Welcome back to Red of Dawn! Tomorrow's the last chapter, woohoo~!

Enjoy the chapter!

~'0'~

''Are you excited?'' Taiyou smiles at his shieldbrother, knowing the question is unnecessary – Tenma has been jumpy all morning, barely able to sit still.

It's been four days since he came to Arakumo's villa, spending most of his time with his old friends and sometimes going out on his own for a ride – they have enough horses to spare – or wandering through the city that surrounds the impressive building. Raimei has informed them that they have received Taiyou's message and that they would come immediately.

Unfortunately for them, they can't sky-step over in a few hours like they wish they could, because Ixaal's people are everywhere and a move like that would be too risky. Instead, they had to turn it into an official visit to discuss their territory's current trading rates, which took an additional three days.

But now, on the morning of the fifth day, they are finally set to arrive.

Taiyou, while otherwise going out to greet his allied Clan himself, opted to stay with Tenma, since the brunet cannot show his face in public for fear of catching attention of Ixaal's spies. It is a bit unusual for the sun deity to stay at his mansion instead of waiting for his guests, but not all that rare, so he can get away with it without it becoming suspicious.

Tenma sighs, weaving his fingers in front of him as he balances on one bare foot, the other flexing out in front of him – he has never been one to stay grounded for long. ''It's been two years since I last saw them, Taiyou,'' he says quietly, although it's easily picked up by the demigod's sensitive hearing. ''I... I know it's not long in demigod years, but...'' he finally glances up at his friend, his grey eyes uncertain and scared.

His shieldbrother widens his eyes in alarm, immediately reaching out to draw his friend into an embrace.

''I'm- Taiyou, I...'' the brunet clings to him tightly, his hair – kept in a ponytail today – tickling the sun warrior's face. ''I'm human.''

And those two words say more than speeches ever could.

Taiyou's breath catches in his throat. He had noticed – it's a little hard not to – but now that Tenma says it like this, so desperate, so afraid, he suddenly understands what it really means. ''You're mortal,'' he realizes, holding the brunet just a little tighter. ''Is that it?''

The human nods, pulling back from the embrace and his friend lets him, albeit unwillingly. Grey eyes glance up at him in uncertainty, and the brunet wraps his arms around himself in a defensive hug. ''I... I know how happy they are, that I'm back. I know how happy you all are, you, Yuuichi, Shuu, Hakuryuu, Arakumo, Ragūn... but I'm mortal,'' he whispers, his gaze falling towards the pavement, and Taiyou hates it, hates the fear his shieldbrother portrays. ''I will... I will die, again, of old age or sickness, and I just- I can't do that to you. Not again.''

And Taiyou immediately moves forward when he hears the shudder in his friend's voice, pulling him into another embrace, which Tenma gratefully returns. ''We'll figure it out,'' whispers the demigod, tightening his grip a little. ''I promise, we will.''

But even though his voice sounds confident, they both know his words are untrue.

After all, no one can cheat death, and they know it.

~'0'~

The moment Tenma feels his Clan approach, all the tension flows out of him, a soft sigh of relief escaping his lips. He's standing by the window, watching the courtyard his Clan will arrive in shortly. His eyes flash golden, his godly aura reaching out to envelop the Raimei demigods in warmth, their own auras responding easily to the familiar greeting.

''They're here,'' he whispers, more to himself than to Taiyou. The sun deity smiles softly at that almost-inaudible voice and moves over to the window, pausing next to the mortal. They watch in silence as the entourage of horses and demigods are welcomed to Arakumo territory by Taiyou's Clan, and Tenma's eyes glow a little brighter.

Immediately, there's a slight, barely noticeable stiffening of Raimei's members as they feel their leader's aura so close for the first time in two years. As they are led into the privacy of the mansion walls, Tenma finally moves away from the window and turns towards the door, already making his way towards it before Taiyou even notices.

Arakumo's leader chuckles softly as he follows his friends through the many halls and down to the entrance hall. Tenma pauses at the top of the grand staircase, his eyes locked on the group of demigods having just entered the hall, and then he's racing towards them, his bare feet not making any sound on the carpeted stairs.

Then he's launching himself at the person closest, who happens to be Shindou, and the demigod laughs as he catches the brunet in a hug. Seconds later the entirety of Raimei is caught up in a group hug, all pretences of formality having disappeared.

