Welcome back to the very last chapter of Red of Dawn! Enjoy!

~'0'~

''F-father?''

Arashi is every bit the god he's supposed to be. Dressed in white robes and shining silver armor, his blond locks fall to his waist. He could pass for a human in his late thirties if it wasn't for the aura of pure mana that makes his skin quite literally shine like a star, his eyes – like molten gold – rolling silently like a storm on the horizon, a golden staff with a single blade at its end in his hand.

When he speaks, his words echo with the roar of the storm, even though his voice is calm and almost soft. ''My son.''

Tenma can count the times he has seen this particular god on one hand. Four times during the hundred years' summer solstices he attended, a holy celebration where the demigods are allowed into the godly realm. He'd seen his father as part of the High Council, from afar for only a few minutes.

The fifth time was almost thirty decades after Raimei was formed.

Arashi, even though he may be a lousy father, gives every child of his a special gift, most often a weapon of some sort. Tenma can still remember it clearly – it'd been in the middle of the night, during a particularly heavy storm, when Arashi appeared before him in all his godly glory. They barely spoke to each other, just a 'I wish you the best of luck in life, son' and the then-demigod was left with his beloved staff.

Now, staring at his father for the sixth time in his life, Tenma's grip on Caerira tightens. The weapon is pulsing with energy that can only be a reaction to its creator's presence.

Arashi turns away, a clear dismissal, and instead looks down upon the god of hysteria, who is watching him with a guarded look. ''Ozrock. You are to come with me to stand before the judgement of the High Council. If you do not come willingly, I will not hesitate to force you.''

''No!'' Lalaya and Katora immediately push their brother behind them. Storm clouds gather on the horizon in response and the two goddesses shiver in the face of Arashi's power, but they don't move away.

''Do not test my patience,'' says the god, his voice indifferent.

Tenma cannot help the twinge of satisfaction he feels at seeing the hint of surprise coloring Arashi's face when the brunet himself steps in front of the goddesses.

His Clan will most likely murder him for this, if he survives the encounter, of course.

Arashi's narrowed gaze tells him he most likely won't. He meets the god's stare head-on, knowing his own eyes are sparking with gold as well. ''What does he stand accused of?''

''It is none of your business,'' says his father simply. ''Now step out of the way.''

He clearly expects that to be the end of it.

He also clearly underestimates his son's legendary stubbornness.

''No.''

Golden eyes widen just the tiniest bit, the only sign of surprise. ''No?''

Tenma tightens his grip on Caerira but keeps it at his side, unthreatening. ''No,'' he repeats. ''Lord Hysteria has not committed any direct crimes. I offered him my protection and unless you can give me a good reason to stand down, I will go through on my promise.'' He gestures to the demigods behind him, hiding a slight wince at the furious glares on his friends' faces – they are so going to kill him for this. ''I may not be a god, but are you sure you wish to challenge all of us? Because I am certain Lord Hysteria's men will stand by us, should this lead to conflict.''

Lightning flashes. ''You dare speak to me in that way?'' Arashi's voice roars like a storm, painfully loud and incredibly terrifying, and every primal instinct Tenma has tells him to run away as the full force of the god's unimaginable mana crashes down on him – Arashi is known as one of the strongest gods for a reason.

He doesn't.

Instead he lets his own mana run free, still sparking like electricity from the battle before, and lightning flashes through the sky in response.

''You dare resist my orders?'' Arashi's aura increases even more, if that's possible, and Tenma almost fears he will be crushed by it - Ozrock's distorted power has absolutely nothing on this. He fights back futilely against it, his mana screaming under the strain, and he can't breathe under the pulverizing force.

''Yes I dare!'' he's not sure if his voice can even be heard over the thundering storm above him, but he doesn't back down. Can't back down, not now. ''I dare!''

And something snaps inside him.

His fury, the fury of the tempest – usually so well contained – rushes through him like fire and it somehow gives him the strength to push Arashi's stifling aura away.

Then suddenly he can breathe again.

Tenma's only partly aware of his own skin, glowing like a star in imitation of his father, the storm that was previously under Arashi's control answering to his call before the thought has even really formed, lightning flashing and screaming with his rage. ''I dare!''

Their auras clash against each other, gold against gold, father against son, as the tempest that lives in both of them destroys the sky above them.

And Tenma, painstakingly aware of the demigods behind him who cannot possibly survive such mana, calls upon Caerira, the staff flaring to life in his hands. He calls upon the storm, his own as much as his father's, just as he sees Arashi prepare for a strike with his own single-bladed staff.

