The Elf Kingdom was a sight to behold—lush forests filled with trees so tall they seemed to touch the heavens, streams of crystal-clear water winding through glowing groves, and an air of serenity that instantly calmed the soul. For once, even Kuro and Arnold were too stunned to bicker.
"You like it here, don't you?" Arnold asked, noticing the soft smile on Akari's face.
"Yeah," Akari replied, her gaze lingering on the ethereal scenery. "It's weird. I feel like I know everything about this place. Like I've been here before."
"Well, you are part elf," Kuro pointed out, his tone dripping with mock exasperation. "Part mermaid, part angel, part human, and part... whatever else you haven't told us yet."
"Shapeshifter," Arnold supplied helpfully.
"Exactly! She's like a walking 'best of all worlds' package," Kuro muttered, throwing his hands up.
Akari rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, I'm the magical hybrid overachiever. Can we focus on the fact that this place is beautiful?"
As they walked through the kingdom, Akari led them to hidden glades, markets bustling with elven crafts, and awe-inspiring vistas that even Kuro admitted were "pretty decent, for trees." They traded a few supplies, stocked up on enchanted trinkets, and bought food that even Arnold, who usually ate with soldier-like efficiency, took the time to savor.
Eventually, they ended up at a quaint elven inn tucked away in a grove.
"This place is too peaceful," Kuro muttered as they checked in. "It's like it's trying to brainwash me into liking nature."
"That would take a lot of brainwashing," Akari said dryly, handing the receptionist a few coins.
Once the boys were settled in their room, Akari stood by the door, her expression shifting from amused to thoughtful.
"Alright," she said, adjusting her cloak. "You two stay here. I'll be back later."
Kuro narrowed his eyes. "Wait. Where are you going?"
"To see something," Akari replied vaguely, already halfway out the door.
"Something like what?" Arnold asked, suspicious.
"Something lonely," Akari called back, disappearing down the hall.
Kuro threw up his hands. "Why does she always get all mysterious on us? 'Something lonely'? What does that even mean?!"
Arnold smirked. "Probably some ancient elf thing. You know how she is—being a mix of everything and all. Bet she'll come back with some secret revelation about her sixth hidden heritage."
"Let me guess," Kuro said, flopping onto the bed. "She's part tree now?"
Arnold laughed. "Wouldn't be surprised."
Meanwhile, Akari wandered through the forest, her footsteps light and instinctive, as if the trees themselves were guiding her. She wasn't entirely sure why she felt so drawn to this place, but the familiarity was undeniable. It was as though the kingdom was whispering secrets she had yet to uncover.
"Part tree," she muttered to herself with a laugh. "Those idiots would actually believe that."
The thought made her smile, but deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something here waiting for her—something only she could find.
Akari's skills, honed from years of adventuring and mischief, made slipping into the royal palace laughably easy. With her ambush technique and her hybrid abilities, she was a shadow among shadows, weaving through guards and evading magical barriers with the finesse of someone who'd done this sort of thing far too often.
"Barely twenty and already breaking into royal palaces," she muttered to herself. "What an upstanding citizen I've become."
Her target wasn't treasure or secrets—it was something far more elusive. Or someone.
She entered a hidden garden, a secluded spot that seemed untouched by time. The soft glow of moonlight lit up the vibrant flora, casting an ethereal glow across the area. And there he was.
Orpheus.
Akari froze, her heart doing an odd little flip. He was sprawled out on the grass, his posture screaming laziness and entitlement, a stark contrast to the poised, focused version of him she remembered from her previous life.
"Is it just me, or does he look like a prince in a discount romance novel?" she whispered under her breath.
As if on cue, Orpheus spoke, his voice carrying a bored tone. "Who's there?"
"Just a passing half-elf," Akari said, stepping into view.
He didn't bother to sit up. "You know, no one's allowed to disturb my private time. Especially not intruders."
Instead of apologizing—or leaving, like a normal person—Akari plopped down beside him on the grass, mimicking his lazy pose.
"Maybe," she said, resting her hands behind her head, "but I was bored."
Orpheus turned his head slightly, giving her a glance that screamed mildly irritated but too lazy to care. "Why should I entertain an intruder?"
