and Secter holding him steady so he wouldn't jostle his insides too much.

"No," said Blue. "No, God, please, no…"

"I know, I know," said Sycamore. "It's absolutely terrible, for her and for you."

"Fubuki found her," said Secter. "Charel was sleeping, Fubuki was staying over to keep an eye on her, and she noticed Misha was in the bathroom too long…"

"What happened," said Blue, gasping like a fish out of water.

"She had broken a mirror and tried to cut her wrists," said Secter. "Fubuki got the door open, and found Misha crying on the floor. Apparently she had cut them fairly deep, but didn't go through with it. She said she just kept thinking of Charel and you."

"Misha…" said Blue. "Please, no…"

"She needs you," said Secter. "Now more than ever. And the only way you can get back to her is if you rest. You'll do her no favors by trying to get up and rupturing your organs."

"I have to see her, I have to," said Blue. "You don't understand."

"Trust me," said Secter. "Sycamore and I understand better than anyone."

Blue's eyes teared up, and he looked at the two of them, pitiful and drenched in despair.

"I know it's hard," said Secter. "Beyond belief. To be held from the ones you love when they're hurting, when you're hurting, but you have to do what's right, what will keep you both safe. I know you want to see her more than anyone else in the world right now, to hold her, to comfort her, to tell her it'll be ok…but you can't push yourself right now."

"Maybe we can get Misha to visit you," said Sycamore. "Maybe. Her and Charel…they don't like going out. They keep to themselves, only seldom talk to Tatsumaki and Fubuki and Secter. I used to check on them more but…they don't like seeing Soulless very much."

"Please," said Blue. "Please, let me see them. I'm the only one who was there with them, I have to try, I have to make things better for them, it's my fault, I failed them…"

Secter winced.

"Akazo…told us some of what happened," said Secter. "None of it seemed like your fault, Blue. This Revair guy was going to try and burn the galaxy regardless."

"Actually," said Sycamore. "Seemed like you getting involved with Misha was what saved a big part of the galaxy in the first place. He said she interrupted an argument with you two, but based on what you told us, I'm guessing it was a fight…"

"Yes…" said Blue. "He would've killed me, I'm sure…"

"We owe you our lives then," said Secter. "We had no idea about Revair."

"I should've disabled the second launcher," said Blue. "Then everything would be alright…"

"You'd be dead," said Sycamore. "And if anything, it sounds as if Akazo should've helped with it. Had he intervened, you both probably could've disabled them all!"

"Maybe," said Blue. "Maybe."

"Please don't blame yourself Blue," said Secter. "Your actions saved untold trillions of people. There was no way you could've gotten all the launchers in your condition. Akazo should've helped more, and Revair is to blame for the entire thing."

Blue didn't really want to talk anymore. He stared up at the ceiling, feeling dead inside.

Sycamore and Secter were both appalled by Blue's look. Secter had a knot in his stomach the size of his fist, twirling and twisting until he wanted to puke.

"You did everything you could," said Secter. "And now, we focus on doing all we can to heal and make things better, as we've always done."

"It wasn't nearly enough," said Blue. "You don't understand Secter, you always tried your hardest and always came out on top. You never lost anyone that close to you like this, you didn't have that many people die because you weren't good enough."

"I lost my family because of the actions of a madman," said Secter. "And like you, I blamed myself for not being able to protect them. So I do know, even if it wasn't as many. And what I know best of all, is that I never should've blamed myself for the actions of another, awful person. You shouldn't either. You're a good person, just caught up in a terrible situation."

"Please," said Sycamore. "Blue, get some more rest. Please know that you saved so many by what you did, you didn't have to go after Revair but you did anyways! Had you not, so many more would've died!"

"Misha…" said Blue.

Sycamore sighed and pulled himself away from the bed along with Secter. Nodding at him, Sycamore walked over to a cabinet next to the bed and pulled it open, withdrawing a handful of photographs. He set them next to Blue's bed, who turned to watch him do so.

"What…" said Blue. "Are those…"

"We found them in the ship," said Secter. "Akazo said that you probably thought they were lost and would be glad to see them."

"He said…he said they were hidden," said Blue. "He lied about moving them…"

"We're going to have to do something about him," said Sycamore to Secter. "He can't be trusted."

"I know," said Secter. "We'll confront him soon, while he's still sick. He seems…more docile that way."

Looking back over at Blue, Secter continued:

"Please, get some more rest," said Secter. "We'll try and see if Misha can visit you, and I'd like to hear your side of the story once you're better. Alright?"

Blue grabbed the pictures off of his cabinet, eyes wide as he inspected them.

"Make it as quick as you can," said Blue. "I have to hold her again. If I can't save her family, then I have to do everything for her here."

"Yes, she needs you," said Sycamore. "Don't give up."

Blue was too busy with his photographs to answer. Deciding to give him some space, both Secter and Sycamore left the room, a cargo ship of problems on each of their minds.

Alethea was standing in one of the pictures, smiling and holding an enraptured Blue. The photo was only a few months before their wedding, and Blue teared up just looking at it.

He had wanted to hold Misha like that. She reminded him of those times. Being warm, and happy, with a home and family. Far more than what most Soulless ever got.

Blue stroked the photo, resting back into his bed. He looked over each and every pleasant memory, him and Alethea sharing their lives together. Most of the pictures were idyllic, professional in appearance and showing Blue and Alethea hugging, kissing, sitting at some romantic cliff with the sun going down…

All were memories he cherished. Ones he had hoped to recreate when Misha had broken through to his heart.

Was it too late to do so now? It certainly seemed it. Blue had little hope.

Even still, the smiling Alethea in the photos made his heart warm, even if only a bit. For the moment, it was all he had. That and Misha, who he would wait to see again.

. . .

Akazo smiled as he saw Koros, Sycamore, and Secter conversing out in the desert. He leaned against the wall, keeping himself in the shade. The past week he had lived in the ship, agreeing to keep out of sight at Secter's behalf. According to Secter, he wanted the news of more Soulless to seep in gradually as opposed to having Akazo and Blue be carted through the streets.

To Akazo, it didn't matter. All he cared about was that he was getting stronger, the poison fading each day. A small part of him did applaud Secter and the others for all they had done for Blue and Misha, and on occasion, he'd ask Koros how they were all doing. Koros liked the fact that the strange man who stared at him most of the day did in fact care somewhat about Blue and Misha, but he still didn't trust him.

"A meeting of the minds over there?" asked Akazo. Secter, Sycamore, and Koros all glanced over at him from their ship.

"We're deciding what to do with you," said Koros.

