Kin woke up to find Nami snuggled in his arms, snoring on his chest. His heart fluttered, she was so cute when she was dead to the world. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and extracted himself from her arms, though he didn’t go far. He took an inventory of himself to see what his defeat at the hands of Bjorg had cost him. He was thankful to find his injuries were minimal. He had a large red welt on his chest where his chain shirt had saved his life.

Pulling his shirt on, he heard a protest coming from his and Nami’s bedroll as she noticed his absence. He came over and crouched next to her.

“Hey, it’s alright. I’m here.”

Sleepy eyes glared up at him from the wild bedhead of his beloved. “When I came too and you were gone, I thought I was dreaming and you were still in the medical tent.”

Shame flushed his cheeks as he replied. “I’m sorry, I wanted to get a look at myself is all. Make sure I’m all here.”

She took his hand and grasped it. “We got lucky. That poor boy that was there with you wasn’t. I was afraid you had shared his fate for a moment.”

Kin blinked. “Boy? There were two of them. Didn’t you find the second one?”

She looked at him, confusion in her sapphire eyes. “No, there was only one other person besides you and the bandit king when we arrived. We heard the explosion and came running.”

He grimaced as he looked away. “Right, his body was too close to the room when it exploded. I was losing rational thought around that time, having seen two of our group killed by that man.”

His eyes stung as his vision blurred. He felt a comforting squeeze from his partner. “Hey, it’s gonna be okay. What happened to them is a tragedy, but it’s not your fault.”

He felt the salty tears scorching his cheeks as they fell unchecked now. “I didn’t even know their names, Nami. They fought with us. I was so wrapped up in getting stronger and fighting the bad guys, I don’t even know the names of those that fell.”

“Hey, you were trying to save lives. No one is going to fault you for that. I know for a fact most of the girls in our group were grateful. They are inspired by how hard you pushed yourself for their sake. Your learning, getting stronger. Just remember this for next time and you won’t make the same mistake again.”

“I'm so pathetic. I should have died, and they should have lived…”

He didn’t finish that sentence as her body crashed against his, squeezing him tight.

“Don’t ever say that. I couldn’t stand it if you died, Kin. Please don’t ever wish yourself dead again. I cannot bear to hear you talk that way.”

He cried harder as he wrapped her in a hug, holding her as she too started to cry. They both needed this, their grief and worries melting away and soon their tears stopped. Nami pulled away and gave him a serious look.

“I’m so sorry, Kin. I hate seeing you suffer like that. Was I out of line to grab you like that?”

He took her hand and kissed it. “No, I needed that. I was spiraling and you brought me out of it. Everyone needs that friend that will pull them back when needed. While we are lovers, Nami, we’re still friends too, right?”

Her smile was worth more than any piece of gold. “Of course, the best. If it makes you feel better, I’m sure Dyric can tell you the names of the fallen. He went around and made a list of everyone to get an idea of the losses.”

He nodded and pulled her back into his arms. “Alright. But first, can I hold you like this for a bit?”

He heard her heart beat faster as he held her in his arms.

“Of course, stupid.”

He laughed, hearing her usual banter was back. All was right in the world.

***

Kin gathered the leaders of the bandit subjugation force together. He told them the full story of the battle with Bjorg. He did omit the part about the voice speaking to him. He warned Nami of the omission with a promise to give her the full details later. He didn’t deserve someone so understanding, but he wasn’t looking to earn Nami’s ire again so he kept this to himself.

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The Captain nodded and ceased his pacing around the camp. “I see. You jumped in to try and save the life of one of the young men. Are you alright, Kin? Seeing someone die like that in front of you can be very damaging.”

He then told Kin about what he had missed with Bjorg after the fight was over. The revelation of an existence of a ‘great master’ and a trinity worried him. “This isn’t over yet then. Is it?”

“Then we’ll face whatever they plan together. Which means no running off on your own next time.” Nami frowned at him as she scolded him.

Kin took Nami’s hand in his and squeezed it. She squeezed back and sent a warm feeling through his body.

“I admit, I’m not completely fine. I still wish I could’ve saved them. My partner helped me through the worst of it earlier.”

Hugh had remained quiet up until now. Hillevi was forcing him to receive magical healing from her. As she cast spells, she unwrapped his bandages.

“I’m glad you have each other, lad.” The big man grimaced as Hillevi removed a stubborn bandage. “You did well. Not only did you hold him off until we could arrive, but you also ruined his stash of crystals. I shudder to imagine if he had escaped with some of them on his person.”

Kin exhaled, fear gripping his heart. “So he did get away then?”

