A/N:Hi! That time again, it is. I thank Edhla for her two reviews and Xros Hero for his! Glad you've caught up buddy!
Thanks TemplarDon for your follow and fav! MusicallyCorrect thanks for the follow! I'm grateful to all of your attention and care. Let's see this to the end.
XXII. Fantasy
"I can make a real place."
He flexed his fingers slowly. They felt alien to him, thin and ready to crack. Taiki had felt like this a long time ago... but it had been such a long time ago. He had been a child then. He was still a kid, he realized.
However, he was the kid with the remote control.
Taiki found himself smiling. It wasn't chocolate-sweet, he knew that. But as he fell towards a familiar world, one of his own making, he found it suited him the best right now. Taiki touched the ground easily, the sand brushing his shoes. Once again, he looked down at the others. For the first time in what seemed to be ages, he saw them. He saw them all. Zenjirou had picked up Akari, held her close. He was glad, even at the sight of their glares. They would be safe like that. He saw Yuu, whose face was no longer shining with tears. Something familiar glimmered in his eyes. It was under his fear, the threatening to choke fear, and it filled him with relief. He could do this. They could do this.
Kiriha rose to his feet and moved. Taiki glanced at him and thought. He will fall. It was a rather distant thought, troubled by almost nothing but the wind. Kiriha choked and collapsed. Taiki smiled again and whispered the closest thing he had to farewell. He had no choice. The game had to be played to the very end. After watching the Code Crown do its work, he understood now. If something was not finished, nothing new would begin. He had to complete their illusion; it would keep them safe.
He looked outside the cave and thought again. Open the door. The air ripped, creating a black tear.
"Tai...ki..."
He smiled at Akari's voice. "Not yet." Without hesitation, he stepped through.
Bagramon stared down at him. "You remembered, have you?"
"Not the way you've liked," he heard himself reply, red light wrapping delicately around each finger. "But yes."
The angel drew in a breath and Taiki sighed. Shoutmon, let's go.
"About damn time."