"Oh?" asked Akazo. "Did things in the city get out of hand? People rioting at my very mention? Or perhaps, Blue was talking?"

"He talked a bit," said Secter. "He was up earlier today."

"Good to hear," said Akazo. "Shame he's lost his arm…"

"Yeah," said Secter. "And don't worry about the city…for the time being, all they know is that a near-dead old friend is in the hospital and one of his friends showed. People are still antsy, but there's not much we can do."

"That's fine," said Akazo. "I don't care what they think."

"Yeah, we know more about what you really care about now," said Sycamore.

"Heh," said Akazo. "I take it Blue has…expanded on things."

"He told us a bit more about you," said Secter. "Are you really just here for a fight?"

"I'll admit," said Akazo. "Perhaps my old friend Verrakoi was right in that I have a bit of a soft spot for Misha and Blue and Charel, but my pursuit is, and always has been, the thrill of a good fight."

"Sounds like Saitama," muttered Sycamore.

"And you want to fight us?" asked Secter. "That's why you came all this way?"

"Why not?" asked Akazo. "You seemed capable."

"We've got no interest in fighting you," said Secter. "We have more than enough shit on our hands."

"You will," said Akazo. "Even if your life is not on the line, perhaps your wife's?" He grinned down at Secter's hand.

Secter's rage pummeled his mind, beating it into a fiery inferno. He clenched both of his fists, and Sycamore laid an arm over his chest to hold him back.

"That's more like it!" said Akazo.

"You came all this way," said Secter. "Saving Misha, and Blue, and Charel, just to threaten us? The people who are helping him?"

"I know what I want," said Akazo.

"None of us want to fight you," said Sycamore. "You're wasting your time here."

"I can see the fire in that one's eyes," said Akazo, pointing at Secter. "I'm especially interested in him."

Secter took a step forward. Akazo could've sworn he saw his eyes go jet black. He quivered in excitement.

"Is this really what you want?" asked Secter.

"Oh yes," said Akazo. Leaning back into his ship, he sighed. "You know, my good friend Verrakoi's final wish was to be buried properly, and I failed that. Considering this I figured I might try his other wish a little more, to be a bit kinder to particular people…but those people were Blue and Misha only, and I still have all the desire in the world to find that fight I've been looking for."

"You're making a mistake," said Secter. "But so be it."

"Ohhh I really don't think so," said Akazo. "But cheer up, either you win and defeat me, or you lose and perhaps I'll spare you! Especially if I'm impressed!"

"Oh how fuckin grand!" said Koros. "Let us just get into this deathbattle with this rando for no fucking reason, especially when one of us is married and the other has a girlfriend!"

"Then they'll be all the more proud if you do win," said Akazo, smirking.

Secter, Koros, and Sycamore all glared at him. Not a single one of them intended to fight this stranger.

"Let's head inside the ship," said Secter, jerking a thumb behind him. Koros nodded in response.

They left Akazo alone, all heading inside Koros's ship and closing the door. Clustering around the passenger seats, exhaustion passed through them like a heat wave, their problems piling up by the minute.

"Alright," said Secter. "Just what do we plan to do with this guy? He'll be back to full strength any day now, he seems to just be biding his time."

"I've had an idea for a little while," said Koros. "You know how we still have some of those gas grenades from Verdus?"

"Yeah…" said Secter, raising an eyebrow. He wasn't sure he liked what he was hearing.

"I say we chuck one into that ship when he doesn't suspect it," said Koros. "One of you can distract him, then the other closes the door. We let him stew for a bit, then I drive him to some planet far the fuck away from here, drop him off, and leave for him to heal."

"Can't say I'm the biggest fan of letting the savior of Misha and Blue suffer like that," said Sycamore. "But…he's a problem."

"He threatened Tatsu," said Secter. "He needs to go." Secter looked over at Sycamore, who gave him a nervous frown in response. "And if he threatens Tatsu…"

"Yes I know," said Sycamore. "But alright, alright, this could work. Avoids a fight, or us killing him. The gas is…not ideal, but…"

"It's not ideal but it's the best option," said Secter, stern. Sycamore wasn't sure if he liked how dead set Secter was on the plan.

"What's stopping him from coming back?" asked Sycamore. "Just teleporting around or even right back to us…"

"Well unless he has the power of four or more," said Koros. "Which I doubt. We can just nullify him if he's stupid enough to teleport in our range, then we hunt him down for real."

"I'd just be worried about a surprise attack…" said Sycamore. "But with our patrols, and if it's just him…"

"We can handle it if he comes back," said Secter. "We'll try the gas, within the hour."

"We telling anyone else about this?" asked Koros.

"After it's done," said Secter. "We don't have a lot of time to waste. I don't want to know what he does the moment he realizes he's not sick anymore."

"That works," said Koros. "Sycamore, go keep an eye on Akazo. I'll be the one to throw the grenade, then either you or Secter closes the door. It'll keep the gas in."

"Hopefully he knows to lay the hell down," said Sycamore. "Otherwise…"

"He shouldn't have threatened anyone," said Secter. "I'm getting real fucking tired of Supremacists or otherwise coming here and hurting people."

"Same," said Koros. "And especially after hearing we almost all burned to death, Jesus Christ."

"Yeah," muttered Secter. "Still processing what we'll need to do about that."

"Bigger fuckin patrols," said Koros. "Once Blue's better, he can help."

"He'll need time," said Secter. "For Misha too."

"Yeah," said Koros. "All the time he needs, poor guy."

Koros got up and clambered over the seats towards the back of the ship. Tearing through a series of boxes, he grinned when he found a few gas grenades sitting inside one. A thin film of dust coated their outsides, light green blotted by spotty grey.

"Still got em," said Koros. "Go get that fucker's attention."

Secter clasped his hand over Sycamore's shoulder, shaking him to attention. He gave Sycamore a tiny smile.

"It's alright," said Secter. "We're doing this to protect ourselves and everyone else."

"Yeah I'm fine with getting rid of him," said Sycamore. "I guess a small part of me still feels a bit bad since he did save Misha and Blue after all."

"He's got a bit of good in him," said Secter. "And I wish I could see that through. But…"

"You've always been the one to believe in change, Secter…"

"I have," said Secter. "But it's also burned me before. And with this guy, he straight up wants to kill us and has the power to do so. He's a threat, if he can beat someone as skilled as Blue with ease, then we have to take him seriously."

"He is, he definitely is…" said Sycamore.

"Much as I'd like to see him change his mind, we just can't afford the risk anymore," said Secter. "Especially with all the people we're close to…and the citizens already having suffered so much at the hands of Soulless."

