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Chapter Text

Reita - Seraphim and Aoi - Guardian Angel

† Curse named human †

~ New Generation ~

[(ke:s neimd `hju:men nju: dgena’reishan)]

Part 36

There will be a tomorrow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siSw4eS9WZQ&list=PLOHxDlg-aQ3WxxvzKWIY5AdmFsPUoorRC&index=11

There is no such thing as a happy end because everything is in motion, life is in motion. What is good and bad is of our own making. Suffering and joy are interchangeable roles in this play called life.... and healing from that? Some maybe never will. There was no gain from the pain... it was just there. A painful reminder of the past and the soul's capability to feel and remember. Over time, it may dim the light, scars the heart.... until it eventually grows together much stronger, bigger. A muscle trained by the tragedy of life.

The souls we have lost will stay with us forever and their memory lasts longer than our thoughts and memories ever will. Especially their Love will withstand the time.

One year later

Loosing someone was always hard. But the way Kentaro had vanished over a year ago, in the midst of heaven's tumult and uneasiness was indescribable hard, almost cruel especially since there was no good bye or any indication. It had taken a toll on all of his friends and family and everybody had handled the new reality differently. The higher ups had reacted very collected, Ken's immediate family and friends dealt with his absence each in his own way. Hitsugi had become very quiet, succumbed to his inner pain. Hakuei and Asagi had taken turns in looking after him but there was only so much they could do.

At some point, Hakuei even talked to Kami about it, knowing of his past when Kai had died and what it had done to Kami... but the answer he got was frustrating: It takes time.

Asagi knew how Hitsugi had handled stress and drama in his former life times, usually with a lot of girls and booze but this Hitsugi, the way he withdrew from life and even himself.... that scared him the most and he's had many conversations with Hakuei about it. They did their best, spoken and included him in everything but his will to move on and act as if nothing had happened diminished more and more. Even Aiji had trouble to stabilize his moods because the Seraphim of Moods and Feelings could heal and influence a lot.... except a broken heart.

It was one of those evenings when Asagi returned from his visit at Hitsugi's place. In the past couple of months, he had made sure to take turns with Hakuei to regularly check in on him and God knows they were rudely asked to stay away many times but they kept on going nevertheless. This was what friends were for.

Asagi slumped exhausted down onto the sofa, kicking his boots off his feet. It was really frustrating: With the disappearance of Kentaro, Hitsugi had stopped fighting or contributing to anything in any form which didn't help him in any way.

Asagi had his eyes closed, covered them with one hand while he tried to regain his mental strength. It was then that warm arms encircled him from behind and a face came to rest next to his. Underneath his hand, Asagi breathed out relieved. At least in his home everything was okay. Jun remained silent, he just felt Asagi's exhaustion and was simply there for him during this hard time. Their still kind of new relationship didn't get an easy start, like everything else they had been through together.

Asagi touched Jun's arms down to kiss his lovers hands thankfully. “I'm so glad you are here.” It made his heart flutter but at the same time Jun felt that Asagi thought about Hitsugi being alone now and in desperate need of Love too. Somehow they felt guilty to have found each other in this hard time. They behaved very civil outside their own four walls. Everybody knew they were an item now but they never talked about it.... well except of Hakuei who had interviewed Asagi thoroughly after he had caught them walking hand in hand in the nearby park. Asagi asking Aiji to officially court Jun was another big hurdle he had to take and wasn't able to talk to Hitsugi about out of respect..... man, he so wished his old friend back.

As if Jun could read his mind, he said: “Hitsugi wouldn't want us to withhold because of his circumstances.”

“I know but it still feels strange.”

Jun respected that. Asagi turned around on the sofa and pulled Jun to the front, to make him sit in between his legs and rest with his face on Jun's shoulder. He almost whispered at his ear. “I don't know where this is going. There seems to be no hope.... do you think he will ever come back?” Asagi asked.

Jun rested with his hands on Asagi's arms as he nodded. “I think so but he won't be the same, that's for sure. What do you think?”

Asagi shrugged. He had no idea. All he knew was that he would have never expected for Kentaro to leave Hitsugi behind. Ken had loved Hitsugi for so long and yet the pain inside of him had made him act in this irrational way.... To him, it just seemed cruel.

