A/N: All I can say is that you will alternately hate me and love me for this chapter. My defense is that it had to happen this way. Also, only the epilogue is left. If you have any questions/plotholes you'd like cleared up, please let me know and I'll try to address them.
Alas, I am forced to disclaim and claim no ownership. Again.
Chapter16: Goddess
What. Just. Happened?
Kyoko's mind stalled in the attempt to understand. Had Kuon really just kissed her? The tingling of her lips was proof enough. And had he said that he loved her? Her heart raced at the memory.
Then she remembered that he had also left her tied to a column and gone haring off after two armed and dangerous men.
"That idiot," Kyoko growled, angry at the predicament that Kuon had left her in. Luckily, she hadn't dropped the tiny blade he had passed her.
She began to cut the ropes.
She made short work of the restraints and, standing, shook circulation back into her limbs. The pins and needles feeling faded and Kyoko was about to make her way out of the cavern and trek back though the jungle, when something stopped her.
Why would Kuon order her back to the still occupied ship? The Dark Moon was crawling with enemy sailors. What good she possibly do there? Surely, her odds were better here with two against two. And why confess his feelings for her now? Unless he didn't expect to be able to do so later.
That thought sent a chill down her spine. Her captain must be trying to protect her at the risk of his own life. He obviously expected her to meekly follow his orders and return to the perceived 'safety' of the ship.
Like hell.
Kyoko spun on her heel and made her way to the secret entrance. Peering into the opening revealed only darkness. On the upside, this tunnel was much larger than the first one, but that still left the question of how she was to see.
Kuon hadn't taken a torch himself. Did she really want to follow his example?
She was about to search for one of the remaining torches when a muffled shout echoed down the tunnel. "Kuon," she whispered in terror.
Forget the fire. Her captain needed her now.
Taking a deep breath to calm her anxiety, Kyoko entered the tunnel. Within a few steps, the weak light from the temple was swallowed by the darkness. It was hard going. She trailed a hand along the rock wall so she wouldn't lose her way. The rock was cool and damp and left a slimy feeling behind on her fingertips.
A sudden, sharp pain flared in her toes. She had apparently kicked a protruding stone. She would have to be even more careful than she thought. Kyoko crouched over and massaged her aching digits. As she blinked the tears of pain from her eyes, she was surprised that she could just barely see the outline of her shoe.
Raising her head, Kyoko spotted a faint luminescence a short way ahead. She stood and crept towards the bluish glow. Was it her imagination or was the light pulsating?
Close inspection revealed the source. Glow worms! The tiny insects were writhing in the cracks of the stone walls. She doubted that Shotarou or Reino had even realized that they were there. As for Kuon-
Kuon!
What was she doing, just standing there, admiring bugs? Her captain needed her help. Thankfully, the increasing light from the glow worms allowed her to set a quicker pace.
After close to forever, Kyoko began to hear increased sounds of fighting. The clash of sword against sword actually soothed her nerves. If a battle was still being fought, then Kuon was surely alive. She surged forward eagerly.
Soon, a harsh orange light began to overtake the cool blue of the worms. Kyoko slowed to a creep and finally reached the mouth of the new cavern.
Smaller than the temple, the space retained a naturalness, with stalactites and stalagmites all around. Iron braziers dotted the cave, their flickering flames casting light upon a raised platform located in the center. Resting on a pedestal on the dias was the Heart of Gold.
Movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention and she glanced to the side. There was Kuon, fighting a three-way battle with Shotarou and Reino. It was uneven as her captain had to defend against two attackers, but Kyoko could see that he was in top form.
The only problem was that he was fighting with an unfamiliar and poorly balanced weapon. She could already see the strain it was putting on him. This fight had to be stopped sooner rather than later and hopefully in their favor.
What could possibly tip the scales?
Kyoko's eye tracked back to the center of the room, landing on the treasure. The glint of firelight off the golden rays surrounding the deep red ruby was alluring. If she could only reach it...
A quick glance showed that the three men were still immersed in their heated battle. Kyoko took a deep breath and began to cross the cavern. She slunk between the rocky spires, keeping them between her and the combatants. Eventually, she reached the open space between her hiding spot and the treasure.
Now she had to be especially careful to not be seen.