"It's true…" said Sycamore. "And if he did…if he did somehow get his hands on Fubuki…I'd fucking rip him limb from limb."

"That's not going to happen," said Secter. "Now let's go."

"Right."

Sycamore and Secter left the ship as Koros watched. They approached Akazo's vessel, with Akazo still smiling away in his corner.

"I feel good today," said Akazo. "Little to no coughing. Tomorrow, I think we'll have our fight."

"And if we say no?" asked Sycamore.

"It'd be easy to force you," said Akazo. "Whether I am armed or not." He reared his head back and winked. "And I might just have something around here…"

Deep within the floorboards sat Akazo's spear, a weapon which he had hidden once he had gotten to the planet. Retrieving it was a simple matter of tearing up a floorboard, and Akazo had wanted to keep it hidden so as not to disturb his medics.

His words disturbed Sycamore. He swallowed as he approached the ship.

"You really want to threaten us huh," said Sycamore. "And the people we love."

"They don't have to be involved so long as you actually try," said Akazo. "Which you will. You'll have to."

Sycamore glanced back at the ship, noticing Koros looking at him. With a tiny nod, Sycamore gave his invisible signal.

"Can't believe after all that, you just want to find some strangers to kill," said Secter. "What a shame."

"If you fight well enough," said Akazo. "Maybe I'll let you be. Perhaps."

"That's not a chance we need to take," said Secter.

A second later, Koros flung his gas grenade over Secter's head and into Akazo's ship. It slammed into the wall right next to Akazo, and right as it did, Secter bolted over to the door and pulled it shut. He could feel Akazo trying to rip the door back open, and was soon pushed further and further against the sand below, the overwhelming force of Akazo forcing him back.

"A little help here!" said Secter.

Sycamore ran over to help, also pushing the door against Akazo. Both of them were slid further back into the sand, making little progress. A thin column of sickly smoke rose from the crack where Akazo desperately tried to squeeze out of.

"Holy shit," said Koros. "Hang on, I'm coming!"

He rushed over to the door and pushed as well, the three of them combined finally forcing the door a tiny bit towards sealing Akazo in. Something slumped against the metal, and the trio slammed the door shut, preventing any more of the gas from escaping. Nothing pressed back against them anymore.

"Is he…" said Sycamore, panting. "Is he dead?"

"That fucking strength," said Koros. "No wonder Blue said he was a threat, the three of us together could barely take him even as his skin should've been falling off!"

"We can try to check on him through the window," said Secter. "It'll take a bit for the gas to clear though."

"We stay by the door until it does," said Koros. "This guy's insane, I don't want him ripping the door open just when we think he's down."

"Akazo!" said Sycamore, knocking his fist on the door. "You alive?"

A thin snarl from the other side of the door.

"I'll…kill you…for this…" said Akazo.

"Yeah well you should've fuckin realized your friend was right," said Koros. "Being a dick to us is a death sentence buddy."

"Had you not threatened anyone we would've let you stay," said Secter. "But you just had to go and plot to kill us, and threaten Tatsu. I'm not letting that slide, not ever."

"You think…you're clever…" said Akazo. He lay on the floor of his ship, watching the gas swirl around him as his skin turned paper-thin. "You think…you're doing the right thing…"

"I don't want to hear it from you," said Secter. "Considering how many times you almost killed Blue."

"Hah…he's no angel either…" said Akazo.

"Yeah well neither am I," said Secter. "But at least he did better. And worked to get there. That's the difference between people like him and everyone outside your ship, as opposed to you."

"Cute…" said Akazo. "I hope you realize one day…just as Blue has…that just because you worked to be better, doesn't mean you are better. You won't always win."

"Looks like we did fine today," said Secter. "And that's that."

Akazo wanted to strangle Secter, to crush the wind from his throat. He kept still within his ship, well aware of the effects of the gas around him. Their colors reminded him of Misha's world, all tangling themselves in ghastly tendrils above.

Koros and Sycamore and Secter took turns checking on Akazo, either by squinting through the mirror to see his blob-like form within the gas or by talking to him. Akazo was mostly quiet, but would occasionally curse at his captors, both enraged and gleeful. He was angry at them for doing such a cowardly thing, but also angry at himself for not anticipating it. For the most part he focused on not moving, hating every moment of being in more gas. He was sick of gas.

Eventually the gas dissipated, and Koros stepped over a laying Akazo to head to the cockpit. Secter and Sycamore followed inside, watching Akazo every step of the way. Sycamore closed the door behind him and Koros rose the melty ship into the air, turning it towards the stratosphere.

"What are you doing?" asked Akazo. "Where are you taking me?"

"Away," said Secter. "You'll find someplace else to fight."

"To the Nothing?" asked Akazo, wanting to get up and punch Secter through the skull but still too nervous to move. His skin sloughed over his bones, the telltale sign it hadn't thickened back up yet. "The fire?"

"No," said Secter. "If we wanted you dead, we would've killed you already."

"You're going to regret this," said Akazo.

"If you're just going to threaten us, then you're not welcome," said Sycamore. "Do you have any idea how fucking hard we worked, how much we sacrificed to get where we are? Just to throw that away for your battle fetish?"

"All irrelevant," said Akazo. "I couldn't care less."

"Yeah well we couldn't care less where you end up either," said Koros. "You get what you give."

"We'll take good care of Blue and Misha while you're gone," said Secter with a half-smile. "Sounds good?"

Akazo couldn't help but chuckle. His lips parted as he did so, leaking blood from where the skin broke apart.

"Ohhh how nice," said Akazo. "But fine, fine. Take good care of them. Tell them I wish them well, though I'm sure Misha would rather have me burning in hell."

"Should've taken out that other launcher honestly," said Koros. "She wouldn't have lost everything otherwise."

"Such is life," said Akazo. "There's always those times where you don't succeed, no matter what."

"Ugh," said Secter. "Let's drop him off somewhere really far, edge of the universe I'm thinking."

"Just look out for other Soulless," said Sycamore.

"Can fucking do," said Koros.

He did as he was told, flying Akazo away so far that the Milky Way was no where in sight. They found a small planet abundant with mossy trees and rushing purple rivers of some strange liquid, a place that looked uninhabited by intelligent life at least. Landing in a field of tiny blue rocks, Secter walked over to Akazo and lifted him, gently enough to avoid having his skin fall.

"This'll do," said Secter. "Don't come back."

"Oh you'll see…" said Akazo. "Been a long time since I've been undermined like this."

"Yeah well it's been a long time since I've been this pissed off," said Secter. "You stay here and heal, find someone else to bother."