Since Kentaro had disappeared, the higher ups had made Ni~ya the third Seraphim so that Hakuei had at least one partner in his Empath-group. They had kept Kentaro's seat on the council empty though as Kamijo and Ruki too were sure that he would eventually return.... the question was just when and in which state.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Call it boredom or curiosity.

Sometimes it's curiousness which carries us to places where our hearts had once been.

It was the middle of the night and the air still smelled of fresh rain. The lights in Tokyo illuminated the city even during the night but up on top of a 325 meter building, even the lights became dim.

Kentaro could only see outlines in the dark shadows as he leaned with one foot on the railing, leaning on his knee as he observed human life and its streets pulsating like blood vessels underneath. It was today when he had felt the urge to return to the place which he had once called home decades ago. A lot had happened since then and he had grown in so many ways. It had taken him so long to feel mentally stable and strong enough to return to his past, to get another view on things. Maybe it was selfish but for him the absence was the only way.

That was when he heard a lighter flipping open and shut, open and shut again. Then, heavy footsteps followed from another corner of the building... the echoing sound of expensive leather shoes came closer.

Kentaro turned his head aside to listen but didn't move. The wind played with his long coat and the coldness of the night made his hands feel numb.

The footsteps had stopped next to him and so did the sound of the lighter.

“So the dark Lord finally shows up.” Kentaro moved back from the railing to fully look at Kaoru now. “We thought you were dead.... with this silence of yours. Kamijo tried to reach you.”

Kaoru looked cold hearted down onto Kentaro and for the first time Ken realized how cold his eyes really were. His looks, the outfit was impeccable but what really lay behind the surface was pain and death, that's what Kentaro clearly saw and felt now.

“I needed some time to... 'rebuild', you surely understand. Since my own flesh and blood destroyed two of my most loyal commanders.” He meant Kentaro killing Uruha and Dr. Yusuke.

“Half-blood.” Kentaro corrected. “Not to mention the other casualties in your fighting ranks.”

“Look who's talking.”

Kentaro knew whom Kaoru was referring to. Reita.

“At least I got the satisfaction that heaven's supernova had sacrificed himself in this unholy war.”

Kentaro remained pokerfaced. He would not get provoked by him.

“What do you want?” Kentaro asked when Kaoru lit himself a cigarette and breathed out smoke. “Still asking me to change sides?”

Still with the cold stare, instead of answering, the dark lord started with the manipulative questions he was well known for. “You killed my most loyal guards with no mercy, took out what has been mine to justify your way and to fight for what you believe in.... you are not so different from us.” And with us he meant residents from hell.

Kentaro pointed with his finger at Kaoru now. “I AM nothing like you or your kin!”

A smirk formed on Kaoru's lips which gave him the victory over something Kentaro never wanted to give: His patience. He had reacted way too emotional and Kaoru knew that. Knew how to trigger his half-bred son. “To keep peace between heaven and hell, it is my right to ask for a compensation since you killed most of my higher ranks.”

Kentaro couldn't believe the audacity but did his best in staying calm now. “There are no rules in war... you attacked us first and besides: Shouldn't you have this conversation with Kamijo?”

Kaoru rolled his eyes as he took another drag from his cigarette. “The old Angel bores me, I will only talk to my son now.”

It disgusted Ken when Kaoru called him that. “Well that's a pity because in future I don't want to talk to you ever again.” Kentaro stretched out his arms. “What is this Kaoru, hn? What do you want? Another kidnapping?”

Kaoru smirked but said nothing. Then out of nothing, he stretched out his hand to grab for Kentaro when an invisible shield catapulted him back, making him slide a few meters away on the ground.

Baffled, the dark lord stood up as he put his clothes and hair back in order, his face showing surprise. This was no Angel of revenge shield, this shield came from the highest source himself. God had protected Kentaro. Kaoru nodded as he understood. Even against God there was nothing he could do as he was a mere creation himself.

“Touché.” Kaoru said. “A friendly reminder: I still got a large army of hybrids at hand, ready to march. But before that we will train them even harder and mark my words: One day you will beg me to be on our side.”

Kentaro looked calmly back at him: “Is this supposed to be a threat? Because we will be ready.”

Kaoru started to smile and Kentaro didn't like it one bit. “You are my link to heaven and as much as you might fight it, there will always be a part of me inside of you.”

