Tales from the Former Universe

52. Farewell!

Martinner and Haumecea found themselves needing to depart much earlier than anticipated. Despite being instructed to stay home until their responsibilities were fully understood, Dimaggiore, who had always demonstrated immense love and concern for his parents, was eager to rise early and accompany them.

"Mother, father," Dimaggiore asked after coughing. "We will... evacuate eventually... right?"

"Y-yes, son," Haumecea promised. "Are you... scared?"

"A... little. So many birds, I saw fall," Dimaggiore said, coughing again. "But... worry, you need not... I am brave enough... to be home alone for the full day."

"Dimaggiore," Martinner said. "Sorry, we are... for keeping you like this."

"I... can take it. It is fine," Dimaggiore wondered. "Do what is needed in duty, you both must... I can await."

Martinner helped clean the dishes for Haumecea, as Haumecea kissed Dimaggiore's hair, and they both left, acquitting their resilience out, to rush towards emergency.

In the middle of a worldwide disaster where people were refugees and everything was in ruins, Arlaion felt heavy with sadness but strong in his decision to leave. He turned to his family, his voice shaking but firm, to say his last quiet goodbyes. To his serious but careful Uncle Alberidge, who had always guided him; to his gentle Aunt Leliona, whose kindness had been a comfort; to his wise Grandpa Jellinger, who had seen so much; and to young Zubilee, who chose to stay with her family's precious items. Lastly, he turned to his father, who had promised to change while staying true to what he believed in, and quietly felt the love and respect that Royyega also sent.

"Grandpa Walbode," Royyega held his hand. "Thank you."

Grandpa Walbode sent back, "Thank you, Royyega... Now get out there... and write a new chapter."

Royyega gathered with Arlaion who was already at the front.

"Ready, everything is," Royyega said the tenth time.

Arlaion inhaled to express his speech. "Everyone," he called. "Gratitude I express, one final time before my leave, for the love and strength you have bestowed upon me, my family. Special, our family is, not only for the legacy of ale preserved through thousands of years but for the wisdom and errors witnessed by me. Closure it has given, and inspired by our troubled character, I am, thankful always. For the sacrifices made to preserve our heritage, unity tested, yet strong we remain. Royyega and I, out there we shall go, fulfill the promises made, and share the stories crafted by our colorful minds. Though turbulent times these are, my heart swells with pride and gratitude. Any last words?"

Grandpa Jellinger said, "Boy... be a great man there, yeah?"

Zubilee said shyly, "Thank you, Arlaion... for... defending me... when you... had the... time for your courage."

Aunt Leliona said, "The Ale may not be with you, but remember us, the legacy, and carry your whole life, Arlaion... for all of us."

Uncle Alberidge said, "Arlaion... whatever happens, the great memories of this universe, you shall accept all... and don't look back on anything else. Focus on what you and your sweetheart want to achieve in that universe... and anything else here, you should never be here... it's a desperate step you will need to commit."

Arlaion glanced at his father, "Father?"

His father was empty of words, but full of his love. So he hugged him, silently, dropping his last tear to Arlaion's body, as Arlaion dropped it into his. He expressed none a word after it, but a smile.

Royyega held his hands, as they headed towards the remains of the light out there, to enter the lights of the new universe they set their path towards.