''I missed you guys,'' whispers the human, letting his mask of strength fade away for a few moments in the safety of his Clan. Soft reassurances are whispered in answer and he lets himself enjoy it for a few more moments before pulling back, taking a deep breath to compose himself. ''As much as I love seeing you again, we have a lot to discuss.''

Taiyou finally makes his way down the staircase as well, smiling warmly at his allies. ''Agreed,'' he says, the attention turning to him. ''Welcome, Raimei. You know where the guest rooms are so once you're settled in, we can get down to business.''

~'0'~

''As you know, I've been travelling the country for the last two years with my parents.'' They're sitting in Arakumo's meeting room, both Clans listening attentively to the only human in their midst. ''Ixaal will escape soon, if he hasn't already, and I'm talking about a few days at most.''

''So soon?'' asks Shinsuke nervously, summing up everyone's thoughts.

Tenma nods grimly. ''His people are everywhere now and my mana that has chained him has almost completely dissipated.''

There are a few moments of heavy silence, before Shindou speaks up, directing his words mostly to Tenma. ''We've done everything we could to prepare. We've informed our allies of an upcoming danger and they've all agreed to at least be on standby, if not outright help us. Yuuichi, Hakuryuu and Shuu visited us a few months ago and they're dealing with supplies – weapons, food, anything that might be needed in war. Saru and Ragūn have been helping as well, contacting allies and investigating Ixaal's movement. We've done all we could at this point.''

He nods towards Hayami, who shoves a document over the table to Tenma, who takes it and quickly skims it. ''This is the most recent data we got from Ragūn, describing the latest actions from Ixaal's people.''

''It's clear they're preparing for war as well,'' adds Ichino, a scroll containing the same information in front of him. ''In fact, their preparations seem to be done any time now.''

Tenma hums quietly in thought, taking a better look at the information. Taiyou, on the opposite edge of the table, turns towards Shindou. ''You have been preparing for war, but is that all?'' he asks, knowing that if anyone can answer his questions, it'd be Raimei's strategist. ''And what,'' this time he turns towards Tenma, ''have you found out?''

The brunet looks up from the scroll and, once realizing the question was directed at him, places it down. Then he reaches for another scroll, this one still closed, and rolls it out on the table in front of him. ''A lot, actually,'' he says as his allies lean closer to get a better look at the paper. ''Ixaal, the god of hysteria, goes back a long time.''

The scroll depicts a sketch of a familiar god, yet unlike the one they met, the drawn Ixaal seems relaxed. He doesn't smile, but there's a clarity in his gaze that is in complete contrast with the sheer madness that had overtaken him two hundred years ago.

''Almost a thousand years ago, he was one of the most important gods that existed,'' starts Tenma, reaching for another scroll and unrolling it as well, this one containing what seems to be a story. ''Hysteria was important back then. It kept the balance that was needed in a world of humans and gods, because it is not bad, especially not in small doses – it is a warning, a layer of protection, that the world will always need, and Ixaal – or rather, as he was known back then, Ozrock – carried out his duties perfectly.

''However,'' and the mortal's voice grows dark as he taps on one of the pictures on the scroll, ''things... changed. Ozrock was important and beloved enough to be considered for the High Council of Gods, but he wasn't chosen. Instead, that place was taken by my father, Arashi. Ozrock grew bitter. He hated Arashi for taking what he believed was his, and he resented the High Council even more for not choosing him.''

And this is the part of the story they are all familiar with.

''He attacked them,'' mutters Shindou, frowning thoughtfully as he scans the scroll describing Ixaal's betrayal. ''But what is...?''

Tenma shakes his head, quieting his Rain with a gentle smile. ''That's not all,'' he says quietly, and they are all pulled to focus again. ''Ozrock didn't, in fact, betray the High Council – he was framed.''

Wide-eyed stares all around – no one knew that particular part of the story.

Taiyou, visibly stunned, asks the question that is on all of their minds. ''By whom?''

The human sighs. ''A third party, who wanted their own candidate to become part of the High Council. They tried to kill Arashi, to create a place on the Council, and planned to frame Ozrock for it. The first part failed, the second one didn't.'' He leans his elbows on the table, folding his hands underneath his chin. ''Ozrock tried to defend himself and it worked, partly. Instead of being executed, he was banished, and several gods – who later became his Generals – went with him.''

That's not the full story, and they all know it. Ozrock – or Ixaal, as he is now known – becomes an enemy of the High Council after his banishment, until eventually, he crosses the path of Raimei and is defeated.

There's an uncomfortable silence lingering in the room, no one quite knowing what to say. There are questions, of course there are, but no one dares to voice them.

