They camped just outside Aetherhold, nursing wounds and spirits.
Takeshi sat alone, watching the newly restored dragon sleep peacefully beside Fyria. His body ached, but his mind churned.
Elira approached, silent for a while.
"You were amazing," she said.
He blinked. "You're usually more 'shut up, baka.'"
She chuckled. "Don't ruin it." Then: "You care so much it's scary. Like… you'd burn yourself out to heal a monster's heart."
"I used to be a nobody. All I had were fake friends in games and anime. But here… these monsters, you guys… It's real. I won't let anyone turn this world into chains and cages."
She nodded. "Then we'll stop him. Together."
Nearby, Fyria practiced her healing flames, laughing as Mochi jiggled through one of her rings of fire. Sir Haiku meditated beneath a tree, writing in his journal.
Takeshi smiled.
Whatever came next, they'd face it as a family.