"Is there no other way?" For hours now, voices were exchanged within the halls of his home. So many people, but he felt no more alone in his new power. The boy was not even aware of what it was. Strength and courage were some of the only things that were truly valued in this world, according to those around him. He had shown his strength through his courage, so had he not paid back enough to the world? By the door, which showed an unsettling streak of light, peeked back at him. Suddenly, the boy had an easier heart as he stood within the shadows.
"What would you propose?" The Generous man asked, already having made up his mind.
"But he is a boy." His father argued back. It was the only time in his life that he had ever remembered an act of open defiance coming from that man's mouth. "He is my son."
"If you cannot control your son, how will you explain that to the parents of those caught in the fire. The sons and daughters of hundreds on this island are no longer safe because of his awakening. I hear no other plan for maintaining our peace."
"How can you be so certain that this will bring a calamity?"
"It is foretold by my forefathers that the age of peace shall end when it awakens. The absence of a threat would have left it docile otherwise. This is retribution."
"It takes two to battle." His father said, grinding his teeth. An eye peered into the room, and he no longer saw the man that had raised him. For a fleeting moment, there was a monster taking the form of his father. A great aura of unwavering power that held potential for malice directed itself towards the Generous Man, the man who had given him a second life. It terrified the boy, so much that he revealed himself out of instinct with the shuffling of feet. Silence wrapped around the room. As the boy remained silent, the rest of the world carried on. The boy disappeared.
"What of the dragon?"
"At this moment, we cannot confirm its existence, but we are certain that if they become aware of each other, then Celestice is doomed. When the dragon is awakened, I must confirm his existence. He will be drawn to this island, but I will pull him in myself – taking fate into my own hands." The Generous man curled his silver fist.
"Under a careful veil, under my watch he will observe this land, searching, but find there is no threat and… disappear. We will keep him far away following this. The Dragon will live its life believing that Celestice is not the battleground for their destiny."
"Are you certain you can control fate?"
"I have to." The Generous Man said. "If I don't, this story will write itself."
"How long shall he be forced to hide from the world?"
The Generous Man sighed. "The rest of his life. The awakening of the dragon may happen at any moment, and I won't allow the boy's power to grow at that time. If a repeat of today happens–"
"You are persecuting my son over a story!"
"No, a prophecy." The Generous Man corrected. "If it holds an ounce of truth, which it already has proven, due to its very existence revealing itself, then our home is at risk. I urge you to consider my position. If he continues to live among us, then a creature of uncontrollable power will continue to dwell in his heart, further forsaking his kindness as he has today, and eventually, we will all suffer for our mercy. Any threat he sees to himself will be met with doom. The boy will not understand us, because he is no longer human. We cannot erase prophecy, but we can avoid it."
"He has done no wrong."
"He will." The Generous Man declared. "I have asked a lot of you throughout the years. Far more than I have to spare to pay back, but I am asking you not as a leader, but as a friend to do what is right for this home. You were tasked to care for it, and what home would be left if it were to be fulfilled?"
"He is my son." The boy's father said once more, but through a hollow voice.
"This is our home." The Generous Man said, finishing his pleas. "I ask not for your understanding, but for your forgiveness."
The next day, the boy found his friend by the swings atop of a golden hill. "You don't look like a monster."
"I am." The boy said. "I am a monster."
"No, you're not!" She shouted. "You saved me, monsters don't save people – they hurt people!"
"I will hurt you too." He said, his head to the ground. "I will hurt you and everyone else."
"I don't believe it. It's not true!" The girl approached him, but in an act of self-fulfillment, he pushed her to the ground.
"Don't touch me!" It was too late, as she already drew blood. She cried, and cried loudly. Not because of her injury, because rejection was a wound that cut far deeper than one he could ever inflict on her with his hands.
Shortly after, a group of knights surrounded him. Among them was his father, who could not bear to look him in the eye, for if he did, then the boy would understand that this was a choice he made with a sound heart. Eyes were not needed to sniff out deceit, or the scent of love that had been buried that morning.
The boy was a monster, and monsters will not live among humans.
It has been a decade since he saw the sun.