Secter laid Akazo down on top of the rocks before hurrying back to his ship. He stared at Akazo along with Sycamore and Koros, the three of them wondering if Akazo would try and get up to lunge at them before they could leave.

Akazo simply kept down, grinning at the bright white sun above.

"Ahh Verrakoi…" said Akazo. "Perhaps you were on to something, hmm? Had I at least acted kinder, I could've gotten all I wanted. You would've been deceived into thinking I was a friend."

"You're a real piece of work you know that?" asked Secter.

"We all want something to fulfill ourselves," said Akazo. "So what if mine is a fight?"

"Because one day you'd run into people who'd do anything they can to protect themselves and the people they love," said Secter. "But I get the feeling you knew that already. You knew Blue. So don't be surprised this is happening."

"Oh I'm not too surprised…" said Akazo. "A little bemused, even if I'm enraged. I'll take my time getting back, perhaps there is some excitement in this part of the universe…"

Secter shook his head and closed the door. Sycamore followed him back to his seat, this time with him rubbing Secter's shoulder instead of vice versa. Koros flew the ship back up, leaving Akazo to heal and ponder down below.

"He's getting back up already," said Koros as he pulled through the air. "Bastard heals quick too."

"Good riddance," said Secter.

"We did good," said Sycamore. "It's alright."

"Yeah, we did," said Secter. "Far more worried about Blue."

"Give em time," said Koros. "They'll heal too."

"They did their best and it wasn't good enough," said Secter. "I feel awful for them."

"We'll give them everything we can," said Sycamore. "We're pretty good about that."

Secter nodded in agreement. Sighing, he laid back against the wall.

Down below, Akazo watched the ship vanish into space. He sat down, his skin having healed fully. Crossing his arms, he smiled to himself, wondering just how he had gotten back to square one after what felt like years of a journey had just past. To him, he wasn't sure if it mattered or not. Perhaps his uncertainness was a sign. Or it might've been just a fleeting thought, a bit of rumination before Akazo moved on to his next target.

Either way, Akazo didn't feel motivated to go searching for someone else to fight at the moment. He listened to the sounds of rushing rapids not far off, and eased himself into a light rest, contemplating his future.

. . .

The wait was slowly killing Blue. Day after day he lay in bed, unable to move, wondering if Misha was going to show up. Four days had passed since he had first woken up, and all he had gotten was the occasional update from Secter or Sycamore.

"She's getting a little more social," Secter had said.

"Still not comfortable around Soulless, I keep my distance," Sycamore had said with tinges of sadness in his voice.

"She's got some spirit in her," Secter had said. "I can tell. But…it'll take some time before she's ready to go out again."

"Does she ask about me?" Blue had asked.

"All the time," Secter had said. "She was so relieved to hear you were doing better, and wants to see you, but I think she's still processing everything and focusing on Charel first. Not to mention I told her you've mostly been sleeping."

This was only partly true. For the most part, Blue was up all night, dreams of firestorms eating entire cities alive keeping him from sleep when the sun was down. When it came up he finally gave in to exhaustion, sleeping through the day no matter what nightmares haunted him.

On the fifth day after his initial awakening, Blue woke up to find that he had two arms again. The new one was metallic, dotted with yellow lights and plates of dark steel. Blue raised it, opening and closing his new robotic fist. As he did so, Secter entered the room, smiling at Blue checking out his fingers.

"Ah good to see you awake," said Secter. "Doctor Kuseno was kind enough to spare a robotic arm for you, we installed it earlier this morning."

"That was quick," said Blue, clenching his fingers into a fist. "It…works well."

"Yeah Kuseno is…used to replacing those," said Secter with a weak grin. "Uh, obviously not as strong as your old arm, but it's not a half-bad replacement, no?"

"It's good," said Blue. "Thank you, Secter."

"Ah don't thank me, thank Kuseno."

"No…thank you for everything you've done for me. And Misha and Charel. You, and Sycamore, and Fubuki and Tatsumaki and Koros…just, thank you. I couldn't have asked for anything more." Blue's lips trembled as he finished his sentence.

"Anything for a friend," said Secter. "And what happened to Misha and Charel…they deserve all the support and love in the world. They're both really sweet, but they are just hurting so much…"

"I need to see them," said Blue. He looked up at Secter with tears burning his eyes. "I have to, I can't fucking take it anymore."

"We can try walking you around today for sure," said Secter. "Most of the poison is out of your body, and your muscles have regenerated for the most part. So long as you aren't sprinting a marathon, you should be ok to head over there."

"Good," said Blue. "I have to…I have to hold her again. To let her know that we can get through this…" Blue paused, choking up. "But all that she's gone through…I don't know if she'll be able to handle it…she's just so kind and innocent, such a sweet person…it breaks me to hear her isolated like some kind of hermit."

"I can't even imagine," said Secter. "We've been keeping a very close eye on her, and thankfully nothing else has happened since…since the incident."

"I need to see her."

"Alright," said Secter. He sidled over to the bed, reaching over for Blue to grab him. "I'll help you up, we can walk out to the hall, then we'll teleport to her suite. Tatsumaki and Fubuki and I think Sycamore are already there."

Blue grabbed Secter's arm, hauling himself to the side of the bed. To his relief, his body didn't give much in the way of pain, only a few sore spots aching around his chest and arm. He grunted as Secter helped pull him to his feet.

"One more thing before I go," said Blue.

He snatched up the photos on his desk and kept them to his side, Secter watching him with curiosity as he did so.

"Personal photos eh," said Secter. "Still have some of mine saved back at home. Keep them close, Blue."

"I will."

Arm over Secter's back, Blue walked with shaky legs over to the door. They made it out to the hallway without much issue, Blue even managing to push himself away from Secter as they walked away from the door.

"Ready?" asked Secter. "I can take you there if you're ready."

"I am," said Blue, more sure of anything in his life.

Secter laid his hand on Blue's shoulder and in an instant, they vanished from the hospital and reappeared in a hotel, complete with lavish red carpets and rows of beige doors. Blue turned to see that they were next to a hall that stretched down to the right. At the end of it sat a closed door, with Sycamore standing outside of it.

"Right down there," said Secter. "She's waiting for you."

Blue's eyes went wide. He walked as if he were in a trance, the door becoming the only point of focus in his vision. Sycamore straightened up as he approached, surprised to see him.

"Oh!" said Sycamore. "There you are."

"She's awake right?" asked Blue. "I don't want to disturb her if she's sleeping."

"She's awake," said Sycamore, nodding as Secter followed up behind Blue. "With Fubuki and Tatsumaki at the moment."

"Alright," said Blue. "I'm heading in."

