Returning Home
After the battle was over, the mages, Rune Knights, Cherry Blossom Holy Knights, Mizuhans and Qital Dire warriors travel around the city to help clean up the wreckage and find any surviving civilians who are still trapped or hiding inside the damaged buildings. The hospitals are filled with injured civilians, soldiers, and mages, with Ayase, Tsugumi, Sumeragi, Mei, Celty, Natalia, Sophie, Cheria, Asbel, Cosmos and Kama being among those placed under intensive care. And after the Rune Knights placed magic sealing chains and handcuffs around their ankles and wrists, Riah and Cornelia are taken into one of the Magic Council ships and being transported to their headquarters in Era where they will no doubt face trial and receive a heavy punishment far worse than anyone can imagine.
The damages that the battle had left behind was greater than expected. But on the following day, instead of showing sorrow and despair, the citizens of Crocus and everyone who participated in the final battle against Cornelia and Mard Geer displayed a strong sense of hope and unity, knowing that peace and stability has returned to the capital and all of Earth Land.
When they see Hisui and Toma approaching the balcony of the highest tower of the Flower Light Palace, with Arcadios, Darton and a few other Cherry Blossom Holy Knights following them from behind, the entire city roared with cheers. All the mages, knights, former praetors, Mizuhans and Azadistanis who participated in the final battle of the war and are not currently hospitalized are invited into the palace grounds, where they gather round the central square and look up at the Queen and her father with smiles and cheers.
Meanwhile, the citizens of Crocus stood outside the palace walls where they can still watch their beloved Queen deliver her speech by staring at the large and wide magical screens floating in front of the walls. The other mages, knights and Mizuhans are also able to watch her speech while resting on their hospital beds by staring up at the lacrima screens hanging from the ceiling in front of them.
As she and her father stood at the balcony, Hisui momentarily looks down and notices Team Natsu smiling and waving their hands at her as they stand in front of everyone at the central square below. Hisui chuckled and waves her hand back at them before she lifts her head up and gazes at the entire city of Crocus in front of her.
"People of Crocus, Fiore and all across Earth Land…" She began. "Our battle against the former organization known as the Abbey is officially over. And thus, we are now entering a new era of peace and stability across the world. But this day does not just belong to humanity. It also belongs to the demihumans, and all other races who live across this beautiful world. According to the Rune Knights, one of the leaders and masterminds of the Abbey was the demon known as Mard Geer Tartaros, the same man responsible for the Tartaros Incident, which caused the great divide between humans and demihumans. But today, if it were not for the help of the demihumans, if we humans had not fought alongside them, Mard Geer Tartaros and the Abbey would have destroyed this beloved city and continue their mission to erase all life on Earth Land. As Queen of Fiore, on behalf of all humans in this nation…I thank you all demihumans for your great assistance. So may this battle also serve as a lesson to all of us…that when we accept everyone from all walks of life, and stand united as one, we can overcome anything, even the darkest of times. We humans and demihumans have triumphantly won against the enemy. Now it is time for us to rebuild our home together. And let us hope that this new era of peace and stability will last us for all time."
Everyone in the central square, outside the palace walls and throughout the capital cheer and applaud after Hisui finished her speech. Some humans and demihumans even began sharing hugs with each other.
Down at the central square, Natsu, Lucy, Darren, Alicia, and Sheena all smile at each other as they continue clapping and celebrating along with the other mages, knights, former praetors, Mizuhans and Azadistanis.
Judith, Makoto, Road, Lero and Pony bore tears in their eyes after hearing their Queen thanking their race for their hard-earned victory against the Abbey. When Pony could not resist the urge to cry any longer, she began sobbing uncontrollably and wiping away the tears that are now flowing down her cheeks. Tryo and Miruko smile at her as they gently wrap their arms around her shoulders.
Noel gives a gentle pat on Makoto's back as she stands beside her. Makoto turns and stares at her friend for a moment before she weeps and hugs her tightly. Noel chuckles as she wraps her arms around her friend, and they are now locked in a warm embrace. Tsubaki smiles as she stands behind them and watch. But to her surprise, Makoto and Noel suddenly grab her arms and pull her into their hug.
"This is such a beautiful day, Lerrrroooo!" Lero wailed jovially as the umbrella sheds tears of joy.
"I know!" Road replied as she hugs him tightly in her arms. Archer simply smiles at the girl and her umbrella as he stands behind them. Tokoyami and C.C. also smile at them as they gently place their hands on Road's shoulders.
When Achilles noticed Atalanta wiping her eyes, he wraps his arm around her shoulders and gives her a warm smile. Atalanta blankly stares at him for a moment before she snorts and turns her head away.
"It's not what you think." Atalanta murmured, causing Achilles to chuckle.
After Judith wipes away the tears in her eyes, she could feel Karol gently grabbing her right hand. The krityan turns and looks down at the young leader, who smiles tenderly at his fellow guildmate.
"Our mission to build a peaceful world for both our races is far from over. I could definitely require your help with that." Karol said. Judith's eyes softened and her lips curved up into a warm smile.
"With pleasure." Judith replied with a nod. Yuri places his hand on her left shoulder as he, Estelle, Rita, Flynn, Raven and Patty stand beside them. The members of Brave Vesperia and Flynn all smile at each other before they turn skyward and look forward to the future ahead of them.
"Erza…" Jellal said to his childhood friend. Erza stops clapping and lowers her hands as she turns around and sees him standing in front of her. They both gaze into each other's eyes for a few seconds before they pull themselves into a warm embrace, and a prolonged and romantic kiss.