Hugh nodded. “Aye, he got away. But we will get him next time, lad.”

Kin turned to look at the sun, hanging in the east. “Your right. I’m gonna get even stronger than I am currently. And next time, I’ll bring Bjorg to justice.”

Hugh reached over and patted him on the back, sending him into the dirt. “Whoops, sorry lad.”

Kin jumped to his feet and wiped the dust off his shirt. “No, it’s fine. I wasn’t ready, that’s all. Did you learn anything from Colburn about your brother?”

Hugh nodded and his expression turned grim. “Aye, I did lad. But it can wait until after your Ordeal. I would like to ask for your help following the lead I got, once you’re done with that.”

Kin blinked, the Ordeal had slipped his mind. “Ah, right. That makes me wonder, what are we doing next?” He looked at Nami who held up two fingers.

“We have two choices. We can either delay our trip to Crater City until after the trials and funerals. Or we can go ahead and head to Crater City and be back in Heartsville before the funerals start.”

He couldn’t stop the teasing grin from filling his face. “So you waited on me to see what I wanted to do? Well, this is your show, Nami. You set us on this path, so I’ll respect the decision you make.”

His reward was a warm and gentle smile from his partner. “Alright. I guess we should be packing up then. It’s three days to the city from here.”

The excitement caused his heart to pump faster, their path was set and they would be on their way soon. Nami rose and headed off to start packing her gear. Kin almost followed but paused at the entrance to the tent.

“Captain Dyric, what were the names of the young men that Bjorg killed?”

”They were Knud and Bjorn. They worked for Torunn the smith as her apprentices.”

Kin nodded, his heart sinking further. “Did they have any family left?”

Dyric shook his head. “Just each other. They were lovers from what I’ve heard around town.”

“I see. I would like to light their pyres if that is not asking too much.”

“No, in fact, their spirits will be thankful for you stepping in as their next of kin.”

It spoke something to his state of mind that he didn’t even notice the pun on his name. He nodded as he burned those names and their faces into his memory.

“Thank you, Captain. I’ll see you in Heartsville soon.”

“Likewise, Kin Hearthstone. Thanks for everything you did for us during this battle. I’m glad to have made a friend like you.”

The two clasped wrists and he went to join Nami in preparing for the next leg of their journey.

***

Only Hugh, Hillevi, and Signe decided to see them off at the edge of camp. The others were still busy with preparations and their countless chores. They still got a goodbye from everyone as they went. Nami hugged Hillevi and Signe while Kin clasped arms with Hugh. He did the same with Hillevi and Signe while Nami said goodbye to Hugh. Once they had all finished, the three of them lined up. It felt good to know their friends were seeing them off on this last leg of their trip.

“Watch out for the lass, lad,” Hugh said as he poked Kin in the shoulder. Lass, make sure he doesn’t do anything crazy.”

“I’ll do my best, but it’s hard to keep him in line.” His partner quipped while giving him a wink. He would make her pay for that later.

Signe and Hillevi giggled at the banter. Signe pointed to herself.

“Next time we meet, I’ll be a Dove trainee at the Heartsville base. Thank you both for inspiring me.”

“I’m glad you’ve decided to dedicate your life to protecting others.” Kin grinned at the blonde girl. “Good luck with your training.“

“And I’m sure to have lots of stories to tell you of our adventurers, Signe.” Nami hugged her friend again.

“I look forward to hearing them.” The girl replied as she returned the hug.

“Best of luck, you two.” Hillevi waved from beside Hugh. “I can’t wait for you both to return. Though I insist you stay at the temple next time. The children will want to hear all about your travels.”

Kin nodded and pressed a fist to his chest. “It’s a promise. Goodbye, everyone.”

Still waving, the pair set out on the last leg of their journey. A short while into their walk, Kin looked up at the midday sun and saw a white dove overhead. He nudged Nami and pointed it out. She smiled as the bird flew away.

”Well, I hope that’s a good sign of what’s to come, partner.”

He chuckled and took his hand in hers. “I agree. So much has happened in the last few days. I still have several questions, like who the Trinity of Twilight is and who this great master is. I’m still super nervous about dealing with our families as well.”

She giggled and bumped him with her elbow. “You'd think the guy that fought the ‘Bandit King’ wouldn’t worry about his grandmother.”

He shuddered and laughed. “After the stories, I heard? I’ll take my chances with bandits over my grandmother, thank you.”

Nami stopped and pulled him to face her. “We’re gonna be okay. We will get through this, you wait and see.”

He nodded and leaned in and gave her a tender kiss. Yes, all was right with the world.

End of Song of Phoenix I: Ordeal.