Ability Return

Later in the day, when everybody returned to the group home, I met up with Shike and the others.

"I have news, about my lifespan reduction. And it's good news... for the most part," I started. They all paid attention to me immediately and waited for my explanation. Even Dani stuck around to see what was going on.

"For the most part, it seems most of the cause for my reduced lifespan was using your abilities. I selfishly took them from you and used them without your permission. I'm sorry. If it is okay with everybody, I would like to return what's rightfully yours," I said.

"Come on! Don't get apologetic. Belle, Alexia, and I were all worried that we were doing enough to support you down here on Earth... knowing our abilities won that fight against Cole, I don't have any complaints at all! I just wish you would've let us help you in other ways as well. We might have faded out because our powers weren't with us, but we can come back to help you in these fights," Shike explained with a smile. Belle and Alexia both nodded.

"I appreciate you guys more than you know, I'll return the abilities now," I said. I held out my hand and led over Shike first.

The golden strands in my body encapsulated his arm. Just like with Boo, the only thing I do to transfer abilities is to plant my golden strands within each and every person. It's like the strands themselves understand whose ability I'm returning because that's all I'm doing. It's simple, like second nature to me, but I can't explain it in a simple way.

I followed up with Belle and Alexia, and soon, all risks of reducing my lifespan were completely gone. I took a deep sigh of relief and smiled.

Shike looked behind me, then back at me, winked, and left with Belle and Alexia. I was confused why he did this, but not long after he left, Dani jumped onto my back and wrapped her arms around my neck.

"Oh, hi. Were you also thinking that we haven't spent any time together in a really long time?" I asked her.

"You can read my mind now? How will I ever hide things from you?" She asked me. Dani sweetly smiled and rested her head on my shoulder.

I was worried she would speak loudly in my ear, but her soft voice emanated so only I could hear it.

"I know I'm guilty of it, but I'd like it if you didn't hide anything from me, unless it was a surprise for me," I told her.

"We've got a lot of rest and whatever, but I haven't truly felt at peace in a very long time. Right now, I sort of do," She said. What was she being so... cuddly for?

"I like this part of you, but why are you being so sweet? You're like a kid who has done something wrong," I said. We both laughed and she shook her head, waving her hair calmly on my back. From this point of view, I knew something was different about it. It must've been shorter.

"Come on! I haven't been able to stick with you in a super long time. Hell, even before Orion's war, where you kissed me with no warning? You freaked me out... you fought for me, and I fought for you... and that's all it has been for a really long time. Just let me enjoy this, idiot," Dani said, lightly tapping me on the top of my head.

I was happy Avie was staying away right now. It seems like she knew the situation. I felt like she would say something, but I guess it's because of that thought that she's quiet right now. It's going to be troublesome to think about Dani with Avie in my mind.

"I guess I can let you do that. But, don't you want to move over to like a couch or something? My body won't hold up forever," I told her. Dani nodded and got off of my back, then quickly latched to my arm, holding onto my hand tightly.

"Hey, when did you get all that muscle? You don't feel like the skinny man you used to be," Dani asked me, teasing me playfully with a wicked grin on her face.

"All that fighting and pushing a whole island back with my left hand, probably. But, maybe it's because I'm just lucky? I hear that I've been lucky a lot," I said. We both smiled.

"That's nothing but true. I mean, look at us! We made it pretty far," Dani said. Her mood turned dim in comparison to what it used to be. She was probably thinking about everybody again.

"I'm the type of guy that gets pretty emotional when I think of everybody that has passed away. Domin, Red, Cody, Robby, Ullr, Xavier, Drake, and so many others. You were right when you said I was lucky, but I'm not the only lucky one. I'm starting to feel nothing when I think about them, rather than sadness, I feel happy I have this chance. I've been stuck on this for a while, so maybe it'll help you as well. You and I are together, above all else, and we should work to make sure nobody else dies," I told Dani. She seemed to understand what I'm saying, but words alone would never fix her mindset. I completely understood.

"Master, I think you should kiss her," Avie said.

My eyes widened in pure surprise at Avie's comment and I spoke to her directly instead of saying the words out loud.

'Avie, what was that?! You can't just surprise me like that!' I said to her silently.

"I'm just saying, this would be a perfect time to do so. Her guard down, and she would probably melt right into your hands if you showed that level of affection to her right now," Avie said. My face was turning red, I could feel the heat radiating off of it.

'I don't think now is the best time, maybe later,' I said to her again, but my finger started wiggling out of nowhere... and without my control.

"I don't have to take over your body to move it, you know? You can do it, or I can force you to do it," Avie said. I felt her smile up in my head.

I turned to Dani and her face was pointed downwards and to the side, looking at the floor beside us.

'Won't she get pregnant if I do this?' I asked Avie again.

"Ma- Sky, I don't think you have to worry about that." Avie flatly said, ending the conversation there.

I took a deep breath, put my finger under Dani's chin, and connected our eyes.

To prevent me from backing out, Avie locked my muscles, and Dani caught on to what I was trying to do.

Then, for the first time, on February 19th, 2446, Dani and I kissed.