The Golden Throne

Chapter 53: The legend of the Golden Throne

-play the media when instructed (highly recommended)-

***

A massive crowd filled the streets of Errion City. In the distance, the once-familiar sight of the palace was replaced by the cracked remains of a great sea-stack. At the centre of Tima Plaza, the city square, was a stage where the Empress awaited Odara's greatest heroes marching through the crowd.

Hilbert and his friends had cleared their names, and now all could see their true characters-- the heroes who never turned their backs on the people who had shunned them. No sum of money, not even all the Odaran gold in the region could express the Odarans' gratitude.

The boisterous crowd showered them with flowers as Hilda guided a crippled Hilbert to the stage. One by one, the Empress awarded them a gold badge that carried the logo of Odara-- the Odaran clover, a timeless symbol of unity, peace and fortune.

The five of them-- Hilbert, Hilda, Zeno, Kye and Looker-- stood there, revered by all. For the first time, the dreadful-serious expression on Looker's face was gone. He was beaming, and waving at the crowd as he did.

Hilbert's eyes scanned the crowd as he waved at them. Then, like a speck on blank paper, a familiar pair of eyes stood out from under a hoodie. Hilbert recognized those eyes too well: tired eyes that had seen things most people would never believe- eyes that demonstrated the strength of an unwavering spirit. Red gave Hilbert a slight nod and a smirk before turning away. Hilbert blinked his eyes a few times and looked again- but by then all he could see was an ocean of faces.

Hilda clasped Hilbert's hand, and Hilbert turned to her. He leaned his forehead against hers, and the two gave each other a soft peck on the lips. Zeno, having noticed Hilbert and Hilda's little moment, turned to Kye.

Kye was smiling and waving to the crowd when he noticed Zeno was looking at him.

"What?" he asked obliviously.

Zeno placed her hands on Kye's cheeks, and her lips met his before he could react. Kye flinched at first, but after a moment his hands found their way around her back and he closed his eyes, melting into her kiss.

There was nowhere else Hilbert would rather be. The life of a hero was his vocation. Hilbert glanced at the camera that was broadcasting the event live to the whole world... and winked.

*

A cool wind blew through the docks of Errion City. The first few rays of sunrise reflected upon the surface of the water. A ferry rocked gently on the water, creaking and causing ripples that disturbed the morning sun's reflection.

The stairs to board the ferry lay before Hilbert. It had been three weeks since the ceremony. His condition improved remarkably in those three weeks. His recovery was unprecedented, even going as far as to stupefy the doctors by being able stand unassisted by the second week.

And in those three weeks, he had spent his time to the fullest with the people he loved. But all things had to come to an end-- it was time for the Unovan to return home.

Hilbert and Hilda watched his mother, Cheren and Bianca board the ship with their bags. Hilda placed her hand on his, and they turned around to face Kye and Zeno.

Hilbert gulped. He wasn't one to come up with farewell speeches.

"Well," Hilbert said, his voice wavering. "We're here. Thanks you two. For everything. And I," Hilbert gulped some more. "I'm really glad that—"

Kye hugged Hilbert tightly, cutting him off. Hilbert closed his eyes and returned Kye's embrace.

"Take care of yourself, Kye," Hilbert mumbled.