Both Happy and Carla fly down to Natsu and Wendy and put away their wings to allow the Dragon Slayers to wrap their arms around their bodies. The Dragon Slayers and their exceeds laugh as they snuggle close to each other. After Erza pulls away from her kiss and hug with Jellal, she turns to Darren, Alicia, Sheena, and her fellow members of Team Natsu, and they all smile at each other. As everyone around them continue cheering and celebrating, they all wrap their arms around each other and pull themselves into a warm group hug, giving themselves a pat on their backs for another job well done.
The next morning, Darren, Alicia, Sheena, Team Natsu and most of Brave Vesperia visit the royal theatre located at the other side of Crocus. The building itself was spared from any damages thanks to its location far away from the Flower Light Palace and the residential districts that are nearest to the city's main entrance.
Shortly after the celebration yesterday, the Rune Knights and Rita brought Cornelia's machine to the theatre where the researcher soon got to work in getting it operational to bring Darren, Alicia, and many others back to their own world. Originally, they thought of having Cornelia to do the job after capturing her, but they no longer require her to do that since Rita happens to be just as intellectual in both lacrimas and machinery as the former leader of the Abbey. It took nearly ten hours, but Rita eventually managed to crack Cornelia's security and intelligence codes to reverse the machine's interdimensional flow, which will transport people from Earth Land to the other world.
When the job is done, Nolan, Lucas, Noel, Makoto, and Medea contacted everyone who participated in the final battle about this, saying all the people of Earth will finally be able to return home tomorrow. They invite them to come to the royal theatre in the morning, and any friends they have made in Earth Land are welcome to watch their departure.
Darren, Alicia, Sheena, Team Natsu and the other members of Brave Vesperia were initially overjoyed by the news. That is until Darren and Alicia quickly realize that once they enter the machine and return to Earth, they will never see the friends they have made in Earth Land again, and what was supposed to be another joyous occasion ended up being plagued with a sense of melancholy. The members of Team Natsu could emphasize with them, as they too experience the same feeling after leaving Edolas eight years ago. Nevertheless, knowing that their relatives back on Earth are worried sick over their disappearances, Darren and Alicia reluctantly pack their stuff and prepare for their departure. Nobody else say a word after that, and the rest of the night for them was uneventful.
After passing through another pair of golden doors, Darren, Alicia, Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia arrived at the bottom floor of the auditorium. It has a large and wide stage at the other end of the room, and facing it are about 420 seats lined up in 14 horizontal rows. There are also additional seats located in the upper floors and both sides of the large room. Upon entering, they immediately spot Rita, Nolan, Lucas, Noel, Makoto, Medea, Kirito, Yui, Hina and Jeanne standing on stage and beside Cornelia's machine. As they stay in their seats at the frontmost row, Sting, Yukino, Allelujah, Marie, Velvet, Laphicet, Jack, Shouto, Momo, Tenya, Mirio, Hodaka, Shinji, Lenalee, Allen, Emmanuel, Brenda, Jason, Yegor, Amelia, Mei Li, Violet, Beatrice, Sami and Vasda turn around and see the newest visitors of the auditorium standing at the doorway.
"You guys have arrived." Nolan said to them with a wan smile, his voice echoed throughout the mostly empty theatre.
"Sorry we took a while. Some of us were still trying to comprehend what is about to happen here." Gray said as he and his friends walk through the lane between the rows of seats. Darren and Alicia briefly lower their heads and purse their lips. They stop between the second frontmost row of seats and near the stage.
"I'm sure most of you here already know this, but this machine which Cornelia built to gather up souls and revive Mard Geer into his physical form is in fact the same machine used to transport many people from the other world into ours." Nolan explained to everyone present in the auditorium. "Thanks to Rita, she managed to reverse the interdimensional flow of the machine, which will help return you all back to Earth."
"And Leidenschaftlich, which is the home world of Miss Evergarden over there." Rita said as she gestures to Violet.
"The Great Rita Mordio does it again." Judith chuckled.
"I'll be able to see him again." Violet said softly with a weak smile as she places her remaining prosthetic hand over her emerald brooch. Velvet, Laphicet and Jack all smile and nod their heads to her as they sat beside her.
"What are Kirito, Jeanne, Allelujah and the others doing here?" Happy asked as he floats behind and above Natsu and Lucy.
"We heard from Medea that Darren and Alicia are returning home. So, we came to bid our farewells to them." Allelujah responded. Darren and Alicia momentarily widen their eyes at him and Marie, as if his words have struck their hearts.
"And once we return to Earth…" Alicia murmured as they grew despondent. "We will never see them again." She, Darren, Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia lower their heads and stay silent for a few moments.
"That's the way it's supposed to be, unfortunately." Lucas said to them grimly.
"When we return back to our own world," Mirio examines his hand for a moment before looking up at Rita. "Will these powers we have remain inside us?"
"Yes. I believe the particles of the interdimensional flow does not affect the human anatomy since all of you first arrived here perfectly fine with no side effects. Why do you ask?" Rita inquired.
"Let's just say back in our world, people are usually afraid of what they can't understand and comprehend." Lenalee said with a cringe.
"I see. Well, judging by the time and training you have spent with the Abbey, I'm confident you will all be able to keep these powers under your control." Rita said.
"We'll do our best to keep them a secret." Tenya said as he, Shouto, Momo, Mirio, Allen, Lenalee, Sami and Beatrice solemnly bow their heads to her.
