"Whoo-hoo! The ocean! Fireworks! BBQ! Let's make this last night on Wind Island the best one yet!"
Night fell, and the beach near the hotel surged with activity.
Most of the island residents had gathered elsewhere to give the Luminous Academy students some space, but a considerable crowd had still assembled here.
Elena was among them, busy cooking alongside her father, Carlos, and their companion, Poruru. They worked over a large grill, searing meat and fish to serve to the hungry attendees.
Marcos approached her, raising a hand in a casual greeting. "Elena. I apologize for imposing on you until the very end."
"Don't worry about it! I'm having a blast too!" Elena chirped with a bright smile. "Want something to eat, Marcos?"
"Kani-kani-kanii!" Poruru added.
Still smiling, Elena held out a plate piled high with grilled delicacies. Marcos accepted it with a grateful, if somewhat strained, smile. He ate a few bites before speaking to her again.
"From the weapon selection to the battles against the Sea-jack and Abyss, you've been an immense help. But even putting all that aside... I'm simply glad I had the chance to meet you and Poruru."
"Me too! Meeting you was so much fun, Marcos! Poruru feels the same way. He’s already saying he's sad to see you go!"
"Kani-niii..." the crab monster whimpered.
"Hmph. It isn't as if this is a final farewell for life," Marcos said with a faint smile. "I'll likely visit Wind Island again. When I do, I'll be sure to find you."
"Kaniii!"
"Hehe! Besides, we still have that weapon to finish! Just because we're parting ways doesn't mean our bond is over. It’s only just beginning, so there’s no need to be lonely!"
The school trip was coming to a close, but that didn't mean they would never set foot on Wind Island again. Between personal visits and the spear Carlos was currently forging for him, it seemed Marcos and Elena would remain in each other's lives for a long time to come.
"If you ever have the chance, you should come visit us," Marcos offered. "I’ll personally act as your guide."
"Really?! Awesome! Something to look forward to, right, Poruru?"
"Kani-kani-kaaa!"
As the two—and one creature—enjoyed their lively conversation, Carlos continued to man the grill behind them.
He watched his daughter chatting with the young man who had caught her eye, a smile playing on his lips. Just then, Gomez arrived, setting a massive fish onto the preparation table with a heavy thud.
"Caught a beauty," Gomez grunted. "I'll clean it, so could you throw it on the fire?"
"Certainly. And I must say, I'm glad you were released safely and that your record was cleared."
Carlos offered the words of congratulations to Gomez, who had brought his granddaughter, Cocoa, along. Gomez had been arrested for his role in the Sea-jack incident, but given his vital contribution to destroying the barrier device and the surrounding circumstances, the authorities had decided not to press charges. He had been released with a clean slate.
"It sounds like Shepherd and the rest of the Security Force pulled some strings," Gomez muttered. "They claimed they couldn't leave a man with a criminal record to raise little Cocoa-chan. Honestly, if they had that much free time, they should have spent it helping the island recover."
"It simply means you're that respected and loved, old friend. We couldn't have destroyed that magic item without you. You're a true Wind Island Hero."
"Hmph. I'm far too old for titles like that. Besides, Yugo said it best, didn't he? Every person on this island is a hero."
As he spoke, Gomez moved the cleaned fish onto the grill. He surreptitiously snagged a few choice morsels that were already cooked and handed the plate to his granddaughter.
Carlos chuckled at the old man's blatant favoritism. Gomez ignored the look and turned his gaze toward Shepherd and the other patrolling guards, his voice dropping to a murmur.
"You boys are already finer heroes than I ever was. I’m leaving the island I love in your hands now..."
"Hey, Brother! I think the fireworks are about to start! Can I go find Fee and Yugo-san?"
"Go ahead. Just don't get too excited and trip."
"Honestly! Stop treating me like such a child, Brother!"
Meanwhile, the siblings Ryuga and Yui had been exploring the festival stalls when the announcement for the fireworks display began.
Ryuga watched his sister stomp off toward Yugo’s group with a pout. As she disappeared into the crowd, a hesitant voice called out to him.
"Um, Ryuga-san..."
He turned to find Raiha standing there, looking uncharacteristically timid. His eyes drifted to her neck, where she wore the coral necklace he had given her.
"Um... this necklace... does it look alright on me?"
"Don't ask me," Ryuga replied flatly.
"Augh..."
Raiha let out a low groan, her shoulders slumping at the predictable response. However, sensing that his tone wasn't one of rejection, she gathered her courage for a second question.
"Um! Would it be alright if I watched the fireworks next to you?!"
"I told you... don't ask me."
"Which means... I can do whatever I want, right? Then I'm staying right here!"
"!"
Ryuga blinked, a hint of surprise touching his features at her unyielding stance. Raiha, far too flustered by her own boldness to notice his reaction, looked up at him with determination.
"I'm going to watch the fireworks from this spot! Is that okay?!"
"Heh."
A small chuckle escaped Ryuga's lips at the sight of her flushed, desperate expression.
He realized she was changing too, in her own way. With a faint, uncharacteristically gentle smile, he looked away and finally gave her a direct answer, his voice soft.
"If that's what you want, then stay. I'm not going to stop you."
"Y-Yes!"
Raiha beamed, her voice filled with relief and joy.
Ryuga wondered what could possibly make her that happy, but he said nothing more. He simply stood there in silence by her side, waiting for the first sparks to light up the night sky.