"Why shouldn't you?" Akari countered with a smirk.
He snorted softly and turned his gaze back to the stars, clearly deciding she wasn't worth the effort of kicking out.
"So, Mr. Prince, what are you up to?" she asked, her tone teasing.
"Why should I answer you?" he replied, his voice dripping with disinterest.
Akari sighed dramatically. "Wow, you're just a bundle of charm, aren't you?"
Orpheus ignored her, his eyes fixed on the sky as if it held all the answers to life. They lay there in silence for a while, staring at the stars. Despite his attitude, Akari felt oddly at ease.
Finally, she sat up. "I have to go."
"Okay, okay," Orpheus said with a wave of his hand, still not bothering to look at her properly.
She rolled her eyes. "Bye, your royal laziness."
"Wait," he said as she began to walk away. "What's your name, Miss Intruder?"
Akari paused, turning her head slightly. "Akari."
For the first time, Orpheus seemed to take note of her, though it was fleeting. He watched her disappear into the shadows, then leaned back onto the grass, his fingers drumming absently on his chest.
"She was quite beautiful, wasn't she, Lior?" he thought, addressing the voice inside his mind.
As they approached the Human Kingdom, the trio felt a mix of anticipation and relief. Two years of exploring had hardened them in many ways, but they were still the same odd group they'd always been.
Akari walked ahead, her pale blonde hair falling into her eyes as she adjusted the oversized cloak draped over her. Her appearance had shifted once again—this time into her human boy form. She had pale blonde hair, sharp grey eyes, and a lean, wiry build.
Kuro slowed down as he got a good look at her. "Wait... You're a boy now?"
Akari didn't even bother to turn around. "Hmm, sometimes. But I don't like this form much."
"Why not?" Arnold asked, catching up to her.
Akari shrugged. "Too many bad memories attached to it. And it feels... weird. Like wearing shoes on the wrong feet."
Kuro squinted at her, tilting his head. "You do look weird. I think I like you better as a girl."
Akari shot him a withering look. "Thanks for the input, Kuro. I'll make sure to take that under advisement the next time I shapeshift."
Arnold chuckled. "Ignore him. He has the social grace of a rock. But seriously, why this form now?"
"Because," Akari said, gesturing toward the bustling gates of the Human Kingdom ahead, "it's easier to blend in like this. People tend to ask fewer questions when you look... boring."
Kuro crossed his arms. "So you're saying Arnold and I don't blend in?"
"Well, you're glowing like a freshly polished coin," Akari said, gesturing at Kuro's naturally radiant presence. "And Arnold? He has the 'stiff nobleman' look down to an art form."
"I'm not stiff!" Arnold protested.
"You're stiff," Akari and Kuro said in unison.
Arnold huffed but didn't argue further.
As they entered the city, the human capital revealed itself in all its chaotic glory. Market stalls overflowed with goods, street performers juggled and danced, and the air was filled with a mix of chatter, laughter, and the clatter of hooves on cobblestones.
"This place is... loud," Arnold said, wrinkling his nose.
"Welcome to humanity," Akari said dryly. "Loud, messy, and completely unbothered by it."
Kuro glanced around, curious but unimpressed. "It's not as pretty as the elf kingdom. Or as organized as the mermaid kingdom. And it smells like... what is that smell?"
"Life," Akari quipped, her smirk widening when Kuro made a face.
Arnold pointed to a vendor selling roasted nuts. "We should buy supplies."
"With what money?" Akari asked, raising an eyebrow.
Arnold patted his chest proudly. "I sold some of our collected goods before we left the elf kingdom. Unlike certain people, I actually plan ahead."
Akari tilted her head. "Impressive. Did you also plan to argue with a street vendor for twenty minutes over the price of a loaf of bread?"
Kuro snorted as Arnold flushed slightly. "That was... strategic negotiation."
"Sure it was," Akari said with a grin.
As they wandered deeper into the city, they found an inn to stay in for the night. Akari, still in her human boy form, stayed silent as Kuro and Arnold argued over room arrangements.
"We'll need two rooms," Arnold said.
"Why?" Kuro asked. "Three beds in one room sounds cheaper."
"Because I refuse to sleep next to your flailing limbs again," Arnold said.
