Kian blinked in the white light. It was nearly too intense to bear. But he squinted against it and walked towards what he assumed to be its source regardless.

He trudged onward for what felt like ages, and yet no time at all. The ground was both soft, yet firm. It was hot, but not uncomfortable. Taking a breath, he found that he couldn't distinguish any scent to the air. His senses were utterly confused.

Soon he was able to make out the looming shape of what seemed to be a high brick wall with a massive metal gate. As he drew nearer he saw that the brick was pure white, as was the mortar between. The gates seemed to be made of pure gold, and were wrought in utterly stunning detail. He couldn't possibly imagine how long it would have taken to craft them.

Kian's eyes dropped to the ground in front of the gate. A towering shape stood in wait, as did a small silhouette. He blinked in the brightness.

He slowed as he moved towards the two shapes, trying to distinguish who—or what—they were.

“Come now, come now.” The taller of the two spoke suddenly, waving a hand in beckoning. “He's been waiting a long time.”

Kian blinked. It was The Stranger. But he was much transformed. And yet any details of him were still muddied. Though this time it was due to the light as opposed to the shadow.

A small hand suddenly slid into Kian's.

He looked down and met the hopeful gaze of a young boy. He had a round face and curls of dark hair on top of his head. His soft, pudgy fingers wrapped around the older man's knobby palm. Something about it was familiar.

“You made a promise. And I'm glad you fulfilled it.” The little boy's voice was full of warmth.

Kian's brow creased as he looked from the boy to The Stranger, who seemed to nod.

The gates glided open with scarcely a sound. The Stranger gestured for them to walk through. The weathered old man looked to what was on the other side of the wall, and if he had thought it couldn't get brighter, he was wrong. What was beyond was beyond overwhelming.

The boy's grip on his hand tightened. He seemed somewhat apprehensive, but there was an underlying eagerness that Kian could nearly taste. The boy's bright eyes looked to his, and recognition dawned on the old man.

A smile cracked across Kian's face. “Let's go, Arlo.”

The two walked through the gate, hand in hand.

FIN.