Kentaro looked with a new and unknown strength back at Kaoru: “You know, there is one thing you will never have....”

Kaoru looked pokerfaced back at him.

“It's called Love.”

That was when Kaoru smirked and added: “Only Love and death can change all things.”

“That's correct.”

And with the next gust of wind Kentaro had vanished into thin air.

To finally return home.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was a normal day for heavenly border control when Die suddenly stopped in his tracks as a long forgotten but familiar figure started to appear in front of the gate. At first he couldn't believe his eyes but the moment Kamijo and Ruki appeared simultaneously in the holy hall, Die knew that he wasn't dreaming.

“So the lost son had returned.” Die whispered as Kentaro came closer. In reflex, Die pointed his spear at Kentaro, not knowing with which intentions he had returned.

“Open the gate Daisuke.” Kamijo shouted over to the border control and Kentaro nodded as he stepped in. At the same time, a group of AOR jogged up and surrounded Kentaro. Heavily armed Angels, ready to fight and protect heaven. Kentaro couldn't believe the effort and spectacle.

“Kamijo-sama, what is this?”

Kamijo and Ruki seemed very reserved, very professional. “Just a precaution. Follow us.”

The AOR-soldiers followed Kamijo and Ruki with Kentaro in between them into Metatron's holy hall. The heavy doors closed shut and two AOR positioned themselves in front of the doors.

Kamijo and Ruki positioned themselves in front of the circle of protecting Angels while Kentaro had trouble to look in between them to see the leaders.

“Metatron-sama,” Kentaro addressed him formally, “what is this all about?”

Kamijo looked cold hearted back at Kentaro while Ruki observed the scenery, holding a heavily familiar book under his arms.

“You tell us: What are your intentions?”

“What do you mean? This is my home!”

“Well it hasn't been for the past year... where have you been and what are your intentions? Or let me rephrase that question: Which side are you on?”

Now Kentaro got what this was all about and his face dropped. “You think that I have changed sides?”

Kamijo pulled up his chin. “Kaoru can be very persuasive, even charming. You are his son after all-”

That was when Kentaro darted forward and the guards stepped in between to close off the way with their spears. “DO NOT compare me to this evil! EVER!”

They were surprised about Kentaro's outburst but didn't show it. “Have you met him?” Kamijo kept on asking and Kentaro stepped back, calming himself.

“He has found me in Tokyo.”

“What did you do there?”

Kentaro couldn't believe the interrogation. “I was there for reminiscence.”

“The whole year?”

Kentaro looked with his cat like sharp eyes back at Kamijo. “Of course not. I was wandering between spheres and earth to think, to reevaluate.”

For the first time it was Ruki who spoke up. “And what did you find during your travels?”

Kentaro thought a moment before he answered. “Myself.”

Ruki opened Kentaro's Akasha chronicle, read a few lines, closed it again before he pat Kamijo on his shoulder and walked off to the door. “Welcome back son.” Ruki said when he passed Kentaro and left Kamijo's conference hall. Seemed that the whole matter was done for him. And when it was done for Ruki it was a sign for Kamijo to call it quits too.

A few moments later, a knock sounded at the door and a tall Angel with silver long hair entered Kamijo's hall. “Hakuei!” Kentaro exclaimed and when Kamijo gestured his AOR to leave, Kentaro and Hakuei stormed towards each other for a long hug. Hakuei had always been like a father to him and no matter how much he had hurt Hitsugi with his absence, Hakuei could never be mad at him. He just loved him. “So good to have you back, so so good.” Hakuei beamed and he stepped back as Kamijo cleared his throat.

“I want you to repeat exactly what Kaoru has said to you.”

Now Hakuei looked baffled between Kentaro and Kamijo when Ken started to tell them about their encounter on earth.

“Do you think that threat about another attack was real?” Kamijo asked and Kentaro answered. “I think so but not any time soon. Our victory was a painful blow for hell. I could hear it in his voice. Some serious reorganization has to be going on down there.”

Kamijo nodded. “And? Did you consider his offer?”

Kentaro answered sternly without thinking twice: “Not for a single second. I know where I belong, my family is here.”

Kamijo nodded there was nothing else to add. “Are you ready to start working with your fellow Seraphim again?”

Kentaro nodded. “Of course. I'm ready for what lies ahead.”

