ARC 2: SHADOWS DEEPEN
The stage was quiet for the first time in two hours. Medical staff moved between the wounded, green and golden healing light flickering in steady rhythms. The crowd's roar had settled into a low hum of conversation and celebration. Heaven's Gate banners waved from every section where their students had managed to secure seats.
Michael Weston approached Kael on the stage with his regenerated arm hanging slightly loose at his side, the flesh still pink and new from been newly regenerated.
"You fought well," Michael said, extending his hand. "I hope to fight you again. Properly. One on one, when neither of us is running on fumes."
Kael looked at the hand for a moment, then shook it.
"Next time," Kael replied, "I won't need help."
Michael smiled. "I expect nothing less from a warrior such as yourself."
He walked away, rejoining the two remaining Empyrean Celestial students who waited for him at the edge of the stage.