Hunched over, she tiptoed silently past the fight and approached the platform. Step by cautious step, she inched closer. Finally, she was there. Kyoko straightened and gazed at the Heart.
It was larger than she'd expected, at least two hand spans across and in height. The ruby at the center was the size of her spread hand and a brilliant red that soaked up the torchlight and appeared to be on fire itself. Its shape was not that of a symbolic heart, but of an anatomically correct one. Kyoko had seen a diagram once in a medical text and this jewel looked as if it could have been pulled beating straight from someone's chest.
She shivered at the thought.
The oddly shaped gem was surrounded by spears of pure gold, the longest ones the length of her middle finger. Each was sharpened to a point and could be deadly if handled carelessly. All in all, the Heart of Gold was stunning.
Kyoko was just reaching out to grasp the treasure when the unimaginable happened.
"No!"
The shout gained her attention, but it was the gunshot that arrested all movement. The blast was deafening in the enclosed area and it took a moment for Kyoko's ears to stop ringing. Who had fired? Who had been hit? She turned her head.
And froze in shock.
Kuon was standing feet away, his back to her and arms outstretched. As she watched, his limbs dropped limply to his side and his sword clattered to the ground. He staggered to face her and Kyoko's eyes widened in horror as she saw the redness blossoming around the hole in his shirt.
No, it couldn't be.
Trying to deny the truth, her eyes shot to Kuon's face. One of his hands rose and touched the wound, staining his fingertips that awful color. His expression showed disbelief.
Horrified, Kyoko stumbled closer to her captain. When she reached him, Kuon extended his bloodstained hand to brush her cheek gently and leaving behind a trail of his life.
"Kyoko," he breathed, a look of remorse on his face. "I'm sorry."
Then he collapsed forward and Kyoko barely managed to slow his descent. She lowered him to the ground and crawled out from under him. Flipping him to his back took all her strength. "No, please," she moaned desperately as she searched for some sign of life.
There were none.
No rise and fall of his chest, no heart beat under her fingertips. His gorgeous green eyes were lifeless and still.
He was gone.
Kyoko sat back on her heels, not quite believing what had happened. Hadn't he just kissed her? Told her he loved her? She hadn't even had a chance to respond to that yet.
Now it was too late.
"Well, that was rather unexpected, wouldn't you say, ma petite?" Reino's coldly amused voice penetrated the fog of her despair. She raised her head in time to watch the Frenchman cast aside a still smoking pistol. "Here I was, prepared to stop you from absconding with the Heart when dear Capitaine Tsuruga leapt in the way. It was positively heroic!" He chuckled darkly and began pacing towards her. "A shame that such a brave act shall go to waste, non?"
At that, Reino drew his second pistol from his belt and aimed it between her brows. He cocked the hammer and sneered down at her. "I am sorry to lose such a fascinating pet, but I think I shall live somehow."
No longer caring, Kyoko closed her eyes and waited for that sweet oblivion. Soon she would be with her beloved captain again. She was ready.
But instead of a booming gunshot followed by nothingness, all Kyoko heard was rapid footsteps, a short grunt of pain, and the clatter of something against the stone floor. She opened her eyes and was met with the sight of Reino staring incredulously at the good six inches of steel that had emerged from his chest.
"Merde," was all he managed as a thin trail of blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth. Then his eyes rolled back and he tipped to the side, revealing Shotarou standing behind him, a look of rage twisting his handsome features.
He looked at her and smirked fiercely. "Who was going to stab who in the back now?"
Kyoko blinked at him in bemusement.
"Stupid bastard," Shotarou spat, kicking the dead Frenchman's leg. He bent over and yanked his sword out of the body, wiped the blood on the privateer's clothes, and sheathed the weapon. Then he knelt by Kyoko's side, a surprising amount of concern in his eyes. "Are you alright?"
She shook her head mutely and reached out to grab a handful of Kuon's coat. Her knuckles turned white from the strength of her grip.
Shotarou watched this silently before sighing heavily. "It won't do any good, Kyoko. He's already gone." He tried to take her arm and pull her away from her captain.
"No," Kyoko finally found her voice and jerked out of Shotarou's grip.
The young man stared at her. "What are you talking about?" He scoffed. "There's nothing you can do." He grabbed for her again, this time catching hold of her shoulder.
"I won't!" She pushed frantically at the naval captain. She managed to break free and send him sprawling as she huddled against Kuon's side. "Just take your treasure and go!" She screamed.