Hakuei couldn't help but notice that Kentaro had grown. In this time of absence, he had done some serious soul searching and it seemed that he had found something, some new confidence in himself. The past hurt on his part seemed to have vanished while on the other hand his former partner was quite the opposite.....

“Then leave in peace for the day. Show up tomorrow together with Ni~ya so that the three of you can finally start working as the Empath-Seraphim-trio.”

Hakuei and Kentaro nodded simultaneously before leaving Kamijo's hall. Outside, Kentaro pulled Hakuei on his sleeve. “Before everything comes crushing down on me, I need to speak to you.” Hakuei seemed surprised but nodded. They continued talking on their way through the halls.

“I'm just so glad that you are back. I missed you so much, everybody missed you so much.”

Kentaro nodded. “I want to apologize for the pain I have caused.”

“But this is not what you want to talk about.”

Kentaro shook his head.

“Have you found what you've been looking for?”

Kentaro nodded and Hakuei did so too. “I can see it in your eyes. I'm happy for you.”

“The whole situation one year ago was unbearable for me. I was bursting from the inside. I needed to go.”

Hakuei nodded. “I understand but it is not me whom you have to tell this.”

An unknown pain went over Kentaro's face. “How is he?”

Hakuei broke eye contact, looked at his hands and Kentaro understood. He was the worst, felt like an idiot for his selfish act.

“There is no excuse for what I've done. But knowing you, I want to say thank you. The burden must have been heavy on you-”

“And Asagi, he carried him the most.”

Kentaro shook his head. “He is the best.”

“He is.” Hakuei paused for a moment. “It is not my business to tell you this but amidst all this misery, Asagi and Jun have found each other. Jun was Asagi's rock during the past year.”

It slowly began to dawn on Ken how much misery his absence had caused. He shook his head and buried his face in his hands. “I'm so sorry. You have all paid a high price for me to find myself.”

It was then that Kentaro felt a hand on his shoulder. “If this was what it took to get you back, then I'm glad. What is done is done.”

“Thank you.”Kentaro paused before he started with what he wanted to tell Hakuei. “Since the last attack and everything that came with it, my senses seemed to have sharpened...” Kentaro said and realized that Hakuei looked at him with a gaze as if he understood. “You can feel it too I guess... Since we both carry darkness inside of us. A foreboding, a kind of darkness which has never left. It's always there.”

Hakuei finally nods but adds: “But so is Love.”

“It is but..... What if I am not good, what if I am not the light but darkness? What if the darkness prevails?”

Hakuei nodded again. He understood Ken and his thoughts perfectly. “We have been touched by darkness, we carry the light and darkness inside of us, even more than any other being but this also makes us stronger than normal Angels. It is on us how we act, we are in control. Being in the light doesn't mean to never fall but to stand up again and again. That's the key and you did it. Never forget that.”

Kentaro nodded. Hakuei was the best in explaining complex things. The older Angel continued: “We all carry good and bad inside of us. We are all Jekyll and Hide, some more and some less. But we Empaths feel it a thousand times more than normal Angels do but this is also our gift. We can feel and interfere before anyone else knows what's going on.”

Kentaro smirked and Hakuei asked: “Are you ready to make the Seraphim-triplet complete again?”

“I am.”

Hakuei left Kentaro midway to return to his own home, reassuring if he was really okay to go home on his own because Kentaro's way home was not an easy one. Seeing the old but stunning heavenly castle where all the Angels were living, Ken gasped in awe as he had almost forgotten about its splendor.... It felt good to be back, he had never doubted that this was truly his home.

When Kentaro came closer to their old apartment, his nervousness was on another level. He had no idea what to expect, how Hitsugi would react, if he still wanted to be with him.... the mere thought made him unbelievably sad.

He stopped in front of his own door, hesitant to touch the door knob. It took him a few attempts before he finally opened the door and entered silently.

The room was dark. Rays of sunlight peaked in behind the blinds which hadn't been lifted in ages. Before Kentaro turned around the corner, he could feel him.... and his desperation and lost hope. It hit him like a wall and very much reminded him of what he had felt when he was down in the prison cells in hell.

His own body and mind screamed of the desperation he felt in their old place, blaming himself entirely for it.

The sound of movement in the back of the room, a figure standing up in the dark, only silhouettes could be seen.

