Within a small clearing of a mystical forest, sounds of fists striking wood could be heard. Cracks and rustles were distinctly audible as a young lady’s fists met a poor tree’s bark. After a few more punches and kicks, the dark-haired lady sent one final roundhouse kick, breaking the tree in half and sent it flying to a nearby tree.

As the dark-haired woman caught her breath, a set of footsteps could be heard behind her. “Impressive,” another woman with white hair complimented the dark-haired lady while walking towards her, “but… not really the results I was trying to see.” The white-clad lady smiled sadly at her friend, before looking at her notes. “What was your power again, Yozora?” 

“... Photokinesis.” Yozora answered, crossing her arms in disappointment. 

“Well, there’s some progress!” The white-haired lady nervously exclaimed. “I saw a bit of light when you were punching the tree, but...”

Before Yozora’s friend could continue, they both felt the wind pick up strongly. In the next second, they saw two figures landing next to them, the impact of the landing made the wind blow heavily around them. 

A dark-haired man lightly punched his fists together, turning his wings back into a cloak. He raised his hand and waved lightly. “Hey, guys,” he greeted, putting a warm smile on his face.

“At this point,” a voice came from the fallen log. “You two are doing more damage to the forest, and we’re supposed to be protecting it!” Another black-haired man pointed at Yozora and the dark-haired man. 

Yozora chuckled. “Sorry about that, ‘Ake.” She apologized to her younger brother, who was lightly glaring at her.

Yoake shifted his gaze to his older brother, the glare intensifying. “And you,” he clicked his tongue and stomped towards the dark-haired man. “How many times do I have to tell you that you need to stop with those landings, Yoru!” 

Yoru’s expression turned into one of frustration. “Don’t need to be that stuck up, ‘Ke.”

Yoake was about to make a comeback, but their sister broke the fight off. “Look, both of you, can we at least be civil?” Despite being the one without powers, the two brothers murmured in defeat to their sister’s command. “Great, glad we came to an agreement.”

“What are you two doing anyway? The forest is not really a place for experiments,” Yoake stared at the white-clad lady, harboring a grudge. 

“Be nice,” Yozora tapped her little brother’s back lightly, enough to push him in place. “I was just helping Jasmin here with her new invention!” Yozora exclaimed, “Apparently, it’s something that can give me back my magic? …or something?” Yozora tried to explain, scratching her face with her index finger in confusion.

Jasmin chuckled and took the device off Yozora’s arm, “... Not quite. This is a new version of the Power Amplifier. I don’t wanna bring up some bad memories, so… let me just” —Jasmin placed her clipboard on her arm, and wore the device— “Show you.” She raised her hand toward the log, as a lime-hued chain appeared, grabbing it. She grabbed the air and threw her hand back, the chain followed suit, flinging the log up into the air. Jasmin gestured her hand to mimic a gun and a giant lime-colored hand of a clock appeared. It rocketed at the log and once the two objects made contact, it shattered into pieces.

The trio was left in shock, staring at Jasmin with a bit of fear and awe. This flustered the poor girl. “H-hey, it’s developed to help out in our research, alright?” Yoake glared daggers into the poor girl, quelling his desire to turn the ground beneath her into a pit. Yozora noticed and tightly grabbed his shoulder. Yoake rested his hand, fearing his big sister’s wrath. 

While this was happening, Yoru seemed to be lost in thought, intrigued by the device. He walked towards the white-clad girl, and reached his hand towards her. “Can I try it out?”

Jasmin looked at him, still not knowing the limits of the device. She considered it for a bit, before saying, “I don’t see why not. Just be careful.” She took off the device and passed it to him.

Yoru equipped the device and prepared to fire one arrow construct. Suddenly he felt a surge of energy flow through his arm and the air surrounding him. Subconsciously, he released an energy blast at the right time, barreling toward the trees. He collapsed to the ground, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over him. He stared at the device first. The metal apparatus cracked and sparked, overwhelmed by his divine power. The trio rushed over to him to see if he was okay, but all four of them were stunned to see the damage. 

The trees that were there before were now completely gone, leaving an enormous clearing in the forest. Once more, Yoake groaned at the damage, glaring at his older brother. Yoru tried to catch his breath, but only let out a small chuckle instead. 

Yozora chimed in, “It’s been a tiring day for all of us, how about we get something to regain that energy?” 

“Finally, something we can agree on.” Yoake muttered sarcastically, before turning himself into an owl and flying away. Yozora walked toward the path her younger brother flew to and placed her hand on her forehead, exasperated due to his antics.

Jasmin helped Yoru up, slinging his shoulder over her back to support him to stand. “You okay? I told you to be careful,” Jasmin looked at him worriedly, with a bit of guilt in her eyes.

“Yeah, thanks,” Yoru smiled at her warmly, appreciating the concern. “I can walk on my own though. It’s just my arm that got hurt,” Yoru broke off from his friend’s gesture. 

“If you say so,” Jasmin said, before catching up to the two siblings. 

Yoru followed the three of them. It’s been a while since our conflict with the other Forest Guardians. Took a bit to recover, but we haven't heard from them since. Yoru thought, taking in the peaceful scenery. I guess that means I’m the only official Forest Guardian remaining. He looked off to the distance with a hint of melancholy. It… hasn’t felt the same since the betrayal, since he… Yoru stopped for a bit, turning to face his loved ones. He shook his head. No, since then… not a lot of danger has roamed this vast expanse. I get to spend time with the people I cherish because of it. He started catching up to Yozora, Yoake, and Jasmin once more. It feels so surreal, yet… very comforting at the same time.

Yoru closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the setting sun. If I could make one wish, then it’s to stay with them for eternity.

Yet, eternity has other plans for me.

The boom of thunder woke the dark-haired wanderer from his daydream. He felt the pouring rain dripping on his hoodie as he stared into the distance. The man stood there in silence, taken aback by his reality. He lowered and shook his head in defeat, smiling sadly. He remembered why he’s here.

That’s right…

After all… The hooded man walked without a word to a familiar location, a giant tree stood before him. He placed jasmine flowers next to two worn-out, yet hastily-made crosses. Standing there in silence, he reminisced of a time now beyond his reach. 

Some things are not meant to last forever.