Anger infused Shotarou's face. He pushed himself to his feet and stalked over to the Heart of Gold. "Fine," he growled, snatching up the treasure.
Having expected a lightning bolt or possibly an earthquake when the Heart was removed, Kyoko was rather disappointed when nothing of the sort happened. 'I suppose it really is just a legend,' she thought dully as Shotarou shoved the jewel into his pack and made for the entrance, fury tensing his whole body.
At the opening, however, he paused, that tension leaving him abruptly. His shoulders slumped and he turned to face the grief-stricken young woman. "I'm sorry," he said, regret heavy in his voice. "I never meant for...this," he waved his hand around the room and Kyoko wondered if he meant her, Kuon, or Reino, "to happen."
The young woman swallowed thickly. "I know," she replied hoarsely.
Shotarou shifted his pack higher. "I'll get rid of Reino's crew and tell yours where to find you." With a final nod, he turned his back and left her alone with her captain.
Sitting up, Kyoko noticed that Kuon's eyes were still staring up at nothing. Ever so gently, she closed the lids. 'There,' she thought, smiling sadly. 'He could be sleeping.'
But he wasn't. The crimson blood soaking his chest spoke of the horrible truth. Tears began to flow in earnest and anguish took a stranglehold on her heart. Her throat and eyes burned with the grief and Kyoko finally let go.
She crumpled onto his chest and balled her fists into his shirt. Sobs wracked her slender body, but it was useless.
He was never going to smile at her again, never laugh or cry with her again. She would never get to cook for him or get annoyed when he refused to eat ever again. There would be no more practice fights, no more Puppy-Dog Pouts, no more kisses. Nothing.
Kyoko had no idea how long she sobbed out her heartache, but it felt like an eternity. Finally, the tears slowed from a torrent to a trickle and she was able to lift her head. She felt limp from the weeping and therefore didn't even jump when a strange voice sounded from behind her.
"Love is painful, is it not, little one?"
Turning her head, Kyoko examined the newcomer. A tall, curvaceous woman with skin the color of coffee beans and long, softly curling, black hair stood by the now empty pedestal. She was dressed in a flowing gown of sea blue gauze that bared her arms and plunged provocatively at the neckline revealing a significant décolletage. The waist was pulled in by a shimmering gold cord which crisscrossed from under her breasts to the top of her generous hips while the remaining folds of the skirt drifted around her bare feet like ocean waves.
Golden bands adorned her biceps and wrists and interlocking golden chains hung from her neck and ears. A diadem in the shape of golden crab claws sat on her brow.
The woman was beautiful, but her most striking features were her eyes. They were a startling green-blue, like that of the Caribbean ocean. Kyoko was sure that they reflected the moods of the ocean as well; from calm to stormy and everything in between.
The woman smiled gently at the cook. "Do you know who I am?"
Kyoko nodded. "Caly-" her voice croaked and she cleared her throat. "Calypso."
The goddess's smile widened. "Very good. And do you know why I am here, little one?" Her eyes sparkled like sunlight on the waves.
This time Kyoko shook her head.
Calypso laughed. "Excellent. And that is precisely why I am here."
Goddesses were very confusing Kyoko decided. She truly did not know what to think of this beautiful creature who spoke in riddles.
The sea goddess drifted down from the dias and floated to where the cook still knelt with Kuon. She folded herself down, her gown pooling about her knees. "Such a beautiful man," she sighed, brushing the captain's hair back. "So brave. He reminds me of ..." She paused, lost in memory. After a moment, Calypso shivered and came back to the present. "But no matter." She turned to Kyoko. "You love this man?"
Kyoko nodded. "With all my heart."
"And what would you give for him, I wonder." There was a sly look in the goddess's eye that warned the cook to tred lightly. If she swore to give up everything, then that surely would be what was taken.
However...
Nothing ventured, nothing gained as the saying went.
"My Lady," Kyoko bowed her head. "I owe him so much, I could not begin to repay him. He has protected me, taught me, even loved me, although I am not worthy. My life would be a small price to pay."
"Hmm, a well spoken answer, little one." Calypso pursed her lips and scrunched her brow in a surprisingly human expression, eyes now cloudy as an overcast sea. "I have been observing the pair of you since you entered these waters." She smirked lightly. "This man even cursed my name during my storm."
