Chapter 57
Kira was awakened from another nightmare as Michalei crawled out of bed. She didn’t have the heart to tell him that she was back in that evil dark place. She put on a smile and joined him in the bathroom to clean up before attending the farewell supper they had planned for her father. He noticed her silence though and wanted to ask but she didn’t give him the opportunity. They dressed quickly and were on their way to the dining room before he could even try.
“Good evening papa.” Kira smiled and hugged him.
“Good evening daughter and son,” He replied with his own smile.
“Are you all packed and ready to go already sir?” Michalei chuckled as they sat down prepared to devour whatever was placed in front of them.
“I am.” He answered. “Most of my things have already been moved to Credos castle. I’ve had help thankfully.”
“Well, you sure will be missed here papa.” Kira replied.
“I will miss it as much as it will miss me. But there is a whole region to rebuild and I can’t imagine what could be more fun than that opportunity.” Sephiroth replied as their meals were brought in.
“Very true, Credos has been in ruins for far too long and it pleases me to see it come back to life.” Michalei smiled.
“Well, as long as you both are happy, then I’m sure I’ll adjust to the changes.” Kira smiled.
“It will be good for you daughter. I know that you’ve been struggling with the decisions that you’ve made. But your heart has always been in the right place. You don’t need me hanging around telling you what to do with the rest of your life.” Sephiroth chuckled.
“You’ll be no more than a portal jump away either. So it’s not really good bye.” Michalei pointed out.
Kira rolled her eyes, “Alright, I get it.”
“You’re a fine queen and a wonderful daughter. You have found a great partner that will no doubt be your best friend long after I’m gone from this place. I am very proud and your mother would have been too.” He smiled.
“Thank you papa, I wish you the best in your quest to restore life to the land of Credos. If anyone can do it, it’s you.” Kira replied.
They finished their meal quietly. With no further need for goodbyes, Kira and Michalei escorted Sephiroth to the portal archway and watched him disappear into the darkness beyond. She then turned away without a word and made her way back upstairs to the balcony and stared out over the city in quiet contemplation.
“What troubles you my darling Kira?” Michalei asked as he put his arm around her. “I know it’s more than your father leaving. You’ve been pulling away from me today. What secret do you keep?”
Kira closed her eyes and smiled, “I’m sorry. You’re right. There is something on my mind.”
“Talk to me.” He said looking into her eyes.
“I must have angered the great spirits somehow.” She sighed. “There is this dark, evil place that waits for me every time I close my eyes. I cannot move or speak of my own free will. I am just trapped in darkness.”
A single tear fell down her cheek as he replied, “You did nothing of the sort. This place you go when you close your eyes is your own fear of the future and nothing more. I promise you I won’t let anything bad happen to you again Kira.”
“I pray your right.” She smiled.
“I will take care of you Kira. There is nothing that will keep me from that. I love you.” Michalei said and kissed her tenderly.
“I’m glad you do.” She replied. “I love you too.”
As the sun set over Avalon once again, Kira rested her head on Michalei’s chest. Safe in his arms, she dreamed of all the good things that would come to them: A future full of hope, prosperity, and one day, a family. She took comfort in that. Letting go of the past, she embraced where she was now and gazed at forever with him. For this moment, they were happy.