The two weapons, both born from the tempest itself, clash and even as he throws in everything he has to handle the shattering strike, Tenma reaches for the mana swirling around them – his own, his father's, both too alike to make sense of – until it's surrounding them like a hurricane.

''ENOUGH!''

He doesn't know how to stop this madness, this storm, but he knows that if he doesn't, his friends and allies, his Clan, his family will pay the price, and as he screams that single word, the raw power answers to his call.

With a flash of light, the gold dissipates all at once, overwhelming and crushing and gone, and Tenma draws back just as Arashi does, out of breath even though he mentally readies himself for another attack.

But it doesn't come.

Arashi watches him, heaving for breath, the indifference having left his gaze, replaced by something else Tenma can't quite place.

And then the god straightens, lowering his single-bladed staff – a clear end to the fight. The brunet watches him warily but still follows, even though he doesn't revert Caerira to its sealed form.

''With all my children,'' Arashi's voice suddenly breaks the silence, startling them all, ''I could see a rough outline of their futures, their destinies. But with you, it was all blank.''

''What?'' Tenma can't hide the surprise in his voice.

His father is watching him closely, and then his lips curl upwards into a slight, almost unnoticeable smile. ''It stunned me,'' he continues slowly, ''to see a child of mine so out of reach. I did not know what to expect from you – you were a mystery like I had never seen before. Perhaps because of your mother. She always managed to evade me, as well.'' A laugh spills from his lips, like a soft breeze. ''To think you, the child I dismissed as nothing, would grow powerful enough to match me...''

And suddenly the mortal recognizes the look in those eyes – his eyes.

He has seen it before, on Endou, on Gouenji, on his Clan.

''I do not say this often, in fact, most of my children will never hear these words,'' continues Arashi, ''but I am proud of you, my son.'' Finally he looks away from Tenma, his eyes finding another face in the crowd of demigods. ''And of you as well, Saryuu.''

He looks back towards Tenma, catching the stunned look on the brunet's face. ''I- um, thank you?'' he says, although it sounds more like a question.

The storm god's smile is tinted with fondness – actual fondness – and he reaches out, gripping his son's shoulder. His hold is strong yet gentle, and as gold meets gold, his smile fades. ''Tell me, Tenma,'' and it hits the demigod-turned-mortal that this is the first time in both lives his father has ever said his name, ''what is it you desire?'' at the brunet's confused look, he elaborates, his expression carefully guarded. ''Fame? Money? Power?''

The human pauses at that question.

He has never really thought about that.

Part of him tells him he couldn't possibly answer right now, within moments of being asked, yet...

Yet he automatically looks behind him, catching the gazes of his Clans, his allies and friends – they all seem curious about the answer – and he knows.

He smiles.

''Freedom,'' he says simply, turning back to his father, the god's golden gaze piercing as if it can see right through him.

Arashi's eyebrows raise slightly. ''Freedom?'' he repeats, slowly, as if tasting the word. ''And if you had this freedom, what would you do with it?''

And the brunet shrugs. ''I'd stay with my friends. If nothing would ever chain me down again, I'd stay with them and I'd make sure they're happy,'' he answers simply, a bright smile lighting up his face as his aura swirls with all the love and care he holds for his Clan. ''That's what I'd do.''

His father smiles again and Tenma suddenly feels like he passed a test he wasn't aware of.

''Tell me, Lord Hysteria,'' he calls out, and the god of hysteria stiffens, the use of the respectful title not going unnoticed, ''what do you see for my son's future?''

Ozrock casts a guarded look at the storm god, but then his green eyes settle on the brunet, curiosity coloring his expression even through his wariness. ''I see... harmony,'' he says, his voice slow and careful. ''Light. Potential. Love. Sanity.''

Finally, Arashi smiles, nodding at the other god's words. ''It is very rare for a child as powerful as yourself to stay sane, as Lord Hysteria already noticed.'' He glances at Ozrock. ''But that is not all, is it?''

The god's eyebrows draw together in a grim frown, and he nods.

''I see death, too.''

Tenma closes his eyes at that, feeling the sudden anxiety in his friends' auras.

''You do not seem surprised, my son,'' states Arashi.

