(Scene: The golden chamber ruins.)
The chamber sits in ruins. Cracked marble, golden pillars split down the middle, smoke coiling upward. The woman with pink hair lies motionless across the cold floor, strands of her hair spread across the cold floor. Kai and Gejo drag Haga's limp body across the chamber floor. Kai winces as he pulls, bruises forming under his torn shirt. Gejo says nothing, as they exit the chamber frame. the Scene lingers for a moment..
(Sunset in sector 4)
Orange light washes over sector 4, the sky bleeding into violet. Kai and Gejo emerge from beneath the bridge. Gejo has light scratches across his cheek, shirt slightly torn, but hands still tucked in his pockets like nothing happened. Kai limps slightly, his steps uneven. One hand pressed against his side. They descend a long flight of stairs, Gejo exhaling "Well.. that wraps that up, yeah?" Kai coughs lightly, clearing his throat "Yeah.. i should probably get back to Tetsukan now.." Gejo smirks "Well then, tomorrow we prepare to head to sector 3." Kai freezes.. his eyes widening. Excitement ignites like a spark within. "FOR REAL!?" Gejo dramatically raises a finger "A good teacher always keeps his promises!" He stupidly grins, almost proud. "Go home and get some rest. Tomorrow's a big day." Kai straightens up "SIR YES SIR!" He salutes cartoonishly. Then, he bolts off running, despite the limp, gritting his teeth through the pain. Gejo watches him go.. chuckling softly. He lets out a long exhale, His eyes lifting to the horizon. "I wonder what he's up to now.. the big bad emperor." The wind blows slightly.
(scene: Tetsukan, nighttime.)
Yobi walks down the stairs of the cafe.. Head wrapped in bandages from the assault. Makimi stands behind the counter pouring tea, steam curls upward softly. Aris sits at the counter, calm and composed. Makimi sets a cup before Aris "Here, captain." Yobi drops into a seat "Hey guys.." Aris glances sideways "You're finally up, huh?" Behind them, the hole in the wall from the battle rermains patched with fresh boards. Its only been hours since then, yet life still continues. Aris sips tea, looking to Makimi "Hm? What's wrong?" Makimi's smile faint "Its been a while.. Kai still hasn't returned." Aris' eyes narrow slightly "Tch.." Yobi lowers his head "If i were strong enough.. none of this would've happened!" Makimi: "Yobi.." Aris lifts a hand "Just calm down-" *ding.* The bell above the door rings, all heads turning.. as Kai steps inside. Tired, bruised, but that goofy grin still on his face. Makimi lights up "KAI!!" Kai waves lazily "Oh.. hey guys." He slides into a booth, wincing as he sits. Aris stands slowly "Red cherry.." Kai smirks "Aris.." They lock eyes.. Aris's voice turning sharper "What happened??" Kai grins "Me and Gajo.. we defeated Manji!" Yobi explodes upward "THAT'S WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!!" He loudly claps, Makimi beams "Wow.. i have to admit, i never thought you'd actually do it..!" Kai chuckles, scratching the back of his head letting all the praise soak him. But Aris.. he stares at Kai (Internal): "Ever since he started hangin-g with Dragon.. he's been growing stronger." He smirks slightly "Tch." Kai stands slowly "I need rest.." He walks over to the stairs, then pauses. "Oh.. and guys.. tomorrow? I'll be setting off.. maybe even for a while." The room freezes. Aris' eyes sharpen "The hell do you mean? Do you forget you're in sector 4 off my blessings!?" Kai turns, spinning on his heel "Where i'm going isn't in sector 4!" He grins wide "GEJO'S TAKING ME TO SECTOR 3!!" Yobi freezes mid-blink. Aris spits out tea violently. Makimi blinks "For real..?" Kai nods "Mmhm!" He climbs the stairs casually, limping as he ascends "See you guys in the morning..!" Makimi giggles softly "He has been moving so quickly.. I feel like it was just yesterday when you brought him from sector 5, Captain." Yobi nods "Yeah, she's right!" Aris says nothing.. he stands there frozen, the weight of the words lingering.
The next morning, as the sun starts to rise.. the sign to tetsukan reads Closed. Soft jazz hums from an old radio. Makimi moves through the kitchen, making breakfast as steam rises from pans. Yobi sits at the counter, tapping his finger on the wood. Ban sits beside him, arm in a sling from the battle. Makimi peeks out "Hey! Where the hell is Captain!? I told him last time to be down here early to see Kai off!" Yobi smirks. Ban puffs his lips "We don't need to see him off.." Yobi pats his back "I don't think Captain really wants to.." Makimi walks out with a tray, Plates set in front of them. "Mm.." *Ding.* The door opens.. Gajo enters cheerfully "I'm sorry..! i always barge in like this..!" Everyone turns. Makimi smiles "Oh! Mr. Gajo!" Gajo cartoonishly waves "Helloooo!" Yobi: "We didn't think you'd be here so soon." Footsteps pound down the stairs.. "GAJOOO!" Kai rushes down, bag slung over his back, eyes shining. Gajo grins "Yo! You look ready." Kai: "Yeah!" Kai stops suddenly.. his nose twitches as he sees and smells breakfast. "WOAH! You made breakfast! Damn.. imma miss it.." Makimi giggles, extending a to-go plate. Kai pauses, looking around.. Yobi, Ban, Makimi, Gajo.. An empty space where Aris should be.. two months ago, he had none of this. He was just Kai from sector 5. He smiles softly, taking the plate. Then he suddenly hugs makimi tightly. Makimi's face turning red "Kai-?!" Kai: "Thank you so much, Makimi." Gajo chuckle softly "Aww."
Outside tetsukan, Morning light spills across the street. Ban. Makimi and Yobi stand in the doorway. Kai and Gajo standing outside, Kai waves "Man.. i wish Aris was up.. but it's alright. I'll just come back even stronger." Gajo puts his hand on Kai's shoulder "That's the spirit." Makimi waves "Bye Kai!!" Yobi: "Go make us proud-" ?: "MOVE" Everyone jumps, startled.. Aris pushes past them.. Bag over his shoulder. Kai: "Aris..?" Ban stammers "Captain..!" Aris points forward "I'm going too." Kai & Makimi yell out "WHATTTTT!?" Makimi's cheeks puff out "THAT'S IT! YOU TWO ALWAYS WANNS RUN OFF AND GET ME WORRIED!!" Yobi rubs Makimi's head gently. Ban's voice shakes "You're leaving us!?" Kai steps closer "But why would you wanna come.. Aris?" Aris doesn't lock eyes with him. "Because.. I'm the territory boss of Tetsukan. I'm the stronger one. If some weakling like you is going to sector 3, bet your ass im coming too." Gajo smirks "Fine with me, you fine with leaving your territory though..?" Aris shrugs "I have no worries about Yobi and the others looking over it." Makimi blushes "Awe.. he trusts us.." Yobi grins "Moody..!" Gajo nods "So be it. Let's not waste any more time." Kai pumps his fist "YEAH!" The three turn, beginning to walk down the street. The others wave behind them, sun rising higher. Three figures walking toward sector 3, where the next story awaits them.