"Fair point," Akari added.
Kuro rolled his eyes. "Fine. But I get to pick my bed first."
After settling in, Akari left the boys at the inn and disappeared into the city. She had places to visit and questions that needed answering—alone.
As they entered the Human Kingdom and settled into their inn, Akari sat on the edge of her bed, her pale blonde hair falling over her eyes. Arnold and Kuro were still bickering about something trivial—probably who got the bigger bed—but she didn't join in. Instead, she stared out the small window, lost in thought.
Kuro noticed her silence and leaned closer. "What's with the gloomy face? You miss the elf kingdom already?"
Akari shook her head, offering a faint smile. "No, it's not that. I... want to meet my parents."
Arnold raised an eyebrow, pausing mid-argument. "Your parents? You mean... from this world?"
Akari nodded slowly. "Not exactly my parents. My real parents were from another dimension. But I want to see if I exist here, if there's someone... like me. Maybe they're different, but it's worth checking."
Kuro tilted his head, clearly confused. "Wait. How does that even work? You're saying there might be an Akari here, but it's not actually you?"
"Exactly," Akari said, leaning back and folding her arms. "Think of it as... echoes. Some parts of us exist in every dimension, but they're not the same. Different lives, different choices. I just want to see if there's a version of me here, someone who could've been me if things had been different."
Arnold rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That makes sense, in a way. But what will you do if you find them?"
"I don't know," Akari admitted. "Maybe nothing. Maybe just... look at them from a distance. It's not like I can just walk up to them and say, 'Hey, I'm you from another dimension.'" She chuckled dryly.
Kuro leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. "What if they're not as cool as you? What if this Akari is boring or—gasp—mean?"
Akari smirked. "Then I'll have to live with the fact that my alternate self is a disappointment."
Arnold smiled faintly. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"
She nodded. "I am. It's... complicated. But you two don't have to come with me. I'll handle it on my own."
"Absolutely not," Kuro said firmly, crossing his arms. "If you're going on some weird existential journey, we're coming too. Right, Arnold?"
Arnold hesitated for a moment before nodding. "He's right. We've come this far together. If this is important to you, we'll support you."
Akari's smirk softened into something genuine. "Thanks, idiots."
Kuro grinned. "Anytime. Now, can we eat? All this emotional stuff makes me hungry."
Akari rolled her eyes. "You're always hungry."
Arnold stood, stretching. "Let's get some rest first. Tomorrow, we'll figure out where to start."
Akari gazed out the window again, her heart heavy yet hopeful. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she might find a missing piece of herself—even if it was in someone else.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the streets of the Human Kingdom, Akari made her way through a quiet neighborhood. She walked with purpose, her pale blonde hair catching the fading light. Her grey eyes flickered with a mix of apprehension and curiosity as she stopped in front of a modest house.
She hesitated for a moment, staring at the wooden door as if it might hold all the answers she sought. Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked.
The sound echoed faintly, and for a moment, there was only silence. Then, footsteps approached from inside.
The door creaked open, revealing a couple—an older man and woman who looked as though they'd aged beyond their years. Their faces were lined with weariness, but the moment their eyes landed on Akari, something shifted. Their expressions crumpled, tears welling up in their eyes.
"W-We're so sorry," the woman choked out, falling to her knees. "Please forgive us. We didn't know... We didn't know it would turn out like this!"
The man followed suit, his voice trembling. "It wasn't our choice! We didn't mean to abandon you. Please, don't hate us!"
Akari stepped back, startled. "What? What are you talking about?"
The couple's cries grew louder, their words blending into incoherent apologies. Akari's mind spun, confusion clouding her thoughts. Why are they acting like this?
"Wait—" Akari started to say, but before she could form another question, a sudden wave of dizziness hit her. Her vision blurred, her legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed onto the cobblestone path.
The last thing she saw before darkness overtook her was the woman's tear-streaked face, reaching out toward her as if to hold onto something she'd lost long ago.
The decision to participate in the international combat competition was born out of equal parts desperation and ambition. Akari, Kuro, and Arnold had been on their journey for six long years, and the thought of another two years on foot to reach the Angel Kingdom was unbearable to everyone—especially Kuro, who had grown quite accustomed to eating human food and wasn't keen on a diet of "whatever we catch" anymore.