Golden eyes open again and the brunet smiles bitterly. ''I am mortal. It would be a miracle if I lived for another seventy years.'' He braces himself, glancing over his shoulder and immediately wincing at the devastated looks from his shieldbrethren. ''But I don't care,'' he whispers, head turning back to face Arashi. ''I'd still stay with them, until the very end.''

His father squeezes his shoulder slightly.

''It does not have to be that way, my child.''

Tenma's head snaps up, eyes growing wide.

Arashi grins, slight and reserved but clearly there. ''You are my son, and no matter in what form you reincarnate, that will not change.'' He withdraws his hand, casting a look at the two goddesses in their midst. ''Lady Lalaya and Lady Katora could bring you back to life, yes, but without my blessing you would not return to your immortal form.'' Golden eyes turn back to the human's stunned face. ''Yet you are still my child, that you have kept your powers proves as much. Immortality, while usually out of reach for a mortal, is possible for you because you were never meant to be a mere human.''

Tenma can barely find his voice again, and when he does, it is barely audible. ''What are you...?''

''With my blessing,'' states the god carefully, ''your demigod status will return, if that is what you wish. You have proven yourself worthy of such to me.''

It is an offer, and everyone knows it.

Tenma's eyes are wide with shock, barely believing his father's words, but the auras of his shieldbrethren swirling with disbelief and painstaking hope are enough to tell him that yes, this is real.

And for the first time in his second life, he allows himself to hope as well.

He'd accepted his mortality, and yet... and yet part of him hadn't. The part that would do anything for those he calls his, would destroy anything that hurts them – only this time, it couldn't.

''I...'' he trails off, still barely believing this real, and swallows for a moment. Arashi watches him knowingly, the ghost of a smile on his lips. ''I do wish that,'' he whispers, almost inaudible.

For a long time, father and son merely hold each other's gazes.

Then the storm god nods. ''If that is so, then I will tell you this, my son. Treasure all you have, treasure the love those who are loyal to you hold, and never forget your own words today.'' His voice echoes with power, although his tone is sober. ''Use the tempest in your veins to protect, not to destroy, as you have always done, because only then you will stay true to yourself.''

Gentle hands rise to fall on the brunet's shoulders and warm, molten gold pierces down at him. ''I give you my blessing, my son. May it serve you well.'' He leans down, pressing his lips to Tenma's forehead.

For a moment, nothing happens, and then white light flares so brightly it blinds everyone, gasps and exclamations of surprise ringing out. The echo of a storm roars around them, mana swirling chaotically, its ties to the world breaking, resettling.

Then the light dies down and the scene is revealed to all.

Arashi has distanced himself from his son, gazing down at the boy with the same warmth of pride in his gaze as before.

Tenma is standing with his eyes closed, his mana slowly settling around him again. At first glance, nothing has changed.

Then his eyelids snap open and his golden eyes glow with power, brighter than it ever was in his human form, and the aura that washes over them all is a mix of human and god.

The aura of a demigod.

It takes Raimei's breath away and their own mana responds to their shieldbrother's call, colors flaring all around as the Clan reconnects with each other, pure, undiluted power flooding the area. The sky shimmers like a rainbow with colors ranging from Kyousuke's dark indigo to Kariya's bright red and Shindou's lilac.

When it dies down, the air is filled with leftover static, only strengthened by the retreating storm on the horizon, and Raimei is glowing, quite literally, with mana.

Then the world breathes again and suddenly, Tenma's mana wavers as he stumbles. The brunet starts falling forward and his Clan reacts before they even completely register the situation, sky-stepping forward to get to their shieldbrother. It's unnecessary, though, for Arashi is faster than all of them and he catches his son. He supports the new demigod, one hand gently gripping his arm and the other around his shoulders.

Shindou lands next to the two, the rest of the Clan gathering behind him, and his concern is almost palpable as he reaches out for his leader.

''He is alright, nephew,'' says Arashi and the demigod stills in surprise for a second as the term registers. ''It is merely the shock of transitioning from mortality to godhood.''

Even so, Raimei isn't about to take any chances.

Shindou wraps an arm around Tenma's waist, taking most of the brunet's weight and allowing the storm god to step back. A soft chuckle comes from his cousin and that, more than anything, has the rain demigod relax. ''I am alright, my Rain,'' he says, leaning into his friend's touch a little to grin up at him. Then he glances over his shoulder at his Clan, golden eyes shining brightly, but before he can say anything there's a flash of purple.

