Felix looked at the group, his expression more serious than usual. "It's not just about them being upset. We've formed bonds with our allies here, and we have a responsibility to see this through. But our families… they're our responsibility too."
Lyra, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke, her voice calm but with a hint of sadness. "We've all made friends here. People we care about. Leaving them now feels like abandoning our duty. But our parents deserve to know we're safe, that we're alive. We owe them that much."
Bella's shoulders slumped as she nodded. "It's like we're being torn in two. How do we choose between our families and the world we've sworn to protect?"
Felix put a hand on her shoulder, his touch gentle but firm. "Maybe we don't have to choose. We can go home, explain everything, and then return. But we need to be honest with them. They'll be worried, but they'll also be proud of us. They'll understand why we have to finish what we started."
Owen grunted in agreement. "Felix is right. Our parents might be mad at first, but they'll see that we're doing something important. They raised us to be strong, to protect what we care about. And that's exactly what we're doing."
Diego grinned, his usual optimism creeping back into his tone. "Besides, maybe they'll even have some advice. My dad always says, 'When in doubt, ask your mom.' They might know more than we think."
Lyra smiled softly. "We've been so focused on the battles ahead that we forgot the ones we've already won. Our families will be there for us, just like we're there for each other."
A comfortable silence settled over the group as they processed the conversation. The dawn continued to brighten the sky, painting it in shades of pink and gold. It was a new day, a fresh start, and the weight on their hearts seemed a little lighter now. They had faced unimaginable challenges together, and the strength of their bond was undeniable. This would be no different.
Bella stretched her arms, her muscles aching from the fight they had endured the night before. "Alright," she said, determination returning to her voice. "Let's go home. We'll face our parents, tell them everything, and then we'll come back. This world isn't done with us yet."
Felix nodded, a determined smile crossing his face. "And neither are we. We'll handle this together, just like always."
As the group turned to leave, the warm morning light bathed the land around them, casting the terrain in a golden glow. It felt like the world was sending them off with a promise of peace, however brief. They began their journey back toward the portal that would take them home, walking side by side, their footsteps in sync.
The trip back to the portal was eerily quiet. The battles they had fought seemed like distant memories, but the tension remained, simmering beneath the surface. Each of them carried thoughts of home, of family, and of the inevitable explanations they would have to give. For the first time in a long while, they felt small again—just kids who had been thrown into a world far larger and more dangerous than they ever could have imagined.
Bella glanced at Felix as they walked. "What do you think your mom will say?" she asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant.
Felix laughed lightly, shaking his head. "My mom? She'll probably cry for five minutes, then lecture me for an hour, and then hug me so hard I can't breathe. What about you?"
Bella sighed, her eyes scanning the horizon. "I'm not sure. My parents have always been supportive, but this… this is different. I mean, I'm human, and we've been fighting things I never even thought existed. How do I explain that?"
"You don't have to explain everything," Diego chimed in. "They'll see it in your eyes. We've all changed, and they'll know that without us saying a word."
Owen, who had been silent for most of the walk, finally spoke up. "I don't know what my dad's going to say, but he's tough. He'll get over it." He paused, his voice softening. "I think he'll be proud of me. At least, I hope so."
The group fell silent again as they neared the portal. The swirling vortex of light shimmered before them, its energy crackling in the air. It was the same portal they had used when they first left home—only now, they were returning different people. They had seen things, done things, that no one back home could even imagine.
Felix stepped forward first, his hand hovering just inches from the portal. He turned to the group, his expression serious. "We go home, explain everything, and then we come back. No matter what happens, we stick together."
The others nodded in agreement, and one by one, they stepped through the portal, leaving behind the world they had fought so hard to protect.
The transition was instantaneous. One moment they were standing on foreign soil, the next they were in the familiar streets of their hometown. The sun was still rising here, casting a soft glow over the quiet streets. It was early enough that no one was out yet, giving them a moment to gather their thoughts.
Bella looked around, her heart pounding. "It's strange," she murmured. "It feels like everything's changed, but nothing has."
Owen adjusted the straps on his damaged armor. "We've changed. This place... it's still the same."
Felix took a deep breath, the familiar smell of home filling his lungs. "Let's get this over with."
They walked together down the quiet streets, heading toward their homes, each of them lost in thought. When they reached the point where they would have to split up, they paused.
Diego clapped Felix on the back, his grin wide. "Good luck, man. I'll see you soon."
Felix nodded, his usual confidence faltering just a bit. "Yeah. You too."
One by one, they split off, each heading toward their respective homes. Bella watched as her friends disappeared down the streets, a lump forming in her throat. She knew they would see each other again soon, but there was something final about this moment—like the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
She took a deep breath and started walking, her steps steady but slow. Her house came into view, and she could already see her mother standing on the porch, waiting. Bella's heart raced as she approached, but when she saw the relief in her mother's eyes, all her fears melted away.
Before Bella could say a word, her mother rushed toward her, wrapping her in a tight embrace. "You're home," her mother whispered, tears streaming down her face. "You're safe."
Bella hugged her back, her own tears falling now. "I'm home, Mom. I'm home."
And for the first time in a long time, Bella felt at peace.