That evening, Soe angrily reads the news article to Airin.

Airin looks exasperated, but mostly tired. “Soe, “is all she says.

Soe looks up, still angry. She pushes past the guilt at the sight of Airin’s tired form.

“People are dying, Airin.”

“I know, I know.” Airin says soothingly. She sags back against the couch, stares up at the ceiling.

“The King is dead.” Soe repeats from earlier.

Airin doesn’t reply. Soe licks her lips and finally says what she’d been building up to.

“We should move.”

Airin jerks up in surprise, and Soe rushes to finish her thought.

“Somewhere safer! We don’t know when The Chosen One will move to defeat The Dark Emperor, so-! Just until he’s defeated!” Soe finally pauses for breath at the end.

Airin opens her mouth, only to close it again. Soe waits nervously.

“I… I just want us to be safe, “Soe adds, hesitantly. “I just want peace.”

Airin shifts to face Soe with careful purpose.

“Tomorrow, the grand fight between The Chosen One and The Dark Emperor has been scheduled, ”Airin declares, each word enunciated slowly. “I think the death of the King has made The Chosen One realize that now is the time for him to act.”

Soe stares, surprised.

Despite everything - the deaths, including the King’s, and The Dark Emperor’s steady rise in power - Soe hadn’t thought The Fated Duel would happen so soon.

“Soe, “Airin continues and leans forward, “It’s okay. Peace is near.”

Soe pauses and stares at her hands. Her calluses have reopened on her throwing hand.

“...Wish it could have happened sooner, ”she replies. How many people had died? Hundreds? Thousands?

They sit in silence.

“Well... the day is here now!“Airin reassures, “There’s no need for all of this. The Chosen One has been given the best magical training, the best magical armor, the best magical sword…” Airin trails off and smiles.

Soe stares at her, not really seeing Airin, but rather seeing the future. A future without a Dark Emperor threatening to take over their land.

Soe’s shoulders sag with relief. She leans back onto the couch and mimics Airin’s earlier pose of staring at the ceiling.

“We’re going to see the fight, “Airin says quietly.

“What-?” Soe turns to look at her, slowly. Still trying to process the news.

Peace is near.

Airin reaches over to hold Soe’s hand. They take a moment to revel in the comfort.

“We’re going to see The Chosen One fight the Dark Emperor at the Lunaris Stadium like the Legend says, “Airin says, “we’re going to see The Chosen One win, and we’re going to put all your nerves at ease.”

Soe blinks slowly.

“Where did you even get tickets?”

Airin pulls away and winks. “Got them from a friend of a friend of a friend.”

Soe’s brain halts as she tries to visualize the relation. Too many thoughts to process.

“So, make sure to be ready to leave tomorrow, ”Airin continues, “The Chosen One’s great duel is something that only happens every century or so! It’s a great honor to be able to watch it live.”

It doesn’t feel like an honor. More like a relief.