CESTALIA COLOSSEUM
What a wonderful sight it was to behold! Once again, the colosseum was lined up inch to inch in soon to be loyal subjects who were going to be witness to the greatest celebration that this island has ever seen in their lives. Or at least, the new empire was going to make them believe. If they disagreed, well – it is best not to talk about that. Several hundred beautifully crafted, eager to awaken, petrified citizens placed in the stands. The ones who were less than obedient, of course, and more will certainly join them. Those who weren't were to remain in their houses until it began, but it was so enticing to try and escape. After all, who could resist the thought of getting your seat early? Rarely, did you ever find one that was comfortable in time.
"The preparations are nearing completion." Kytalo, who was tasked with the undertaking of constructing this celebration, had crossed their arms and began stamping their feet against the sand. Receiving updates on the progress was infrequent, in part due to the fear laced over the minions Kytalo had risen. Magical constructs generated from plentiful reserves of power, and embedded with the souls of fallen, angry and cruel prisoners whose resurrection only included fragments of their sorrow and hatred, was the commanding army of Celestice in its hefty renovations. They were nothing more than lifeless memories who held no individuality. Not a single shred of choice was able to be taken by any of them, at least not any action that Kytalo did not issue. Tools used to enforce the new law that was going to be passed, if their new Emperor proved to be useful.
Their magic was an incredible gift, certainly it could have helped the world a thousand times over with their power, but Kytalo wanted not to watch the world flourish – at least one that Kytalo was not ruling over.
"Ready yourselves for resistance." Kytalo spoke with a sheepish, sharp tongue. "When the festival commences, there will be those who seek to be a hero, and those who seek selfishness over their own life. Don't let any of them escape. The ones who try will make great entertainment as gladiators."
"But, the Emperor–"
"The Emperor wants no blood on his hands." Kytalo snickered. "His wish shall be granted. For now. We will move forward in his requests, but once the show begins…" Kytalo stretched backwards inhumanly, bending as though their spine was non-existent. Their upside-down, wicked grin revealed a pale, thin face whose nose was more bridge than nostril. Amber eyes stared into the window of the soulless, bending them to their will. "If a little bit of blood has to be shed to set an example for the Emperor, and our empire – then what is done is soon to be done."
What was scarier than their magic was how Kytalo was able to twist words to make any sort of heinous act feel instinctual. Sure, no casualties on the island had been suffered at the moment – Emperor Genichiro was adverse to burials, but a half-baked king cannot rule over all, and a king who has not been broken is harder to control.
The one who will rule over all is Genichiro, but not the one that walks the skies of this night. There was still some work to be done, starting with ironing out that fist of his into a cold-blooded weapon that sought more than petty revenge. That power wasn't going to last long when his subjects were going to figure out that he was afraid of moving forward, and that softness was going to be his undoing. No more walks, no more talking – only action, and it begins at this festival. All he needs is a tongue in his ear to make him dance the way Kytalo instructed. All according to plan, and the plan was always of Kytalo's construction. The years of waiting underground in that decrepit hole, trying again and again to befriend a young boy who only knew of hatred was going to pay off in his favour - whether that boy, now a man shrouded in darkness, liked it or not.
SPIRAL PRISON - SHORTLY AFTER…
"He did it…" Rinko couldn't believe such strength existed. None of them could. There was a way out now, a real way out!
"Do not just stand there." Gorou Shima huffed in an exasperated voice. He was still conscious, so he could still keep moving. "They will be here… any moment…"
"What about you?" Haruto asked.
"I will free the other mages." He answered, slumping over towards their cell, which rested just in the level above their pit. "Then, I shall accompany you. A task such as this cannot be done alone." Before he could speak about the last thing concerning them, the warrior continued. "The girl will be safe with me." He held the lifeless Koyomi over his shoulder and carried her. "I will allow no further harm to her." The ringed magician nodded, placing all his trust into him.
The group ran with the General. It was no secret now how he managed to control the once great army of Celestice. His voice could shatter mountains, but his words and the heart behind them could split a sea of clouds to reveal the light. Hesitantly, Emperor Kalium followed. He had lost everything now, but the chance of reclaiming it all under the sun. If it meant traversing the darkness, so be it. Shortly after, the mages were freed and just on cue - here comes the bad guys.