Kariya, noticing that no one is planning to speak, bites the bullet. ''So? He just kind of started terrorizing the humans until he eventually challenged us and was locked away?'' there are some glares thrown his way for the way he said it, but no one can deny their curiosity.

Tenma shakes his head. ''Ozrock lost his mind to his own domain and he did 'terrorize the humans', yes, but he didn't just challenge us for no reasons.'' He taps the last picture on the scroll, one of Ixaal being thrown out of realm of the gods. ''I'm not certain about this, but...'' he hesitates for a moment, before forcing himself to continue, ''back then, we thought he attacked us because he wanted power. After I found this, I wondered if maybe he targeted us out of revenge, with me being Arashi's son and all, but that doesn't seem to be the case. He's after something else, and I don't know what.''

With those last words, he falls silent, pulling at a loose strand of chestnut brown hair as he watches his friends contemplate his words. After a few moments, though, the mortal sighs, catching the attention of the demigods again. ''I didn't find anything about weaknesses, but we should at least keep looking. For now, though, it's time to discuss the rest of our plan.''

There are some nods at that, no one disagreeing – there's nothing they can do about Ixaal now.

''Caerira,'' says Kyousuke quietly, watching as Tenma's eyes spark for a moment at the name of his beloved weapon. ''We, or rather you, need it, if you want to fight in this war.''

Taiyou frowns. ''Wait a second,'' he interrupts, looking between his two friends, ''what does Caerira have to do with this?''

Tenma smiles weakly. ''It's my soul weapon, as you know,'' he answers, his fingers clenching as if he's imagining what it would feel like to hold his staff again. ''Because of that, our resident blade master,'' he grins as Kyousuke rolls his eyes at the nickname, ''believes that, if I were to use it, I would return to the same power levels I achieved as a demigod. Which I agree with, considering it is a medium for my power – power I cannot control with my bare hands in a mere mortal form.''

Kirino nods. ''That's how our soul weapons work,'' he says, gesturing to Akane and Shindou. ''Since our parents share domains, it's acceptable to assume Caerira would follow the same principle.''

''And,'' adds Shindou, ''not to forget, Caerira is the link we have to all our allies.'' He throws a sharp look at Tenma. ''The spell is still in place. You can summon everyone to our aid, and since you're the only one who can control Caerira's power, they will answer.''

The prospect of that is very welcoming. Three Clans united against an entire army of gods and demigods are doomed to fail.

And then Taiyou suddenly seems to realize the problem. ''But Caerira-''

''-is at the memorial temple at the battlefield where Ixaal killed me,'' finishes Tenma, ignoring the winces his words attract from his friends. ''Exactly. The real problem is that that is the place where I bound Ixaal, so that's the spot he'll awaken after he breaks free, and therefore the headquarters of his side.''

The sun demigod whistles. ''Well, it certainly will be fun to get it back.''

The grim looks reflect his own thoughts.

But it is not as if they have a choice with this.

~'0'~

''Help him. Please, help him.''

Tenma woke up with a girl's voice echoing in his ears and a deep weariness settled into his bones.

He shook it off as he sat up and stretched, sunlight filtering through the fabric of his tent. There was no time for weird dreams to hold him back – they were at war. And so he stood and moved to wash his face and hands in the water basket standing in a corner of his pavilion and quickly dressed in his tunic of blue leather, fastening his shoulder and arm guards.

With a grimace, he pulled on his boots and strapped down his shin guards. He'd prefer to be barefoot, but he wasn't stupid enough to do so in the middle of a warzone.

As he exited his tent, the familiar weight of Caerira's folded form at the belt around his waist, he took a deep breath. He'd only slept for a few hours, three at most, but it was enough to give him the strength he needed – perks of being half god.

''Please.''

Tenma shook his head, pushing the memory of the girl's voice out of his mind.

He had better things to do.

~'0'~

It's the first Tenma sees the temple.

Beautiful is the first word that comes up, the large structure strangely simple but with an ethereal grace that overwhelms the senses. It's made of a light, almost white, stone, nothing more than a platform high above the ground with columns holding up a roof decorated with a hint of gold. Stairs in the white rock allow access to the platform.

The brunet stares at it for a second and then looks at his Clan.

''Why so big?''

He gestures to the enormous temple, because really, it's a bit overkill.

''And why so many stairs?''

Again. Overkill.

