Eclipsed

Chapter 43

As Tiberon soared through the skies, the group sat in relative silence, the rhythmic beating of the dragon's wings blending with the distant sound of the wind. Valen broke the quiet, turning to Alric. "So, Alric, what's the plan?"

Alric leaned back slightly, keeping one hand steady on Tiberon's reins. "Well, I've got to return to Mizugan," he said with a sigh, "and after that... it's gonna be hell."

Ren, sitting in the back, perked up curiously. "Why's that?"

Aiko sat silently, her gaze fixed on the horizon, her crimson red eyes glinting faintly in the sunlight.

Alric glanced back, smirking faintly. "Remember my duel with Katsuo? I kind of showed off my powers during that. Not the full extent, but just enough to get one week of control over the military."

Ren blinked in shock. "Just one week? You do realize that now they're probably going to want you involved even more, right?"

Alric exhaled heavily. "Yeah, I figured as much. But one week of control is huge. I mean, I could send them all to some random town just to get them out of my hair."

Valen chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "I suppose that's one way to use the largest military in the land."

"Exactly," Alric said with a slight grin.

Ren, still concerned, leaned forward. "Do you even know what you're going to do yet?"

Alric hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. "Hmm... I haven't really thought it all through."

Ren's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you crazy? You don't even have a plan?!"

Alric shrugged nonchalantly. "I'll figure it out," he replied with a smirk.

Valen shook his head with a faint smile. "Hey, Alric, you might want to drop us off just outside the kingdom," he suggested.

"Why's that?" Alric asked, glancing back at him.

Valen gestured ahead. "Well, you'll need to land Tiberon near the palace, right? We don't want to get caught with you."

Alric nodded in understanding. "Oh, of course. Makes sense."

---

In the background, another conversation unfolded between Ren and Aiko. Ren leaned toward her, his voice softer. "So... where do you want to go after all this?"

Aiko hesitated, her gaze still fixed on the horizon. "I don't know..."

"How long were you in that place?" Ren asked gently.

"Since I was born," Aiko replied quietly. "It was all I knew. And now, with Takehiko gone, I don't have a purpose."

Ren frowned, his tone more reassuring. "A purpose? I mean, you've survived all this time. There's got to be a reason behind it. Don't you think?"

A faint smile touched Aiko's lips as she glanced at him. "I don't know what to do for now," she admitted. "But... I'll stay with you."

Ren blinked, startled. "I don't think that's safe. You've already been through so much. And with me? Well, it's just going to be too much."

Aiko's smile grew slightly as she looked at him. "I'll decide if it's too much or not."

Ren sighed in defeat but couldn't help smiling back. "Alright... but don't say I didn't warn you."

---

As Tiberon began its descent, Valen leaned forward and pointed toward a secluded clearing just outside the kingdom's towering walls. "Hey, Alric, just over there," he called out.