"Speaking of their powers, what have you done with the lacrimas that gave them these powers, Rita?" Karol inquired.
"I never like doing this to my personal creations, but after Nolan's friends deliver them to me straight from Zaphias, I destroyed most of them." Rita said.
"Most of them?" Estelle asked.
"I saved five." Rita said as she summons one of the lacrimas recovered from the former Abbey laboratory. "I keep one for myself, and I give one each for the four people whom Nolan and I trust the most in keeping it safe from the wrong hands." Noel, Kirito, Hina and Jeanne step forward and hold out their hands to summon a lacrima each on their palms.
"Not to worry, everyone. These special lacrimas are under our protection." Kirito said before flashing a cheerful grin.
"In the name of the creators, I will keep it safe with all my heart." Jeanne smiled as she solemnly bows her head and places her other hand on her chest.
"You can count on us." Hina added before she, Noel, Kirito, and Jeanne dematerialize their lacrimas and lower their arms.
"I guess we can't waste any more time since I know many of you here are eager to return home." Nolan said to everyone in the auditorium.
"So, step right up folks! All of you will be the first people to return back home to your world before everyone else back in Era." Makoto proclaimed cheerfully as she gestures everyone to the machine. As she faces the machine, Rita swipes her arm through the air, causing the circular doors below its meter board to slide open and reveal a neon green portal.
"Darren, Alicia, would any of you two like to go first?" Nolan asked. Darren and Alicia turn around and stare at their friends for a moment before looking back at him.
"Can you give us some more time?" Alicia asked. Nolan nods his head.
"Very well. When you are ready." Nolan replied before looking back at the people sitting on the front row seats. "Anyone wish to go first?"
"I'll go." Beatrice said as she gets up from her seat and walks up the stage. As she approaches her and the machine, Rita swipes her left hand down to summon a screen and keyboard in front of her.
"Type in the names of your world and hometown on the keyboard, Beatrice." Rita said, turning the screen to Beatrice.
"Earth…Milan…Italy…" Beatrice said as she types the keywords with the keyboard. After entering them, everyone in the auditorium could hear a whir coming from the machine, followed by the portal changing its colour to blue.
"That indicates the coordinates to your world and hometown are set. You may step inside, Beatrice." Rita said. Beatrice turns to the people at the front row seats and bows down to them.
"It was nice meeting all of you." Beatrice said to them with a warm smile. "I hope you guys can drop by Milan some time and look for me." She winks an eye at them before turning to Rita, Nolan, and the others on stage. She bows to them as well before she walks over to the portal and waves her hand goodbye at the people in the front row seats.
"Ciao." She said one last time before fully entering the portal.
"Next, please." Rita called to the people still sitting on the front row seats. Violet stands up from her chair and raises her hand.
"I'll go." Violet said before Velvet, Laphicet and Jack stand up as well. She turns to her friends who all smile sadly at her.
"Don't ever forget about us, Violet." Laphicet said. Violet smiles weakly at Laphicet and Jack before gently stroking the boy's hair.
"No matter where we go from here…" Violet said softly before she now strokes Jack's hair. "We will always stay connected through our hearts and memories."
When Violet notices tears forming in Jack's and Laphicet's eyes, she kneels to their level and the two pull her into a warm embrace. Violet hugs them back and they both stay this way for about a minute. After Laphicet and Jack inevitably pull away from her, Violet stands up and sees Velvet smiling back at her.
"Safe travels, Violet." Velvet said as she holds up her left bandaged arm and hand. Violet bows her head to Velvet before she uses her left prosthetic hand to grab her hand firmly, and they both give each other a handshake. After releasing her hand, Violet makes her way up the stage. She walks over to Jeanne and they both give each other a hug.
"Take care, Violet." Jeanne said softly to her.
"You too, Jeanne." Violet responded before they break away from their hug.
Violet now walks over to Rita and enters the names of her world and hometown on the keyboard. The machine makes a whir again and the portal turns to pink. Violet bows to everyone on stage and the front row seats one last time before walking into the portal.
"Next." Rita called. Brenda gets up from her seat and makes sure the straps of the duffel bag she is now carrying is placed securely over her shoulder. She turns to her left and gives a weak smile to Jason, Yegor, Hodaka, Sting and Yukino.
"I'll see you guys around." Brenda said to them.
"Send me a postcard from Germany." Jason replied, winking an eye at her.
"Drop by Kozushima anytime." Hodaka said with a cheerful grin.
"Bezopasnoye puteshestviye, Brenda." Yegor said.
"Take care of yourself, Brenda." Yukino said to her with a tender smile.
"We hope you will find peace and happiness." Sting said with a slight nod. Brenda nods her head to them before she turns around and walks over to Mei Li, Amelia, and Emmanuel.
"See you guys around too." Brenda said to them.
"Hooroo, mate." Amelia said as she gives a salute to Brenda.
"May our paths cross again in the future, Brenda." Mei Li said with a tender smile.
"Au revoir, Brenda." Emmanuel said while slightly lifting his cap up. Brenda takes out a small, folded piece of paper from her pocket.
"Before I forget…" Brenda hands it over to Emmanuel and gave a pat on his shoulder. "Auf Wiedersehen."
As Brenda turns and walks over to Darren, Alicia, Natsu, Lucy and Happy, Emmanuel unfolds the paper and widens his eyes upon seeing her phone number and e-mail address. He squeals for a moment before folding back the paper and inserts it into his pocket.
