The morning sun bathed Shinzai in golden hues as the city awakened with an unusual sense of calm and excitement. It was a day marked in hearts and memory—the wedding of Kael Kurai and Hana Yume.
Earlier That Morning…
Kael and Hana stood hand-in-hand before a modest two-story home nestled within the serene Windspire District. It wasn't grand, but it was theirs—quiet, warm, and filled with light from the open windows and blooming sakura trees in the yard.
"This is it," Kael said softly, unlocking the door.
Their first home together.
As they stepped inside, Hana gasped at the scent of freshly polished wood and the gentle wind chimes Kael had picked out the day before. The living room had wide windows facing the sunrise, and tucked in the corner, Kael had already placed a small sculpture Aiko made for them—two Wills, shaped like light and shadow, intertwined.
"We start our new chapter here," Hana whispered, tears pricking her eyes.
Kael wrapped his arms around her. "Together."
Later – The Wedding
The Grand Ceremonial Hall atop Nova Tower had been transformed into a heavenly sanctuary. Wind spirits guided guests through sky bridges laced with blossoms and floating lanterns. The altar stood beneath the glowing branches of the newly planted Everbloom Tree, petals drifting in a breeze that didn't exist.
Hundreds of people filled the marble amphitheater—students from Nova Academia, Wielders from all over the continent, even the gods who had settled in Shinzai watched from an honored balcony.
Renzo stood proudly in his suit, holding the ring pillow with trembling hands.
Kael wore a sleek, dark navy ceremonial robe lined in silver—a symbol of his Will and legacy.
Hana stood radiant in a flowing white and crimson dress that shimmered like woven starlight, her brown hair tied back with the same crimson ribbon she had worn since the academy.
As Hana walked down the aisle, escorted by Kaede Mizuno, the crowd quieted to breathless silence. Kael's eyes widened. He had seen her fight, smile, cry, and laugh—but never like this.
When she reached him, she smiled and whispered, "Don't cry, hero."
Kael chuckled, rubbing his eye. "No promises."
Raizen Kurai—his grandfather, masked in his humble Kyoushiro form—stood as the officiant, his voice warm and powerful.
"Two souls who walked the storm now stand in light."
They exchanged vows—Kael's voice steady despite his nervous heart, Hana's gentle but filled with unshakable certainty.
"I vow to protect you—not just in battle, but in peace. To stand beside you, even when I don't know the way. You make me feel like I have a home… not just a place, but a person," Kael said.
Hana answered, "I loved you before you even saw me that way. I loved your silence, your pain, your fire. And now… I get to love your heart."
The crowd wept.
"By the blessing of the Will, and the unity of this city," Raizen declared, "I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Cheers erupted as Kael and Hana kissed beneath the glowing Everbloom.
That Evening
The reception was lively—Ryuu and the god girl danced like no one was watching, Zeek performed his ridiculous guitar solo, and even Kaede cracked a smile as Mira dragged him into a traditional Scorched Coast dance.
Kael sat with Hana beneath the stars, watching their friends laugh and eat.
"We really did it," she said, resting her head on his shoulder.
Kael smiled. "Yeah. And this is just the beginning."
They held hands, wedding bands glowing faintly in the moonlight.
The shadowborn warrior… had finally found his light.