"What are they?" Haruto asked, readying his legs. There wasn't a blade he could use, so he had to make due with his instincts.
"Sins of our past." Emperor Kalium sighed. "Resurrected in the form of dark avatars. They have no capability of thought beyond what they are told, and feel no pain. Instead, they choose to inflict it." They surrounded all of them, wielding various weapons. "A familiar spell, from one of the deadliest magicians who once called this place home."
"I thought you said magic wasn't working down here…" Shunpei muttered.
"Casting in the form of sigils, incantations or other devices. Channeling magic is impossible down here, but these beings neither channel or run on magic to live. The only magic used was to tether these wicked spirits fueled by hate. Once the spell has been set above ground, they will only disappear through defeat."
"Just like ghuls." Haruto nodded. "I get it." He put his feet apart and raised his fists to chin level. This wasn't going to be easy. "We have a long way to go."
"Haruto, we can't possibly…" Shunpei started, but our hero wasn't going to have it.
"It's our only way, and besides…" He smirked, looking back at the rest of the troupe. They all were standing with fighting faces. No more time for words. "We're not alone."
EMPEROR'S PALACE - NO TIME FOR REST
Genichiro yawned, stretching out his legs to the point where his toes could curl with a sweet release of bliss. He was chowing down on some much needed sustenance, and twirled around with his crown. It still didn't fit. "How he could stand to wear this ugly thing is beyond me…" He muttered, letting out a hefty sigh. The room was empty. The festival was to begin in a few hours, just as the sun would rise. It was funny, he waited years for this. No, more than that – a lifetime. Yet, here he was sulking like he was still twelve at a sign of his own weakness. What, is he not allowed to be joyous? Fiore would say that it was nothing more than a passing cloud of judgment upon his desires, soon to pass. After all, the cave was darkest right before you reached the light. Still, the light was nowhere in sight. At least, not when he was alone. She made sense of it all, until he was alone in the depths of his mind once more.
Fiore… Where was she? Attending important matters. Matters that he wasn't suited for. Why couldn't they just be unbothered? In wake of their celebration, being tethered to this responsibility was no more enlightening than the dark chasm a blind man wanders. This cape was too large, these pants wrapped too tightly around his hips, and this damn crown – why won't it stay still?! What, was he not deserving of it?! Had his efforts all been in vain, and this was the stars speaking back at him for the first time in his life – saying to give it all up, because no matter how hard you fight this crown is never to be yours? That this life of freedom, was it never supposed to be his?
Vengeance that Fiore spoke of mattered less and less as the night went on. The farther he got, the more confused he became. Two legacies rested on his shoulders, and they were becoming weary with the weight of the world wrapped around his neck. What did victory mean if he was uncertain what he was cherishing through his triumphs? He figured that when he had it all in the palm of his hands, as he does now, that the sky would shine brighter than he could ever remember, but as he wandered around Celestice, it became more apparent that all he wanted was the sky. To sit in the stars, and be unbothered. Perhaps, he didn't have to bask in bliss alone. Perhaps…
"Genichiro!" Fiore said, storming through the hall. "Something terrible has happened."
"Oh?" He smirked, much to her dismay. "Do tell."
"The… The Inheritor of the Dragon, Haruto Soma." She started, finding it hard to finish this sentence. She was looking like she was going to faint, but in the blink of an eye, Genichiro was by her side, holding her in his arms.
"Let your heart rest," He whispered. "Say it clearly, and say it as the truth: nothing more."
"Haruto Soma has escaped his confinement, and he's on his way to the surface as we speak." Genichiro shot a toothy grin, raising his head to the painted ceiling. He had anticipated this, because no victory comes without an open fist ready to snatch it away. Yet, the thought of it all disappearing seemed to… excite our emperor. Breaking apart from Fiore, Genichiro felt a new sense of reason in his heavy steps. "Did you hear me?" She shouted, crossing her arms. "I said that he's escaped!"
"With your father?" He asked, turning his back to her.
"It appears so…" Fiore replied, brushing her arm. "With yours too."
"Tell me," Genichiro said, his eyes now meeting hers. "Do you fret for your father?"
