Miyamura slowly blinked his eyes open, his vision blurry. The first thing he felt was the soft warmth beneath his head. As his eyes focused, he realized he was lying in Hori's lap, her hand gently stroking his hair. Her eyes were filled with tenderness, a soft smile playing on her lips as she looked down at him.
"Miyamura," she whispered, her voice warm and filled with love. "You're awake."
He felt a strange calm wash over him as he stared up at her. "Hori... you're okay." He slowly sat up, his body feeling lighter, but different. His gaze fell on her, noticing something odd. "Hori, your hair... it's turned dark purple."
Hori blinked in surprise, then chuckled softly, running her fingers through the strands. "It has? Well, yours isn't the same either, Miyamura." She reached out, touching his hair. "It's silver now."
Confused, Miyamura ran a hand through his hair, feeling the change. Before he could process it, a loud thud interrupted the moment. He looked around to find all of their friends-Benimaru, Shion, Shuna, Gobta, Ranga, and even Gabiru-bowing deeply before them.
"What are you all doing?" Miyamura asked, a bit overwhelmed.
Shion was the first to speak, her voice thick with emotion. "You saved us, Lord Miyamura. You brought us back to life. We are forever in your debt."
Benimaru nodded, his usual fiery spirit subdued. "We owe you everything. Thank you for your sacrifice."
Miyamura looked at them, feeling a deep swell of gratitude in his heart, but also a strange sense of embarrassment. "I... I only did what I had to," he said softly.
Hori gave a soft laugh, placing her hand on his arm. "Miyamura, you saved all of us. You don't have to be so modest." She turned to their friends and smiled. "We're just happy that everyone is alive and well."
As they stood, Milim and Ramiris floated over, both with a curious expression on their faces. "Something feels... different," Milim muttered, her eyes narrowing as she looked between Miyamura and Hori.
Ramiris nodded, her wings fluttering. "Yeah, you both feel like... me and Milim! Like a Demon Lord!"
Miyamura frowned. "What do you mean?"
Milim tilted her head, a mischievous grin appearing on her face. "You've both got the same power now. Not just you, Miyamura. Hori too!"
Hori and Miyamura exchanged confused looks. "But... I didn't do the ritual," Hori said, touching her chest as if to feel for the energy.
Miyamura giggled, "No, but we are connected, right? With Veldora's power sealed inside both of us, the transformation must've spread to you too. We're both Demon Lords now!"
Hori's eyes widened in surprise, but then she glanced at Miyamura and began to laugh. "Of course! It's because of Veldora... I guess we really are inseparable, huh?"
Miyamura chuckled, shaking his head. "Looks like it."
Their friends, though shocked, quickly adapted to the news of both becoming Demon Lords. Shuna and Shion smiled warmly, feeling comforted by the fact that their leaders shared this powerful bond. Ranga wagged his tail in excitement, and even Benimaru grinned, crossing his arms proudly.
Milim clapped her hands together, her smile beaming. "Well, isn't this just perfect! Two Demon Lords in one kingdom! Tempest is going to be unstoppable!"
---
Later that day, peace had settled back into Tempest. The damage from the battle was being repaired, and the survivors worked tirelessly to restore their home to its former glory. As the sun began to set, the air was filled with anticipation for the banquet they planned to celebrate their survival and new alliances.
Miyamura and Hori walked side by side through the village, greeting everyone they passed. The villagers, grateful for being saved, smiled warmly at the pair, offering them words of thanks. Despite the heaviness that had weighed on them, the atmosphere was lighthearted.
But amidst all the preparation, Hori and Miyamura exchanged knowing glances. The banquet wasn't the only thing they were planning.
As evening fell, the grand feast began. Tables were laden with food, and the air was filled with laughter and joy. Milim was at the center of it all, stuffing her face with all sorts of dishes, while Ramiris flitted about, shouting orders to her dryads who had joined the party. Gobta and Gabiru were once again locked in a playful rivalry, though they were cautious to avoid Milim's wrath after calling her a little girl earlier.
At the head of the table, Hori and Miyamura sat side by side, quietly enjoying the evening. Their hands occasionally brushed, and every now and then, they'd exchange a soft smile or a knowing look.
As the night wore on and the laughter of their friends filled the air, Miyamura leaned close to Hori, his voice low. "You know... we've been through a lot."
Hori turned to him, her eyes soft. "Yeah... we have."
Miyamura hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "I'm glad we're still here... together."
Hori's heart swelled, and she squeezed his hand under the table. "Me too, Miyamura. I couldn't imagine doing this without you."
The moment stretched between them, filled with unspoken words and deep emotions. But, just as they were about to share something more, Shion suddenly appeared behind them, grinning mischievously.
"Ah, lovebirds!" Shion teased, her voice loud enough to draw everyone's attention. "What are you two whispering about?"
Hori and Miyamura immediately turned red, their faces flushing in embarrassment. "W-We weren't-" Miyamura began, but was cut off by Shion's hearty laugh.
"Oh, don't be shy!" Shuna joined in, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "We all know how much you two care for each other."
Benimaru chuckled, shaking his head. "I think it's sweet."
Miyamura groaned, burying his face in his hands, while Hori laughed, her face still red but her heart light. As the teasing continued, they couldn't help but join in the laughter. Despite everything that had happened, they were surrounded by friends who loved and supported them.
During the banquet Hori and Miyamura both heared a mysterious voice in their heads.
Who's voice is it? Find in next chapter 🤪. ---
End of Chapter 16
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(Imagine this as new look Hori and Miyamura and hori without horns)