Saryuu lands next to his half-brother, barely sparing his father a glance. His expression is pulled into a frown as he takes in Tenma's form, searching for anything worth of concern. When he doesn't find anything, he sighs and reaches out to pull the younger's hair. ''I should lock you up and throw away the key. You're going to give me grey hairs at this rate.''

''Your hair is white.''

''Not the point, little brother,'' returns Saru and then, finally, looks at his father. He crosses his arms and glowers at him. ''You. I don't like you. Although I suppose I should thank you for saving Tenma's life.''

There's a collective wince at the sheer rudeness of that.

To say everyone is surprised when, instead of smashing the demigod where he stands, Arashi merely laughs in amusement, is an understatement. ''Just like your mother,'' he says, shaking his head. ''I will accept your gratitude, my son.''

Saryuu rolls his eyes and grumbles something underneath his breath that sounds suspiciously much like ''you better'' and then goes back to fussing about his brother.

His father watches them both for a few more moments and then withdraws, moving until he's standing in front of Ozrock. The hysteria god's sisters are crouched next to him and stare up at Arashi, still slightly wary as they unconsciously move to shield their brother slightly from the other god's gaze.

Arashi, for his part, merely gives them a respectful nod and then looks straight at Ozrock with unforgiving eyes.

The other god stares back, boldly meeting his golden gaze in a silent challenge.

Then the storm god narrows his eyes. ''A deity of your calibre should not kneel on the ground in front of an equal,'' he says and it causes Ozrock - and everyone else - to freeze in surprise.

When Arashi doesn't do anything other than stare at him expectantly, the god of hysteria slowly frees himself from his sisters and rises to his feet until he stands face to face with the other deity. For a long moment, neither one moves and there's a tension in the air that has many grabbing for their weapons.

That is, until the storm god gives a slow nod, much like he did for the goddesses of life and death. Then, to everyone's surprise, he presses three fingers to his lips and then balls them to a fist, which he presses against his heart in an ancient welcoming gesture. ''I greet thee, Lord Hysteria.''

Ozrock is wide-eyed in the face of the respect that has been shown to him and then, as if he isn't quite sure this is real, raises three fingers to his own lips before pressing a fist against his heart as well. ''I greet thee in turn, Lord Tempest,'' he speaks slowly and finally, he's rewarded with a slight, barely-there smile.

''Lord Hysteria,'' says Arashi, ''will you return with me to Mount Eden, to finally help us shed light on the truth of a thousand years ago?''

The other god gives a slow nod. ''I will,'' he says, and then glances around until his eyes find a golden gaze, one that doesn't belong to the deity in front of him, ''but I will not be treated as a prisoner.''

Arashi doesn't seem offended or taken aback by that statement and instead smiles as if he was expecting that all along. ''You have my word,'' he says, his eyes glowing slightly as he seals his promise, ''that you will not be harmed, nor be treated as anything other than a god wronged. Is that acceptable to you as well,'' and now he looks over his shoulder, locking gazes with a surprised Tenma, ''my son?''

The new demigod lifts his chin and straightens from where both Saru and Shindou are still supporting him, surrounded by both their Clans. ''It is, but as Lord Hysteria's ally, I demand knowledge of the situation.''

There's not going to be any negotiating on this and everyone seems to know that.

The brunet's father, however, accepts it graciously. ''I will extend an invitation to you to come to Mount Eden,'' and here, there's a bristle of shock going through the crowd, ''when the time is right.''

For a demigod to see Mount Eden, home of the gods.

An honor of such unspeakable depths has not been seen in many centuries.

Tenma, for his part, is staring at his father, his mouth opened in shock. At the amused tilt of the god's lips, however, he forces his voice to work again. ''T-that would suffice,'' he states and the words only waver a little bit.

Arashi nods, then, and waits for a moment longer for anyone with objections or other issues to speak up. When nothing comes, he turns back to Ozrock and holds out his staff. ''Let us go, then, Lord Hysteria, Lady Eternal, Lady Infinite,'' he offers, and in response, the three other deities reach out to grab the golden staff as well. The tempest god calls upon his mana and a golden glow surrounds them, ready to teleport them back to Mount Eden, which spreads to Ozrock's army.

Just before they completely disappear, Tenma calls once more, ''one last thing! Thanks, dad!''

Arashi seems to stumble, just slightly, and then they're gone.

Now only the demigods are left and the silence is broken by Saryuu's incredulous voice. ''You called him dad.'' At his younger brother's nod, the white-haired teen heaves a sigh, one hand rising up to massage his forehead. ''Why?''