“Kentaro? Is that you?”

Even his voice sounded different. Quiet, insecure... Ken closed his eyes. “It's me.”

The sound of moving furniture and falling down items broke the silence and the next thing Ken felt was being held. Tight. Strong arms all around him as if he was devoured by mere touch... the feelings were too much, too strong. Love, sadness, pain, all at once and he felt it a hundredfold.

What broke the catharsis on Kentaro's part was when Hitsugi started to cry and it broke him even more than it already did. Ken's voice broke too as he encircled Hitsugi's back to hold him as tight as possible. “Don't cry Hitsu, not for me!“

The sobs were killing him. Ken used to cry a lot because he was an Empath but when a big, sturdy soldier cried, it was a completely different story. “I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!” Kentaro stammered over and over again as he cared up and down Hitsugi's back. “Can you ever forgive me?”

It was then that Hitsugi moved back but Kentaro couldn't see his face. Mentally, the blinds were slightly opened, only enough to see his face. Kentaro touched Hitsugi's tear streamed face and was shocked: He looked as if he had aged... so this was what mourning did to souls. Kentaro turned away. “I should have never left you, it was very selfish of me. I can never forgive myself for my selfish act.” Ken felt how Hitsugi shook his head, he took Kentaro's hand instead and kissed it, deeply. It was Kentaro who touched Hitsugi's face and pulled him in for a kiss. It wasn't hesitant, it was needy and salty from both their tears. Ken kissed him again and again, making him believe that he was back, that he had always loved him.... wanted to kiss the pain so desperately away but the damage was done. They both knew it.

Ken rested with his forehead against Hitsugi's. “I don't deserve you. I am the selfish bastard here.”

And with that, Kentaro stood up, shortly followed by Hitsugi. He moved that damn blinds away, to let light in and to see the mess of their former apartment. He was shocked and then looked back at his Lover who was a mere shadow of himself.... and he hated himself for it. Ken turned his gaze away.

“Where have you been?” Hitsugi simply asked. Ken answered without looking at him. “All over the world, in every sphere you can imagine.”

“Why? What was it that you couldn't find with me?”

Ken looked back at Hitsu. “This has nothing to do with you. I had to improve myself, find myself.”

“And, did you? At the cost of all of your friends?!” The mood suddenly changed. “Everybody would have understood if you had just explained it BEFORE vanishing! You cannot imagine the pain that everybody experienced because of your sudden departure!” Now he let it all out and Kentaro stood there with his eyes closed. He deserved it, every word, all the pain. He even hoped for insults but they didn't come. The disappointment was the heaviest to endure. And he deserved it all. He opened his mouth, wanted to give a thousand good reasons but he couldn't. It sounded silly to himself now.

“Please just give me one good reason so at least I can try to understand.” Hitsugi almost begged. Ken still couldn't look at him but he started: “After the fight, after Reita was gone... It felt as if all eyes lay on me. There was nowhere to go with all this pain, with all this... darkness inside of me.” He looked up and pointed at himself: “I am demon bred! I carry darkness inside of me and sometimes it scares me!”

“You are half demon bred and yes, I know about your pain.”

Kentaro looked surprised.

“I know darkness from my former life times and I know you. I saw you struggling and I hated myself for being incapable to help you.”

Ken closed his eyes painfully and shook his head. “It was never your burden to carry.”

Hitsugi moved over to where he was standing and touched Ken by his chin, making him look up to him. “It IS my burden to carry because we are an item, right?” He waited.... “Right?”

Kentaro nodded. “I don't deserve your help, not after what I have put you through.”

Hitsugi breathed out loud, wanted to scream to make him understand but he didn't. “I never signed up for an easy relationship with you, I wouldn't want it any other way.... but tell me, are we done? Do you want to end this now and here?”

Ken shook his head but didn't look at Hitsugi, he feared to look his lover into his face as pain was written all over it.... he could feel it, overwhelmingly so.

He asked again. “Are we done? Because at least have the decency to tell me straight into my face if you want out. Because I'm sick of this stupid cat and mouse games.”

Kentaro pressed his eyes shut, his lips trembling. He loved Hitsugi so much, chased him for centuries and yet they were a complete mess because of him.

