The battlefield finally fell silent.
The massive Kaiju that had threatened the city moments ago lay in scattered pieces, its monstrous body no longer radiating the terrifying aura it once held. Thanks to Hikari's strike, the fight was over.
Rescue teams rushed in, tending to the injured citizens and moving survivors away from the ruins. The cries of fear were slowly replaced with the sounds of relief and hurried instructions.
Hikari sheathed her twin swords and walked over to Lothar and Light, who were both catching their breath. She glanced at the two and shook her head with a faint smile.
"That was a close call," she said, lowering her voice but keeping it firm. "If I hadn't shown up when I did… you two would've been dead."
Lothar grimaced, brushing dust from his torn clothes, but before he could reply, Light stepped forward. His usual cocky grin was gone, replaced by a serious determination.
"Yeah… maybe. But I would never let that thing lay a finger on my brother," Light said, his tone steady and unwavering. "Even if it costs me my life."
He stretched out a hand to help Lothar stand, but Lothar ignored it, pushing himself up on his own.
"Are you mad?!" Lothar snapped, his eyes flashing with anger. "Do you even realize how many people could've died because of your stupid stunt? Don't ever pull something like that again. When we fight, focus on the battle, not your show-offs!"
Light froze, his hand still in the air before slowly lowering it, jaw tight. For once, he had no witty comeback—only silence.
Lothar turned away, walking off, leaving Light standing there with a heavy heart. His head dipped, frustration and guilt weighing him down.
Hikari watched both of them for a moment, then stepped closer to Light. Her voice was calm but reassuring.
"Don't mind him," she said softly. "You know how Lothar is. Whenever the King gives him a mission, he takes it far too seriously. He just can't forgive himself if things go wrong—and he'll never let a mission fail, not even a little."
Light's lips twitched faintly, caught between a bitter smile and quiet frustration.
As the sun began to rise over the city, the smoke of battle drifted away. Citizens were safe, the Kaiju was gone, and the three warriors stood together—still scarred, still learning, but alive.
---
Light walked away in silence, his head lowered, shoulders heavy with regret.
Hikari stepped closer to Lothar, her sharp eyes fixed on him.
"What was that behavior, Lothar?" she asked, her voice a mix of frustration and concern. "Yes, Light made a mistake, but in the end, everything turned out fine. Nobody lost their life."
Lothar didn't answer, his jaw tight, eyes staring at the ground.
Hikari's tone softened, but her words carried weight.
"You should treat him with more respect. Do you even realize how much he cares about you? Light would risk everything—his pride, even his life—just to protect you. He's your big brother."
Lothar's fists clenched at his sides. He looked away, swallowing the words that threatened to escape. His chest heaved slightly, betraying the mix of anger and guilt inside him.
Finally, his voice came, low and tense.
"I'm not his brother," he muttered, clenching his fists tighter. "That's exactly what irritates me—he's too soft on me, always treating me like that. I can't… I just can't stand it."
Light's steps slowed, but he didn't turn back. His head stayed lowered, and for once, he had no witty reply. The weight of Lothar's words hung heavy in the air.
Hikari let out a quiet sigh, then gestured toward the grand hall of the palace.
"Come on, we should report to the King," she said.
The three of them walked together through the tall, ornate corridors, the aftermath of battle still lingering on their minds. The throne room came into view, golden light spilling across the polished floors, the King seated upon his imposing throne, eyes sharp as ever. Lothar, Light, and Hikari stopped before him, carrying the weight of the recent battle and their emotions alike.
Stepping forward, Hikari bowed slightly, her voice steady but tense.
"We defeated the Kaiju, Your Majesty," she reported. "I arrived a little late, and the situation could have gotten worse… but I managed to contain it. I've never seen a Kaiju like that before—it was far larger and stronger than the others."
Her words echoed through the hall, emphasizing just how grave the threat had been, and the responsibility they now bore.