Klaus, along with the other demigods and their guiding demons, finally regrouped at the facility to prepare for their return to Higher World.
A demon who seemed to work at the facility approached Xhin, whispered a few words, and departed. This caught the attention of the demigods, and Xhin relayed the information.
"It seems Lord Nekro has still not returned from his duties, so you all will have to depart in his absence," she informed them.
The demigods were not particularly bothered by this, content with having met him at least once. They decided to respect his absence and carry on. They were then guided to a room with a transportation podium, assigned by Nekro to return them to the realm of the Gods.
Once the final touches to the coordinates were set, Jhin announced that the podium was ready. Without hesitation, X walked up to the podium, placed his palm on the designated spot, and was transported back to Higher World.
Klaus noticed Xhin smiling at him, recognizing his departure. Feeling compelled to express his gratitude, Klaus turned to the demon twins.
"Thank you both for helping us while we were here," Klaus said. "I hope that someday, I will get to see you two again."
Xhin smiled warmly. "I am going to miss you, Klaus Walker," she said with joy in her heart.
Meanwhile, Arthur and Lance had also departed, following X and returning to Higher World, leaving only Klaus behind.
As Klaus turned toward the podium, Jhin called out, capturing his attention for a final moment.
"Goodbye, Klaus Walker, and thank you for giving me a different perspective on my unfamiliarity with humanity."
Jhin's words felt genuine, prompting a smile on his sister's face before she added her farewell.
"Same here. And I hope I will be able to offer my help to humanity when the time comes," she said, her warm smile still directed at Klaus.
Klaus nodded, a warm smile of his own briefly crossing his face before he finally departed for Higher World.
When he opened his eyes, Klaus found himself back at the Golden Gate, the epicenter of the Exalted City, where their journey to Under World had begun. There, he reunited with the other demigods who had followed him and the God of Mind, Sage, who awaited their arrival.
"How was your stay in Under World?" Sage inquired. "I hope you all found it enjoyable."
The demigods who had feedback responded with positive remarks, bringing a smile to Sage's face as he concluded the trip was a success.
Sage then reminded them of their freedom to choose whether to return to Higher World or Main World, as they had been informed weeks prior. With no planned events on the horizon, the demigods could take their time perfecting their skills or decide to live their lives any way they desire on Earth.
Upon hearing this, X left the group, his intention to return to Main World clear, though any other information remained unknown. Arthur and Lance decided to stay in Higher World for a while to spar with each other before returning, heading to the training room to prepare.
Klaus, however, was conflicted. He hesitated, torn between returning to Earth and staying in Higher World. The thought of facing the people he cared about filled him with uncertainty.
Sage was aware of Klaus' situation, understanding why the demigod felt the need to question so much about his life. However, he also knew he couldn't interfere. With a nod, Sage said his goodbyes to Klaus before departing for the domain of the Gods.
Klaus stood in silence for a few moments, wrestling with his thoughts. He realized that leaving Earth for so long had only worsened his predicament. The longer he stayed away, the harder it would be to return and face the people he cared about.
After a few more minutes of contemplation, Klaus decided that staying in Higher World was not the best option. He needed to return to Main World, despite his apprehensions.
As he approached the transportation podium, he was immediately transferred back to Earth, landing in his usual spot. Evening skies covered the city as he emerged from an alleyway, the streets as bustling as ever. After a short walk, Klaus arrived home.
Opening the door, he saw his mother in the dining room. As soon as Natalie noticed him, she rushed over and embraced him tightly.
"Klaus, you're back," Natalie said, her eyes closed in relief.
"I guess," Klaus responded, his tone subdued as he sensed his mother's frustration.
"I'm so sorry," Natalie said suddenly. "I don't know if I did something to make you feel bad, but I promise I will be better."
Hearing his mother blame herself for his actions brought Klaus to the brink of tears. The pain he felt for causing her to worry so much and to blame herself for it was overwhelming.
"No, Mom," Klaus began. "Never apologize for the stupid mistakes I make. It's my fault for hurting you this much, and for that, I'm truly sorry and I promise never to do it again."
Natalie was surprised by Klaus' heartfelt words, but they were enough to bring a smile to her face.
Shade, who had heard everything from atop the staircase, chose not to interfere. He had been aware of Klaus' state of mind during the past week due to his connection with the shadow he had created for his brother. However, Shade knew he had no advice that could ease Klaus' struggle, so he decided to stay out of it.
Seeing Klaus return to Earth brought relief to Shade, who had considered intervening if the situation had persisted.
After a brief conversation with his mother, Klaus headed to his room. As the evening skies dimmed, he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, still pondering the situation he was in.
Klaus felt a surge of anger seeing his mother in such a frustrated state. He couldn't shake the thought that if he weren't a demigod, none of these problems would plague him. He imagined a normal life, where the people who cared for him were genuine and he wasn't burdened by divine responsibilities.
"Why do I have to lose the people I care about for the sake of others I don't know?"
If this was the trade for being a demigod, then he didn't want it. He couldn't keep enduring this mental strain just for the sake of protecting others. Yet, he knew he had no choice. He was a demigod, bound to these tasks regardless of his feelings. The conflict made him wonder if he was even cut out for such a life, especially considering his self-doubting.
