Chapter 12

Summer's End, Journey's End

The next morning, Einhard and Ave prepared to bid farewell to Keiichi, Belldandy, Urd, and Skuld. The soft morning light bathed the inn's wooden verandas in a golden hue, casting long shadows that danced with the gentle breeze. The faint scent of fresh dew mingled with the warm aroma of breakfast wafting from the kitchen. Urd, her hair still slightly singed from the previous day's explosive antics, grinned sheepishly as she leaned casually against the wooden railing. "Try not to miss me too much," she joked, earning a glare from Skuld.

Skuld stood with arms crossed, Banpei-kun DX loyally stationed at her side, its sensors flickering. "Next time, I'm installing stricter protocols for you, Urd," Skuld muttered, her voice tinged with exasperation. "Maybe a goddess-proof lock."

Belldandy's serene smile never wavered as she placed a hand over her heart, radiating a calming presence. "May your journey be safe and filled with joy," she said warmly, her words laced with genuine sincerity.

Keiichi scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, his usual bashful demeanor shining through. "It was great meeting you both. Hope we can ride together again someday," he said, his tone hopeful.

Einhard's mismatched purple and blue eyes sparkled with emotion as she nodded firmly. "We'll meet again," she said with quiet conviction, her voice steady despite the bittersweetness of parting.

As they mounted the BMW R60/2, the engine thrumming to life beneath them, Ave glanced back at their new friends. "Thank you for everything. And Belldandy—thanks for reminding us that nothing is ever just a coincidence."

Belldandy's eyes gleamed with knowing kindness, her smile radiant. "Fate has a way of bringing kindred spirits together," she said softly, her voice carrying a timeless wisdom.

With that, Einhard and Ave rode off, the hum of the engine blending harmoniously with the rustling leaves and distant chirping of cicadas. The road stretched before them, winding through serene landscapes bathed in the warmth of summer. Sunlight danced on the horizon, casting shimmering reflections on nearby fields, as if bidding them farewell on this new chapter of their journey.

As they travelled toward Uminari, Einhard's thoughts lingered on their unexpected encounter. The vivid memories of laughter, chaos, and heartfelt conversations with Keiichi and the goddesses intertwined with her emotions, leaving an indelible mark. She could almost hear Belldandy's serene laughter mingling with the echoes of Skuld's spirited complaints and Urd's mischievous quips. The scents of the sea breeze and the warmth of the sand clung to her senses, blending seamlessly with the golden hues of sunset etched in her mind. Each fragment of those days wove themselves into the tapestry of her heart, becoming a cherished part of her story.

"Ave-kun," Einhard said softly, her voice barely audible over the wind, "do you think we'll meet them again?" Her mismatched purple and blue eyes shimmered with a mixture of longing and curiosity as the gentle breeze tousled her silver-green hair. The vivid memories of laughter and camaraderie with Keiichi, Belldandy, Urd, and Skuld lingered in her heart, making this question more than a simple inquiry—it was a wish she silently held onto. She leaned just a bit closer to Ave, seeking reassurance from his steady presence.

Ave's hands steadied the handlebars as he considered her question, his lips curving into a thoughtful smile. "As long as we never forget the bond we share with them, I'm sure we will." His voice held a quiet conviction, laced with warmth that reached Einhard's heart. He glanced at the shimmering horizon, where the sky kissed the winding road ahead, reflecting their shared journey.

Einhard leaned her head gently against his back, her silver-green hair catching the sunlight and brushing softly against his shoulder. The rhythm of Ave's steady breathing and the gentle hum of the motorbike provided a soothing contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. The warmth of his presence gave her a profound sense of comfort, grounding her in the present. "I'll never forget," she promised, her voice filled with quiet determination and heartfelt sincerity. Her mismatched purple and blue eyes gleamed with the resolve to cherish every precious memory they had crafted together. "This summer holiday has been precious." As the breeze tousled her hair, she silently vowed to carry the joy of these moments with her, forever intertwined with the journey they shared.

Ave's lips curved into a gentle smile, his gaze softening with warmth. "I'm glad you think that way, Haru. Spending this summer with you made it unforgettable for me too." He paused, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability. "Otherwise... I would've felt pretty lonely."

Einhard's heart clenched at his words, the memory of the dream she had seen flickering vividly in her mind—the bitter, cynical version of Ave cloaked in solitude and despair. Her mismatched purple and blue eyes gleamed with determination, as though silently vowing to never let him feel that loneliness again.

"You're not alone anymore, Ave-kun," she whispered, tightening her arms around his waist as they sped along the open road. "I'll always be by your side."

The sincerity in her voice made Ave's chest tighten with emotion. He fought the urge to stop the bike right there and hug her, grateful for the bond they shared. Instead, he smiled, his heart swelling with newfound resolve. "And I'll always be by yours, Haru."

Four days later, they arrived back in Midchilda, greeted by the familiar skyline of Cranagan shimmering under the midday sun. The bustling energy of the city, with its soaring skyscrapers and thrumming air traffic, was a stark contrast to the tranquil beaches they had left behind. The hum of distant transport vehicles and the murmur of city life enveloped them as they navigated the crowded streets. The scent of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café mingled with the faint metallic tang of the urban landscape, grounding them firmly back into the rhythm of their everyday lives. As Einhard took in the vibrant scene, a wistful smile tugged at her lips, remembering the peaceful serenity of their seaside retreat.