Tenma beams.

''Because his reaction was hilarious!''  Then he turns towards his Clan. ''Now, I know you guys will most likely want to murder me... but can it at least wait until after we've all celebrated our survival?''

~'0'~

That night, a storm echoes in the distance and lights up the sky. In the capital, however, no one pays attention to it - the entire city is caught up in festivities, for their beloved Raimei Clan has saved their world from peril. The story has spread from the moment the Clan and their allies - legendary demigod Clans like Teikoku, Kidokawa Seishuu, Arakumo, Ragūn and even Raiton - entered the city.

Raimei fought in a war, albeit a short one, against an old monster, the dark god Ixaal. They called upon their allies and a miracle happened, for the demigod king who was lost long ago, Lord Tenma, returned as well. Under the king's leadership, they defeated Ixaal and freed the god Ozrock, in the process finally bringing justice to Mount Eden.

That's what the story has turned into, anyway, by the time dinner rolls around - a great event that all the cooks, restaurants and chefs in the city prepared from the moment they got word of the situation. Large fires have been lit to cook the meat of a great number of bears, pheasants, deer and several other animals. Tables, pillows and blankets have been placed on the city square and the steps of Raimei's palace and everyone has gathered there to celebrate.

When the story reaches the many demigods from all the Clans gathered, an invitation extended by Tenma of course, it's certainly cause for amusement. ''Well, it's close enough,'' comments Kirino in the end, stretching out on the blanket he's sitting on and leaning against Kazemaru's shoulder. ''At least no one got changed into a tree this time.'' And he launches into a story involving Kariya, an angry tree spirit and Kurama's ascendance to snake lord and 'taking revenge' on the tealheaded demigod in the end. It definitely has all of them doubling over with laughter again.

After everyone has more or less gotten their share of food, musicians start playing well-known and cheerful folk songs. As more and more people get up to dance, the demigods all watch fondly at the mortals' actions. These festivals will never end.

That is, until there's a sudden laugh from Fubuki, who is sitting in between Yukimura, Someoka and Nishiki. ''It seems your leader couldn't stay still,'' he says to the Raimei demigod sitting next to him.

Nishiki immediately turns around with wide eyes, catching sight of long brown locks close to one of the fires. Its owner has joined in with the mortals now, dancing with them in a circle for a while. His laughter is easily caught by the demigods' sharper ears and Raimei relaxes at the sound from where they had inadvertently tensed.

When a next song starts, Tenma breaks free from the mortals and instead moves to join in with some other humans, until he's pulling in people left and right to join the ever-growing mass of dancers.

It's all fine and well, until two young children catch his attention. The brunet kneels down next to them and they say something to him, too soft for the other demigods' to catch at this distance. Tenma nods, however, and seems to say something. Then he straightens and pats them on their heads, and there's a flash of gold as he sky-steps.

He gracefully lands among the other demigods and before anyone can react, he has gripped Aoi's wrist and is pulling her to her feet with a laugh. ''Come on!'' he says, pulling her towards the dancing space and giving her a twirl for good measure. He hands her off to the two children and then he's back with his Clan, pulling a surprised Sangoku and Kurama with him, the former laughing in amusement and the other only protesting for the sake of it.

It doesn't take the brunet long to convince even the most stubborn of his Clan members - Shindou, Midori, Hayami and even Kyousuke, with the help of Yuuichi - to join in on the fun and even then he doesn't stop. Instead he teams up with Taiyou to get Arakumo involved as well, which Endou takes as his cue to pester Raiton until they join in as well.

Under heavy protesting, Tenma forces Saru to come with him, with a little help of Fei and Meia to push their leader in the brunet's direction. The older storm demigod eventually resigns to his fate and dances with his brother for a while, before pulling Meia in for a couple's song, which of course has Gillis joining in as well - after laughing at the sight of his best friend twirling his girlfriend around on the beat of a cheesy song about harvesting.

No demigod is safe from the party spree that has apparently infested them.

And like that, the celebration goes on until deep in the night, when the stars are out and the cold of the air has to be chased away by the bonfires.

~'0'~

Later that night, or more like early the next morning, the sky is still dark but turning light in the west, when Raimei leaves their friends and allies behind in the city. Paths of colorful, bright mana light up the darkness as the group sky-steps through the air. There's a sort of hunt going on, although it seems suspiciously much like tag if anyone else was nearby to see it. Fortunately for their dignity, though, no one is.

