The wind whispered softly through the trees that morning, rustling the leaves like a gentle welcome. The sea shimmered under the rising sun as the longboat carrying Ryuuji and his companions returned at last to the shores of the island.
Jarred stood at the dock, arms folded, face cracked with a huge grin. Beside him, Marla rubbed her now very round belly, eyes brimming with tears. The village had gathered quietly but eagerly—everyone trying their best not to shout or blow the surprise.
Well, almost everyone.
Kiko was already standing proudly in front of the path that led to the center of the village, arms crossed like a general ready to give a tour. She wore a wreath of vines and blue petals on her head and clutched one of the handmade Blessing Sticks—a charm made of carved wood, string, feathers, and a crystal bead, tied carefully by her small fingers.
Elysia chuckled as they approached. "There's our commander."
Ryuuji raised an eyebrow. "You knew?"
Kiko grinned. "Papa, I helped design the garden and picked the curtains."
Jarred burst into laughter. "She was a menace. Told the builders where to stand, where to hammer, and even which flower pot was crooked."
"She also kept my back from snapping with hot tea every afternoon," Yuriko called out from behind.
Ryuuji shook his head, overwhelmed. "You really kept them all in line, didn't you?"
"Of course!" Kiko puffed out her chest. "Because this is our home."
The Heart's Rest
The moment Ryuuji stepped into the village square, his breath caught.
The new house stood proudly at the heart of the village—a wide, open porch, warm wood walls with detailed carvings of dragons, leaves, and tiny runes. Above the doorway hung a simple wooden sign, hand-burned by the twins under Kiko's supervision:
"The Heart's Rest – Ryuuji's Family."
Gardens stretched out around it, already blooming. Pathways of round river stones led to benches, lantern posts, and a tiny play area built just for Kiko—with swings and a shady tree to read under.
Inside, the house felt lived-in already. Cozy rugs and curtains, bookshelves filled with scrolls and Kiko's sketches. A sitting room surrounded a round hearth; the kitchen was tucked beside it with shelves already stocked by Yuriko and Emi. A short hallway led to the bedrooms: Kiko's painted in soft blues and golds, their room adorned with stars on the ceiling, and one extra guest room with folded linens, just in case.
Elysia turned slowly in place, her voice gentle. "This... is more than a house."
Ryuuji exhaled, almost unable to speak. "This is everything I never thought I'd have."
The Feast of Welcome
That evening, the village buzzed with music and laughter. Tables overflowed with roast vegetables, fire-grilled fish, Marla's honey cakes, and Duncan's special ale, brewed in secret and strong enough to knock out a bear.
Sierra played a quiet song on a hand-flute beside the fire while Raphtael danced with Reina, who insisted she didn't dance, but ended up laughing anyway.
Jarred raised a mug and called out, "To the heroes who came back, and the family who made staying possible!"
Everyone echoed with cheers and clinks of mugs.
Then, from the corner, one of the twins stepped forward and nudged Kiko. "You want to do it now?"
Kiko nodded and stood proudly in front of the fire.
"I made these," she announced, holding up a bundle of Blessing Sticks, "for everyone who came back. So you always feel safe, even when you're far away."
She handed them out—one to Ryuuji, who knelt to accept it with both hands. One to Elysia, who pressed it to her heart. One to each of the others. Each charm was slightly different—colored feathers, different carved shapes, etched runes—and yet they all had a glowing crystal bead at the center.
"They're made with moonwood and starlight salt," Kiko whispered to her Papa. "And I asked the dragons to bless them from the mountain."
Ryuuji blinked quickly. "You asked the dragons?"
"They said yes," Kiko said proudly. "Because I asked nicely."
That Night
Later, as the stars blanketed the sky and the fire burned low, Ryuuji stood outside his new home, Elysia's arms wrapped around his waist from behind.
"She's becoming something amazing," she said softly.
"She already is."
He turned in her arms, resting his forehead against hers. "Do you think we deserve all of this?"
Elysia smiled. "After all we've done… and all we still have to do? Yes."
From within the house, Kiko's voice called out sleepily, "Papa, Mama, are you still outside?"
They laughed, and Ryuuji called back, "Coming!"
Hand in hand, they stepped inside.