A/N: Wish it wasn't a Monday... hey guys! Update time! Super tired over here so I'll make this quick and thank all my reviewers and viewers. thanks Djinni Fires, Xros Hero, and darkin520. Love you guys lots! I'll make up for my terseness when I'm a little more awake.
XII. Return
"There's no home for me here."
His legs swung back and forth. Taiki looked wistfully up at the large, cavernous ceiling. He would quite like to sleep today. Being at less than your best was unfulfilling for a fun game, no matter what side you played for. Yet the voices were so loud and imploring, he couldn't find it in him to be concerned about the potential weakness.
"This isn't you," whispered one in a deep, lonely growl.
"You are… stronger… than this," said another, stilted and heavy words.
Taiki laughed. It was almost an obscene giggle, slightly haughty but still gentle. "What does strength have to do with anything?"
"He… chose you… for it… for your kindness."
The boy tilted his head. "Who chose me? And for what? Who took me from my home?"
"Your… best friend." The growling was angry now. It made the red Xros Loader shake on the desk. "You know, the guy who you saved? The one who you gave the ability to become king?"
"Oh…" Taiki shrugged. "Can't say I can recall the face of someone like that… someone who used a vessel like this until there was nothing left… you'd think I would." He chuckled. "I'll remember one of these days."
There was silence. Then in the middle of heartbeats, one of them said. "You aren't him."
Taiki smiled, closing his eyes and rolling over. "I can't be a dead man."