"What are you trying to achieve?" She asked. "You are in danger."
"So, you fret for me?" She couldn't believe him. What was he doing at this time, or trying to prove? Ever since he returned from that walk, Genichiro has been acting strange. More than he usually was, speaking in cryptic riddles that were irrelevant to the task at hand.
"Quit flirting!" She proclaimed, marching up to him and shoving her royal face right into his. "I don't think you understand, my lord. So, I'm going to spell it out prim and proper for you right here! The Wizard, and several of his allies are on their way back up to the surface before the first night of our new reign is over. They don't intend to imprison you this time! This time, they will bury you!"
"Are you doubting my ability to rule?" Genichiro asked, placing his hands sheepishly on his hips.
"I am doubting your clear mind!" She shouted. "If he reaches the palace, Genichiro…"
"And if he does?" He laughed, adjusting his crown. Miraculously, it was able to stay in place.
"Then you are a fool." Fiore said in a sharp, cold voice. "A dead fool at that."
"If he intends to fight for the throne, then so be it." The Emperor stated, directing his gaze out towards the sea of stars.
"I won't allow it." She raised her voice, hoping that it would reach him.
"This battle is not one I seek permission to partake in."
"You coward." Fiore gritted her teeth. "Ever since the day you were imprisoned, we have been planning this new life. A life where you can see the sun once more, a life where this island and everyone in it can no longer bow to their hypocrisy, and now… now that we're on the cusp of obtaining it, you stumble about as if it no longer matters?!"
"That's not…" He started, but was cut off.
"Genichiro, if you do this – if you do, you are doing exactly what the world wants you to do. You are forfeiting your life because of an ancient fable, the very fable that robbed you of your life!"
"What would you have me do?" He asked.
"Live!" Fiore screamed. "I want you to live! Why must you resign any chance you have?! Is it your pride, your… your sorrow, or is none of this good enough for you?"
"What did you expect?"
"I expected a man who knew what he wanted." She muttered. "Many of us are making sacrifices for the world we wish to make. A world where you can live as a free man, Genichiro. Why don't you want that world?"
Genichiro fell silent for many moments. The man who has it all, now wants nothing to do with the power of individuality. He could make the seven seas sing to his cries and write a symphony in the clouds if that sheet of sorrowful music begged for the waves to chart a home for him. But he wouldn't grovel if it meant the endless blue guided him to a place where Genichiro could be happy, because that wasn't his responsibility. It was here, not as an Emperor – what did he know about the word to begin with? No, as a conqueror.
When morning came, would his freedom prove to come at the cost of someone else's? He sheds one story, and adopts a new one. Neither of his own making, and both to make a mockery of his own desires.
He didn't want to be an Emperor. He didn't want to rule with an iron fist. He didn't want to make others suffer in his place, he sees that now. What good was it to make peace through the ashes of others? If he continued down this path for Celestice, he would forever be its monster. It's not what he wants, and yet… What he wants is…
Well, he doesn't know what he wants. "An Emperor cannot rule with enemies in his shadows. Lie in wait, scheming to eliminate my adversaries because I lack courage… I am not afraid of Haruto Soma, or anyone for that matter. I will not plot any more. An example must be made, and I will take responsibility for my failure. If I am meant to rule Celestice, then the stars will align in my favour." Genichiro walked past her, adjusting the crown once more. "I, Genichiro, inheritor of the Kirin will face my destiny, regardless of my fate. So be it, in life or death – the stars will decide my future."
THE SPIRAL PRISON - A QUARTER WAY UP
"Is that all you rap-scallions have?!" Francesca Tilheim cheered at the top of her lungs whilst Haruto and the mages made their way through the ever-increasing floors of the prison. It's as though this trek would never end! From here, it really did appear as though this dungeon was getting taller. "Come on, bring it on!"
"Your enthusiasm is so admirable…" Potalia squealed, narrowly dodging the swipe of a sword. "Help!"
RIDER-KICK!
Haruto knocked a soldier into the wall, and it disappeared into a thick black smog. Even without the magic, he's still got more than enough power to handle himself. "Wow, so cool…" She muttered underneath her breath, falling head over his heels.
