Chapter Thirty-Nine: Entrance

(Present Time - Elysium)

Yozora stepped through the gateway and immediately felt a difference. It was subtle but unmistakable—like a weight had lifted off him, as if he had stepped into his true home for the first time. The air was crisp and pure, far cleaner than anything he'd ever breathed on Earth. Above him, the sky stretched in brilliant shades of purple and blue, swirling together in a serene, cosmic display. Everywhere he looked, there was life—animals of every kind roamed freely, vibrant and full of energy.

"This place is... different," Yozora thought, feeling a strange mix of familiarity and awe.

Kova, walking ahead, glanced over his shoulder. "Do you feel it? How much better it is here?" Kova’s voice held a tone of reverence. "Elysium is a paradise compared to Earth. But don’t be fooled, Yozora," he added, his voice growing more serious. "This place, for all its beauty, is also dangerous—merciless toward the weak. Everything here is powerful. You remember that, don’t you?"

Yozora nodded, recalling faint memories of this realm. "Yeah, but it feels different now," he muttered.

Kova continued. "More and more gates have been opening across Elysium. The balance is shifting, and it's bleeding into Earth. We don’t have time to waste. Lord Sirius will explain more when we arrive. He’s been waiting for you a long time."

Yozora was struggling to keep up, his steps slow and labored. That’s when he realized: the gravity here was far more potent than on Earth. It felt like an invisible hand was pressing down on him with every step.

Kova glanced back, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I see you're feeling the weight," he chuckled. "Lord Sirius said you'd struggle. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Elysium's gravity is no joke."

Yozora, panting and gritting his teeth, tried to play it off. "This is... nothing," he managed to say between breaths.

Kova raised an amused eyebrow. "Sure it is," he replied, his eyelids lowering slightly as if indulging a child’s stubbornness. Without warning, he reached over and scooped Yozora up with ease, lifting him onto his shoulder as if he weighed nothing. "Alright, enough struggling. We’ll take a shortcut."

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With a swift motion, Kova tossed down a small metallic device that clinked against the ground before opening up a swirling portal of vibrant energy. Without hesitation, Kova jumped through, carrying Yozora with him.

Sirius sat in the dimly lit throne room, his figure half-cast in shadow, the flicker of torchlight illuminating only his sharp profile. The room was vast, almost cavernous, with tall stone pillars that disappeared into darkness above. Silence lingered in the air, broken only by the faint whispering of the women surrounding him.

One of them, her voice soft and laced with anticipation, leaned closer. "Oh, Sirius," she purred, her cheeks flushed, "can’t we play while we wait?"

Sirius took a slow, deliberate breath. "Not now, my beautiful ones," he replied, his deep voice barely more than a murmur. "They’ll be here soon." Despite the usual playfulness that clung to his persona, tonight something weighed heavy on him. His eyes, usually brimming with mischief, were focused, sharp. His posture was tense.

"You’re so stiff tonight," another woman teased, slipping behind him to massage his shoulders. "Loosen up a little, Sirius."

But Sirius barely noticed. His mind was elsewhere, lost in memories. He thought of his rival, Yozora—the only person who had ever truly matched him. Memories of old battles and shared secrets flooded his thoughts. The years apart had been long and dull, leaving behind an emptiness only Yozora’s return could fill. Tonight, though, he sensed something different—a shift in the air, an electricity that hummed just beneath the surface. His heart raced with anticipation.

Suddenly, a gust of wind cut through the stillness of the throne room, causing the torches to flicker wildly. Sirius’ eyes snapped to the center of the room. A low hum began to build, growing in intensity as the very walls seemed to vibrate.

Then, in a brilliant flash of light, a swirling portal tore open. The energy crackled with a wild intensity, casting long, dancing shadows across the stone floor. Time seemed to freeze as the portal rippled with chaotic light, vibrant and alive.

In an instant, they were there. Kova emerged from the portal first, still holding Yozora over his shoulder like a sack of grain, their entrance both dramatic and utterly ridiculous. Sirius stared, dumbfounded for half a second, before bursting into laughter. The sound echoed through the room, rich and genuine.

"I knew it!" Sirius shouted between breaths. "I knew this would happen!" He doubled over, clutching his stomach as his laughter filled the throne room.

Yozora, utterly unbothered by Sirius' reaction, raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," he said dryly, struggling to stand as Kova set him down. "Gravity here’s a lot stronger than I remember."

As the laughter died down, Sirius straightened, his grin fading into something softer, almost nostalgic. For a brief moment, the weight of years melted away. They weren’t rivals here—not right now. They were simply two old friends, reunited in the most absurd way possible.

Sirius clapped a hand on Yozora’s shoulder, his voice warm. "It’s good to see you again, my friend."

Yozora returned the gesture, a grin tugging at his lips. "Likewise."

The moment passed, and Sirius stepped back, his usual air of authority returning. The playful gleam in his eyes turned sharp again, but this time with purpose.

"Alright," Sirius said, his voice now serious, "enough of the reunion. Let’s get to training. The raid’s coming, and we’ve got work to do."