As Klaus continued to gaze at the ceiling, his room suddenly began to illuminate. He wondered if he had accidentally used his power, but it didn't feel like that.
Sitting up from his bed, he glanced around the room in surprise until he heard a few words.
"Hello, Klaus."
His attention snapped to the door, where he saw Sol, the God of Light, and his father.
Klaus was completely baffled, wondering how he hadn't sensed Sol's presence. He wondered if he was seeing things, especially since he wasn't forced to his knees like usual.
"Do not worry, my son," Sol began. "I have learned to suppress my power in the presence of you all."
It still felt surreal to Klaus, but at least the explanation made sense. Sol walked closer to the drawer beside Klaus' door, continuing to address him.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"How are you doing?" Sol asked.
Klaus didn't feel like discussing his situation, so he returned to his bed and sat on its edge.
"Why does it matter?" he responded, his voice hollow.
Silence followed. Sol was unsure of what to say, and Klaus wasn't in the mood to speak to a god, especially considering his current state of mind.
"I heard what happened to you," Sol finally said, breaking the long silence. "I heard you are struggling to accept your role as a demigod."
Klaus lowered his head at his father's words. Initially confused about how Sol knew what had been going on in his head just moments ago, Klaus quickly realized the obvious answer lay in his father's divinity. This realization frustrated him even more.
"What's the point of being a demigod when the people around me are forced to care about me? I can't accept this role if it means losing my trust in people," Klaus responded, his voice tinged with bitterness.
He paused before adding, "Then again, you already knew that, didn't you?"
Sol's silence confirmed Klaus' suspicion, irritating him further. The gods' constant invasion of their privacy was infuriating. Klaus lifted his head, glaring at the eight-foot-tall divine figure standing by his wardrobe.
"Why exactly are you here?" Klaus demanded, his frustration evident. "For seventeen years, we lived in peace without your presence. Why taint that reality now? Why choose to care now?"
Sol immediately turned his attention to Klaus, and upon meeting his father's gaze, a chill ran through Klaus' body. Sol's expression was cold and intense as he took a step closer, each inch covered making Klaus feel increasingly weary.
"I have experienced eons and millennia of change," Sol began. "I have made countless decisions about humanity and mortality since its beginning. But the most painful thing I had ever done was leaving the door of this house for Higher World."
Klaus remained silent, listening as his father continued.
"If you truly think I do not care about you or Natalie, then you are more ignorant than I could have ever imagined."
Sol's words resonated deeply with Klaus. He knew there was nothing he could say in response, but it was clear Sol had more to explain.
"With the exception of the Guardian Gods in their specific realms, a God is not authorized to enter any mortal realms due to the magnitude of our presence. However, for the sake of their child alone, there are times a God may forsake this rule. An example would be Sonar, who needed to save his daughter from death."
Sol's words brought Klaus back to his first meeting with Siren. She had explained that she couldn't live a normal life because her body absorbed and discharged sound uncontrollably.
He recalled Siren describing how she was on the verge of death when a beam of light appeared in her home, and she lost consciousness. When she woke, she found herself in a suit that allowed her to absorb and discharge sound, giving her a chance at a somewhat normal life.
"That was the first time a God returned to a mortal world since our departure," Sol explained. "And this would be the second."
Sol's statement made Klaus understand the gravity of his father's presence. It wasn't just another event; it was significant.
"Although we are indeed omniscient," Sol continued, "we may still choose whether to see all things or not. In the case of you demigods, we decided not to intrude in your lives, to give you the space you desire. But when I discovered the pain you harbored, I could not sit idly by."
Klaus was captivated by the God towering above him. His mind was racing, but he knew he couldn't speak.
"I understand that the presence of my Dominion-over-Creation in your life is frustrating," Sol said. "But it doesn't have to dictate your morals and ideals. The real question is, do you care enough for mortal life to protect them?"
Klaus remained silent. He knew he couldn't argue with what Sol had said. He knew his last statement had caused the God significant pain.
Realizing he might have gone too far, Sol calmed himself before approaching Klaus, who sat in sadness. He placed his right hand on Klaus' left shoulder, looking at his son with a steady gaze.
"I know I have not been the best father, but I can guarantee that the people around you love you wholeheartedly, regardless of Dominion-over-Creation."
This statement hit Klaus the hardest. He felt a warmth upon hearing it that brought slight tears to his eyes.
"I'm sorry," Klaus finally said after a long moment of silence.
Sol's face softened with a smile. Dropping to one knee, he hugged his son with his right hand.
"You may never forgive me for my absence in your life," Sol began, "but I will always care for you."
Klaus felt the sincerity in Sol's words. Despite knowing that Gods could tailor their words to resonate with mortals, Klaus sensed that Sol genuinely meant everything he had said during his time in Main World. After a few moments, Sol pulled back and stood up.
"Unfortunately, I cannot stay long. I have to return to Higher World now," he said.
"It's fine," Klaus replied, understanding the constraints on a God's presence in the mortal realm.
