Chapter 156: Reuniting with Siblings
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Dabi stood in front of his home in Celestial City, the weight of recent battles and near impossible trials still pressing heavily on his shoulders.
But as he gazed at the familiar doorway, he felt something lift from within him a sense of grounding that he hadn't felt in months.
The journey, the challenges, and the encounters with powerful forces had all been leading him back here.
His hand hovered over the door handle for a moment, steadying himself. Then, taking a deep breath, he opened the door and stepped inside.
The quiet hum of his house felt surreal after everything he had endured. For a split second, Dabi wondered if his siblings had grown, if they would look different after all this time.
This is the first time in his life, he was away from his siblings for months. He don't know how they will react when they see him.
He hadn't seen them in months a time filled with battles, allies and enemies alike, and revelations he hadn't even begun to process.
Yet now, back in his home, it was as if all of that could fade away for a moment.
"Dabi!" Mira's voice broke through his thoughts, followed by a loud patter of footsteps. She rushed from the kitchen, her eyes wide and already filling with tears.
"Dabi!" she cried again, running straight into his arms. Eli was right behind her, trying to hold back his own tears, but as soon as he saw Dabi, his small frame shook with relief, and he let the tears flow freely.
Mira clung tightly to him, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "We thought… we thought you weren't coming back… like Mom and Dad."
The weight of her words hit Dabi harder than any battle. He hugged both of them close, feeling a mixture of guilt and relief.
"I'm here now," he murmured softly, brushing Mira's hair gently. "I would never leave you two alone. I'll always come back."
Nafo and Loira watched quietly from the side, giving the siblings their moment. But as the tears subsided and the initial reunion calmed, they approached with knowing smiles.
The caretaker spirits Clada and Miranda, floated nearby, joining the welcoming presence around Dabi. And Whity and Fen, jumps a start licking Dabi face.
"Well, look who's finally back!" Nafo said with a smirk, though there was relief in his eyes. "It's about time you showed up. Your siblings weren't the only ones who were getting worried."
Dabi smiled at Nafo, feeling a newfound respect and gratitude for his presence. "I know," Dabi admitted. "Thank you… for looking after them."
Nafo simply nodded, and for a moment, the two men shared an understanding. Loira stepped forward, her eyes glimmering with both amusement and reprimand.
"So, Dabi, what happened ?" she teased lightly, did you get a girlfriend... "Do you have any idea how hard it was keeping your siblings' spirits up?"
Dabi chuckled, his expression softening. "There was… a lot that happened," he replied. "More than I expected."
As he sat down with them, Mira and Eli settled close beside him, holding onto his arms as if afraid he might disappear again. He gave them a comforting smile and ruffled Eli's hair. "Guess I owe you all a story, don't I?"
Their eyes brightened, and even Nafo and Loira seemed intrigued, though they knew much of what Dabi had endured.
But he started at the beginning, carefully adapting the details to make it an adventure that wouldn't worry his siblings too much.
He spoke of vast landscapes, hidden realms, and clever creatures, leaving out the most dangerous encounters and focusing on the wonder and excitement of his journey.
He described one of his encounters in a hidden forest, "And then, I came across a creature made entirely of glowing stones!
It didn't have eyes, but it could sense my every move. We had to outwit each other until I finally convinced it that I wasn't an enemy."
Mira's eyes widened. "Did it talk?"
Dabi laughed. "In its own way, yes. Not with words, but with images that it sent directly into my mind. It was strange, but we eventually understood each other."
Eli listened intently, hanging onto every word. "Did you… get to keep anything? Like a treasure?" he asked, his eyes lighting up with curiosity.
Dabi smiled, nodding. "I did manage to bring back a few things," he said, reaching into his dimension storage. He pulled out a small, polished stone that glowed faintly with blue light.
"This," he said, holding it up, "is from a cave filled with these crystals. They're supposed to bring good luck and protection."
Eli took the stone with reverence, turning it over in his hands. Mira watched, fascinated. "Does it really work?" she asked in a whisper.
"Well," Dabi said with a wink, "I guess we'll find out. You'll have to keep it safe and see if it brings you any luck."
The siblings continued asking questions, their awe and fascination easing away the last traces of worry from Dabi's heart.
After a while, the conversation became more light-hearted, and the room was filled with laughter and a sense of normalcy that Dabi hadn't realized he missed so much.
Nafo and Loira exchanged a glance, and finally, Nafo stepped in. "Alright, kids. It's great to have your brother back, but he needs some rest too. He's not the same as when he left. He's been through a lot."
Mira looked up, concern flickering across her face. "Are you tired, Dabi?"
Dabi gave her a reassuring smile. "A little," he admitted, "but don't worry. I'm just happy to be home."
As the evening approached, they settled down for a quiet dinner together, enjoying the comfort of shared stories and the feeling of family.
Nafo and Loira stayed close, keeping an eye on things while making sure Dabi wasn't overwhelmed by his siblings' excitement.
After dinner, Dabi took his siblings aside, pulling them close as he sat on the couch. "I want you both to know," he began gently, "that I'm here for you.
I know it's been a while, but you're my priority, always. I'll protect you, no matter what."
Eli nodded, his small hands gripping Dabi's tightly. "I know you will, Dabi. But… you have to promise not to leave for so long again."
Mira chimed in, looking up at him with wide eyes. "Promise?"
Dabi's heart softened as he looked at them. "I promise."
As the night grew late, Nafo approached, his expression a mixture of approval and lighthearted scolding.
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"Now that you're back, Dabi, you better keep your promises. No more disappearing for months on end and leaving the kids worried.
You may be a hero for some people, but you're still a big brother first."
Dabi nodded, taking the words to heart. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied sincerely.
Loira, too, joined in with a playful reprimand. "You know, Dabi, you're not as invincible as you like to think.
Don't make a habit of putting yourself in harm's way without considering who's waiting for you back home."
Dabi chuckled, appreciating the care behind their words. "Noted," he replied. "I'll make sure to check in more often and stay safe.
But it's good to know I have people like you here watching out for them when I can't be."
As the night deepened, Eli and Mira fell asleep beside him on the couch, and Dabi felt a wave of peace settle over him.
He stayed beside them, letting their soft breaths remind him of why he had to keep fighting, keep getting stronger.
The next morning, after everyone had settled into a new routine, Nafo and Loira sat with Dabi to catch up on the details he'd omitted from the previous night's story.
They listened intently as he recounted the more dangerous encounters, sharing his concerns about the rising threats from the powerful forces he had faced.
They discussed potential strategies, with Nafo offering his insights into defense measures and Loira suggesting ways to further strengthen their home's protections.
But in the end, it was the sight of his siblings, safe and content, that gave Dabi the greatest resolve.
As he glanced toward Eli and Mira, playing in the garden with Fen and Whity, he knew that whatever lay ahead, he was prepared to face it.
"Dabi," Nafo said, his tone turning serious. "There's a lot that you're carrying on your shoulders.
But remember, you're not alone in this. Rely on us more. We'll handle things here while you're out there."
Loira nodded in agreement. "And never forget why you're doing this. Your strength comes from them."
Dabi nodded, feeling the weight of his mission blend with a newfound sense of purpose. "I know," he replied softly.
"And I won't let any of you down. Whatever it takes, I'll protect this family."
As the morning light filled the room, Dabi knew that he was ready for whatever challenges awaited him.
This reunion had given him the strength he needed a reminder of his purpose, and the family that would always be there waiting for him.
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