"Thank you, for keeping your promise in defeating the Abbey and bringing us home." Brenda said as she bows her head to Darren, Alicia, Natsu, Lucy and Happy.
"You're welcome, Brenda." Alicia said smiling.
"Have a safe trip home." Darren added.
"Whatever lies ahead of you next, we wish you all the best." Lucy said as she extends her hand to her. Brenda grabs and shakes her hand as the two girls smile broadly at each other. When she is done, Brenda turns and makes her way up the stage. She walks over to Rita and the machine and types the names of her world and hometown on the keyboard.
"Earth…Bremerhaven…Germany…" Brenda enters the keywords, and the portal turns yellow. She bows to everyone on the stage before turning to the machine. She takes a few moments to look down and unzip her duffel bag, making sure that every precious item that once belonged to the former members of her expedition are placed inside it, including Petra's metal heart necklace, photos of their spouses and relatives, and the final letters they wrote before their tragic deaths.
"We're going home, everyone. We're finally going home." Brenda managed to choke out as she felt tears starting to form in her eyes. She zips the bag and looks back at the machine. After letting out a heavy sigh, Brenda walks forward and enters the portal.
"Next." Rita said aloud, and Emmanuel stands up from his seat. After shaking hands with Mei Li and Amelia, he turns to Darren, Alicia, Team Natsu, Sheena and Brave Vesperia and gave them all a solemn nod. After seeing them smiling and nodding their heads back at him, Emmanuel goes up the stage and walks over to Noel, Makoto, and Medea.
"It's been a pleasure to have you working alongside us, Emmanuel." Noel said with a warm smile. Shortly after Emmanuel nods his head to her, Makoto rushes over and gives him a tight hug, causing him to cringe.
"We're going to miss you so much!" Makoto cried with tears in her eyes.
"I-I-I'll…miss y-you…too, Makoto." Emmanuel struggled to reply. After placing him down and unwrapping her arms around him, Makoto wipes away her tears and gives Emmanuel a wide smile and a pat on his shoulder. Emmanuel chuckled before turning to Medea.
"Will you not come back with me to France, Medea?" Emmanuel asked.
"Well, back in our world, I'm still considered a criminal. So, I'll definitely be staying here for a while." Medea said.
"I understand. This new life suits you anyway." Emmanuel said. Medea chuckled before they, Noel and Makoto all gather round and pull each other into a warm embrace.
"No matter where you are, you will always be a part of this team." Noel said to Emmanuel after breaking away from their hug. Emmanuel gives them one last smile and nod before walking over to Rita and the machine. He types in the names of his world and hometown on the keyboard and the portal turns blue.
Emmanuel turns to the remaining people on the front row seats and removes his cap as he bows down to them. A few seconds later, he puts his cap back on his head and walks into the portal.
Jason now stands up from his seat and makes his final handshakes with Yegor, Hodaka, Sting, Yukino, Mei Li and Amelia. Darren and Alicia silently stand by and watch him until they feel Erza and Gray placing their hands on their shoulders. They both turn around to face them.
"Darren, Alicia, we all know how you both feel. But you should not keep your loved ones back in your world waiting." Erza said calmly to them. Alicia briefly pursed her lips.
"It just feels so hard for us to leave because…" Alicia paused and gave a heavy sigh. "You guys are our friends. We love you all so much."
"I have never made so many wonderful friends since my breakup with Wahid and the death of my father." Darren said grimly.
"Neither did I after the death of my brother." Alicia added. "You all helped us fill in the holes that are left behind in our hearts."
"That is why all of you…are so dear to us." Darren said with his voice trembling.
"If that is the case, don't ever forget about us as long as you live." Gray said firmly to them.
"Gray is right." Karol said as he and the other members of Brave Vesperia approach them. "Before he died, my former guild master Don Whitehorse said to all of us in Altosk that every journey we share together will inevitably come to an end. But with every end of a journey, also marks the beginning of a new. So, no matter where we go next, adventure still lies ahead of us." He walks over to Alicia and grabs hold of her hand as he stares into her eyes. "Alicia Ribery, your journey with Brave Vesperia has ended. Now it is time for you to set out your own. And with your newfound strength and wisdom, I believe you will succeed."
Alicia stares wordlessly at Karol for a few moments until she takes a heavy gulp and tears cascade down her cheeks as she closes her eyelids. When she looks back at him with watered eyes, Alicia manages to crack a weak smile and said hoarsely to Karol, "Thank you so much for everything, Karol. I…I really am going to miss you…"
As she now breaks down crying, Alicia kneels to Karol's level and wraps her arms around her now former guild master. Karol smiles sadly as he hugs her back.
"I'm going to miss you too, Alicia. You truly are a special member of this guild." Karol said softly into her ear. Alicia sheds her tears onto his shoulder for a few moments until she manages to regain control of her body and pull away from her former master. She flashes a quick smile at him before standing up and backing away. Darren walks over to Karol and extends his hand to him.
"I wish you all the best in your duty as the leader of Brave Vesperia. I believe you will go far." Darren said to him.
Karol chuckled and replied as he grabs his hand and shakes it, "Thanks Darren. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours too."
As they continue smiling at each other, Darren gives a gentle pat on Karol's shoulder. In return, Karol gently pats Darren's right upper arm. Both Darren and Alicia now face the other members of Brave Vesperia and Judith approaches them. She wraps her arms around them, and both Darren and Alicia pull her into a warm embrace.
"You two are some of the strongest people I've ever known. Never forget that." Judith said calmly into the ears of Darren and Alicia. After breaking away from their hug, Darren and Alicia nod their heads to her. Judith leans closer to Darren, and to his surprise, the krityan plants a small kiss on his right cheek.