“Now listen Seraph,” a hand landed on Kentaro's head, “I have given you my heart, not because you're perfect but because you are you and because you fight! Against the whole world and especially against yourself. I started observing you a long time ago, saw that behind that ever smiling face lay someone much deeper...”

Kentaro looked up with tears in his eyes. He had never expected Hitsugi having thought so deeply about him. Ken was the Empath here, Hitsugi was much more physical and acting out what he thought.... or so he thought.

Hitsugi still waited for an answer and got it when Kentaro slowly nodded.

“I want you to say it.”

Kentaro closed his eyes and opened them again. “I want to be with you in this life and the next, come what may.”

It was the first time since their reunion that Hitsugi smiled. “Good, because I will be by your side whether you want it or not. Stupid head.”

Kentaro nodded and reached up with his arms to encircle them around Hitsugi's neck. The hug was met immediately and it felt so good to be hold by Hitsugi again. He had missed him so so much. The pain had numbed his yearning after the fight but the Love was never forgotten. He could never be without him. There was no one else for him, ever and Hitsugi knew that too.

It felt like closure.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hakuei had told their closest friends the same day that Kentaro had returned and it took him all his strength to keep Toshiya from running to see him. Gesturing to let Ken come to them first, giving them time. He was rather surprised about Asagi's reaction though. He was untypically reserved, so much so that Hakuei couldn't read whether he was glad or not about Kentaro's return.

One Angel who didn't wait or gave them time was Archangel Kami who came the next morning to their apartment. Kentaro almost stumbled backwards when he opened the door and the large Archangel towered in front of it.

“Am I interrupting?” Kami asked in his melodic soft tone but Kentaro shook his head. “Care to go for a walk?”

“Of course, just give me a second.”

Kami nodded and waited for Ken who joined him after a few minutes outside. Still groggy from he lack of sleep for obvious reasons, he walked next to Kami and waited for him to start.

“I'm glad you are back.” The Archangel started and Kentaro stopped for a moment to bow and apologize.

“I gave all of you so much grief because of my sudden disappearance, I humbly excuse myself.”

Kami smiled and looked down at the petite but mentally unbelievably strong Angel. “You don't have to apologize to me but I acknowledge it. Have you found what you've been looking for?”

Kentaro was surprised and couldn't make a rhyme why Kami of all Angels should care. Kami could read him like a book and explained: “It's true, a lot of Angels were deeply upset about your sudden disappearance but I admire your courage.”

Nothing could have prepared him for this kind of answer. “How so?”

Kami looked into the distance as if he thought about something. “A long time ago, I found myself in your shoes, loosing someone dear to me and the pain consumed me.... for decades. Instead of communicating or leaving for my sake, I endured and nearly died a second death.... I made it in the end but I wonder if it could have been less painful.... you see, you Empaths wear your hearts on your sleeve, I admire that. This new generation of Angels is fascinating. Never change that.“

Kami smiled very warmly as Kentaro listened to his beautiful words in awe. He had never seen it like that. “Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, this is very precious.”

Kami kept on smiling. “You're welcome. But besides that, I can see that Empaths are prone to melancholy as you're feeling too much and too deep which I recognized without judgment.”

Kentaro nodded. “You are right about that.” Kentaro had no idea how highly Kami thought about him. Kami had no idea about the half demon part of him, he clearly saw it as melancholy in him.

“The loss of Reita, as a friend and as a powerful Angel hit heaven hard but I have no doubt that you will one day take his role, there is no question about that.”

Kentaro widened his eyes about the compliment. He could never! And even told Kami so but the Archangel just smiled and nodded.

“So, are you back in business?”

“Yeah, Kamijo wants the Seraphim-trio to start right away.”

Kami nodded. “Of course.... but, have you seen the rest of your friends already?”

Kentaro became strangely shy when he answered that he didn't. He had just recently returned and Hitsugi had been priority number one. Next to the fact that he positively caged him all night by holding him too tight and even having troubles to let him go this morning.

“There is someone else dying to see you again.” Kami continued and a few seconds later, a petite Angel landed in front of them, gracious and beautiful.

“Kentaro!” Ryohei stormed towards them and hugged Ken right away. “It's so good to see you, my old training partner! We have been through so much!” Ryohei beamed as if he talked about a round of shopping although it was for preparation of war. He too was very powerful and his beauty hid the deadly efficient side of him.

