Since their victory over the Lord of Flies, the heroes had transformed the ruined city into a refuge. Demons were hunted down and purged every alley, every shadow. The city became a ghost town for monsters, and a sanctuary for survivors.
They found them scattered through the rubble teachers, doctors, farmers, bakers, police officers. A thousand strong. A community rising from ash.
The heroes trained them. Taught them to fight. To build. To believe.
It was the beginning of something new. The early pulse of civilization.Ice stood beside Luke as a raven landed on Luke's shoulder.
"Is Thomas on his way?" Ice asked. "Caw caw! Yes! Caw caw!" the raven screamed.
Luke smiled, remembering the minotaur battle the bond forged in blood and fire.
"It'll be good to have him back," Ice said. "With Thomas, we can expand. Maybe even take the fight to Lucifer."
Luke nodded. "True. But Lucifer's the supreme. The bearded man warned us avoid him at all costs." "Until when?" Ice asked.
Luke sighed. "I don't know. But the old man hasn't steered us wrong yet."
Ice looked at the raven. "Those birds… always messengers. Blaze had that same one this whole time. Now you do."
Luke nodded. "Turns out Blaze and the bearded man were always in contact. Blaze was always a step ahead."
Suddenly, Sophie's voice rang out. "Guys! Come quick!"
She sprinted across the village. Ice and Luke followed. She stopped at the edge of the camp, staring into the night.
A figure approached slow, steady, familiar. No one spoke.
Then Sophie ran forward and threw her arms around him. Luke and Ice stepped closer.
It was Thomas.
"You guys missed me," he said, smiling warmly.