"Stay strong, Darren." Judith said softly as she gently pats his right shoulder. Darren smiles sheepishly as the krityan turns around and walks back to her guildmates, while Alicia chuckled and gently nudges his left arm. Yuri and Estelle now walk over to Darren and Alicia, and they extend their hands to them.
"So long, you two." Yuri said with a smirk. Darren and Alicia smile back at them as they grab their hands.
"Yeah, it's been fun." Darren replied.
"Please take good care of yourselves." Estelle said to them with a warm smile. After releasing their hands, Darren and Alicia turn to each other and the latter wraps her arm around his lower torso.
"We will." Alicia said as Darren wraps his own arm around her shoulders. The four of them bow their heads to each other before Yuri and Estelle turn around and walk over to Judith while Patty and Raven step forward.
"Even though we don't know much of you, thank you for fighting alongside our friends." Patty said to Darren and Alicia.
"And bringing the guild back together." Raven added as he and Patty now bow to them.
"It was no problem at all." Darren said as he and Alicia bow their heads back to them. As Patty and Raven back away, Darren and Alicia remove their arms around each other and turn to their left to see Erza approaching them.
"Darren Leong, Alicia Ribery, it has been an honour to have you both as my apprentice, and my friends." Erza said, smiling broadly as she extends her hand to them. Darren and Alicia smile back at her as the former grabs her hand and shakes it.
"I'll miss fighting and travelling alongside you, Erza." Darren said.
"Likewise." Erza nods her head before letting go of his hand.
"Also, while I was packing last night, I thought about it and…because this originally belonged to your First Master, I believe I should return it to your guild." Darren said, removing the scabbard containing his katana from the loop on the back of his harness. He holds it out to Erza, gesturing her to take it. However, when Erza places her hand on the scabbard, she gently pushes it back to him.
"Keep it." Erza said, still smiling at him. "Let this sword serve as a memento…that you are never alone." Darren smiles back at her before putting the scabbard back through the loop of his harness.
"Thank you for everything, Erza." Alicia said as she and Erza shake hands with each other.
"You're welcome." Erza replied with her eyes softened. When Darren felt Gray placing his hand on his left shoulder, he turns to his left and sees him with a smirk on his face.
"Farewell, you two. And don't worry. Both of you will be fine on your own." Gray said reassuringly. Darren smiles and nods his head to him.
"I believe you're right." Darren said as they shake hands with each other. After releasing their hands, Alicia walks over to Gray and gives him a pat on his left bicep.
"Stay cool, Gray." Alicia said with a smirk. Gray laughed in response.
"And um…may the Force be with you, Alicia." Gray said. Alicia arches an eyebrow at him before turning to Darren.
"Yeah, I taught him that." Darren said, scratching the back of his head. The three of them laugh before Alicia and Gray give each other a final handshake.
"Darren! Alicia!" Wendy called to them. Darren and Alicia turn to her and see the Sky Dragon Slayer hurriedly run over and hug them.
"Safe travels, you two. I'll miss you." Wendy said hoarsely as she rests her head against their bodies. Darren and Alicia smile as they look down at her.
"Thank you, Wendy." Darren replied as he and Alicia hug her back.
"We'll miss you too." Alicia said as she gently strokes the back of her hair. Wendy later breaks away from their hug and smiles at them with tears in her eyes. They bow their heads to each other before Darren and Alicia look up and see Happy and Carla flying over to them.
"Farewell, you two." Carla said as she and Happy extend their paws to them.
"And always be happy!" Happy added cheerfully. Darren and Alicia chuckled as they grab and shake their paws.
"Thanks guys." Darren said to the exceeds.
"We will." Alicia added. After Wendy and the exceeds back away, Natsu and Lucy walk over to them.
"Natsu, Lucy, thank you so much for everything." Darren said as he and Alicia give weak smiles to them.
"We'll never forget you both for what you have done for us." Alicia said.
"All of us at Fairy Tail will never forget you both as well." Lucy said to them.
"Take care of yourselves. And as our First Master said, keep living out your life with all your might." Natsu said.
"I sure will." Darren replied.
"Me too." Alicia added. With that, the four of them wrap their arms around each other and pull themselves into a warm embrace. They all place their heads against each other as they stay in their hug for what felt like a long time.
"You will always remain in our hearts, Darren, Alicia." Natsu said softly.
"Likewise, Natsu, Lucy." Darren responded.
"Likewise." Alicia said. After breaking away from their hug and patting themselves on the shoulder, Darren and Alicia finally turn to Sheena, who smile at them with her arms folded.
"Well, it's been a good journey, you two." Sheena said before extending her hand to them. Darren smiles at her as he grabs her hand. And to her surprise, Darren suddenly pulls her into a tight embrace.
"Thank you so much, Sheena. For taking me into your care when I first arrived here…and for travelling and fighting alongside me until the end." Darren said softly into her ear. Sheena stares blankly into space for a moment until a warm smile plasters across her face. As fresh tears form in her eyes, Sheena hugs her friend back.
"As I said before, Darren…true friendship never dies." Sheena sniffled as her tears roll down her cheeks. "I…I will never forget you…"
"Me too…" Darren said as tears brim in his eyes. When they pull away from their hug, they both stare into each other's tearstained eyes for a few moments.
"Darren…" Sheena uttered. "I love you."