Ryohei held Kentaro's hands in his lovingly and just smiled at him. “Are you well? Will we be working together again?”

Kentaro smiled back too. He loved Ryohei, everybody did, how could you not? He too was happy to see him all well again. “Let us hope that there is no need any time soon.” Kentaro meant the war preparations. “But I wouldn't mind meeting in friendship.”

Ryohei nodded. “Let's do that!”

Another scream in the distance interrupted their happy meeting when another happy go lucky Angel crashed into them. “KEN-CHAAAAN!” And he had Sakito all over himself. Ryohei had been pushed backwards and Kami caught him from behind when the other Seraphim had crushed into Ken. “IWASSOWORRIEDIWOULDNEVERSEEYOUAGAINANDIMISSEDYOUTOOSOSOMUCHAAAAND----!” Sakito kept on ranting when finally another powerful figure appeared and pulled Sakito tenderly away from Ken. It was Toshiya. “Give them Angel SPACE Saki!”

“Toshiya.” Kentaro beamed and hugged his old friend tightly.

“So good to see you Ken.” Toshiya added. He endured the 'give them space' half a day exactly before he too had to see Ken. “Did you settle back in?”

Kentaro nodded. “I did and I'm so glad to have you, my friends, all back. The separation made me realized how lucky I am.”

“And so are we.” Toshiya beamed. He looked up at Kami and Ryohei who nodded back at them to take their leave.

“It was good talking to you.” Kami said and Ryohei bowed politely as they went on their way together.

“And we-”Toshiya took Kentaro's hand, “have a call to make.”

Kentaro looked astonished as Toshiya pulled him away and Sakito waved in the distance good bye.

On their way into heavenly castle, Toshiya asked: “How is Hitsugi?”

Kentaro looked down onto his feet. “Better, although it will take some time... We will take some time. And it's entirely my fault because of my unstable feelings....” It was then that Toshiya stopped and he lay his hands onto Kentaro's shoulders. “All relationships are work and no one is perfect. Hitsugi had his hard times and now it was your turn. Life is a current, we just learn how to ride it. That doesn't mean that we don't love each other anymore.”

“Very true.”

They had stopped in front of a familiar door. And Ken dreaded this meeting the most. He looked at Toshiya and nodded to be ready. The other Seraphim nodded at the door and a few moments later, Jun opened it... with his mouth wide open. When Asagi yelled from inside who it was, he came and answered the door personally.

“Come on Jun, let's go for a walk.” Toshiya pulled the petite Empath out the door and left Ken and Asagi behind. After they were gone, Asagi opened the door wide for Kentaro to enter and he did so with a bow.

“Take a seat.” Asagi offered and Kentaro couldn't help but to feel and see the warmth in Asagi's old apartment. He could tell about the change in his immortal life. He had also noticed the strength and determination in Asagi's gaze, something he hadn't noticed before.

After they were both seated, an awkward moment of silenced passed and Kentaro finally bowed deep in his sitting position to apologize. “I have been a bad friend and behaved selfishly. I want to apologize to you, especially you, as I've heard that you carried the whole group, especially Hitsugi on your shoulders.”

Asagi remained quiet. After a few moments of silence, Kentaro went on. “There is nothing else I could add without insulting your hard work. I just want you to know that I will always be in your debt.”

Asagi breathed in. “He was a mess, absolutely devastated. Could you imagine being in his place? Could you?”

Kentaro squeezed his eyes shut as he was still in his bowing position.

“It is not my place to judge. I explained it to myself that pain and mourning does strange things to living beings.”

Kentaro nodded.

“But that doesn't mean that I understand it. Give me time. I know that we are friends, family even and that will never change but this was hard. Not only on me but on everybody.” Ken understood. Asagi wanted him to know that and he accepted it.

“I appreciate that you came by. You better go and look after Hitsu, he needs you.”

Kentaro stood up and made his way to the entrance. Before he left, Asagi repeated again. “I too need some time.”

“I understand.” And with that, Ken went on his way back to his home.

The moment he entered his home, Hitsugi saw it on his face and the small Angel crushed into a hug and cried on Hitsugi's chest. Ken thought that it should be him comforting Hitsugi but it was the other way round again. Hitsugi soothing his lover, caring over his head. HItsugi didn't care, as long as he returned to him, no matter in which state he was in, he was just so so glad. He had an inkling where Ken had been but as long as they were together, things would definitely turn out good. That he was sure of.