Sol smiled at his son's understanding before preparing to depart. But before he left, he glanced at the door, his expression darkening as he stood in silence.
"You should go see her while you're here," Klaus said, recognizing his father's internal struggle.
Sol's expression remained somber for a moment before he addressed Klaus' statement. "Unfortunately, non-guardian Gods are not allowed to interact with mortals anymore, so I am unable to meet her."
He took a second before turning back to Klaus, his face less sorrowful.
"But tell her that I love her deeply and will always watch over her."
Klaus nodded in understanding. He felt the genuine love in Sol's words. And before he could blink, Sol had already returned to Higher World, the illumination in his room dimming upon the God's departure.
Klaus lay back on his bed, his mind buzzing with thoughts, though this time less frustrating than usual. Hearing his father's words had significantly changed his perspective.
Klaus had always seen himself as indifferent to others' opinions, whether they hated or loved him. But he realized that what hurt him most about Dominion-over-Creation wasn't just that people were compelled to care for him—it was that he, in turn, cared for those people, even if they were forced to.
After a few moments of reflection, Klaus got up, recognizing there was something he needed to do. He readied himself and headed downstairs.
As he descended, he saw his mother watching television in the living room. He approached her, letting her know he was heading out. Natalie looked worried, fearing something might be wrong again. Klaus reassured her, easing her concerns.
Before leaving, he returned his attention to his mother and relayed the message his father had left to her. Natalie smiled, her face lighting up with a mix of joy and slight embarrassment.
"He always knows the right things to say, doesn't he?" she said, her expression full of warmth.
"I guess," Klaus replied, a smile spreading across his face at his mother's happiness.
He then walked out of the house, promising his mother he would be back in a few hours.
On the other side of the city, miles away, a girl was seated on a bench, her eyes fixed on the city view from a high place. It was Avalon, who was seated at the spot she had taken Klaus to during his training before the Divine Tournament. She had called the location her happy place, which explained why she was there now.
Avalon continued to stare at the city, her thoughts restless. The past week had been hard, and she sought comfort in this familiar view.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps behind and by her right side broke her focus. The steps grew closer until their owner stopped beside the bench. Avalon turned her head and recognized Klaus, who was still facing forward, looking at the view of the city. She returned her gaze to the night-lit view of buildings and cars darting through the streets, miles away.
"Can I sit?"
Avalon didn't turn her gaze away from the view, similar to Klaus as well, despite his statement.
"Sure," she finally replied.
Klaus moved closer and sat on the empty right side of the bench. Silence hung between them, both unsure of what to say after so long. Finally, Klaus recognized that he had to be the one to speak first.
"I'm sorry," he said, both their gazes remaining towards the city.
Avalon's expression dimmed further at his words.
"For what exactly?" Avalon asked. "Is it for leaving without saying anything that day? Or is it for not responding to me for over a week?"
"For everything," Klaus replied.
Avalon remained quiet for a moment, her frustration evident as she finally turned to Klaus.
"You know, I thought something was wrong with me after that," she said, her voice laced with the pain from Klaus's actions.
"It wasn't your fault," Klaus replied, turning to her as well. "I was going through something, and I was scared of showing you that side of me."
"But you know I'm always ready to be there for you whenever you need it, right?" Avalon said, her expression stern.
Klaus glanced at her briefly, recognizing her seriousness.
"That's the issue," Klaus thought to himself but remained silent.
The silence settled between them again as they returned their focus to the city view. There was so much they wanted to say, yet neither knew how to start.
"Can I rest my head on your lap?"
Avalon was caught off guard by Klaus' sudden statement, her face blushing as her eyes widened in confusion for a moment before understanding why he had asked this.
"S-Sure," Avalon replied.
With her confirmation, Klaus laid his head on her lap, his eyes towards the view. It was reminiscent of the last time they had stayed at this spot before the Divine Tournament when Klaus was too tired for their date.
They stayed like that for a few moments, each aware of the weight of their unspoken words. But Klaus, unable to hold back, broke the silence once more.
"If you found out that the only reason you cared about me wasn't by your own will... what would you do?"
Avalon took a second to process the question before responding without hesitation.
"It wouldn't matter, considering it doesn't change how I actually feel about you."
Klaus fell silent, absorbing her words. He closed his eyes, still resting his head on her lap, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.
Avalon smiled, gently running her fingers through his hair with one hand while the other rested on his shoulder. She sensed his struggle in the situation and chose not to push him further, cherishing the moment instead. Yet as the seconds continued, Klaus spoke once more, his voice soft but clear.
"I love you, Avalon Smith."
Opening his eyes briefly, Klaus stared out at the city lights. His words felt right, more certain than anything else he'd ever known. Despite the distance and different worlds separating them, Avalon had never left his thoughts. His father's words about his mother had also solidified his feelings for Avalon, recognizing it was a similar pain he felt when he had left her.
As he lay there, Klaus suddenly felt a tear drop land on his cheek. Turning his attention upward, he saw Avalon smiling through her tears, deeply moved by his confession.
"Thank you," Avalon said, echoing Klaus's words from their last visit to the location once more.
Klaus returned his eyes before closing them once again, the two remaining in silence as the night skies covered the city.