The young woman gasped. "I'm sure he didn't mean it, Lady."
Calypso laughed amusedly. "Oh, he meant it! But I forgave the slight as it was a token of his love for you."
Kyoko blinked. "Really?"
"Yes, as was this sacrifice. So as reward for the selflessness of you and your pirate captain, I shall grant your request."
Her stomach clenched, not quite daring to believe. Kyoko was prepared for whatever the goddess could throw at her, but perhaps she should clarify exactly what was happening. "What will you do, my Lady?"
"A life for a life." The goddess stood and pressed her hands together, eyes now dark and shimmering as if bathed in moonlight. A light began to grow between her palms, warm and golden. It grew, building in power and brightness until Kyoko could no longer look directly at it.
Then the goddess clapped once, twice, thrice.
And the light exploded.
X.x.X
He floated in darkness.
There was nothing but him and the black space that cradled him. No way to tell the passage of time. He remembered nothing from before he was here, so perhaps it was best to say that he had been here forever.
He supposed he should be frightened by the situation, or at the very least worried. But the dark was comforting. Warmth and safety were his overall feelings and he was content to drift.
boom
A ripple shook the blackness and, by extension, him. Sound echoed through the velvety dark and brought with it memory. His memories.
Memories of who he had been before the darkness. He saw a golden haired child who struggled against the tide of public opinion. An angry youth who lashed out at the world and paid for his insolence. A daring young man who protected those who truly needed it yet despaired of his own salvation.
He wasn't sure he wanted to be reminded of this person.
Boom.
The second sound radiated outward and filled his space with faces. Beautiful faces accompanied by a vast array of emotions.
He saw two people, a man and a woman, and immediately recognized them as father and mother. Love, anger, envy, and inadequacy were only a few of the feelings they inspired.
Next came a series of faces that filled him with a sense of adventure and camaraderie. An older man wearing a ridiculous hat, a bespectacled man, a surly woman, and a dark skinned, smiling man floated in the forefront of several others.
His friends.
Then there was a face that he was amazed he had forgotten. Dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and strong features. The young man before him caused immense guilt to boil up within him. This feeling was soon tempered by acceptance. Whatever had happened was over and he was done with the guilt.
More and more faces flew by, but he began to feel as though one was missing. A sense of black and gold had him searching desperately for something he couldn't name.
BOOM!
And there she was. Kyoko.
The name coursed through him like wildfire. No longer was he content to stay in the dark. He had to get back to her, death be damned.
At that thought, a light began to build. Brighter and brighter it grew, until he had to cover his eyes. Even then it still penetrated and flooded his body. Just when he thought he could take no more, a voice commanded him. "Come back."
His spirit exploded.
X.x.X
With a gasping, violent breath, Ren catapulted upright, eyes flying wide. He heaved greatly, sucking in air like he would never get enough. A sharp pain in his chest caused him to wince and grasp at his shirt.
Feeling a dampness, Ren looked down and was shocked to see his front covered in blood, a tiny hole at the center. The memory flooded back.
He'd been shot. By that evil Frenchman, too.
Looking around, he came across the body of the privateer. 'Well, at least somebody got him,' he thought wryly, observing the neat slice decorating the man's chest. 'Right through his black heart.'
"Kuon?"
The tremulous voice brought his head around to look over his shoulder. In all of his life, he had never seen anything as enchanting as the young woman kneeling beside him.
Kyoko was staring at him in wonder, eyes wide and damp with tears. She was clasping her hands under her chin and Ren was dismayed to see blood covering her waistcoat and hands, as well as streaking down one cheek. His mind automatically leapt to the worst of conclusions.
Shifting so he faced her more fully, he reached out a hand and brushed her bloodied cheek. "Are you hurt?" He asked, brow furrowing in concern.
A choked sob was his only warning before Kyoko flung herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly about his shoulders. Ren felt hot tears dripping onto his neck and his ears were filled with her soft cries.
To say he was confused would be a gross understatement.
"Hey," he tried to reassure her as he folded himself around her tiny frame. "It's alright. Just tell me what happened." Kyoko shook her head violently against his shoulder and wouldn't answer.
"You were dead." A dulcet tone answered him instead.
Ren glanced up to see a gorgeous woman standing over them. He really should be more upset about some stranger being witness to this emotional scene, but something about her voice resonated within him.
