Chapter 16: Into the Fray

"B-but… I lost."

Kyouya gazed at Ei reaching her hand out to him.

"That matters not. You managed to go toe to toe with me, far surpassing my expectations."

He took her hand and got up.

"I see… so you think I'm good enough?"

"To beat me? Oh heavens, no! But I will say this, you are the most talented swordsman I've encountered in centuries. In your current state, you should be able to make quick work of most rivals."

Kyouya silently watched her walk away.

"That move you did at the end… was most impressive. You incorporated your electro powers into it quite well," she clapped cheerfully.

"Thanks…"

"Does your body still hurt from using these newfound powers?"

"Huh? Now that you mention it, that whole fight I stopped feeling any pain from using electro…"

"It appears the training was fruitful," she smiled.

Kyouya approached Ei, bowing before her.

"Thank you for everything!"

"You are welcome. Anyways, you should leave now. I've already taken up enough of your time."

"Wait… how long have I been here?" he asked.

"Time flows differently in the Plane of Euthymia. We have been dueling for an entire year."

"A WHOLE YEAR!?" he shouted.

He had completely lost track of time while fighting in this otherworldly realm.

"Ahem… as I was saying, time flows differently here. In the real world, only a week has passed."

"Oh… that's not so bad," he replied with an apologetic tone.

"Indeed. You are probably dying to go back to Focalors, hmm?" she teased him.

"W-what?"

"Did you really think I wouldn't see through the two of you?"

"I uh…"

"I've known her far longer than you. She wouldn't send just anybody my way for training. You're…. special to her."

Kyouya stayed silent, unable to come up with a response.

"I don't know the details of this peculiar relationship you two have but I wish you all the best. If there's anyone that can put up with her shenanigans, it's you," she laughed.

"A blessing from the Electro Archon herself? That just took my confidence to a new height," he smiled while scratching the back of his head.

Ei sighed as she waved at him.

"Goodbye, Kyouya."

He waved back as the world around him suddenly twisted apart.

Reality itself seemed to bend, allowing him to traverse dimensions once again.

He finally found himself back at the dojo with the Shogun waiting for him.

She silently gestured for him to leave.

Kyouya strolled out of the dojo, a sense of pride swirling within him.

"I did it, Furina. I'm coming back home," he mumbled to himself while clenching his fists.

As he walked through the corridor, his gaze met Sara's, who was engrossed in paperwork.

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she ran towards him, stopping right in front of his face.

"Y-you! You're done with the training?" she asked, eagerly waiting for his response.

Kyouya was taken aback at her behavior. She seemed like an excited child, completely different from her usual serious demeanor.

After all, she was quite enthusiastic when it came to the topic of the Shogun.

"General, you're a bit too close."

"Oh… my apologies!" she whispered while stepping back.

"Heh, it's alright. And yeah, we're done with the training."

"So… how did it go?"

"I tried my best but in the end the Shogun was too strong for me. I think I put up a good fight though."

"You were in there for a whole week, are you feeling alright?"

"Oh uh.. yeah of course!"

"Would you like me to get you something to eat?"

"No, please! I'll just head to the hotel and grab a bite there. You've already done enough, General." he bowed.

"Alright then. If there's anything else you need, do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you. I'll be heading out then."

Kyouya stepped out of the Tenryou Commission headquarters with newfound vigor.

The bustling streets of Inazuma City welcomed him with their vibrant energy, each step he took accompanied by a renewed sense of liberation.

As he continued his journey, the city's sights and sounds enveloped him like a warm embrace, soothing his soul.

He kept walking till he finally stood before The Sakura Terrace Hotel, taking a deep breath to calm himself down.

As he stepped inside, the soft hum of conversations and the clinking of utensils welcomed him to a world of comfort.

He headed straight for Clorinde's room and knocked on it gently.

As the door creaked open, her eyes widened upon seeing that he had finally returned.

She valued her comrades deeply so she couldn't hold her emotions back.

Without hesitation, she rushed forward to embrace him.

Her arms wrapped around him tightly, as if trying to convey all the unspoken words.

Kyouya was stunned at her being so clingy but ultimately decided not to do anything.

They stood like that for a bit before Clorinde stepped back.

"Kyouya… you're back."

"Hello, Lady Clorinde."