Not that they would care.

Their playful chase reminds them of their time travelling many centuries ago, and not even the most distant members can hold back their smiles.

It has been so long, after all, since they were all gathered together without a threat hanging above their heads.

They have left the city far behind when all of a sudden, Tenma takes a sharp turn to the right, surprising his Clanmates. They follow him easily, not about to let him out of their sight after everything.

When they catch up to him, it is to the sight of the brunet standing on top of a cliff side looking out over the plains and forest far below.

And before him, dark clouds are gathering.

Any questions they may still have had are answered when a flash of thunder lights up the sky.

Gold sparks and a wave of mana flows over them, sparking with life in response to the storm brewing high above them. It takes only a handful of seconds and then the first drops are falling down on them.

Raimei doesn't bother to take shelter, enjoying the feeling of the rain instead as they take seats on some rock formations. Shindou, especially, seems to be energized by it, but that surprises no one.

Tenma is still standing, waiting. There's another sudden flash of lightning and that seems to be the last sign he needed, for suddenly he moves.

He spins in rhythm to the rain, letting the storm itself guide his movements. The thunder is the beat, the lightning the spotlight, and his mana weaves around him as he twirls and jumps and dances with his domain. There's a melody made from both wind and rain, and his hair - loose, this time - whips around him.

His Clan watches, mesmerized at a sight they thought they'd never see again.

The brunet's eyes are closed as he moves to a song only he can hear, not caring about the water soaking his clothes. There's only the sensation of the wet ground beneath his feet, the wind raging around him this high up, the sheer exhilaration that always comes with this.

He twirls and spins and jumps and falls only to catch himself at the last second. He throws his arms out, back, and gold sparks around him - or maybe it's just the light of the sunrise caught in the raindrops, turning the sky pink and purple and blue and yellow all at once.

By the time the brunet spins to a stop, when the storm has retreated and the rain has almost stopped, they must've been there for at least an hour, if not longer.

For a long second, he stands with his eyes closed to simply breathe in the scent of the air and earth.

Then his eyes snap open and they spark even brighter than before. A smile splits his face in two and suddenly, the mortal-turned-demigod is sprinting towards his Clan and catching them all in a hug. They stay that way for a long while, simply watching the sunrise, and for the first time in eons, there's nothing left for them to stay.

After all, this is only the beginning.

~'0'~

It is early midday that same day when the Clans are gathered in the great hall of Raimei's fortress. There's some light discussion of the fighting and the new developments, but mostly they just take their time to catch up after two hundred years of mostly avoiding one another.

They have all taken their time to rest after the battle and the celebrations - demigods, fortunately, can go much longer on much less sleep than their mortal counterparts -  and earlier, they joined together for breakfast. None of the other Clans seem to be ready to go to back to their own territories, but no one really minds either.

They are interrupted not much later when a page enters the hall. He falls into a bow, clearly nervous to be in the presence of so many figures from legends. ''S-sirs and madams!'' he stutters. ''T-there are people here, to- to see you! They are saying they- they have business with L-Lord Tenma!''

There's a slight shift, barely noticeable, but Tenma knows without a doubt that suddenly, everyone is on guard.

He ignores that and smiles at the young mortal. ''Thank you,'' he says and the boy fidgets in place. ''Please, allow them entrance.''

The page nods and gives another bow. ''A-at once, m'lord!'' he calls, slipping back into the hall through the side door he came from. A second later, the hall's main doors are opened.

Two people, mortals from their auras, enter the great hall. They're clearly nervous and unsure of their moves, but despite that neither of them seems ready to back down. They are dressed in mostly browns and reds, clearly not from the nobility but also not quite in the style of the normal city civilians. Travelers, then.

The moment they catch sight of Tenma, standing just a little ways away of that, the woman gives a shaky sob and raises her hands to cover her mouth. Her eyes fill with tears as she does so. The man next to her, however, doesn't bother to hesitate and instead easily crosses the little distance separating him from the brunet.

The demigods gathered watch warily, but since there seems to be no alarm coming from Tenma, they allow the mortal to come closer. One threatening move, however, and he'll be dead before he can even react.

Therefore, they are quite surprised, to say the least, when the man grips Tenma's shoulders and pulls him into a hug.

Scratch that, they are surprised the brunet lets him.

The woman joins them a moment later, wrapping her arms around the shorter demigod and smoothing his hair down. She wipes her tears away quickly and instead gives Tenma a hesitant smile when he moves back, creating enough distance for them to look at each other.

