The battlefield beneath the old bridge was already a fading memory, its chaos replaced by the serene calm of Tokyo’s night. Now, within the stately walls of the Prime Minister’s residence, the team stood in quiet contemplation. The polished wood floors gleamed under the soft lighting, and the towering windows framed the distant city skyline. The faint aroma of green tea lingered in the air, adding a calming undertone to the room’s formal ambiance.

  The Prime Minister, an imposing figure with a warm yet authoritative demeanor, stepped forward. He bowed deeply; his hands clasped together in a gesture of gratitude. “On behalf of Japan, I thank you for your bravery and dedication. You saved countless lives and averted a tragedy that could have spiraled beyond control. For that, my country is in your debt.”

  The General, despite his exhaustion, stood tall, his posture rigid with practiced discipline. His military jacket, scuffed from the earlier battle, bore silent testimony to the day’s trials. “Just doing what needed to be done, sir,” he replied, a faint grin softening his tone. “Though I wouldn’t say no to a quieter day—and maybe a chance to finish my coffee.”

  The Prime Minister chuckled lightly, his stern features softening. With a nod, he gestured toward two aides who stepped forward, each holding a scroll tied with ribbons in the colors of the Japanese and Philippine flags. “It is not much,” he said humbly, “but these agreements symbolize our shared commitment to peace and our alliance.”

  As the scrolls were unrolled, the group saw the contents—a formal declaration of support and friendship between Japan and the Philippines, along with access to resources, technology, and logistical aid for their future missions. The document promised the group discreet assistance: transport, communication networks, and safe passage across Japan and its allies.

  “These are more than just agreements,” the Prime Minister explained. “They are symbols of the trust we place in you. In times of need, know that our resources are at your disposal, no questions asked.”

  Dominic raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly toward Arden. “So, wait—this means private jets, right? Or, like, VIP access to sushi?”

  Arden smirked. “Probably more like tech support and transport, but I’m sure they could throw in some sushi if you ask nicely.”

  Leigh stepped forward, her composed demeanor unshaken, and bowed deeply to the Prime Minister. “On behalf of our group, thank you. This support will make a real difference in our mission.”

  Akiko accepted one of the scrolls with quiet reverence, her gaze lingering on the interwoven symbols of both nations. "You honor us greatly, Prime Minister. Kansha shimasu," she said, her voice steady yet filled with gratitude. "This alliance strengthens us more than you know."

  The Prime Minister bowed in response; his expression equally warm. "Kochira koso, Akiko-san. It is we who are grateful," he replied in Japanese, the sincerity in his tone bridging the formality of the moment.

  As they prepared to leave, the Prime Minister’s aides presented a final gift: a lacquered wooden box for each of them. Inside were small, practical tokens of gratitude—portable communication devices designed by Japanese engineers, imbued with advanced technology to aid them in their missions. Each device bore the engraved crest of Japan and the Philippines intertwined, a powerful emblem of unity.

  Dominic held up his device, inspecting it with wide eyes. “Okay, this is next-level cool. Does it translate stuff? Like, can I ask it how to say, ‘Can I have extra sushi’ in Japanese?”

  As if on cue, the device emitted a soft chime and a voice replied, "Sushi o motto kudasai." Dominic’s eyes widened further, and he laughed. “It really works! This thing is amazing!”

  Leigh sighed lightly, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “It’s not a toy, Dominic. It’s clearly meant for emergencies.”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Arden studied his device, his thumb brushing over the engraved crest. “It’s more than a tool. It’s a promise. Thank you.”

  The Prime Minister bowed once more, his voice steady and resolute. "May these gifts serve as a reminder that you are not alone in your fight. Should you ever require our aid, do not hesitate to call upon us. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu," he added in Japanese, his gratitude resonating through the room.

  As the team left the residence, the crisp night air embraced them, and the soft glow of Tokyo’s skyline reflected off their new devices. Dominic, unable to resist, tapped his and grinned when a map of nearby sushi bars lit up. “See? Useful and delicious.”

  Arden laughed softly, shaking his head. “Just don’t get us lost.”

  The General let out a low chuckle, adjusting his coat. “Enjoy the moment, kids. The hard part’s just beginning.”

  The team’s arrival at Mactan International Airport was handled with the utmost discretion. The plane taxied to a private terminal away from the public eye, where the security detail awaited them. Flanked by guards, the group was escorted through a quiet passage that bypassed the bustling terminals entirely, leading directly to a private exit.

  Dominic, walking alongside Arden, let out a low whistle as they stepped into the humid Cebu air. “Ah, home sweet home,” he said, stretching his arms. “Nothing like that mix of salty sea breeze and roasted peanuts to welcome you back.”