''Ha, I told you he would think it's too much!'' Kariya pipes up, earning a slap from Kirino. ''Ouch! Hey, what was that for?!''

The mist demigod glares at him for a moment and then turns back to Akane, their joined hands glowing gently as they keep the mist shield around them intact.

Tenma smiles at their antics, shaking his head in amusement. ''It's not too much-'' at Kariya's disbelieving look, he sighs. ''Okay, it is, but,'' he quickly adds when the hunter demigod seems ready to start cheering, ''I can understand why you would design it like this. You guys have always been overdramatic.''

There are a few amused snorts at that, but soon enough the severity of the situation catches up to them. ''Alright,'' says Shindou softly, ''everyone remember the plan?'' at the nods he receives, he gestures to the group of gods – Ozrock's generals – a few hundred feet away from the temple. ''As expected, the temple's protective mana is keeping them out. Caerira is still where we left it.''

And isn't that obvious, with the platform high above positively humming with energy.

The longer Tenma stares at it, the louder the cries of his beloved staff become, begging him to come, and his own mana stirs slightly in response. He immediately yanks it back under his control as to not make it harder on Kirino and Akane by forcing them to hide his mana signal.

''You alright?'' whispers Kyousuke, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

The brunet glances at him and smiles reassuringly. ''Yeah, I'm fine,'' he says softly, leaning into the touch for a bit. ''Everyone ready?'' when there are no objections, he glances at their mist demigods. ''Alright, do it.''

Kirino and Akane let go of each other's hands and Raimei splits into two groups, the pink-haired boy joining the more attack-based one – Nishiki, Shindou, Hikaru, Kyousuke – while his sister joins the much smaller group with Tenma and the defensive demigods, both teams now being shielded by only one mist sibling.

They quickly go their separate ways, Kirino's group going straight for the enemy camp as the distraction, while the smaller one goes in the direction of the temple. They move fast and easy, crossing as much distance without being noticed as possible.

The sky left of them is suddenly lit up with an explosion that causes the earth to shake and the group immediately breaks out into a run, their only protection now Akane's shield – not that it matters, no one can hear them through the sounds of battle that have taken over the plain.

Their only objective now is to reach the safety of the temple's shields.

Tenma throws a look to the battle. He can see Kyousuke, at least a dozen blades dancing around him, Shindou and Hamano working together in their water-combined domains to flood part of Ixaal's army. Explosions of fuchsia light up the sky, revealing Hikaru's location as well.

The mortal is pulled back to the present – literally – by Aoyama grabbing his arm and forcing him to move forward. ''Don't hesitate,'' says the strategist quietly, barely audible above the roar of battle.

They have almost, almost reached the temple when it goes wrong.

The battle – which has spread towards them – gets in their way, demigods and gods alike fighting tooth and nail, and Akane is forced to let go of the spell that keeps them hidden from sight in order to raise up a shield to protect them from the many attacks.

''Move!'' she screams, sweat gathering at her forehead at the attacks now directed at their group.

Tenma locks eyes with Aoi and his oldest friend gives him a reassuring nod, even as her bow materializes in her hands, an arrow of magic forming on the bowstring.

Then the brunet tears his eyes away from her, knowing she can protect herself, and his eyes glow the slightest bit of gold as he taps into his powers. He launches himself into the sky, the air beneath his feet glowing brightly as he sky-steps towards the temple.

He doesn't bother trying to fight off the countless enemies – he is useless without Caerira and he knows it – instead trusting his Clan to protect him. And they do. He can see Midori, intercepting a dozen of demigods and keeping them from reaching him, her sword flashing dangerously. An arrow – courtesy of Aoi – buries itself deep in a god's chest before he can try and attack her leader.

And Tenma pushes the overwhelming concern for his Clan's wellbeing out of his mind as he races towards the temple.

He can feel it the second he crosses the boundary of protective shields, warm mana washing over him and light shimmering before his eyes.

The brunet lands lightly on the ground, his own mana fading away as he stares at the staircase in front of him. Up close, the platform seems even higher in the air.

He shakes himself, knowing there's no time to linger when his friends are fighting for their lives, and his eyes glow again as he leaps into the sky, skipping a dozen steps before landing, for a split second, to give himself another boost.

He reaches the top of the structure in record time. His eyes are immediately drawn to the staff, innocently floating a feet above its pedestal. The golden glow seems to brighten as Caerira recognizes its master, the blue gems on both ends sparkling like stars.