"Hey, this isn't the time to be lying around!" He yanked her off. "We need to keep going!"
"Roger that, Wizard." Tilheim laughed. She was having the time of her life down here. Finally, something to save her from that embarrassing bout with that bratty blonde dictator. "Archamedes, you can use those eyes, right?!" The rubber woman shouted. The All-Seeing creature wasn't attuned to fighting. It was not in its nature. In fact, it was more of a poet than anything. It strolled around, minding its own business for the most part. It wanted to escape and return to the surface, feeling the smooth, hot sand between its feet as it glistens under the night sky, basking in the cool gentle waves that wash over its feet with a million little kisses. Celestice had amazing scenery, and it was missing out on so much. So much to see, so little time.
"Are you listening?!" She shouted, about ready to pound them too.
"There are twenty floors." Archamedes stated. "Twenty floors, though one currently is… inaccessible."
"What do you mean inaccessible?!" Rinko was now raising her voice amidst the chaos.
"There is wreckage." Archamedes replied. It didn't seem to care much regarding that issue. "It is inaccessible."
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it." Haruto butted in. They got to it. After what felt like an eternity of fighting off remnants, they came to an overpass. There were two jagged platforms protruding from the walls and between them was a massive gap where a bridge used to be. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue. He could tap his driver and fly over alongside everyone, or build a bridge in land form, but that would be too easy, and magic wasn't an option of course. "... Maybe we won't cross it after all."
"This is where we part ways." Tilheim sighed, stepping forward. "Have to say, it wasn't long, but… I enjoyed fighting beside you, Wizard."
"Hold on, I'm not leaving you behind." Tilheim laughed, scuffing up his hair.
"And you aren't leaving without us." Leagues of footsteps ran through the corridors. "Leave it to me to get you across." She stuck her thumb in her mouth and blew as hard as she could. Sure, there was no magic, but being made of rubber doesn't require casting spells. Francesca stretched out into a large, fleshy mat and spread her limbs across the chasm, providing a half-safe bridge to cross. "You don't have all night!"
"Thank you…" Haruto muttered.
"You can thank me by getting out of here!" While their group crossed, the rest of the mages protected them from stragglers who were climbing the walls and trying to sink their claws into our heroes. They said their goodbyes and encouraged them to push on. Though they smiled with shining white teeth, uncertainty marked all of their faces. What fate would behold them?
It wasn't for Haruto, nor any of his friends to decide. Gorou waited at the beginning side, holding Koyomi tightly in his arms. He wasn't going to let her go, even if it meant certain, brutal death.
"What are you doing?!" Our hero shouted. Without another word, Gorou magnificently leaped into the air and crashed in front of them, landing gracefully on the tips of his toes.
"Keep moving, there is still more to proceed with."
"But…" Shunpei cried out. "They're sacrificing–"
"It will be in vain if we don't carry on!" Gorou shouted, forcing them to move. Would they be alright? Who knows, but there was hope in their hearts that they would be seen again – they had to believe, even if it hurt. The battles were long, and difficult. Each victory was a further sign of oncoming fatigue. The odds were against them more than the world itself, but they kept going. They kept going because they had to. For their past, for Celestice, and for Koyomi.
"How many… floors… does this place… have?" Rinko asked, letting out a hefty breath of air. She hadn't been this tired since the police academy, but this time she was fighting for her life!
"It was… designed… to be inescapable…" The Emperor, who was also out of breath, chimed in. He couldn't remember the last time he had ever ran for this long. Usually, he had people to fight whatever threat in front of him, so he never needed to run! Or, he could fly, but that wasn't an option here.
"How… how is that working for you?" She replied, wheezing with a dirty glare sent towards him. So much for a secure prison when their greatest adversary accomplished it alone.
A haunting, ghastly wail sent rumbles through the halls. It was a terrifying, bone-chilling voice that stopped each of them in their tracks. "What was that?" Shunpei asked, quivering by Rinko's knees.
"Damn…" The Emperor sighed. "I forgot about that thing."
"What are you talking about?" Haruto muttered, his feet refusing to move forward. In a broad, decrepit space with little to no light inside lest we disregard the crackle of moonlight in the center as a thin rope hung in the opening within the ceiling, far too high to grasp, lies their greatest challenge yet.