As they stepped off the teleport platform, Einhard and Ave were immediately ambushed by Vivio, Rio, Corona, and Fūka, who dashed toward them with animated energy. The bustling teleport station momentarily faded into the background, its mechanical hum drowned out by the excited chatter of their friends. Vivio's eyes sparkled with mischievous curiosity as she grinned widely, clearly ready to pounce with playful questions.

"Ave-nii! Einhard-san! So, what did you two lovebirds do on your secret getaway?" Vivio teased, her grin mischievous, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Ave chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "We just relaxed and watched the sunset on a secluded beach," he said, trying to downplay their trip.

Einhard's face turned a deep crimson, the blush spreading all the way to her ears. "That's all! Nothing else happened!" she blurted out, waving her hands defensively.

Rio and Corona exchanged sly glances, their expressions practically shouting disbelief. "Just the sunset?" Corona teased, arching a brow mischievously.

Rio grinned. "Yeah, sure. And I'm the queen of Midchilda," she quipped, causing Corona to stifle a giggle.

Fūka leaned forward, arms crossed with a knowing smirk. "Come on, Haru-san, you're not fooling anyone. Spill it! What else happened?"

Einhard's words caught in her throat, vivid memories of Ave holding her close under the fading hues of sunset flashing through her mind, warming her heart and making it race anew. The sensation of his steady warmth, the gentle way his presence seemed to envelop her, lingered like a melody she couldn't forget. Her face flushed a deep crimson, the heat spreading all the way to the tips of her ears.

"N-Nothing worth mentioning!" she managed to squeak, utterly flustered as she waved her hands in frantic denial. The teasing smiles from her friends only made her blush deepen, causing her to shift awkwardly on her feet, wishing for a sudden diversion.

Before the teasing could escalate further, Yumina's gentle yet firm voice cut through the playful chaos. "Give them some privacy, everyone. They've just returned. Let's not overwhelm them."

Her words carried a quiet authority, instantly diffusing the situation. Vivio and the others groaned dramatically but relented, albeit with lingering grins.

"Thanks, Yumi-san," Ave said warmly, shooting her a grateful smile.

Yumina's eyes sparkled with gentle amusement. "Welcome back, both of you. It's good to see you safe and happy."

With a few precious days of summer break still remaining, Einhard and Ave decided to take a scenic ride to Midchilda South, home to one of Einhard's close friends, Miura. The journey unfolded under a vast azure sky, the golden rays of the sun casting a warm glow over the winding roads and lush landscapes. The hum of the motorbike blended harmoniously with the gentle rustle of leaves swaying in the summer breeze.

As the countryside stretched before them, Ave's curiosity piqued. "How has Miura been? I haven't seen her in a while," he inquired, glancing at Einhard over his shoulder.

Einhard's silver-green hair fluttered in the breeze as she smiled softly. "She's been quite busy," she explained. "She's now working as the assistant instructor at the commander Yagami family's dōjō, but she's also gearing up for the upcoming Intermiddle Championship."

"Sounds like she's been juggling a lot," Ave remarked with admiration. "I bet she's become even stronger."

Einhard nodded thoughtfully. "She has always been dedicated. Miura never does anything half-heartedly," she said with a fond smile.

The rhythmic purr of the motorbike accompanied their conversation as they rode past picturesque fields and charming rural cottages. The scent of wildflowers mingled with the fresh summer air, creating an atmosphere that felt both tranquil and invigorating.

As they continued, Ave's curiosity got the better of him. "So, are you participating in the Intermiddle too?" he asked, his tone genuinely curious.

"Yes," Einhard confirmed, a determined glint shining in her mismatched purple and blue eyes. Her voice carried an edge of excitement, the thrill of competition evident. "But this year's championship is different. Instead of competing individually, it's a paired competition."

"Interesting twist," Ave mused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Have you decided on a partner yet?"

A serene smile curved Einhard's lips, soft but confident. "Vivio-san," she revealed with certainty. "We've known each other for a long time, and we make a great team. She's someone I can always rely on."

Ave's grin widened knowingly. "Her hit-and-run tactics and Strike Arts skills should complement your Kaiser Arts perfectly," he observed, admiration clear in his voice. "After all, she's the only one who's managed to defeat the Bureau's Ace of Aces in a tournament. That's saying something."

Einhard's smile deepened as warmth filled her gaze. "Exactly. We'll make a formidable duo. Vivio-san pushes me to be better, and I trust her completely," she said, her voice tinged with genuine affection for her long-time friend.

Ave nodded thoughtfully, respect gleaming in his eyes. "It sounds like you've got the perfect combination. I'd bet on you two any day," he said confidently.

Einhard chuckled softly, her laughter blending with the hum of the motorbike. "Thank you, Ave-kun. That means a lot." Her heart swelled with gratitude at his unwavering support.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, enriched by mutual understanding and care. They chatted about lighthearted subjects, from Einhard's school adventures to Ave's day-to-day work at the Technical Division's Research and Development Facility. The bond between them felt palpable, strengthened by every shared moment and laugh, like threads weaving an unbreakable tapestry.

The journey continued, the horizon stretching wide before them as they made their way toward Midchilda South, the anticipation of reconnecting with Miura and new adventures lingering in the summer air.

To Be Continued.