Immediately after that, Sakura was next: unlike a certain tsundere's dream, Sakura did not return in the back of the giant fiery bird spirit.
The Beast Queen had other plans for her departure, plans that did not involve the magnificent creature that had borne her to Verdant Spire.
Dark smoke filled a small part of the atmosphere, thick and swirling, and a figure walked out.
"Long time no see, Ben-chan..." The soft and husky voice greeted that morning, with a warmth that seemed to cut through the crisp air.
The words were simple, yet they held an undercurrent of affection that spoke of a deep and enduring connection.
All eyes were on the source of the voice, curiosity and suspicion mingling on the faces of the Amazons who had gathered to see Benjamin off.
"Ah, if it isn't Kuro!" Benjamin smiled brightly, his blue eyes nearly twinkling in the morning sun, the golden light catching the flecks of silver that danced within his irises.