"It's been a whole week. I thought you were a goner," she said as if holding back tears.

"And yet you waited here for me."

"That's because we were unable to confirm your status. They refused to let us into the dojo."

"Understandable. Well, here I am. Back in one piece."

"So… how did the duel go?"

"Toughest battle of my life but I think I learned a thing or two."

"Well… did you manage to beat her?"

"Do you really think I can defeat an archon…?"

"Oh um… usually I'd say no but seeing how you handled yourself against that Harbinger… I think you could potentially stand up against archons… some day."

"Lady Clorinde, you overestimate me."

"Maybe.. maybe not. So I believe you're ready to leave?" she asked.

"Yeah. Isn't Kazuha coming with us?"

"Yes… I shall call him up. Please gather your belongings in the meantime."

"Yes, ma'am!" Kyouya saluted her as he left the room.

He entered his room and jumped onto the bed.

It felt like an eternity had passed since he got to rest properly. And yet, he was not feeling very tired.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the hydropulse talisman.

"I haven't seen her for a whole week. She didn't even call me during that time either. I guess she didn't want to bother our training."

…

…

"Or was it because her calls simply wouldn't be able to reach me in the Plane of Euthymia? Hmm…"

He sighed as he put the talisman back into his pocket.

"As much as I want to see her face right away, I think I'll surprise her instead."

An hour had passed since then. Kyouya ate a quick meal and started arranging his luggage when he heard a gentle knock on the door.

He opened the door to see Clorinde and Kazuha waiting for him.

"Hello, friend," Kazuha greeted him while extending his hand.

Kyouya shook his hand as he walked back into the room to finish packing up.

They stepped out of the hotel with all the luggage and walked towards Ritou.

Kazuha looked at him, noticing his tired expression.

"It seems like you've been through a lot, my friend."

"Yeah, it's been… quite the week to say the least," Kyouya sighed.

Upon reaching Ritou, they saw Sara waiting for them.

"It appears you are all leaving today. I would like to thank you once again for assisting with the case," she said.

"Oh, don't mention it. We should be thanking you for letting us meet the Shogun in the first place," Kyouya replied.

They bid their goodbyes and boarded the ship, leaving Inazuma behind.

Kyouya silently watched from the window. He was leaving his home town again.

But then again, this was no longer his home.

He smiled thinking about his life back in Fontaine and felt excited at the prospect of finally returning after so long.

Within a few hours, they finally reached Romaritime Harbor.

The trio got off from the ship, stepping onto the solid ground.

Kyouya felt a new sense of joy upon setting foot on Fontaine once again.

Clorinde led the way, walking towards an Aquabus. Kyouya and Kazuha followed closely.

As they reached the bus, Clorinde stopped Kyouya with a simple gesture of her hands, leaving him momentarily confused.

"That's your ride," she pointed to a different Aquabus nearby. It seemed to be a special one, its windows completely covered up.

One could not see what was happening inside.

"Huh… okay" he replied as he walked towards it.

A Melusine wearing a dark suit opened the door for him.

"I've never seen this particular Melusine before. I wonder what's its name?" he thought to himself as he entered the specialized Aquabus.

As Kyouya settled into the luxurious seat, he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw who was sitting right beside him.

It was none other than Furina herself. His heart skipped a beat upon seeing her face. It had been so long since they had last seen each other, and now, finally, they were reunited.

She had a mischievous grin on her face.

"Thought you were gonna surprise me by showing up out of nowhere like last time, hmm?"

He smiled silently, gazing into her eyes.

Unable to hold back any longer, Furina enveloped Kyouya in a warm embrace, her arms wrapping around him tenderly.

Their bodies pressed against each other, drawing them close like two halves of a puzzle finally finding their perfect fit.

Kyouya felt a sense of homecoming, and his heart swelled with happiness for having Furina back in his arms.

"This feels strangely familiar" he whispered.

"You're thinking back to the last time you came back to Fontaine like this, aren't you?"

"Yeah…"

"You were gone for months back then. And yet, it feels like you were away for even longer now despite the fact that you were only gone for a week," she sighed.

Kyouya lovingly caressed Furina's hair as they held each other close.

As the Aquabus pulled away from the docks, he felt at peace, finally reuniting with the woman he loved