"I mean, teleportation doors sound way better than walking," Kuro said, dramatically flopping onto the grass. "Why didn't we think of this sooner?"
"Because none of us are rich, and teleportation doors aren't exactly free," Arnold pointed out.
"Exactly. That's why we're going to win this competition," Akari said, her arms crossed with confidence. "And don't get too comfortable, Kuro. You're running combat drills tomorrow."
"Again? Akari, I'm basically a professional now!" Kuro whined.
"Professional at whining," Arnold muttered, earning a glare from Kuro.
The Competition
They entered the competition as "Team X," donning masks to keep their identities hidden. The prize was tempting—a mountain of gold, universal recognition, free access to all kingdoms, and, most importantly, a ticket home.
"You think this is going to be easy?" Arnold asked as they stood in the arena before their first match.
"I've trained you two for years," Akari said. "If you lose, it's not on me. It's on your lack of skill and poor life choices."
"Wow, motivational," Kuro said dryly. "Thanks, Coach Akari."
The first round was a team battle. Their opponents were a group of smug-faced nobles who seemed more concerned with looking good for the crowd than actually fighting.
As soon as the match started, Kuro and Arnold worked seamlessly together, knocking their opponents out like they were swatting flies. Akari didn't even have to step in.
"Well, that was easy," Kuro said, dusting his hands off.
"That's because they were about as skilled as a wet sock," Akari said. "Don't get cocky. The next round will be harder."
The Semi-Finals
By the semi-finals, their skills were the talk of the tournament. The mysterious "Team X" was undefeated, and their masks only added to the intrigue. The kings of all five kingdoms were in attendance, their eyes fixed on the arena.
As fate would have it, Kuro's father, now a powerful angel king, was among the spectators. His sharp gaze landed on the masked figure who moved with uncanny familiarity.
"That's definitely Kuro," he muttered to himself.
"Your Majesty, what did you say?" a nearby advisor asked.
"Nothing. Just enjoying the show," the king said, hiding a small smile.
On the battlefield, Akari faced off against a shapeshifter who kept morphing into increasingly ridiculous forms—a bird, a bear, and finally, a snail.
"Really?" Akari said, raising an eyebrow. "A snail? You're making this too easy."
She knocked him out with a single strike, her blade barely leaving a scratch on his shell.
Meanwhile, Arnold was locked in an intense duel with a human swordsman. As they clashed, Arnold quipped, "You know, for someone with a fancy sword, you're surprisingly bad at using it."
The swordsman roared in frustration, only to lose his footing. Arnold casually tripped him, ending the match.
Kuro, however, had the most dramatic fight. His opponent, a fiery elf with a flair for theatrics, kept yelling out his moves before executing them.
"Flaming Strike!"
"Block," Kuro said, lazily deflecting the attack.
"Fire Tornado!"
"Sidestep," Kuro muttered, dodging effortlessly.
By the end of the match, Kuro was so bored he yawned. "Are we done here?"
The King's Observations
From the stands, Kuro's father watched silently, pride flickering in his eyes despite himself.
"Shall I order guards to investigate their identities, Your Majesty?" his advisor asked.
The king shook his head. "No need. Let the boy have his fun. He'll come home when he's ready—or when he runs out of food."
Post-Match Banter
Back in their tent, Kuro flopped onto a bench. "Okay, I'm just going to say it—we're amazing."
"Speak for yourself," Akari said, tying her hair back. "I'm amazing. You're just passable."
"Passable?" Kuro said, feigning offense. "Did you see my fight?"
"Yes, and your opponent was one fire spell away from collapsing out of exhaustion," Akari deadpanned.
Arnold chuckled, polishing his sword. "I'll admit, it's fun being underestimated. Makes winning all the more satisfying."
"Just don't let it get to your heads," Akari warned. "The finals are coming up, and I guarantee it won't be easy."
"Are we ready for this?" Kuro asked, his excitement mixed with nerves.
Akari grinned beneath her mask. "Oh, we were ready the moment we entered."
