***Some years later…***
"Kuro! Kuro! Wake up, man!"
"!!!" When the older Kuro woke up, he saw he was inside his mind, once again. Honestly, it had been long since he last appeared in this place, and even saw the person that lived in there, Gaius Julius Caesar, the former Roman dictator, and former god of Chersea. As such, his first words were, "Gaius! It's been a while since you appeared in my dreams! What happened to you?"
"Heh, you've also grown a beard, man!" Gaius chuckled. "I mean, I never thought to see you like that, but there you are, getting sexier than ever, eh?"
"Shut up!" Kuro pulled a pair of beer bottles from nowhere and gave one to his old friend. "I hope I haven't lost a lot of hairs taking care of my children."
"Yeah…I heard you fathered an entire soccer club, including their auxiliaries, and helpers."
The expression on Kuro's face changed from that of a happy man, to one that was filled with dread. "Uh, some of my wives are…well, you know…"
"Sex-crazed?" the former god laughed this time. "Can't help it, you know? People are different."
"Yeah…but I love them all," the Duke had a tender expression this time. "It's just that my age can't keep up with some of them. But I'll manage."
"Heh, I know you'll do. And that's why I didn't appear for a while; I'd like you to enjoy your mortal life, as you requested."
"Thanks."
Then, the conversation died. For some reason, both men didn't want to say anything at the moment. Yet, they continued to partake their alcoholic drinks. Kuro, for some reason, never wanted to continue their talk, for there was something strange about his old friend.
"That's right, my good man," Gaius confirmed his fear. "I'm about to disappear."
"I don't want to."
"Well, as I said before, two personalities can't inhabit a single body," the former god pointed out. "This body is now yours; you already had your children with this. It's time for me to rest."
Kuro said nothing. He just continued to sip on his beer, as if waiting for Gaius to add on his words. Which the latter did…
"Heh, I know what you're thinking, man. If you'll ask me, then yes, I feel like my life has been lacking of the good things you experienced. While the desire to get even to those who assassinated me is gone, I don't want to disappear into thin air. But what can you do? Surely, you won't waste your heavenly authority for some old spirit."
"You know my answer to that," the Duke smirked. "And yes, I prepared ahead for this moment. I already talked to the High King about your situation."
Now, it was Gaius' turn to be silent. He couldn't believe what was about to happen.
"So, Gaius Julius Caesar, answer my question; do you want to re-live your life?"
"I do. And that of a simple man, if possible."
Kuro smiled at him. "Well, as the Black God and your friend, I grant your request. While the High King cannot permit you to live here in Chersea and the Four Realms, as per the conditions of the timeline as well as your punishment before, He did a compromise and will allow you back to our world. With your memories and your physical 'age' intact."
"Kuro, that is…"
"…what you really desire, right? You did me lots of favors before; now let me move heavens and mountains for you, friend."
Tears welled up in Gaius' eyes, as he was overwhelmed with gratitude; Kuro held his friend for the last time. And with that, the former god of Chersea was gone…
----------
So yes, that was how the stories of Gaius, and his friend Kuro, ended. And the classroom where I spoke to the children was awfully silent.
"…"
"What?" I asked, for the students just stared back at me. And really, it was awkward…me standing before them, and they were just sitting there, looking like idiots.
Tch. And I did my best to fully act out the tale to them. Children nowadays…
"Sir, that's one lame story," said one of them near the front. "Are you meaning to say that you're the reincarnation of the Roman dictator, Gaius Julius Caesar?"
"It's up to you if you'd like to believe," I answered, feeling a bit offended by the question. However, it was not like I couldn't understand his doubts; after all, in this age, there was a worldwide disdain for anything that related to magic and the supernatural. "But yes, class is dismissed."
My declaration was followed by the ringing of the bells, which echoed throughout the school grounds. At once, the students picked their bags and headed home, with only a few of them staying behind to clean their classrooms. As for me, being their adviser, I had to remain for a bit to supervise the cleaners. Honestly, teaching in this place was a completely different experience; Kuro's country was way too hot, especially during the summer, when the temperature alone could melt candles left in the living room. But I won't complain. The modern technology made my everyday living easy. And my request for a simple life, surrounded by people who enjoyed my presence was granted…
I can only pray that the Black God will be happy in his life as well…
"Sir!"
"Oh! What's up, Yuuki? You got some problems with Henrietta again?"
My student shook his head, which was a relief. This kid had been bullied by his classmate, yet, he just kept to himself. I was glad I got him to approach me. "Sir, I was just interested in the story of Kuro," he said, "if possible, I'd like to draw him!"
"Ah, sure!" I sat with him to describe my friend, while Yuuki prepared his pencil and drawing pad.
I hope I can still remember Kuro's face well…