Tenma releases a breath he didn't know he was holding and crosses the short distance between him and his soul weapon, carefully reaching out. His hand stills for a second as Caerira's mana reacts to his own, warm and cheerful and light as it dances around him in greeting, and the mortal allows himself to smile a bit.

Then his fingers close around the golden staff and raw power floods through him.

A gasp breaks free from his lips as his mana skyrockets, visibly swirling around him in bright gold, pure energy coursing through his veins, and Caerira sings.

Without seeing it, he knows storm clouds are gathering on the horizon, unnaturally fast, and lightning flashes in the distance, welcoming its master home.

But then a shockwave, coming from the middle of the plain, knocks gods and demigods alike to their feet, dark purple mana swirling through the air. A horrible breaking sound echoes through the suddenly silent sky, cracks appearing in the rocky earth-

As if something is trying to break free.

Tenma barely has enough time to send a warning to his Clan through his aura, and then the ground is shattering, pieces of earth and rock flying everywhere. High up on the platform as he is, he's mostly protected from the shockwave that comes from the now-crater, and he breathes a sigh of relief when he sees Akane and Kirino have protected those of Raimei who were too close to the source of the blast.

And then his eyes land on the figure standing in the middle of the dark mana storm, and his heart sinks.

Poisonous green eyes, glowing with power, take in the battlefield. A pitch black armor, two swords of an even darker shade in the sheaths on his back.

Ixaal.

Golden eyes narrow when the god locks their gazes together. Tenma tightens his grip on Caerira, pulling it from its pedestal, and golden mana floods from his fingertips. He reaches for the spell, the connection between Raimei and its allies, and as he speaks his voice roars with the power of the storm, ''I call upon your vow of loyalty now, my companions, in our hour of need!''

A shockwave of light floods the battlefield, storm winds raging loudly, and when it dies down, it seems like the earth itself hold its breath for a few moments.

And then flames engulf part of the battlefield, rising up and twisting, and when they fade away, Arakumo is there. Clad in full armor, weapons ready, vindictive smiles – and Taiyou, his spear aflame with the domain of his mother, turns towards the temple and inclines his head. His eyes lock with Tenma's even over such a long distance and when he speaks, his voice is heard by all.

''Arakumo answers your call.''

Raimei barely has a second to be relieved by their ally's appearance when another voice echoes out over the plain, accompanied by a burst of violet light. ''Ragūn anwers your call, my brother,'' grins Saryuu, a flash of lightning accompanying his words.

For a moment, there is silence, and Tenma mentally prays for the other's to answer as well, trying to fight off the desperation that threatens to overwhelm him. They can't possibly do this alone – they need their allies.

He almost believes those he once called friends will not come, when-

''As does Raiton.''

He spins towards the source of the voice, his ponytail whipping around his head, and just manages to catch the last bit of the bright blue light of the teleportation spell. Then he's staring at the wide grin of none other than Endou Mamoru, Raiton's elite class surrounding him – Gouenji, Kidou, Fubuki, and Yuuichi, Shuu and Hakuryuu are also with them – and it feels like a weight has lifted from his chest.

As if Raiton's arrival is a sign, the light of multiple teleportation spells washes over the field, Clan after Clan appearing – Seidouzan, Teikoky, Kidokawa Seishuu, Gassan Kunimitsu – all of those who stood by them in the first war, all of them, have answered.

But Tenma, as glad as he is to see them, keeps his eyes on the real adversary here.

Ixaal.

The god of hysteria hasn't moved at all, although the swirl of dark mana – overwhelming mana that has finally been released after two hundred years – has died down.

Ozrock's gaze has not left Tenma and the demigod-turned-mortal answers his glare without hesitation.

''I killed you.''

The words, spoken in a normal volume, echo over the field.

Everything seems to hold its breath, waiting for Tenma's answer.

And the brunet smiles, releasing his tight hold on the mana that has released with Caerira's return to his hand.

Thunder roars, louder than he has ever heard it before, flashing through the sky. He glows with power, his veins glowing bright with the pure, uncontrolled mana coursing through him, and he closes his eyes and lets it consume here.

From the top of the temple, a bright golden light spreads, growing brighter and brighter until the figure in the middle of it all shines like a star and people have to shield their eyes against it.

And amidst it all, his voice echoes like a thunderclap.

''Clearly, it wasn't enough.''

For the first time, Ozrock shows emotion, in the form of gritted teeth. He reaches for both his swords, swinging them with unparalleled expertise, and then he's launching himself forward in a blur of deep purple.