  Buwan, walking beside Akiko, smirked. “You act like you’ve been gone for years. It’s only been a week.” Akiko gave a faint smile, subtly nodding in agreement.

  “Feels like a lifetime,” Dominic shot back, patting his stomach. “I’m ready for some real mangoes and lechon. Japan was great, but nothing beats home cooking.”

  Dewata, who had been quiet for most of the journey, walked slightly ahead with Leigh, the two engaged in a pleasant conversation. Dominic’s eyes followed her, his usual grin faltering. He wasn’t used to this version of his aunt—the composed, graceful High Priestess. For years, he had known her as the irritable and playful cursed girl who would throw fits over the smallest inconvenience. Now, her serene demeanor felt almost… intimidating.

  As the group climbed into the waiting SUVs, Dominic found himself seated next to Dewata. The silence between them was palpable, and he fidgeted with his wand, twirling it in his fingers, stealing glances at her.

  Finally, unable to hold it in, he blurted, “Okay, I gotta ask—how are you so… calm now? Where’s the Auntie Dewata who used to yell at me for stealing the last pancake?”

  Dewata turned to him, her silver eyes softening. For a moment, her expression flickered with amusement, as though she were recalling those very moments. “She’s still here,” she said gently. “But the curse… It clouded everything. My emotions, my thoughts—they were like a storm I couldn’t control. Now, I’m free. I remember who I truly am.”

  Dominic raised an eyebrow, his grin creeping back. “So, no more throwing sandals? No more shouting at me for breathing too loud?”

  Her lips curved into a small smile. “Only if you give me a reason to.”

  He laughed, but his curiosity lingered. “It’s weird, you know? You’re you, but… not. You’re like this goddess out of a storybook. And then there’s my dad…” He hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. “You and him—what’s the deal? You never talk about him. But now you’re, like, part of this whole Tarot thing. What aren’t you telling me?”

  Dewata’s gaze turned thoughtful, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery. “Your father… Zeth… He was my closest ally in the Tarot World. The Justice Arcana and I worked together to maintain balance. But he was more than that—he was a friend, someone I trusted completely. When the rebellion began, we fought side by side until…” She paused, her voice tightening slightly. “Until I was cursed. I lost my form, my power, and my memories. By the time I woke up in this world, I couldn’t remember him or what he meant to me.”

  Dominic frowned, piecing her words together. “So, he’s always known who you are? Even when you were cursed?”

  She nodded. “Yes. When Zeth found me, he brought me into your family, hoping I would regain my memories in time. He never told me what happened, but he knew… and he stayed.”

  Dominic leaned back; his expression uncharacteristically serious. “So, what does that mean for me? Was I… something in the Tarot World too?”

  Dewata chuckled softly, reaching out to pat his head. “In time, Dominic. You, Leigh, and Arden will uncover all the answers you seek.”

  Dominic smirked, shaking off the weight of her words. “Well, whatever happens, you’ve got me—the coolest Magician Arcana, no less.”

  Her smile deepened. “That you are, Dominic. And no matter what, you’ve always been family.”

  The SUV pulled into the winding drive leading to Sentinel’s Peak Estate, their conversation fading as the grandeur of the estate came into view. But for Dominic, the questions swirling in his mind had only deepened.

  As the SUVs came to a stop, the celebration awaiting them promised a brief reprieve, but Dominic couldn’t help but wonder—what other secrets lay buried in his family’s connection to the Tarot World?

  Reunions and Revelations, marked a major shift from battle to diplomacy, from past struggles to new questions. Here are the key highlights:

  Japan-Philippines Alliance: The team is officially recognized by the Prime Minister of Japan, securing resources, transport, and tech support for future missions. They also receive advanced communication devices as a symbol of trust.

  Return to Cebu: After an intense week, the team finally arrives home. Dominic celebrates with jokes about lechon and mangoes, but not everything is lighthearted.

  Dewata’s Revelation: Now fully restored as The High Priestess, Dewata reveals her past with Zeth (The Justice Arcana)—they were allies in the Tarot World before she was cursed. Zeth knew the truth all along, but kept it hidden.

  Dominic’s Growing Questions: With everything coming to light, Dominic wonders if he had a role in the Tarot World’s past, too.

  Mystery Deepens: As they reach Sentinel’s Peak Estate, celebrations await, but secrets from the past are just beginning to unravel.

  What’s Next? What else has Zeth been hiding? What role did Dominic, Leigh, and Arden play in the Tarot World’s past?

  Author