Darkness and exhaustion wrapped around their bodies after the final battle. Arou, Airi, and Akari collapsed on the battlefield, their bodies covered in severe injuries, their energy completely drained, forcing them into unconsciousness.
When Arou opened his eyes, a soft light seeped through his vision. The faint hum of medical monitors echoed in his ears, and the sharp scent of antiseptic filled the air. He slowly turned his head, his body aching unbearably. Every movement sent a piercing pain through him.
Beside him, Airi and Akari were still unconscious, their breathing weak but steady. His eyes lingered on them, his heart pounding.
"They're… still alive," Arou murmured, letting out a quiet breath of relief.
Not long after, Airi stirred. Her blue eyes slowly opened, heavy with fatigue. She looked at Arou, her lips trembling as she spoke in a hoarse voice.
"Arou… we're alive," she whispered, forcing a faint smile despite her pale face.
Arou returned her gaze and gently patted her shoulder.
"Yeah… we made it. But we need to stay careful… Zata could appear again at any time."
A few minutes later, Akari began to move. Her dark blue eyes opened slowly, scanning her surroundings in confusion. She tried to sit up, but a soft groan escaped her lips.
"My… leg…" she whispered, staring at it—unable to move.
Moments later, a doctor entered the room, his steps quick, his expression serious beneath his white coat.
"Akari… there's something I need to tell you," he said gently but firmly. "Your leg suffered severe damage. Based on the initial examination… it's completely paralyzed. You won't be able to walk again."
Akari lowered her head, her eyes trembling with unshed tears. Her hands clenched tightly as she held back her emotions. Then she looked at Arou and Airi, forcing strength into her voice.
"I… I'll still be useful," she said quietly, yet firmly.
Arou looked at her, sadness and anger mixing within him.
"We'll keep fighting… we won't give up. We still have to face Zata again. I promise."
Airi reached out and held Akari's hand, offering her warmth.
"The three of us… we can still do something. Don't give up now," she said softly, yet resolute.
They looked at each other—wounded, exhausted—but their determination burned stronger than ever. The battle wasn't over. Zata could return at any moment. But they still had each other.
---
Five days had passed since the battle.
Their wounds had begun to heal, though the pain still lingered.
Akari now sat in a wheelchair, her hands resting steadily on its handles. Her dark blue eyes looked forward—tired, yet filled with unwavering determination.
Arou walked beside her, still enduring the lingering pain in his leg, his expression calm but alert. Occasionally, he glanced at Akari, making sure she was comfortable.
Airi walked on the other side, gently pushing the wheelchair. Most of her wounds had been treated, her body wrapped in bandages. Her face was serious, but her eyes still carried a quiet sense of responsibility and care.
"We can go home now," Airi said softly, looking ahead. "Five days isn't long, but it's enough to stabilize your condition."
Akari lowered her gaze briefly, then looked at them both.
"Thank you… for staying with me," she said warmly, though traces of pain remained in her voice.
Arou gave a small smile, his hand clenching lightly.
"We still have a lot to do. We need to be ready if Zata comes back."
Airi nodded.
"That's right. Your strength still matters—but you don't have to push yourself," she added gently.
They slowly walked out of the hospital. Fresh air greeted them, sunlight falling softly on their faces—a small relief after days of tension and pain.
Akari looked ahead at the road stretching before them.
"Even if I can't walk anymore… I can still move forward. I can still fight," she whispered.
---
As they made their way home, something stirred in Arou's mind.
Names surfaced—Nora, Feeth, Rei.
They felt familiar… yet distant, like fragments of something that no longer existed.
"Airi…" Arou spoke quietly.
"Hm? What is it?" she asked, glancing at him.
He stared ahead, his eyes distant.
"Do you… know anyone named Nora, Feeth, or Rei?"
Airi frowned slightly.
"Hmm… I don't think I've ever heard those names. Why?"
Arou lowered his gaze.
(Why do I remember them…? They feel real… but they're gone. Zata… what did you do?)
A quiet unease settled in his chest.
---
They eventually arrived at Akari's house.
The moment the door opened, her parents rushed toward them, their faces filled with shock and worry.
"Akari! What happened to you? Why is your leg like that? Why didn't you contact us?!" her mother cried.
Her father stepped forward, his expression tense but relieved.
"Are you okay? Tell us everything."
Akari lowered her head briefly, then looked up with a soft smile.
"I'm okay, Mom… Dad. My right leg… can't move anymore. But I'm alright now."
Arou bowed slightly.
"We protected her. She's stable now, but she still needs rest."
Airi nodded.
"We brought her back as soon as possible."
Her parents let out a breath of relief, tears forming in their eyes as they embraced her.
---
As evening fell, painting the sky in warm shades of gold and orange, Airi and Arou stepped away from Akari's house.
"Arou… I should head home too. You can come with me if you want," Airi said gently.
Arou blinked.
"Uh… where?"
"My house," she replied simply.
He glanced back at Akari, who gave him a small approving smile.
"…Alright. I'll come with you."
---
They walked together along the quiet path.
The evening air was cool, the wind soft. For once, there was peace.
They talked about simple things—the weather, flowers along the road, little things they noticed along the way.
"Pretty quiet today," Arou said.
"Yeah… it's nice," Airi replied with a faint smile.
A small laugh escaped them here and there—at a running cat, the sound of birds, leaves drifting in the wind.
Soon, Airi's house came into view, its porch light glowing warmly.
"We're here," she said.
Arou smiled slightly.
"Feels… comfortable."
They stepped inside.
"Do you want to sit? I can make something warm to drink," Airi offered softly.
Arou nodded.
"Yeah… I wouldn't mind."
The house felt warm, calm, and safe.
For now… they could finally rest.