Silence swallowed the battlefield.
Nothing moved. Nothing dared to speak.
Luke remained on one knee, breathing hard as the shockwave finally settled. His eyes stayed locked on the place where Thomas had struck the final blow. Dust drifted like ash. The world held its breath.
Then the haze cleared. Two figures stood in the ruin.
Thomas… with his arm buried through Edwin's chest.
Edwin… blood slipping from his lips, staring at his brother without anger.
Luke froze. He didn't blink.
Edwin's body trembled. He tried to speak.
Thomas, a single tear carving down his face, lowered his head.
"Edwin… please don't look at me." Edwin's voice came as a fragile whisper. "Thomas… thank you. I love you, brother." Those words shattered Thomas.
Goosebumps surged across his skin.
Guilt. Shame. Justice. Love. All crashing together.
Edwin's knees buckled. Thomas caught him, holding him close as Edwin's faint smile faded. Blood dripped from his mouth. His eyes shimmered — the final sign.
Life was gone.
Thomas stared at his brother's face… then screamed.
A sound of rage, heartbreak, and unbearable sorrow.
Luke bowed his head in respect.
Across the battlefield, Sophie and Ice fought the multiplying monsters — until suddenly the demons collapsed one by one.
Ice exhaled. "They must've completed the mission."
Sophie nodded, looking toward the castle.
Her heart whispered: Edwin…
Luke approached Thomas, who knelt silently with Edwin's lifeless body in his arms. "Thomas… we have to go."
Thomas didn't look at him.
"Luke… thank you. For everything." Luke swallowed, surprised.
"You're welcome."
He knew Thomas needed space — and grief. Thomas rose, lifting Edwin's body, and walked out of the castle.
Light stood leaning against the wall.
When the door opened, he straightened.
"You did it—"
His words died when he saw Edwin in Thomas's arms.
Thomas's eyes burned with a fierce, hollow fire.
Light lowered his head in respect.
Edwin wasn't just a prince.
He was someone people once loved.
They left the castle in silence. Outside, Albert waited with the bus. Sophie and Ice stood with the children. No one spoke.
Sophie saw Thomas… and broke.
She cried into Ice's chest. Ice whispered, "Thomas…"
He bowed his head. Thomas carried Edwin aboard.
Everyone followed in silence, honoring the fallen prince. Thomas laid Edwin down gently.
When he turned, every eye was on him. His fierce expression cracked. He collapsed into tears. Everyone except Light embraced him.
They held him with love, knowing the truth, killing your own brother is a wound that never fully heals.
The bus drove off.
Later…
They buried Edwin in a quiet forest clearing where a single beam of sunlight touched the earth. A perfect place for a soul who once shined. Everyone attended.
Thomas held Sophie close.
The heroes stood behind him, staring at the grave.
Ice asked softly, "Thomas… you think this is where Edwin would want to be? "Thomas nodded, already knowing. "Yes. He would." Thomas said.
Beside Edwin's grave rested Blaze, Ace, and the bearded man — each touched by the same gentle sunlight.
The heroes began to hum a song, voices blending in reverence:
Through the storm we carry on.
For justice and peace, we sacrifice it all.
They hummed together, honoring the fallen.
And the forest listened.