Then it clicked.
"It was you, wasn't it." He stated more than asked. "That I heard calling me back."
The woman inclined her head gracefully, a warm smile on her face. "Indeed, pirate." The epithet was said as an endearment rather the usual taunt and Ren felt himself coloring with embarrassment. The lady chuckled at his discomfort.
He scowled at her. "Why should you care to do such a thing?" He demanded.
"Because she wished for it," she responded, waving a hand at Kyoko.
Startled by the reply, Ren glanced down at the young woman in his arms. She had finally stopped her tears and seemed content to remain close to him. When he pushed back on her shoulders, she moved easily enough. However, her eyes remained downcast.
"Kyoko." The captain tilted her head up with one finger. Her golden eyes shimmered with the firelight and tears. "What does she mean?"
Sighing heavily, Kyoko closed her eyes. "You died," she whispered hoarsely. "Reino tried to shoot me and you protected me." She shook her head. "Didn't you even think about what would happen after you got shot?" Her eyes flew open, showing a burning fire from within.
Ren blinked. Wait, was she...angry?
Kyoko pushed further away in frustration, stood, and proceeded to pace. "When you died," she continued, agitation clear in her stature. "You took a part of me with you." She ran a hand though her hair. "You and your stupid chivalry. Maybe I didn't want you to die for me. Did you ever think of that, huh?" She whipped around and pointed an accusing finger at him. "Just like back in the temple. You kiss me and say you love me, but do you give me a chance to say anything in response? No." She turned her back on him, angrily crossing her arms. "I swear, if I didn't love you so damn much, I would beat you silly. You can't jus-mmph!"
What he couldn't do was interrupted by what he did do. Which was kiss her. As soon as she had admitted that she loved him, Ren had sprung to his feet, whirled the still complaining cook around and effectively put a stop to her tirade.
The shock lasted for only a second before she began to reciprocate the kiss. She curled her arms about his waist as Ren's fingers found their way into her short hair. His thumb ghosted over her cheek and throat and he felt rather than heard her hum of pleasure.
Pulling back gently, Ren met her hazy gaze. "I'm sorry," he managed after a moment. "I promise I'll never try and save your life again." He smiled warmly. "At least, not without your permission."
She huffed a laugh. "See that you don't." Ren leaned forward and bumped his forehead against hers, intent on staring into her beautiful, loving eyes for as long as possible.
Which turned out to be not so very long.
"Ahem." The pointed clearing of a throat broke the moment and the two lovers glanced up at the woman who was still standing there. "I am sorry to break up such a tender moment, but we still have some business to attend to, little one."
Ren felt Kyoko stiffen in his arms before she turned to wholly face the woman. Refusing to relinquish his hold on her, he wrapped his arms about her waist and pulled her back against his chest. She swatted uselessly at his grip for a moment, before relaxing into the embrace. "Alright, Calypso. I'm ready to pay."
Calypso? Pay? Ren was confused. "What are you talking about?" He tried to meet her eyes, but she kept turning her head away.
"There was a price to pay," she finally muttered, once again wriggling to get away. "A life for a life."
The realization of what she meant hit him like a punch to the gut. "No." He grasped her shoulders and spun her around. "If I can't give my life for you, then you certainly can't do it for me." He faced the goddess. "Take it back," he begged desperately.
Kyoko gasped. "Don't you dare!"
The captain glared down at her. "So you would negate everything I tried to do?"
She had the grace to look ashamed. "No, but I couldn't live with myself if I knew you had sacrificed yourself for me."
His expression softened and he pulled her back into his arms, resting his chin atop her head. She buried her face into his chest, unmindful of the blood still coating his shirt.
They were shocked out of their embrace by Calypso breaking out into great peals of laughter. They turned to see the goddess crouching on the floor, clutching at her side, and giggling madly. After an awkward length of time, she finally looked up at the two bemused humans. "Oh," she gasped, wiping a tear from her eye. "I haven't laughed like that since Hades ran off with Persephone." She tittered breathlessly for a moment longer before managing to regain her feet. "Oh, you are too much."
Kyoko had the gumption to glare at the goddess. "Would you mind explaining what you mean, my Lady?" The clenching of her teeth indicated that she would not take no for an answer, even from a divine being.
