Chapter12: Returned

The brutal warrior on the verge of collapse struggled through the depths of space carrying his allies along with him.

Now just a few meters from entering the earth's atmosphere.

But...

Kenta's energy finally followed his body...

Reaching its limit Kenta's body began to give up.

Struggling even more Kenta involuntarily let go of his allies and furthermore he collapsed.

Shirogane felt immense emotions well up inside him, as he began to cry out upon seeing his home world once again but those near him did not share his reaction.

Naga unbothered by the rock in front of them nor did she care for Shirogane, so she forced Kenta's beast like body on top of her back.

Aro on the other hand was intimidated by his dreadful past caused by Rugi on the planet which stands before him. 

Drenched in sweat Aro's mind was filled with many thoughts as he truly wondered what he was doing here? why did he return knowing full well he allied himself with someone who is allied with his torturers?. 

But these worries were quickly put to rest when Aro remembered Maro, his people, that he is their chosen guardian, that the kiren need him to defend them from their cruel future. 

So with those thoughts of uncertainty cleared Aro could push onwards for the sake of his people with full confidence in all of his actions. 

Naga spoke her words uncaring but necessary "hey are you gonna stop crying if you don't we'll have to leave you behind..., we really need to be moving here". 

And so with the group ready to make their descent Shirogane was forced to dry his eyes, and the group continued towards the planet known as earth. 

Breaking through earth's atmosphere they entered the vast field of clouds until they were all forced to back away by the sudden arrival Hikaru and Kibar. 

Hikaru scanned every single person there until he saw Shirogane the only recognisable one there, although Hikaru could see the changes on his former foe's scarred body.

Kibar shouted as his body presented his worry "Father what have they done to you?". 

But Shirogane strafed forwards in front of his elder brother and spoke in a rush, in a effort to calm the beast "he did this to himself!, this form he took is the reason we made it to earth!". 

Hikaru spoke his voice gentle and his posture welcoming "so you finally managed to return".

After speaking both of the rivals eyes met which was followed by Hikaru's declaration "so earth's guardian can take back his role now, so I can stop being earth's temporary guardian now". 

Aro looked upon Kibar and spoke with caution his body shaken "so your free?, I guess something must of occurred on kirnon while I was absent". 

Kibar ignored the kiren before him as he barged Naga away taking Kenta over his own back. 

Naga whispered with resentment "I see that you're still a untamed beast Kibar". 

Kibar gave a slight snarl in response as he left them all, taking his wounded father down to earth's surface.

The two former enemies found themselves at a distance away from the others. 

This was gap between the two groups was just large enough that neither side could hear the other. 

And so the first word was spoken.  

Hikaru spoke his intentions clear as he wishes to fill the absence of his history in his mind, "so what did you learn out there?, what's it like?, did you learn anything about our origins?". 

Shirogane gave an answer but his answer was only for the final question "I learnt nothing of where you come from..., I'm sorry Hikaru but it seems you may have no relation to the red empire". 

After hearing this Hikaru's hope faded away from his eyes and he spoke with a dull voice "don't be sorry..., it was my own fault for thinking that something more then earth could connect the both of us together". 

After speaking Hikaru made his swift descent trailing behind Kibar. 

This was followed by the group of new arrivals trailing behind the troubled warrior. 

This carried on until they reached the surface. 

As they hit the surface Naga made a remark, as she threw a pebble against the rocky terrain in which she stood upon "so this is one the planet's the red emperor wants so badly, I don't even know why he would bother there's nothing of use here". 

The comment gained no attention as all the focus was set upon Shirogane.

Now returned to stand in front of Torino's temple Shirogane felt himself become hesitant to enter which forced his body to back away, but Hikaru held his back urging him forwards. 

Thanks to this push Shirogane entered the marble white temple to instantly see Hati, his best friend leap towards him, overwhelmed with joy Hati could not hold back his tears as he hugged his thought to be forever lost friend. 

The other promising students soon gathered around Shirogane each one full of overwhelming joy but none more so then Hati. 

Shirogane saw master Torino leave the temple ignoring everyone, each step he took lured the attention of Shirogane until eventually their eyes met at a glance, and with that single glance the student knew he had to talk with his master. 

Placing his hand gently upon his best friend's head Shirogane pushing Hati back down to his feet. 

Once Hati was back firmly on his feet Shirogane spoke softly with a welcoming smile "hey we'll go get pizza after this is all done with, I promise ill pay this time". 

Hati looked up to his friend and said while wiping his tears away "you better!, now go master Torino will scold us both if you don't". 

Now leaving the temple to find his master. 

Shirogane eventually finds Torino at the back of the white marble walls which make up the temple.

Covered from all light by the cliffs edge Shirogane over hears a conversation he thought he never would. 

"I am so sorry... for the atrocity I aided in all those years ago, I know that mere words are not enough to repair the damage I dealt, nothing will be enough but... I can try so I offer up a place on earth for you and your people". 

Aro begins to chuckle "and here I thought you'd try to harm me at my arrival but your offering me a home?, I will gladly take you up on your offer but I will also offer something in return". 