"I was hoping that monster had been previously slain." The Emperor whispered, peering into the room. It was there. It was most definitely there. They couldn't turn back. The depths of this labyrinth was so well intertwined that navigating this web would likely lead them to the same fate as facing this creature: death, but at least they knew where their burials would be. "This is the only way we have…"
"What should we do?" Shunpei muttered. "That rope up there…"
"Not worth it." Gorou interjected. "It wasn't meant to be climbed. Its purpose is to lower into that opening." Quite a chilling thought, and something that the Emperor didn't appear too pleased to remember. Archaic, but a reflection of a past that now became more apparent to him remained as red as the day this blood was first spilled. He should have done away with this creature long ago, as it serves only to strike fear in the hearts of those who want to see the sun once more. It was nothing but a rat eater, and he ought not to think about how many mice it had consumed since he could recall dipping his tiny feet in the water ages ago. "We would have to scale the beast to reach it, and… none of you are in any position to achieve this."
"Down here, all we have is our instincts." Haruto whispered.
"GRAAAUUUUUGH!" The Warden screeched. It could sense prey was in the vicinity, but unable to identify its location due to its limited eyesight.
"So, what's the plan?" Rinko asked. "None of you can use magic, and we can't sit here forever." What terrified her most was not the thought of failure, but the image of Koyomi never waking up. Bringing her back to life carried her the entire way. It wasn't just about her freedom or making things right, it was about ensuring a dear friend's last moments weren't shrouded in horror. No one spoke, and the chaos behind them only grew louder. There wasn't much time. "Hold on," it hit her. "Is there a ventilation shaft?"
"Ventilation?" The Emperor stroked his chin.
"This place is far underground, so that means a lot of these rooms inside the walls wouldn't have much air, unless there was ventilation." The circle stopped to think, with most of them grasping onto her intuition as a means of hope in escaping. Could it be that her deductive reasoning was going to lead to their salvation?
"Yes… Yes!" The Emperor nodded, smiling with glee. "It would be tight, but we could definitely fit. I'm not sure where it would lead, however."
"It's better than nothing." Haruto shrugged. "The only question now is how do we get past that ?"
Gorou handed off the girl to the Emperor and got to his feet. "All of you run, I will deal with it."
"Hold on," Haruto stood up. "I'm not letting you do this alone."
"Celestice needs you. Only you can put an end to my son now." He argued, not as a disapproving general, but in the tone of a concerned father who refused to let another person endanger themselves for his mistakes. "This is my duty."
"Shunpei, Rinko…" Haruto said, not facing either of them. "Keep Koyomi safe."
Then, without warning, Haruto ran into the room and screamed at the top of his lungs, dragging attention from the Warden elsewhere!
"Stupid little…!" Gorou shouted, going after him. The beast caught wind of them and attacked them both with all its might, throwing heavy swings that barely brushed past the two of them. All the while, the three of them scattered into the dark, searching as a group for the vent. Getting low and managing to avoid the line of sight, Rinko desperately searched in the dark, slapping her hands against the clammy stone walls. "I gave you an order!" Gorou gritted his teeth, dodging another swing.
"That wasn't in the plan!" Haruto said, wildly tossing rocks at the beast. It had little effect, but angered it enough to divert its focus. "This isn't your place to die."
"Neither yours!" Gorou said, throwing a hefty swing at the beast as it closed in on Haruto. Such a display of raw strength, practically unmatched. Haruto followed it up with a leaping kick.
"I'm not letting more people sacrifice themselves for my sake." He landed neatly on his feet. "That isn't how I operate!"
"Found it!" Rinko said. There it was, a vent large enough to fit them. Too small to stand in, but just enough to crawl through. The other 3 came to her side, slipping in one by one. First it was Rinko, then Shunpei, then Koyomi, then the Emperor. All that remained was the last two. Unfortunately for them, Gorou and Haruto were tied up in their own troubles. The beast had regained control of itself amidst all the chaos and had dispatched its weapon, taking both of them by the bodies with its gigantic claws.
