Chapter 13: Karma and Destiny
"CRASH!" White pain shot up Kiku's legs and spine. His arms shook as he lifted himself up. Glass fragments crunched under his boots.
Thankfully, his katana did not fly out of his hands that far. Recovering the weapon, Kiku hurried towards where he was thrown from, ready to reengage with the Walpurgisnacht.
"You have the power to assist him in this battle."
"What power?"
On the streets below stood the wide-eyed Alfred. Speaking to him was Tony.
"The power to challenge and change his inevitable fate. It lies within you." Tony said to Alfred.
Kiku froze. Color drained from his face. "Alfred! Don't listen to it! It's going to trick you!" he shouted.
Alfred continued to talk to Tony. "Do I really have this power? The power to save him?"
A shadow draped over Kiku. The Walpurgisnacht launched a ball of flame. Although Kiku dodged, it struck the floor. The ground shook before collapsing.
"Of course you do!" Tony confirmed to Alfred. "So, make a contract with me and become a magical boy!"
As he plunged to the ground, Kiku was blinded by golden rays of light.
"NO!"
Kiku's eyes snapped open. Clammy fists clutched his bedsheets. The alarm clock's ticks were hardly heard over his pumping heart and quaking breaths.
"Just… Just a dream…"
Inhale…Exhale… Although a cooling chill washed over him, Kiku's heartrate was still quick. The bed was too warm for comfort. Kiku turned on his lamp before throwing his blankets off.
The lights flashed on. Kiku went into the kitchen to make himself some tea. Tony sat at the dining table.
"You're up early."
Glowering, Kiku turned on the hot water dispenser. A tea bag was set in the steaming water to soak.
"Not in the mood to talk?" Tony asked as Kiku pulled the tea bag up and down in the cup.
Kiku did not respond. He turned to go back to his room.
"I have a theory on why Alfred Kirkland-Bonnefoy has inexplainable potential to be a magical boy."
Kiku halted. The cup began to scald his fingers.
"Care to listen?"
"…Tell me your theory." Kiku said as he sat down across from Tony.
"The potential of magical boys and girls are based on their karmic destiny." Tony began to explain. "If Alfred was a saint, a king, or a revolutionist, that would explain his potential. However, Alfred is a typical boy of his age. He shouldn't he the central focus of so many destinies."
"However, could it be that Alfred's power is a side effect of you reliving this month over and over?"
Kiku's stomach churned. "…What do you mean?"
"Your reason for repeating this timeline is to save Alfred." Tony answered. "Before, the different timelines were never linked together before. However, by turning back time for the same reason, you caused multiple timelines to join with each other. As a result, all of Alfred's karmic destinies in each separate timeline congregated into Alfred, giving him much higher magic potential."
Under the table, Kiku's fist clenched in his lap.
"A job well done, Kiku. You've made Alfred the most powerful witch ever."
"Alfred! Alfred, wake up!" A hand shook Alfred's shoulder.
Arthur's voice sounded urgent. Alfred's heavy eyes fluttered open. "Dad? Why did you wake me up so early? It's Saturday…"
"Pack your belongings quickly."
"…What?" Alfred groggily put on his glasses and rose a brow.
"An evacuation order was just issued."
"For what?"
"A hurricane. Hurry now."
"What the heck!" Alfred tossed his bedcovers over before hurrying to the bathroom. Arthur did not reprimand him for not making his bed.
"Be sure to pack necessary items!" Arthur called.
Kiku's sat atop a building and looked across the grey sky. The whistling wind bit his ears.
The streets were void of people. Empty cars parked along the curbsides. Deep inside, Kiku rather be squeezed into one of the city's shelters surrounded by people's company. But if he ran, who was going to protect Alfred? Who was going to stop the Walpurgisnacht?
Kiku's expression remained expressionless as the Walpurgisnacht's eerie laugh. Though, his stoicism did not prevent a chill from shooting down his spine. Minions seated on pastel-colored elephants, llamas, and horses tugged ropes strung with triangular flags as they paraded through the city.
The Walpurgisnacht emerged from the horizon. Surrounding it were its familiars, silhouettes of magical boys and girls. Kiku's Soul Gem lit like a purple light.
"Let's finish this."
Kiku followed the same tactics. Fire arrows. Stop time wisely. Place as many fired arrows towards the target before resuming time. When close enough, slash the Walpurgisnacht's face. Deflect the familiars' attacks with the katana. Dodge the flame attacks. Avoid getting slammed onto the ground. The minions' mounts would trample you. Best to leave them alone.
Blasts crumbled buildings. Fire shot out the Walpurgisnacht's mouth. Familiars giggled as they socked Kiku, sending him tumbling in the air. The Walpurgisnacht sobbed its laughter as arrow deflected off its massive body. Everything was laughing at Kiku, the foolish boy who was naïve to think that things would change in the next timeline.
