Departure

As the vibrant celebrations of Salakar carried on through the night, Kiara and Kaidën slipped away from the heart of the revelry, seeking a quieter moment amidst the grand hall's shadowed corners. The echoes of laughter and music softened, giving way to a more personal gathering as Nehru, Nassaria, and Alora joined them. It was a bittersweet moment, for the twins knew their time in this realm had reached its end. Soon, the familiar pull of Zaron would call them home, but not before they bid a proper farewell to the companions who had fought beside them in the darkest of times.

Nehru was the first to speak, his towering figure casting a broad shadow over Kaidën as he clasped his shoulder with a firm, yet brotherly grip. His eyes gleamed with a mix of pride and deep camaraderie. "You've proven yourselves to be more than guardians," Nehru rumbled, his voice carrying the weight of admiration. "You're heroes of the realm now. Zaron may call you back, but Salakar will forever be your second home. The doors of all kingdoms of the realm will always be open to you both."

Kaidën met his gaze, his chest swelling with a mixture of pride and humility. "We were only as strong as the allies who stood beside us," he replied, his tone sincere. "Fighting alongside you has been an honor, Nehru. We couldn't have done this without your strength."

Meanwhile, Nassaria approached Kiara, her usual fierce demeanor softened by emotion. She pulled Kiara into a warm embrace, her eyes shimmering with tears that she struggled to keep at bay. "You're like a daughter to me now," she whispered, her voice thick with the mingled emotions of joy and sorrow. "Though as guardians, we retain our youthful appearance, feels just like yesterday your parents celebrated your birth. And now you're all grown and you've given us more than just victory—you've given us hope. You'll always have a place in my heart and in our realm. Thank you, Kiara, for everything."

Kiara returned the embrace, her heart swelling with affection for the guardian who had become more than just an ally. "It was a privilege to fight for Salakar, and an even greater one to have fought beside you," she murmured, her voice soft yet unwavering. "This is not goodbye forever. You'll see us again, that much I promise."

A few steps away, Alora stood with a serene but resolute expression. Though her journey had diverged from theirs, the unspoken gratitude in her eyes conveyed everything she felt. She had chosen a different path now, one of guarding the dreamscape—her sacred duty, once abandoned, now reclaimed with renewed purpose. "I will continue to watch over the dreamscape," Alora said, her voice steady and filled with quiet determination. "What we fought for here, I will carry with me. Protecting what we hold dear is a duty we share, even if our paths now differ."

Kiara turned to Alora, her smile warm and appreciative. "The dreamscape is in safe hands with you, Alora," she affirmed, her words full of confidence. "And should you ever need us, no matter where we are, you know how to find us."

Kaidën added with a nod, "It was an honor fighting by your side, Alora. Your strength, your resolve—it will continue to inspire us. We'll carry our time here with us, always."

With the farewells exchanged, the weight of their shared battles and victories hung heavy in the air, yet so did the promise of future reunions. Kiara and Kaidën turned toward the shimmering portal that awaited them, a swirling gateway to Zaron—their home world. But before stepping through, they looked back one last time—at Nehru, Nassaria, and Alora, each of them standing as proud symbols of the victory they had won together.

"We'll see each other again," Kiara called out with a smile, her voice carrying over the quiet hum of the celebration. "Guardians of Salakar."

As they stepped through the portal, leaving the light and laughter of Salakar behind, a profound sense of fulfillment settled over them. Though their journey back to Zaron was just beginning, they knew the bonds they had forged in Salakar would remain unbroken—woven into the fabric of their hearts and their destinies. These friendships, this victory, would be the foundation for future battles yet to come. Together, Kiara and Kaidën would continue to protect the realms, strengthened by unity and the spirit of guardianship that would endure beyond time, beyond realms, and beyond any foe they might face.