"Haruto!" Shunpei shouted. They struggled to break their grasp. Their arrogance for defying the Warden was going to drop them off at their final resting place. This wasn't good, what were they going to do?! The Emperor handed Koyomi off to them.
"When you reach the surface, head to the museum – there is a collection of tools that will aid you." He said, speaking quickly and loudly so that they understood. He was only going to say this once. "Do I make myself clear?!"
"B-but…" Before he could reply, the Emperor received his answer and sprinted towards the monster, scaling its back and pounding away at its eyes!
"Foul beast, fall by my command!" The Warden dropped their adversaries, reached behind his back, picked up the Emperor and tossed him into the wall.
"My lord!" Gorou's heart dropped. Fortunately, the Emperor was still standing. Not in great shape, but he was alive. Before he could do anything else, the general was by his side with the beast soon to follow. "Can you see?"
"Y-yes…" He answered in a weak voice. Slowly, he got to his feet. "B-boy… you have to run… Stop… stop Genichiro."
"No, no I'm not leaving anyone else!" Haruto shouted, fighting his hardest against Shunpei and Rinko who were pulling him back into the vent, but to no avail.
"This isn't a choice!" The Emperor shouted. He raised his palm, aiming it at Haruto. "By my hand… I promise you… neither of us shall falter. A dead man… cannot atone."
A great weight of steel slammed into the Warden's side, knocking it right off of its feet. General Shima stood with the beast's weapon dug into the floor between his feet, fresh out of breath, but still standing. The Emperor stood next to him. This wasn't their first rodeo, and this wasn't going to be their last. "I will… protect you… with my life… No matter how great the challenge."
"We will reach the surface, Haruto Soma." The Emperor declared. "This is no sacrifice. As you said yourself, no man can accomplish victory alone. So, please… Save our island, and I swear on my life that we will see the sun!"
"I…" Haruto didn't know what to say. Before he could answer, the beast slammed its fist into a nearby pillar, knocking a pile of debris down in front of the vent. There was no way back. All that remained was the four of them, kneeling in great unease as the rocky wall hid their companions' fates.
"Hah," The Emperor smirked. "Don't let me down."
STALAGTICA REGION, SHORTLY AFTER.
"Take my hand." Rinko said, helping Shunpei out of the hole. Like the fool he was, he looked back down and the vertigo started, almost taking him and the detective rolling down to where they started! "What did I say about looking back?!" She shook him with a deeply shrill, chastising voice.
"Sorry, sorry!" Shunpei heaved. What a breath of fresh air. Well, as fresh as it could be. Nothing was able to get rid of that stench. Silence fell between the four of them. "Do you believe what they all said?" He asked nervously. "That… that they'll all be OK?"
"I don't know." She said, glancing back into the hole. It was so deep that she was unable to make out what was happening down there. Even if she could, did Rinko want to know the answer? For not only their sake, Rinko hoped that they all survived.
"Let's get going." Haruto said, turning away from the hole. Turning back was only going to impede them. He had to hold onto hope within those parting words. If he held up his end of the promise, then so will theirs. Haruto has to believe in that.
Now, the rest of Celestice had to believe in him to win back their peace, putting an end to this chaos, once and for all.
Together, with Koyomi held tightly in his arms, Haruto, Rinko, and Shunpei walked through the red sand and into the unknown.
06/03/2023
AN: Hello, it's been a while. Just about a month since the last update, but here it is! So, we're moving onto the final few chapters. Finally, out of this prison and into the action. Are you ready for the final battle? I know I am! Anyways, I'm curious as to how you all are enjoying the story as it comes to an end.
I'm thinking of writing a sequel to this, or another story that involves the main 3 riders of Wizard (I don't count the other two mages since they come towards the end of the series, but they're cool - I just like trios!) This is a pretty short note compared to the rest. I got a few new figures for Wizard, and they're pretty sweet. Hoping to get the 10th anniversary flame edition soon. I wish a Mage figure existed. I found one, but its only for display under SIC and the worst part is its such a huge improvement over the canon suit. The mages deserved better suits, and I definitely want to give them some at some point.
Anyways, if you like you should leave a review! Perhaps on what you might want to see me write next for Wizard...