The finals were nothing short of a spectacle. The rules were simple: individual matches against elite soldiers—veterans from the five kingdoms who had seen more battles than Arnold and Kuro had seen meals. It was no longer a team effort; it was every member for themselves.
"Elite soldiers?" Kuro said, adjusting his gloves nervously. "Did they forget to mention we're not actual soldiers?"
"They didn't ask," Akari said, unbothered as she stretched. "And it doesn't matter. Just don't embarrass yourselves."
"No pressure then," Arnold muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Arnold's Fight
Arnold was up first, and his opponent was a towering shapeshifter who kept switching forms mid-battle—an eagle, a tiger, and at one point, a gorilla.
"You're not impressing anyone with that," Arnold said, summoning his dark tendrils. "I can fight shadows. What's a giant bird compared to that?"
The crowd gasped as Arnold managed to hold his ground, using his darkness powers to ensnare the shapeshifter mid-leap.
"Not bad for someone who didn't even want to be here," Arnold quipped.
But the shapeshifter broke free and counterattacked with a speed Arnold couldn't match. Despite his best efforts, the fight ended with him on his back, staring at the sky.
"Well, that went great," Arnold said as he limped back to the sidelines.
"You lasted longer than I thought," Akari teased.
"Gee, thanks," Arnold said, rolling his eyes.
Kuro's Fight
Next was Kuro, whose opponent was an angel like him—a seasoned warrior with an aura of command.
"This should be easy," Kuro said, trying to psych himself up.
"Easy for who?" Akari asked.
"For me! Obviously!" Kuro snapped before walking into the arena.
The fight began, and Kuro immediately summoned his light powers, his wings unfurling dramatically as he took to the skies.
"Ha! Beat that!" Kuro shouted, hurling beams of light at his opponent.
The angel smirked, effortlessly dodging each attack. "You're fast, but you're predictable."
Kuro narrowed his eyes and dove in for a close-range fight, but the soldier countered every move, eventually pinning Kuro to the ground.
"Well, this is humiliating," Kuro muttered as the referee declared his loss.
He trudged back to the sidelines, wings drooping. "Okay, maybe I need more training."
"You think?" Akari said, her tone dry.
"Your turn, Miss Perfect," Kuro grumbled.
Akari's Fight
Akari stepped into the arena to face an elf who looked like they'd just stepped out of a legend—graceful, sharp-eyed, and radiating magic.
"Do your best, Akari!" Arnold called, though his tone suggested he wasn't too worried.
"Oh, she'll win," Kuro said, crossing his arms. "She's Akari. She probably won't even break a sweat."
The fight began, and the elf wasted no time unleashing a barrage of spells and arrows. But Akari didn't flinch. She dodged every attack with ease, her movements fluid and calculated.
"Are you going to fight back, or should I just keep doing this?" the elf taunted, frustration creeping into their voice.
"I'm just warming up," Akari replied, though she hadn't actually done anything yet.
The crowd watched in stunned silence as Akari continued to evade every attack. When she finally moved to counter, it was over in a flash. One precise strike, and the elf was disarmed, their weapon skidding across the arena floor.
"That's it?" Akari said, brushing imaginary dust off her hands.
The crowd erupted into cheers, though the elf looked like they wanted to disappear.
Post-Match Banter
Back on the sidelines, Arnold and Kuro gawked at Akari.
"You didn't even use your powers!" Arnold said.
"Didn't need to," Akari said, smirking.
"I hate how you make it look so easy," Kuro said, sulking. "I used everything and still lost!"
"That's because you're predictable," Akari said.
"And you're insufferable," Kuro shot back.
"Enough," Arnold said, stepping between them. "We won as a team. Well, she won for the team, but you know what I mean."
"Exactly," Akari said. "Now let's claim our prize and figure out how we're getting home."
As they walked to the winner's podium, Kuro glanced at Akari. "So, you really weren't even trying back there?"
"I told you," Akari said with a shrug. "I'm amazing. You're just passable."
Arnold snorted. "Don't worry, Kuro. At least you're better than me."
"Wow, thanks," Kuro said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "That's so comforting."
They stepped onto the podium as champions, their masks hiding their smirks. Somewhere in the crowd, Kuro's father watched silently, his pride growing even as he shook his head at their antics.