Home Is Where You Are

"So, it's time for you to go now… right?"

Caroline looked at Kalas.

It was over now.

Malpercio was finally sealed, and the ocean had finally return to the world. Along with the islands coming back to the Earth.

For so long, at the beginning, she tried so many ways to find a way back home. Her duty as Guardian Spirit was over. Instead of feeling relieved that it was finally over… why did she feel empty?

"It's what you always wanted from the start. You always wanted to go back home. Back to your world."

He got up from the couch.

"Now's your chance."

Caroline breathed. "No…"

She went to his side and placed both hands on his face.

She kissed his forehead. "I'm staying."

Tears were in both of their eyes.

"Why…?" His hand was on her hair. "Why do you wanna stay? Don't you hate it here?"

It was no lie that she wanted no part of this strange world. She ached for home that was dimensions away. Her friends and family that she barely seen in forever.

But they needed her here.

Gibari, Savyna, Mizuti, Lyude…

Xelha.

Caroline could still remember Xelha's lifeless frame as the Ocean took her away from Kalas.

This was her home now.

Her heart was stronger now that he was in it.

"No, Kalas… I'm going to take care of you," she began.

"I'd rather stay here than go on the rest of my life without you."

From the start, she wanted nothing to do with this strange boy. Now, she couldn't imagine her life without Kalas.

The door opened, revealing Lyude. A smile drew on her face. He was the other person she shared her heart with deeply throughout her time in their world. Without Lyude, she herself would be only be half as real.

The solider joined in their embrace. Their arms were the safest place in the world. Wherever they both were… that was where home was.