"Feel free," said Sycamore.

As Blue placed his hand on the door, one more issue struck into his mind, a tiny hammer of worry against the walls of his conscious.

"And…" said Blue. "You two haven't seen any sign of Akazo, right?"

"No," said Secter. "Sycamore, Koros and I do patrols, and we dumped him out far. We haven't seen any signs of him, or any Supremacy for that matter. Only problem…we can never tell how long that'll last."

"I know," said Blue. "But that's good news for now. You guys did the right thing with him."

"Wish we had another option," said Secter. "But no one, and I mean no one, is threatening the people I love anymore."

"Agreed," said Blue. He sighed as he began to push the door aside.

I'm here Misha, thought Blue. I'm still here for you. I know I could've done better…but I'll do the best I can while I still breathe.

Inside it was a lovely room, ornate walls and pieces of green and gold furniture scattered throughout. It was a higher-price hotel room, rented out for free by the charitable owners who wanted to make up for what the industry had done to a certain famous hero. Blue took a few steps forward and heard murmuring from the bedroom. He turned, his heart seizing up.

Out from a nearby hall stepped Misha, with Charel clasping to her leg. She looked just as gorgeous as Blue remembered her, the only difference being a series of bandages on her arms and two dark purple circles under her eyes. Charel looked just as tired, but lit up once she saw Blue.

"Blue?" asked Misha, shock encompassing her expression.

"Misha," said Blue, his voice crumbling. Just seeing her alive was enough to make him melt in his spot.

Misha bolted over to him, Charel running alongside. She crashed into Blue, nearly knocking him over in the process. Blue squeezed her into his chest, the both of them laughing as they cried their eyes out. Charel grabbed on to his leg, and Blue reached down with his robo-arm to lift her up to his head level.

Blue leaned over and kissed her on the forehead, then turned and kissed Misha on the cheek. His tears flowed down his face, all three of them uncontrollably sobbing.

Tatsumaki and Fubuki emerged from the hallway, both of them giving warm smiles to the three. Tatsumaki glanced over at the door to see Sycamore and Secter leaning in the doorway, looking just as content.

"You're ok," said Misha, burying his face and mouth into Blue's neck. "You're ok…"

"Misha," said Blue. "Misha I was so worried about you."

Tatsumaki and Fubuki exchanged overjoyed glances and headed back to Sycamore and Secter, who welcomed them back into the hall. Slowly they closed the door behind them, conglomerating right outside.

"I heard…" said Blue, choking up as he felt Misha's breath over his neck. "I heard about what happened…"

"It's been very hard," said Misha. "Blue, most days I feel like giving up…"

"No!" shouted Blue. He swallowed as he saw the startled looks from Misha and Charel. "No…please, you can't give in, I know it's terrible, beyond anything I could've imagined, but we can't just give in…"

Misha sighed onto Blue's chest.

"Blue, let's go to the bedroom," said Misha. "I want to talk in private."

"I want to come too," said Charel. "I want to be there too."

"You can come," said Blue. "We just got reunited, after all."

"Yeah…" said Charel, crying softly. She stopped crying for a moment to inspect Blue's new arm. "Wow…"

"Oh that?" asked Blue. "Yeah, it's new. Got it today."

"You lost your other one…" said Misha.

"I did," said Blue. "But I'm alright now. All that I care about is making sure you and Charel are safe. I failed you once, I won't do it again."

Misha began to sob, collapsing into Blue's chest. She couldn't handle anything again, letting Blue walk her to the bedroom with Charel sliding down to his side.

As they entered the bedroom, Charel scampering along behind them, Blue set Misha down on the bed, the blankets crumpling in their wake. He pulled her into his arms, relieved that he finally got to hold her again after so long.

"It's alright, I'm here," said Blue. He smiled as Charel leapt up onto the bed and leaned against him.

"Everything is wrong," said Misha. "Everything…everything is gone…"

"I…I know…" said Blue. "And I can't…I can't undo that…"

"My family," said Misha. "My home. My whole planet, just all gone…"

"Mom…" said Charel. She wept a pitiful cry. "I keep crying for Mom, but she's not coming back, Misha said she's not coming back…"

Blue's heart was being turned inside out and wrung like a wet dishcloth. It was so much pain, so much suffering all at once. Though he knew it had to be coming, he just had no idea how to comfort them, no clue how to make things better.

"She's…" said Blue. "She's right. The only thing we can do is build a new life here, and never forget, never forget what we had."

Blue straightened up a bit, remembering the photos he had brought. He spread them out on his lap, letting Charel and Misha see.

"I didn't forget her," said Blue. "But with time, I healed."

Misha glanced over the photos, taking one into her hands. She could barely make out the image of Blue embracing an unfamiliar yet beautiful woman through her blurry vision.

"Is that…" said Misha.

"That's her," said Blue.

"She's pretty," said Charel, wiping at her eyes.

"She was," said Blue. "And she wanted what was best for me. The same way I do for you two."

"Blue, I know you do," said Misha. "And…I can't…I can't blame you for what happened, you did everything you could to stop it. But I…I just don't know if I can get over this, it's too much…"

"You won't in a day," said Blue. "Nor a year, or ten years. This will stick with you the rest of your life Misha, and I know how hard it is to live without a home. But…you still have Charel, and me, and others who want to help. It's not over yet."

"I don't want to die," said Misha. "Not…not anymore."

"Not anymore?" asked Blue, his voice breaking. He pulled Misha in tight, resting his lips on the top of her head. His tears found her skin below. "Not anymore?"

"I couldn't," said Misha. "Not after what happened. I tried…but I remembered Charel, and you still in the hospital waiting for me, and what you always said…that it wouldn't be what your wife wanted, it'd be the same for my family, they wouldn't want me to give up…"

"You're incredibly strong Misha," said Blue. "Please, please God, don't hurt yourself like that. I can't…I can't let that happen again." He broke down over her shoulders, both Misha and Charel grasping on to him in a show of support.

"I won't," said Misha. "But I just feel so…numb, Blue. I don't want to go anywhere. I don't want to talk to anyone. I barely have the energy to get out of bed. I don't feel alive anymore, even if I'm breathing."

"Just one step…one step at a time," said Blue. "We can rest, we should all rest."

Blue turned to look at Charel, who returned his gaze with glimmering eyes. He reached over and ruffled her hair, Charel barely moving in response.

"I miss everyone," said Charel. "I miss my room. I miss my mom. I miss Grampa and Gramma and the city and the fields, and even the rain! I miss being with Misha and telling stories in the huts when it got stormy! I miss everything!" She gasped, unable to hold back a new wave of tears. "Why did that man take it all from us…"

"He was a monster," said Blue. "And…I know, I know you miss everyone. They never should've been taken from you. But now…now we can make new memories."