Tenma responds in kind, nothing but a streak of gold. Caerira comes to life as he pours his mana into the staff, sharp blades taking shape at both ends, and when the human and the god clash in a tsunami of mana, both soul weapons – Ozrock's swords and Tenma's double-bladed staff – sing with power.

And then it's all about dodging and defending, strike after strike, Ozrock sharp like the deadly blades in his hands, Tenma spinning his staff with an ethereal grace that makes it seem like he's dancing instead of fighting a battle of life and death.

The brunet is vaguely aware of the battle continuing around them and this time, the odds are in their favor, their army as strong as it was two centuries before.

He can't pay much attention to it, though, because he has to use everything to keep up with Ozrock. Block a slash here, dodge a stab there, catch a dark blade with Caerira's golden staff.

But the god is weak.

They both seem to notice it – Ixaal, gritting his teeth as his mana whirls around him, is tiring, and while Tenma is out of breath, he is not yet exhausted.

Ozrock's time being sealed has weakened him and they both know it.

The mortal is forced to dodge another slash, the shockwave of it sending pieces of rock and earth flying around, and Ixaal takes the time to create some distance. ''Retreat!'' he calls, his voice echoing over the field, and then the god is leaving, disappearing in a blur of dark purple. His Generals immediately follow him, most of the upper Clans fleeing as well, while the less insightful fighters quickly find out that it would've been best to do as their leader ordered.

Within minutes, the plain is cleared of Ozrock's supporters.

Tenma allows the mana that courses through Caerira to return, the weapon returning to a normal staff, and as he wipes at the sweat on his forehead, he becomes aware of the silence behind him.

He turns around, his eyes immediately finding his own Clan – they all seem to be alright, thank god, Aoi already starting to heal the injured – and then his focus shifts towards the other eyes on him.

His allies, wide-eyed and stunned. Now that the battle is over, they seem to allow themselves to realize that yes, Tenma is here, he is alive, and the only thing he can do is smile weakly.

His gaze finds Kyousuke's, then Shindou's, and his two friends don't need another sign. The three of them regroup quickly, and Tenma allows their mana to surround him and make sure he's alright, although he keeps his expression professional. ''Set up camp by the temple,'' he orders, locking eyes with his Rain for a moment, who nods in approval. ''I want those injured to be treated immediately.''

With their orders, it finally seems like the Clan leaders – Kurosaki, Yukimura, Minamisawa and all the others – are shaken from their trances. ''You heard him!'' orders Miyabino, Teikoku's leader, and soon enough the beginnings of a camp are set up within the shields of the temple.

Tenma quickly makes his way over to Raimei, flanked by Shindou and Tsurugi. Sangoku has taken charge and they're already setting up their own tents with an ease that comes from experience. ''Here.'' The brunet startles when a pitcher of water is offered to him and he looks up to find Kurama. The mortal gratefully takes it, not having realized how thirsty he was, and reaches out with his mana to convey his gratefulness. The snake demigod rolls his eyes, but there's a tiny hint of a smile on his lips.

Soon, Tenma – having gotten rid of his shoulder, arm and shinguards and pulled on a long, sleeveless jacket – is walking, barefoot, through the camp. Much more comfortable. His destination is the commander's tent, always set up first, and when he enters, he's unsurprised to find all the allied Clan leaders already waiting for him.

Before anyone can say speak, Saryuu is in front of the brunet, pulling him into an embrace. The human melts into it, hugging his brother back with all the force he can muster.

It has, after all, been two centuries since they last saw each other, because that one time a year ago doesn't count.

Saru pulls back, taking in his sibling's new appearance, and then scowls. ''You, my brother, have the worst martyr complex I have ever seen.''

Tenma gives a startled laugh at that, wiping a stubborn lock of hair out of his eyes and crossing his arms. ''Oh please, what did you think I would do?''

''Not die?'' grumbles the demigod.

The brunet rolls his eyes and finally focuses on the other Clan leaders, giving Taiyou a quick nod, who returns it. Then he gives the other demigods a quick once-over – Kurosaki's arm is bandaged and Kishibe's hair is matted with blood from a cut above his ear, but otherwise they seem alright – and gives them the brightest smile he can, trying to convey all his gratefulness and relief at seeing them again.

''Hello, everyone. It has been a while.''

~'0'~

Caerira, as double-bladed weapon and regular staff.

~'0'~

Well, that was this chapter! We hope you enjoyed it!

- Yara & Archerr