"I know…" Darren replied with a weak smile. Sheena chuckled before the two friends hug each other again. After nearly a minute, Darren and Sheena finally back away from each other, and the latter turns to Alicia.
"Take good care of Darren here. He can be a bit of a klutz." Sheena said to Alicia.
"Don't worry." Alicia smirked as she places her hand on Sheena's shoulder. "You can put your faith in me."
Sheena chuckled. "Alright. And look after yourself too."
"So do you." Alicia said as her lips curve down into a wan smile. They soon pull themselves into a warm embrace and give each other a pat on their backs.
When they are done, Alicia, Darren, Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia turn back to the stage and front row seats where everyone has been watching them. Even Jason prolonged his return to Earth by standing near the machine and waited for Darren and Alicia to finish giving their farewells to their friends before giving them his own. When they see Jason smiling and waving his hand at them, Darren and Alicia did the same thing back at him. With that, Jason looks back at the machine and takes a deep breath.
"Hey Alaska! Your son is coming home! Whoo!" Jason whooped and pumped his fist into the air as he walks over to the machine and enters the portal.
"Next." Rita called. Shouto, Momo, Tenya, Mirio, Hodaka, Shinji and Lenalee all stand up from their seats together.
"Come on everyone. Let's first say goodbye to our friends before returning home to Tokyo." Tenya said to them with a broad smile. After the others nod their heads to him, Tenya, Shouto, Momo, Mirio and Shinji walk over to Darren, Alicia, Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia. Hodaka goes up the stage and over to Hina, while Lenalee approaches Allen.
"Goodbye, everyone." Momo said as she, Shouto, Tenya, Mirio and Shinji solemnly bow to Darren, Alicia, Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia.
"Have a safe journey home, everyone." Natsu said as he and his friends bow back to them.
"Darren, Alicia, if you ever drop by Nerima, Tenya, Momo and I would like to introduce you to our neighbourhood, and our friends." Shouto said.
"Or you two can also drop by Oshima island during the summer, and I'll make you both the best candy apples around." Mirio said with a wink of an eye.
"We sure look forward to it." Darren said as he and Alicia smiled at them.
"What about you, Shinji? Don't mind if we drop by to pay you a visit some day?" Alicia asked as she and Darren turn to him.
"Sure thing. You can find my apartment in Adachi. Though I'm not really sure if you will be a fan of my guardian, Misato." Shinji said, chuckling sheepishly with his hands behind his back.
"Hey Shinji, I heard from Mei and Sumeragi about what you did during the battle." Sheena said. She paused for a moment to give him a solemn bow. "Arigatou. Always remember from the battle that you are gifted, just like the rest of us."
Feeling overwhelmed by her words of gratitude and support, Shinji stares wordlessly at Sheena, Darren, Alicia, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia for a moment as he notices the proud and encouraging smiles on their faces. He eventually snaps out of his thoughts with another chuckle.
"Why, thank you, eheh…I'll keep that in mind." Shinji said, scratching the back of his head. He extends his hand to Darren and Alicia. "I'll see you around."
"You'll do fine." Darren said as he shakes his hand. After also shaking hands with Alicia, Shinji bows his head to them again before he, Shouto, Momo, Tenya and Mirio turn around and make their way up the stage.
"Will you not come to Tokyo with me?" Lenalee asked Allen as she stands in front of him.
"Not right now. I got some business to settle back in England first." Allen said while staying in his seat.
"Very well." Lenalee said before taking out a business card for the Chinese restaurant she is currently working in and hands it to Allen. "I'll be waiting for you."
Allen takes the card and stares at it for a moment before looking back up at her. "I look forward to that day." He said with a smile. Lenalee smiles back at him, and they give each other a handshake.
"Goodbye, Lenalee." Sami said as he and Vasda sat beside Allen and smile at her.
"Farewell." Vasda added as she extends her hand to Lenalee.
"See you around, Sami, Vasda." Lenalee replied before shaking hands with the both of them.
Hodaka sniffled and lets his tears roll freely down his cheeks after hearing Hina's explanation that she cannot come with him to Earth, and that she had her own family to return to in Mizuho. With a weak smile on her face, Hina gently wipes away the tears from Hodaka's cheeks with her hand.
"Don't be sad, Hodaka." Hina said softly as she grabs his hands. "No matter how far we are from each other, we'll be alright."
Hodaka gazes at Hina until his lips manage to curve up slightly. "Yeah…we'll be alright." He said as he clenches Hina's hands. The two of them place their foreheads against each other and stay there for a few moments. When they look back up at each other, Hina gives a smile to him.
"May Volt watch over you, Hodaka." Hina said. Hodaka nods his head in response.
"Goodbye, Hina." Hodaka said softly before he releases Hina's hands and walks away.
"Safe journey." Hina said as she watches him step down from the stage and head over to Mei Li and Amelia, not knowing that tears are now freely cascading down her cheeks.
As they prepare to say their goodbyes, Mei Li and Amelia bow their heads to Hodaka, just as he extends his hand to them. The three of them stare blankly at each other for a moment before Mei Li and Amelia reach their hands out to him, only for Hodaka to bow his head to them instead. They stare at each other in bewilderment again before they all burst out laughing and pull themselves into an embrace.
"See you around, mate." Amelia said to Hodaka after they pull away from their hug.
"May our paths intertwine again someday." Mei Li said to him.
"I hope so." Hodaka replied to her before he turns and walks up the stage again to join Shouto, Momo, Mirio, Tenya, Shinji and Lenalee.