"I want my mom back!" said Charel, shaking. She crossed her arms and slid away from Blue. "I just want her back…"

Blue dipped his head.

"I know," he said. "But I can't bring her back."

"I miss her too sweetie," said Misha. "We both loved her very much."

"And you'll never forget her," said Blue. "We'll make a memorial and everything-"

"No!" said Charel. "No…"

Blue wrapped his arm over her tiny shoulders, his forearm overshadowing her body. He pulled her in close, the three of them all crying softly in the bedroom.

"I know I'm not the best at being comforting," said Blue. "But I'll do everything I can, give you everything I have left to make things better."

"You being here…" said Misha, leaning in to kiss him on the neck. "Already makes things a little brighter."

Blue managed a tiny smile.

"I love you Misha," said Blue. "I'll always be by your side."

"I love you too," said Misha. "And I need you, now more than ever."

"And you too Charel," said Blue. "From now on, we're sticking together always, alright?"

Charel gave a tiny groan, but leaned further into Blue's side.

Silence, with Misha and Blue nuzzling one another. Charel eventually reached out and started looking at more of the pictures. Misha did the same, and Blue explained each one, his fondest memories from his past.

"Then I went on and made more," said Blue. "My first meeting with you two, meeting your parents, that…little night we had together when Akazo was still lurking, you saving me from him, spending the night and the time in the flower field…"

Misha smiled. Those were all memories she treasured too.

"I'll always remember," said Misha. "And Akazo…what happened to him?"

"Secter and the others had to dump him off somewhere far away," said Blue. "He's still alive, but gone."

"Probably…probably for the best," said Misha. "He could've…he could've done more."

"He could've," said Blue. "We can't rely on him, and he threatened Tatsumaki and more, so he's gone." Blue paused for a moment. "And how have Tatsumaki and the others treated you?"

"They're so kind," said Misha, her eyes welling up again. "They act like family, watching over us and talking to us and giving us all we need…and they've been through such horrible things like we did, they're really good at being comforting and understanding."

"Good," said Blue. "They did the same with me even when I first got here, they do a damned good job with talking."

"I hope they stay," said Misha. "What do you think, Charel?"

"I like them," said Charel, her hair hanging in dark strands over her face. "Especially Fubuki. She reminds me of Mom."

Blue swallowed.

"Well they're your family too," said Blue. "I'm sure they'll be around, and they'll help us rebuild."

Misha nudged Blue. He turned towards her only to see her pointing at one of his pictures and smiling. It was a photo of him and Alethea sitting at a cliff overlooking a beach, the sun reflecting off of the water and the two of them holding hands.

"This looks nice," said Misha. "We should do this someday."

"Yeah," said Blue, smiling. Misha returned the expression but Blue could still see a world of pain in her eyes.

It would take a long time before things got better, and Blue knew it. As the three of them sorted through the photos he could breathe a quick sigh of relief, that for a moment, they could have a bit of normalcy before trudging on. Though the pain was still overwhelming, the loss having shredded the souls of Misha and Charel. Blue could tell, Misha was more distant, and Charel still groaned and cried through the photo viewing.

But at the end of the day they all fell asleep together on the bed, Blue staying awake even as Misha and Charel slumbered atop his chest. Perhaps eventually, it would be ok.

. . .

Back out in the hall, Secter and Tatsumaki and Fubuki were listening in, hoping that everything was going alright. Soon the voices on the other side faded.

"I think they went to the bedroom," said Secter.

"You think they'll be alright?" asked Tatsumaki, worried.

"I do," said Secter. "They'll be hurting for sure, but I think Blue will do a good job. And Misha's gotten a bit better."

"Distant," said Tatsumaki. "But she's not shutting herself in her room and sobbing all day, so yes, better."

"I'm most worried for Charel," said Fubuki, pressing her hands against her chin. "That poor poor girl…my heart breaks for her every time she asks for her mom back. She even…" Fubuki's voice began to break up. "She even said I talked like her mom sometimes, and I had to go into the other room because I just couldn't take it."

"Aww," said Sycamore. He slid over to Fubuki and hugged her. She hugged him back.

"And still no sign of Akazo, right?" asked Tatsumaki.

"None," said Secter. "Koros hasn't reported anything suspicious either."

"Good," said Tatsumaki. "I know it wasn't really what you wanted, but I understand why you had to do it."

"Getting real tired of people like him," said Secter. "It's time for us to rest, and especially for Blue and Misha and Charel."

"Without a doubt," said Fubuki.

"Well," said Sycamore, leaning his head against Fubuki's shoulder. "Do you guys want to wait around for a while?"

"Yeah," said Secter. "Work can wait."

"Yes it can," said Tatsumaki, gluing herself to his arm. "You stay here."

Secter chuckled. "I'm not going anywhere Tatsu."

They stuck around and waited, unsure what to expect from the other side. As it turns out, nothing came, and the group grew concerned as night approached. They spent their time chatting, eating delivery, and discussing plans for the eventual integration of Blue, Misha, and Charel into the public once they were ready. Rumors had already started that a Soulless was on the planet, and that for some reason, power couple Secter and Tatsumaki weren't speaking much about it.

As night approached, Secter and Tatsumaki entered the hotel room, concerned that there was no sign of Blue or Misha or Charel. They drew close to the bedroom, and when they heard the telltale signs of snoring and quiet breathing, they left, satisfied. Returning back to Fubuki and Sycamore, they gave them the thumbs-up.

"They're sleeping," said Secter. "They're doing ok."

"Great!" said Fubuki, shooting up from a sitting position. "Oh thank God, I was worried for a little while…"

"I knew they'd be alright," said Sycamore. "We'll just have to keep a close eye on them, support them as best we can."

"I know she'll warm up to you too sweetheart," said Fubuki. "Just give them time."

"Ah I can't say I blame them for being worried," said Sycamore. "The whole planet, my God."

"Yeah…" said Secter, scratching the back of his neck. "Well, what say we all get something for dinner then, and check back on them in the morning?"

"We could go to my place," said Tatsumaki. "I've got stuff for stir-fry."

"Ooh!" said Secter. "Alright, I'm sorry you two, but now you've got to go to Tatsu's."

Fubuki chuckled. "That's fine."

"Works for me," said Sycamore. "I'll bet Koros is almost done with his patrol, I'll let him know we're eating and he can take a little break before I go out."

"Sounds like a plan," said Secter. "Let's give Blue a little space, we'll see him again in the morning."