''I do suppose I owe you an explanation, don't I?'' he is the first to break the silence.

The man crosses his arms sternly. ''You sure do, boy,'' he says and the other demigods would react to the disrespect if Tenma didn't laugh fondly at it. ''I was ready to drag you back from these lunatics,'' and here the brunet snorts in amusement, ''but after seeing those golden eyes of yours, I think the story might be a little more complicated.''

The woman hits him on the arm, but even she is smiling. ''Hayato!'' she protests. ''That's rude!'' Then, she turns back to Tenma and her smile turns hesitant. ''Are you alright, Akira?''

Oh.

Raimei suddenly realizes who these mortals are.

Tenma seems to notice the sudden flood of realization in their auras for he turns around to the gathered Clans. ''I suppose an introduction is in order,'' he says, and gestures to the two humans. ''These are Matsukaze Hayato and Matsukaze Aiko... my mortal parents in this life.''

It is a long time before the story is finished.

Aiko and Hayato join the demigods for lunch as Tenma tells the tale of both his lives. How he lived in the demigod camp, six hundred years ago, and how he gathered his Clan. How they grew stronger and fought many enemies. Ixaal and his army, and the tragedy that separated them all. Then, two hundred years later, hi knowledge of memories from his past life and the events that lead him to meeting his Clan again.

Everything that came after.

It takes a long time indeed, before they all fall silent.

More time, then, is spend to talk about the future. About Tenma's duty as Clan leader and, on the other hand, his loyalty to the people who have cared for him for so long.

''I will not abandon my friends, and therefore I will not come with you in your travels,'' he states firmly, when asked, but his expression softens to a smile as he gazes upon his mortal parents, ''but I can sky-step faster than any horse could ever run.'' There's a soft chuckle as he gazes upon Raimei. ''Besides, I get claustrophobic when I stay in one place.''

That certainly seems to be a good solution for everyone.

With a promise to gather for lunch the next day, Aiko and Hayato say their goodbyes and hug their son - because he is, even if he is older than both of them together. Just before they leave, however, Hayato pauses and gazes upon the storm demigod. ''What should we call you now?'' he asks.

Tenma blinks, slightly taken aback by the question. It is easy to see how much it means to his parents, though, so he takes his time to think of the answer.

He would say they could call him Akira still, but...

A smile graces his lips. ''Well, I have to say, 'Matsukaze Tenma' does have a nice ring to it, and I never had a last name in my first life.''

The hugs that gains him seem to be enough confirmation that his choice was the right one.

~'0'~

Three hundred years later.

Mount Eden is a sight to behold.

With its elegant spires, shining streets, and graceful and rich  architecture, it has certainly earned its status as home of the gods. Deities, old and young, are enjoying their timeless abode even this early in the morning before the sun has even risen. It has been a long time since it has known the horrors of war, and that peace was hard won.

In the garden of Eden Palace, a large, round table is standing underneath the blossom trees. Countless waterfalls come down from the famous statue of Tanjō, the great king of the gods, and end in a small river that splits up in several side branches that run through the entire garden. Everything is connected by delicate bridges, and the sound of the water creates a gentle harmony in the background.

The table is set for breakfast and several gods are already gathered, sipping from their tea or catching up with each other. Such is the sight of the seasonal High Council meeting.

''They are late,'' complains a god, dressed in armor of sapphires. ''Again.''

A soft chuckle, like raindrops on the pavement, is the response. ''Why are you surprised, Hageshi?'' asks the goddess, her lilac hair flowing down her back. ''They come a long way, after all.''

Hageshi scoffs but doesn't deny Ame's words, and the rain goddess hides her victorious smile with a long sleeve. After all, no matter how much the warrior god tries to hide it, she is well aware that he is looking forward to news on his favorite daughter - that redhead has certainly managed to worm her way into her father's steel heart.

''What Lady Ame means,'' drawls a new voice, its owner falling down in one of the delicate chairs with a carelessness that has the rain goddess wincing at the abuse of the furniture, ''is that no one cares about your complains.''

''What was that?!'' Hageshi reaches for his sword.

Venomous green eyes move away from the apple the other god was about to take a bite out of, and Ozrock tilts his head. ''You heard me. Or has your hearing gotten bad from all of that racket that you call fighting arts?''

''You brat!''