"Thank you so much for taking care of me." Shinji said to Kirito, Yui and Hina after bowing down to them. "Say goodbye to Nagi and the Emperor for me."
"We will." Hina said.
"Take care of yourself." Kirito said as he pats Shinji on his left shoulder.
"And don't let any pumpkin trees bite your arm again." Yui teased. Shinji laughs in response.
"Don't think I will." Shinji said. He quietly smiles at the three of them for a few seconds before giving them one last bow. "Goodbye, everyone."
"Goodbye." Kirito, Yui and Hina said in unison as they bow back to him.
As Shinji joins the others, Tenya turns to the keyboard and types the names of their world and hometown. When he is done, the portal in the machine turns white.
"All set." Rita said. With Tenya leading the way, the seven of them hold firmly onto each other's hands.
"Let's go home, everyone." Tenya said.
"Hai!" Shouto, Momo, Mirio, Shinji, Hodaka and Lenalee responded. They all bow down to everyone on stage and the front row seats one last time before they all step into the portal together.
"I guess it's our turn now." Darren said to Alicia.
"Yeah." Alicia said softly as she nods her head. She and Darren soon felt Natsu and Lucy placing their hands on their shoulders as they stand beside them.
"We'll follow you until the end." Natsu said to them.
"Thanks guys." Darren said.
Everyone in the auditorium watch Darren, Alicia, Team Natsu, Brave Vesperia and Sheena walking together as they slowly make their way to the machine. They savour every step they make, knowing that this would be their final journey together as a united guild. They turn to their left to allow Darren and Alicia bid farewell to Sting, Yukino, Velvet, Laphicet and Jack first.
"On behalf of Sabertooth, it has been an honour fighting alongside you both." Sting said as he and Yukino extend their hands to Darren and Alicia.
"We'll never forget you." Yukino added.
"So will we." Alicia said before she and Darren shake hands with Sting and Yukino.
"Goodbye, you two." Darren said. Sting and Yukino nod their heads to them. Afterwards, Darren and Alicia walk past them and over to Velvet, Laphicet and Jack.
"To think we started our relationship by having me trying to capture you. But we have come a long way, haven't we?" Velvet asked with a wan smile.
"We sure did." Darren chuckled before extending his hand to her. "Take good care of yourself."
"You too." Velvet said as she grabs his hand and shakes it.
"Goodbye, Velvet." Alicia said as she extends her hand to her as well.
"Goodbye, Alicia, Darren." Velvet said, nodding her head to them as she shakes Alicia's hand. Laphicet and Jack later approach Darren and Alicia and bow their heads to them.
"Goodbye, Darren." Laphicet said.
"Goodbye, Alicia." Jack added.
"Goodbye, Laphicet." Darren replied as he and Alicia smile at them.
"Goodbye, Jack." Alicia said before she and Darren kneel to their level, and the four give each other a hug. After pulling away from them, Darren and Alicia stand back up and wave their hands goodbye to them. Velvet, Laphicet and Jack wave back as Darren, Alicia, Team Natsu, Brave Vesperia and Sheena turn around and walk over to Amelia and Mei Li.
"Well, umm, so long, mates." Amelia said with her voice sounding rough as she extends her hand to Darren and Alicia.
To her surprise, Alicia wraps her arms around Amelia and gives her a warm embrace. Amelia looked stunned for a moment before her lips curved into a weak smile and her eyes are filled with tears. She hugs Alicia back and rests her chin on her shoulder.
"See you later, Amelia." Alicia said softly.
"Heh. You're an absolute legend of a mate, y'know that?" Amelia replied as some tears roll down her cheeks. After pulling away from their hug, Alicia gives a gentle pat on Amelia's shoulder. Darren also extends his hand to Amelia and they both give each other a handshake. Darren and Alicia turn to Mei Li who is failing to fight back her tears.
"Have a safe journey home, you two." Mei Li said, ending with a sniff.
"Oh, you too, Mei Li." Darren said before he and Mei Li pull each other into a warm hug. Mei Li sobbed as she weeps on his chest while Darren rubs her back to comfort her.
"Bao chi jian qiang, Mei Li." Darren said.
Mei Li takes a gulp before she replied, "Ni ye shi."
The two of them pull away from their hug a few moments later and Mei Li turns to Alicia. They also hug each other for half a minute before Mei Li unwraps her arms around her, stands up straight and bows her head to them. Darren and Alicia bow back to her before they, Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia walk over to Allelujah and Marie.
"Goodbye, my dear friend." Allelujah said to Darren.
"Goodbye to you too, Allelujah." Darren said sadly before they grab each other's hands and shake.
"Thank you, for helping me regain my strength and will to live." Allelujah said with a wan smile.
"Thank you, for doing the same thing for me." Darren said. Both men wrap their arms around each other and embrace. A few moments later, Darren pulls away from Allelujah and turns to Marie, who smiles and bows to him with gratitude. Darren bows back to her and said, "Take good care, you two. Nothing is more precious than your love for each other."
"We sure will." Marie said as Allelujah wraps his arm around her shoulders. "Goodbye, Darren Leong."
Darren nods his head to the couple before he, Alicia, Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia turn to the stage and walk up the small set of stairs. When they reach the top, they make another turn and walk the final stretch of their journey towards the machine. As Darren and Alicia continue walking closer to the machine though, Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia suddenly came to a halt, marking the end of their journey with them. Darren and Alicia turn around and see them standing away from them by a few feet. Their friends smile and nod their heads to Darren and Alicia, encouraging them to finish their journey home without them. Both Darren and Alicia frown sadly. But nevertheless, they nod their heads, turn around and continue moving forward. The two stop in front of Rita, who bows her head to them.