"Little one," Calypso smiled affectionately. "I was never going to trade your life for his. You are both much too interesting, especially together. No." She crossed to Kyoko and cupped her cheek with one hand. "What I meant was that, as he gave his life to save yours, it seemed only fitting for you to spend your life with him." A glint of humor twinkled in the goddess's eye. "He couldn't very well do that while dead, now could he?"
They stared open mouthed at the generosity of a supposedly wrathful sea goddess.
Calypso withdrew her hand and pouted. "Well, I didn't think you'd mind this much, but if you really want me to take it back-"
"NO!" Their combined protest made Calypso smile smugly.
"Good." She nodded decisively and turned away. "Now there really does need to be a price paid. What should it be?" Calypso stopped alongside Reino's body. She toed his boot with a look of disgust. "I don't suppose you want him brought back too, do you?" She glanced back at them and they vehemently shook their heads. "I didn't think so. I know the perfect place for him." Her countenance turned savage as she snapped her fingers and the body disappeared.
Ren was once again reminded that Calypso was a goddess and that mortal limitations did not apply to her.
Kyoko stepped forward. "My Lady, what about Sho?" The goddess tilted her head, brows knit in confusion. "The one who took the Heart?" The cook prompted.
"Oh, yes. What about him?"
The two lovers shared a incredulous glance. "The curse?" Ren supplied hesitantly.
"Ah, that." Calypso tapped a finger to her lips. "Well, under normal circumstances, I would have struck him down with all of my fiery wrath, but he did save my little one's life."
The captain wondered at her wording. It seemed almost as if the sea goddess had...adopted Kyoko. Like a pet.
Fantastic.
"So instead," the goddess was still explaining. "I cursed him with misfortune in love." She chuckled darkly.
Ren gave her a considering look. "How unfortunate are we talking here?"
"Oh, the worst, I assure you," Calypso said with a knowing smile. "He won't be able to so much as wink at a passing lady without getting something caught in his eye."
Kyoko, as was her nature, was the one to show concern for her old friend. "Will he be able to break this curse?"
Calypso nodded. "All he needs to do is pass a trial and he'll be free."
"What kind of trial?" She asked suspiciously.
The goddess waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, the usual. Prove your worth and so on."
Kyoko met Ren's eyes. He shrugged. A trial was better than instant death. She turned back to Calypso. "I don't suppose we can help him with it, can we?"
The goddess shook her head. "No, it would meaningless if he had help. But never fear, little one." She smiled brightly. "I foresee him coming through it and as a better man."
With a sigh of relief, Kyoko wound her arms about Ren's waist. He cradled her frame and dropped a kiss on her hair, grateful for coming through this misadventure in one piece.
Calypso started suddenly. "Oh, dear, they're here already."
Ren and Kyoko blinked. "Who's here?"
The goddess pouted. "Your crew. They've come to rescue you." At their disbelieving stares, she sighed. "I am a goddess. Omniscience comes with the job." She glanced around quickly as if trying to find something. Finally, her eyes alit on Kyoko. Or rather her pocket. "Aha," Calypso exclaimed. "I believe I just found my price." She held out her hand, palm up, and flicked her fingers.
Kyoko lowered her brows and dig into the indicated pocket. She pulled out the compass. "This?" At the goddess's nod, she fidgeted. "It's not really ours."
"Does its owner need it?"
The young woman looked up at the captain, who shook his head.
"Well, do you need it?"
They both shook their heads this time, perfectly content in the knowledge that they had already found what they wanted most in this life.
"Then I shall take it, to pass on to the next worthy one." The goddess leaned forward and whispered, "Don't worry. I've got a good one in mind." She then winked.
Bemused by this confidence, Kyoko handed the compass over silently.
"Thank you, little one." Calypso tossed the instrument in the air and snapped her fingers, causing it to vanish. A loud shout came from the tunnel and the goddess sighed wistfully. "That's my cue."
"Will we see you again?" Kyoko blurted out.
Calypso shook her head. "I don't believe so. This was a special-" Her words were interrupted by the girl barreling into the sea goddess and embracing her tightly.
"Thank you for everything," she whispered before stepping back, embarrassed.
"Ah, little one. I do have one final request." When Kyoko raised her eyes, Calypso gave her a soft smile. "Live a happy life."
And with that, the goddess vanished.