Torino shocked makes an attempt to Answer.

But Aro stops him and immediately begins to say "I give you my protection, I will become a ally to both you and the earth and finally I will aid in the destruction of the red empire". 

Just before Torino can respond Shirogane makes his presence known by answering for his master "thank you..., Aro for giving us a second chance". 

After speaking both of the former enemies gain a look of gratitude. 

Master Torino adds to his student's answer "yes thank you Aro, you should also know there is one other of your kind here on earth, he arrived with the brutal warrior and currently resides inside the temple". 

Aro stunned that another of his kind would dare to step on earth shook in horror he turned his head to face Torino. 

Torino gave his worries a answer as he spoke "do not worry we have not harmed him in anyway, after all he is apart of our alliance. 

Hearing this Aro took his leave towards the entrance of the temple hastily.

This also allows for the master and returning student to talk. 

Torino stood looking directly at Shirogane as he spoke his words calm yet full of immense sorrow "you have grown stronger Shirogane... stronger then what I could have made you..., I am sorry for failing you, since you were taken away from us all I can't help but think if only I trained you better you could have protected yourself and... not just us". 

Shirogane walked to stand by his adopted father's side with pride, in which he proudly claimed "maybe your right master... but thanks to my failure, not your own I also learned a lot while I was out there not just about training but also... about who I really am". 

Hearing his son speak master Torino was able to gain some pride in himself just in time for him to hear Shirogane's question. 

Shirogane stood strong his aura expanded into a controlled roar of power, with this he asked the question he awaited to ask since he arrived no since he met eyes upon the brutal warrior, "I am grateful for everything you did for me master but..., I must learn more about who I truly am if we wish to beat the empire, so for now I ask you to allow me to train under the brutal warrior". 

Torino's recently gained pride faded into despair after hearing Shirogane's request but he understood that for the earth's sake he must allow his son to choose his own way in life. 

Torino shouted as his eyes were overfilled with tears and with these words his heart shattered "Shirogane you are no longer a student of mine". 

But in reality this was only a formality as Shirogane will always be welcome in the temple as he is not just a student but a son to Torino. 

Shirogane placed his hands around his master and embraced him as he said "thank you dad". 

Letting go of his former master Shirogane leapt into the baby blue sky, gaining flight he soared far into earth's outskirts. 

Journeying through the vast lawless area of his home planet Shirogane draws ever closer to his cottage. 

Now reaching the ravines Shirogane begins to hear the cries of a boy in need.

But a few moments before he makes it to his home a  shriek for help is made... 

The person in need was no other then Tenso sasine Shirogane's son. 

Tenso was cowering away from the vultures who were relentlessly picking away the flesh off his bones. 

So without a second thought Shirogane appeared on the ravaged land which splits his own home from the outskirts. 

Tenso had strayed to far from home once again. 

Shirogane dragged his helpless son close as he ascended high into the blue cloudless sky. 

Tenso soon opened his eyes to see that he was in his fathers embrace.

The young child began to have multiple emotions overwhelm his soul and mind until Shirogane said a few words his voice full of joy, but also a slight hint of worry resided in it "hi son..., that's right I'm safe". 

Tenso cried out "dad I thought I was never gonna see you again..., mum has been so down lately so I thought you were never coming back!". 

Shirogane laughed as he gained a warm smile "I promise you this Tenso, I will always come back to you and your mother". 

This promise settled all of Tenso's worries in which he began to rest in his fathers arms. 

Now appearing at the cottage Shirogane placed his son firmly on his feet, allowing for Khira to snatch them both in her warmth. 

Khira cried out as she asked "when did you get back?". 

Shirogane hugged her tight as he replied his voice full of warmth "just a few hours ago". 

Tenso muttered "mum your choking me!", causing Khira to strafe away dropping Tenso to the ground in which they stood. 

But in a flash he was gone, he vanished from sight...

Khira's face dropped into sorrow as she began to realise that they are not safe yet, so she forced her self to ask "your not staying are you my beloved?". 

Shirogane regretfully gave her an answer "no I can't..., not yet as the empire is still targeting us all and I can't risk either one of you being in danger because I refused to do nothing when I had the chance". 

Khira pleaded with him as she dropped to her knees "please let me go with you, I have some training, I can help I promise". 

But it was all in vain as Shirogane reassured her putting his hand to rest on her shoulder, he whispered into her ear "I know that you can help, but the greatest thing you can do right now is to keep our son safe from all harm". 

Hikaru shouted arrogantly "hey earth's chosen one Kenta is awake!". 

Hearing this Shirogane stood strong but his face was caught in sorrow as he struggled to say "I must go... Khira I love you". 

Hikaru placed Tenso to the ground who sprinted towards his mother's side. 

The two warriors infused their bodies with fusion energy granting them flight and with that they soared through the cloudless skies until eventually reaching the temple. 

Meanwhile back at the cottage hidden in the forest Khira whispered to herself "I love you too my hero".