The group headed out, worried but still hopeful that Blue and the others would recover. They knew it would take a long time, years in fact, but they would be there every step of the way. For their lives and their own.

Five months later…

Blue leaned back on a purple towel, Misha laying next to him in a white t-shirt and jean shorts. She was half-asleep as she leaned into him, Charel sitting at the edge of the towel and dipping her feet into the sand that surrounded them. Seagulls cawed overhead, and the waves of the ocean pushed gently against one another on a warm fall day.

Out in the distance Blue could make out Tatsumaki and Secter splashing one another with their powers, Tatsumaki making a tiny typhoon of seawater to drench Secter while he retaliated by crashing his own waves against her barrier. Tatsumaki grinned at him, smug that his attacks couldn't quite reach her while he was getting soaked, until Secter charged her and tackled her into the water, the both of them laughing.

Blue smiled. He turned back to Misha, wishing that she had the energy to do the same. She kept herself limp against him, somewhat content but still far too exhausted to move from her spot, let alone join in the play with Secter and Tatsumaki.

Not far from them was Sycamore and Fubuki, the two of them sunning together on a beach towel. Everyone was in their swimwear, and they enjoyed the beach in solitude, no random people anywhere near them. Somewhere out in space, Koros was patrolling.

"Let me know if you want to go in the water Misha," said Blue.

"Too tired," said Misha. "Maybe…maybe later."

"Alright," said Blue.

Her spirit was still dampened, and it hurt Blue every day. Slowly she had gotten better, but the damage was done, and it was everlasting.

Charel was quiet too, no desire to run out and play in the water. Blue just wanted her to be a kid again, to have heroes to look up to, and a world to explore. And that she was, tentatively, day by day branching out just a bit more. But she missed her family, and her home. She still hadn't fully adjusted to the new planet being the new place to make memories, though Blue had noticed her smiling and talking to Secter, Tatsumaki and Fubuki. With Sycamore, she still kept her distance but laughed once when he struck a heroic pose for her in a shiny suit.

What made matters more difficult was being the only two of their species on the planet. A kind that even Blue didn't know the name of, distant from humans and Soulless alike. At least he had Koros, Sycamore, and Secter to talk to, and God knew that there were more Soulless out there. But with Misha and Charel, there was no one. They were the only two.

It almost made Blue want to cry. He spent each and every day with Misha, holding her and talking to her, and making damned sure she wasn't hurting herself. For the most part she wasn't, though she had picked up some unhealthy habits. Laying in bed for hours on end only to get less than an hour of sleep, barely eating until her ribs poked through, occasional stress and worry to the point of vomiting and of course, crying for so long that her eyes grew sore. Blue had mainly rested with her, sobbing almost as much but growing sterner over time. He didn't allow himself to cry as much, partly because he had grown tired of it but also because he wanted to be Misha's rock, her stone of comfort. It had worked to some extent, for Misha was now glued to him wherever he went. People even compared him to Secter for how attached his lover was.

Blue was alright with this. He was the only one left who knew what happened and was somewhat capable of handling it. There were still the strikes of guilt, the feelings of him not doing well enough back on the planet, but Misha always told him off when he let these feelings show.

"It's not your fault Blue," she had told him. "It was Revair's, and Akazo's and everyone else who wanted my planet to burn. You love me and did your best, you almost died…you wanted to give your life for me. And that was all I can ask for. Please don't hurt yourself for this Blue, it'd hurt me and…I can't take much more of that."

That was the statement to finally convince him. Even if he did still blame himself to some extent, there was no reason to beat himself up over it. He was probably wrong regardless and all it did was make Misha suffer more, which was the farthest thing from what he wanted.

And thus he spent all his time with them. Cooking, talking, eventually taking them out to places in town but never for too long. Slowly they began to branch out to their new world, but that spirit within the both of them was greatly diminished. Occasionally Blue would spot Misha get a big smile on her face when she saw an advertisement for some adventure park she could possibly bring Charel to, or Charel bouncing up and down on the couch when her favorite show came on. But these moments were always fleeting, and were eventually replaced with the same tiredness and gloom when the both of them remembered that wherever they went, whatever they watched, it wouldn't involve their family or even members of their own kind. All they had was Blue, and the family of people who had brought them in.

It would have to be enough. So far, it had been working, however slow. Blue thanked Secter and Tatsumaki, Fubuki and Sycamore, and Koros every day, any time he could meet them. They were always flattered, but told him it was nothing. He was a part of the family now for all he had done, and they loved Misha and Charel just like he did. Blue had broken down in front of all of them when they had said that, the only time he had ever cried in front of the group to his memory. They all held him, even Koros joining in after a bit of grumbling.

Blue shifted in his spot, thinking about all that had happened. It had been months since he had first gotten back to Earth, and it had been quiet. He looked over his robotic arm, still functioning just as well as when he had first received it. Kissing Misha on the cheek, he stroked her bare stomach, no longer able to see but the faintest outline of her ribs.

"The water might wake you up a bit," said Blue. "We don't have go out far."

"I don't know…" said Misha. "Maybe if Charel wants to…"

"Ah come on," said Blue, smiling as he started to kiss all over her left side of her face. "It'll be fun. Look how much fun Secter and Tatsumaki are having."

Misha couldn't help but smile. So much time she spent in a haze of pain and gloom, only a few faint rays poking through every now and again. A few of them came from her new family, but most of them came from the man right beside her. She turned to him.

Misha leaned in and kissed him on the lips. Blue kissed her back.

"Eww," said Charel, looking back at them. She stuck her tongue out.

Both Blue and Misha chuckled, slowly breaking away.

"Charel sweetie, you want to go into the water for a bit?" asked Misha. "It might be fun."

Charel glanced back at the water. The waves beckoned to her, asking her to allow them to wrap her in their familiar coolness. Maybe it could help with her gloom too.

"Yeah," said Charel. "I'd like that."

"Ok!" said Misha. "Come on Blue, don't be a slowpoke."

Blue laughed.

"Oh I missed this," said Blue. "I love it when you two are all energetic and happy."

"Come on!" said Misha. She shot up, the sun radiating off her light purple skin as she stood proud in her swimwear. Reaching over to Blue, she helped him to his feet, staring into his eyes. They were so warm, and swimming with love. Blue was shocked by it. Had she just decided that she was going to do something despite her normal inhibitions?

Blue laughed. This was Misha after all. He pressed his lips to hers, hugging her against his chest. They stood within each others' warmth.

For once, Misha felt that same rush she had felt back on the planet when she finally started to get intimate with Blue. It spiked through her heart and made her feel alive. She dared not lose that feeling again.