"When you're ready." Rita said, gesturing them to the screen and keyboard before walking away and heading over to the rest of her guild. Darren and Alicia turn to Nolan, Lucas, Noel, Makoto, Medea, Jeanne, Kirito, Yui and Hina, who all smile at them.
"You two are some of the finest men we've ever fought alongside with." Nolan said.
"We'll make sure no one in Earth Land ever forget what you have done for them." Noel said.
"And us." Makoto added before she, Noel, Medea, Lucas, and Nolan stand up straight and formally salute them.
"Whatever lies ahead of you next, may the creators aid your spirits." Jeanne said calmly to Darren and Alicia while Kirito, Yui and Hina nod their heads to them. Darren and Alicia now turn their attention to each other. They grab hold of each other's hands as they gaze into their eyes.
"I will confront my parents. I will come back for you." Alicia vowed. Darren's lips formed into a wan smile.
"And I will wait for you. No matter how long it takes." Darren said. With that, they both close their eyes and lean their heads towards each other. Soon, they could feel their lips gently press against each other, and they stay in their kiss for a seemingly long amount of time.
When they eventually break away from their kiss, they could hear Erza using her magic to change into another one of her armours. Darren and Alicia turn back to Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia, and see the scarlet-haired mage now dressed in a mostly white armour and long skirt. Her breastplate and pauldrons have yellow decorated markings, and her headpiece has white angelic wings symmetrically pointing upwards. There are also a long dark blue and yellow banner hanging down from her waist and at the centre of her skirt, and a velvet cape with white fur tucked underneath her pauldrons. Finally, she holds a dark blue and white metallic lance in her left hand, and has a red flag depicting a white Fairy Tail symbol surrounded by a yellow laurel wreath hang onto the side.
"Even though you two aren't officially members, we still feel that the both of you were a part of our guild, and our family." Erza said to Darren and Alicia with a warm smile as she stood in front and centre of everyone. "And that is why we feel it is still appropriate to deliver a proper farewell ceremony."
Natsu, Lucy, Gray and Wendy step forward and stand beside her.
"There are three conditions in leaving Fairy Tail, and you should engrave them in your hearts." Wendy said as she and the others smile at Darren and Alicia as well.
"One." Gray said firmly. "You must never reveal sensitive information about Fairy Tail to others for as long as you live."
"Two." Lucy said solemnly. "You must never use former contacts met through your being in the guild for personal gain."
"And three!" Natsu said with a grin. "Though our paths may have diverged, you must continue to live out your life with all your might, you must never consider your own life to be something insignificant…"
After Erza sniffed and lets her tears cascade down her cheeks, she, Lucy, Gray, Wendy and Natsu all shout together in unison as they finish delivering the oath.
"And you must never forget about your friends for as long as you live!"
Feeling overwhelmed by what they said to them, Darren and Alicia stare wordlessly at Team Natsu as tears flow freely down their cheeks. Despite her trembling arm, Erza lifts her lance up and let its flag wave proudly through the air.
"We will never forget you…no matter where you are." Erza said hoarsely to Darren and Alicia.
After managing to regain control of themselves, Darren and Alicia wipe away their tears and nod their heads to Team Natsu.
"We will never forget you all as well." Darren vowed.
"Thank you for everything you have done for us." Alicia added. After seeing Team Natsu nod their heads to them, Darren and Alicia turn back to the screen and the latter places her hand on the keyboard.
"Earth…Wellington…New Zealand…" Alicia murmured. When she enters the keywords, the portal in the machine turns green. Alicia and Darren turn back to each other and smile.
"Goodbye, Alicia." Darren said softly.
"Goodbye, Darren." Alicia responded. Without saying another word, Alicia turns and walks towards the machine. As she goes through the portal, she smiles back at Darren and keeps waving her hand at him until she is completely gone from everyone's sight.
Darren just stood there and gazed at the portal for a few moments before he finally turns to the screen and types in the names of his world and hometown.
"Earth…Singapore…" Darren whispered and enters the keywords. As the portal turns red, Darren momentarily opens the left side of his jacket to check that Wataru's notebook is placed securely inside its pocket. After making sure it is, he closes his jacket, turns around, and stares at Sheena, Team Natsu and Brave Vesperia for one last time. They all smile back at him as Sheena, Lucy, Erza, Wendy, Karol, Estelle, Happy and Carla bore tears in their eyes.
As fresh new tears form in his eyes, Darren manages to crack a weak smile at them before he turns to the machine and approaches the portal. With his head and shoulders held high, Darren never looked back at them as he steps into the portal and makes his way home.
It was then that everything around him went white.
When Darren finally wakes up after what felt like several minutes, he lets out a heavy moan and quickly finds himself lying on a grassy field. He gets himself up on a sitting position and rubs his eyes to make his vision become clearer. When it does, Darren widens his eyes and adjusts his glasses. He gets up from the grass and stands up on his feet.
Immediately realizing he is standing in the middle of the open grassy field on top of Marina Barrage, he could see the city of Singapore and several of its iconic landmarks such as Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay Sands building and the Singapore Flyer in the distance. As he continues staring at the city's evening skyline, Darren's eyes softened as he uttered to himself,
"I'm home."
Sovereign: I would like to thank AquaBluey, Amanny and LayLay lives for reviewing, and Crimson-Tuna-Sub for checking out my story. Thank you!
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