Yet, Kiku kept on getting back up with determination burning in his eyes..
The ceiling rumbled. Lights flickered on and off. Wide eyes darted around as gasps sounded.
The Kirkland-Bonneboy family held each other in their arms. Francis pulled his husband and sons to himself closely, ready to shield them from any debris. Arthur's emerald eyes darted from the ceiling to the nearest emergency exit. Matthew held his breath. Alfred was only fixated on the ground.
The tremor's cease was followed by sighs of relief.
"Thank heavens…" Arthur wiped his forehead with his sleeve.
"We're safe for now. Don't worry." Francis said. "Alfred? Where are you going?"
"I'm going to the restroom." Alfred answered. "I'll be back soon."
On his way to the men's restroom, Alfred ran into Tony. Tony was sitting across from the restroom, back rested against the wall. Although still suspicious of the alien, Alfred asked, "…Kiku's not here. Is he…?"
"Yes." Tony said. "He is battling the Walpurgisnacht now."
Alfred recalled his last conversation with Kiku. The way Kiku's voice shook, how his tears shone in his eyes, and how tightly he held him in his arms still made Alfred's heart throb. Kiku was not crazy. He could not be making up the story he told him.
But what did Kiku see in Alfred that Alfred did not see in himself?
"Why is he being so stubborn about fighting that witch?" Alfred asked.
"He hasn't given up hope. To be more precise, he cannot give up hope. If he fails again, he'll just go back in time and start this month all over again. He'll keep on fighting, even if nothing could be done to change anything. There's no other option for Kiku. Once when he acknowledges that his efforts were in vain and he cannot save you, he'll fall into despair and turn into a witch. He has to continue fighting."
"So, you're saying that he's doomed no matter what?"
"That's right." Tony confirmed. "Just like it was for previous magical boys and girls. We have discussed this before."
As the toilet flushed, Alfred went to the sink. The white bubbles swirled down the drain. Rinsing his hand, Alfred looked as his reflection. He did not see a boy sliding his jersey over his shoulder pads, a boy forcing his largest and whitest smile at his class, or a boy whose face was caked with so much foundation he looked sickly. He only saw a sixteen-year-old boy with baby blue eyes, a cowlick sticking up from his dirty blond hair, and rectangular-framed glasses.
Putting the damp paper towel into the trash, Alfred took one last look at his reflection before leaving the restroom.
Alfred's sneakers tapped the floor as he strolled down the hallway. The emergency door's handle was cold to the touch. Alfred's fingers coiled around the metal surface.
"And just where you think you're going, young man?"
In the hallway stood Arthur with his classic frown.
"Dad, I…" Alfred tried to start.
Arthur grabbed Alfred by the wrist. "Don't tell me you were about to go outside! Don't you know how dangerous it is? Come along now!"
Alfred pulled against his father's grip. "No! I can't!"
"Listen to your father!"
"I need to save someone!"
Arthur's grip loosened. The heat growing on the back of Alfred's neck cooled. Alfred opened his mouth. He did not even utter a single world before Arthur sent an open palm flying across his face.
"Arthur?" Francis and Matthew flinched at the slapping sound.
Arthur grabbed Alfred by his shoulders. "Now see here! You cannot just run off and do what you want. Do you want to worry us to death?"
Alfred's left cheek was a stinging red. "No! But I need to go out and save a friend!"
Arthur's glare softened when he rose a questioning brow.
"Arthur, what's going on here?" Francis asked.
"One of Alfred's friends is outside." Anger no longer lingered in Arthur's voice. "Alfred was going to rescue him."
"Alfred." Francis's expression was stern. "The rescue team can handle this situation. You need to stay here with us."
"No. I'm the only person who can save him." Alfred replied. "This is a situation only I know about."
Tsking, Francis looked at Arthur. Both gave each other troubled expressions.
"Hey if I went with Alfred, would it be ok?" Matthew spoke up.
Arthur and Francis's face blanched. "No!"
Matthew jumped at the shocked voices. Well, their answer was reasonable. Why would they want both of their sons to endanger themselves?
"I'll go with Alfred." Francis declared.
"No, you must stay here with Matthew. I shall accompany Alfred." Arthur re-joined.
"Non." Francis's voice rose. "I don't want anything to happen to you."
"I don't danger to befall on you too!"
Before the two men began to scrabble, Alfred shouted. "Dad! Papa!"
The three looked at Alfred. Alfred set a hand on his hip. "I want both of you to stay with Mattie. He needs both of you. Also, I want my dads to be safe. I don't want anyone in my family to get hurt."
"…Are you saying that you will be doing this alone?" Arthur asked.
Alfred nodded. Arthur frowned as he clenched his brows. Francis's lips thinned. Matthew's eyes looked worriedly at his twin brother.
"Are you sure that you know what you're doing?"
"Yeah."