It was the following day when another unexpected visitor knocked on their door and Kentaro opened it.

“Ni~ya! So good to see you!” The other Seraphim gave him a fist bump, he wasn't the cuddly type of Angel. “I'm here to fetch you for work. Hakuei's already waiting.”

Ken smirked. So it all began. A new trio of Empath-Seraphim, ready to work. “I will get my training gear.”

Excited, Kentaro fetched his stuff and felt how Hitsugi observed him. Fact was that Hitsugi had stopped fighting over a year ago after Ken had vanished. Kentaro stopped in his tracks and looked at him. “Care to join?”

Hitsugi thought about it and Ken continued. “I don't want them to assign me a new fighter. It can only be you.” Ken saw it in his eyes, a beast which had slept way too long. Hitsugi finally nodded. “I will join you but not today. Get used to the new constellation first, I'm just a call away.”

It made Ken so unbelievably happy. He reached for Hitsugi's cheek and kissed him long before he was able to leave.

A new season was about to begin and they had all changed, grown with their challenges. Excitement was in the air for what was about to come but the most important thing was that they were together.

And if I am no more my soul will cry out for you every night.

The wind which I've sent will dry your tears.

The flowers which bloomed for you will make you smile.

I wanted to thank you for being yourself around me.

For giving me the chance to experience your creative soul.

You took the few good remaining things from me and formed them into something so much better.

At the same time I am glad that you never became like me.

You judged and acted out of your heart and no one could have taught you better.

I don’t want you to think about me.... ever again.

I know it’s selfish but I want you to try.

Thank you for not listening to me.

Thank you for sharing your time with me.

Thank you, for everything.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvZ4Kxtl640

End of Curse named human ~ New Generation ~

End word

A long story, a long chapter in my life finally came to an end. I grew so much with this story which is actually half as old as I am (from the first draft to the very end which spans over 20 years!). I still can't believe that I will never write and think as one of my characters again (because this is what they have become over all these years although the real people of course belong to themselves.)

Little side notes about the story:

• Hazuki is a hellish character I wanted to warn people about. At some point he maybe seemed sympathetic with Ryoga but in the end he was not. He was what he always portrayed to be: Evil and egoistic. There are people (and I also believe demons) in this world who take absolute pleasure in the pain of others. Remember that and always stay safe, remove toxic people from your life, take a taxi home at night. Better be safe than sorry.

• Wasn't Tatsuro a beast? *.* I loved his image from the Shangri-la CD, that's what I had in mind, with the long hair and hat

• The last fight against the demons. I described it how I felt being at a festival during a Korn concert.... I nearly died :)

• For the last battle to know where everybody's position was I drew a map to not forget where everybody was positioned XD

• Everybody in the Jrock-fandom has heard about Reita's untimely death. As macabre as it was, I had planned from the beginning that Reita would sacrifice himself for his friends, love and peace. I will always remember him for that, he is a hero.

• Aoi was a hard character to write. He had a long story in this fiction and I also had different scenarios in mind (also about him and Uruha eloping) but I didn't want to make him a traitor in the end, so the sacrifice seemed round and complete. I also love the sad fact that he never got over his first love, that although he was the one who had been deserted, he kept on holding onto his first love Ryutaro.

• About Hakuei (the man that doesn't age): On youtube there are funny videos, called „Dr. Hakuei“ with English subtitles, he answers questions from fans and he is very serious in doing so.... maybe that's why he became a teacher/father figure in my fiction

• Sorry for the Kami and Ryohei-fluff at the end... I never saw myself as a romantic person but their story was just too sweet, they deserved it.

   

The older the story got, the meaner comments from readers became. Guess that's the new tone in this godless time of cancel culture now. I'm glad that I'm out now, I get too old for this stuff and leave the harpies to themselves. 

A big thank you to all the people who were kind enough to leave some kudos, you don't know what motivation that was. <3 

I always wrote love stories the way I wanted to be loved and never have been. I hope that I can find something else to fill this void now. I hope that you have found someone to love or have been found. I decided to dedicate my life to do art and write poems, not too bad I guess.

Be blessed my dear reader and all the Love to you.

LBC