Suddenly, there's a pacifying hand on Hageshi's shoulder. ''Now now, Lord Warrior, there is no need for that. Ozrock is merely up to his old tricks.'' The god of hysteria grins and shrugs, showing not even a hint of remorse as he takes a bite from his apple, and Arashi heaves a sigh. ''Why is it that every meeting, this is the scene I arrive to?''

Ozrock tilts his head back and rests his feet on the table. ''Because Lord Hageshi is an idiot?'' he undermines his words by picking up a second apple and throwing it at the warrior god, who happened to be eyeing it hungrily. Said warrior god catches it easily and rolls his eyes at the other's comment.

Arashi shakes his head, smiling at his companions' familiar banter, as he takes his seat next to Katora, who pours him a cup of tea. He pats her head in thanks even as he watches the girl's sister. Lalaya's eyes are twitching as she watches Ozrock, and specifically his feet, which are resting on the table. No doubt she'll start her rant about it soon.

That's when the Council's last members make their entrance. Their auras are the first sign and a second later they appear, landing gracefully in the garden from their sky-steps.

''Good morning,'' greets Arashi as they take their seats, greeting the other immortals. ''Hello, Tenma, Saryuu. I take it you are well?''

Both his sons sit down on either side of him, Saryuu giving him a ''yeah, fine, good to see you too and you know my name's Saru,'' before continuing his conversation with Yukimura and Taiyou next to him, while Tenma directs a bright smile at the storm god. ''Hey dad,'' he says. ''We're good, Saru's just miffed because Fei told him to do his paperwork before the meeting started.''

Arashi can't quite hide his amused snort. Somehow, he still manages to make it sound grateful. ''That is wonderful news,'' he says and Saryuu narrows his eyes at him. ''I am glad you have such good friends to support you, son,'' he adds and Tenma snickers slightly. His eldest merely turns his head away and Arashi shares an amused glance with his younger son, before directing to the group of new arrivals in general, ''How was your journey?''

''It was fine, thank you,'' responds Endou, nodding his thanks when the god next to him pours him some tea.

Ame smiles. ''That's good to hear,'' she says, reaching out to give another one of the new arrivals a quick embrace. ''Hello, Takuto. How are you today?''

The demigod smiles warmly at her. ''I am well, mother,'' he tells her. ''You look as radiant as ever.''

There's a sudden cough from Saru that doesn't completely cover his, ''momma's boy!'' In response, Shindou merely raises a hand and, out of the storm demigod's sight, a trickle of water raises from one of the streams. Saryuu only notices it when it drops down on him and soaks him completely. It earns Shindou a reprimanding whack from his mother, but if his smile is anything to go by, he doesn't regret it.

Arashi sighs and shakes his head at both his son and his nephew's actions. ''Now that we are all here,'' he says, calling the meeting to attention, ''let's start.''

It certainly took a long time to get to this point and even now, there are still protesters among the many gods who do not have a place on the High Council. Why should demigods get spots they deserve, after all? But truly, those opinions don't bother them.

They have fought for their peace and their equality.

They have cried and suffered for it, they have died for it, and of course life is not yet perfect. But they work on making a world in which everyone can live, whether they're a deity, a demigod or a human.

And the High Council, including demigods for two centuries now, is merely an example of that.

Tenma can't help but smile as he watches his friends and family, because there was a time where this could never have happened. Where this joking banter, this mutual goal of protecting their world together, would not be possible. A time, where gods and humans would fight until the skies burned and the seas turned red with blood.

Perhaps that is why we are of such importance, and he plays with that thought for a moment. After all, they are not gods, nor are they human.

They're something in between. They are glorious and golden like the gods themselves, but beyond that, they are the laughter, love and life that defines humanity.

No one could ever have seen this coming. Demigods, once, were an abomination, either the dirt of society or the heroes of legends. No one ever would have thought they could be the bridge between two races. More than anyone else, they have known the pain of being outcasts, of war and death and loneliness.

But in the end, it is all worth it, because it was never meant to last.

And Tenma smiles as he watches the sunrise in the distance, the sky flooding with the red of dawn.

Whatever they may have expected, one thing's for sure – life just loves to prove you wrong.

The end.

~'0'~

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed this - I certainly had fun writing and drawing it!

A big thank you to SpaceArcherr for the incredible art and I hope our future projects will be as fun and fruitful as this one was!

Thank you all for reading and for the support you have shown me along the way, and I'll hopefully see you in my other stories!

- Yara Meijer