"No one is trying to trick you, am I correct?"
"I'm sure. Dad, you told that world is a scary place. And you're right. Even I'm scared of it. But I'm not only going out to save my friend. I'm also going out to save you guys. And I need all of you to trust that I know what I'm doing."
Arthur took Alfred's hands and squeezed them tightly. "Will you promise us that you'll return safely?"
With a smile Alfred pulled Arthur into his arms. "I promise. And Dad? Will you promise to keep me in your thoughts no matter what happens?"
Arthur's eyes shimmered. "I shall."
Alfred gestured at Francis and Matthew with his hand to join the circle. Arms interlocked. Warm bodies pressed against each other. Alfred grasped Matthew's red hoodie as Francis's rubbed circles into Alfred's back. Arthur rested his chin on Alfred's shoulder.
"My…" he mumbled.
"Hmmm?" Alfred's eyes perked up.
Arthur quickly blinked away the forming tears. "When did you become so big?" he asked.
"No! It's getting too close!"
The Walpurgisnacht continued its destruction. The colorful flames spit out of its mouth set falling debris ablaze. Shockwaves sent buildings crumbling down.
Kiku pushed through the walls of snickering familiars blocking his way. No matter how many familiars he sliced with his katana, more were sent to chase after him. Magic projectiles zipped past him, missing him by a few inches.
"I can't let it get to that shelter!"
Familiars surrounded Kiku, each charging a magic attack. Kiku pulled his katana back, ready to perform a spin attack.
"No matter what!"
The squall blew against Kiku, holding him back in his path like a heavy chain wrapped around his ankles. Kiku gasped as he lost his balance. His katana flew out of his grasp.
The familiars' magic blasts sent Kiku tumbling onto the ground. A growing shadow covered him. Towering Kiku was a falling skyscraper.
"No, it can't be—"
Concrete and metal rubble crumbled onto the ground. Glass shards cut Kiku's skin. As the dust cleared, Kiku coughed. He shakily lifted himself up, only to be stopped by the stone debris crushing his right foot.
No matter how hard he pulled, Kiku could not free his leg. Familiars circled around him and sniggered, before flying off to their master. The Walpurgisnacht grew smaller as it drifted into the distance. Its laugh remained as booming and loud as ever.
Tears prickled Kiku's eyes. His Soul Gem glistened a deep purple. It flickered with each passing second, brightening with each flash and ready to take Kiku back to the beginning of this mouth.
"A job well done, Kiku. You've made Alfred the most powerful witch ever." The Soul Gem ceased flickering.
The Walpurgisnacht was almost out of sight. The clicks coming from its gears faded.
Kiku's face scrunched. He leaned back and rested his head on the ground. Whimpers escaped his grinding teeth. Hot tears rolled down his cheek.
On the back of his left hand, his Soul Gem began to turn black. The pain, violence, and despair he underwent was for nothing.
Kiku's eyelids clasped shut.
"Kiku."
Kiku's eyes shot open at the familiar voice. His heart rose at the blond cowlick and baby blue eyes.
"Alfred!"
Alfred smiled warmly. "That's enough."
Behind Alfred was Tony. Kiku's stomach dropped. His warm tears cooled on his freezing cheeks.
"Alfred…" Kiku softly started. "Don't do it."
Comforting arms wrapped around Kiku. "I'm sorry, dude. I know that you don't want me to become a magical boy. But I finally know what I want to wish for."
"Don't!" Kiku protested. "If you do, everything I've done would've been for nothing!"
Alfred pulled Kiku closer. "Everything you've done isn't for nothing. Trust me. It isn't. Let me be your hero now. Please."
Kiku's head bobbed lightly in understanding. "Yes."
"Are you ready to make your contract?" Tony asked.
Alfred nodded with a stern expression. His hands rolled into fists.
"You have accumulated karmic destiny from multiple timelines. No matter how great your wish is, it will certainly come true. Now, what is the wish that you will trade your soul for?" Tony gazed at Alfred.
"I wish…"
Alfred shut his eyes. "Ok… Just like how Mr. Edelstein leads us during breathing exercises…" He took a deep inhale through his nose and exhaled slowly through his mouth.
"I wish to erase all witches. All of them from the past, present, future, and everywhere."
A blinding gold light shone from Alfred. Through clenching eyes, Kiku struggled to keep his eyes on the blond.
Tony gasped. "That wish violates the laws of karmic destiny and the universe! You will become a god!"
"I don't care if I turn into a god. All I want to do is to stop magical boys and girls' suffering. Let me rewrite these laws. That's all I want."
The light engulfed the area.
"Grant my wish, Incubator!"
Author's Notes: Originally, I was going to upload one last chapter before posting up two alternative endings separately, like how the story was uploaded on AO3. Though, since I want to finish uploading this story here, I'm currently debating if I should upload all of the endings on the same chapter here. Just a heads up.