"Blue," she whispered, centimeters from his lips.

"Yeah?" he asked. "Misha…"

"I love you," she said. "Charel's waiting for us."

"She is," said Blue. "And I love you too. I'll always be here for you."

"Come on!" said Charel. "You guys are so lovey-dovey, gross!"

They both chuckled and held hands as they turned towards her. Following her down to the shore, Blue and Misha smiled, knowing that the rest of their family was watching from the side and beyond, and were just as overjoyed. Charel reached the water with Misha and Blue close behind, the three of them splashing in and laughing as they played together. Somehow Blue knew it'd be the first of many fond memories to come.

Eventually everyone gathered back on the beach, and Blue couldn't believe just how far everyone had come. Sycamore and Fubuki chattered excitedly about getting a new house, and maybe even looking at marriage locations one day, while Tatsumaki and Secter bickered about what color they'd paint the baby room once they finally finished construction. Secter was more of a blue guy, while Tatsumaki argued green. Misha told them to go both colors, while Blue suggested a mix – cyan as a compromise.

"Not a bad idea…" said Tatsumaki, looking over a design of the room on her phone. "Is that good enough to end your stubbornness, Secter?"

"Hah!" said Secter. "Hey, cyan's basically a bright blue, so…"

As they discussed, Koros's ship flew into view, surprising the group. He was back early, still supposed to patrol for another hour. The ship landed right on the beach, sending sand in a swirl all around the sides.

Koros kicked his door open, his eyes wide and wild. Everyone in the group was frozen, their hearts pounding as one. What did he see?

"Misha!" said Koros. "Charel! Blue! Come look!"

Misha hesitated but rose to her feet, holding Charel's hand as they approached the ship. Blue followed in tow along with everyone else, his curiosity piquing.

They all entered the ship, and Koros led them to his cockpit, bringing up several bright orange screens at the windows.

"Koros…" said Tatsumaki. Her nerves were riled, but Koros seemed…excited? Not fearful or enraged, but happy. "You didn't find more…Supremacy, did you?"

"No, no," said Koros. "Coast is clear." He was practically bouncing in his seat, swiveling his chair to face Misha. "Guys, I was patrolling along, and I found some…merchant ships. Misha…"

He flipped a switch on his controlboard and several images showed up. They were pictures of boxy, red-painted merchant ships. Misha gasped, her heart jumping into her throat. Charel leapt up onto Misha's leg to get a better view, then her eyes went wide.

Blue didn't recognize the ships, but slowly began to understand. Could it be?

Then Koros switched the image. The next was him on the ship, and sure enough, he was meeting several of Misha's kind, the lot of them looking nervous, but shaking his hand regardless.

"My God…" said Blue. "Misha, the merchant ships! You said they traveled all over!"

"Maybe they escaped the fire…" said Fubuki, sliding a hand over her mouth. "Koros, this is amazing!"

"How did we not meet them sooner?" asked Sycamore. "Unless they left the galaxy for a while to hide…"

"They were in hiding," said Koros. "I let them know we were against the Supremacy, and they said thankfully they hadn't seen any since. Told them there was someone who would…really like to meet them."

Misha sank to her knees. Tears were forming within her eyes, and Charel immediately started bawling into her side. She hugged Charel, feeling happier than she ever had.

"We're not alone…" said Misha. "I wondered…I didn't think anyone would've escaped the fire, but they do, they do travel everywhere…Charel we're not alone…"

Blue leaned down and hugged them both, and Misha and Charel returned the hug, taking in each other's warmth in a big embrace.

"Koros," said Blue, tearing up at seeing Misha and Charel's happy faces. "Are they still there? Can we meet them?"

"Yeah!" said Koros. "Though you may want to put some clothes on first."

"I can't believe it…" said Tatsumaki. "Alright everyone, put some clothes on stat! Let's get Misha and Charel there as soon as possible!"

"That's amazing…" said Secter. "Misha, Charel, I can't imagine how you two are feeling…"

"Go, go!" said Koros. "Until today, Misha and Charel thought they were the last of their kind! Let's not make them wait to meet them!"

"Charel, sweetie…" said Misha, barely able to talk through her sobbing. "You want to go?" This was world-shattering news, and she could still barely comprehend it, but she had to, she needed to meet the travelers, if just to prove to herself and Charel they weren't the only ones left.

"Yes, yes…" said Charel, crying just as hard, her eyes already turning puffy. "I'm so happy…"

Blue wished her mother would be among the survivors, but knew that couldn't be the case. For now he'd celebrate the fact that they weren't the last of their kind.

"Blue…" said Misha. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, shocking him back to his senses. "I love you, come with me…"

"Of course," said Blue, smiling wide. "I love you too, more than anything."

The group rushed out from the ship, returning to the beach to get their clothes back on. Things were getting better, there were still scars amongst them all but the future was bright and they'd all heal together. They moved as a big family, there to care and support one another, to protect each other with their lives. And now they could take care of those who were hurting most, as they had many times before. It was part of their specialty, after all. With happy cries and plenty of hugs, the group separated, ready to head to the stars for the day. Blue was right after all, as more happy memories were still to come.

Author's Note

Can't believe it's finally over – 3 years of writing and posting the Secter and Tatsumaki series! Loved writing it, and posting it, and I still constantly think of ways to improve the story as well. Been doing a lot of thinking on whether I want to go back and rewrite stuff, but if I do, I don't imagine it'll be anytime soon. More interesting villains, reshaping scenes from part one and so on, but for now I'm proud and happy of what I've made. And of course, met a lot of great people along the way, and have so much Secter and Tats art, even Sycamore and Blue and Misha too!

Thank you all so much for reading – at the moment I've mainly been doing some side projects, like a highschool AU with Secter and Tatsumaki and some friends' OCs which is a ton of fun to do, and even a steamy smut scene here or there. While I don't have any plans to post any more on here at the moment, who knows how things will go. I've still got lots of ideas, and while many of them are for my original stories, there might be more fic in the future…

But for now, I just want to let everyone who has read this far know that I appreciate them so much, just knowing that people still read and enjoy this series means the world to me, as I've been writing since I was young and it's still my passion. Just hearing how people loved and were affected by these stories has really brightened many of my days, even if I was feeling down. Thank you everyone, hope you enjoyed, and maybe you'll see some more stories from me someday, whether on here or elsewhere! I still check this site from time to time, and I'll try to post more Secter and Tats art on Twitter for people to see. For now, that wraps up the story, but knowing me I'll still write more of my favorite couple somehow, some way. So long everyone, thank you all so much for reading!