The moment my words left my lips, a surge of disbelief washed over me, rendering my thoughts a blur of uncertainty. However, as a gentle hand caressed my cheek, a familiar face greeted me with a compassionate smile.
"You've grown up," she whispered softly, her voice laced with pride.
Overwhelmed by emotion, I rushed into my mother's comforting embrace, her figure both familiar and foreign. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I expressed my gratitude, "Thank you for coming back for me, Mom."
Returning my embrace, my mother's muffled voice reached my ears, "It took me some time, but it's good to see you alive and well."
Her words brought solace, yet they also stirred memories of the hardships I had endured in her absence. The warm embrace of the sunlight filled the room, casting a comforting glow that dispelled the shadows lingering in my mind. The scent of flowers enveloped me, their fragrance offering a soothing balm to my senses.
As I released my mother from our embrace, a surge of joy coursed through me. I met her gaze, taking in the warmth and happiness radiating from her glowing icy blue eyes with white pupils.
"Now, let's leave this place together!" Mom exclaimed, seizing my hand. But I hesitated, realizing that there was someone crucial I needed to introduce her to.
"There's someone I need you to meet, and I can't leave without seeing them first," I declared with resolve.
Her eyes widened in confusion as she inquired, "Who is this person you speak of?"
With urgency, I led my mother to a room where someone awaited my arrival. Opening the door, Reina and Yuna stood there, expressing their concern for my sudden departure. Reina's voice conveyed worry, while Yuna's tone held a note of curiosity as she addressed me, "Hiro, who is that person behind you?"
Excitement surged within me as I proudly exclaimed, "This is my mother, Serena!"
My mother gazed at them with a sense of wonder, her expression softening as I introduced her. Reina and Yuna exchanged surprised glances, taken aback by the revelation. "She's your mother?" they echoed in disbelief.
My attention shifted to Ayase, who lay on the bed, her body swathed in bandages. With determination in my voice, I assured her, "Ayase, your wounds will heal soon."
Reina and Yuna's attention shifted towards the door where my mother stood, their expressions a mix of shock and awe as they bore witness to the heartfelt reunion between mother and son. With a smile, I nodded in affirmation to their unspoken questions.
Reina's demeanor remained inscrutable as she observed the scene unfold, while Yuna's gaze brimmed with curiosity and a hint of surprise.
I approached Ayase and carefully lifted her off the bed, carrying her on my back in a gentle piggyback ride. As I made my way towards the doorway, Reina and Yuna joined me, our steps echoing in the materialized hallway.
In the dim-lit shadow of the sun's glaze, a figure suddenly emerged, standing upright in front of Ralphee. Astonished, I had believed Ralphee to have been defeated, but now, facing him was a figure adorned in rusted black and red armor, wielding a worn sword. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was none other than my father.
"F-Father," I stammered, overcome with shock.
His countenance bore a familiar yet distant quality, with his hair flowing freely and an expression that stirred both foreign and familiar memories within me. My father's presence evoked a whirlwind of emotions as I gazed upon him in wonder. Despite his imposing aura and mystique, his gaze upon me carried the warmth and affection of a loving parent.
Dismissing Ralphee's provocations with a simple wave of his hand, my father turned to face me, his demeanor grave, his eyes reflecting the weight of wisdom accumulated through a lifetime of challenges. His gaze held a poignant intensity, infused with the bittersweet melancholy of bygone years. "I am proud to see you alive, my son," he spoke with a tone both resolute and tender.
A fleeting smile tugged at the corners of my mouth at the sight of my father, his appearance a source of solace amid the chaos. Furthermore, my father turned to my mother, and with a mutual nod, they seemed to reach an understanding beyond my comprehension. I didn't grasp the significance of their exchange or what words were spoken, but it bore an air of profound significance.
At that moment, my mother approached the group, signaling our departure from the arena. She led the way to the door, which she opened, only for a resounding clash of swords and the cacophony of objects colliding to reach our ears from outside. Peering through the doorway, I discerned a figure standing, seemingly awaiting someone. Initially preparing for battle, I readied myself, but in an instant, it became apparent that the figure was none other than the Lord of Warfare. He turned to us, offering a friendly wave of greeting.
He fixed his gaze upon my mother. "Serena, I reckon things are finally looking up. Shall we head to the wagon? Rest assured, I'll take care of the rest."
My mother's demeanor softened, her eyes twinkling with joy at the idea of leaving this place of turmoil. "That sounds like a splendid plan." She motioned for her companions to follow her out of the building, her gaze lingering on the horizon before returning to us.
With a gentle smile, she extended her hand to me, expressing with pride, "It's wonderful to have my son back!"
A surge of happiness coursed through me as I clasped my mother's hand, the same one that cradled my fragile infant self years ago. My mother then shifted her attention to Reina and Yuna, contemplating what to do with them. In a voice brimming with warmth and kindness, she declared, "Come along, you two. Some fresh air will do you good."
Reina and Yuna exchanged puzzled looks, clearly unfamiliar with my mother's intentions. Yet, as if sensing their confusion, my mother clarified, "Well, since it seems you have nowhere else to go, come on, come on," she insisted.
Following suit, I secured Ayase tightly on my back, ensuring her safety. In response, Ayase offered me a reassuring smile, assuring me, "Everything will be alright."
**Upon reaching the wagon, I settled Ayase on the wagon's bench and inquired, "Apart from your leg, are you hurt anywhere else? Can you walk?"
Ayase vigorously shook her head, relief and exhaustion mingling on her face. "No, nothing hurts except my leg."
"Aww, what a lovely pair," my mother chuckled, casting an inquisitive glance at Ayase.
I turned to lock eyes with my mother, a mixture of disbelief and disgust creeping onto my face. "What do you mean?" I retorted.
My mother pursed her lips, stating, "Oh, I might not be blind, you know."
"Mother," I replied with irritation.
"So, why don't you enlighten me?" she prodded further.
I boarded the wagon and settled down next to Ayase, stretching my body out. After the gruelling battle against the Blackthorn Family, it felt like a distressing and arduous journey, but at least I had managed to survive, even though my body still ached.
Then I heard Ayase whisper, "Hiro..."
I turned around, finding Ayase looking at me with concern etched on her face. A rush of guilt engulfed me, as she let out a deep sigh about to confess, "I'm sorry for being such a burden, and thank you for saving me."
I offered her a gentle smile, brushing a stray strand of hair from my forehead with my fingers. "Don't mention it," I replied kindly.
"You're welcome," she murmured.
We lapsed into silence, my focus shifting to Reina and Yuna, who sat across from us, exchanging glances filled with longing. They gazed at each other for a few minutes before Reina broke eye contact. Her face reflected sorrow as she turned to me. Her voice barely above a whisper, she began to speak,
I heard a voice echo, saying, "Thank you, Hiro Midnight, for everything you've done for me... and for helping me find peace again..."
End of Season 1